Behind the Brilliance

267 Eric Nehrlich on How to Shape the Next Chapter of Your Career (When You're Already Successful) Jan 30, 2026

In this expansive conversation, Lisa talks with executive coach and author Eric Nehrlich.

His career path reads like a masterclass in strategic pivoting: physics PhD dropout turned software engineer, product manager, Google finance analyst, and eventually Chief of Staff in Google's C suite before launching his own executive coaching practice. But his journey reveals something more profound than professional flexibility. It's a story about unlearning the toxic relationship between achievement and suffering, understanding when "working harder" becomes counterproductive, and discovering that your greatest strengths often lie at the intersection of multiple disciplines.

The conversation explores the psychology of overachievement, the myth that anxiety fuels success, and how high performers can regain control by setting boundaries, embracing intentional incompetence, and redefining what "enough" looks like. The conversation weaves personal stories with practical frameworks, offering listeners specific guidance on how to productively reflect and design lives that support both ambition and well-being.

This episode is a must-listen for ambitious professionals, creatives, and leaders who feel successful on paper but privately exhausted, misaligned, or constrained by expectations.

Behind his Brilliance: Taking other people's perspectives

TOPICS COVERED

· Identity transitions and the sunk-cost fallacy of career paths

· The difference between aptitude and passion

· Why burnout often comes from misalignment, not workload alone

· Generalists vs specialists and why range matters more than ever

· Being a "translator" across disciplines (engineering, finance, leadership)

· Working inside Google during the 2008 financial crisis

· Minimum effective effort and deciding what to drop

· Intentional incompetence as a leadership and life skill

· Ambition, insecurity, and the myth that anxiety drives performance

· Designing life first, career second

· Self-employment, parenthood, and redefining "enough"

· Why stress does not equal impact

· Habit formation, motivation, and external accountability

· Self-concept, stereotype threat, and invisible performance taxes

· Upper limit problems and self-sabotage

· Parenting, leadership, and emotional regulation

· Belief, confidence, and why self-trust changes outcomes

KEY FRAMEWORKS DISCUSSED

The Tetris Metaphor - High achievement just means blocks fall faster until you drown

Intentional Incompetence - Strategically choosing what NOT to be good at

Minimum Effective Effort - Optimizing only what matters, letting rest go on autopilot

The 100-Hour Reality - You have ~100 waking hours/week; allocate intentionally

Waste Hours to Not Waste Years (Amos Tversky) - Take time to reflect or waste years on wrong path

The Upper Limit Problem (Gay Hendricks) - We sabotage ourselves when exceeding our self-imposed success ceiling

The Generalist's First 80% - Generalists love learning the first 80%; specialists grind for the last 20%

One-on-One With Yourself - Treating yourself as your most important employee

The Two Yardsticks - Internal versus external measures of success

Problem Seeker vs. Problem Solver - Generalists diagnose; specialists execute

THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Eric Nehrlich
Eric's book, You Have a Choice
Tiffany Dufu on Behind the Brilliance
Tiffany's book, Drop the Ball
Chris Dannen on Behind the Brilliance
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
Wheel of Life
Whistling Vivaldi by Claude M. Steele (Eric's book pick)
Psychocybernetics by Maxwell Maltz

266 How to Get the Best Sleep of Your Life, According to Science Jan 22, 2026

Board-certified sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus returns to Behind the Brilliance for a wide-ranging and deeply practical masterclass on the three biological essentials that keep most people from thriving: sleep, hydration, and breathing.

He reveals how to improve sleep, energy, and long-term health and goes beyond basic wellness advice to help us understand the foundational mechanics that determine energy, health, and well-being. From jet lag strategies to weighted blankets to getting back to sleep in the middle of the night, Dr. Breus delivers practical solutions that work in the real world because they're tested on actual patients, not theoretical research.

Dr. Breus explains why sleep quality matters more than sleep quantity, why waking up at the same time every day is the single most powerful sleep intervention most people will never try, and how "social jet lag" sabotages performance and mood. The conversation dives into the three most common types of insomnia and the best ways to get deeper sleep. We also unpack supplements, melatonin, CBT-I, and when to see a professional.

Beyond sleep, Dr. Breus breaks down hydration myths and gives science-backed takes on the most popular wellness topics including breathwork, mouth taping, cold plunges, saunas, CBD, weighted blankets, and the explosion of misinformation in the wellness space.

The episode closes with a candid look at Dr. Breus's own routines, his evolving relationship with meditation, and why leading by example is the real foundation of sustainable health.

TOPICS COVERED

Sleep Science & Diagnosis
Why home sleep testing has replaced traditional sleep labs
FDA-approved sleep wearables and improved diagnostic accuracy
Why people avoid sleep studies — and why that excuse no longer holds
Sleep apnea, CPAP myths, and emerging treatment alternatives
Why untreated sleep apnea is life-threatening, not just inconvenient Sleep Quality vs Quantity
The minimum sleep threshold for healthy adults
Why bad 8-hour sleep can be worse than shorter high-quality sleep
The single most effective sleep habit: consistent wake times
How circadian rhythm actually works (melatonin as a timer, not a clock)
Social jet lag and why Mondays feel so brutal Insomnia
The three main types of insomnia:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking in the middle of the night
- Waking too early and feeling unrested
Why waking between 1–3am is normal biology
What not to do when you wake up at night (clock-watching, peeing unnecessarily)
Why you cannot trust your thoughts in the middle of the night
Practical tools to lower heart rate and re-enter sleep Breathing & Nervous System Regulation
4-7-8 breathing and how it works physiologically
Modified breathing for beginners
Counting techniques to quiet mental chatter
Breath as a tool for focus, performance, and emotional regulation
Why shallow breathing exhausts the body Jet Lag & Travel
Why jet lag is a math problem, not a willpower problem
How light exposure shifts circadian rhythm
When melatonin is appropriate (and when it isn't)
Pre-travel schedule shifting
Sleeping on airplanes: seat choice, noise, clothing, hydration
What to avoid in-flight (alcohol + sleep aids, carbonation) Supplements & Medications
Why supplementation without blood work is backwards
Nutrient deficiencies that genuinely affect sleep
When melatonin makes sense — and when it doesn't
CBD vs CBN for sleep and anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
When sleep meds are appropriate and how tapering can work safely Hydration
Why sleep itself is dehydrating
Sip vs gulp: how the body actually absorbs water
How much water you really need (lean mass-based guidance)
Timing hydration to protect sleep
Electrolyte products: when they help and when they backfire
Cutting through water marketing hype Wellness Trends: Legit or Overrated
Cold plunges vs saunas (genetics matter)
Weighted blankets: benefits, limits, and safety
Infrared saunas and timing for sleep
Mouth taping and why it's dangerous
The problem with unqualified "sleep experts" Daily Routines & Lifestyle
Morning routines vs evening routines
Meditation with biofeedback
Building health without perfectionism
Leading by example instead of forcing change
Why sleep flexibility matters more than rigid rules

THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Dr. Michael Breus
Dr. Breus on Behind the Brilliance (first appearance, episode 143)
Dr. Breus's new book: Sleep, Drink, Breathe
James Clear's 321 newsletter
Life Gives to the Giver by Joe Polish
How to Fall Back Asleep (video)
4-7-8 Breathing Exercise
Timeshifter app
Seat Guru (closed), alternative: Aerolopa
Wim Hoff method
Muse headband

265 Kate O'Neill on Navigating the Future of Technology Without Losing Our Humanity Jan 16, 2026

SUMMARY

Kate O'Neill is a strategist, futurist, and author who helps leaders navigate the intersection of technology and humanity. After building her career in Silicon Valley—including as one of Netflix's early employees—Kate has become one of the most thoughtful voices on how we can harness technological advancement to improve life and work without losing our humanity in the process.

In this conversation, we connect key ideas between technology's impact on the future of work, individual lives and careers, and innovation efforts inside companies.

Kate shares her journey from linguistics major to tech veteran, which informs her powerful frameworks like the "Now Next Continuum" for strategic decision-making. She explains why digital transformation and innovation are fundamentally different (and why conflating them causes so many companies to struggle).

We explore the speed of technological change, the real implications of AI adoption, and why leaders need to ask "what could go right?" as often as they ask what could go wrong.

Then we get personal and Kate opens up about losing both her father and first husband within a decade, and how grief clarified her understanding of meaning and mortality—lessons that now shape everything she does.

This is a conversation about building a future that serves humanity, making strategic decisions under uncertainty, and finding meaning in both our work and our lives.

Behind her brilliance: Curiosity about people and the world

TOPICS DISCUSSED

Kate's early career at Netflix and what it was like inside during the company's pivot from DVDs to streaming
Why "fake it till you make it" is the wrong framing for career ambition
The art of the cold email and high-agency self-positioning (with important caveats about 1999 vs. 2025)
How to tell better stories about your capabilities and make sense of your career trajectory
The dangerous gap between what technology enables us to do vs. what we should do
Amazon Go stores as a case study in unintended social consequences at scale
Why the speed of AI isn't really about the technology—it's about decisions made by tech leaders
Minimum viable skilling: why prompt engineering is the new literacy
How Kate uses AI for travel planning (and what it does well vs. what humans still need to do)
The Now Next Continuum framework for strategic decision-making
Digital transformation vs. innovation: why these are different and why it matters
Strategic optimism and why most meetings focus on what could go wrong instead of what could go right
The linguistic roots of meaning: how communication works and why it matters for business
Losing her father to cancer and her first husband to suicide—and what grief taught her about meaning
Neil Gaiman's insight: "The difference between comedy and tragedy is where you stop telling the story"
Why futurism is less about prediction and more about preparation
Climate change, science fiction, and books that make the future feel urgent but not hopeless
How Kate curates her information diet and digests what she reads

THINGS MENTIONED

Kate O'Neill
What Matters Next by Kate O'Neill
A Future So Bright by Kate O'Neill
Surviving Death by Kate O'Neill
Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Readwise
Cold email guide from Next Play
The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson – Kate's book pick
The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells – Kate's book pick

264 Tina Lifford on Achieving Inner Fitness in a Shifting World Jan 09, 2026

SUMMARY

Actress, author, and Inner Fitness Project founder Tina Lifford returns to Behind the Brilliance for a follow up years after her crowd-pleasing interview in episode 115. Fresh off the release of her new book The Inner Fitness Revolution, Tina brings decades of wisdom about building sustainable creative careers and developing the inner work that makes external success fulfilling.

This conversation goes deep on the frameworks Tina has developed through her own spiritual journey from understanding the "three selves" (surviving, thriving, infinite) to making self-empowering choices in any circumstance. We explore why so many high achievers feel empty after reaching their goals (and what to do about it), how to build resilience to navigate life's hard seasons, and why inner fitness deserves the same proactive attention we give physical fitness.

If you've ever felt like something was missing despite checking all the boxes, or if you're navigating chaos while trying to stay grounded, this conversation offers an inspiring mix of philosophical foundation and practical tools.

TOPICS COVERED

Reframing the relationship between ambition, success, and self-worth
Letting go of identity-based survival patterns
Connecting spiritual growth to real world experiences
Navigating hard relational dynamics
Why creative longevity requires inner steadiness, not constant hustle
How survival mode narrows perception and fuels anxiety
Inner fitness versus "fixing yourself"
Reframing success beyond external markers
The role of fear, discomfort, and uncertainty in growth
Why transformation is a daily practice, not a single moment
Cultivating inner safety, self-trust, and emotional resilience
The importance of social environments where possibility is nurtured
Faith, surrender, and trusting what you cannot yet see

THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Tina Lifford
The Inner Fitness Project
Tina's last BTB appearance
Tina's newest book, The Inner Fitness Revolution
Queen Sugar
Tina's short film inspired by her dream
Tina's first book, The Little Book of Big Lies
Shadow self
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

263 Jordan Grumet on Having More Than Enough Jan 01, 2026

SUMMARY

Physician and author Jordan Grumet joins Lisa for a wide-ranging, deeply reflective conversation about what happens when the life you worked toward no longer defines who you are.

Jordan shares his personal journey through medicine, financial independence, and hospice care, including the unexpected panic that followed reaching financial freedom earlier than anticipated. What was supposed to be a moment of celebration was a terrifying realization: without work, his identity collapsed.

Drawing from his work with the dying and his own experience of burnout, he explains why money and achievement fail to resolve deeper questions of meaning, and how so many of ys mistake purpose as something to be proven rather than lived.

The discussion unpacks the difference between meaning and purpose, the hidden costs of trauma-driven ambition, and why subtracting what drains us often matters more than adding what impresses us. The conversation moves fluidly between philosophy and pragmatism, touching on time, mortality, creativity, legacy planning, curiosity, and the critical work of rebuilding a life that aligns with personal values.

This is a conversation about modern ambition and how to reassemble identity, motivation, and direction once certainty dissolves and the old reasons stop working.

Behind his brilliance: Empathy + Intuition

TOPICS COVERED

· What happens psychologically after financial independence

· Identity loss and disorientation after achievement

· Meaning vs. purpose — and why confusing them creates anxiety

· Trauma-driven ambition and "purpose built from scarcity"

· Why money is a tool, not an endpoint

· Subtraction as a life design strategy

· Purpose anxiety and the myth of "big P" purpose

· Hospice work and lessons from the dying

· Regrets of the dying and how they inform daily living

· Mortality as a clarifying force rather than a morbid one

· Curiosity as an antidote to fear and burnout

· The achievement treadmill and hedonic adaptation

· Creative work, writing, and process-based fulfillment

· Legacy planning: emotional and practical considerations

· Slowing down, seasons of life, and doing less better

THINGS MENTIONED

Jordan Grumet
Jordan's books: Taking Stock, The Purpose Code
FIRE
Status Anxiety — Alain de Botton
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem — Nathaniel Branden
The Simple Path to Wealth — JL Collins
The White Coat Investor — Jim Dahle
Jack Reacher — Lee Child
I'm Dead, Now What - end of life planning book

262 Beyond Goals and Resolutions: 6 Strategies for a Better Year Dec 25, 2025

In this special year-end episode of Behind the Brilliance, Lisa presents six evidence-based strategies for designing a year that feels good while you're living it. Moving beyond traditional goal-setting advice, this episode explores the psychological architecture behind sustainable achievement: why updating your self-concept matters more than willpower, how to engineer habits that survive bad days, and why strategic incompetence is a sophisticated choice rather than a failure. Lisa shares a liberating perspective on deciding what deserves optimization versus maintenance and makes the case for building celebration into your system. If you're tired of aspirational new year hype, this episode offers a more strategic, psychologically grounded approach to having a great year.

TOPICS COVERED

Identity architecture: Why self-concept determines behavior success
Designing habits for bad days, not ideal conditions
Addition by subtraction: The power of strategic elimination
Intentional incompetence: Permission to not master everything
Minimum effective effort: Maintenance vs. optimization modes
Building celebration into your achievement system
The relationship between identity and execution
Engineering consistency by removing friction
Distinguishing between habits you need vs. habits you think you should have

THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Lisa's newsletter, CUE
Psychocybernetics by Maxwell Maltz
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Obvious to You (video) by Derek Sivers
Minimum Effective Effort (essay) by Lisa

261 The Best of Season 15 Sep 04, 2025

Season 15 of Behind the Brilliance delivered a mix of leading voices in psychology, entrepreneurship, and life design. This special recap distills the most powerful insights into one place highlighting big ideas and useful tools on happiness, resilience, and building a life and business on your own terms.

Guests include Tal Ben-Shahar, Ellen Hendriksen, Jodi Wellman, Rand Fishkin, Chris Guillebeau, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Elaine Pofeldt, Rae Wynn-Grant, Ahad Khan, and Sieva Kozinsky.

The episode also includes a listening guide to match your interest with the relevant episode.

The recap concludes with reflections on the season's central theme: learning to work with human nature rather than against it. Essential listening for anyone who wants to understand what made Season 15 special and where to dive in next.

260 Chris Guillebeau on Escaping Time Anxiety and Building a Self-Directed Life Aug 28, 2025

Chris Guillebeau, bestselling author and creator of The Art of Nonconformity, joins Lisa to explore what it really takes to build a self-directed life. He shares his unconventional path from high school dropout and aid worker in West Africa to global traveler, author of nine books, and entrepreneur. Chris unpacks the philosophy behind his work—why you don't have to live your life the way others expect—and introduces the concept of time anxiety, the tension between the fear of running out of time and the paralysis of endless choices.

The conversation covers everything from the psychology of "enough" and how mortality awareness can sharpen your priorities, to practical strategies for leaving things undone, creating accountability structures, and decluttering your calendar. Chris also opens up about ADHD, therapy, and why you should ask yourself at the end of the day, "Did today matter?"

Behind his brilliance: Refusing to accept "no" and always looking for another way.

TOPICS COVERED

· The difference between traditional anxiety and time anxiety

· Why having more choices creates its own form of paralysis

· The two types of time anxiety: existential panic and decision overwhelm

· How ADHD diagnosis changed his relationship with productivity

· Why working for yourself is actually the conservative choice

· The myth that independent work is inherently risky

· Moving from "you can be anything" liberation to burden

· Why curiosity without follow-through is just floating ideas

· The seasonality of creative work and energy cycles

· How to measure success by what you control vs external outcomes

· The power of asking "Did today matter?" over productivity metrics

· Why leaving things undone is a radical act in completion culture

· The difference between hard work and passionate engagement

· How to use death as a clarity tool rather than anxiety trigger

· Platform agnosticism and the creator economy evolution

· The accountability structures that support independent creators

· Why caring about your work trumps optimization systems

· Moving from rules-based to values-based decision making

· The future self trap and why motivation doesn't transfer

· How to create enough-ness in a never-enough culture

259 Sieva Kozinsky on The Path from early failures to Enduring Ventures: lessons on fear, focus, and the long game Aug 21, 2025

THE SHOW In this episode of Behind the Brilliance, entrepreneur and investor Sieva Kozinsky joins the show to share his journey from first-generation immigrant beginnings to co-founding Enduring Ventures, a holding company that acquires and grows businesses for the long game. Sieva opens up about the fear that fueled his early ventures, the lessons learned from failed startups and pivots, and why fundraising can sometimes blind founders to what really matters.

We dive deep into the psychology of selling a company, the art of negotiation with founders, and how legacy is built (or destroyed) in the years after an exit. Sieva also reflects on emotional discipline, meditation, and why surrounding yourself with the right five people may be the single most important factor in your growth. This conversation extends beyond building businesses to explore a useful philosophy for building a life you'll still be proud of twenty years from now.

Behind his Brilliance: His mother and grandmother

TOPICS COVERED

How Sieva's immigrant upbringing shaped his resilience
Pivoting from pre-med to entrepreneurship
The pivotal college class that changed everything
Why early failures were his best education
Lessons from building and pivoting StudySoup
Bootstrapping vs. raising venture capital (and why he regrets fundraising early)
The psychology of fear as a driver in entrepreneurship
Emotional discipline: responding instead of reacting
The role of meditation in business and life
The dangers of selling to universities (and what that taught him)
Negotiating with founders who are selling their life's work
Why most entrepreneurs misunderstand exits and valuations
The holding company model and why it's different from private equity
How to minimize regret when selling a business
Finding the right cofounder and what to look for beyond skills
The importance of discomfort in building a meaningful life
Why you become the average of the five people closest to you
Seeking serendipity and building networks through curiosity

258 Rand Fishkin on Escaping Status Anxiety, Rebuilding Identity, and Building a Business That Doesn't Break You Aug 14, 2025

THE SHOW

What happens when you build the company of your dreams, only to realize the dream came with tradeoffs you didn't see coming? In this candid conversation, Rand Fishkin — cofounder of Moz and SparkToro — shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career: turning a $39 side experiment into a multimillion-dollar SaaS, raising venture capital for the wrong reasons, walking away from a $40M acquisition offer, and rebuilding his identity after leaving the company he founded.

Along the way, Rand unpacks the philosophy he lives by now: designing work around the life you want, not the other way around. You'll learn why audience-first growth changes everything, how "dark social" can reshape your marketing strategy, and why the best companies aren't built on hustle, but on thoughtful design.

If you've ever wrestled with status anxiety, questioned the pace you're working at, or wondered what it would look like to run a business without burning yourself out, this episode will give you fresh perspectives and actionable ideas for building something that lasts — without losing yourself in the process.

BEHIND HIS BRILLIANCE: Empathy

TOPICS COVERED

· Status is a poor reason to raise capital – chasing external validation through VC can distort decision-making and undermine founder well-being.

· Audience-first beats product-first – building trust and reach before launching a product creates built-in marketing and faster adoption.

· Design trumps grind – thoughtful business and life design leads to better decisions, fewer hours, and more sustainable success than relentless hustle.

· Identity can't be tied to one venture – detaching self-worth from your company enables resilience when endings or pivots come.

· Opportunity cost is real – turning down an offer (even for the "right" reasons at the time) can shape the trajectory of both the business and your personal life.

· Measure what matters, not what's easy – "dark social" means a lot of word-of-mouth and share-driven traffic won't show up in analytics the way you expect.

· Life design is part of business design – integrating personal goals, health, and relationships into work choices leads to richer, more fulfilling outcomes.

And much more!

Get the Show Notes here.

257 Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant on Reinventing Yourself When the Life You Built Stops Working Aug 07, 2025

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant is a wildlife ecologist, storyteller, and nature show host whose path to success defies every traditional metric of merit. In this candid conversation, Rae shares how she went from struggling in math and science classes to earning a PhD and becoming a leading voice in wildlife conservation.

We explore the pivotal role that belief, representation, and access played in shaping her journey from her first exposure to nature through television, to a transformative study abroad trip to Kenya, to an unexpected pivot from lions to black bears. Rae also opens up about hitting emotional rock bottom in her 30s, the identity crisis that followed, and how she rebuilt her life with honesty, humility, and hope.

This episode is a testament to what's possible when we follow our passion, even when our performance or our path doesn't fit the mold.

Behind her brilliance: Taking a non-traditional approach

TOPICS COVERED:

Why passion trumps performance - How to pursue your calling even when traditional metrics suggest you're "not qualified"

The representation breakthrough - Why seeing yourself reflected in expertise positions transforms what feels possible

Navigating productive discomfort - How to embrace stretching experiences that feel uncomfortable but lead to growth

Identity crisis as catalyst - Using rock bottom moments as launching pads for authentic reinvention

The marriage blueprint trap - Why relationships fail when one person brings a pre-drawn life plan instead of co-creating

Accountability without excuses - The liberation that comes from owning your choices and their consequences

Nontraditional paths to traditional success - How to thrive by refusing to fit conventional molds while still achieving recognized accomplishments

Environmental justice reframed - Why urban communities often care more about environmental issues than rural ones (despite stereotypes)

The privilege of starting over - Understanding what safety nets make radical life changes possible

Choosing authenticity over expectations - The courage required to disappoint others in service of being true to yourself

256 Jodi Wellman on the Mortality Math That Puts Your Life in Perspective Jul 31, 2025

THE SHOW

Most of us are running on autopilot, checking boxes, chasing goals, and pushing toward some imagined finish line without stopping to ask if this is how we really want to spend our lives.

In this conversation, Jodi Wellman, author of You Only Die Once and founder of the 4,000 Mondays framework, makes the case for using mortality as a tool, not a threat. She shares why contemplating the end of life can snap us out of numb routines and guide us toward choices that create more vitality, meaning, and joy right now.

We talk about why achievement can feel hollow, how to spot the "dead zones" in your life, and the surprising power of small changes to make life feel bigger. Whether you have been wondering if there is more to life than your to do list or you just want to feel more alive in your everyday routines, this conversation is a reminder that your Mondays are numbered so make them count.

Behind her brilliance: Love and the Grim Reaper

TOPICS COVERED

· Mortality as Motivation: Facing the reality of death as a way to live more fully, not morbidly.

· 4,000 Mondays Concept: Using your finite number of Mondays as a framing device to clarify what matters.

· Vitality + Meaning = Fulfillment: Living wider (fun, novelty, aliveness) and deeper (purpose, connection).

· The Hedonic Treadmill: The idea that high achievers constantly move the goalpost and lose perspective on satisfaction.

· Experimentation as a Way of Life: "You don't have to detonate, you can dabble."

· Regret Minimization Framework: Inspired by Jeff Bezos and reframed here as: "What would you regret not doing?"

· Role of Rituals and Values: Structuring life around recurring rituals and clearly defined personal values.

· Self-Compassion and Inner Talk: The importance of being kind to yourself in the pursuit of growth.

· Redefining Success and Retirement: Moving from performance-based identities to interest-based living.

· Comparison and Individual Journeys: Why your life design has to be uniquely yours, and how social media distorts that.

255 Elaine Pofeldt on Building Wealth Without a Team or a VC Check Jul 24, 2025

Elaine Pofeldt, former Fortune Small Business editor, uncovered a hidden economy of one-person businesses quietly earning 7 figures and spent years interviewing the entrepreneurs behind them. In this conversation, she reveals the surprising industries dominating this space, why professional services often outperform tech, and the frameworks that actually work for building sustainable solo wealth.

From starting smart while keeping your day job to using AI as your secret weapon, Elaine breaks down the real strategies behind million-dollar one-person businesses. No hype, no hustle culture required. Plus: why health and boundaries aren't "extras" but essential business infrastructure, and how to design a career that serves your life instead of consuming it.

Essential listening for anyone who wants financial freedom without chasing passive income or playing the venture capital game.

Behind Her Brilliance: Family

TOPICS COVERED

Elaine's journey from fiction writing to journalism

The evolution of business journalism and rise of entrepreneurship in the public imagination

How AI and automation empower solo business owners

The origin story of The Million Dollar, One Person Business

Why peer learning and relatable case studies matter

Common traits among successful solo entrepreneurs

The emotional and mental stamina required to succeed independently

The role of physical health, boundaries, and self-awareness in entrepreneurial success

How older professionals and people with disabilities are reshaping the business landscape

Flexible business models that support life design

Building walk-away money and choosing clients wisely

The underestimated power of tools like planners, automation apps, and AI assistants

Lifestyle design, digital nomadism, and work-from-anywhere strategies

254 Harvard Psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar's Guide to Being Happy with an Imperfect Life Jul 17, 2025

THE SHOW

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, Harvard-trained psychologist and author of multiple bestsellers including Happier, joins Lisa to explore the psychology and habits that lead to happiness in modern times. He uncovers the myths that keep successful people miserable and why our pursuit of the next achievement isn't the answer. He shares his personal journey from academic achievement to profound unhappiness, breaks down the difference between experiencing emotions and being consumed by them, and offers a counterintuitive approach to emotional health through passive observation. The conversation covers everything from the achievement trap and social media's impact on happiness to practical parenting strategies and the future of leadership in a post-pandemic world.

Behind his brilliance: Curiosity and passionate effort

Visit BehindtheBrilliance.com for the show notes

TOPICS COVERED

Why successful people often feel secretly empty

The myth of constant happiness and toxic positivity culture

Passive observation: witnessing emotions without being consumed by them

The psychology of "enough" and escaping achievement addiction

Why fighting your feelings makes them persist

The role of curiosity in emotional wellbeing and personal growth

Social media's impact on perfectionism and life satisfaction

How to create space between stimulus and response during overwhelming moments

The difference between hard work and effort in personal development

Turning emotional dissatisfaction into positive life changes

Modern loneliness epidemic and the paradox of digital connection

Building authentic relationships based on values rather than demographics

The symbiotic relationship between leadership and management

Why power and control are ineffective leadership tools

Parenting strategies for raising emotionally intelligent children

The importance of modeling emotional regulation for kids

How to develop discipline without relying on motivation or willpower

Why retirement isn't the answer to work dissatisfaction

The value of experimentation and changing periods to question marks in life

253 Anne-Laure Le Cunff on Using Brain Science to Design a Better Career Jul 10, 2025

SUMMARY

Anne-Laure Le Cunff, founder of Ness Labs and author of Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World, joins Lisa to reveal her unconventional career journey from Google engineer to startup founder to neuroscience student to successful entrepreneur with Ness Labs. Growing up outside Paris with parents who prioritized financial security, she landed a dream job at Google with the status and paycheck that signaled success. But she soon realized that the ladder she was climbing was leaning against the wrong wall.

This conversation explores cognitive scripts that keep us stuck, the importance of experimentation over rigid goal-setting, navigating uncertainty, and designing a life aligned with internal rather than just external metrics of success. Anne-Laure shares insights on managing different types of burnout, the psychology of major transitions, and how she uses tools like journaling and AI to support her work and decision-making.

Behind her brilliance: Curiosity

Say hi to Anne-Laure on X/Twitter: @neuranne

TOPICS COVERED Breaking free from cognitive scripts The problem with traditional goal-setting Building an experimental mindset Why "feeling lost" is the price we pay for having freedom Career transitions and identity beyond job titles Navigating impostor syndrome Burnout (including when you love your work!) Redefining success using internal vs. external criteria Managing time and energy without a corporate structure Redefining the relationship between time, money, and personal values Building a business organically and leveraging momentum Using AI as a creative thinking partner Growing up with multicultural influences Examining default coping mechanisms like alcohol (and Anne-Laure's journey to sobriety) Letting curiosity lead personal and professional decisions And much more!

252 Kajabi CEO Ahad Khan on Work-Life Integration, Values-Driven Leadership, and the Future of the Creator Economy Jul 03, 2025

THE SHOW

Ahad Khan, CEO of Kajabi, shares how his Midwestern roots shaped his approach to building software for "regular people," his experiences navigating investment banking, startup acquisitions, and the creator economy. Ahad reveals his philosophy on people-first decision making, the power of work-life integration over balance, and why choosing character over compensation has been the thread connecting every major career move. The conversation explores the evolution of the creator economy, the challenges of remote leadership, and practical strategies for staying present as both a CEO and father of three.

Behind His Brilliance: Immigrant parents who modeled hard work, presence, and the courage to build a life around what matters most

Get the show notes here.

TOPICS COVERED

· Why pivoting early (or late) is worth it

· Growing up in Northeast Ohio and the "regular people" advantage in tech

· Why his father said "you can be any kind of engineer you want"

· Investment banking culture in Chicago vs. New York stereotypes

· The power of choosing people over compensation in career decisions

· Early startup lessons and the importance of founder character

· MileIQ: solving real problems for people who drive for work

· Navigating Microsoft's acquisition and cultural transformation under Satya Nadella

· The bootstrap advantage: how 9 years without funding built Kajabi differently

· Creator economy vs. entertainment: building sustainable businesses

· The $6 billion paid out to Kajabi creators and the subscription vs. take-rate model

· Transitioning from CFO to CEO and the weight of leadership

· Work-life integration: taking kids to school as non-negotiable priority

· Remote leadership strategies and building a documentation culture

· Why human customer support beats automation every time

· The hardest part of being CEO: communicating the "why" behind decisions

· Redefining success: involved parent, good husband, teammates who like you

Behind Your Brilliance: What's one decision you could make this week to better align your work life with your core values?

251 Dr. Ellen Hendriksen on the Science-Backed Way to End Perfectionism Without Lowering Your Standards Jun 26, 2025

THE SHOW

In this episode of Behind the Brilliance, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, clinical psychologist and author of How to Be Enough, joins the show to explore the nuances of perfectionism—from its seductive productivity perks to its hidden emotional costs. She shares her own journey from high-achieving student to recovering perfectionist, breaks down the psychology of procrastination and emotional suppression, and offers practical strategies for redefining self-worth, navigating achievement hangovers, and aligning with intrinsic values. The conversation also touches on the loneliness epidemic, community building, and how shifting from "have to" to "choose to" can transform how we show up in our lives.

Behind her Brilliance: Investing in what connects us to others instead of what sets us apart

TOPICS COVERED

Why pivoting early (or late) is worth it

A new definition of perfectionism—and why it's a trap

The two pillars of maladaptive perfectionism: overvaluation and rigid standards

The myth of emotional perfectionism

Rules vs. values (and how rules often masquerade as values)

Demand sensitivity and the burden of internal expectations

The achievement hangover: chasing the next milestone without fulfillment

The difference between goals and values

Procrastination as anxiety in disguise

Visualizing your future self to beat avoidance

Practical tools to embrace imperfection and act anyway

Community, connection, and healing the loneliness epidemic

The value of empathy in creative and professional work

250 - Defying the Odds - Season 14 Recap Dec 15, 2023

Lisa summarizes Season 14, Defying the Odds, with reflections on the strategies shared and helpful recaps.

240 – Dr. Andrew Newberg

241 – Cin Fabre

242 – Tyler Denk

243 – Jim Fielding

244 – Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter

245 – Simone Stolzoff

246 – Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg

247 – Andrew Barnes

248 – Jamila Souffrant

249 – Kevin Kelly

Subscribe to CUE at BehindtheBrilliance.com to be the first to know when the new season streams.

249 Kevin Kelly on Living and Working at the Intersection of Passion, Purpose, and Profitability Dec 08, 2023

THE SHOW

Kevin Kelly is a modern creative pioneer. He was a polymath before it was cool. His career as a writer, founder, photographer, and editor extends across industries and continents. A world traveler and lifelong learner, Kevin's ideas such as 1000 True Fans have inspired a generation of builders and artists to exercise full agency over their creative pursuits.

Kevin was on a short list of dream guests I've long held for Behind the Brilliance, and our conversation did not disappoint. He was candid and thoughtful as we covered a wide range of topics including career and life design, religion, decision making, unpopular opinions, and much more. This is an excellent listen for the dreamers, doers, and builders who want to hear the embodiment of integrating passion, purpose, and profit with thoughtful optimism.

Behind His Brilliance: Luck + Not caring what others think

Say hi to Kevin on X (Twitter): @kevin2kelly

THE GUEST

KEVIN KELLY | AUTHOR + CO-FOUNDER, WIRED

Kevin Kelly is Senior Maverick at Wired magazine. He co-founded Wired in 1993, and served as its Executive Editor for its first seven years. His newest book is Excellent Advice for Living, a book of 450 modern proverbs for good living. He is co-chair of The Long Now Foundation, a membership organization that champions long-term thinking and acting as a good ancestor to future generations. And he is founder of the popular Cool Tools website, which has been reviewing tools daily for 20 years. From 1984-1990 Kelly was publisher and editor of the Whole Earth Review, a subscriber-supported journal of unorthodox conceptual news. He co-founded the ongoing Hackers' Conference, and was involved with the launch of the WELL, a pioneering online service started in 1985. Other books by Kelly include 1) The Inevitable, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, 2) Out of Control, his 1994 classic book on decentralized emergent systems, 3) The Silver Cord, a graphic novel about robots and angels, 4) What Technology Wants, a robust theory of technology, and 5) Vanishing Asia, his 50-year project to photograph the disappearing cultures of Asia. He is best known for his radical optimism about the future.

TOPICS COVERED

-the decision making framework Kevin developed over 5 decades of his career

-the inception and growth of WIRED

-why pursuing a range of interests can be more valuable than specializations (with important caveats)

-Kevin's religious conversion and how it changed his life

-important reflections on leveraging and time management

-how a trip to Asia changed Kevin's life

And much more!

248 Jamila Souffrant on Redefining and Achieving Financial Freedom Dec 01, 2023

THE SHOW

Jamila Souffrant's expertise in personal finance is informed by her own experience turning financial uncertainty into financial freedom. She and her husband saved $169,000 in 2 years and redefined their future with smart money decisions. Now she's guiding people from diverse backgrounds to more fulfilled lives through her personal finance podcast, Journey to Launch, and her new book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom.

Jamila's work has been featured in Money Magazine, CNBC, and more. The Journey To Launch Podcast was listed by the NYTimes as a podcast to help you get better with your money.

We covered a wide range of topics at the intersection of lifestyle and personal finance including creating financial independence, decoupling time and money, how to approaching spending vs saving vs earning, the specific mindset work that's critical to the personal finance journey and much more. We touched on FIRE which stands for Financial Independence Retire Early which is a movement that targets building a nest egg and retiring to do what you'd prefer to do with your time whether that's work that earns less, more time with family, or something else.

This episode is penultimate installment of our season long discussions around integrating work and life. Money is obviously a hufge part of that so this conversation helps to frame up our motivations for how much we work, what we work on, and what we do with our earnings.

THE GUEST

JAMILA SOUFFRANT | PERSONAL FINANCE EXPERT + AUTHOR

Jamila Souffrant is the author of Your Journey To Financial Freedom: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness ((Hanover Square Press December 5, 2023) shares and the host of the Journey To Launch podcast. She is a go-to thought leader in the personal finance field and her work has been featured in BuzzFeed, ESSENCE, Refinery 29, Money Magazine, CNBC, CBS, Business Insider and more. The Journey To Launch Podcast has over 4+ million total downloads and was listed by the NYTimes as a podcast to help you get better with your money. Jamila and her husband saved $169,000 in two years. They live in Brooklyn, NY with their three children.

TOPICS COVERED

-the difference between financial independence and financial freedom and why it matters

-redefining luxury in non-monetary terms

-the necessity of simplicity on the journey to financial freedom

-age, regret, and keeping the journey in context

-how to create an effective spending plan

-Jamila's hardest money lesson learned

-finding the balance between productivity and punishment

And much more!

247 Andrew Barnes on why (and how) a 4 Day Work Week is the secret to success at work Nov 23, 2023

A dynamic and growing group of companies and organizations are moving to a 4 day work week. Andrew Barnes is the pioneer behind this movement. It all started with an experiment to see what would happen if his team worked 4 days instead of 5. The results were so breathtaking that he never looked back. Now there's an entire organization - including research, a book, and tools - dedicated to making the work world more efficient.

Through his company – New Zealand's largest corporate trustee company, Perpetual Guardian – Andrew announced a 4 day week trial, with staff receiving an extra day off work, on full pay, each week. The trial was an undeniable success, sparking widespread international interest and winning a number of global awards.

Today, Barnes is considered the pioneer and architect of the global 4 day week movement. As co-founder of 4 Day Week Global with his partner, Charlotte Lockhart, they are conducting the largest ever trials, currently taking place across the UK, US, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. More than 250 companies around the world with over 100,000 staff are taking part in the trials to change their workplaces combined with a global research programme involving academics from leading universities.

Continuing our season long thread on creating work/life integration, this conversation is an excellent primer for both employers and employees on creating a 4 Day Work Week.

Andrew is the literal pioneer of this movement so I invited him to BTB to discuss how it was born, the concerns many leaders have, why the movement has picked up steam, and how you – whether you're a leader or a team member – can use these ideas to create a more sustainable and effective approach to work.

We spent a lot of time at the top of this conversation exploring Andrew's background because I think that context is important once he starts discussing the 4 Day Work Week. That said, if you want to skip to the topical portion, it begins around minute 25.

Behind His Brilliance: Finding opportunity anywhere

Say hi to Andrew on X/Twitter @andrewhbarnes

TOPICS COVERED

-how Andrew built a career as an international entrepreneur

-Andrew's reflections on betting on himself (and why you should too)

-the keys to navigating organizational change

-how and why the 4 Day Work Week became a thing

-the art and science of designing down time

-the counterintuitive ways less work powers more efficiency

-how to save your company from meeting culture

-how to trial a 4 day week in your organization

-addressing employee concerns about the 4 day week

-the 4 day week's impact on wage expectations (spoiler: workers value their time!)

-the legislative activity around a 4 day work week

And much more!

246 Thomas Wedell-Wedellsbord on the Science of Effective Problem Solving Nov 17, 2023

Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg is the author of 'What's Your Problem?' which was released by Harvard Business Press. He is also the co-author (with Paddy Miller) of Innovation as Usual, a Harvard Business Review Press book on the art of driving innovation in regular organizations.

Thomas has worked with managers in nearly all parts of the globe, including China, India, Russia, Singapore, Britain, France and his native country, Denmark. His research has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The Economist, The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, BBC Radio, Bloomberg Businessweek and the Financial Times. His work on innovation led HR Magazine to recognize him as a "Top 20 International Thinker".

This conversation is a continuation of a string of conversations about work and creating more effective life/work integration. I'm leaning in on this topic because most of us have experienced periods of persistent angst around work, frustration with recurring work problems, and difficulty managing work relationships. This series of episodes delivers practical advice that you can use right away to be more effective and derive more satisfaction from work.

This episode deep dives on problem solving which in my opinion is a universally useful skill to develop. As Thomas points out, most of us aren't thinking about problems the right way – something he calls framing – which prevents us from being able to effectively talk about and solve problems. This is a winding conversation filled with useful insight on professional and personal problem solving so It's worth taking notes.

Behind His Brilliance: Curiosity and seeking the odd things

Say hi to Thomas on X/Twitter @thomaswedell

245 Simone Stolzoff on the better ways to integrate work, life, and identity for more success and satisfaction Nov 10, 2023

THE SHOW

Simone Stolzoff is a designer, and workplace expert who is the former design lead at the global innovation firm IDEO. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and many other publications. He's the author of The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work.

This conversation is, in my opinion, among the most important in the history of the show. It's not particularly dramatic, but it's hard for me to overstate the importance of the ideas and practical applications we discussed around life design, work, the relationship between to work and identity, and why carefully curating these things instead of letting them happen is an absolute must if you want to create more meaning and satisfaction at the intersection of your work and life.

We covered a wide range of things including the Western tendency toward work as a status symbol, how to make a career pivot, questions to consider when reflecting on the context of your career in your life, how to recover from an achievement hangover, the joys and perils of being self-employed, and much more. No matter what your career or employment status is, there's something for you in this conversation. It's especially timely as we all start thinking about a new year and what we might want to change where our careers are concerned.

Behind His Brilliance: Amazing people who share their stories

Say hi to Simone on X/Twitter @simonestolzoff

THE GUEST

SIMONE STOLZOFF | AUTHOR, THE GOOD ENOUGH JOB

Simone Stolzoff is a designer, and workplace expert who is the former design lead at the global innovation firm IDEO. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and many other publications. He's the author of The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work.

TOPICS COVERED

The problem with tying personal identity to work

How to diversify your identity outside of work

How to stop chasing status at work (and what to do instead)

Rethinking designing life around work

How to avoid achievement hangovers

Simone's advice on pivoting and taking risks

The gift and challenge of being self-employed

How to create structural protection against overwork

And much more!

244 Dr. Valerie Daniels Carter on how she turned a vision into reality with 100+ franchise locations Nov 03, 2023

THE SHOW

Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter is founder and president of V&J Holdings, the largest female-owned franchise organization in the United States. As one of the best known fast-food operators in the United States with more than 130 units across multiple brands, Valerie has partnered with influential leaders like NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal to expand her operations. She sits on the board of the Green Bay Packers and is a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks. As a seasoned leader, Valerie has learned what it takes to create and sustain success when you don't have a head start.

Valerie was candid about her challenges and how she persisted to create a life and career that aligns with her values. We covered a wide range of topics from how she landed her first franchise location to how she identifies great partners along with more personal topics like grief and her reflections on the role of family and faith in her life.

Behind Her Brilliance: Faith, Family, Friends, Passion

THE GUEST VALERIE DANIELS-CARTER | PRESIDENT, V&J HOLDING COMPANIES

Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter is one of the most preeminent business owners in the United States. In addition to auspiciously commandeering several restaurants branded operations in the United States, she has been widely recognized for her adroit business ingenuity. She is the President and CEO of V&J Foods, Holding Companies, Inc. (V&J Holdings), a multi-brand/multi-state operation. It is recognized as the largest female owned franchise organization in the country. Dr. Daniels-Carter's quick-service restaurant empire operations are comprised of Auntie Anne's Soft Pretzels, Burger King, Coffee Beanery, Nino's Southern Sides, MyYoMy Frozen Yogurt, Pizza Hut and Captain D's Seafood along with numerous Real Estate ventures. Prior to establishing V&J Holding Companies, Inc., she worked in banking and finance.

TOPICS COVERED

How Valerie landed her first franchise location

Valerie's secret to scaling to 100+ locations

How Valerie creates partnerships with other leaders

The role of faith in Valerie's life and business

Valerie's work in sports and philanthropy

Valerie's reflections on grief and hard lessons

How Valerie thinks about work/life integration

And much more!

243 Executive and author Jim Fielding on the secrets to building world class teams in high stakes environments and how to build a values-aligned career Oct 26, 2023

THE SHOW

Jim Fielding is casting the kind of light we all need to free us from the anxiety of being enough and doing enough. Throughout his illustrious career as an executive as the world's most recognizable companies, he found that authenticity and kindness were the secrets to achieving the kind of success he most craved.

But these realizations didn't come easy. After struggling with coming out, building international teams, and climbing corporate ladders, Jim left it all behind to lean into a new chapter where he brings his whole self to his work.

This conversation is a must listen for anyone who wants to design a more meaningful professional life that delivers fulfillment and stability without sacrificing authenticity.

Behind His Brilliance: Family

Say hi to Jim on Instagram @allpridenoego

THE GUEST

JIM FIELDING | EXECUTIVE + AUTHOR, ALL PRIDE, NO EGO

Jim Fielding is a partner at Archer Gray, and president of its Co-Lab Division. A retail and media industry veteran, Jim served as president of Disney Stores Worldwide, and led global consumer experiences at DreamWorks and Twentieth Century Fox. His early career experience included top global brands, from The Gap to Lands' End. Jim later served as CEO of Claire's Stores, Inc. He is author of ALL PRIDE, NO EGO: A Queer Executive's Journey to Living and Leading Authentically (Wiley, August 15, 2023). Jim's expertise combines storytelling, product innovation, merchandising, and consumer experiences. He is an active community leader and philanthropist, a founder of the Queer Philanthropy Circle, and serves on the board of directors for the Indiana University Foundation. Jim has served as an executive-in-residence for IU's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and a board member for GLSEN, Make-A-Wish International, and American Red Cross. He is based in Atlanta, GA and Northport, MI.

TOPICS COVERED

Jim's path into retail and how he found success

How authenticity accelerated Jim's elevation as an executive

How Jim navigates high pressure situations

Jim's advice on designing effective teams and collaborative cultures

Jim's advice to professionals weighing their options

A fresh perspective on failure – and how to fail up

Why Jim stopped chasing the next promotion and title

The ah ha moment that healed years of trauma

And much more!

242 Tyler Denk on the Serendipity of Startup Success Oct 20, 2023

Tyler Denk is making a name for himself as a CEO who building a modern company that brings fresh energy to an old space: e-mail. He's powering the world's most beloved newsletters through Beehiiv, the company he founded in 2021. beehiiv is an all-in-one product suite for newsletter.

Tyler joined Morning Brew as the second employee, leading product and engineering, and helped them scale up until the acquisition by Business Insider in 2020. He then had a stint at Google as a Product Lead on the YouTube Music team, before ultimately leaving to start beehiiv in 2021, where he is currently the CEO.

Tyler's story is an inspiring journey in strartups and aligning personal values with business vision.

Behind His Brilliance: Family

Say hi Tyler on X/Twitter: @denk_tweets

241 Cin Fabré on How She Conquered Wall Street Oct 12, 2023

Cin Fabré is the personification of grit. We hear that word used in personal and professional development circles, but her story, her mindset, and her confidence truly reflects it.

Growing up, Cin Fabré didn't know anything about the stock market. But she learned how to hustle from her immigrant parents. Through a tip from a friend, Cin pushed her way into brokerage firm VTR Capital―an offshoot of Stratton Oakmont, the company where the Wolf of Wall Street, Jordan Belfort, had reigned. She instantly felt the pull of profit and knew she would do whatever she had to do to be successful. Pulling back the curtain on the inequities she and so many others faced, Cin's memoir Wolf Hustle reveals how Cin worked grueling hours, ascending from cold caller to stockbroker, becoming the only Black woman to do so at her firm. She also reveals the excesses she took part in on 1990s Wall Street―the strip clubs, the Hamptons parties, the Gucci shopping sprees―while reveling in the thrill of making money. From landing clients worth hundreds of millions to gaining, losing, then gaining back fortunes in seconds, Cin examines her years spent trading frantically and hustling successfully, grappling with what it takes to build a rich life, and, ultimately, beating Wall Street at its own game.

After a multistudio bidding war, Apple won the rights to the book and will be adapting it into a film.

We covered a lot in this conversation – how she landed on Wall Street so young, how she navigated everything from politics to dick pics, her financial literacy journey, her reflections on grief and mental health, and her leap from Wall Street Hustler to author.

Behind Her Brilliance: Confidence and a commitment to enjoying life

Cin Fabré

Wolf Hustle (Cin's memoir)

Jacqueline Woodson (Cin's reading pick)

John Grisham (Cin's reading pick)

240 Dr. Andrew Newberg on The Science Behind Spirituality Sep 29, 2023

Dr. Andrew Newberg is the world's leading thinker on neurotheology. His work has been published in over 250 peer reviewed articles and chapters on brain function and the study of religious and mystical experiences. He has published 14 books including How God Changes Your Brain and Neurotheology: How Science Can Enlighten Us About Spirituality. In this broad conversation, Lisa and Dr. Newberg explore the connections between spirituality and the brain. Dr. Newberg offers enlightening perspective on modern spirituality and its role in living well.

THE GUEST

DR. ANDREW NEWBERG | Neurotheologist + Author

Dr. Andrew Newberg is the director of research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health and a physician at Jefferson University Hospital. He is board certified in internal medicine and nuclear medicine.

Dr. Newberg is a neuroscientist who studies the relationship between brain function and various mental states. He is a pioneer in the neurological study of religious and spiritual experiences, a field known as "neurotheology." His research includes taking brain scans of people in prayer, meditation, rituals, and trance states, in an attempt to better understand the nature of religious and spiritual practices and attitudes. He has published over 250 peer reviewed articles and chapters on brain function, brain imaging, and the study of religious and mystical experiences. He has published 14 books, which have been translated into 17 different languages. His work has been featured in Newsweek, Time, National Geographic, New York Times, Forbes, and many more.

TOPICS COVERED

Religion vs Spirituality and why the distinction matters

The connection between psychedelics and spiritual experiences

The science of great spiritual retreats and how to choose one for yourself

The spiritual value of communal gathering outside of traditionally religious settings

Designing an optimal morning routine

Best practices for meditation

Grief and spirituality

And much more!

See the Show Notes at BehindtheBrilliance.com

239 Achievement Hangover Recovery Sep 21, 2023

Lisa discusses how and why achievement hangovers happen and what to do about them.

238 Emotional First Aid Kits Sep 21, 2023

Lisa unpacks why we all need emotional first aid kits and how to customize them.

237 Clock & Coin Sep 21, 2023

Lisa shares a time and money audit approach to align values and actions.

236 Victory Boards Sep 21, 2023

Lisa offers a spin on the vision board concept and a new perspective on celebrating wins and creating personal success patterns.

235 On Risk and Reward Sep 21, 2023

Lisa explores the psychological aspects of modern risk and better ways to calculate real risk versus perceived risk.

Season 12 Recap Jul 07, 2022

In this solo episode, Lisa recaps Season 12's episode line up and how the theme, Uncharted Territory, tracked throughout the episodes.

233 David Kessler on the Gifts of Grief Jun 30, 2022

This episode is one of the most important in the history of the show. We're talking about grief. It's one of those unsexy topics that doesn't get discussed enough, but it's something none of us can escape. Because of that, I invited grief expert David Kessler to the show. David is a six time author - among his books are On Death and Dying and On Grief and Grieving which are seminal works on death and grieving co-authored with Elizabeth Kubler Ross. You may have heard of the five stages of grief - those were originated by Elizabeth and David so he has an intimate understanding of grief. In addition to his formal training, David has experienced loss of his own which informs the sympathy and compassion he brings to helping people find peace and a path forward when looking ahead feels impossible. This conversation is both a balm and a beacon for anyone who's experienced loss of any kind.

Behind his brilliance: A thousand mistakes people don't see

Say hi to David on Twitter: @IAmDavidKessler

232 Alua Arthur on Dying with Dignity and Living Intentionally Jun 24, 2022

Alua Arthur has one of the world's most important jobs: she helps people die with dignity. After getting a law degree and starting a career in social work, she became a death doula. She helps individuals and families navigate end of life transitions. As a result, she has profound wisdom on how eventual death can inspire us to live more purposefully. In this conversation, she shares gem after gem about life, grief, work, and evolution.

Behind her brilliance: Leading with her heart

Say hi to Alua on Instagram at @luvaloveslife

231 T.A. McCann on The Secrets to Making Calculated Business Bets Jun 16, 2022

T.A. McCann got the entrepreneurial bug as a teenager and never stopped building. His career has been a mix of corporate and startup ventures that have shaped his perspective on marketing and leadership. Now he's the managing director of Pioneer Square Labs, a startup studio and venture capital fund. He draws on the experience of raising millions of dollars during his career to share what he's learned about selling, fundraising, and shipping new projects. He also opens up about how he regained his confidence after a failure and why you should always have a side project.

Behind His Brilliance: Great advice and being given opportunities

Say hi to T.A. on Twitter: @tamccann

230 The Purpose and Power of Living Eulogies Jun 09, 2022

In this solo episode, Lisa describes the why, what and how of living eulogies - inspiring personal tributes offered to people who are still alive.

Going beyond special occasions and milestones, Lisa inspires you to start creating living eulogies for the special people in your life.

229 Chris Hutchins on Creating an Interesting Career Fueled by Curiosity Jun 02, 2022

Chris Hutchins has lived many lives in his short time on earth. His adventures have been fueled by curiousity and acceptance of uncertainty. From startup experiments to traveling the world for 8 months to using hacks to optimize his life, Chris' open mind and willingness to learn has taken him to fascinating places. In this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on the twists and turns of the journey, the hardest won lessons, and his perspective on creating more personal satisfaction in work and life.

Behind His Brilliance: Being comfortable learning in real time

Say hi to Chris on Twitter: @hutchins

228 Nina Westbrook on Boundaries, Grief, and Redefining Self-Care May 26, 2022

Nina Westbrook is a trained marriage and family therapist and the founder of Bene, a digital platform offering wellness workshops and inspiration to help you embrace self-care, personal growth, and learning. Nina is also a mom of 3 and the wife of NBA all star Russell Westbrook. This conversation unpacks how Nina navigates change, her perspective on modern self-care, and her best advice for sustaining mental health.

Behind Her Brilliance: Her Parents

Say hi to Nina on Twitter: @ninawestbrook

Follow Bene on Instagram: @benexnina

Check Out Nina's Teachable Workshop: benebynina.teachable.com/

227 Justin Welsh on Designing A Values-Driven Career May 19, 2022

What would inspire you to reach the peak in your career then decide to scale a different mountain? Burnout. Justin Welsh went from making it rain at tech startups to going out on his own as a consultant. With the future unknown, he wrote his way to a 7 figure personal brand that allows him to spend his time on things he cares about and have an impact on thousands of professionals. In this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on a journey littered with setbacks and shares how he turned each failure into a launching pad for his next success.

Behind His Brilliance: A big stroke of luck

Say hi to Justin on Twitter: @justinSaaS

226 Kelly Edwards on Reinvention, Writing, and Recovering from Setbacks May 12, 2022

This is the ultimate reinvention story of a dynamic creative letting her passion guide her from the safety of her executive office to early mornings perfecting her craft as a screenwriter.

After climbing the ranks as an executive in Hollywood, Kelly left it behind to return to her passion of writing. Now she has a producing deal with HBO and decades of hard won wisdom guiding her creative pursuits. During this conversation, Kelly opened up about the highs and lows of her journey as a creative and a woman reinventing herself. Her reflections and strategies are an inspiration no matter your industry or ambitions.

Behind Her Brilliance: Listening

Say hi to Kelly on Twitter: @kellyedwards

225 The Pre and Post Mortems You Didn't Know You Needed May 05, 2022

Lisa offers frameworks and questions for conducting pre-mortems and post-mortems for personal and professional projects.

Find the list of questions at BehindtheBrilliance.com/225preandpostmortems

224 Ryan Allis on How Personal Purpose Creates Professional Profit Apr 28, 2022

Ryan Allis is the founder and former CEO of iContact, the email marketing company that sold for $169 million. After a short-lived stint as an angel investor, Ryan started a social enterprise and then became the Managing Partner of HeartRithm, an algorithmic trading fund that's turning money into good. During this conversation, Ryan opens up about the peaks and valleys of his journey as an entrepreneur, what it means to be a heart-centered leader, and why he's bullish on crypto.

Behind His Brilliance: Loving and supportive parents

Say hi to Ryan on Twitter: @ryanallis

223 Jessie Inchauspé on the Simple Sustainable Ways to Be Well Apr 21, 2022

Jessie Inchauspé brings clarity and levity to the wellness space as a biochemist, researcher, and author. Her Instagram account, @GlucoseGoddess, exploded when she started sharing what she learned about glucose monitoring and managment. Her book, Glucose Revolution, has been called the best practical guide for managing glucose to maximize health and longevity. Even if you don't think you have a glucose "problem," you're almost certainly in the group of people who could stand to improve their overall well-being by taking a more thoughtful approach to nutrition. In this conversation, Jessie offers simple sustainable changes that can have a significant impact on an array of health markers from sleep to energy levels to preventing disease. This is a must listen if you want to be well.

Behind Her Brilliance: Curiosity and a willingness to fail and be wrong

Say hi to Jessie on Instagram: @glucosegoddess

222 Why You Should Use First Principles Thinking + Second Order Consequences Apr 14, 2022

In this solo episode, Lisa outlines two mental models and discusses how they fit together to make decision making easier and more effective.

221 Jonah Berger on How to Be a More Persuasive Communicator Apr 07, 2022

Jonah Berger is an internationally recognized expert in persuasion and change. In addition to being a professor at Wharton, he's written three books that help leaders and innovators create change in their organizations and lives. In this conversation, we discuss Jonah's best advice and the surprising tips that work for being more influential and effective personally and professionally. Whether you're leading a group at work or trying to persuade family members at home, this conversation has proven advice to improve your outcomes.

Behind His Brilliance: Curiosity

Say hi to Jonah on Twitter: @j1berger

220 Comcast Executive Steve White on Climbing the Right Corporate Ladder the Right Way Mar 31, 2022

Steve White went from humble beginnings in the midwest to the C suite of Comcast's West Division. The journey was littered with hard won lessons on leadership and the habits required to create massive success. After driving revenue of nearly $18 billion, he's learned what it takes to achieve organizational success and personal significance. He unveils how he achieved his vision and how you can too.

Behind His Brilliance: Effort and Attitude

Say hi to Steve on Twitter: @stevewhiteinc

219 Q+A: Creating and Sustaining Adult Friendships Mar 24, 2022

BTB listener Michelle asked Lisa's thoughts and personal journey to creating and sustaining healthy friendships.

Lisa opens up about how and why she struggled in this area, what she learned, and the way she created new friendships. She offers thought exercises for evaluating friendships and offers wise reminders.

218 Dr. Erin Westgate on How to Create a Psychologically Rich Life Mar 17, 2022

Dr. Erin C. Westgate holds a Ph.D. in social psychology and uses it as a researcher and assistant professor. Her work explores boredom, inner lives, and thoughts. In this conversation, we turn boring research studies into insight with interesting stories and useful advice. Plus, we explore productive procrastination, the profound thing Erin's changed her mind about recently, and why we should all be pursuing psychological richness over happiness.

Behind Her Brilliance: a family that embraced curiosity

Say hi to Erin on Twitter: @erinwestgate

217 Prince's Creative Director Sam Jennings on Designing Great Work and a Creative Career Mar 10, 2022

Sam Jennings is an accomplished artist and creative director whose credits include megastars like Prince and Pearl Jam. But he's so much more than his collaborations. His thoughtful approach to his work and his artistic integrity is what's led him on creative adventures that pushed boundaries and made waves. In this conversation, he connects the dots and shares the secrets of working with teams of all kinds, staying true to self as an artist, and making a living as a modern creative professional.

Behind His Brilliance: Being Inspired by Other Artists

Say hi to Sam on Twitter: @samjennings

216 Katrina Adams Mar 03, 2022

Katrina Adams has gone from the west side of Chicago to the pinnacles of the tennis world as an athlete, executive, and commentator. Alongside her long list of accomplishments is a long list of lessons learned including how to recover from setbacks, how to perform under pressure, and why it's essential to be self-directed. In this conversation, she shares the gems that have allowed her to go from the the tennis court to the board room successfully.

Behind Her Brilliance: Being Herself

Say hi to Katrina on Twitter: @katadams68

215 Katy Milkman on How to Change Your Habits (For Good) Feb 24, 2022

Katy Milkman turns dense research into usable tactics for daily life. From saving more money to losing weight, Katy's findings and summaries in her bestselling book, How to Change, are woven into this conversation. We explore what to do when motivation wanes, when to create fresh starts for greatest effect, the best approach to building new habits, and more. Behind Her Brilliance: Luck Say hi to Katy on Twitter: @katy_milkman

Season 12 Teaser: Uncharted Territory Feb 24, 2022

Lisa welcomes listeners to Season 12 of the show and offers a peek at what's to come.

Season 11 Recap Mar 25, 2021

Lisa recaps the episodes of Season 11 and shares key takeaways.

213 Mike Maser on surviving cancer, building companies, and finding purpose in life Mar 18, 2021

Mike Maser found himself way up the corporate ladder that was leaning against the wrong wall. He knew he couldn't keep coasting so he took the leap into entrepreneurship. The journey wasn't a smooth one, but it led him to running Big Sky Health, a company using technology to build thoughtful wellness apps. During this conversation, we talked about the good, bad, and harrowing of Mike's journey. He shares hard won wisdom and perspective on re-imaging your life and work to reflect your values.

Say hi to Mike on Twitter or Instagram: @mmaser

212 Dr. Emily Anhalt on Creating and Sustaining Mental Fitness Mar 11, 2021

THE SHOW

Dr. Emily Anhalt is a clinical psychologist, emotional fitness expert, author, and the co-founder of Coa, a a "gym for the mind." On this episode, she talks with Lisa about the strategies and tactics for creating and sustaining mental wellness, how to find a great therapist, the importance of developing sound habits, and much more.

Behind Her Brilliance: A supportive community, hard work in therapy, and a deep belief that everyone is doing the best they can with what they have.

Say hi to Emily on Twitter or Instagram: @DrEmilyAnhalt

--

SPONSORED BY:

On Deck Performative Speaking is an eight-week remote program for ambitious professionals who want to become powerful public speakers. The curriculum combines storytelling frameworks, pop culture and an incredible community to help you become the speaker of your dreams.

Whether you're a founder aiming to paint a compelling vision for investors, an operator looking to take on a leadership role, a creator building their audience or an executive trying to make that next step into the C-suite, ODPS will help you define your personal narrative and use it to communicate your story to the world.

Visit BeOnDeck.com to apply.

210 Kirk Moore on Writing, Working, and Realizing His Potential Feb 25, 2021

Kirk Moore is back to discuss his journey as a writer, his reflections on diversity in entertainment, what he's learned and how he's applied it, the importance of community for writers, why self-care is not negotiable for artists, and much more.

Say hi to Kirk on Twitter and Instagram @KirkWrites79

209 Holley Kholi-Murchison on Charting a Path as a Multihyphenate Feb 18, 2021

The author and multihyphenate sits down to recount her professional journey, what she's learned, and how mutlihyphenates can tell better stories about their work. If you've ever struggled with answering, "Tell me about yourself," you'll love this episode. Holley's candor and clarity provide a useful framework for designing a fulfilling career and telling the right story about it.

Behind Her Brilliance: God + her ancestors + her curiosity

Say hi to Holley on Twitter @HolleyMurchison and Instagram @holleymmurchison

208 Ayesha Selden on Wealth Building Her Way Feb 11, 2021

Financial advisor and real estate investor Ayesha Selden joins Lisa to unpack her journey from humble beginnings in Philadelphia to financial independence. Ayesha brings candor and humor to this conversation that's filled with timeless wisdom and hard won insight.

Behind Her Brilliance: Persistence and discipline

Say hi to Ayesha on Twitter and Instagram: @AyeshaSelden

207 Designing Your Internal Scorecard Feb 04, 2021

Lisa shares why internal scorecards are important and how to design them. This is a short, inspiring blueprint on keeping yourself accountable and consistently leveling up.

206 Tamar Blue on the Art and Science of Mental Wellness Jan 28, 2021

This episode is a deep dive into mental health and how we can find greater peace and purpose, even as we face a complicated new normal during and after the global pandemic. The founder and CEO of Mental Happy, Tamar Blue, drops in to share her journey as a founder and offer perspective on cultivating mental well-being in every season.

Behind Her Brilliance: Her intuitive nature

Say hi to Tamar on Twitter: @TuhmarBlue

205 Esosa Edosomwan on Designing Life for Wellness Jan 14, 2021

This episode blends the theory of wellness with the practical application to provide inspiring perspective on enhancing your physical health. Nutrition specialist and behavior coach Esosa Edosomwan (aka The Raw Girl) deep dives into the design of modern wellness and health habits that work.

Behind Her Brilliance: A commitment to using all of her talents

Say hi to Esosa on Instagram and Twitter: @TheRawGirl

204 Strategic Life Design for 2021 Jan 07, 2021

Lisa discusses thoughts and questions on life design for 2021 amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the pandemic.

203 Mac Conwell on Hustle, Confidence, and Networking Dec 31, 2020

Mac Conwell is an entrepreneur turned venture capitalist investing in early stage startups. After a roller coaster journey through entrepreneurship, he is an accidental venture capitalist. During this conversation, he shares what he's learned about hustle, networking, confidence, and much more.

Behind His Brilliance: His Parents

Say hi to Mac on Twitter: @macconwell

202 Aaron Hinde on the Highs and Lows of Building an 8 figure Brand Dec 24, 2020

Founder and President of multimillion dollar functional beverage company LIFEAID opens up about his journey, hard won lessons, and the keys to sustaining an 8 figure business during a pandemic. Aaron was remarkably candid about his dark days, the lessons he learned, and how he is finding ways to thrive, even during uncertain times.

Behind His Brilliance: Knowing His Blind Spots

Say hi to Aaron on Twitter and Instagram: @aaronhinde

201 GG Renee Hill on Rethinking Self-Care + Personal Success Dec 17, 2020

GG is a thoughtful and prolific writer, author, and guide for truth seekers. Her work centers on self-care and self-discovery as pathways to self-actualization and personal success. During our conversation, she pulls back the curtain on her own journey and shares rich insight on creating more meaning and purpose in our lives and work.

Behind Her Brilliance: Her Spirituality

Say hi to GG on Instagram + Twitter: @ggreneewrites

Season 11 Intro Dec 15, 2020

Season 11 is here! This season we're going back to basics to talk about health, money, meaning, lifestyle design, and charting the path forward. With so much adversity and change around us in 2020, this season is an inspiring beacon for thriving in the next chapter of our lives.

Season 10 Recap Mar 19, 2020

Lisa recaps the episodes of Season 10.

200 What's Behind Lisa's Brilliance Mar 12, 2020

Lisa answers a frequently asked guest and listener question: what's behind her brilliance?

199 Sam Sokolow on Making a Career out of Passion, Perseverance, and Finding Your Path Mar 05, 2020

Sam Sokolow is the Emmy nominated producer of 'Genius', an anthology drama series on National Geographic. His work in film and television has led to a body of work that reflects his passion and curiosity. In this conversation, Sam unpacks the keys to his success, his reflections on the unexpected twists in his journey, and his advice to the dreamer who's wondering whether it's too late to win (spoiler alert: it's not).

Behind His Brilliance: Perseverance

Say hi to Sam on Instagram: @samsokolow

198 J Michael Straczynski on Career Longevity, Overcoming Creative Blocks, and Diversifying Your Craft Feb 27, 2020

J Michael Straczynski is probably best known as the creator of the sci fi TV series, Babylon 5, in addition to the Marvel Comics, The Amazing Spider-Man, Thor, and Fantastic Four. He's also the pen behind DC Comics' Superman and Wonder Woman. Before becoming a successful screenwriter, Joe battled unfavorable personal circumstances that shaped his grit and tenacity. In this winding conversation, we talk about Joe's life, his work, and how he's found peace in every season of his life.

Behind His Brilliance: Following his holy calling

Say hi to Joe on Twitter: @straczynski

197 Sam Parr Feb 20, 2020

Sam Parr is the founder and CEO of The Hustle, a rapidly growing 8 figure media company that's taken no venture capital. Besides being ambitious and smart, Sam is self-aware and thoughtful about both his professional and personal lives. In this conversation, we talk about his take on building companies, leadership, lifestyle design, mental health, and much more.

Say hi to Sam on Twitter and Instagram: @thesamparr

196 Bill Duke Feb 13, 2020

Bill Duke is among the most accomplished actors in Hollywood with more than 70 credits to his name. Also an accomplished director, he continues to create work that inspires and educates. During this conversation, Bill opens up about his struggles and triumphs and what he's learned about love and longevity.

195 On the Shortness of Life Feb 06, 2020

Lisa shares reflections from Seneca's essay, On the Shortness of Life

194 Emily Nagoski on Sex, Self-Compassion, and Feminine Superpowers Jan 30, 2020

Emily Nagoski is blending research and wisdom as an author, sex educator, and neuropsychologist. She sat down with me to talk about her books, her work, and what she's learned about sex, feminism, and avoiding burnout. This episode is a good listen for women AND men since we're all interconnected.

Behind Her Brilliance: Her Husband

Say hi to Zainab on Instagram: @enagoski

193 Zainab Johnson on Fear, Faith and Being Funny Jan 23, 2020

Zainab Johnson is among the best and brightest standup comedians working today. Her perspective is unique, and her voice is fresh. During this winding chat, Zainab and I talked about how she found her way to comedy, what she's learned from failure, how she handles fear, and the role faith plays in her life. There is funny stories, inspiring gems, and excellent wisdom tucked away in this episode.

Behind Her Brilliance: Her Upbringing + Her Family

Say hi to Zainab on Instagram: @zainabjohnson

192 On Rest, Breaks, and Sabbaticals Jan 16, 2020

Lisa shares 3 illuminating questions and her thoughts on the importance of breaks, rest, and sabbaticals.

191 Nedra Tawwab on Therapy, Boundaries, and Self-Care Jan 09, 2020

Therapist and Speaker Nedra Tawwab has amassed a following of nearly 300,000 on Instagram where she doles out inspiring, useful nuggets of wisdom about mental health, life, and personal development. Her perspectives on boundary setting and healing from past trauma continue to be lauded by followers from all walks of life. Now she's sitting down with me to talk about big mental health ideas, the value of therapy, and her take on what makes healthy relationships work.

Behind Her Brilliance: Being Open + Sharing What She Knows

Say hi to Nedra on Instagram: @nedratawwab

190 Charlie Gilkey on Going from Idea to Done Jan 02, 2020

Charlie Gilkey is a brilliant strategist and author who's written an excellent book titled Start Finishing. The book helps creatives, entrepreneurial types, and professionals finish what they start. The book lays out practical advice for everything from managing project logistics to fending off procrastination. In this chat, Charlie and I talk about how to create work that matters.

Behind His Brilliance: Tenacity and Generosity

Say hi to Charlie on Twitter: @charliegilkey

189 Major Questions for 2020 Dec 26, 2019

Lisa offers illuminating questions in preparation for 2020.

188 Brian Portnoy on Connecting Money + Meaning Dec 19, 2019

Brian is the author of one of my favorite books of 2019 titled, The Geometry of Wealth. Brian's work centers around helping us connect our pursuit and management of money to meaning. This to me makes his work unique because it's not all about stacking as much as you can and it's also not about pretending money doesn't matter. There's an important balance that has to be found if you're going to build wealth AND be happy.

Behind His Brilliance: Curiosity

Say hi to Brian on Instagram: @bportnoy

187 Jessica Nabongo on Taking Risks + Seeing the World Dec 12, 2019

After traveling to every country in the world, Jessica Nabongo joins Lisa to pull back the curtain on her journey from Detroit to Japan to trotting the globe. The dynamic entrepreneur opens up about her best experiences, why she's not afraid to see the world alone, and how she thinks about her purpose as a visible leader charting new territory.

Behind Her Brilliance: Confidence + Authenticity

Say hi to Jessica on Instagram: @thecatchmeifyoucan

Season 9 Recap Apr 25, 2019

Lisa recaps each interview from Season 9 of Behind the Brilliance.

185 Elaine Pagels on Faith, Grief, and Starting New Chapters Apr 18, 2019

Elaine Pagels is a preeminent figure in the theological community. She is a religious historian at Princeton and the author of several books including her recent memoir, Why Religion? During this conversation, Elaine opens up about her winding journey with faith, the lessons she's learned about grief, and how she's remained optimistic through it all.

Behind Her Brilliance: Following what she loves with passion

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB185

184 Vanessa K De Luca on Being Editor in Chief of Your Life and Career Apr 11, 2019

Vanessa K. De Luca is a brilliant and dynamic journalistic force who was the lauded Editor in Chief at ESSENCE magazine...and then she wasn't. With grace and resilience, she's charted a new path for her career and is creating a blueprint for other professionals who want to create lives that are rich with meaning and relevance.

Behind Her Brilliance: The People in Her Life

Say hi to Vanessa on Instagram and Twitter: @vanessa_kdeluca

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB184

183 Mandela SH Dixon on Reinventing Herself and Flipping Failure into Success Apr 04, 2019

Mandela SH Dixon is the founder and CEO of Founder Gym, an online training center for underrepresented founders. During our conversation, we talked about how flipped a talent for teaching into a dynamic career in Silicon Valley.

Behind Her Brilliance: Nature and Nurture

Say hi to Mandela on Instagram @mandelash and Twitter @mandelash

TOPICS COVERED

Mandela's perspective on failures and how to keep moving

Why Mandela started Founder Gym and what she's learned in the process

Mandela's thoughts on starting a company with a romantic partner

How Mandela went from teaching elementary school to empowering hundreds of founders

And much, much more!

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB183

182 On Reinvention Mar 28, 2019

Lisa tees up the final block of Season 9 with a discussion on reinvention, a recurring theme in the forthcoming episodes.

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB182

181 Tipsy Talk Mar 21, 2019

Lisa talks with longtime BTB listener Brandy Lucas about BTB's early days, her religious journey, her fitness regimen, and how her relationship with money has changed over time.

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB181

180 Laura Vanderkam on Productivity, Purpose, and Pleasure Mar 14, 2019

Laura Vanderkam is a prolific author whose TED talk, "How to Gain Control of Your Free Time" has been viewed more than 5 million times. Her books center on productivity and helping readers spend more time on the things they love and less time on the things they don't. During this conversation, she shares what she's learned in researching multiple angles of productivity and time management.

Behind Her Brilliance: Experimentation

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB180

179 Q+A: Taming Impulse Buys Mar 07, 2019

Lisa answers a listener question about taming impulse buys and staying on budget.

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTBQA179

178 Jamila Souffrant on Money, Mindset, and Motivation Feb 28, 2019

Jamila Souffrant is one of the few Black women blazing a trail for herself toward financial independence and documenting the journey along the way. We talked about the nut and bolts of her stacking more than $150,000, rethinking how she designed her life, and setting herself up for the long game.

Behind Her Brilliance: Daring to do what she wants to do

Say hi to Jamila on Twitter @journeytolaunch or follow her on the 'Gram @journeytolaunch

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB178

177 Going Deeper + Leveling Up Feb 21, 2019

This solo episode is the gateway for the next block in Season 9: Going Deeper + Leveling Up.

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB177

176 Jonathan Jackson on Love, Lifestyle Design, and Living Intentionally Feb 15, 2019

Jonathan Jackson is a brilliant thinker. He moves through life with an intentional and authentic nature that makes you curious about how his mind works. He sat with me for this epic 2+ hour conversation to share his reflections on his career, how he makes difficult decisions, what he's learned about love and relationships, and much much more.

Behind His Brilliance: Love + His Village + Curiosity

Say hi to Jonathan on Twitter @Jon_Jackson or follow him on the 'Gram @jon_jackson

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB176

175 Jonathan Jackson on Blackness, Blavity, and Emotional Bravery Feb 14, 2019

Jonathan Jackson is a brilliant thinker. He moves through life with an intentional and authentic nature that makes you curious about how his mind works. He sat with me for this epic 2+ hour conversation to share his reflections on his career, how he makes difficult decisions, what he's learned about love and relationships, and much much more.

Behind His Brilliance: Love + His Village + Curiosity

Say hi to Jonathan on Twitter @Jon_Jackson or follow him on the 'Gram @jon_jackson

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB175176

174 Paul Jarvis on Being a Company of One Feb 07, 2019

Paul Jarvis is back to talk with me about his new book, Company of One, what he's been up to since his last BTB appearance, and other topics like lifestyle design, money, and much more.

Say hi to Paul on Twitter: @pjrvs

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB174

173 Andrea Barrica on Sex, Startups, and Success Jan 31, 2019

Andrea Barrica is the founder of O School, a nonjudgmental resource on all things dating and sex. We talked about how she found herself working in tech, her experience coming out to her Catholic family, and why she started O School. We also talk about the Orgasm Gap (like the pay gap, except for orgasms) and much more.

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB173

172 The Polymath Path Jan 24, 2019

This solo episode offers fresh perspective on crafting a life and career that works for multidisciplinary folks.

Topics Covered:

-Thoughts on envy and what to do with it

-How to choose what to work on

-The path to profitability as a polymath

-Defining success personally

And more

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/PolymathPath

Season 9 Preview Jan 23, 2019

Behind the Brilliance is back! Season 9 kicks off on Thursday, January 24. Listen to this sneak peek of what's to come.

171 Season 8 Recap Sep 20, 2018

In this solo episode, Lisa summarizes the highlights and outstanding conversations from Season 8.

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/Season8Recap

170 Carla Hall on Food, Failure, and Finding the Funny in Life Sep 13, 2018

THE SHOW

Carla Hall is a revelation. I saved my favorite episode of the season for last because her personality is like the last piece of cake that you want to save and savor at the perfect time. In our winding chat, Carla talks about the serendipitous way she came to the culinary world, how she landed on TV, how she cultivated a strong sense of self, what she's learned from failure, and much more.

Behind Her Brilliance: Not taking herself too seriously

Say hi to Carla Hall on Twitter: @carlahall

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB171

169 On Friendship and the Shortness of Life Sep 06, 2018

In this solo episode, Lisa shares her reflections on friendship, a friend's recent passing, and the essay, On the Shortness of Life.

168 Debbie Millman on Designing Her Career and Life Aug 30, 2018

Designer, author, and podcaster Debbie Millman details how she overcame personal adversity to create a career and life that reflects her values. During this winding conversation, we cover pain, process, P. Diddy, and much more.

Behind Her Brilliance: Longing

Say hi to Debbie on Twitter: @debbiemillman

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTBDebbieMillman

167 Q+A: Setting Boundaries Aug 28, 2018

In this solo episode, Lisa answers a listener question about setting boundaries with friends and family.

Say hi to Lisa or ask questions on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook: @LisaNicoleBell

Get tickets for XX here: http://bit.ly/XXcomedy

Episode Sponsor:

Visit LiveFashionable.com and enter code BEHINDTHEBRILLIANCE for 20% off your first order.

http://bit.ly/QABoundaries

166 Jewel Burks on Building A Startup Aug 23, 2018

THE SHOW

Jewel Burks was the founder and CEO of Partpic, a company she sold to Amazon in 2016. During our chat, we talk about what she learned, how she grew, and why winning requires laser focus.

Behind Her Brilliance: God and Her Mom

Say hi to Jewel on Twitter: @jewelmelanie

Get tickets for XX here THE GUEST

JEWEL BURKS |Jewel Burks is an advocate for representation and access in the technology industry. As co-founder of Partpic, a startup designed to streamline the purchase of maintenance and repair parts using computer vision, Jewel and her team built groundbreaking technology poised to change the way people everywhere locate products. Partpic raised over $2 million in seed funding from notable investors like AOL co-founder, Steve Case, and Comcast Ventures, and integrated its software into mobile apps/websites of large parts distributors and retailers. Partpic was acquired by Amazon in late 2016 and the technology now powers visual search for replacement parts in the Amazon Mobile Shopping app. Currently, Jewel serves as Team Lead for Visual Search at Amazon. In addition to this role, Jewel is a proud board member at Goodie Nation and the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project, and spends much of her free time advising startups and angel investing. Jewel has been featured in notable publications such as Forbes, Wired, TechCrunch, Essence, Glamour, and Business Insider. Prior to founding Partpic, Jewel served in management, enterprise sales, and strategic diversity roles at McMaster-Carr Industrial Supply and Google, Inc. Jewel is a native of Nashville TN, and graduate of Howard University.

TOPICS COVERED

Jewel's early days and path into tech

How Jewel adjusted to the culture shock of Silicon Valley

The brilliant way Jewel discovered the idea for Partpic

Lessons Jewel learned raising $2 million

The aftermath of selling a company

And more!

STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Jewel Burks

Excuses Be Gone (Lisa Likes)

The Four Agreements (Jewel's book pick)

Start With Why (Jewel's book pick)

Get tickets for XX here

165 Failing Forward Aug 16, 2018

Lisa shares 6 thoughts on failing forward, defining success, and staying sane as you level up.

Topics Covered:

The functionality of failure

Defining success in clear, personal terms

Being kind to yourself when you fail

Success as a numbers game

And more

This episode is sponsored by ABLE. Visit livefashionable.com and enter code BEHINDTHEBRILLIANCE for 20% off your first order.

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB165

164 Barrett Ward on Sustainable Fashion and Socially Conscious Business Aug 09, 2018

THE SHOW

Barrett Ward is the founder and CEO of ABLE, a lifestyle brand focused on ending generational poverty by working with women who have often overcome extraordinary circumstances. We manufacture directly in the communities we wish to impact, both locally and globally, creating jobs and ending the cycle of charity dependency.

Behind His Brilliance: Surrounding himself with strong mentors

Say hi to Barrett on Instagram: @barrettward

THE GUEST

BARRETT WARD | Leading a fashion lifestyle brand might be an unlikely role for someone self-described as "not a fashion guy," but that's exactly where ABLE founder and CEO Barrett Ward finds himself. As the visionary behind the rapidly growing Nashville-based company disrupting the fashion industry with a social conscience, Ward was inspired to start ABLE with the mission of creating sustainable business opportunities for women. While living in Ethiopia, Ward and wife Rachel saw firsthand how extreme poverty forced many young women to make difficult choices for money. They wanted to give women the chance to earn a living with dignity. In 2010, they began ABLE by employing women who had overcome the sex industry to make handmade scarves. ABLE has since grown into a lifestyle brand carrying beautiful leather bags, jewelry, denim, apparel, and shoes with a primary focus on empowering disadvantaged women. Now, the company employs more than 300 women in Ethiopia, Peru, Mexico, and Nashville – home of ABLE's Headquarters and Flagship store. As fans of ABLE's classic styles grow, Ward ensures he and his team always remember why ABLE was founded: to provide opportunities to women who have overcome some of life's most challenging obstacles.

TOPICS COVERED

The origin story of ABLE in Ethiopia

The problems with poverty tourism

How Barrett is reimagining social entrepreneurship

How ABLE measures its impact around the world

Fast fashion and why you should be more mindful about what you buy

What Barrett has learned about leadership

And more!

STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

ABLE (use code BEHINDTHEBRILLIANCE for 20% off)

The True Cost (fast fashion documentary)

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (Barrett's book pick)

Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn (Barrett's book pick)

Devil in the White City by Erik Larson (Barrett's book pick)

SHOW NOTES: http://bit.ly/BTBBarrettWard

163 Joi Chaney on Politics, Pay Parity, and Productivity Aug 02, 2018

THE SHOW

Joi Chaney is the executive director and campaign manager for Equal Pay Today, an organization that works in coalition to close the gender wage gap across the United States. In this conversation, Joi reflects on her storied career and offers sage advice on pay parity, productivity, advocacy, and much more.

Behind Her Brilliance: Her Mom

Say hi to Joi on Twitter

TOPICS COVERED

Joi's early days and path into politics

How and why Joi worked with Planned Parenthood

Joi's role in the movement for pay parity and her work with Equal Pay Today

Joi's advice for being a good ally

How the social contract affects pay parity for women

Joi's advice on advocating for yourself at work

Joi's thoughts on productivity, perfection, and people pleasing

And more!

SHOW NOTES: http://bit.ly/BTBJoiChaney

162 Rainbow Barris on Medicine, Motherhood, and Marriage Jul 26, 2018

THE SHOW

Rainbow Barris is the real life inspiration for the fictional character "Rainbow" on the hit ABC comedy, Blackish. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about her reflections on medicine, marriage, motherhood, and making the most of life at every stage.

Behind Her Brilliance: Self-Awareness

Say hi to Rainbow on Instagram

TOPICS COVERED

Rainbow's path through medicine, marriage, and motherhood

How Rainbow became the inspiration for a fictional TV character

Rainbow's approach to staying sane and focused while raising 6 kids

How Rainbow's transition from doctor to author manifested

Rainbow's reflections on what makes relationships work after 2 decades of marriage

And more!

SHOW NOTES: http://bit.ly/BTB162

161 Lisa Feldman Barrett on How Emotions Are Made Jul 19, 2018

THE SHOW

Lisa Feldman Barrett is the author of 'How Emotions Are Made' and a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University with an appointment at Harvard Medical School. In this conversation, we talk about Lisa's book and what she's learned about how emotions are made, how we can be happier and healthier by understanding how our emotions work, and the myths about the mind and emotions.

Behind Her Brilliance: Tenacity + The People in Her Life

Say hi to Lisa on Twitter

TOPICS COVERED

Lisa's path from a working poor family to academic researcher

How Lisa overcame failure and setbacks (including 8 failed experiments and a failed dissertation proposal)

How emotions are constructed

What emotional granularity is and why you should develop it

How emotions and the perceptions associated of emotional expression tie into healthcare, education, and the legal system

How "bitches" become leaders

The practical uses of emotional intelligence

Myths about the way our brains and emotions work

How to turn the dial down on intense emotions

Distinguishing between discomfort and distress (and why it matters)

The simple things you can do to develop more emotional control

And more!

SHOW NOTES: http://bit.ly/BTB161

160 Benjamin Spall on Designing the Perfect Morning Routine Jul 12, 2018

THE SHOW

Benjamin Spall is the founder of MyMorningRoutine.com and the co-author of the book, My Morning Routine, which was chosen as one of Amazon's best business books of 2018, one of the Financial Times books of the month, and one of Business Insider's best business books to read this summer. In our conversation, we dissect morning routines, productivity hacks, and other perspectives on starting the day off right.

Behind His Brilliance: Side Projects

Say hi to Benjamin on Twitter

TOPICS COVERED

How and why Benjamin cofounded MyMorningRoutine.com

How Benjamin developed a mediation practice (and his favorite app for it)

Why what you do after meditation is important

The best observations from the dozens of people interviewed in My Morning Routine

How self-care fits into a well-crafted morning routine

Why journaling might be the missing piece to your morning routine

How and why you should create an evening routine to wind down

Ben's take on monotasking and productivity

How side hustles lead to serendipity

And more!

SHOW NOTES: http://bit.ly/BTB160

159 Q+A: Defining Success + Personal vs Business Brands Jul 10, 2018

THE SHOW

This solo episode features answers to 2 listener questions: one is about defining success and the other is about separating a personal brand from a business brand.

This episode also includes the announcement of a new partner, ABLE! Check out livefashionable.com and stay tuned this season to hear my interview with the founder and CEO.

For now, get 20% off your first order at livefashionable.com with code BEHINDTHEBRILLIANCE.

SHOW NOTES: http://bit.ly/BTBQA159

158 Jennifer Romolini on Work, Hustle, and Winning for Misfits Jul 05, 2018

THE SHOW

Jennifer Romolini is the former Chief Content Officer for Shondaland.com and the author of Weird in a World That's Not which is a fresh, honest take on traditional career advice. In our conversation, Jennifer gives hope and high fives to the misfits and outsiders with her vulnerable and candid straight talk on how she's found success in her personal and professional life.

Behind Her Brilliance: Grit

Say hi to Jennifer on Twitter

TOPICS COVERED

-Jennifer's path into magazine publishing, writing, and how she's landed her high profile jobs

-Her leap into the startup world and what she learned there

-What Jennifer learned about herself through her marriage and how she and her husband designed a plan that supported their respective careers

-What she learned during the process of writing her book, Weird in a World That's Not

-Jennifer's perspective on networking and why business is personal

-What Jennifer has learned about leadership throughout her career

-and much, much more

SHOW NOTES: http://bit.ly/BTB158

157 Dhonielle Clayton on Devotion to Craft, Pushing Boundaries, and Designing Her Destiny Jun 28, 2018

THE SHOW

Dhonielle Clayton is the New York Times bestselling author of The Belles in addition to being the co-founder of Cake Literary and the COO of the non-profit, We Need Diverse Books. She's a brilliant creative force who is constantly expanding her sense of what's possible. In this episode, we discuss her career path, her artistic sensibilities, and much more.

Behind Her Brilliance: Her Parents

Say hi to Dhonielle on Twitter + Instagram: @brownbookworm

TOPICS COVERED

Dhonielle's early days as a budding book worm

Dhonielle's perspective on the American education system as a former librarian and teacher

How Dhonielle fell in love with travel and how it changed her

Dhonielle's devotion to craft and what she's learned fighting through delays and hard times

Dhonielle's take on having it all and how she designs her life

-and more

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB157

156 Paula Pant on Going from Broke to Financially Independent and Why Time Matters More than Money Jun 21, 2018

THE SHOW

Paula Pant is the founder of AffordAnything.com, an award-winning personal finance website. In this conversation, we talk about how we went from struggling as a journalist to traveling the world to building a portfolio of 8 properties to reach financial independence.

Behind Her Brilliance: Restlessness

TOPICS COVERED

Passive income, financial independence, and how Paula discovered them

How Paula built a real estate portfolio that created financial freedom for her

Paula's early days and how she developed an appetite for travel

Paula's morning routine

What Paula knows about money that most people don't

Paula's perspective on time management

How Paula and her husband make their marriage and working relationship fit together

-and more

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB156

155 Dr. David Burns on Why Therapy Sucks (& How to Make It Better) and Recovering From Perfectionism Jun 14, 2018

THE SHOW

Dr. David Burns is the author of Feeling Good, a seminal work on cognitive behavioral therapy that has sold more than 5 million copies. We talk about the difficulties he faced getting the book published, his advice to listeners interested in therapy, and how he approaches perfectionism, depression, and anxiety with patients.

Behind His Brilliance: Critical Thinking

TOPICS COVERED

-David's path into the mental health field

-The rejection David faced trying to get his bestselling book, Feeling Good, published (a dramatic and inspiring story!)

-Rarely shared advice on how to find a good therapist and how to measure success in therapy

-David's advice for dealing with perfectionism, depression, and anxiety

-David's reflection on a life free from the need to be special

-and much more!

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB155

154 Eli Finkel on What Makes Modern Marriage Thrive Jun 07, 2018

THE SHOW

This episode is one of my favorites. Eli is the first social psychologist who's been on the show, and I thoroughly enjoyed our chat.

Eli Finkel is a social psychology professor who studies interpersonal attraction, marriage, conflict resolution, and how our social relationships influence our goal achievement. Our conversation centers on his brilliant book, The All or Nothing Marriage, and what he's learned about modern marriages and how we can connect with the right partner and thrive in our relationships.

Behind His Brilliance: Proactively avoiding boredom

TOPICS COVERED

-Eli's path into social research and relationship psychology

-Eli's findings on what makes modern marriages successful

-highlights from Eli's book, The All or Nothing Marriage

-happiness as an appropriate (or inappropriate) goal for marriage

-managing expectations in relationships and marriage

-how self-actualization plays into healthy marriages

-destiny belief vs growth belief in relationships

-Eli's "love hacks" birthed from research findings

-and much more!

Say hi to Eli on Twitter: @elijfinkel

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB154

153 Birthday Likes + Lessons Jun 06, 2018

THE SHOW

This is a bonus solo episode with the (sometimes) annual birthday recap of what I learned from the past year and what lit me up.

TOPICS COVERED

-books and TV Lisa loved

-a random unprompted rave about cauliflower rice

-6 lessons from the past year on saying no, killing ego, productive patience, sexy pajamas, friendship, and more

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB153

STUFF MENTIONED

BoJack Horseman

Catastrophe

The World's Most Extraordinary Homes

Cauliflower rice

Cauliflower pizza crust

Hell yeah or no (video)

How Emotions Are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

Unbought and Unbossed by Shirley Chisholm

Principles by Ray Dalio

Night Shift (iOS)

Flux

Butter & Nectar pillowcases

Dr. Breus (The Sleep Doctor) on Behind the Brilliance

Essential oil for sleep

Good Night Sleep Improving LED light bulbs

152 Deesha Dyer on Her Journey from Hip Hop Journalism in Philly to the Obama White House May 31, 2018

The Show This is a breathtaking underdog and reinvention story. Perhaps the most remarkable I've heard on Behind the Brilliance. Deesha shares her journey from boarding school to dropping out of college because she ran out of money to becoming a White House intern at 30 years old to becoming the Social Secretary under the Obama Administration. She opens up about the imposter syndrome, setbacks, and insecurities she faced, and how she conquered them all.

The Guest Deesha Dyer is a speaker, writer, Creative Event and Strategy consultant, and most notably known as the former Obama Administration Social Secretary. The Philadelphia native became a White House intern at the age of 30 and completed a seven-year tenure there that honed her expertise in event coordination, logistics, protocol, and statecraft. Her storied career is unconventional at best, with themes of reinvention, drive, and a commitment to community service integrated throughout.

In this episode, we cover:

-how Deesha bounced back from setbacks to finish college in her early 30s

-how Deesha went from community activist in Philly to White House Social Secretary (it's an epic tale)

-Deesha's favorite travel memory from traveling the world with the President

-Deesha's secrets for throwing a great party

-how Deesha conquered Imposter Syndrome

-the nonprofit Deesha started, Be Girl World

-and much more!

Say hi to Deesha on Twitter: @deeshadyer

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB152

151 Amy Morin on Things Mentally Tough People Don't Do May 24, 2018

Amy Morin was a vibrant twenty-something with a bright future ahead of her when tragedy struck not once, but twice: she lost her mother and her husband in a span of three short years. Refusing to feel sorry for herself, Amy used what she'd learned as a psychotherapist to develop the mental toughness necessary to find peace and push forward to brighter days. She penned the viral article, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do, which became the bestselling book of the same title. Now she's sharing her journey and observations with the masses.

We covered:

-Amy's journey into psychotherapy

-Amy's advice on becoming mentally tough without having a bunch of drama

-how Amy handled losing her mother and husband unexpectedly just 3 years apart

-what Amy's learned about mental toughness and resilience

-Amy's approach to managing anxiety and overwhelm

-and much more!

Say hi to Amy on Twitter: @AmyMorinLCSW

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB151

150 Season 7 Recap Nov 16, 2017

This episode is a recap of Season 7 highlights. The episode features snippets of 7 episodes, some reflections on making your own luck, a little housekeeping, and a freestyle. You're welcome.

Episodes Covered:

135 - AFRICA MIRANDA @africamiranda

136 - DUANE SPIRES @duanespires

141 - KELLY HOEY @jkhoey

142 - RODERICK COX @rcoxmaestro

146 - LUCHINA FISHER @luchina

148 - TONYA RAPLEY @myfabfinance

149 - LISA CONGDON @lisacongdon

149 Lisa Congdon on Reinventing Yourself and Melding Commerce and Creativity Nov 09, 2017

Lisa Congdon's brilliance in her courage, dedication, and willingness to take calculated risks. After leaving her elementary school and nonprofit careers at 40, she become a self-taught artist. Now she manages an empire of passive and active income that spans e-commerce, books, teaching, and more. In this conversation, she pulls back the curtain on her path to profitability, her thoughts on thriving as an artist, and why she feels grit matters more than talent.

We covered:

-how Lisa went from teacher and nonprofit pro to self-taught thriving artist

-Lisa's approach to building a devoted following that threw money at her before she was ready

-how Lisa managed the transition from steady paycheck to income uncertainty

-Lisa's thoughts on imposter syndrome, confidence, and managing insecurities

-Lisa's approach to risk-taking, negotiation, and time management

-and much more!

Say hi to Lisa on Twitter + Instagram: @lisacongdon

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB149

148 Tonya Rapley on Managing Money, Starting Over, and Winning Your Way Nov 02, 2017

Tonya Rapley is a leading financial educator and the founder of My Fab Finance. She's a dynamic woman who brings a smart and balanced perspective to money matters. Our chat spans way beyond money to include spirituality, starting over, hustle, ego, and much more.

We covered:

-how Tonya found her way from music to money as a career

-money stories: what they are and how to change them

-Tonya's path to overcoming physical and emotional abuse

-advice on setting boundaries with friends and family around money

-Tonya's spiritual journey

-how Tonya made more money working fewer hours

-pride vs ego

-Tonya's advice for starting over and getting started

-and much more!

Say hi to Tonya @myfabfinance on Twitter and Instagram

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB148

147 8 for 2018 Oct 26, 2017

This is a solo episode with 8 musings for 2018. They cover things like celebrating wins, clearing clutter, and other important stuff. As always, my shenanigans are sprinkled throughout. Let me know what you thought of this episode! @LisaNicoleBell

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB147

146 Luchina Fisher on Not Staying In Your Lane, Saying Yes, and Reproductive Rights Oct 19, 2017

Luchina Fisher is an award-winning writer, director, and producer. Her latest film, Birthright, challenges the war on reproductive rights in America. As an accomplished artist and dynamic woman, Luchina shares hard-won wisdom and reflections on a wide range of topics including:

-her early days as a writer

-how she ended up living with Gladys Knight

-why she doesn't believe in staying in her lane

-her experience working with music legend BB King

-how her latest film, Birthright, came to be

-the attack on women's reproductive rights in the US

-and much more

Say hi to Luchina on Twitter: @Luchina

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB146

145 Q+A: Political Activism + Social Justice Oct 19, 2017

A listener from Twitter asked whether I felt a responsibility to use my platform good. I answered. In detail.

Black women are centered and I share my thoughts on protests, converting points of view, economic empowerment, and much more.

145 Q+A: Political Activism + Social Justice Oct 19, 2017

A listener from Twitter asked whether I felt a responsibility to use my platform good. I answered. In detail.

Black women are centered and I share my thoughts on protests, converting points of view, economic empowerment, and much more.

144 Idil Ahmed on Science of the Mind, Spirituality, and Getting Out of Your Own Way Oct 12, 2017

Idil Ahmed has amassed a following of more than 1 million people on Twitter (@idillionaire), Instagram, and Facebook by delivering inspiring and illuminating content. An author, entrepreneur, speaker, and science enthusiast, Idil has made it her life's work to help as many people as possible operate from a place of power and clarity. In this conversation, we talk about her journey, the practical aspects of spirituality, how she turned a growing Twitter account into a 7 figure following, and much more.

We cover:

-how Idil turned her passion into a profitable pursuit

-Idil's early days and how she started her first business

-Idil's thoughts on reconciling science and spirituality

-how the Idillionaire brand came to be and how she grew it

-the inspiration for Idil's book, Get Out of Your Own Way

-Idil's wisdom on forgiving yourself, navigating change, and finding your way forward

-the importance of avoiding comparison

-and much more!

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB144

143 Dr. Michael Breus on The Easy Way to Better Sleep Oct 05, 2017

Dr. Michael Breus is the leading authority on sleep in the United States. He is a clinical psychologist and one of 163 psychologists in the world with his credentials and distinctions related to sleep disorders. In this fast paced conversation, I bombard him with my burning questions about sleep, coffee, alcohol, travel, beauty and all of the other random things we all need to understand about sleep and how it affects our bodies.

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB143

142 Roderick Cox on Commitment to Craft and Artistic Excellence Sep 28, 2017

Roderick Cox is just one of a handful of African-American conductors in the world. He is currently the associate conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra and has gained national attention for his outstanding talent. During this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on his process, his dedication to his craft, the hard lessons he's learned about excellence, and much more.

We cover:

-how Roderick got his start in music

-the mental and emotional aspects of performance excellence

-Roderick's thoughts on the sacrifices and commitment necessary to thrive at a craft

-how Roderick manages his insecurities

-Roderick's lessons learned on discipline

-Roderick's daily routine

-advice to classical music newbies

-and much more!

141 Kelly Hoey on Making Connections and Making Leaps Sep 21, 2017

Kelly Hoey is an author, speaker, and angel investor. Her book, Build Your Dream Network, is a guide for making modern career connections that power a career you love. Whether you're an indie artist or a high powered C level exec, Kelly's advice is useful.

In this conversation, we cover:

-Why Kelly decided to start going after equity instead of paychecks (and you should too)

-How the New York Times engagement announcements became part of Kelly's networking strategy

-Why you should never ask anyone to mentor you

-Kelly's networking advice for introverts

-How Kelly made the leap from corporate attorney to author, speaker and investor

-Why curiosity and side projects are essential to a great career

-and much more!

140 A'Lelia Bundles on Madam CJ Walker + Starting Late and Still Winning Sep 14, 2017

A'Lelia Bundles is a four time author, public speaker, journalist, and television producer. Her Madam CJ Walker biography On Her Own Ground is being produced for TV by Octavia Spencer and LeBron James. We talk about A'Lelia's dynamic career, her approach to decision making, and the lessons she learned from the first self-made American woman millionaire - her great-great-grandmother, Madam CJ Walker.

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB140

139 Angela Nissel on Turning Being Broke into a Brilliant Career Sep 07, 2017

Angela Nissel is the bestselling author of The Broke Diaries, a television writer, and all around dope and funny woman. We talk about her varied and fascinating career, the best lessons she's learned, and why she'd rather have money than fame.

We cover a lot of topics including:

-Angela's experience co-founding Okay Player with Questlove (and the funny story of how they met)

-Angela's book, The Broke Diaries, and how her relationship with money has changed since then

-the value of surrender in life and work

-the illusions of "success" and why Angela prefers money to fame

-the valuable lesson Angela learned after her appearance on Oprah's talk show

-finding your way to "work/life balance" as a creative

-and much more!

Say hi to Angela on Twitter + Instagram: @angelanissel

138 Big Questions Aug 31, 2017

This episode is a short and sweet compilation of questions. They'll challenge you, inspire you, and make you think. Journal about them, discuss them with friends, or just think on them. They're the perfect way to prepare for 2018.

PLUS! I share deets on the first digital download, Higher Concerns. It's available now at HigherConcerns.com or BehindtheBrilliance.com. Use the code "BTB" to get $5 off.

Let me know what you thought about these questions - I'm @LisaNicoleBell on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

137 Rachel Hill on Making Passion Profitable, Conquering Depression, and Gamifying Marketing Aug 24, 2017

Rachel Hill is a former corporate superstar turned wanderlust warrior. She left a 6 figure salary at a Fortune 50 company to backpack through Asia. She's been traveling ever since. Now she runs RachelTravels.com, a travel blog and business that delivers useful and inspiring advice on traveling the world...or your own backyard.

Topics Covered:

-how Rachel discovered she was depressed and what she did about it

-how and why Rachel took off for Southeast Asia with a backpack and a dream

-how Rachel turned her passion into a profitable pursuit

-Rachel's thoughts on travel bucket lists, her favorite countries, and her advice to newbie travelers

-Rachel's secrets to traveling in style without breaking the bank

-what Rachel has learned about business and her approach to the gamification of marketing

-how Rachel fails forward

-and much more!

Say hi to Rachel on Twitter or Instagram

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB137

136 Duane Spires on Turning $5 into a Multimillion Dollar Empire Aug 17, 2017

Duane Spires is a serial entrepreneur who brings passion and enthusiasm to everything he does. We covered a LOT in this episode including the details of his journey to building multiple $1M+ businesses, his take on dealing with setbacks, how he handled friends who didn't support his wins, and much more.

This conversation covers:

-how Duane turned a $5 loan from his mom into an empire (and later hired her full time to be on his team)

-how Duane changed his relationship with money after blowing it on ballerific nonsense

-Duane's thoughts on choosing the right spouse when you have big goals

-how Duane's relationships changed after he became successful (and what he did about it)

-Duane's habits that resulted in him creating a $1 million side hustle

-and much more!

135 Africa Miranda on Reinvention, Reality TV, and Real Beauty Aug 10, 2017

Influencer, actress, and entrepreneur Africa Miranda stops by to chat about her journey from a girl with New York City dreams in Alabama to star of Bravo's "The New Atlanta" to dynamic woman birthing a luxury beauty brand.

During this talk, Africa opens about the best and worst parts of her path and shares the secrets to her resilience. We cover a lot of topics including:

-Africa's approach to making big decisions (you'll love her framework and want to steal it for yourself)

-Africa's secrets for creating enviable brand identity (luxury radiates from her new brand)

-The beauty secrets that yield glowing skin and slaytastic hair

-How Africa actively designs a life she loves (with advice you can actually use)

-Africa's reflections on life after reality TV

-Africa's leap from Alabama to New York City and why the move was so important

-and much more!

Say hi to Africa on Instagram and Twitter : @africamiranda

Rate the show on iTunes and share it with somebody who can use a shot of funny inspiration.

Get show notes at www.behindthebrilliance.com

134 Nitasha Tiku on Managing Envy, Orgasmic Meditation + Tech Journalism Aug 03, 2017

Nitasha Tiku is a senior technology writer for WIRED. Her past work includes writing for Gawker, BuzzFeed, Inc, and The Verge. During this chat, we cover a lot of topics including:

-How Nitasha broke into journalism (and her advice for people who want to break into any creative field)

-Nitasha's observations about founders who do well

-How Nitasha dealt with intense criticism and scrutiny (useful advice included)

-Orgasmic meditation (yes, really)

-Nitasha's advice for slaying the green-eyes jealousy dragon

-and much more!

Say hi to Nitasha on Twitter or Instagram: @nitashatiku

Get show notes at www.behindthebrilliance.com

133 How to Make Your Own Luck Jul 27, 2017

It's the Season 7 kickoff of Behind the Brilliance!

The cynics say the advice about waking up early, meditating, and all of the other usual stuff is overblown and doesn't account for the role of LUCK in being successful. I agree with them so I decided to devote an episode to ways we can make our own luck.

Some stuff is legitimately beyond our control (like dicks/vaginas, skin color, etc) but there's a lot we can do that makes a difference.

This entire season will be devoted to making luck and hacking happiness. I can't wait for you to hear the conversations.

In the mean time, give this episode a listen. It covers:

-a twist on the conventional advice to "work hard"

-how to find your Prosper Point

-why "hobbies and interests" matter

-a different way of thinking about big goals

-and much more

Let me know if you're making your own luck and what you thought of this episode:

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @lisanicolebell

132 Season 6 Recap May 18, 2017

Season 6 was a solid collection of conversations from an eclectic array of folks including writers, entrepreneurs, actors, and artists. I'm grateful to the amazing guests who generously shared their time and opened up about their experiences and lessons learned. I'm also grateful to you, the listener, for joining me in this special little community of people who want to be, do, and have more as we celebrate what we've got.

I've recapped 7 episodes from Season 6: 108 - Eric Bahn : entrepreneur + investor at 500 Startups 109 - Jamila Daniel : television writer, Star on FOX 111 - Tamara Floyd : blogger turned entrepreneur 115 - Tina Lifford : star on OWN's hit television show Queen Sugar 117 - Damon Young : writer + founder, Very Smart Brothas 121 - Dr. Andrew Newberg : neuroscientist + author of How God Changes Your Brain 128 - Tiffany Dufu : Author of Drop the Ball + Chief Leadership Officer at Levo

Drop a line and let me know what you thought about Season 6! @LisaNicoleBell on Twitter, Facebook + Instagram

Season 7 launches on July 27.

131 Jessica Abel on Creativity, Commerce, and Art as a Service May 11, 2017

My nickname for this show is the Creativity Meets Commerce. Jessica has designed systems and processes for her work and offers frameworks for other artists. Her work deals with the hard stuff: staying out of your own way, thinking about the bigger picture of your goals, managing limited time, deciding to charge for your creative work.

During this conversation, we covered a lot of ground on how to get art done even as the artist struggles through the process. Jessica is practical (which I love), and she offers clear, accessible ways of solving common problems for people who want to make things.

Say hi to Jessica and let her know what you thought about our chat: @jccabel

We covered a lot including:

-melding creativity and commerce

-what idea debt is and how to eliminate it

-time management advice that works for creative types

-redefining "marketing" for people who hate salesy stuff

-art as a service

-overcoming dark times in the middle of a project

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB131

130 Felecia Hatcher on Reinventing Yourself, Delegating, and Effective Time Management May 04, 2017

Felecia Hatcher is a White House Award-Winning Entrepreneur, Globally Sought after Speaker and Author who works to rid communities of innovation deserts and creates cool books, products and courses to help Start-Ups, Creatives and Broke Entrepreneurs follow their most epic dreams.

In this conversation, we talk about her journey from C student to award-winning entrepreneur. We talk about the $1 million grant she recently received for her latest venture, Code Fever.

We covered a lot including:

-time management hacks

-delegating (Felecia's war stories and advice)

-working with her spouse (and the effect it had on her marriage, spoiler alert: they didn't kill each other)

-the hardest lesson she's learned

-why she advises taking it slow with investors

-and much more

Say hi to Felecia on Twitter and let her know what you thought: @feleciahatcher

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB130

129 More with Less Apr 27, 2017

In the last solo episode of Season 6, I share some thoughts on weaving minimalism into our lives in practical ways. Of course, shenanigans are sprinkled throughout for our mutual amusement.

This episode covers:

-the Fleeing Suitcase exercise

-delaying purchases (aka the Amazon cart for life)

-curating + auditing what we own (and why we should do it regularly)

-the importance of gratitude and celebration

-and more

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB129

128 Tiffany Dufu on Delegating, Dropping the Ball, and Doing Less Apr 20, 2017

My nickname for this episode is the Sanity Show. It's full of fresh ideas and perspective on getting things done with grace, staying sane when you're ambitious, and learning how to leverage relationships to fulfill your personal and professional potential.

Tiffany Dufu is the author of the new book, Drop the Ball. We covered a lot of topics including time management, renegotiating relationships, comparative advantage (and how to use it to your benefit at work and at home), and much more.

Say hi to Tiffany and let her know what you thought about our chat: @tdufu

TOPICS COVERED (partial list)

-how to "find your purpose" and connect it to your daily work

-lessons on delegating effectively

-the importance of renegotiating relationships

-how to apply comparative advantage at home

-how to have critical conversations when you need support

-redefining what it means to be "good" at any given role in your life

-and much more

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB128

127 Q+A: Choosing Values + Business Structures Apr 13, 2017

In the last Q+A episode of Season 6, I answer a question about how I discovered and implemented my system of values and a question about choosing between a lifestyle business and a scalable business.

Topics covered in this episode:

-Why I decided to clarify my values

-The process of choosing and implementing a new values system

-How to troubleshoot faulty values

-How to choose between a lifestyle business and a scalable business

-Why no one is really their "own boss" and why it doesn't matter anyway

-Much more!

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB127

126 Kristi Coulter on Going Dry, Starting Over, and Non-Binary Thinking Apr 06, 2017

Kristi and I had such a good conversation that lasted about 2 hours. We talked about her essay "Enjoli - read it at http://bit.ly/KristiEnjoli,why you're never too old to start over, and much more.

Kristi is a writer and soon-to-be author who penned the (popular and somewhat controversial) essay "Enjoli" on Medium last summer. The response opened a floodgate of reactions from people discussing alcohol consumption, being sober, and how the choice plays into other aspects of life.

After reading the essay earlier this year, I was struck by both Kristi's writing style and her observations about alcohol and what it's done to us culturally.

Even if you don't "think" you have an alcohol problem, this episode is a good reflection on anything we consider to be a detriment or vice to well-being. I've thought deeply about it as it applies to a variety of areas of my life. Maybe you will too.

Say hi to Kristi and let her know what you thought about our chat: @kristiccoulter

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB126

125 Tipsy Talk Part 2: $ + Art Mar 30, 2017

On Part 2 of Tipsy Talk, listener Priscilla asks about sustaining herself as an artist. I shared my experiences, and we covered a lot including:

-why financial literacy is a must for creatives

-high level marketing considerations for artists

-rethinking how much money is "enough"

-why doubling prices is often a great idea

-much more!

Share this episode with friends who are trying to work out the numbers of their ventures and art.

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB125

124 Daniel Crosby on Money + Meaning Mar 24, 2017

This episode is probably in my top 10 favorites of all the BTB episodes because of how practical and important the conversation was. It wasn't until the past couple of years that I stopped obsessing over making more money and started thinking more deeply about what money actually represents in my life. Most so-called finance gurus repeat platitudes about skipping lattes and "saving more" without ever addressing the stuff that really gets in the way of people making the kind of money they want to make and knowing what to do with it when they make it. Daniel and I unpacked all of that and more in this conversation.

We covered a lot of topics relating to money and lifestyle including:

-the amount of money research says is optimal for "happiness"

-why you shouldn't "stay in your lane" when it comes to education and career

-modern considerations for wealth creation

-the reason super smart people get money management wrong

-the connection between money and lifestyle satisfaction

-and much more

Let me + Daniel know what you thought of this episode - did you learn anything interesting?: @danielcrosby @lisanicolebell

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB124

123 Tipsy Talk Part 1: A Listener's Questions for Lisa Mar 16, 2017

In this first part of Tipsy Talk, listener and former guest Tamara turns the mic on me to ask about everything from my cross country move, how I clarified my values, my favorite project from the past and more.

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/TipsyTalk1

122 Amanda Parris on Making Great Art, Managing Imposter Syndrome + More Mar 09, 2017

This conversation is a must-listen for creatives and people who want to make something out of nothing. Amanda is one of the most inspiring creatives I've had on the show. In spite of not having the arts degree, the wealthy family, and whatever else you assume you need to succeed, she found a way to make what she wanted to see. You should too. This episode is a blueprint for creating personal art and a passionate life.

We covered a LOT including:

-how Amanda developed her entrepreneurial muscle as an artist

-how Amanda deals with Imposter Syndrome

-how Amanda manages her responsibilities on TV, radio, and print

-why Amanda believes the right partner is an asset to artists

-the way Amanda learned to surrender and appreciate life's flow

-how to gracefully end friendships

The conversation was honest, inspiring, and funny. Drop me + Amanda a line and let me know what you got from it: @amanda_parris | @lisanicolebell

Show Notes: bit.ly/BTB122

121 Dr. Andrew Newberg on How Meditation + Prayer Change Your Brain Mar 02, 2017

This episode is a spiritual nerd's dream come true. I sat down with Dr. Andrew Newberg (neuroscientist + author of How God Changes Your Brain) to talk about how meditation, prayer, and religion change your brain. As a researcher, he's a pioneer in the neurotheology. We discuss how he got his start, what he's discovered in his research, and how all of these findings apply to people like me and you.

We covered a lot including:

-what the heck "neurotheology" is

-the impact of religion on health and longevity

-Andrew's advice to newbie meditators

-the power of yawning

-the practical value of optimism

-the measurable effects of faith

-and much more

Let me know what you thought of this episode – did you learn anything interesting? I'm @lisanicolebell on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Show Notes: bit.ly/BTB121

120: Q+A - Weight Training, Fave Books, Finding Time to Read Feb 24, 2017

This episode is a Q+A with answers to questions on how and why I weight train, my favorite books of 2016, and how I find time to read.

My answers cover a lot of topics: -why I started weight training -the supplements I use to get results -the benefits of weight training -tactics for transitioning into harder workouts -how I find time to read 20-30 books each year -my favorite titles of 2016 -and much more

SHOW NOTES: http://bit.ly/BTB120

119 Andrea Pippins on Creativity + Minimalism + Fear Feb 17, 2017

This episode is one my favorite kind - one that touches on a wide range of topics with candor and curiosity.

Andrea Pippins is an illustrator (you've seen some of her recent work in the Lenny Letter), designer, author, and generally amazing person.

This conversation was rich with inspiring and funny stories and wisdom.

Here's a sample of what we covered:

-How Andrea got her start as a designer + illustrator

-How Andrea faces her fears

-The serendipitous story of Andrea's book deal

-Andrea's natural hair journey and what inspired her book, I Love My Hair

-the joys and complexities of splitting time between the United States and Sweden

-work/life harmony

-minimalism

-much more

Say hi to Andrea and tell her what you thought of this episode: @andreagpippins

Show notes: bit.ly/BTB119

118 Q+A Meditation, Imposter Syndrome, Working for Free Feb 09, 2017

This episode is a Q+A with answers to questions about how and why I meditate, how I deal with Imposter Syndrome, and whether working for free is a good idea.

My answers cover a lot of topics: -why I started meditating and what I get out of it -the step by step of how I meditate -my favorite meditation apps -what Imposter Syndrome is and what causes it -how I deal with Imposter Syndrome my thoughts on working for free -how leverage unpaid opportunities for career success -why some opportunities are -and much more

Let me know what you thought: @LisaNicoleBell on FB, Twitter, Instagram

117 Damon Young of Very Smart Brothas Feb 02, 2017

This episode is the perfect kickoff to Black History Month. Writer and Very Smart Brothas founder Damon Young (a self-described Professional Black Person) joined me for a funny and fascinating conversation about his journey from basketball star to writer.

Beyond sharing his witty observations, Damon gets personal and talks about how getting married changed his art for the better, why desperation has been useful for his craft, and so much more.

Say hi to Damon and tell him what you thought of this episode: @verysmartbros

Topics Covered:

-The realization Damon had that led him to give up his basketball career (he's still a Pittsburgh hoop legend)

-Why 'Dick and Haiku' is the grandfather of 'Netflix and Chill'

-Damon's stint as a teacher and his made up curriculum

-How Very Smart Brothas was born and how Damon thinks about its growth

-The serendipitous events following the release of Damon's first book

-Damon's advice to aspiring full-time creatives

-How Damon thinks about parenting, being an outsider, and managing his time

-and much more

Hit me up and let me know what you thought of this episode: @LisaNicoleBell

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB117

116 To Don't List Jan 26, 2017

This week's episode is a solo talk on the 11 things we should all stop doing in 2017. A lot of "to do" lists come out near the top of the year, but I decided there were more things we should probably quit than start.

1. Being busy for the sake of being busy (instead of productive)

2. Being lazy / cutting corners

3. Avoiding hard conversations

4. Using outdated definitions of success

5. Catering to the ego

6. Waiting on perfect timing

7. Allowing feelings to be an excuse for bad behavior

8. Flaking on people and things

9. Denying the truth of who we are

10. Hoping goals will just happen

11. Procrastinating unproductively

Drop a line and let me know what you thought of this episode and if it was helpful. @LisaNicolebell

115: Tina Lifford Jan 20, 2017

This show should be titled Hustle and Heart because those are the two things Tina Lifford has in spades.

This conversation tells the story of Tina turning her wishful dream into a thriving career, recovering from major life setbacks, and developing the grit and clarity necessary to courageously live life the way she wants.

From getting fired to buying property to choosing projects, this conversation is an inside look at the mindset and attitude of a dynamic artist.

We covered a LOT including:

-How Tina went from wanting to be an actress to being a sought after, working actress

-The story of how Tina took a generous offer from a colleague and turned it into a personal wealth tool

-Why getting fired can be a gift if you have the right perspective

-How Tina chooses her projects

-How Tina coped with losing her brother, dog, and father within 6 months of each other

-Tina's advice to creatives who want to be wealthy without being controlled by the pursuit of money

-and much, much more!

Say hi to Tina and tell her what you thought of this episode: @tinalifford

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/btb115

114 Q+A: Creating an "Ideal Life" Jan 12, 2017

This week's Q+A episode deals with the topic of creating an "ideal life" and escaping a 9-5. I put ideal life in quotations because I don't believe in absolutes when it comes to figuring your life out. It's heavy lifting, it's hard, and it takes time (and I sure as heck am not a guru).

Still, I do have a lot (I mean, a LOT, no seriously look at how insanely long this episode is...yeah, a lot) of thoughts, observations, and experiences related to the topic so I answered.

Leissan asked: "In your opinion, what is the most graceful way to make that transition? From a 9-5 desk job to doing things that are completely nontraditional. I know everyone has their own path, but hearing your transition and how you took the steps to make your ideal life possible would help me construct mine. I'm at the point would require taking some risks and running into trouble with that as well. How do you gracefully take the risk to make your goals happen?"

My answer covers many topics including managing time, managing money, rethinking priorities, mindset matters, assessing risk, and a lot more.

Take a listen and tell me what you think -- I'm @LisaNicoleBell on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

All of the books mentioned in this episode are in the show notes. Link (case sensitive) below.

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/btb114

113 Alyse Killeen Jan 05, 2017

What does it look like when your perfect career finds you instead of you stressing out about finding it?

My conversation in this episode answers that question. Alyse Killeen is a venture capitalist, founder of City Fellows and Women in Venture, and a smart (and let's be honest, woke) woman who roots for outsiders and underdogs.

In this conversation, Alyse opens up about her path from academia to grad school to venture capital. We discuss her philosophies on investing, inclusion, bro culture, and much more.

My favorite part is near the end when she shares the best advice she's ever received. Lean in when you hear that come up.

Say hi to Alyse and tell her what you thought of this episode: @alysekilleen

Show Notes: bit.ly/BTB113

112 Six in 2016 Dec 29, 2016

To close out the year, Lisa shares the six things she learned and recaps her year. If you're feeling anxiety about 2017, this episode will be a reminder of the good to come. If you're excited about 2017, this will sprinkle more hype on your optimism.

Have a safe and happy New Year!

111 Tamara Floyd Dec 22, 2016

This week's episode delivers a hearty buffet of topics. From selling to sensory deprivation tanks to setting boundaries, we covered a lot.

Tamara Floyd is the founder of Natural Hair Rules, a blog that has become a mainstay among natural hair enthusiasts.

In this conversation, we chat about:

-Tamara's journey from passion project to passionate 6 figure business

-What Tamara learned about the importance of confidence

-How Tamra thinks about hiring and leadership

-Tamara's approach to lifestyle design

-How Tamara discovered she was depressed and what she decided to do about it

-Tamara's first experience in a sensory deprivation tank

-and much more

Say hi Tamara on Instagram and Twitter: @NaturalHairRule

Tell me what you thought about this episode: @LisaNicoleBell

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB111

110 Q+A: Getting Out of a Funk Dec 16, 2016

This is a solo Q+A episode featuring 2 questions from listeners. This episode is long but meaty. I lay out my process for getting out of a funk, how I keep my mental state elevated on a daily basis, and more.

Question 1: As I was on the train this morning and listening to the Kirk Moore episode, I reflected on a meetup I had last night with an established entrepreneur/digital nomad. I rarely vent, especially about things I'd categorize as negative, but I did mention to her that every now and then I feel discouraged. I try not to, but it's sometimes inevitable to compare yourself to someone else. I don't think it's always a bad thing and I usually label it as something to aspire to be/do rather than be jealous. That word makes me cringe. It was crazy that as soon as I figured I'd inquire about that, Kirk began to speak on this topic. Usually I'll get myself together and remind myself why I'm doing what I'm doing, why my journey is unique, and why I can still succeed. I live by the saying "what's for me is for me." Last night my new friend is the one who got me together and gave me all types of encouragement and inspiration. Do you ever become discouraged? If not anymore, when this did happen to you, how did you usually get back on track? Affirmations? Journaling?

Question 2: Do you ever go through funks? If yes, do you have a plan or some type of routine/process you do to help you get out of it? How long did it take you to formulate that process and make it something habitual, rather than just knowing about what you should do, but taking the actual action to do it?

Take a listen and let me know what you thought of this episode!

Twitter, Facbeook, Instagram: @LisaNicoleBell

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTBep110

109 Jamila Daniel Dec 08, 2016

Have you ever felt like you were too old (or too something) to go after a dream?

This week's guest is the talented, smart, and gorgeous Jamila Daniel. After a career in entertainment journalism and a stint working for the Rachel Maddow show, Jamila decided to start all over as an intern (yes, really) to get the job of her dreams: staff writer on a television show.

In this episode, Jamila lets me in on her path to pursuing her passion. We talk about the hard times she had moving to LA (she didn't even know how to drive when she got to the city) and how she had to humble herself to get experience, even when it meant working under people much younger than her.

We also cover a lot of other great topics including dealing with setbacks and dark days, dating in LA, Jamila's approach to her craft, and much more.

It's never too late to pursue your biggest, most passion-inducing dream. Jamila is living proof.

Say hi to Jamila on Twitter and tell her what you thought of this episode: @jamiladaniel

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB109

Lisa Likes: Moonlight

LNB on Twitter: @LisaNicoleBell

108 Eric Bahn Dec 01, 2016

Season 6 is here! We've got a lot of catching up to do. If you want to skip all the hugs, kisses, and housekeeping, jump ahead to about the 20 minute mark to begin this amazing conversation.

What would you do if you came into millions of dollars as a result of something you made or built?

My guest in this episode, Eric Bahn, tells me the story of starting and growing his scrappy startup (including amazing advice on getting things popping when you have no money) and went on to sell it. He and his wife decided to travel the world, but things got dicey after that. You might wonder how somebody who's deemed "rich" could have any issues with work, but Eric opens up about how he ended up taking a job that turned him into a grumpy guy.

There's a lot of other great advice tucked away in this conversation. We cover:

-the important lessons Eric learned during and after the time he sold his company

-"finding time" to work on passion projects AND be with family and friends

-why Eric quit his job at Facebook to work on a startup

-what Eric looks for in founders and startups he invests in (the answer will surprise you)

This episode is among my top 10 because my guest was open and offered tons of excellent advice.

Say hi to Eric on Twitter and tell him what you thought of this episode: @ericbahn

This episode's hashtag is #BTB108

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB108

LNB on Twitter: @LisaNicoleBell

107 Season 5 Recap Oct 13, 2016

I'm closing out this amazing season with my recap of the season's highlight, the three things you should check out during the show's hiatus, and what I'm currently working on.

Recapped episodes:

83 - Colin Wright

88 - The Strangest Secret

93 - Bea Arthur

94 - Christina Jones

96 - Gunnar Lovelace

102 - Kirk Moore

100 - Joyful Ambition

Q+A episodes: 91, 97, 103 || Birthday Episode: 87

As always, thanks for listening. Season 6 drops December 1! In the meantime, subscribe to the show on iTunes and/or sign up for my monthly mashup of funny and inspiring musings at LisaNicoleBell.com.

106 Ben Watkins Oct 06, 2016

This week's guest is writer/producer Ben Watkins who is the creator of the Amazon show, Hand of God. This is one of my favorite episodes ever. Ben was amazingly transparent about his journey and offered up excellent advice on life, work, and creativity.

In this conversation, we cover:

-How Ben got his start in Hollywood

-Ben's thoughts on leadership, creativity, and dealing with tough days

-Ben's leaps from actor to writer to showrunner

-How Ben learned to keep his ego in check

-and much more

This conversation was in depth, meaty, and full of hard won wisdom.

Say hi to Ben and tell him what you think of the episode: @_Benipedia_

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB106

105 Simone Missick Sep 29, 2016

The talented, gorgeous, and inspiring actress Simone Missick joins me to talk about her path from struggle to success as a star on Marvel's Luke Cage series on Netflix.

This conversation is full of inspiring stories, wisdom, and much more. We cover:

-Simone's leap from waiting tables to pursuing her dream

-How Simone kept herself going during the dark times in her career

-Simone's approach to daily motivation and focus

-How Simone got cast in Luke Cage (this story will restore your faith in possibilities)

-Simone's most important life lessons

-and much more!

Say hi to Simone and tell her what you thought on Instagram or Twitter: @simonemissick

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB105

104 Monique Woodard Sep 23, 2016

This week's guest is Monique Woodard, a venture partner at 500 Startups and one of the few black female VCs. During this chat, we talk about her early days, her career in the music business, her path to starting her first company, her dating experiences as a powerful woman, and much more. Monique also serves up excellent advice for current and aspiring founders.

Hit Monique up and say hi! @moniquewoodard

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB104

103 Q+A - Friends Who Match Your Hustle + Feeling Stuck Sep 15, 2016

This week's episode is a Q+A answering questions about how to find new friends once you've overhauled your life and what to do when you feel stuck.

In the first answer, I share my approach to building new personal friendships (and how badly I used to suck at it), how I approach "networking", why values are a pre-req for having great relationships and more.

In the second answer, I share ways I've gotten myself unstuck, the best questions to ask yourself to get to the next level, and why patience is supremely important.

Share your feedback and thoughts with me @LisaNicoleBell

102 Kirk Moore Sep 08, 2016

Super talented writer Kirk Moore stops by to chat with me about his journey from broke to breakthrough as an artist. We talk about his beginnings in Houston, how he honed his craft, and his path to professional writing.

This episode is a must-listen if you've ever questioned whether you were pursuing the right thing, if you find yourself feeling stuck or disappointed by how your path is unfolding or if you plain ol feel like a failure who will never get it together.

Kirk was very transparent and shared the story of how he persevered through setback after setback while sleeping on a friend's couch and eventually found himself working with Academy Award winner John Ridley on ABC's hit show, American Crime.

This is probably one of my top 5 favorite episodes out of the 100+ I've done. Again, if you're building anything of your own (a career, an artistic path, a business, whatever), you'll find lots of gems and wisdom in this conversation.

This episode is really long but really good. Like episode 85 with Willie Jackson, this was just too juicy, inspiring, and funny for me to leave anything out.

Hit Kirk up and say hi and tell him what you thought of this episode: @KirkWrites79

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB102

101 Marlon Nichols Sep 01, 2016

Cross Culture Ventures founder Marlon Nichols joins me to chat about his path from corporate consultant to passionate venture capitalist. We also talk about the traits great founders share, how Marlon thinks about new opportunities, and his advice on pitching.

Say hi to Marlon on Twitter: @marloncnichols

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB101

100: Joyful Ambition Aug 25, 2016

This solo episode deals with how to pursue big ambitions with sanity and joy. I cover a lot of stuff: borrowing from the future, defining success, goals vs milestones, popularity vs purpose, and much more.

It's a dose of real talk, inspiration, and my usual shenanigans sprinkled throughout.

Let me know what you think on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram: @LisaNicoleBell

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB100

099 Doreen Bloch Aug 18, 2016

This week's guest is Doreen Bloch, founder and CEO of Poshly, a data company focused on beauty. Besides being one of my favorite people, Doreen is whip smart, super talented, and very passionate.

During this chat, we covered a lot:

-Doreen's experience growing up in Silicon Valley

-Doreen's thoughts on the American education system

-Tips and wisdom for pitching to investors

-Where the idea for Poshly came from

-How she handles tough times

-and much more!

Say hi to Doreen on Twitter and tell her what you thought of the show: @DoreenBloch

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB099

098 Tiffany Smith-Anoa'i Aug 11, 2016

This week's guest is Tiffany Smith-Anoa'i, EVP of Diversity, Inclusion & Communications at CBS Television. After making a role for herself at Nike, she went on to do PR for comedian Sinbad before landing at CBS and rising through the ranks.

Tiffany is brilliant at advocating for herself and translating her passion into tangible vehicles to get what she wants. We talk about that and much more in this conversation.

TOPICS COVERED (partial list)

-Tiffany's journey from sports journalism intern to EVP at one of the world's largest entertainment companies

-How Tiffany created a role for herself at Nike

-Tiffany's approach to going after she wants and negotiating to get it

-Tiffany's advice to her younger self

-and much more!

Say hi to Tiffany on Twitter: @TSmithAnoai

SHOW NOTES: http://bit.ly/BTB98

097 Q+A: Values Based Filters + Time vs Money Aug 04, 2016

This week's episode is a Q+A answering questions on how I created my values-based filters that I use to make key decisions and why time is more important than money.

There's one more Q+A episode coming up this season so if you have a question, email me at btb@lisanicolebell.com

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB097

096 Gunnar Lovelace Jul 28, 2016

This week's guest is the smart and heart-centered Gunnar Lovelace. He's the co-founder and co-CEO of Thrive Market, an online market offering top-selling healthy brands delivered to your doorstep for wholesale prices. I'm a huge fan of the company and this conversation made me a fan of Gunnar.

If you've ever considered starting a company based on a passion or if you're a current or aspiring leader of any kind, this episode is a must listen. I pull back the curtain on Gunnar's journey as an entrepreneur and big thinker.

We covered a LOT including:

-Gunnar's journey from growing up on a communal farm to running a $100M+ company

-how Gunnar thinks about failure

-how Gunnar chose his cofounders (great advice here if you ever want to start something with another person)

-work/life harmony

-why Gunnar kept pushing after being rejected by 50 venture capital firms (their most recent round was $100M so...yeah)

-and much more!

Let me know what you think of this episode: @LisaNicoleBell

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB96

095 Rosetta Thurman Reloaded Jul 21, 2016

The brilliant life strategist Rosetta Thurman joins me again to catch up on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. As the founder of Happy Black Woman, Rosetta leads a thriving community of women aspiring to be, do, and have the best.

In this chat, we cover a lot...

-how Rosetta thinks about lifestyle design (and why she decided to move to Hawaii)

-Rosetta's approach to romantic relationships as a successful woman

-why Rosetta loves therapy and what she gains from it

-Rosetta's advice to anyone feeling stuck or struggling to make a big transition in life

-the time management habits that keep Rosetta relaxed and productive

-why assistants, housekeepers, and other "fancy" services aren't unrealistic

-the importance of being committed yet flexible with your goals

-And much more!

Let me + Rosetta know what you thought of this episode on Twitter: I'm @LisaNicoleBell and she's @HappyBlackWoman

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB095

094 Christina Jones Jul 15, 2016

This week's guest is the talented Christina Jones. She made the leap from graphic designer to full time writer without a publisher, agent, or a ton of time (she's a mom and wife).

In this convo, we cover a lot of ground:

-how Christina got her start as a writer

-making the leap from amateur to pro at a creative craft

-earning a living as a full time writer

-managing time and energy as a creative

-the calculated risk involved in putting your work out to the public

-being present and authentic as an artist

-marketing considerations for writers and creatives

-and much, much more!

Say hi to Christina on Twitter: @beingmrsjones

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTBChristinaJones

093: Bea Arthur Jul 07, 2016

This week's guest is therapist turned entrepreneur Bea Arthur. The self-proclaimed Beyonce of tech joins me on my virtual couch to talk about a cocktail of topics including:

-Bea's journey as the daughter of Ghanian immigrants

-How Bea found her way as a startup founder

-Being ripped apart on Shark Tank (and how she bounced back)

-Bea's advice to folks who want to do the startup thing

-Why Bea decided to freeze her eggs (I'm curious, she's open, it works)

-Bea's advice to folks dealing with anxiety and depression

-How Bea sees failure

-Why burritos are better than salads sometimes

-And much more!

Get into this episode and let us know what you think!

Bea's Twitter: @BeaArthurLMHC

Lisa's Twitter: @LisaNicoleBell

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB93

092 Paul Jarvis Jun 30, 2016

This episode is a conversation with the smart, heavily tattooed, and awesome Paul Jarvis. Paul started his career as a freelance web designer and then started writing advice for people who wanted to figure out how to balance the business aspects of their creative work. Now he's created software and is continuing to push the boundaries of his work.

In this conversation, we cover:

-How Paul got his start

-How Paul designed his life to reflect what he enjoys most

-Why Paul has pet rats (I know, but stay with us)

-How to differentiate yourself from competition in crowded fields

-How Paul handles critics

-And much more!

Hit Paul up on Twitter @pjrvs to let him know what you think!

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTBPaulJarvis

091 Q+A - Journaling & Unsupportive People Jun 23, 2016

In this solo episode, I answer two listener questions: 1 about my journaling process and another about how to deal with unsupportive family members.

I share a lot of thoughts:

-Why I journal and reasons I think journaling is helpful for everyone no matter what you do professionally

-How I approach journaling (time, location, frequency, etc)

-Benefits of journaling

-Why other people not supporting you is not about you

-The most important part of feeling "supported"

-And more!

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB091

090 Rachel Rodgers Jun 16, 2016

This week's guest is attorney-turned-entrepreneur Rachel Rodgers. After realizing she didn't want to take a traditional path after law school, Rachel launched a virtual office and went on to make a business out of sharing what she knows.

In this conversation, we cover a lot of ground including:

-Why traditional careers don't have to be boring

-How Rachel managed being the breadwinner in her home as an entrepreneur

-How Rachel deals with critics

-Rachel's advice for anyone trying to find their path

-How Rachel bounced back from her darkest time

-And much more!

SHOW NOTES: http://bit.ly/BTB90

Follow Rachel: Twitter/Instagram - @RachRodgersEsq

089 Darrah Brustein Jun 09, 2016

This week's episode is a conversation with founder and superconnector Darrah Brustein. Darrah is the cofounder and CEO of Equitable Payments, and she is the founder of the fast-growing national networking event series, Network Under 40.

In this episode, we talk about Darrah's journey to starting her business, her best advice for networking, and why she doesn't believe in ever being "too busy."

Topics covered:

Why Darrah studied Religion and Italian in college

Why you should travel the world

How Darrah found her path as an entrepreneur

The hard truth about book publishing

Darrah's networking advice (she runs the largest networking event in ATL)

Darrah's approach to time management

And more!

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/DarrahB89

088 The Strangest Secret Jun 02, 2016

This week's episode features one of my favorite recordings - The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale. The recording lays out some compelling ideas about personal development and success. It's an older recording so some of the references are dated, but the core message is timeless. As something I listen to often, I decided it was time for me to share it with you.

This week, Lisa Likes wardrobe capsules. Sometimes my schedule gets stacked and I need to reserve my cognitive space for important decisions. A wardrobe capsule helps me get up and out the door quickly without fussing over what I'll wear. I highly recommend it for busy people looking for extra time.

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTBSecret

087 Birthday Episode 2016 May 26, 2016

This week's episode is the annual birthday episode where I share what I've learned (and remembered) in the past year.

Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTBbirthday

086 Elisa Camahort Page May 19, 2016

This week, Lisa Likes Night Shift, the Apple feature that automatically changes the color of your display to the warmer end of the color spectrum after dark with the intention of helping you get a better night's sleep.

This week's guest is Elisa Camahort Page, cofounder of BlogHer and current executive of SheKnows Media. Elisa shares her journey as a founder and offers her perspective on taking risks, building teams, and much more.

In this conversation, we cover:

-How and why Elisa decided to forgo a steady paycheck to start BlogHer (she went 2 years without a salary!)

-How Elisa approaches risk (and why she believes you should always take them)

-The key lessons Elisa has learned about leadership and creating teams

-Elisa's perspective on the current state of tech for women founders

-Elisa's habits for success

-More

Show notes are available at http://bit.ly/elisacpage

085 Willie Jackson May 13, 2016

This episode starts with a recap of my trip to Egypt. This week, Lisa Likes Global Entry - the trusted traveler program that lets you breeze through customs when you return to the US.

This week's guest is Willie Jackson, an entreprenurial technologist who serves as technology lead for Seth Godin (renown author + marketer) while also running Abernathy Magazine, a digital publication for black men.

In this conversation, we cover a lot of ground:

-transitioning to doing work you love

-how to create a new professional network when you want to make a career leap

-the importance of self-care no matter how busy you are

-developing work habits that support your goals

and much, much more!

This is the longest episode of BTB ever, but it's a worthwhile conversation.

Details on stuff mentioned are in the show notes: http://lisanicolebell.com/behind-brilliance-085-willie-jackson/

Enjoy!

084 Q+A: Dealing w/ Overwhelm + Opportunities May 05, 2016

This week's episode is a Q+A session where I answer a question about dealing with overwhelm and how to manage new opportunities.

This week, Lisa Likes Spider Oak ONE, a super awesome, privacy-enhanced backup system that stores your files on a hard drive and in the cloud for access anytime across multiple devices. A life saver if anything ever happens to your computer.

This episode covers:

-Why "no" is a complete sentence and why "hell yeah or no" is a great place to start

-Values and how they inform a vision, goals, plans, actions, and measuring the return on choices

-Rest + sleep and why they're so necessary (and generally awesome)

-Priming the creative pump

-Productivity: hacks for batching, email, time management, and efficiency

-Assessing costs for an opportunity in terms of time, money, energy, and opportunity cost

-Choosing projects that benefit the greater good

-Aligning opportunities with goals

-FOMO is a mofo (full stop)

-Figuring out what really matters to you and having the opportunities you accept reflect that

Hit me up and let me know what you think of this episode!

Twitter | Facebook

083 Colin Wright Reloaded Apr 28, 2016

It's the Season 5 kickoff of Behind the Brilliance!

On this episode, I intro the season with what you can expect (more great conversations + solo episodes + surprises), how I spent the hiatus (traversing Europe trying not to become the next victim Liam Neeson has to rescue), and more.

This week's guest is the international man of mystery, Colin Wright. He's a writer, full time traveler, and entrepreneur. Colin and I cover a lot: travel, meditation, how he makes money with a non-standard career, relationships, and much more.

Show notes (and the pic of Colin butt naked with the laptop): http://bit.ly/colinreloaded

082 Season 4 Recap Mar 24, 2016

I do recaps at the end of each season to share highlights and interesting tidbits from the most recent batch of shows. This is especially useful to folks who are new to the show and may be overwhelmed with the idea of catching up.

This season's recap ep includes 8 episodes:

Status Anxiety (ep 61)

Roslynn Cobarrubias (ep 64)

Meeting 52 New People: A Social Experiment (ep 68)

Risk + Reward (ep 76)

Erica Nicole (ep 80)

The 2016 To Do List (ep 72)

Lifestyle Design (ep 63)

Uyo Okebie-Eichelberger (ep 75)

If you have time, give these episodes a listen or you can just listen to the recap to get a flavor of the episodes highlights.

Next season will be bigger, better and even more awesome. I'm bringing you a fun and interesting mix of guests, new solo episode topics, and giveaways of things I love. Mark your calendar for April 28, and in the meantime, get caught up on the archive or replay your favorite episodes at www.behindthebrilliance.com.

***SEASON 5 BEGINS APRIL 28!***

081 Q+A: Finding More Time Mar 17, 2016

In this Q+A episode, Lisa answers a listener question about "finding more time" for creative endeavors. Lisa shares her past challenges with managing time and also breaks down her tried and true system for getting things done minus the drama and excuses.

Ahead of her trip to Europe next week, Lisa likes Google Translate.

080 Erica Nicole Mar 10, 2016

Serial entrepreneur Erica Nicole (Founder/CEO of YFS Magazine) joins my virtual couch to dish her secrets on startups, success, and life. During this convo, we cover how Erica grew YFS from a tiny one woman blog to a global leader in inspiring and practical startup information (she literally shared the 5 step process - I can't believe she broke it down for free!), Erica's approach to time management (don't waste her time!), and how to live a life that most resonates with your purpose.

Besides being inspiring and sometimes funny, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to make big leaps, stay true to who you are, and become a winner.

Also, based on one of Erica's comments, I decided that Juvenile should do a remix of Back That Azz Up called Back That Faith Up. You have to listen to get the joke.

More on Erica + show notes at behindthebrilliance.com

079 Q+A Mar 03, 2016

You ask, Lisa answers. This Q+A episode features questions on how to transition into a remote work opportunity, what Lisa thinks of the 4 Hour Workweek, and how to find (and keep) great mentors.

As usual, there are awesome book recommendations and shenanigans sprinkled throughout the episode.

078 Happiness Habits Feb 25, 2016

It's the second month of the year - the time when we start to lose steam and slack. This episode dives into habits - little choices we can make that move us closer to where we want to be. In this episode, Lisa covers gratitude, meditation, progress praise, thinking for a change, and conscious editing. Catch up on past episodes of the show at www.behindthebrilliance.com

077 Maren Kate Donovan Feb 18, 2016

Serial entrepreneur Maren Kate Donovan joins Lisa to chat about Maren's former startup Zirtual (what went wrong and how Maren coped) along with Maren's new venture, The Memento Mori Society.

076 Risk & Reward Feb 11, 2016

Lisa breaks down an approach to taking calculated risks and why you should probably be taking way more risks in life.

075 Uyo Okebie Eichelberger Feb 04, 2016

Lisa interviews entrepreneur Uyo Okebie Eichelberger about her path to success, her approach to lifestyle design, and the reason Burlington Coat Factory is not a dream retail destination.

074 On Purpose Jan 27, 2016

Lisa shares her thoughts on how to discover and live with a sense of purpose.

073 Stoicism for Regular People Jan 22, 2016

Lisa offers her fresh spin on the age old philosophy of Stoicism.

072 The 2016 To Do List Jan 15, 2016

Lisa shares her to do list for 2016 and her new favorite app, Personal Capital.

071 New Year, Do You Jan 07, 2016

In this solo episode, Lisa shares her thoughts on why resolutions suck, how she likes to use the Wheel of Life at the top of the year, and her favorite book recommendations for each key area on the Wheel of Life.

070: Holiday Reading + Year End Reminders Dec 17, 2015

Lisa shares holiday reflections and her best book recommendations for this time of year.

069 Lisa's Favorite Things Dec 10, 2015

Lisa recaps her favorite things from 2015.

068 Meeting 52 New People - A Social Experiment Dec 04, 2015

Lisa recounts her lessons and observations from her social experiment of meeting 52 new people in a calendar year.

067 Mynette Louie Nov 19, 2015

Filmmaker and president of Game Changer Films Mynette Louie joins Lisa to discuss her career path, her thoughts on women in film, and more.

066 Considerations for the New Year Nov 13, 2015

In this solo episode, Lisa share her thoughts on preparing for the year ahead. She also discusses the virtues of TSA Pre and why there should be a Pre for every aspect of life.

065 What I Know For Sure Nov 05, 2015

In this solo episode, Lisa shares the 8 things she knows "for sure" as inspired by Oprah's book titled What I Know For Sure.

064 Roslyn Cobarrubias Oct 27, 2015

Early Myspace employee turned music startup founder (mydiveo.com) Roslyn Cobarrubias joins Lisa to talk lifestyle design, building a career you love, networking, and much more.

063 Lifestyle Design Oct 22, 2015

Lisa riffs on lifestyle design - what it means, how she designed hers, and thoughts on why it's so important.

061 Status Anxiety + Season 4 Kickoff Oct 15, 2015

Season 4 kicks off with a discussion about Lisa's favorite book of 2015, Status Anxiety.

062 Morgan DeBaun Oct 15, 2015

Lisa sets down with cofounder and CEO of Blavity, Morgan DeBaun, to discuss her journey as an entrepreneur, the impact of black Milennial culture, and her approach to getting things done.

060 Season 3 Recap Jul 22, 2015

After a fun and inspiring season, Lisa recaps her favorite episodes and the most profound insights from this season's guests.

059 Brad Feld Jul 16, 2015

Serial entrepreneur turned venture capitalist Brad Feld joins Lisa to chat about his path to success, his approach to conquering depression, and why he loves marathons.

058 Lisa's Favorite Apps Jul 08, 2015

In this solo episode, Lisa shares her top 5 favorite apps plus an honorable mention. During #LisaLikes, she breaks down the struggle and virtue of the hipster vegetable, kale.

057 Elizabeth Saunders Jul 02, 2015

Bestselling author and Harvard Business Review columnist Elizabeth Saunders joins Lisa to chat about her leap from magazine editor to entrepreneur, her philosophy on minimalism, and why time management should be a priority for everyone. Lisa also goes into a random thing about archery and answers a listener question on wins vs losses.

056 Comfort Zones + Failure Jun 25, 2015

Lisa shares her thoughts on the importance of getting (and staying) out of the comfort zone and how failures can serve us.

055 On Manifestation Jun 18, 2015

In this solo episode, Lisa discusses her thoughts on the idea of "manifesting" and shares a personal story on the topic.

054 On Travel Jun 11, 2015

In this solo episode, Lisa discusses her wanderlusty love for travel and offers five reasons you should book your next adventure asap.

053 Franklin Leonard Jun 04, 2015

Franklin Leonard, founder of The Black List and startup advisor, joins Lisa to discuss his path to professional success, his philosophy on fear, and his advice to novices.

052 The Birthday Episode May 29, 2015

In this annual birthday episode, Lisa reflects on the past year of her life and shares some of her best lessons.

051 Books on Books on Books May 22, 2015

In the final book episode, Lisa shares her favorite business and relationship reads. She also drops some of the most unique names ever.

050: Lisa's Top 10 Personal Development Books Part 2 May 16, 2015

Lisa continues her discussion of her favorite personal development books.

049 Lisa's Top 10 Personal Development Book List Part 1 May 07, 2015

Lisa shares her favorite personal development books and shares what she's learned from each.

048 Don't Follow Your Passion Apr 30, 2015

In this solo episode, Lisa discusses her perspective on why "following passion" is bad advice and what dreamers should do instead.

047 Four Traits of Achievers Apr 23, 2015

Lisa breaks down 4 specific traits she's observed in Behind the Brilliance guests and provides thoughts on applying those traits to your life and work.

046 Shara Senderoff Apr 16, 2015

Movie producer and tech startup founder Shara Senderoff sits down with Lisa to discuss her path to founding Career Sushi (formerly known as Intern Sushi) and how she manages to stay sane amidst chaos. She also discusses her philosophy on startups and why Disney movies are blueprints for life.

045 Julie Smolyansky Apr 09, 2015

CEO of Lifeway Kefir Julie Smolyansky joins Lisa to discuss her path to becoming CEO of the company, growing the sales to $130 million, and finding balance among the chaos. We also discuss her work with the UN and her work to end violence against women.

044 Michael Carney Apr 02, 2015

Pando Daily editor and soon to be venture capitalist Michael Carney drops by to discuss his career path, his approach to life, and his observations about entrepreneurship.

043 Evita Castine Mar 25, 2015

Emmy award winning director Evita Castine stops by to discuss her work as a filmmaker, identity, race, creativity, and her approach to overcoming fear.

042: Melinda Emerson Mar 19, 2015

Leading business expert Melinda Emerson kicks her shoes off with Lisa for a candid, funny, and inspiring conversation about her path to becoming the "Small Biz Lady" and successfully building a life and career she loves.

041: Stories Mar 12, 2015

In this solo episode, Lisa shares her perspective on why the stories we tell ourselves are important. She tells a random story about monkeys on a pole, recommend a new book and also shares a framework for rewriting the stories we tell ourselves and others.

040: Transitions Mar 05, 2015

No matter how old or young you are, you have to deal with change and transitions at some point. This week, I discuss Transitions (and how to make them easier) at the request of a couple of listeners.

039: Mara Marini Feb 26, 2015

Actress Mara Marini (Parks & Rec) joins Lisa to chat about her career, why she loves comedy, the annoying parts of dating in LA, and why she credits her family for her brilliance.

038: Defining Success Feb 19, 2015

In this episode, Lisa serves Tony Robbins/Oprah Winfrey love child awesomeness as she discusses the elusive idea of "success" and how to define it in a way that feels authentic and personal. She also shares books she loves on the topic (surprise, surprise) and offers a framework for redefining success.

037: The Remix - Benoni Tagoe Feb 12, 2015

In this episode, previous guest Benoni Tagoe graces my digital sofa again to talk about a mashup of topics including passion vs profit, personal branding, dating, and more.

036: Season 2 Recap Feb 05, 2015

I kick off Season 3 of the show with a recap of the highlights from Season 2 and a special announcement.

035: Fundamentals for 2015 Dec 18, 2014

In this solo episode, I share my thoughts on Amazon's new show, Transparent, and discuss the importance of getting back to basics in preparation for the new year. I cover reading, writing, sweating, connecting, building, and eliminating. And of course, it just wouldn't be me if there weren't book recommendations. #nerdlife

034: Issa Rae Dec 11, 2014

The funny and smart Issa Rae joins me to chat about her path to creating the hit webseries, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl along with her new project, Color Creative. Shenanigans and laughter abound as we discuss personality types, shifts in the entertainment industry, our deep love of The Wire, overcoming insecurities, and why we won't let people pick our brains.

033: Jozanne Marie Dec 04, 2014

Mega talented actress and playwright Jozanne Marie stops by to share her breathtaking story of overcoming poverty and abuse to deliver an award-winning one woman show that's been hailed by the LA Times, the NAACP, and many others.

032: Q+A Nov 27, 2014

In this solo episode, I answer listener questions on multitasking, my favorite books and resource, and finding new friends when you've made a positive life change.

031: Chris Dannen Nov 21, 2014

In this episode, the amazingly smart Chris Dannen (writer for Fast Co, Maxim, Wired + technologist) graced my virtual couch with his thoughts on overcoming personal resistance to achieve goals, unleashing one's inner badass, detaching your identity from your title at work, and tricking yourself into forming good habits.

This is one of my favorite episodes ever. Listen with a pen and pad handy - it's that good.

030: Many ideas. Little time. Tough choices. Nov 13, 2014

Like the bottomless mimosas at a well-done brunch, ideas tend to flow and flow and flow...and flow. Sometimes it's hard to decide what to pursue next. In this solo episode, I share my experience of trying to choose among any given group of ideas and the things I consider before I make moves.

029: Tiny Hinges Nov 06, 2014

In this episode, I share thoughts on habits - the little things that make a big difference in our lives and careers. I also explore ways to form new habits and hack daily routines to make change easier. And of course, I shared a couple of book recs because #nerdlife.

028: Julian Mitchell Oct 30, 2014

In this episode, social media director and editor-at-large for Revolt, Julian Mitchell, talks with me about his career, music, his legacy, and what motivates him. He also explains the impact Ralph Emerson had on his life and shares his philosophy on social media.

027: Detoxing and Joy Oct 23, 2014

In this solo episode, I talk about my recent 3 day cleanse and digital detox. I also dive into what I call the "joy formula", how to create yours, and how I discovered mine. Lots of happy thoughts and inspiration in this episode...kind of like a trip to Target.

026: Envy vs Inspiration Oct 16, 2014

In this solo episode, I share thoughts on the interesting and complicated ways relationships change when one person experiences success. I discuss my experience on getting rid of the green eyed monster (we've all been there) and how to deal with jealousy.

025: Brandi Ford Oct 09, 2014

Actress, writer, and producer Brandi Ford stops by to talk about her HBO award-winning film, Muted. We covered the inspiration behind Muted, dealing with a creative identity crisis, work/life balance as a working mom and wife, and what happens when a West Coast girl discovers the virtues of the South.

024: The Wire, Friends, and Follow Through Oct 02, 2014

In this episode, I share the necessity and urgency of seeing The Wire, a few thoughts on friendships and hand written notes, and the simplest, most effective way to be a game changer.

023: Decluttering Sep 25, 2014

In this episode, Lisa shares her thoughts on the importance of decluttering and streamlining your life. She also shares like a gazillion books, her favorite TED talk and and the 5 areas you should declutter before year end.

022: Dealing with Setbacks Sep 18, 2014

In this episode, Lisa follows up episode 21 with Benoni Tagoe with a discussion on setbacks. She shares her thoughts and experiences with setbacks and how she's overcome them. She also offers book recommendations (surprise, surprise) and shares her thoughts on failure and why ambitious people have to make peace with it.

021: Benoni Tagoe Sep 11, 2014

Creative entrepreneur Benoni Tagoe stops by to pull back the curtain on his success as the creator of The Bizz Plan, the head of business development for Issa Rae Productions and a music industry thought leader. We chat about his work in music, digital entertainment, and business as well as depression, Fifty Shades of Grey, and why there's no future in frontin.

020: Shane Snow Sep 04, 2014

In this episode, entrepreneur, journalist, and author Shane Snow stops by to discuss his body of work, how his company was born, and what he learned while writing Smartcuts. The book analyzes the lives of people and companies that do incredible things in implausibly short time.

Shane and I cover why hard copy books are better than e-readers, what we want to add to our bucket lists, and the virtues of being an independent thinker.

It was awesome.

Time Management Hacks for Super Busy People Aug 28, 2014

In this episode, Lisa shares her best advice on time management and passes on great insight from high profile achievers on how to get more done in less time. She also recommends strategies for feeling less stressed while setting and pursuing big goals.

Overcoming Creative Inertia Aug 21, 2014

In this episode, Lisa shares her advice on dealing with writer's block and creative dilemmas. Based on her experience and that of successful creatives and entrepreneurs she knows, she offers five ways to deal with feelings creatively stuck.

017: Wadooah Wali Aug 14, 2014

Award winning filmmaker and digital media maven Wadooah Wali stops by to talk about her film, Gaze of the Beholder, and give Lisa the scoop on what it took to get the film made. She also talks about her career in PR with companies like Demand Media and Full Screen and also shares her thoughts on the realities of modern storytelling.

016: Victory Boards Aug 08, 2014

Lisa shares her reflections on the Cindy Gallop episode and the #LisaLikes pick, Psychocybernetics. She also shares why victory boards are just as important as vision boards and shares a random story from high school. She also gets all Iyanla towards the end with an inspiring rant about keeping yourself motivated.

15 - Cindy Gallop Jul 31, 2014

Creative entrepreneur Cindy Gallop stops by to share her thoughts on porn, startups, and the importance of taking consistent positive action. We cover her startups - Make Love Not Porn and If We Ran The World along with her philosophy on being a woman over 50 and her advice to other entrepreneurs.

014: Risk vs Regret Jul 25, 2014

Lisa shares her unique perspective on risk vs regret and offers a framework for making risky decisions. She touches on the consequence of not making strategic decisions, the reason other people's opinions don't matter, and the most important reason to take risks.

013: Rebecca Bender Jun 26, 2014

Sex trafficking survivor Rebecca Bender tells the story of how she went from girl next door to sex worker in a matter of months. Between pimps, drugs, and alcohol, Rebecca manages to escape, reinvent herself, and enjoy a new life as a wife and mother. Building on her remarkable resilience, she's now traveling as a speaker and author who is raising awareness about sex trafficking and reshaping what it means to be a modern Christian.

012: Laura Wise Jun 19, 2014

The talented and adventurous Laura Wise is this week's guest who shares her story of spending 18 months in the Phillippines as a missionary. We cover cutlure, the international effects of American media, and the current paradox of black women in entertainment.

11: Pete Chatmon Jun 12, 2014

Filmmaker + entrepreneur Pete Chatmon is the director/producer of multiple films starring top talent including Kerry Washington, Zoe Saldana, and Dorian Missick.

After succesfully producing and directing his first feature film, he went on to create a multimedia company where he works on a wide range of creative projects.

In this episode, he shares his thoughts on his journey into making movies, his thoughts on the new digital landscape, and the most important traits creative people need to be successful.

010: Heidi Durrow Jun 05, 2014

New York Times bestselling author Heidi Durrow shares her story of growing up Danish and African American and sorting out her identity. We also talk about how she landed on the New York Times list after 48 rejections from publishers. Her inspiring story of persistence and commitment to craft offers insight on the resilience necessary to thrive as a creative.

009: Lisa's Birthday episode May 29, 2014

In this abbreviated episode, I share my reflections on the past year of my life and my hard-earned wisdom on taking risks, achievements, and the awkwardness of making friends as an adult.

008: Bunmi Laditan May 22, 2014

Author, humorist, and amazing woman Bunmi Laditan graces Lisa's virtual couch to talk about her journey as a writer and entrepreneur. She shares hard won insight on perserverance, reinventing yourself, and surviving parenthood.

007: Kiel Berry May 15, 2014

Kiel Berry, EVP of Machine Shop, the creative studio of Linkin Park, stops by to share his story as a dynamic thinker using his business acumen on creative endeavors. We explore his journey to building a career he loves, his book Stunt, and his first exposure to ratchet Southern hip hop.

006: Pamela Slim May 08, 2014

Bestselling author, speaker, and coach Pam Slim stops by to share her story of going from nonprofit consultant to successful thought leader. We cover a range of topics including parenthood, authenticity, and figuring out your purpose in life.

005: Michael Starrbury May 01, 2014

Writer Michael Starrbury (The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete) stops by to chat about his life as a writer and his philosophy on a range of issues including class, race, and the creative process.

This is one of my top 5 favorite interviews of all time after talking to more than 150 people throughout my career. Michael is candid, funny, and smart, and the conversation is insightful for anyone hoping to do great work - especially writers.

004: Stacey Ferreira Apr 24, 2014

Stacey Ferreira stopped by to share her story as a game changer and young entrepreneur. She tells the story of how she raised $1 million from Richard Branson and his business partner and then sold the company. She also shares her thoughts on dating as a female entrepreneur.

Episode 003: Rosetta Thurman Apr 08, 2014

Life and business coach Rosetta Thurman graced Lisa's virutal couch to talk about her journey through the non-profit world to entrepreneurship. She discusses the birth of her blog, Happy Black Woman, and offers insight on various topics including location independence (she lives in Hawaii!), love (no cookie cutter relationships here), and personal development.

Episode 002: Marty Neumeier Apr 08, 2014

Marty Neumeier joins Lisa to discuss his career as a designer, thought leader, and entrepreneur. In this episode, you'll hear the story of how Marty met Steve Jobs, how he became an author, and his best advice for creatives.

Behind the Brilliance 001: Colin Wright Apr 08, 2014

Writer, entrepreneur, and international man of mystery Colin Wright sits down with Lisa to discuss lifestyle design, writing, location independence, and why trampolines are better than white picket fences.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected