Second City Works presents "Getting to Yes, And"

Latest Episodes:

Getting to Yes, And… | Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde – ‘We Can Be Brave’ Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

In this engaging conversation, Kelly Leonard speaks with the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde about her experiences as a leader, the nature of courage, and the lessons learned through parenting, grief, and improvisation. They explore the importance of speaking truth to power, the challenges of navigating loss, and the role of risk in personal growth. Budde emphasizes the need for safe spaces for open dialogue and the significance of embracing the journey of life, rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7937282/7937282_2026-01-27-044422.64kmono.mp3

“We learn who we are by telling stories.”

“Stepping up to the plate when you aren’t ready is the price of starting.”

“Our blind spots are dangerous precisely because we can’t see them.”

Second City Works presents “Getting to Yes, And”

Nick Davis – “From Godspell to Second City to Stardom”

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Jeff Cole – ‘Disrupters at the Gate’

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Ron Johnson – The genius who created the Genius Bar

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Roy Schwartz – ‘Simplify’

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Caroline Webb – ‘Leadership Intelligence’

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Getting to Yes, And… | Anne-Laure Le Cunff – ‘Tiny Experiments’ Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Anne-Laure LaCunff discusses her book ‘Tiny Experiments’ and explores the themes of curiosity, purpose, and personal growth. She shares her own awakening experience that led her to question her life choices and emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection and experimentation. The discussion also delves into the dangers of having a singular purpose, the duality of time (Kronos vs. Kairos), and the significance of self-observation in understanding one’s life. Through practical advice and insights, the conversation encourages listeners to approach life with curiosity and openness to change.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7924054/7924054_2026-01-20-044754.64kmono.mp3

“Uncertainty has so much to teach us.”

“Our brain is uncomfortable in the in-betweens.”

“All it takes is the courage to be curious.”

Second City Works presents “Getting to Yes, And”

Nick Davis – “From Godspell to Second City to Stardom”

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Jeff Cole – ‘Disrupters at the Gate’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Ron Johnson – The genius who created the Genius Bar

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Roy Schwartz – ‘Simplify’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Caroline Webb – ‘Leadership Intelligence’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Getting to Yes, And… | Juan Bendana – ‘The Key to Confidence’ Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Kelly interviews Juan Bendana, a speaker and author of ‘Confident by Choice.’ They discuss the impact of early experiences on self-esteem, the importance of building a relationship with fear and discomfort, and how confidence is shaped by our experiences rather than innate traits. Juan shares insights on the confidence cycle, the significance of self-efficacy, and the power of small changes in personal transformation. The conversation emphasizes the role of storytelling, play, and self-compassion in learning and growth, culminating in Juan’s personal ‘Yes, And’ moment that sparked his journey of transformation.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7912807/7912807_2026-01-13-043307.64kmono.mp3

“Confidence is a verb.”

“Most of us speak very harshly to ourselves.”

“The battle for your mind is a precious one.”

Second City Works presents “Getting to Yes, And”

Nick Davis – “From Godspell to Second City to Stardom”

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Jeff Cole – ‘Disrupters at the Gate’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Ron Johnson – The genius who created the Genius Bar

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Roy Schwartz – ‘Simplify’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Caroline Webb – ‘Leadership Intelligence’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Getting to Yes, And… | Tony Wagner – ‘How Education is Failing Our Kids’ Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Kelly connects with Tony Wagner, senior research fellow at the Learning Policy Institute and former codirector of Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Change Leadership Group. They discuss his latest book – co-written with Ulrik Juul Christensen: “Mastery: Why Deeper Learning is Essential in an Age of Distraction.”

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7857992/7857992_2025-12-14-232932.64kmono.mp3

“Practice is an essential element of mastery learning.”

“Time is a poor proxy for learning.”

“Our young people know their education is failing them.”

Second City Works presents “Getting to Yes, And”

Nick Davis – “From Godspell to Second City to Stardom”

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Jeff Cole – ‘Disrupters at the Gate’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Ron Johnson – The genius who created the Genius Bar

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Roy Schwartz – ‘Simplify’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Caroline Webb – ‘Leadership Intelligence’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Getting to Yes, And… | John August – “Scriptnotes” Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

Kelly talks to legendary screenwriter John August (“Big Fish,” “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory,” who co-hosts the “Scriptnotes” podcast with Craig Mazin (“Chernobyl,” “The Last of Us.”). They have a new book: “Scriptnotes: A Book About Screenwriting and Things That Are interesting to Screenwriters.”

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7857988/7857988_2025-12-14-221728.64kmono.mp3

“Be passionate in agreement. Be dispassionate in disagreement.”

“As writers, we are emotional chemists.”

“Every time you sit down and write a screenplay, you’re world-building.”

Getting to Yes, And…| Louis Henry Mitchell – “Behind the Scenes at Sesame Street” Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

Kelly talks to Creative Director of Character Design at Sesame Workshop, Louis Henry Mitchell who has written the book: “Qreative Evolution: The Intimate Practice of Creative Fulfillment Through Guided Self-Education.”

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7857985/7857985_2025-12-14-225625.64kmono.mp3

“Creativity is not limited to one type of creation.”

“You don’t decide your purpose in life; you discover it.”

“Confidence can be lost if it isn’t fed through practice.”

Getting to Yes, And… | Ranjay Gulati – ‘The Science of Courage’ Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

Kelly welcomes Harvard professor Ranjay Gulati back to the podcast to discuss his new book, “How to Be Bold: The Surprising Science of Everyday Courage.”

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7857976/7857976_2025-12-14-224716.64kmono.mp3

“Courage is a learned behavior, not an innate one.”

“Heroes seldom act alone.”

“Sometimes, frankly, we take confidence too far.”

Second City Works presents “Getting to Yes, And”

Nick Davis – “From Godspell to Second City to Stardom”

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Jeff Cole – ‘Disrupters at the Gate’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Ron Johnson – The genius who created the Genius Bar

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Roy Schwartz – ‘Simplify’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Caroline Webb – ‘Leadership Intelligence’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Getting to Yes, And… | Nick Digilio – ‘A Love Letter to Chicago and the Movies’ Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

Kelly connects with longtime film critic Nick Digilio to talk about his new book “40 Years, 40 Films.” They discuss growing up in Chicago, falling in love with movies, and Nick’s start at WGN Radio on the Roy Leonard Show. Then they dig into some of Nick’s favorite movies, such as Albert Brooks’ “Lost in America” and Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Magnolia.”

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7857969/7857969_2025-12-14-211109.64kmono.mp3

“My parents didn’t really enforce rules when it came to media consumption.”

“The movies led to reading, which led to more movies.”

“My love wasn’t limited to horror. I adored comedies, too.”

Second City Works presents “Getting to Yes, And”

Nick Davis – “From Godspell to Second City to Stardom”

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Jeff Cole – ‘Disrupters at the Gate’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Ron Johnson – The genius who created the Genius Bar

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Roy Schwartz – ‘Simplify’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Caroline Webb – ‘Leadership Intelligence’

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Getting to Yes, And.. | Goldie Chan – ‘Personal Branding for Introverts’ Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

In this engaging conversation, Goldie Chan, a brand and storytelling expert, discusses the nuances of introversion, personal branding, and the dynamics between introverts and extroverts. She shares insights from her new book, ‘Personal Branding for Introverts,’ and emphasizes the importance of networking, small talk, and setting expectations in professional environments. Goldie also draws parallels between historical figures like Cleopatra and modern branding strategies, while encouraging listeners to embrace their unique identities and take risks in their careers.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7857965/7857965_2025-12-14-212505.64kmono.mp3

“Community is essential for introverts.”

“Introverts often grow up feeling out of place.”

“Personal branding is not about being someone that you’re not.”