The Half Has Not Been Told: Work, Pop Culture & Stuff That Matters

Kenny Temowo

For anyone looking for just a little less AI, and a focus on what makes us human.  The Half Has Not Been Told, is a podcast about the human side of work and life. The stuff that matters but doesn’t make it onto LinkedIn.  I'll share honest and free flowing conversations about everything from technology to parenting to navigating career and other things that matter to us. Told from the perspective of someone who beleives humanity is worth fighting for. Hosted by Kenny Temowo — musician, writer, ex-Netflix, dad of three, and VP at an AI infrastructure company. Joined regularly by co-hosts, including his children, as well as Maktuno Suit — psychotherapist, consultant, and entrepreneur.  Expect honesty. Expect laughter. Maybe some tears. But hopefully you’ll leave a little different from how you came in. Formerly Inside the Art of Making. Topics include: leadership, creativity, corporate life, vulnerability, fatherhood, marriage, relationships, faith, some AI, technology, music, culture, meaning, purpose, personal growth, honest conversations, all from the perspective of what it means to be human.

  1. Jul 22

    Performance & Human Flourishing (Or the Episode Mak and I disagreed a lot!)

    In this episode, Kenny and Mak explore what really drives people to do their best work, and how that connects to happiness, purpose, and how we show up for others. They talk about the difference between being ambitious, being disciplined, and simply being someone who takes responsibility — at work, at home, and in everyday life.   Why taking responsibility matters in small everyday moments as much as in leadershipThe difference between drive, ambition, and conscientiousnessHow culture shapes the way people think about performance and successWhy strong teams need different kinds of people, not just one type of high performerThe tension between always pushing for more and being content with where you areHow purpose, autonomy, and intrinsic motivation shape both performance and satisfactionWhat parents can focus on when raising children in a world that rewards achievementWhy intentionality, presence, and balance matter for a meaningful life  Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview  02:40 - Personal reflections on responsibility and leadership  07:09 - The drive for excellence: Margins of performance  13:16 - Talent in organizations: From high performers to team roles  17:02 - Cultural influences on ambition and drive  21:29 - Team dynamics: Leadership, Jordan, and Belbin’s roles  26:12 - National cultures and global ambition  30:49 - Raising children with purpose and contentment  34:40 - The role of expression, mastery, and wellbeing  44:31 - Responsibility, intentionality, and presence in life  50:49 - Contentment versus continuous bar raising  55:43 - The balance between growth and being present  61:22 - Final reflections: Purpose-driven living and humility   Final thoughts: This conversation underscores that high performance isn't solely about relentless pursuit of more but also about cultivating awareness, purpose, and contentment in the present. Whether you're building a team or raising children, intentionality and balance remain key to human flourishing.

  2. Jul 3

    Solo Episode: From Music to Corporate: Kenny's Career Story (PART 2)

    In this follow-up epsiode, Kenny continues to share his personal journey of self-discovery, the role of journaling, and navigating career transitions.

  3. Jun 13

    Solo Episode: From Music to Corporate: Kenny's Career Story (PART 1)

    In this solo episode, Kenny shares his inspiring journey from musician to teacher and corporate professional, highlighting the importance of honesty, adaptability, and finding purpose in diverse careers. Discover practical insights on navigating career transitions, embracing vulnerability, and building resilience. Key  topics Career pivot from music to education to corporate The role of honesty and vulnerability in personal growth Strategies for navigating career transitions and challenges

  4. May 26

    How to deal with Feedback

    In this conversation, Mak and Kenny explore the multifaceted nature of feedback, discussing its significance in both personal and professional contexts. They delve into the complexities of giving and receiving feedback, the emotional responses it can evoke, and the importance of context and trust in these interactions. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the art of constructive criticism and the need for humility and self-awareness in feedback dynamics. In this conversation, Kenny Temowo and Mak explore the multifaceted nature of feedback, emphasizing its importance in personal and professional relationships. They discuss the complexities of giving and receiving feedback, the significance of timing and delivery, and the challenges of navigating both positive and constructive criticism. The concept of relational debt is introduced, highlighting how unresolved feelings can impact relationships. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the value of honest communication as a means of fostering growth and understanding. Chapters 00:00 Polling Day and Local Elections 03:12 The Importance of Feedback 05:46 Feedback in Personal Relationships 08:58 The Art of Giving Feedback 11:53 Memorable Feedback Experiences 14:56 Understanding Feedback Context 18:00 Navigating Feedback Triggers 21:02 The Complexity of Feedback 24:10 The Johari Window and Self-Awareness 27:03 Feedback Dynamics in Organizations 34:02 The Power of Feedback Conversations 36:34 Understanding Feedback Trends 39:32 The Complexity of Receiving Feedback 40:27 The Art of Delivering Feedback 45:07 The Importance of Timing in Feedback 49:50 Navigating Positive Feedback 53:31 The Challenge of Honest Conversations 56:33 Relational Debt in Relationships

  5. May 8

    The Truth About Netflix Culture

    In this episode, Mak probes Kenny on insights from his experience at Netflix. They explore its unique culture, leadership principles, and the challenges of maintaining organizational values across different regions. Discover how Netflix's approach to talent, feedback, and culture can inform your own organizational practices. Key  topics Netflix culture and its originsThe concept of talent density and high-performance teamsOperationalizing culture through language and ritualsChallenges of exporting culture globallyThe role of feedback and candor in organizational healthChapters 02:14 Insights from Netflix Culture 04:53 The Experiment of Netflix's Culture 07:49 Talent Density and Its Implications 10:52 Informed Captaincy and Decision-Making 13:32 Navigating Hierarchies at Netflix 16:27 Chaos vs. Control in Organizational Culture 19:04 Explorative vs. Exploitative Cultures 21:45 Navigating Layoffs and Company Culture 25:07 The Transience of Relationships in Work Environments 27:20 Operationalizing Culture: The Keeper Test 32:07 The Challenge of Organizational Atrophy 35:57 The Brutal Simplicity of Corporate Culture 43:11 Navigating Netflix's Culture: A Pragmatic Approach 45:28 Cultural Differences in Employee Relations 47:57 The Impact of Employee Law on Company Culture 49:17 Bridging the Gap: Aspiration vs. Reality in Organizations 53:08 Defining Family Values: The Importance of Codification 55:16 The Role of Rituals in Culture 59:27 The Complexity of Measuring Cultural Values

  6. Apr 24

    The Manosphere & How We Learn To Be Men

    In this conversation, Kenny and Mak explore themes of identity, the influence of social media, the importance of positive male role models, and the need for meaningful spaces for reflection. They share personal stories, analyze cultural phenomena like the Louis Theroux Manosphere documentary, and discuss how to foster healthier masculinity and community connections.  keywords masculinity, social media, identity, community, mental health, role models, cultural analysis, personal growth key topics The significance of names and identity Impact of social media on young men The role of positive male role models Analysis of Louis Theroux's documentary on influencers The importance of community spaces for reflection Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Name Mishap 02:59 Identity and Communication Challenges 05:55 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Personal Growth 08:37 Exploring the Manosphere and Louis Theroux's Documentary 10:51 Understanding the Underlying Issues in Masculinity 13:33 The Impact of Social Media on Young Men 16:06 Fatherhood and Raising Healthy Sons 25:21 The Role of Fatherhood in Masculinity 26:20 Navigating Life Without a Father Figure 27:34 The Impact of Faith and Introspection 28:30 The Influence of Social Media on Masculinity 30:47 Creating New Paths in Relationships 32:29 The Importance of Journaling for Self-Discovery 34:15 Fragmentation of Community and Values 36:26 The Attraction of Simplistic Masculine Narratives 37:16 The Role of Influencers in Shaping Masculinity 37:38 The Weight of Life and Shared Experiences

  7. Mar 24

    What's in a Name? And Why Marc Andreessen Is Wrong

    In the first episode together, Kenny and Mak do what they do best — laugh a lot and go deeper than expected. Starting with the stories behind their names, the conversation moves through fitting in between two cultures, why HR teams often undervalue real psychological depth, and what actually drives innovation in startups. Then Marc Andreessen's recent post dismissing introspection sparks a debate — is he right? Has self-reflection become self-indulgent? Or is the tech world's obsession with action over depth exactly what's wrong? Kenny and Mak disagree, agree, and land somewhere unexpected. William Shatner's emotional reaction to seeing Earth from space becomes the perfect counterargument. Two friends. One psychotherapist. One creative. No script. All real. Chapters: 00:00 The stories behind our names 09:30 Fitting in — being mixed race and living between two cultures 15:20 Do HR teams actually value depth? 20:24 Innovation and diversity of thought in startups 30:40 Introspection vs action — a philosophical debate 34:55 What introspection has to do with greatness 40:44 Jeff Bezos, William Shatner, and seeing Earth from space References: Marc Andreessen — The Techno-Optimist Manifesto William Shatner — space reflection [link] Manfred Kets de Vries [link] Sam Walton — Walmart founder Pan-Africanism movement

    What's in a Name? And Why Marc Andreessen Is Wrong

  8. Mar 22

    SEASON 2: The Half Has Not Been Told — Trailer

    Welcome to The Half Has Not Been Told. A podcast about the human side of work and life. For anyone looking for more soul in their lives.  I'm Kenny Temowo — musician, writer, ex-Netflix, dad of three, and VP at an AI infrastructure company. I'm a creative operating in the corporate world. Some of you might know Inside the Art of Making. That was Season 1. This is what it's become. Broader. More honest. More me. The name comes from a song I wrote called "It Means More to Be Human." And that's really what this show is about. The stuff that matters but doesn't make it onto LinkedIn. Think work, relationships, fatherhood, faith, creativity, AI — and whatever else is alive that week. All told from the human side of things.  I'll be joined regularly by Maktuno Suit — psychotherapist, consultant, and entrepreneur. And occasional visits from my daughters! Expect honesty. Expect laughter. Maybe some tears. But hopefully you'll leave a little different from how you came in. New episodes biweekly. Next up: Maktuno and I talk about the story behind our names, as well as Jeff Bezos, Will Shatner and the role of introspection in our lives.  I'm Kenny Temowo. The half has not been told.

    SEASON 2: The Half Has Not Been Told — Trailer
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About

For anyone looking for just a little less AI, and a focus on what makes us human.  The Half Has Not Been Told, is a podcast about the human side of work and life. The stuff that matters but doesn’t make it onto LinkedIn.  I'll share honest and free flowing conversations about everything from technology to parenting to navigating career and other things that matter to us. Told from the perspective of someone who beleives humanity is worth fighting for. Hosted by Kenny Temowo — musician, writer, ex-Netflix, dad of three, and VP at an AI infrastructure company. Joined regularly by co-hosts, including his children, as well as Maktuno Suit — psychotherapist, consultant, and entrepreneur.  Expect honesty. Expect laughter. Maybe some tears. But hopefully you’ll leave a little different from how you came in. Formerly Inside the Art of Making. Topics include: leadership, creativity, corporate life, vulnerability, fatherhood, marriage, relationships, faith, some AI, technology, music, culture, meaning, purpose, personal growth, honest conversations, all from the perspective of what it means to be human.

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