Badass Softie

Dr. J.J. Peterson
  • 5.0 (13)
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A Badass Softie is unapologetically ambitious and leads with heart. Ambitious and kind. Fun and driven. Powerful and deeply human. Badass Softie, hosted by Dr. J.J. Peterson, is a podcast that challenges the false choice leaders are too often given: be strong or be compassionate. The world doesn’t just need more leaders — it needs leaders bold enough to make an impact and compassionate enough to make it meaningful. Each episode pulls back the curtain on leaders, creators, and innovators who are rewriting the rules of what real leadership looks like. You’ll walk away with stories, insights, and practical takeaways that show you how to lead with both strength and softness — the very definition of being a Badass Softie. Subscribe and step fully into the kind of leader the world is waiting for. 

  1. 6D AGO

    Why Leaders Need Celebration Before Things Feel “Ready”

    As leaders, we’re often taught that joy should wait its turn. That celebration is something you earn after the work is done, the chaos settles, and everything feels appropriate.   But what if that belief is quietly burning us out?   In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. JJ Peterson invites leaders to rethink joy—not as a reward, but as a leadership practice. Through a simple, human story and research-backed insight, he explores why joy isn’t denial, irresponsibility, or distraction… it’s how emotionally intelligent leaders stay resilient, creative, and deeply human.   This conversation is especially for those who feel the tension between ambition and tenderness—who are carrying a lot, leading through uncertainty, and wondering if celebration is allowed when things still feel hard.   Because joy doesn’t erase the heavy parts of life. It carries us through them.   ✨ If this episode resonates, share it with someone you believe is a true Badass Softie—someone who leads with heart, carries responsibility with courage, and deserves permission to celebrate a little sooner than they think.

    10 min

  2. 12/22/2025

    The One-Liner That Turns “What Do You Do?” Into a Real Conversation

    Ever been at a holiday party, networking event, or standing awkwardly near a charcuterie board when someone asks, “So… what do you do?”   And suddenly your brain short-circuits.   You ramble. You minimize. You say something vague like “I help humans” and quietly watch the conversation die.   In this episode, Dr. J.J. Peterson breaks down why leaders dread that question—and how to answer it in a way that actually starts conversations instead of ending them.   Drawing from storytelling frameworks used in Hollywood, J.J. introduces a simple, human one-liner formula designed to help leaders explain what they do with clarity, confidence, and heart.   You’ll learn: Why most leaders accidentally confuse or bore people when talking about their work The 3-part one-liner formula (problem, solution, success) and why the brain remembers it How starting with someone else’s problem builds instant connection Why clarity isn’t just good marketing—it’s good leadership How a strong one-liner makes it easier for others to remember you and refer you This episode is for leaders who are unapologetically ambitious—but still deeply human. The ones who want their words to open doors, not shut conversations down.   Because a great one-liner doesn’t pitch. It honors the person you’re talking to. It sparks curiosity. And it gives people a reason to ask the next question.   👉 Download the one-liner worksheet - https://www.drjjpeterson.com/one-liner If this episode resonated, share it with someone you think is a Badass Softie—a leader who wants to lead with clarity, heart, and confidence.

    13 min

  3. 12/15/2025

    The Price of Integrity (And Why It’s Worth Paying) with Jen Hatmaker

    Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with author and speaker Jen Hatmaker for a candid conversation about courage, integrity, and what happens when the life you’ve built no longer fits who you’re becoming.   Jen Hatmaker has navigated public success, private heartbreak, theological transformation, and the painful cost of choosing integrity over approval. Through every rise and collapse, she has remained tender, honest, grounded, and fiercely aligned with her values—modeling a different kind of leadership rooted in both strength and humanity.   Together, Dr. J.J. Peterson and Jen Hatmaker explore what unfolds when long-held roles begin to crack, when praised identities no longer fit, and when inherited values prove too small for the person emerging on the other side of growth.   This conversation explores: the moment Jen Hatmaker’s 26-year marriage shattered how she examined the “faulty bricks” her life was built on which values endure—and which must be released the cost of living out of alignment the cost of choosing integrity instead what it takes to rebuild a life that finally fits how pain can soften rather than harden There is humor woven throughout—AC/DC youth group myths, country music fangirling, and a Grand Ole Opry moment that lingers—but at its core, this is a conversation about truth, courage, and the lives leaders claim when they stop pretending.   The central reminder is clear: There is always a cost to staying in a life that no longer aligns with who you are becoming—and the longer you stay, the higher the cost becomes.   In the end, this is the work of a badass softie—allowing courage and compassion to guide the way toward a more honest, expansive life.

    43 min

  4. 12/08/2025

    Staying Human in the Age of AI: How Leaders Stand Out With Point of View, Story, and Wisdom

    Everywhere I go lately, people are asking me the same thing: How do I stay human when everyone is using AI? And honestly, I get it. We’re living in a moment where content is being produced faster and more generically than ever before and leaders are wondering how to keep their voice from disappearing into the noise.   In today’s conversation, I’m sharing something I’ve learned after years of helping leaders craft clear, meaningful messaging: AI can create, but only you can curate. AI doesn’t have a point of view. It doesn’t have lived wisdom. It can’t tell the story that shaped you or the moment that changed your leadership. Only you can do that and that’s exactly what makes your voice irreplaceable.   Inside this episode, I walk you through the two practices that will help you stand out in an AI-saturated world: personal stories and paradigm shifts.   I’ll show you how your stories build trust, how your perspective sets you apart, and how you can start developing a stronger point of view this week — not by being louder, but by being more you.   And because I want you to leave this episode with something you can use right away, I give you three simple assignments that will help you clarify your voice, connect more deeply with your audience, and create content that feels human again.   If this conversation resonates and you want help shaping your message or your thought leadership, you can always reach out at drjjpeterson.com — it’s the work I love most.   And if this episode speaks to you, share it with someone in your life who is both ambitious and deeply human — someone you’d call a Badass Softie.

    25 min

  5. 12/01/2025

    Leadership Lessons for Creatives: Balancing Identity, Courage & Growth with Laura Higgins

    In this episode of The Badass Softie Podcast, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with creative business mentor and coach Laura Higgins for a heartfelt, grounded conversation on what it really means to lead as a creative.   Laura opens up about her journey from “generalist” uni dropout to running a successful business coaching over 1,000 creatives — and the mindset shifts, courage, and leadership skills she had to build along the way.   Together, they explore the tension so many creatives feel: Can I be ambitious without losing my softness? Can I lead boldly without abandoning my heart? Can I be an artist and an entrepreneur? Laura makes the case that leadership isn’t a personality type — it’s a learnable skill. And when creatives pair structure with soul, something powerful emerges: sustainable success without losing the magic.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Why creatives often struggle with self-worth and visibility The real reason imposter syndrome hits heart-led leaders so hard How to balance your “artist self” with your “entrepreneur self” Why leadership is a set of skills — not an identity change How to protect your creativity (your greatest currency) Practical steps to get more leads, sell confidently, and scale with intention Why kindness and boundaries can (and should) coexist Connect with Laura: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurahiggins/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurahigginsofficial   Send this episode to the creative friend who keeps saying “one day.” Today could be the day they finally go for it.

    27 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    Why Success Doesn’t Require the Spotlight with Tim Schurrer

    In this episode of Badass Softie, I sit down with my longtime friend and former colleague, Tim Schurrer — someone whose leadership shaped not only my career, but the culture and growth of StoryBrand itself.   Tim is the author of The Secret Society of Success, a book that gently dismantles the assumption that success means being the one in the spotlight. And trust me… I’ve watched him live out that message for over a decade.   During our conversation, we explore: Why the spotlight isn’t the problem — but chasing it for the wrong reasons can derail your purpose. How Tim discovered he was built to thrive behind the scenes, not center stage. A leadership mindset shift inspired by the book Made to Stick: Are you demanding attention or attracting it? What Michael Collins (yes, the Apollo 11 astronaut who didn’t step on the moon) teaches us about quiet greatness. How redefining success can create more freedom, fulfillment, and impact than performing for recognition ever will. Tim and I both believe this with every fiber of our leadership bones: You don’t have to be the one on stage to live a meaningful, successful, deeply impactful life.   And honestly? Most people aren’t wired for the spotlight anyway — and that’s not a shortcoming. It’s a superpower when you understand how to use it.   If this episode resonates with you, I’d love for you to subscribe, comment, or leave a review — it helps more people find conversations like this one.

    27 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    The Leadership Shift: Redefining Success with Amy Porterfield

    For leaders who chase big goals but crave meaning just as much as momentum — this conversation is for you.   Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Amy Porterfield, New York Times bestselling author of Two Weeks Notice, to unpack how ambition can serve you without consuming you.   Amy shares how she went from corporate employee at Tony Robbins to building a multimillion-dollar business — and how redefining “enough” transformed both her leadership and her life.   Together, they dig into the leadership lessons that every high-performer needs to hear: how to bet on yourself, stop moving the goalposts, and lead with clarity instead of chaos.   You’ll learn: The moment Amy realized she’d been chasing success at the expense of freedom How to tell the difference between healthy ambition and fear-driven overachievement Why most leaders keep moving the goal line — and how to stop The quiet leadership skill that accelerates growth: marking the moment How to evolve your business (and identity) without losing your purpose What “enough” really means — and how to build around it This episode isn’t about slowing down — it’s about leading smarter. 📘 Grab Amy’s book: Two Weeks Notice 📰 Join her newsletter: AmyPorterfield.com/newsletter   🎧 Subscribe, comment, or leave a review — and keep leading with both strength and softness at BadassSoftie.com.

    36 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    Feeling Burned Out? THIS Might Be the Missing Piece

    You’ve been grinding nonstop: chasing goals, managing pressure, holding it all together. But lately, even the wins don’t feel like wins anymore. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. In this solo episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson unpacks how burnout quietly steals your joy, and how reclaiming joy isn’t about pretending things are fine. It’s about reconnecting to purpose, energy, and the strength to keep showing up. Here's what you'll get: -Why burnout happens even when you “love what you do” -The science behind joy and how it rewires your brain for resilience -How to stop seeing joy as a reward — and start practicing it as daily work -What leaders gain when they make space for joy: clarity, courage, and connection -3 practical ways to reclaim joy this week (even when you don’t feel it yet) 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify Joy isn’t what happens after you succeed, it’s what keeps you going. When you stop waiting for joy and start practicing it, you’ll lead (and live) like a true Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

    22 min
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About

A Badass Softie is unapologetically ambitious and leads with heart. Ambitious and kind. Fun and driven. Powerful and deeply human. Badass Softie, hosted by Dr. J.J. Peterson, is a podcast that challenges the false choice leaders are too often given: be strong or be compassionate. The world doesn’t just need more leaders — it needs leaders bold enough to make an impact and compassionate enough to make it meaningful. Each episode pulls back the curtain on leaders, creators, and innovators who are rewriting the rules of what real leadership looks like. You’ll walk away with stories, insights, and practical takeaways that show you how to lead with both strength and softness — the very definition of being a Badass Softie. Subscribe and step fully into the kind of leader the world is waiting for. 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. J.J. Peterson
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Badass Softie

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