Ask For An Answer

Jim Fielding

ASK FOR AN ANSWER is more than a podcast—it’s a practice space for real leadership. Hosted by Jim Fielding, each episode features an honest, unscripted conversation with a leader facing a real challenge: a hard transition, a high-stakes decision, or a moment when the answers aren’t clear. Together, they work through it in real time with clarity, candor, and a growth mindset. This isn’t abstract theory or polished performance. It’s leadership as it actually happens: live, thoughtful, and grounded in shared insight. More than anything, ASK FOR AN ANSWER captures what it sounds like when leaders stop performing and start thinking—when they lower the armor, ask for help, and trust the process. If you believe leadership is a practice, not a pose, this podcast is for you.

  1. -2 J

    Brad Stulberg: The "Way of Excellence" — Why Joy, Not Suffering, Is the Secret to High Performance | #20

    What does it actually take to pursue excellence without burning out? In this episode, Jim Fielding sits down with Brad Stulberg, 3x bestselling author and performance coach, to unpack the ideas behind his most successful book yet, The Way of Excellence.Brad shares the exact content system he uses to go from a single idea to a social media post, a newsletter, and eventually a bestselling book. Plus, why he believes joy, not suffering, is the real secret to sustainable high performance. In this episode: Why Brad measures success by pride in his craft, not book salesThe "mini essay" method he uses across Instagram, LinkedIn & X to test ideas at scaleHow 52 newsletters a year became the backbone of his book writing processWhy intensity and joy are not opposites (and what Olympic athletes prove about this)The danger of the "1% better every day" mindset and what to do when you hit a plateauHow to know when to leap from a side passion to a full-time career (and the research that backs it up)Why all the interesting growth happens after you stop making obvious progress Jim and Brad also explore the realities of building a platform as a writer, tailoring the same ideas for different audiences, navigating AI and content saturation, and why excellence is ultimately a practice of self-discovery, not just performance. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & intro to Brad Stulberg 01:00 – Is The Way of Excellence his best book yet? 03:24 – Brad's content ecosystem: from social posts to books 05:48 – Instagram vs. LinkedIn: same ideas, different audiences 08:54 – Why joy is the most important chapter in a book about excellence 14:06 – How The Way of Excellence came to be 20:31 – Leaving McKinsey: faith vs. evidence in a career leap 47:25 – The biggest trap in the pursuit of excellence 📚 Mentioned in This Episode: The Way of Excellence by Brad StulbergZen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert PirsigThe Science of Happiness course (Yale / Coursera) Follow Brad Stulberg: Instagram: @bradstulberg Website: bradstulberg.com LinkedIn: Brad Stulberg ✨ Follow Jim Fielding & Ask For An Answer: 💼 Instagram: Instagram: https://instagram.com/hijimfielding/ 🌐 Podcast: Ask For An Answer Website: hijimfielding.com #BradStulberg #TheWayOfExcellence #Excellence #HighPerformance #PersonalDevelopment #Productivity #Mindset #AuthorInterview #AskForAnAnswer #Writing #ContentCreation #Burnout #JoyAndPerformance

    53 min
  2. 14 MAI

    Stop Outsourcing Your Power: Erin Coupe on Healing, Leadership, and Building a Life That Fits | #19

    What if the life you built to survive is no longer the life you want to live?In this episode of Ask For An Answer, Jim Fielding sits down with leadership coach, speaker, and author Erin Coupe for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, emotional resilience, childhood trauma, parenting, corporate leadership, and the long process of learning how to stop abandoning yourself. Erin shares the powerful story behind her transformation from high-performing corporate executive to entrepreneur, coach, and author. Raised in a working-class family while caring for a terminally ill father, Erin learned early how to survive, overfunction, and push through pain. But eventually, survival mode stopped working. Together, Jim and Erin unpack the hidden cost of people-pleasing, the pressure of always being “the strong one,” and why so many successful people secretly feel disconnected from themselves. This conversation is about reclaiming your energy, choosing intention over performance, and building a life that actually reflects who you are becoming. In this episode: Erin’s journey from corporate leadership to personal reinventionHow childhood trauma shapes ambition, perfectionism, and burnoutWhy high achievers often struggle with self-worthThe leadership lessons hidden inside difficult workplacesParenting, emotional awareness, and breaking generational patternsWhat it means to stop outsourcing your power and energy Jim and Erin also explore the realities of aging parents, emotional healing, identity shifts, and why growth often begins the moment you stop pretending everything is fine. Chapter Highlights 00:00 – “I’m no longer going to outsource my power” 01:17 – Erin’s origin story and growing up in survival mode 05:14 – Childhood responsibility, caregiving, and emotional maturity 12:40 – Corporate success, burnout, and searching for something deeper 24:32 – Leadership lessons from difficult managers and toxic workplaces 33:10 – Why vulnerability became central to Erin’s work 42:18 – The cost of constantly performing for others 56:20 – The deeper meaning behind I Can Fit That In 57:50 – Parenting, emotional intelligence, and breaking old patterns This episode is a reminder that healing is not separate from leadership. The way we work, parent, communicate, and show up in relationships is shaped by the stories we carry and the ones we decide to rewrite. Follow Erin Coupe: Instagram: @jauthenticallyec ✨ Follow Jim Fielding & Ask For An Answer: 💼 Instagram: @jimfielding 🌐 Podcast: Ask For An Answer

    1 h 2 min
  3. 11 MAI

    Unedited, Undeniable, Unstoppable: Jim Fielding on Community, Leadership, and Radical Kindness | #18

    Three years after All Pride, No Ego first hit shelves, Jim Fielding sits down alone behind the microphone to reflect on everything that happened next and none of it went the way he expected.In this deeply personal solo episode of Ask For An Answer, Jim shares the real story behind the paperback release of his bestselling book, the emotional impact of being truly seen by readers, and how one vulnerable project unexpectedly transformed into a podcast, a leadership platform, a community, and an entirely new chapter of his life. Broadcasting from his home office in Atlanta, Jim opens up about the fear, uncertainty, and reinvention that followed his corporate career, why recording the audiobook forced him to confront insecurities he carried for decades, and how authenticity became more than a buzzword. It became survival. This conversation moves beyond leadership theory and into something far more personal: grief, gratitude, chosen family, creativity, visibility, and the courage to keep evolving publicly. In this episode: The emotional story behind releasing the paperback edition of *All Pride, No Ego*Why Jim almost refused to narrate his own audiobookThe unexpected ripple effect of vulnerability and storytellingHow radical kindness became the foundation of his workWhat he learned about identity after leaving corporate leadershipWhy community matters more now than ever before Jim reflects openly on the realities of reinvention, leadership, community, and what it actually takes to keep evolving through every chapter of life. Chapter Highlights 00:00 – Why Jim decided to record his first solo episode 02:56 – The moment *All Pride, No Ego* started connecting with readers 06:10 – Why the paperback release feels different 10:45 – Recording the audiobook and confronting old insecurities 15:34 – How the book unexpectedly created a movement and community 20:06 – Gratitude, chosen family, and the people behind the journey 22:07 – Launching the League of Radical Kindness 23:49 – What Jim hopes people take from this next chapter ✨Follow Jim Fielding & Ask For An Answer: 💼 Instagram: jimfielding 🌐 Podcast: Ask For An Answer

    27 min
  4. 30 AVR.

    From Retail to Reinvention: Ken Pilot on Leadership, Growth, and What Actually Works | #17

    ​​What does it actually take to build a lasting career in retail and leadership?In this episode of Ask For An Answer, Jim Fielding sits down with longtime retail executive Ken Pilot for a candid conversation about the realities behind leadership, brand building, and staying relevant in a constantly evolving industry. From their early days in the denim business to navigating decades of change across retail, Ken shares what he has learned about decision making, adaptability, and why the fundamentals still matter more than ever. In this episode: How early career experiences shape long-term leadership instinctsWhat separates operators from leaders in high-pressure environmentsWhy most people misunderstand what drives success in retailHow to make decisions when there is no clear answerWhat it takes to stay relevant as industries evolveThe mindset required to build a career that actually lasts This conversation is about what actually holds up over time. The choices you make, the way you lead, and how you stay steady when everything around you keeps changing. Chapter Highlights00:00 – Where it all started in retail 05:42 – Learning by doing and earning your way in 10:18 – The leadership lessons that stick 17:05 – Making decisions without perfect clarity 24:30 – How retail has evolved over time 32:12 – Staying relevant in a changing industry 41:20 – The discipline behind long-term success 52:08 – What leaders need to understand right now If you are building a career, leading a team, or navigating change in your industry, this conversation offers a grounded and practical look at what it takes to move forward with clarity and confidence. ✨Follow Jim Fielding & Ask For An Answer: 💼 Instagram: jimfielding 🌐 Podcast: Ask For An Answer

    1 h 3 min
  5. 23 AVR.

    Rethinking Success: Kristen Shelt on Burnout and Realignment | #16

    At what point do you stop pushing through and start listening to yourself?In this episode of Ask For An Answer, Jim Fielding sits down with Kristen Shelt for a grounded and deeply personal conversation about burnout, identity, and what it actually takes to make a real change in your life. Kristen shares the experience of reaching a point where doing more, achieving more, and holding it all together no longer worked. What followed wasn’t a quick fix, but a process of stepping back, reassessing, and choosing a different path forward. Together, they explore the tension between external expectations and internal truth, the challenge of redefining success on your own terms, and how to rebuild your life in a way that feels sustainable, not performative. This conversation is about paying attention to the signals you’ve been ignoring, having the courage to shift direction, and learning to trust yourself even when the next step isn’t fully clear. 01:12 – How Jim and Kristen Know Each Other and Why This Conversation Matters 06:05 – Recognizing the Moment When Something Has to Change 10:18 – Questioning the Definition of Success You’ve Been Following 15:42 – The Pressure to Keep Performing and the Cost of It 21:10 – Stepping Back and Rebuilding with Intention 28:36 – Boundaries, Energy, and What You Actually Have Capacity For 36:14 – Relearning How to Trust Your Own Decisions 44:02 – What Reinvention Looks Like Beyond the Highlight Reel 52:27 – Moving Forward Without Needing Certainty Growth does not always look like progress from the outside. Sometimes it looks like slowing down, stepping back, and being honest about what no longer fits. This conversation is an invitation to do exactly that. ✨Follow Jim Fielding & Ask For An Answer: 💼 Instagram: jimfielding 🌐 Podcast: Ask For An Answer

    1 h 7 min
  6. 16 AVR.

    Forced Out + Stepping Up: Bree Fram on Leadership, Identity, and Running for Congress | #15

    What happens when service is taken from you and you choose to serve anyway? In this episode of Ask For An Answer, Jim Fielding sits down with Bree Fram, former U.S. Space Force Colonel turned congressional candidate, to explore leadership, identity, resilience, and what it means to stand up for democracy in a moment of uncertainty. After more than two decades of military service, Bree was forced out under a policy targeting transgender service members, despite a record of leadership, innovation, and impact. What followed wasn’t retreat, it was reinvention. Now running for Congress in Virginia’s 11th District, Bree shares the deeply personal story behind that decision, the weight of public service, and the responsibility to fight for a future where every American has the freedom to live authentically. Together, Jim and Bree explore courage under pressure, the cost of leadership, the power of authenticity, and the urgent need to bridge division in today’s world. In this episode: What it means to lead when the system turns against youThe moment that sparked a run for CongressWhy authenticity unlocks energy, clarity, and impactThe real challenges of modern leadership and public serviceHow to move beyond division and rebuild shared humanity This is a conversation about courage, conviction, and choosing to lead—especially when it’s hardest. Chapter Highlights00:00 – Service, identity, and the fight for freedom 07:00 – The policy that ended Bri’s military career 10:30 – Turning loss into purpose and public service 14:00 – The decision to run for Congress 20:00 – History, democracy, and why this moment matters 38:30 – What campaigning reveals about the system 49:00 – Authenticity, identity, and leadership 52:00 – Bridging division and rebuilding connection Follow BriWebsite: teambree.com Follow Jim Fielding & Ask For An AnswerInstagram: @jimfielding Podcast: Ask For An Answer If this episode sparked something for you, don’t just agree with it—act on it. Start one conversation, challenge one assumption, or take one step toward being part of the solution.

    56 min
  7. 9 AVR.

    Beyond Reality TV: Creating Multi-Platform Content with Heady Verse Founder Liza Keckler | #14

    In this episode of Ask For An Answer, host Jim Fielding sits down with 20-year unscripted television veteran and creative entrepreneur Liza Keckler. Liza has navigated the complex world of alternative TV, from producing home improvement shows to leading development for major networks and production companies. Jim and Liza dive deep into their time working together at Archer Gray, where they focused on building "highly repeatable formats" and prestige non-narrative content during a time of extreme industry contraction. Liza shares the inspiration behind her newest venture, Hedyverse, a creative IP studio she co-founded to build content that lives across platforms—including mobile games, tabletop games, and television. In this conversation, they explore: The Shift to Ownership: Why owning your intellectual property is the ultimate goal for creators today.Market Trends: What’s working in unscripted media right now, from The Masked Singer to Squid Game: The Challenge.Creative Resilience: How to advocate for your creative vision and navigate industry obstacles like mergers and strikes.Collaboration: The power of looking at those in your orbit to see what you can build together. Episode Timestamps:03:57 – Meet Liza Keckler: A look into Liza’s 20+ year background in unscripted and alternative TV.06:01 – Franchisable Content: Jim and Liza discuss their partnership at Archer Gray and the goal of creating repeatable, premium content.09:20 – The State of Entertainment: An honest look at the "hard years" of the industry, including COVID impacts and the writer's strikes.12:17 – Adapting Strategy: Why creative pivots are necessary when meeting a changing marketplace.14:15 – Lessons in Leadership: Liza shares her biggest takeaway: the importance of clarity and advocating for the right choices.17:40 – Launching Heady Verse: How a family trip and a conversation with a friend led to the creation of a cross-media studio.19:27 – Owning the IP: Moving from "work for hire" to building equity in your own creations.20:01 – Mood Box Games: Liza shares details on a new partnership with gaming giant ASMODEE.22:40 – The Next Big Hit: A discussion on why fresh ideas like The Masked Singer take time to cut through the noise of legacy shows.25:13 – Current Watchlist: Jim and Liza breakdown the brilliance of Squid Game: The Challenge and the rise of biography documentaries. Connect with the Show:💼 Follow Jim Fielding on Instagram: @jimfielding🌐 Learn more about Hedyverse: [Hedyverse.com]✨ Guest: Liza Keckler

    51 min
  8. 2 AVR.

    Bold Moves Change Everything: Eva Steortz on Reinvention, Coaching, and Career Courage | #13

    What does it take to keep chasing your dream — even after setbacks, reinvention, and unexpected career turns? In this episode of Ask For An Answer, Jim Fielding sits down with Eva Steortz, executive coach, author of From the Outhouse to the Mouse House, and a longtime entertainment marketing leader, for a conversation about bold moves, career growth, resilience, and the relationships that shape our lives. From leaving West Virginia with a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, to building a 20-year career at Disney, to navigating layoffs, consulting, authorship, and executive coaching, Eva shares what it means to bet on yourself again and again. Together, Jim and Eva explore imposter syndrome, leadership blind spots, the power of coaching, work-life integration, and why relationships remain the most important asset in any career. This is a conversation about courage, reinvention, and refusing to let your dream go unrealized. If you are navigating a transition, building your next chapter, or wondering how to lead with more confidence and authenticity, this episode is for you. In this episode:Why bold moves often begin before you feel readyHow executive coaching can uncover blind spots and accelerate growthThe role of imposter syndrome in leadership and career transitionsWhy relationships are the foundation of career success and personal well-beingHow to navigate layoffs, reinvention, and change with resilience and gratitude Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why dreams matter and the courage to chase them 03:20 – Leaving West Virginia for Los Angeles with a one-way ticket 06:45 – The feedback that changed Eva’s leadership career 16:00 – Why relationships are the foundation of success 22:30 – Corporate change, layoffs, and starting over 32:19 – The dream Eva’s father never got to live 41:24 – Work-life balance, empathy, and leadership with heart 47:00 – Imposter syndrome and confidence in leadership Follow Eva Steortz Book: From the Outhouse to the Mouse House Follow Jim Fielding and Ask for an Answer: Instagram: @jimfielding Podcast: Ask for an Answer Website: Podcast: Ask for an Answer If this episode sparked something for you, don’t just agree with it, reach out to one person, revive one relationship, or take one bold step toward the dream you’ve been postponing.

    52 min

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ASK FOR AN ANSWER is more than a podcast—it’s a practice space for real leadership. Hosted by Jim Fielding, each episode features an honest, unscripted conversation with a leader facing a real challenge: a hard transition, a high-stakes decision, or a moment when the answers aren’t clear. Together, they work through it in real time with clarity, candor, and a growth mindset. This isn’t abstract theory or polished performance. It’s leadership as it actually happens: live, thoughtful, and grounded in shared insight. More than anything, ASK FOR AN ANSWER captures what it sounds like when leaders stop performing and start thinking—when they lower the armor, ask for help, and trust the process. If you believe leadership is a practice, not a pose, this podcast is for you.