Unexpected Advice

Esther
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This lively podcast allows us to learn interesting insights from interesting people - but not the in the way you would expect. Every single guest, whether highly accomplished or just wildly interesting, shares a life lesson, a piece of advice, or a passion they've gotten really good at that the rest of the world needs to know about. It’s a fun way for you to learn something interesting about your fellow humans.

  1. 3d ago

    It's Never Too Late to Collect Friends; Advice from a Retail Matchmaker

    Send us Fan Mail How do you make new friends as an adult? For many of us, building friendships seems to get harder with age. We settle into routines, lean on the people we've always known, and assume our community is already set. But what if your next great friendship is still waiting to be discovered? In this episode of Unexpected Advice, Esther sits down with her neighbor, Odette, whose simple philosophy is one we could all use more of: it's never too late to collect friends. From moving across the country and starting over to helping customers find exactly what they need in retail, Odette shares how curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and simply putting yourself out there can create meaningful relationships in the most unexpected places. Whether you're new to a community, looking to expand your circle, or just wondering how to connect more intentionally with the people around you, this conversation is a reminder that some of life's greatest opportunities begin with a simple conversation. In this episode, you'll discover:  Why it's never too late to build new friendships.  How asking better questions helps people feel seen and understood.  What moving to a new place teaches you about creating community.  Why putting yourself out there is worth the risk.  How authenticity builds trust—in business and in life.You can learn more about Unexpected Advice by visiting https://insightfullycurious.com/unexpected-advice-podcast

  2. Aug 3

    Porch Stories: Building Community One Conversation at a Time

    Send us Fan Mail What can a front porch teach us about building a better life? In this episode of Unexpected Advice, Esther sits down with neighbor Colleen Jacobsen for a conversation that starts with wraparound porches and Long Island roots, but quickly turns into something much bigger. Together they explore why community doesn't just happen—it starts with showing up, saying hello, and making the first move. Along the way, you'll hear unexpected advice about meeting your neighbors, finding your sense of home, why where you're from shapes who you become, and one dating rule that might just save you some awkwardness. Because great communities are built one conversation at a time. You can learn more about Unexpected Advice by visiting https://insightfullycurious.com/unexpected-advice-podcast

  3. Jul 20

    Leaving Home Without Losing Home

    Send us Fan Mail What advice would you expect from someone who has worked in the White House, the U.S. Senate, and state government? Surprisingly, it isn't about politics. It's about leaving home without losing it. In this episode of Unexpected Advice: Right Next Door, Esther's neighbor Erica shares the lessons she learned while building a remarkable career that took her across the country before bringing her back to the neighborhood where she grew up. They talk about taking chances, building community wherever you land, staying connected to the people who matter most, and why sometimes the greatest success isn't how far you travel, it's what you bring back with you.  You can learn more about Unexpected Advice by visiting https://insightfullycurious.com/unexpected-advice-podcast

  4. Jul 6

    Road Wisdom From Next Door

    Send us Fan Mail Neighbor Jaime Sumner shares why the best education doesn't come from staying put - it comes from saying yes to the journey. Some of the best advice comes from people who've lived a little differently. In this episode, Esther sits down with neighbor Jamie Sumner, whose decades of road trips, cross-country adventures, and conversations with strangers have taught him that curiosity is less about where you go and more about how you experience the world. From exploring America's backroads to discovering hidden local gems, Jaime reminds us that life gets bigger the moment we stop saying "I can't" and start saying "Let's go."  You can learn more about Unexpected Advice by visiting https://insightfullycurious.com/unexpected-advice-podcast

  5. Apr 6

    Not Every Customer Is Worth Keeping; Lessons from a Daycare Provider

    Send us Fan Mail Not every customer is worth keeping—and that’s a lesson most business owners learn the hard way. In this episode of Unexpected Advice, Esther sits down with Lynn Anderson, a childcare provider with over 30 years of experience, to explore what it really means to protect your business by letting the wrong clients go. While her world revolves around caring for children, the lessons she’s learned about boundaries, trust, and alignment apply to any business, in any industry. Lynn shares how to recognize when a relationship isn’t the right fit, why trusting your gut matters more than we think, and how holding both yourself and your customers accountable can transform your business. She also opens up about the emotional side of “firing” a client—and how honesty, clarity, and a little grace can make even the hardest conversations worthwhile. If you’ve ever held onto a difficult customer for too long, struggled to enforce your own policies, or felt the tension of misaligned expectations, this episode will challenge you to rethink what success really looks like. Because sometimes, the best way to grow… is to let go. You can learn more about Unexpected Advice by visiting https://insightfullycurious.com/unexpected-advice-podcast

  6. Mar 23

    Finding Your Passion: What’s the Headline of Your Scouting Report?

    Send us Fan Mail How do you actually find your passion? For many people, passion isn’t something you discover overnight. It’s something you uncover through experience, failure, and the willingness to keep asking questions about what truly drives you. In this episode of Unexpected Advice, Esther sits down with Todd Thurman, Director of Athletics at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Todd’s career has taken him from national championship basketball player to professional athlete, coach, and athletic director. But the most powerful lessons he’s learned along the way aren’t just about sports — they’re about understanding your strengths and building a life around them. Todd shares a question he often asks young coaches and professionals: “If someone wrote a scouting report about you… what would the headline say?” That question opens the door to a deeper conversation about identity, leadership, and discovering what you're truly passionate about. In this episode, we explore: How to discover what you're actually passionate aboutWhy building around your strengths matters more than fixing weaknessesThe role failure plays in growth and leadershipWhy fear keeps so many people from pursuing their next opportunityHow great leaders build teams and help others succeedTodd’s advice is simple but powerful:  Know who you are, build to your strengths, and don’t let fear make your decisions. Learn more about Todd:  Metro State Athletics: https://roadrunnersathletics.com/staff-directory/todd-thurman/217 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-thurman-32216030/ You can learn more about Unexpected Advice by visiting https://insightfullycurious.com/unexpected-advice-podcast

  7. Mar 9

    Your Best Decisions Were Made in the Rearview Mirror

    Send us Fan Mail Some of the best decisions you’ve ever made… didn’t feel big at the time. In this episode of Unexpected Advice, Esther sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist, ordained minister, and grief counselor Megan Malick to explore why your best decisions were made in the rearview mirror. From choosing sobriety one day at a time to navigating the profound loss of both parents in quick succession, Megan shares how hindsight reveals resilience, strength, and growth we often miss in the moment. Rather than focusing on long-term “prize goals,” she encourages us to embrace process goals — doing the next right thing and allowing identity to evolve naturally over time. This conversation explores: Why reflection builds emotional maturityHow to rewire a brain that defaults to negativityThe role of grief in reshaping identityThe power of small, steady decisionsAnd why you shouldn’t drive staring into the rearview mirror — but you should glance backIf you’ve ever questioned a decision, felt stuck in regret, or wondered whether you’re growing fast enough, this episode offers a grounded reminder: you’ve survived 100% of your days. There is wisdom in your past. Connect with Megan Malick Website:  https://a-new-path.com/ Substack:  https://meganmalick.substack.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/revmeganmalick Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/meganmmalick/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/revmeganmalick/ Her book on navigating grief (available on Amazon):  https://a.co/d/fsN9b6J You can learn more about Unexpected Advice by visiting https://insightfullycurious.com/unexpected-advice-podcast

  8. Feb 23

    You’re Only Seeing Part of the Picture: A Sales Leader on Reality

    Send us Fan Mail What if the story you’re telling yourself… isn’t the whole story? In this episode of Unexpected Advice, Esther sits down with sales leader John Ratchford to explore a topic most people don’t associate with sales: perception. From coaching young sales professionals to raising six kids, John has learned that emotion shapes reality more than we realize. And often, we’re reacting to the version of events in our heads — not the full picture. Together, they discuss: • Why perception isn’t the same as truth  • How emotion influences leadership decisions  • The power of pausing before reacting  • Asking, “What information am I missing?”  • Why listening builds more trust than talking  • And how kindness can completely shift a moment This conversation moves beyond sales and into leadership, parenting, faith, and everyday human interaction. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, reacted too quickly, or assumed you had all the facts — this episode is a thoughtful reminder: You’re only seeing part of the picture. Listen now and reconsider what might be missing. You can learn more about Unexpected Advice by visiting https://insightfullycurious.com/unexpected-advice-podcast

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About

This lively podcast allows us to learn interesting insights from interesting people - but not the in the way you would expect. Every single guest, whether highly accomplished or just wildly interesting, shares a life lesson, a piece of advice, or a passion they've gotten really good at that the rest of the world needs to know about. It’s a fun way for you to learn something interesting about your fellow humans.

Information

  • Creator
    Esther
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unexpected Advice
  • Show Website
    Unexpected Advice