Thinking Cap Solutions Podcast

Thinking Cap Solutions Podcast

By Mickey Maher & Corey KayBusinessEducationSelf-ImprovementMarketingManagement
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Thinking Cap Solutions Podcast episodes

  • Is Video Killing the Podcast Star? The Audio vs. Visual Debate

    In this episode of the Thinking Cap Solutions Podcast, we dive into the growing debate between audio and video in podcasting. 

    While video consumption continues to surge, we discuss why audio-first content is still king. 

    Adding a visual element to your podcast can enhance engagement without the need for full-length video episodes so we also explore alternatives such as bite-sized video clips, behind-the-scenes content, and teaser videos, allowing you to evolve with the growing trend of visual engagement while still prioritizing great audio. 

    Drawing on industry insights like the latest Infinite Dial report (March 2025) and a thought-provoking LinkedIn post from podcast creator of One Minute Remaining Jack Laurence, we explore when and why to bring video into your podcasting approach.

    Mickey Maher & Corey Kay have a balanced discussion on how to make visual content work for you – without losing sight of the power of audio. 

    Listen on your favorite platform:

    🔹 Website: https://bit.ly/TCS-Podcast
    🔹 Apple: https://bit.ly/TCS-Apple
    🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kd7BbS
    🔹 Buzzsprout: https://bit.ly/TCS-Buzzsprout
    🔹 YouTube: https://bit.ly/TCS-YouTube

    Get in Touch:

    Socials:

    • Instagram https://bit.ly/TCS-Insta
    • Facebook https://bit.ly/TCS-Facebook
    14 min
  • Leading Change: The 4 Pillars Every Leader Needs to Know

    Change isn’t just inevitable, it’s constant. And for leaders, how you respond to it matters. 

    In this episode of the Thinking Cap Solutions Podcast, Mickey Maher and Corey Kay unpack what effective change management really looks like. Drawing from their experience leading large scale transformation in the media industry, they explore the four essential pillars to navigating change with clarity and confidence.

    You’ll hear insights on:

    • Creating alignment through strong communication and leadership
    • Building genuine buy-in and engagement across teams
    • Ensuring the right support and resources are in place
    • The importance of adapting and iterating as you go

    They also speak directly to employees who may not be leading the change but are living through it, offering ways to stay prepared, upskill, and navigate uncertainty with intent.

    Whether you’re guiding a team through transition or looking to strengthen your own resilience, this episode will give you a clear framework to work from.

    Listen on your favorite platform:

    🔹 Website: https://bit.ly/TCS-Podcast
    🔹 Apple: https://bit.ly/TCS-Apple
    🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kd7BbS
    🔹 Buzzsprout: https://bit.ly/TCS-Buzzsprout
    🔹 YouTube: https://bit.ly/TCS-YouTube

    Get in Touch:

    Socials:

    • Instagram https://bit.ly/TCS-Insta
    • Facebook https://bit.ly/TCS-Facebook
    13 min
  • Friends with the Boss: Smart Move or Career Killer?

    Can you really be friends with your boss outside of work without it messing up your career?

    In this episode, we unpack the good, the bad, and the messy reality of boss-employee friendships beyond the office. From trust, transparency, and team culture to the risks of favoritism, blurred boundaries, and tough conversations, we share our experience and expertise including strategies to make it work. 

    🔹 When friendships at work fuel success vs. when they create complications
    🔹 How leaders can build trust without losing authority
    🔹  The Paul Roos leadership philosophy why strong relationships built on respect, honesty, and accountability can drive high performance
     🔹 Red flags that signal it’s not working

    Navigating a friendship with your boss (or your employee) can be a fine line. So, how do you get it right? Take a listen 

    Listen on your favorite platform:

    🔹 Website: https://bit.ly/TCS-Podcast
    🔹 Apple: https://bit.ly/TCS-Apple
    🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kd7BbS
    🔹 Buzzsprout: https://bit.ly/TCS-Buzzsprout
    🔹 YouTube: https://bit.ly/TCS-YouTube

    Get in Touch:

    Socials:

    • Instagram https://bit.ly/TCS-Insta
    • Facebook https://bit.ly/TCS-Facebook
    15 min
  • The Business of Giving: How Local Brands Can Support Their Communities

    In the wake of Cyclone Alfred, local businesses in SEQ and Northern NSW have a unique opportunity, not just to reopen, but to reconnect with their communities in meaningful ways. In this episode, we explore how brands can step up, show genuine heart, and build long-term trust.

    From free coffees and phone charging stations to partnering with local vendors and offering a helping hand, the businesses that show up now will be the ones customers stay loyal to in the future.

    This episode covers:
    - Real world examples of brands getting it right.
    - How small, thoughtful actions can create lasting impact.
    - Ways to future-proof your brand’s connection with the local community.

    If you’re a business owner, marketer, or leader looking to do more than just recover and re-open, take a listen to this episode.

    Listen on your favorite platform:

    🔹 Website: https://bit.ly/TCS-Podcast
    🔹 Apple: https://bit.ly/TCS-Apple
    🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kd7BbS
    🔹 Buzzsprout: https://bit.ly/TCS-Buzzsprout
    🔹 YouTube: https://bit.ly/TCS-YouTube

    Get in Touch:

    Socials:

    • Instagram https://bit.ly/TCS-Insta
    • Facebook https://bit.ly/TCS-Facebook
    10 min
  • Taylor Swift: Elite at Audience Engagement - 5 Lessons for Your Brand

    Taylor Swift isn’t just a global superstar—she’s elite at audience engagement. Whether you love her music or not, there’s no denying that her connection with fans is next level. But what if you could apply the same strategies to your brand?

    And in true Swiftie fashion, this just happens to be Episode 13—her lucky number. Coincidence? Maybe. But given how intentional she is with every move she makes, we’ll take it as a sign this episode is a must-listen.

    In Episode 13 of the Thinking Cap Solutions Podcast, we break down five Swift-approved engagement tactics that any business—big or small—can use to build a loyal audience. From crafting personal moments to always staying in the conversation, we dive deep into the tactics that make Taylor an elite brand.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Why knowing your audience is non-negotiable
    • The difference between a customer and an audience (and why it matters)
    • Authenticity: More than a buzzword—it’s your superpower
    • The “Always On” mentality (and why going dark is a mistake)
    • Creating moments that drive connection and loyalty

    Swifties or not, this one’s a must-listen for anyone serious about brand engagement.

    Listen on your favorite platform:

    🔹 Website: https://bit.ly/TCS-Podcast
    🔹 Apple: https://bit.ly/TCS-Apple
    🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kd7BbS
    🔹 Buzzsprout: https://bit.ly/TCS-Buzzsprout
    🔹 YouTube: https://bit.ly/TCS-YouTube

    Get in Touch:

    Socials:

    • Instagram https://bit.ly/TCS-Insta
    • Facebook https://bit.ly/TCS-Facebook
    9 min
  • Navigating Redundancy, Uncertainty & Leadership in Tough Times

    "An email. A meeting. The words, 'You can bring a support person.' Before anything is said, you already know—your job is gone."

    Last week, many talented people in media found themselves out of work. Redundancies don’t just affect those being let go—they impact the colleagues left behind, the teams scrambling to adjust, and the leaders forced to deliver the news.

    In this episode of the Thinking Cap Solutions Podcast, we break down what happens next:

    ✔ For those made redundant – Processing the shock, protecting your mindset, and rethinking your next steps.
    ✔ For employees still in the building – Dealing with uncertainty, avoiding workplace negativity, and future-proofing your career.
    ✔ For leaders – How to handle redundancies with empathy, honesty, and professionalism.

    Corey Kay & Mickey Maher have been on both sides of this. There’s no easy way through it—but you don’t have to do it alone.

    Listen on your favorite platform:

    🔹 Website: https://bit.ly/TCS-Podcast
    🔹 Apple: https://bit.ly/TCS-Apple
    🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kd7BbS
    🔹 Buzzsprout: https://bit.ly/TCS-Buzzsprout
    🔹 YouTube: https://bit.ly/TCS-YouTube

    Get in Touch:

    Socials:

    • Instagram https://bit.ly/TCS-Insta
    • Facebook https://bit.ly/TCS-Facebook
    22 min
  • Thriving Under Poor Leadership

    Bad leadership exists in every industry—but does that mean you’re stuck? In this episode, we explore how to not just survive, but thrive under weak, ineffective, or even toxic leadership.

    We break down common poor leadership traits, from lack of communication to favoritism, and share practical strategies to stay professional, grow your career, and even step up as a leader—without the title. Plus, we reveal when it’s time to exit stage left.

    🚀 Whether you’re struggling with a disengaged boss or a controlling micromanager, this episode will help you take back control.

    👉 Need leadership mentoring? Visit ThinkingCapSolutions.com or connect with us on LinkedIn!

    Listen on your favorite platform:

    🔹 Website: https://bit.ly/TCS-Podcast
    🔹 Apple: https://bit.ly/TCS-Apple
    🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kd7BbS
    🔹 Buzzsprout: https://bit.ly/TCS-Buzzsprout
    🔹 YouTube: https://bit.ly/TCS-YouTube

    Get in Touch:

    Socials:

    • Instagram https://bit.ly/TCS-Insta
    • Facebook https://bit.ly/TCS-Facebook
    19 min
  • The Truth About Toxic High Performers

    In episode 10 of the Thinking Cap Solutions Podcast, Mickey and Corey dive into the controversial topic of toxic high performers—those who excel in results but damage team culture. Inspired by a viral LinkedIn article from Chad Gono, we explore:

    ✅ What defines toxic behavior in the workplace?
    ✅ The challenge leaders face in managing high performers who exhibit negative traits.
    ✅ Real-life leadership experiences handling difficult team dynamics.
    ✅ Why some organizations tolerate toxic talent and the risks involved.
    ✅ How to balance performance, culture, and accountability for long-term success.

    Are high performers given too much leniency, or should leadership focus on culture over results? 

    🚀 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

    Listen on your favorite platform:

    🔹 Website: https://bit.ly/TCS-Podcast
    🔹 Apple: https://bit.ly/TCS-Apple
    🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kd7BbS
    🔹 Buzzsprout: https://bit.ly/TCS-Buzzsprout
    🔹 YouTube: https://bit.ly/TCS-YouTube

    Get in Touch:

    Socials:

    • Instagram https://bit.ly/TCS-Insta
    • Facebook https://bit.ly/TCS-Facebook
    26 min
  • Top 5 SURE THINGS for 2025

    Welcome to our first Thinking Cap Solutions podcast of 2025! We’re talking the trends and strategies that will shape the future of content, podcasting, and audience engagement.

    In this episode, we reveal our Top 5 Sure Things for 2025:
    1️⃣ The unstoppable growth of podcasting & what it means for creators & brands.
    2️⃣ Why visual content—video episodes & shareable clips—is essential for success.
    3️⃣ How to embrace AI as a creative and practical ally in your strategy.
    4️⃣ The importance of an “always-on” mindset to engage audiences year-round.
    5️⃣ Why a content and audience engagement strategy is a non-negotiable for thriving in 2025.

    🎧 Tune in now and kickstart your 2025 with confidence!

    Listen on your favorite platform:

    🔹 Website: https://bit.ly/TCS-Podcast
    🔹 Apple: https://bit.ly/TCS-Apple
    🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kd7BbS
    🔹 Buzzsprout: https://bit.ly/TCS-Buzzsprout
    🔹 YouTube: https://bit.ly/TCS-YouTube

    Get in Touch:

    Socials:

    • Instagram https://bit.ly/TCS-Insta
    • Facebook https://bit.ly/TCS-Facebook
    8 min
  • Personal Brand: Master Your Greatest Weapon

    With a combined 30+ years media experience working with talent across the country,  Mickey Maher and Corey Kay from ThinkingCap Solutions share their process for uncovering, developing and evolving personal brands.

    Discover how your personal brand is the foundation of a content strategy that not only sets you apart but deeply connects with audiences. Mickey and Corey break down their proven process for helping individuals and businesses craft authentic, impactful personal brands that resonate. 

    Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur, or creative, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you stand out, tell your story, and amplify your reach. Ready to unlock your brand’s potential? Let’s dive in.

    #personalbrand #masteringpersonalbrand #thinkingcapsolutions #contentstrategy #audienceengagement

    Listen on your favorite platform:

    🔹 Website: https://bit.ly/TCS-Podcast
    🔹 Apple: https://bit.ly/TCS-Apple
    🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kd7BbS
    🔹 Buzzsprout: https://bit.ly/TCS-Buzzsprout
    🔹 YouTube: https://bit.ly/TCS-YouTube

    Get in Touch:

    Socials:

    • Instagram https://bit.ly/TCS-Insta
    • Facebook https://bit.ly/TCS-Facebook
    13 min

About Thinking Cap Solutions Podcast

From the publisher's feed

🎙 Thinking Cap Solutions Podcast – Unlock the power of content, audience engagement, and leadership.


With 30+ years in media, content strategy, and senior…