Frame of Reference - Profiles in Leadership

Rauel LaBreche
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

"Frame of Reference - Profiles in Leadership" and "Frame of Reference - Coming together" are conversational style shows with local, national, and global experts about issues that affect all of us in some way. I’m, at heart, a “theatre person”. I was drawn to theatre in Junior High School and studied it long enough to get a Master of Fine Arts in Stage Direction. It’s the one thing that I’m REALLY passionate about it because as Shakespeare noted, “all the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players”. Think about the universality of that line for just a moment. Think about the types of “theatre” that play out around us every day in today’s world. The dramatic, the comedic, the absurd, the existential, the gorilla theatre (it’s a thing, look it up) that is pumped into our Smart Phones, TV’s, Radios, and PC’s every minute of every day.Think about the tremendous forces that “play” upon us - trying to first discover, then channel, feed, nurture, and finally harvest our will power and biases in order to move forward the agendas of leaders we will likely never meet. Think of all these forces (behind the scenes of course) and how they use the basic tools of theatre to work their “magic” on the course of humanity. Emotionally charged content matched to carefully measured and controlled presentations. With that in mind (and to hopefully counter the more insidious agendas), I bring you the Frame of Reference "Family" of podcasts, where the voices of our local and global leadership can share their passion for why and how they are leaders in their community and in many cases, the world. Real players with real roles in a world of real problems. No special effects, no hidden agenda, just the facts and anecdotes that make a leader. And at the risk of sounding trite, I sincerely thank my wife Ann and my two children Elisabeth and Josiah for continually teaching me what leadership SHOULD look like.

  1. Real Voices, Paid Protest

    5D AGO

    Real Voices, Paid Protest

    Send us a text What if paying protesters made movements more honest instead of less? We sit down with Adam Swart, CEO of Crowds on Demand, to unpack how compensated advocacy actually works, why protests are context builders rather than public headcounts, and how to navigate a media ecosystem that rewards outrage over nuance. Adam pulls back the curtain on strategy: where you rally, what you say, and how you craft visuals—all to reach the second audience that never shows up in person but decides what trends tomorrow. We trace the arc from personal discipline and leadership ideals to modern persuasion. Adam shares why he sees compensation as the backbone of professionalism, how underdogs can outmaneuver entrenched money with smarter tactics, and what it takes to ask questions that bridge divides instead of hardening them. We examine the algorithms that keep us scrolling, the sensationalism that books TV guests, and the practical habits that help anyone spot manipulation: contextualize numbers, interrogate claims, and talk with people who don’t vote like you. Adam also breaks down one of his most visible projects—the Delete Facebook movement—and the ripple effects it helped catalyze, from brand repositioning to political ad shifts. Then we go bigger: a candid call to challenge Big Food’s engineered addictions and the unequal health burden they create. If you care about civic power, media literacy, and how ideas win attention in 2025, this conversation offers a blueprint you can use—whether you’re organizing a cause, leading a team, or just trying to think more clearly in a noisy world. If this episode challenged you or gave you a new lens, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more curious listeners find us. Thanks for listening. Please check out our website at www.forsauk.com to hear great conversations on topics that need to be talked about. In these times of intense polarization we all need to find time to expand our Frame of Reference.

    1 hr
  2. From Addiction to Success

    AUG 14

    From Addiction to Success

    Send us a text What happens when you strip away ego and embrace humility as your guiding principle? David Price's extraordinary journey from twenty years of drug addiction to becoming a millionaire insurance entrepreneur provides a powerful answer. David's story begins at rock bottom – homeless, broke, and battling an addiction that had consumed two decades of his life. After getting clean in 2013, he faced the daunting question that confronts many in recovery: what now? By 2018, he had obtained his insurance license and begun building what would become a thriving virtual business that employs hundreds of agents nationwide. The turning point wasn't simply sobriety; it was a profound mindset shift. "If you're having issues with this guy and that guy, you're screwed because you can't change them. But if the issue is with you, then you have a chance," David explains, referencing wisdom gained in recovery. This principle of extreme ownership – taking complete responsibility for everything in your life – became his north star in business and personal development. What makes David's approach unique is his emphasis on humility as a business strategy. "Pride is expensive and ego is even more expensive, but humility is profitable," he notes. This philosophy has allowed him to create a successful virtual insurance agency where agents receive inbound calls from interested prospects rather than cold-calling reluctant customers. His model has transformed the lives of countless agents, many of whom were servers, retail workers, or single parents struggling to make ends meet before joining his team. Beyond business insights, David shares his journey with plant-based eating, his move to Puerto Rico, and his thoughts on creating a meaningful legacy. His story serves as a powerful reminder that our greatest failures can become the foundation for extraordinary success when paired with humility and ownership. Ready to transform your approach to business and life? Follow David Price on social media or visit tpglife.com to learn more about embracing the power of humility in your own journey. Thanks for listening. Please check out our website at www.forsauk.com to hear great conversations on topics that need to be talked about. In these times of intense polarization we all need to find time to expand our Frame of Reference.

    55 min
  3. Bombs, Distractions, and the Death of Diplomacy

    JUL 17

    Bombs, Distractions, and the Death of Diplomacy

    Send us a text When global tensions flare, it's often what's happening behind the scenes that matters most. In this thought-provoking episode, we dig into the complex relationship between domestic politics and international conflicts, focusing on the recent escalation between Israel and Iran. We begin by examining the abandoned Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – the Iran Nuclear Deal that once provided structure and accountability in the region. The systematic dismantling of this diplomatic achievement wasn't because it failed, but seemingly because it succeeded under a previous administration. This shortsighted political revenge has created the very vacuum that breeds today's instability. The timing of Israel's strikes against Iran raises serious questions. With both Netanyahu's government and Trump's administration facing significant domestic challenges and approval ratings in free fall, these military actions appear suspiciously convenient. Are we witnessing genuine security operations, or calculated distractions from internal political crises? We don't shy away from uncomfortable truths: the celebratory declarations of "obliterating" targets lack credibility given the limitations of the weapons systems used and reports of material being removed before strikes. Meanwhile, the potential for wider conflict looms with Iran's BRICS alliance      (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates) functioning as a NATO-like mutual defense pact. Beyond geopolitics, we explore why reasoned discourse seems increasingly impossible in America. We suggest that appealing to rational arguments misses the point – we must address the emotional foundations driving political positions. Understanding fears, acknowledging concerns, and approaching dialogue with genuine empathy may be the only path forward in our divided nation. Have you found yourself distracted by headline news while deeper issues go unaddressed? Listen now and join our community of critical thinkers who refuse to accept simple narratives about complex problems. Thanks for listening. Please check out our website at www.forsauk.com to hear great conversations on topics that need to be talked about. In these times of intense polarization we all need to find time to expand our Frame of Reference.

    56 min
  4. Rule of Law: Our Last Line of Defense

    JUL 3

    Rule of Law: Our Last Line of Defense

    Send us a text "What's going on today in our world?" asks Rauel as he and Antowan dive deep into one of the most controversial pieces of legislation currently making waves across America – the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill." This powerful conversation exposes the troubling psychology behind American politics today, where questioning has become threatening and dissent is immediately silenced. As Antowan points out, "The country has fallen under this dark psychology spell, man, and tactic after tactic are being used on us." The hosts unpack how this legislation effectively takes from the poorest 10% to give to the richest 10%, explaining the far-reaching implications for healthcare, education, and marginalized communities. The discussion takes a fascinating turn when examining the phenomenon of Americans voting against their own interests – referencing Jonathan Metzl's book "Dying of Whiteness" – and how fear and manipulation drive political decision-making. "People will vote against their own best interest to keep their agenda intact," Antowan explains, highlighting the racial undertones that permeate these political dynamics. The conversation doesn't shy away from examining how privatizing healthcare will lead to more stringent eligibility requirements, higher premiums, and more Americans being denied coverage. Perhaps most alarming is their analysis of recent constitutional challenges, including the Qatar jet gift and how it potentially violates the Emoluments Clause. "What happens when they start shooting federal judges?" Rauel asks, voicing concerns about the erosion of the rule of law. The hosts make a compelling case that focusing on upholding the rule of law could be a unifying principle for those concerned about America's direction. Join us for this eye-opening discussion that challenges listeners to come out of their news bubbles and understand how these political decisions affect us all. Subscribe, share your thoughts, and continue the conversation as we work to protect the values that support all Americans. Thanks for listening. Please check out our website at www.forsauk.com to hear great conversations on topics that need to be talked about. In these times of intense polarization we all need to find time to expand our Frame of Reference.

    1h 1m
  5. Building Better Leaders: Jim Carlough's Six Pillars Approach

    JUN 20

    Building Better Leaders: Jim Carlough's Six Pillars Approach

    Send us a text Jim Carlough, accomplished business strategist and author, shares his six pillars of effective leadership, emphasizing integrity as the foundation that makes all other leadership qualities possible. Through compelling stories from his 30-year career, he demonstrates how integrity combined with empathy creates environments where people thrive even through difficult transitions. • Integrity means staying on the center line of your ethical code, never straying too far left or right • The current social media environment encourages people to "throw grenades and hide" without accountability • When leading a team through job eliminations, Jim made three promises that resulted in the highest employee satisfaction scores across a 20,000-person company • Leadership requires consistently asking yourself if your actions benefit you at the expense of others • True leadership is developed through experience and reflection, not something people are born with • The foundation of leadership is making others better, which ultimately makes you better • Empathy and integrity work together to create trust, without which a leader cannot succeed Connect with Jim Carlough to learn more about the six pillars of leadership and how they can transform your organization and develop future leaders. Thanks for listening. Please check out our website at www.forsauk.com to hear great conversations on topics that need to be talked about. In these times of intense polarization we all need to find time to expand our Frame of Reference.

    1 hr
  6. Finding Your Flow: Kerstin Schulze on Fitness, Acting, and Life's Journey

    JUN 5

    Finding Your Flow: Kerstin Schulze on Fitness, Acting, and Life's Journey

    Send us a text What happens when Olympic-level athleticism meets theatrical creativity? Kerstin Schulze embodies this fascinating intersection, sharing her remarkable journey from winning a Junior Olympics silver medal in heptathlon at age 12 to her current role as a kung fu nanny on HBO's "The Righteous Gemstones." The conversation reveals Kerstin's refreshing philosophy on balance—something she discovered after years of competitive bodybuilding taught her that stage-ready physiques often represent the "most unhealthy" version of ourselves. "Finding balance takes time," she explains, offering practical wisdom for anyone struggling with fitness goals or life direction. Her approach is disarmingly simple yet profound: five days of discipline allows for two days of enjoyment without sabotaging progress. Particularly illuminating is Kerstin's method for creating lasting change. Rather than overwhelming yourself with ambitious goals, she recommends starting with just five minutes of daily movement. "Set your timer for five minutes in the morning and do something that helps your body get stronger," she advises. "When the five minutes are over, you have to stop." This counterintuitive approach—forcing yourself to stop rather than push through—helps reprogram your system to crave healthy habits. The conversation delves into deeper territory as Kerstin reflects on how theater training develops empathy by requiring actors to understand perspectives vastly different from their own—a skill increasingly rare in our polarized world. She shares behind-the-scenes insights from working with Hollywood's elite while maintaining that success isn't about fame but about creating art that makes people feel something. Whether you're struggling with fitness goals, creative pursuits, or simply seeking more balance in life, Kerstin's journey offers both inspiration and practical guidance. Her parting wisdom? "Listen to your intuition"—something she wishes her younger self had done more consistently. Discover more of Kerstin's approach to fitness and life at partyanddiet.com, where her book "The Balance" is available for free. Thanks for listening. Please check out our website at www.forsauk.com to hear great conversations on topics that need to be talked about. In these times of intense polarization we all need to find time to expand our Frame of Reference.

    54 min
  7. Unmasking Voter Suppression: The SAVE Act Controversy

    MAY 22

    Unmasking Voter Suppression: The SAVE Act Controversy

    Send us a text Democracy stands at a pivotal crossroads with the introduction of the SAVE Act (Safeguard Americans Voter Eligibility Act), a deceptively named piece of legislation that threatens to fundamentally alter who can participate in our electoral process. Hosts Rauel LaBreche and Antowan Hallmon Sr. pull back the curtain on this dangerous federal bill, exposing how it would require documentary proof of citizenship that approximately 21 million Americans simply don't have access to. The conversation goes beyond surface-level politics to reveal the profound human impact of requiring birth certificates, naturalization documents, or passports for voter registration. Through personal ministry experiences helping people obtain identification, Antoine shares heartbreaking stories of Americans whose birth records have been lost, destroyed, or never properly filed – particularly affecting those born in Southern states during an era of institutional discrimination. These aren't hypothetical scenarios but real barriers faced by real Americans whose right to vote hangs in the balance. What makes this discussion particularly powerful is how the hosts connect the practical barriers – limited office hours at government facilities, costs associated with obtaining documents, transportation challenges – with the broader pattern of voter suppression targeting marginalized communities. They methodically dismantle claims of widespread voter fraud, walking listeners through the multiple verification steps already built into our voting systems that make such fraud virtually impossible. This episode serves as both warning and call to action. Rather than merely reacting to each new assault on voting rights, Rauel and Antowan challenge listeners to develop proactive strategies to help vulnerable voters secure necessary documentation before it's too late. They invite people of faith to examine whether policies that exclude millions from the democratic process align with core Christian values of love, compassion, and inclusion. Have thoughts on the SAVE Act or ideas for protecting voting rights? Join the conversation at www.forsauk.com and help develop solutions that ensure every eligible American can participate in our democracy. Thanks for listening. Please check out our website at www.forsauk.com to hear great conversations on topics that need to be talked about. In these times of intense polarization we all need to find time to expand our Frame of Reference.

    1 hr
  8. The DEI Boogyman Part 2: Dog-Eating Myths and 401k Truths: How Fearmongering Shapes America

    MAY 8

    The DEI Boogyman Part 2: Dog-Eating Myths and 401k Truths: How Fearmongering Shapes America

    Send us a text What happens when we allow catchy slogans and fear-based rhetoric to shape our understanding of diversity and inclusion? Rauel and Antowan tackle this question head-on as they dissect the troubling misconceptions surrounding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies in America. The duo doesn't shy away from uncomfortable truths, examining how phrases like "We Will Die by DEI" manipulate emotions and bypass critical thinking. They highlight alarming Federal data showing white men still earn 33% more than Black men performing identical jobs—a depressing level of improvement from the 47% gap in 1969, and stark evidence that systemic inequalities persist despite progress. This conversation goes beyond political talking points to examine the spiritual and ethical dimensions of justice. Antowan powerfully notes that "unbalanced scales are an abomination to God," challenging listeners who claim religious values while opposing policies that help the vulnerable. Meanwhile, Rauel calls for Americans to "be a Daniel"—standing firmly for what's right even when facing tremendous opposition. The hosts create a rare space where complex issues around race, economics, and faith intersect without descending into partisan bickering. They argue that the true division in America isn't between races or political parties but between the privileged and disadvantaged—a perspective that challenges listeners across the political spectrum. Whether you're confused by DEI debates, concerned about America's future, or simply seeking thoughtful conversation in a polarized time, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a challenge to examine both facts and values. Join the conversation at www.forsauk.com and become part of a community committed to honest dialogue about our shared future. Thanks for listening. Please check out our website at www.forsauk.com to hear great conversations on topics that need to be talked about. In these times of intense polarization we all need to find time to expand our Frame of Reference.

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

"Frame of Reference - Profiles in Leadership" and "Frame of Reference - Coming together" are conversational style shows with local, national, and global experts about issues that affect all of us in some way. I’m, at heart, a “theatre person”. I was drawn to theatre in Junior High School and studied it long enough to get a Master of Fine Arts in Stage Direction. It’s the one thing that I’m REALLY passionate about it because as Shakespeare noted, “all the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players”. Think about the universality of that line for just a moment. Think about the types of “theatre” that play out around us every day in today’s world. The dramatic, the comedic, the absurd, the existential, the gorilla theatre (it’s a thing, look it up) that is pumped into our Smart Phones, TV’s, Radios, and PC’s every minute of every day.Think about the tremendous forces that “play” upon us - trying to first discover, then channel, feed, nurture, and finally harvest our will power and biases in order to move forward the agendas of leaders we will likely never meet. Think of all these forces (behind the scenes of course) and how they use the basic tools of theatre to work their “magic” on the course of humanity. Emotionally charged content matched to carefully measured and controlled presentations. With that in mind (and to hopefully counter the more insidious agendas), I bring you the Frame of Reference "Family" of podcasts, where the voices of our local and global leadership can share their passion for why and how they are leaders in their community and in many cases, the world. Real players with real roles in a world of real problems. No special effects, no hidden agenda, just the facts and anecdotes that make a leader. And at the risk of sounding trite, I sincerely thank my wife Ann and my two children Elisabeth and Josiah for continually teaching me what leadership SHOULD look like.

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