The Growth Mixtape: Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

Bespoke Productions Hub
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Listen to my conversations with the most interesting people you may not have come across yet. These conversations might not seem to have a lot in common at first. But just like songs on a mixtape, they create something memorable and emotional. So, let's press play and see what we learn about ourselves. I'm Bob Mathers, host of the Growth Mixtape podcast. I love chasing my curiosity; the further from my comfort zone, the better. Please join me for stories from leaders in business, the sciences, academia and the arts. I find the most powerful ideas, the ones that compel us to do bold things, happen by accident. It is these unexpected collisions that I’m excited to explore in this new podcast. These conversations always give me new insights I never would have gotten from other experts in my field. Every other week, join your host Bob Mathers, keynote speaker for conversations designed to push you out of your comfort zone. Each episode delivers boundless insights and ideas that matter by inspiring you to get off autopilot and keep chasing curiosity.

  1. The Biology of Trauma, Stress & Burn Out with Dr. Aimie Apigian | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    11月4日

    The Biology of Trauma, Stress & Burn Out with Dr. Aimie Apigian | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    Today we talk to Dr. Aimie Apigian, a trauma physician and bestselling author of The Biology of Trauma, that just landed on #6 on the USA Today Bestseller List. Now, I’ll be honest — when I first saw the title of her book, I thought, oof, that sounds heavy. But then I got into it, and it wasn’t at all what I expected. This book completely reframed what I thought I knew about trauma. It’s not just about the big, obvious moments in life — it’s also the subtle, overlooked experiences that quietly shape our nervous systems and settle into our biology. Dr. Aimie shares her personal story of adopting a son from the foster system and how that experience held a mirror up to her own past. She explains how trauma can live in the body long after our minds have “moved on,” and how even high performers unknowingly carry trauma responses like people-pleasing, burnout, and chronic fatigue. But this conversation isn’t just about what trauma is — it’s about how to heal it. Dr. Amy offers a hopeful, practical framework to better understand our bodies, widen our capacity for stress, and show up for ourselves and others with more compassion. Please enjoy, Dr. Aimie. Key Takeaways Trauma isn’t always what we think it is. It’s not just extreme events — trauma is anything that, at the time, overwhelms our ability to process and respond. And most of us are carrying more than we realize. Our bodies remember. Even if we mentally “get over” something, our biology — at the cellular level — can still be holding onto past trauma in the form of chronic illness, fatigue, anxiety, or depression. You don’t have to qualify for trauma. Comparing our experiences to others can stop us from acknowledging our own pain. But recognizing our own trauma is the first step toward healing. Stress grows us, trauma breaks us. The difference is capacity. When a challenge pushes us just far enough, it strengthens us. But when it overwhelms our system, it can lead to shutdown or long-term damage. The body sends signals before it burns out. Learning to recognize signs like tightness, shallow breathing, or adrenaline overload can help us avoid crossing into overwhelm. Healing starts with support. Whether it’s creating pause, connecting with others, or simply listening to your own body — the key is not being alone in your stress. Somatic practices are game changers. Dr. Amy walks us through a simple body-based exercise to show how movement can calm the nervous system and create a sense of safety. Compassion is key. Whether reflecting on our past or parenting our children, we’re all doing the best we can with what we have. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s understanding, and growth. Connect with Bob Mathers Website LinkedIn Instagram  Links & ResourcesDr. Aimie’s website: https://biologyoftrauma.com/ Dr. Aimie’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAimieApigian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draimie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-aimie-apigian

    58 分钟
  2. Prison, Popcorn and the Reinvention of Emily O’Brien | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    10月21日

    Prison, Popcorn and the Reinvention of Emily O’Brien | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    Today we talk to Emily O’Brien, founder of Comeback Snacks, a company she launched while serving time in federal prison for drug smuggling.  And if that alone isn’t enough to get you to listen, I give up. Emily is raw, funny and vulnerable about the choices she made that landed her behind bars.  She talks about the moment she saw her parents in the courtroom for the first time, the shame she carried, the strength she found, and the mindset shift that helped her recalibrate her life.   Today, Comeback Snacks is carried in over 1,100 stores across the country and employs a number of formerly incarcerated people. Everyone deserves a second chance, and Emily is proof that joy, humor, and intention can show up in the most unlikely places. Please enjoy, Emily O’Brien. Takeaways Emily’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how far off course we get, we can still come back—and sometimes stronger than before.Despite growing up in a supportive household, Emily’s descent into addiction and toxic relationships shows how quickly things can unravel—no matter your background.Her time in prison became a personal “recalibration,” where she read 82 books, kicked substance use, and began sketching the plans for what would become Comeback Snacks.Emily reframes reinvention as recalibration—not becoming a new person, but returning to the good core that was there all along.With Comeback Snacks, she’s hired over a dozen formerly incarcerated individuals and developed a reintegration program to help others start businesses post-prison.Her “Comeback Blueprint” offers a framework for transformation: Commit, Own it, Be Accountable, Educate others, and Lead with Values. Links and Resources Comeback Snacks Website: https://comebacksnacks.com/ Emily’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emz.obrien Comeback Snacks Website: https://www.instagram.com/comebacksnacks Emily’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-o-brien-b628a4132/ Connect with Bob Mathers Website LinkedIn Instagram

    46 分钟
  3. Getting Over Your Fear of Starting Over | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    9月16日

    Getting Over Your Fear of Starting Over | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    Welcome to a solo episode on the fear of starting over. I talk to people for a living, here on the pod but also in my coaching and speaking career.  And in virtually every conversation, I talk to people that want to do something new. And it’s scary as hell. But in these conversations, something new emerges.  It’s this fear of judgment that so many guests have talked about here on the podcast.  So is it really your fear of starting over that’s holding you back, or is it the fear of people seeing you start over? This topic has been a lightning bolt to the chest for me.  So let’s talk about what it really is that’s holding us back, and I’ve come up with 3 specific habits we can build to move through it, and live the bigger life we deserve. Key Takeaways Most of us aren’t afraid of starting over—we’re afraid of people seeing us start over.What feels like a huge leap to you might look like a natural next step to everyone else.Stories from past guests like Sensi Graves, Karl-Allen Muncy, PrettyLynne, and Greg Boyd remind us that reinvention is possible—and powerful.Confidence doesn’t come before action—it comes from action. The second time is always easier than the first.Try the Alyx Parks exercise: ask people how they’d describe you to someone else. It’s a humbling, inspiring way to see what others already believe about you.Judgment—especially self-judgment—is often the thing holding us back. As Sylvia Baffour says, start by writing for yourself and acting before you feel ready.The world sees more in you than you probably see in yourself. Let that build your conviction. Confidence will follow. Connect with Bob Mathers Website LinkedIn Instagram  Recommended Episodes She’s Like the Wind with Sensi Graves It’s Not Too Late to Create a Career You Love with Alyx Parks Curiosity, Creativity & Connection with Sylvia Baffour Throttle Therapy with Karl Allen-Muncey What the Fxck are You Waiting For? With Greg Boyd PrettyLynne: Soft Porn, Courage, Judgment and Finding Yourself

    13 分钟
  4. It’s Not too Late to Create a Career You Love | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    9月2日

    It’s Not too Late to Create a Career You Love | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    Today we talk to Alyx Parks — fly fishing guide, TV host, career coach, photographer, professor, and the self-proclaimed “girl who falls in frog ponds”. For most of us, the idea of creating a career out of what we love is a promise we gave up on long ago.  But Alyx is living proof it can be done.  And she’s here to show us it’s not too late to shape a career — and a life — that actually feels like you. In this episode, we talk about the importance of conviction over confidence, how to answer, “what do you do?” in a way that makes people pay attention, and her lessons from the river that guide her work and her life.  We also dive into burnout, imposter syndrome, personal branding, and why we need to rethink our Mondays. If you’ve ever felt like your job no longer fits, or maybe that you’re running out of time to finally find a career that suits you, this conversation is for you. Please enjoy, Alyx Parks. Key Takeaways: Conviction over confidence: You don’t need to feel confident to move forward — just have conviction in who you are and what lights you up. The confidence will follow.“I’m the girl who falls in frog ponds”: Alyx shares how reframing the way you introduce yourself can open doors and make people truly listen.The 'why tree' exercise: A powerful way to go deeper into your values and passions to build a more authentic personal brand — from the inside out.Say “okay,” not “yes”: You don’t need to feel 100% ready. Just be open. A lot of Alyx’s best adventures began with an “okay, I’ll try.”Lessons from the river: Fly fishing is full of metaphors — about uncertainty, learning by doing, casting even when you can’t see what’s under the surface.The power of “Mediocre Mondays”: You don’t have to crush it every Monday. Permission to show up as you are and reset.We only accept the love we think we deserve: A beautiful reminder to stop pushing away compliments and start seeing yourself the way others already do.You are the bubble: We often chase a feeling of safety, energy, or connection — but that feeling can come from you. Let people into your world. Links and Resources: Alyx on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyxparks/ Alyx’s website: https://www.ontarioflygirl.com/ Alyx on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ontarioflygirl/?hl=en Alyx on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk2DJldSE7hhQTU8rjNHeYw Connect with Bob Mathers Website LinkedIn Instagram

    48 分钟
  5. Profit First and the Money Habit with Mike Michalowicz | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    8月19日

    Profit First and the Money Habit with Mike Michalowicz | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    Today we talk to Mike Michalowicz, bestselling author of Profit First, a revolutionary system implemented by over a million companies around the world to make profit a habit, not a year-end event.  As Mike puts it, the entrepreneurial dream of working for yourself, working as much as you want, having complete freedom - it’s a myth for most people.  Most business owners I know are stressed out, working their asses off and barely getting by. That was Mike too, so he decided to start writing about it.  And that was 10 books ago. So I’ve got a confession to make.  This episode was a bit of a test, a challenge to myself.  I was curious…can I make a conversation about finance interesting?  What could we possibly say that hasn’t been said?  Well, if you know Mike you know I had nothing to worry about.  This was one of the most fun conversations I’ve ever had.  Mike’s got a story for everything, including the financial rock bottom that inspired his new book, The Money Habit.   I’ve never been great with money, and I know I’ve left a lot of it on the table.  As I near what most people call retirement, that’s starting to concern me more than it used to.  But honestly, I feel like I’m just getting started.  So sure, I could have used this conversation 20 years ago.  But it’s also just what I need, right now.     If you’re struggling to make your business work for you, or maybe you want to hear about how someone writes 10 best selling books about something no one wants to talk about - this one’s for you. Please enjoy, Mike Michalowicz. Key Takeaways Entrepreneurial Poverty is Real: Mike defines it as the painful gap between the outward appearance of success and the inner financial struggle many entrepreneurs face. His mission is to eradicate it. Profit First Philosophy: Instead of treating profit as what’s left over, take it first. The formula changes from Revenue – Expenses = Profit to Revenue – Profit = Expenses. It’s a mindset—and a habit—that shifts everything. Behavioral Triggers > Discipline: Mike shares how behavioral psychology plays a huge role in money management, and why creating systems (like putting sneakers on the toilet seat) work better than relying on willpower. Multiple Bank Accounts = Clarity: Whether for your business or personal life, setting up separate bank accounts for different purposes helps remove emotion from financial decisions and creates instant visibility. Your Business Shouldn’t Depend on You: The entrepreneur’s job isn’t to do the work, but to create jobs. If you're doing everything yourself, you’re stealing an opportunity from someone else—and setting yourself up for burnout. Build Wealth at Home, Too: The Profit First system isn’t just for business. Mike adapted it for personal finances after realizing he was profitable in his company, but still living paycheck to paycheck at home. The Power of Starting Small: Mike encourages listeners to take one simple step—open a new bank account and start moving money into it weekly for the thing that causes the most financial stress. That clarity creates momentum. It’s Never Too Late: Whether you’re 25 or 55, building better financial habits now will absolutely change your future. As Mike says: “Profit is not an event. It’s a habit.” Connect with Bob Mathers Website LinkedIn Instagram  Links and Resources Website YouTube LinkedIn Instagram

    44 分钟
  6. Make Love Not Porn​: Sex Ed, Personal Branding and Confidence with Cindy Gallop | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    8月5日

    Make Love Not Porn​: Sex Ed, Personal Branding and Confidence with Cindy Gallop | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    Today we talk to Cindy Gallop, a big-wheeling ad exec from Manhattan that’s worked with the world’s largest brands. Business Insider named her one of the 15 Most Important Marketing Strategists, alongside Malcolm Gladwell and Seth Godin, and #1 on their list of Top 30 People In Advertising.  She’s basically Don Draper from MadMen. Cindy is known for blowing shit up, and her latest target?  Sex.  As an older woman who loves dating younger men, she was tired of teaching men that had grown up watching porn how real sex works.  She launched Make Love Not Porn as a safe place where you can go to see real people having real sex ,in all its silly, messy, beautiful humanness.  I’ve done my research and yes - it’s sweaty, saggy, awkward and it feels, well..doable.  But it hasn’t been easy.  She talks about the structural, cultural and financial obstacles she’s had to overcome, and how she’s used people’s skepticism to fuel her mantra - “I’ll f*****g well show you.” I was also dying to talk to Cindy about her life before MLNP because the things she’s done are exactly the things I struggle with every day.  Cindy talks to us about our personal brand, and how to control what people are saying about us when we’re not in the room.  She talks about the cure for ageism, and how we can build the confidence we need to do and say whatever we want, without worrying what anyone thinks. Maybe you’re struggling to figure out your superpower.  Maybe you’re concerned about your kids having a healthier relationship with sex.  Or maybe you’re just tired of men asking if they can come on your face.  Whatever it is, this episode is for you. Please enjoy Cindy Gallop. Key Takeaways The “Michael Bay of Business”: Cindy’s tagline came from a spontaneous moment, but it stuck because it perfectly captured how she helps people and brands radically reinvent themselves by blowing up the status quo. Finding Your Tagline: We all have a “default throwaway descriptor” — how others describe us when we’re not in the room. Cindy shares how to take ownership of that narrative to build a personal brand that truly reflects who you are. Confidence Through Values: The key to confidence isn’t “finding your purpose,” it’s identifying your values and making sure you’re living in alignment with them — every day. Curiosity Over Crisis: When you’re unsure about your next move in life or career, don’t chase a big purpose. Start by doing interesting things, following your curiosity, and letting the path unfold from there. Say Your Age: Cindy is on a mission to combat ageism by loudly and proudly saying her age (65) — and encouraging others to do the same. Your age is the sum total of your wisdom, experience, and value. Revolutionizing Sex Ed: Through Make Love Not Porn, Cindy is offering an alternative to porn-as-sex-ed by showcasing real-world, loving, consensual sex — and she’s now building MakeLoveNotPorn.academy to become the Khan Academy of sex education. Why Men Are Crying (in a Good Way): Many men have written to Cindy saying they cried after watching their first Make Love Not Porn video. It’s a space where men can see vulnerability, intimacy, and emotional connection modeled in a way they’ve never seen before. The Opposite of Andrew Tate: With Make Love Not Porn, Cindy is quietly dismantling toxic masculinity — showing young men a new model built on empathy, love, and real connection. The Power of Doing What Everyone Else Says You Can’t: After 16 years of roadblocks from banks, tech platforms, and investors, Cindy is still here. Why? Because she’s fueled by a mission to prove them wrong — and to build a world that’s better for all of us. Connect with Cindy Cindy’s Website Make Love Not Porn Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Bob Mathers Website LinkedIn Instagram

    46 分钟
  7. Focus, Failures & Reinvention with Greg Bennick (Re-release) | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    7月29日

    Focus, Failures & Reinvention with Greg Bennick (Re-release) | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    This is a re-release of my original conversation with Greg Bennick from early 2024.  It is simply too good not to share again.  Greg is a punk rocker, activist, documentary filmmaker, philanthropist, keynote speaker, juggler and expert coin collector.  He’s also written a book, “Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now.” I could have talked to Greg for an hour about any one of these parts of his life - he’s got a way of making everything that interesting.  We talk about Seattle’s teen dance ordinance, a real-life Footloose law that he helped overturn.  We talk about how punk music is really just love songs.  And we explore the central themes that tie all of his various pursuits together.   If you ever struggle with focusing on what matters, finding your purpose or trying to figure out what makes you special in this world - this conversation is for you. Please enjoy Greg Bennick. Key Takeaways: Changing the system from within: Greg’s involvement in overturning Seattle’s teen dance ordinance showcases the power of grassroots advocacy and persistence when making changes from within the system..Straight edge movement: Explore a subgenre of punk that emphasizes a lifestyle free of alcohol and drugs that is centered around the love of music..Majestic failures: Nobody advertises their failures.  But behind every best-selling book or successful keynote speech are dozens of failures that paved the way for the success everyone sees.Re-inventing yourself throughout your career: Your journey is unique.  You have more to offer the world than you think.  Deciding what to do next in your career is not about what, but why.Focus and Balance: Strategies to maintain focus and balance in a world filled with distractions, as discussed in Greg’s upcoming book, “Reclaim the Moment.” Resources Mentioned: Podcast: Let the Kids Dance (KUOW & NPR) – A deep dive into the history of Seattle's teen dance ordinance.Books:Denial of Death by Ernest BeckerArt and Artist by Otto RankMan's Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklGreg’s Book: Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now by Greg Bennick Connect with Greg Bennick: Website Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Bob LinkedIn Instagram

    46 分钟
  8. Brain Science of Manipulative Marketing vs. Ethical Branding | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    7月22日

    Brain Science of Manipulative Marketing vs. Ethical Branding | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

    Today we talk to Chelsea Burns —aka The Marketing Psychologist—about the connection between how our brains are wired and the brands we choose.  Chelsea is uniquely qualified to talk about this - she has a Masters in Psych, has spent 17 years in marketing and has been in therapy most of her life.   So spoiler alert: most of the purchasing decisions we make, yeah we make them subconsciously.  Savvy marketers know this, so we’re all vulnerable to being manipulated into buying things we don’t need.  I have a drawer full of late-night Instagram purchases I’m too embarrassed to return.  Chelsea shares real-life examples of some of these bad actors, and arms us with the brain science we need to protect ourselves. But here’s the exciting part.  We can use this knowledge for good. As employees, we can build personal brands that create authentic connections with the people we work with.  As entrepreneurs, we can build ethical companies that give our customers a true sense of belonging, so they never want to leave. This isn’t just a conversation for marketers. It’s for anyone who wants to be more conscious about the choices they make and the messages they put out into the world. Please enjoy, Chelsea Burns Takeaways From Trauma to Trust: Chelsea shares how her early therapy work helped her understand the wiring of the brain—and how that same wiring shows up in marketing and branding. Marketing Is Relationship-Building: Whether you’re selling education or granola bars, Chelsea explains how good marketing is really about building healthy, reciprocal relationships. The Power of Self-Awareness: Only 5% of our decisions are conscious—Chelsea breaks down how emotional triggers and subconscious pathways shape what we buy and why. Manipulation vs. Persuasion: The line gets crossed when there's no real value for the customer—especially when companies prey on insecurity, fear, or false urgency. The Role of Belonging: Chelsea’s research showed that a strong sense of belonging increases well-being and business success. Brands that create belonging don’t just sell more—they change lives. The Cost of Broken Trust: Chelsea unpacks how Target’s rollback of DEI efforts broke trust with values-driven customers (including her 9-year-old daughter), and why regaining that trust isn’t just about PR. Ethical Branding Is the Future: Brands that invite instead of sell, co-create with their customers, and stay grounded in values are the ones that build lasting relationships—and loyal communities. Practical Tools for Conscious Consumers: Chelsea recommends the Yuka app to help identify harmful ingredients in everyday products and encourages people to stay informed and curious. Connect with Chelsea LinkedIn Website Connect with Bob Mathers Website LinkedIn Instagram

    52 分钟
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Listen to my conversations with the most interesting people you may not have come across yet. These conversations might not seem to have a lot in common at first. But just like songs on a mixtape, they create something memorable and emotional. So, let's press play and see what we learn about ourselves. I'm Bob Mathers, host of the Growth Mixtape podcast. I love chasing my curiosity; the further from my comfort zone, the better. Please join me for stories from leaders in business, the sciences, academia and the arts. I find the most powerful ideas, the ones that compel us to do bold things, happen by accident. It is these unexpected collisions that I’m excited to explore in this new podcast. These conversations always give me new insights I never would have gotten from other experts in my field. Every other week, join your host Bob Mathers, keynote speaker for conversations designed to push you out of your comfort zone. Each episode delivers boundless insights and ideas that matter by inspiring you to get off autopilot and keep chasing curiosity.

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