In the Season Two finale, host Richard Roman looks back across the conversations that (on the surface) spanned wildly different worlds: medieval literature, organizational change, intuitive coaching, higher education, trauma-informed yoga, entrepreneurship, branding, and investigative journalism. But beneath these differences, one theme kept emerging: What do we do when the systems meant to help us are the ones causing harm? What is our role within those systems?

Drawing from each guest’s story, Richard presents a narrative about trust, power, institutional design, self-leadership, and the courage required to “stay with the trouble,” borrowing Donna Haraway’s invitation to remain present with complexity rather than flee toward false hope or collapse into despair.

The episode closes with three questions for listeners to carry into the new year:

Season Two ends with gratitude to the guests who trusted Richard with their stories and to the listeners who have journeyed through another season of this inquiry into trust. Season Three arrives in early 2026.

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In this cross-published episode from You’ll Thank Us Later, Christine Wilson sits down with Richard for an open, clear-eyed conversation about the college application process, mainly what influences decisions, what applicants should prioritize, and how to navigate a system that often feels opaque or anxiety-inducing.

Richard shares practical insights from his experience in admissions and his ongoing doctoral research on trust in higher education. Together, they explore:

For parents, students, counselors, or anyone curious about how admissions decisions get made, this episode offers clarity, calm, and a more trustworthy pathway through a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming. Note: This episode was originally recorded in June 2025. 

Keywords

college admissions, higher education, trust, financial aid, application strategy, essays, public vs. private universities, student success, education policy, parental guidance

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Richard sits down with Chris Endersby and Mickey Wilson of Firestarter Collective to explore how identity, differentiation, and trust come together to build meaningful brands and empowered entrepreneurs. Chris and Mickey share the story of how their contrasting professional backgrounds, from social work, academia, and leadership (Chris), to early entrepreneurship, design, and creative direction (Mickey), merged into the Firestarter approach. Their work blends commercial strategy, psychology, deep coaching techniques, and creative expression to help founders uncover what makes their business truly original.

They discuss their signature DARE Formula (Differentiation, Authenticity, Resonance, Expression), why trust is always the invisible thread tying brand and behavior together, and how vulnerability, intuition, and clarity shape the strongest brands in B2B spaces. The conversation highlights the tension between creativity and structure, the value of disagreement, how to navigate trust deficits, and what happens when entrepreneurs stop trusting themselves.

In this episode of Trust Be Told, Reem Borrows shares her journey from corporate leadership to executive coaching, where she founded Dreem Coaching and Consulting. She emphasizes the importance of heart-centered leadership, resilience, ethical growth, and self-awareness in shaping strong and trustworthy leaders.

Reem reflects on her personal experiences as a Palestinian immigrant and how they influenced her identity, leadership style, and resilience. She highlights the dangers of stagnation in leadership, the value of balancing hard and soft skills, and the necessity of nurturing trust in organizations. The conversation also explores the power of storytelling to humanize leadership and freedom, concluding with insights from Unfollow the Leader (2026) and the responsibility of individuals to create meaningful change. 

Takeaways

Trust For Thought 

Keywords

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In this episode of Trust Be Told, Sara Goldrick-Rab and Richard tackle the pressing issues of inequality and affordability in higher education. Sara shares her personal journey and insights into how public trust in education has shifted over time, raising questions about accessibility and equity across colleges and universities.

The conversation highlights the vital role of community colleges, the importance of flexibility in education, and the need to prioritize student voices in shaping more equitable systems. Goldrick-Rab also advocates for a reimagined approach to higher education, one that emphasizes accessibility, lifelong learning, and student-centered reform.

Takeaways

Trust For Thought

Keywords

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In this episode of Trust Be Told, Shannon Lucas shares her journey in building an innovation program at Vodafone and the challenges that come with driving organizational transformation, including burnout among change-makers. She explores the unique role of catalysts (individuals who spark and sustain change within organizations) and the importance of recognizing, supporting, and empowering them.

The discussion highlights how catalysts thrive in ambiguity, why so many transformation initiatives fail, and how organizations can design effective catalyst programs to foster innovation. Shannon also emphasizes the value of self-awareness for leaders, the importance of trust and open communication in organizations, and strategies to empower employees to adapt to change and succeed in transformation.

Takeaways

Trust For Thought

Keywords

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In this episode of Trust Be Told, Anne Kim, a journalist, lawyer, and public policy expert, discusses the complexities of poverty in America and the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality. She examines how corporate interests in social services profit from public programs, the challenges low-income individuals face in accessing benefits, and the growing problem of youth disconnection from education and employment opportunities.

The conversation also underscores the pressing need for empathy, transparency, and trust in government institutions, highlighting the importance of addressing systemic failures in building a more equitable and sustainable society.

Takeaways

Trust For Thought

"Poverty for Profit"

Keywords

public policy, poverty in America, corporate welfare, youth disconnection, trust in government, social services, investigative journalism, Ann Kim, economic inequality, anti-poverty programs, systemic failures, welfare reform, access to benefits

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In this episode of Trust Be Told, Bernadette Marciniak shares her journey from journalism to founding Solhaus Media, a creative agency that specializes in storytelling for nonprofits and social impact organizations. The conversation explores the power of storytelling in building trust, the systemic trust challenges faced by nonprofits, and the role of media in shaping public perceptions and trust dynamics.

Bernadette also discusses the balance between authenticity and aesthetics in visual storytelling, the shifting landscape of journalism, and the growing importance of authentic communication in an oversaturated creative market. Listeners will gain insight into how creatives and storytellers can influence broader conversations about trust, leadership, and social change.

Takeaways

Trust For Thought

"I love the idea of a survivor wealth summit."

Keywords

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In this episode of Trust Be Told, Michelle shares her entrepreneurial journey with Richard. It's a journey that began with the founding of a yoga school in 2012. She reflects on the challenges, betrayals, and lessons that shaped her understanding of trust, leadership, and discernment.

Michelle explores the intersection of yoga and Christian spirituality, highlighting the transformative impact of forgiveness, emotional healing, and the creation of safe spaces for personal and community growth. She highlights how leadership rooted in reflection, accountability, and spirituality can empower individuals to overcome adversity and pursue their purpose.

Takeaways

Trust For Thought

Keywords

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Richard Roman sits down with his former professor, Shannon Gayk, to explore her latest research on the intersection of medieval literature, environmental justice, and climate change. Her latest book, Apocalyptic Ecologies, explores the ethical implications of these connections. They discuss how medieval texts provide valuable insights into apocalyptic narratives, catastrophe, and community care, offering parallels to today’s climate crisis.

The conversation highlights the importance of trust, attention, and sustainability in navigating a fragile world, and how literature can enhance our understanding of disaster, resilience, and the ethics of care. Drawing on both scholarship and lived experience, Richard and Shannon reflect on mortality, community trust, and environmental stewardship, urging listeners to consider how the arts and humanities can shape responses to the climate emergency.

Takeaways

Trust For Thought

"Trust is built through attention and care."

Keywords

climate change, medieval literature, environmental justice, apocalypse, apocalyptic literature, ethics of care, sustainability, community, trust, mortality, humanities and climate, environmental catastrophe, ecological storytelling

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