The Unbuzzed Podcast

Nahal Yousefian

Welcome to The Unbuzzed Podcast—I’m Nahal Yousefian, and after 20+ years in HR, I’ve seen how buzzwords create nothing but swirl, making you feel dizzy and lost. Buzzwords blur expectations, fuel exclusion, and trick us into thinking someone’s ready for a role when they’re not—even leaders fall for it. This podcast dives into how these empty words and phrases impact people’s ability to do their jobs, feel valued, and move the work forward. If you’re fed up with buzzwords and want to chat, reach out. Let’s cut through the spin and get back to what actually matters.

  1. 06/10/2025

    #Subconscious (ep 24)

    Subconscious. The word we all use…but do we really know what it means? On this episode of The Unbuzzed Podcast, I sat down with hypnotherapist Janna to decode one of the most powerful and misunderstood buzzwords in the self-help space: the subconscious. We talked about: Why the human mind remains more powerful than any algorithm But how our subconscious can cling to outdated patterns that no longer serve us The difference between survival mode and thriving (hint: it's not more productivity) And what happens when healing stops being your side hustle and starts being your job Janna’s story, from award-winning photo editor at National Geographic to transformational hypnotherapist, is a masterclass in what it means to pivot with purpose. As someone who's changed jobs (and entire careers), I found it deeply inspiring. And I know so many others out there are in that same in-between: where the passion project is quietly hoping to become the main thing. 🔁 Whether you're trying to quit smoking (like I did, 15 years ago through one hypnosis session), break a pattern, or just understand why your brain won’t get out of its own way… this one’s for you. Because “just think positive” doesn’t work if your subconscious is still stuck in 1997. 🛋️ Bring your inner critic. We’ve got a mic for them too. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your pods or check us out here www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com ✨ Want to work with Janna? Find her at https://go.jannagaylehypnosis.com/hypnotherapy-los-angeles/ —she’s the real deal. #TheUnbuzzedPodcast #Subconscious #Hypnotherapy #MentalHealth #HealingWork #WorkplaceWellness #PodcastDrop #HRmeetsHealing #LeadershipAndSelf #Neuroplasticity #TraumaInformed

    1h 40m

  2. 05/20/2025

    #Comms Part II (ep 23)

    🔗 Unbuzzing Communications, Part Two: M-Dashes, AI, and the Career Curveball Prompt Engineering as the New Copywriting There are few things rarer than a second date in podcast land, but when the first one leaves you nodding, laughing, and rethinking how leadership show up in internal comms, a round two becomes inevitable. Roberto showed up as he always does: sharp, human, and refreshingly unafraid of nuance. We talked about AI not with fear, but with fluency. Where some clutch pearls, Roberto treats it like what it is: a powerful co-pilot. Not a ghostwriter. Not a plagiarist.  This episode gave me a surprising sense of peace because those of us who care about communication, the kind that builds trust, not just traffic; still have an edge. It’s called discernment.  The Case of the Conference Deck One of my favorite rants came when we touched on conferences. You know the drill: when you’re employed at Big Name Inc., your inbox is overflowing with speaker requests. The moment you’re not? Radio silence.  Here’s a wild idea for conference organizers: maybe start inviting people after they’ve left the mothership. Not to burn it down, but to speak honestly. That’s the kind of talk that leaves your audience with more than a tote bag and some free almonds. And We Touched on So Many More Topics… From personal branding to portfolio careers, we explored how the lines between professional identity and personal voice are blurring fast. We also talked about the rise of the gig shift; how layoffs, AI, and the erosion of “job security” are nudging even the most loyal corporate lifers to rethink what work should look like.  🔗 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com And if you’re ready to sharpen your message and bring more clarity to your communication, Roberto’s your person: munozcommunications.com #TheUnbuzzedPodcast #RobertoMunoz #Communication #Trust #Clarity #Podcast #MentalHealth

    1h 28m

  3. 05/13/2025

    #Burnout (ep 22)

    Unbuzzing Burnout: What Caitlin Taught Me About Listening to My Body Some people save your life in dramatic ways. Caitlin saved mine with a handful of needles and the gift of listening. We met years ago in Prague, after a neck spasm left me doped up on morphine and desperate for help. At 3 a.m., I found her website and sent a frantic email. Caitlin cleared her schedule, took one look at me, and did something no one else had — she taught me to listen to my body. Since then, that lesson has reshaped everything: from how I shop for groceries to how I recognize real exhaustion versus just being “busy.” That’s why I asked Caitlin to join me on The Unbuzzed Podcast — to unbuzz one of the most misunderstood words in today’s workplace: burnout. Because burnout isn’t just a vibe or an excuse. It’s real, measurable, and physical. Caitlin explained how chronic stress literally shrinks parts of the brain, and how certain acupuncture points can help repair that damage. Burnout doesn’t get taken seriously because it doesn’t have a complicated Latin name yet — but ignoring it doesn’t make it less real. She also introduced me to an idea that made my skin crawl: a resentment journal. The goal isn’t to wallow — it’s to track where your body says “no” while your mouth says “yes.” It’s about listening harder, noticing sooner, and honoring the places where your energy leaks out. In short: Caitlin helped me learn the most important language of my life — listening to myself. This episode is a thank you for that, and an invitation to anyone else who’s ready to start listening, too. 🎧Listen to wherever you get your pods or check us out here: www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com #Burnout #MentalHealthAtWork #ListenToYourBody #WorkplaceWellbeing #UnbuzzedPodcast #BurnoutRecovery #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #EmployeeWellness #SelfAwareness

    1h 19m

  4. 05/06/2025

    #Language (ep 21)

    🎙️ Episode 21 of The Unbuzzed Podcast: #Language with Drew ‘Dox’ Brown  🔗 From Sky to Chair: The Language That Binds Us In this episode, I sat down with the remarkable Dox Brown, and what unfolded was a deep dive into the powerful truth that language is much more than words; it's the bridge that connects us across the vast expanse of human experience. Dox eloquently shared that “language is a tool that we use to widen our lens about how reality works,” and in that moment, I saw language differently; as a unifying force capable of transforming our understanding and forging genuine connections. What’s truly extraordinary is that this incredible tool is available to all of us for free, yet its significance is often underestimated. We point to a sky, a chair, a person, each time, sharing a universal understanding. This simple act underscores language’s vital role in building bridges among us. Dox’s passionate perspective on this made me appreciate language’s magic; its ability to bring us closer and make the abstract tangible. One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was Dox’s relentless curiosity and dedication to lifelong learning. We explored everything from participatory budgeting in schools to the nuances of AI and Large Language Models. He’s shaping what he calls a “Pedagogy of Presence;" a way to evaluate and engage students in a rapidly evolving educational landscape where traditional metrics are being challenged. Each topic he delves into reminds me: knowledge isn’t finite; it’s an endless voyage, unfolding with each question asked and answer explored. We also unpacked the concept of “fidelity,” a term I realized I rarely use, yet one that resonated profoundly. Dox’s insights shed new light on fidelity; not just as an ethical principle in AI and writing, but as a guiding value in our lives. It’s about remaining faithful; to our commitments, our truth, and the integrity of our experiences. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or check us out at www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com. #LanguageMatters #Authenticity #AI #Unity #Curiosity #ContinuousLearning #ParticipatoryEngagement #TheUnbuzzedPodcast #Buzzwords #UnbuzzingTheNoise

    1h 41m

  5. 04/29/2025

    #Mindset (ep 20)

    What if your mind could be mapped—not by personality tests or vague traits, but by how you respond to something as specific as fries or a car ad? In this episode, we welcome back legendary scientist Howard Moskowitz and first-time guest Tim Morford—a high school grad turned AI innovator, mayor, and builder of tools that can quite literally save lives. Together, they introduce a mindset-typing AI that doesn’t just categorize people—it understands how they want to be spoken to. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, picking a liquor brand, or designing better care for dementia patients, this tool finds the exact words to say—and what not to. We explore how this approach is already reducing hospital readmission rates, changing customer experience at Jiffy Lube, and powering wearable tech for first responders. It’s not about vague data or manipulative marketing—it’s about conscious, consent-based communication at the most human level. We also unpack the ethics: What happens when AI can read your unconscious patterns? What do we protect, and what do we reveal? And yes—Tim is managing six AI projects, designing holograms for Hollywood, and has a theory on how to cure cancer. 🎧 Tune in for an episode that redefines mindset—from a fluffy buzzword to a powerful, predictive science. Listen to wherever you get your pods or check us out here www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com #Mindset #UnbuzzedPodcast #AIInnovation #EmpathyTech #CustomerExperience #MentalHealthTech #Neuroscience #DataEthics #FirstPrinciples #HumanCenteredAI #CommunicationMatters

    1h 23m

  6. 04/22/2025

    #SeatAtTheTable (ep 19)

    This one hit close to home. In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Susan Miraftabi, and we crack open that familiar, messy topic: having a seat at the table. Susan doesn’t just talk theory — she’s lived it, across startups and global giants, sometimes pulled in, sometimes pushed out, but always showing up with her sleeves rolled.

    1h 18m

  7. 04/15/2025

    #Communications (Comms) (ep 18)

    Episode 18 of The Unbuzzed Podcast: #Communications (Comms) with Roberto Munoz  🔗 Conversations That Land There’s an art to saying what you mean — and having it actually reach people. In this episode, I get to sit down with Roberto Munoz, a person who doesn’t just understand that art, he lives it. Roberto leads with heart, not noise, and helps organizations speak in a way that feels true on the inside and lands on the outside. We first met at Fresh & Easy, where I watched him thread honesty and clarity through every message he crafted. Having been on the other side of the table in HR, I know how hard it is to speak to an entire company, especially to people you’ll never meet. It’s not just writing memos — it’s holding the weight of trust in every word. Roberto has this rare ability to make even the toughest messages feel like they belong in the room. 🌊 Clearing the Clutter In this conversation, Roberto pulls apart the clutter that clouds so much of our daily communication. He shares how the way we speak — the words we choose, the clarity we offer — reflects the very soul of an organization. He also gets real about the shortcuts we’re all tempted to take, and how easy it is to drift into comfort-speak instead of reaching for honesty. If you’ve ever wondered how to cut through the noise and create real connection with your words, this one’s for you. 🔗 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com And if you’re ready to sharpen your message and bring more clarity to your communication, Roberto’s your person: munozcommunications.com #UnbuzzedPodcast #RobertoMunoz #Communication #Trust #Clarity #Podcast #MentalHealth

    1h 13m

  8. 04/08/2025

    #Dissent (ep 17)

    In this episode, we delve into the nuanced world of dissent with our thoughtful guest, Hannah. With her experience supporting C-suite executives, she sheds light on the importance of pausing to reassess our approaches, especially in the hustle and bustle of high-pressure environments. 🔍 Why You Should Tune In I learned a great deal from Hannah during our time working together. I often found myself swinging between moments of desire on my tougher days and a focused drive on my better ones. Hannah’s gentle inquiries had a remarkable way of grounding me in the present, encouraging me to pause and reflect before rushing into action. Her subtle form of dissent, expressed through curiosity, wove into our conversations so seamlessly that I frequently overlooked the significant impact it had on my thought process. Hannah possesses a remarkable talent for fostering curiosity rather than simply issuing commands. She has a way of inviting you into the moment, encouraging you to reflect on your strategies and decisions with grace. Unlike many Executive Assistants who might merely echo the directives of their leaders, Hannah serves as a true coach and translator, transforming her role into one of genuine partnership. During our conversation, she shares her personal journey—a courageous stand against the societal expectation that the EA position is merely a stepping stone to loftier roles. Hannah discovered fulfillment and purpose in her current position, choosing to embrace her role instead of succumbing to pressure to advance. Her insights challenge societal norms and underscore the critical importance of prioritizing happiness in our careers. Hannah’s hands-on experiences in the executive world empower her to lead important conversations, and I have personally learned so much from her thoughtful techniques. ✨ Key Takeaways Harnessing dissent as a catalyst for growth and understanding The delicate balance between urgency and reflection in decision-making The art of expressing dissent through questions and sincere curiosity Finding empowerment in the EA role while challenging conventional career pathways Throughout our rich conversation, Hannah reveals how her journey in the EA space has shaped her unique approach to dissent—a skill that can undoubtedly benefit all leaders and team members alike. 🎙️ Listen to this episode wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or visit us at www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com We explored Hannah's passion for all things pottery, delving into her creative journey and the joy she finds in this art form —discover her creative journey here: https://www.instagram.com/akora_pottery/ #dissent #theunbuzzedpodcast #corporatejargon #executiveassistant #translator #work #communications #buzzwords

    1h 28m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Unbuzzed Podcast—I’m Nahal Yousefian, and after 20+ years in HR, I’ve seen how buzzwords create nothing but swirl, making you feel dizzy and lost. Buzzwords blur expectations, fuel exclusion, and trick us into thinking someone’s ready for a role when they’re not—even leaders fall for it. This podcast dives into how these empty words and phrases impact people’s ability to do their jobs, feel valued, and move the work forward. If you’re fed up with buzzwords and want to chat, reach out. Let’s cut through the spin and get back to what actually matters.

Information

  • Creator
    Nahal Yousefian
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nahal Yousefian
  • Show Website
    The Unbuzzed Podcast