Best Think Fast Talk Smart Podcasts (2025)

1
199. Blunder Pressure: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (3 of 3) 22:45

5d ago22:45

22:45

This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot. Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with plenty of time to prepare what we want to say. But for most of our communication, there’s no time to plan, practice, or perfect — we have to respond in the moment. Spontaneous communication is a part of…

1
Should the U.S. Decouple from China? 53:15

24m ago53:15

53:15

For decades, China has been central for global supply chains and a primary U.S. trade partner, but as China’s influence grows, should the U.S. cut economic ties, or stay engaged? Those in favor of decoupling say it is vital for protecting national security and reducing reliance on China’s supply chains. Those against decoupling argue doing so would…

1
Lessons from the Trenches: Career Branding Good, Bad, and Ugly (SB1673) 1:06:39

2d ago1:06:39

1:06:39

What do zipper injuries, holiday party mishaps, and servant leadership have in common? They’re all part of today’s wide-ranging look at careers—what to do, what not to do, and how to make your next move smarter (and safer). Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug are joined by contributors Sandy Smith, Jesse Cramer, and a few classic career stories fr…

1
Elevate Your Career (with Lorraine K. Lee) SB1673 1:06:19

4d ago1:06:19

1:06:19

How do you stand out in a competitive workplace—without shouting or burning out? In this episode, Joe and OG sit down with Lorraine K. Lee, a sought-after keynote speaker and former LinkedIn and Prezi leader, to dig into the real strategies behind building a career brand that lasts. Lorraine shares what she’s learned from coaching thousands of prof…

1
Art is Like a Shark: Creating a Career in the World of Art with Dr. James Fox, Art Historian and Broadcaster 34:47

3d ago34:47

34:47

Art history isn't just about museums and galleries—it's a gateway to developing crucial professional skills and understanding human creativity across time and cultures. In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett interviews Dr. James Fox, a renowned art historian, broadcaster, and Cambridge Scholar, who shares insights into his diverse …

1
Craft Your Career Brand: Actionable Tips for Influence and Success (SB1672) 1:14:26

6d ago1:14:26

1:14:26

Today’s episode blends career strategy with financial know-how, because who says you can’t build your personal brand and your balance sheet at the same time? Joe Saul-Sehy and OG explore what it really means to shape your professional reputation—from the way you show up in meetings to how you set (and measure) your career goals. Whether you're clim…

1
Was Trump Right to Be Hard on Soft Power in the Middle East? 53:15

7d ago53:15

53:15

The U.S. has long balanced military strength with soft power in the Middle East through agencies like USAID. With the Trump administration reversing these policies, is this a necessary realignment—or a costly retreat? Those against these changes argue this will boost rivals like Iran and China and harm America’s image. Those hailing them argue it’s…

1
Building Wealth Through Every "Era" of Your Life 1:04:30

9d ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Some people master reinvention. They move from one stage of life to the next with confidence, purpose, and an eye on long-term success. What if your financial plan could do the same? In today’s roundtable, Joe is joined by Alyssa Maes, Roger Whitney (The Retirement Answer Man), and OG to talk about what it takes to build wealth that lasts—not just …

1
198. Pause and Effect: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (2 of 3) 25:02

10d ago25:02

25:02

This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot. Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with plenty of time to prepare what we want to say. But for most of our communication, there’s no time to plan, practice, or perfect — we have to respond in the moment. Spontaneous communication is a part of…

1
Harvard Business Review's Kevin Evers on the Genius of Taylor Swift (SB1671) 1:15:56

11d ago1:15:56

1:15:56

What Taylor Swift teaches us about strategy, long-term thinking, and building an empire. Taylor Swift isn’t just a pop icon—she’s a master strategist. And in this episode, we unpack exactly how she built a cultural and financial empire with smart moves that offer powerful lessons for any Stacker. Joe Saul-Sehy sits down with Kevin Evers of Harvard …

1
Could Financial Literacy Change the World? 27:40

11d ago27:40

27:40

Only a third of the global population is financially literate. Why? Because most of us don’t learn the basics of personal finance in school — or elsewhere. Treating financial literacy as an afterthought can have serious consequences, from personal calamities to economic crises, according to Annamaria Lusardi, a professor of finance and the director…

1
197. Prep or Perish: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (1 of 3) 25:12

12d ago25:12

25:12

This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot. Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with plenty of time to prepare what we want to say. But for most of our communication, there’s no time to plan, practice, or perfect — we have to respond in the moment. Spontaneous communication is a part of…

1
Busting Myths About Accountancy with Karl Edge, Chief People Officer and Head of Regions at KPMG UK 32:13

11d ago32:13

32:13

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett interviews Karl Edge, Chief People Officer and Head of Regions at KPMG UK, who shares his 34-year journey from a working-class background to a leadership position at one of the world's leading professional services firms. What You’ll Learn: Why accountancy is far from boring: how it provides a…

1
Money and Business Lessons from the Career of Taylor Swift (and a BIG Roth IRA rule clarified) SB1670 1:14:51

13d ago1:14:51

1:14:51

It’s Taylor Swift week in the basement, and we’re kicking things off by looking at the business behind the beats. Joe, OG, and the gang pull back the curtain on the intentional, savvy moves that took Taylor from breakout teen artist to industry powerhouse—and why her playbook might just work for your financial life, too. We’re talking about more th…

1
Should the U.S. Prioritize Settling Mars? 53:15

15d ago53:15

53:15

NASA, SpaceX, and other private companies are working on plans to make Mars humanity’s next frontier. However, should settling Mars be one of America’s priorities? Those arguing “yes” say the U.S. should do it first before China does, and it would lead to new advances in science and technology. But those against doing so say there are big issues th…

1
Conquering Investment Fears and Risks (SB1669) 1:11:41

16d ago1:11:41

1:11:41

Feeling anxious about where your money’s going? You’re not alone—and you’re not without a plan. In today’s episode, Joe is joined by OG, Mom’s neighbor Doug, and two sharp minds from the personal finance world: Paula Pant from Afford Anything and Dr. Jordan Grumet from Earn and Invest. Together, they take a deep dive into the many faces of investme…

1
How To Smooth Out Your Investing Ride...or not (SB1668) 1:04:21

18d ago1:04:21

1:04:21

Market volatility, overthinking portfolios, and why simple might be smarter. Trade wars. Tariffs. Tumbling markets. When headlines scream and your portfolio wobbles, what’s a Stacker to do? Today, we tackle how to invest confidently during uncertain times—without overcomplicating your strategy or losing sleep. We start by breaking down smart ways t…

1
196. Ditch the Dictionary: Communicate Confidently Through Connection 22:29

19d ago22:29

22:29

Communication isn’t about perfect word choice, it’s about connecting with others. For native speakers and language learners alike, communicating comes with all kinds of challenges. But no matter how much we stumble over our words, Lindsay McMahon says communication isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection. The CEO and founder of All Ears Engl…

1
Let's talk style trends we're glad we DIDN'T buy (spring 2025 trends & more!) 37:50

19d ago37:50

37:50

In this episode, we dive into spring fashion trends—what we love, what we’re skipping, and why. We chat about the return of nautical styles, the surprise comeback of plaid, and the nostalgia of denim skirts. We also share past fashion regrets, tackle tricky styles like peasant skirts and the tennis aesthetic, and reflect on how our personal styles …

1
Special Episode: Tariff Fallout - What Should You Do? 26:44

19d ago26:44

26:44

Tariffs got you sweating? We’ve got the strategy (and the LaCroix) to help you chill. Markets are wobbling, headlines are screaming, and you’re wondering if your portfolio is about to implode. Take a deep breath—and head down to the basement. In this episode, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Mom’s neighbor Doug tackle the turbulence triggered by recent tarif…

1
From Basement Beginnings to Million-Dollar Dreams (with Rudy Mawer) SB1666 1:18:43

20d ago1:18:43

1:18:43

Entrepreneurship, financial anxiety, and a guinea pig (yes, really). When you’ve got a stuffed guinea pig on your desk and a mic in front of you, it’s only a matter of time before you talk about that one time you ate guinea pig in Peru. (Spoiler: It was pretty good.) That’s how we open today’s show—but from there, things get real. Today’s main even…

1
Is Objectivity Essential to Journalism? 53:15

23d ago53:15

53:15

For decades, objectivity has been cited as journalism's gold standard, promising that journalists would stick “to the facts" and deliver both sides of the story, excluding their personal views. Those in support say it builds trust and gives newsreaders the information they need to form their own opinions. Those against say it suppresses certain val…

1
BIG Questions In Finance: Are You IN or OUT? (SB1665) 1:08:33

23d ago1:08:33

1:08:33

Is good debt a myth? Should we all chase FIRE? The basement panel weighs in. In today’s Financial Concepts Friday roundtable, Joe brings the basement crew together for a lively “In or Out” debate on some of the most polarizing personal finance topics out there. Are we in or out on the idea of “good debt”? Do budgets really matter when you’re just s…

1
195. Q&A on Conflict, Confidence, and Connection: Me2We 2025 Part 2 13:15

24d ago13:15

13:15

Stanford experts answer live questions on leadership, authenticity, and communication. What happens when four top Stanford thinkers take live questions from a room full of leaders? In Part 2 of this special Think Fast, Talk Smart series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams and his panel of expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Naomi …

1
Smart Girl Dumb Questions: Is the Future Bleak? 43:26

24d ago43:26

43:26

Today we’re bringing you an episode of Smart Girl Dumb Questions, the new podcast by one of our frequent guest moderators, Nayeema Raza. Nayeema asks the questions we’re all thinking to big thinkers in this new show. It is brimming with curiosity, open-mindedness and a willingness to learn – values we hold dear at Open to Debate. As fertility rates…

1
Top 5 Eye-Roll Financial Tips You Should Ignore SB1664 1:14:08

25d ago1:14:08

1:14:08

Ever been told to buy the biggest house you can afford... to “motivate yourself”? Or to skip insurance because “nothing bad will happen”? Yeah—us too. And we’ve got some thoughts. In this episode, Joe, OG, and Doug break down the Top 5 Worst Financial Tips they’ve ever heard—and more importantly, why taking them seriously could leave your finances …

1
Adapting To Massive Technological Change 25:15

25d ago25:15

25:15

Susan Athey, the Economics of Technology Professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business and founding director of the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab, studies the impact of technological innovations on workers, businesses, and society. Will the world’s economies successfully adapt to a future defined by artificial intelligence? On this episode, A…

1
194. Live Lessons in Levity and Leadership: Me2We 2025 Part 1 32:16

26d ago32:16

32:16

Effective leadership begins with the way you communicate. Leading with impact isn’t about speaking louder—it’s about communicating in ways that resonate with what people already value. In Part 1 of this special two-part series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams brings together four expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Nir Halevy, …

1
The Art of Kintsugi Ceramics: Naoko Fukumaru on Making What’s Broken Beautiful 35:32

26d ago35:32

35:32

Sometimes healing doesn't mean trying to erase the past, but honoring it — cracks and all. In this episode, artist Naoko Fukumaru shares her deeply personal story of transformation through kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery or ceramics with lacquer and gold or silver powder to highlight the fractures and seams. She and host Bria…

1
Is the pursuit of "timeless style" really a trap? 30:13

26d ago30:13

30:13

Is "Timeless" really a thing? Or do we think something is timeless because it is a reflection of the current moment? Today, we are talking about what "timeless" looks like and why it's OK to look back on old outfit photos and cringe! Allison Bornstein's Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@allisonbornstein6/video/7477393311255383327 ----------------- CO…

1
Building a Career Through Trust and Culture with Will Lankston, Managing Director of Timpson Direct 31:25

26d ago31:25

31:25

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Will Lankston, Managing Director of Timpson Direct. What You’ll Learn: How to thrive in an empowering workplace culture built on trust and kindness Why saying "yes" to challenging opportunities accelerates career progression The power of personality-based hiring and why cultural f…

1
Tiffany Aliche on Connections and Financial Wholeness (with a side discussion on recent DoorDash/Klarna news) SB1663 1:13:57

27d ago1:13:57

1:13:57

Is financial literacy missing from your life like that sock you swear went in the dryer? Tiffany Aliche, AKA The Budgetnista, is here to help you find it—minus the lint. She shares her journey to financial wholeness and takes us behind the scenes of her brand-new PBS special. Meanwhile, Joe and OG break down why financial education starts with comm…

1
Think Twice: About Abundance with Derek Thompson 53:15

30d ago53:15

53:15

Reporter and podcaster Derek Thompson says we’re better at recognizing problems, but our ability to solve them has not improved. How can we make sure meaningful progress occurs? In this conversation with Open to Debate guest moderator Nayeema Raza, Thompson will discuss his new book “Abundance,” rethinking yesterday’s issues to address today’s prob…

1
Better Investing Using Horrible Investment Products (SB1662) 1:04:54

1M ago1:04:54

1:04:54

Ever fallen for an investment that seemed like a sure thing... until it wasn’t? You’re not alone. Today, we shine a light on some of the worst investment advice out there—and help you steer clear of it. Joining Joe at the roundtable are: Paula Pant from Afford Anything Jesse Cramer from Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors And Don McDonald, fin…

1
How NOT To Invest: Lessons from Barry Ritholtz SB1661 1:18:29

1M ago1:18:29

1:18:29

Ever wondered how the top financial minds avoid disaster while the rest of us are busy panic-Googling “best investments 2024”? Today, Joe welcomes Barry Ritholtz of Ritholtz Wealth Management down to Mom’s basement for a conversation that flips typical investment advice on its head. It’s not about what to do—it’s about what not to do if you want to…

1
193. Conquer questions: ADDing Value To Your Answers 11:59

1M ago11:59

11:59

Turn Q&A from nerve-wracking to confidence-boosting with strategies for clear, controlled answers. A great presentation doesn’t end with the final slide—it continues through the Q&A, where real engagement happens. Yet, for many speakers, this is the most nerve-wracking part. In this episode, Matt Abrahams explores why Q&A can feel intimidating and …

1
Tiny self-care habits that will transform the way you shop 37:39

1M ago37:39

37:39

In this episode, we dive into how self-care practices tie into our shopping habits. We chat about how fitness impacts what we buy, the importance of self-confidence and trust, and how being more aware can shift our consumption choices. We also talk about gratitude, journaling, and meditation—and how they help us feel more abundant and confident in …

1
10 Ways to Stop Blowing Up Your Investment Portfolio (SB1660) 1:07:12

1M ago1:07:12

1:07:12

What do weddings, wineries, and Whoppers have to do with smart investing? This week, Joe, OG, and Doug kick off the episode with stories from the road—including a surprise credit card confession that somehow involves a Burger King (because of course it does). But then the gang shifts gears and dives into real money talk, breaking down investing wis…

1
Should We Address the Gender Wage Gap? 53:15

1M ago53:15

53:15

American women are, on average, paid 84 cents for every dollar men make, according to the Department of Labor. This wage gap has persisted despite near-record rates of women’s participation in the labor market, with wage gaps even larger for women in minority populations, and it’s estimated that pay parity will not be achieved until 2052. Should po…

1
How Pros Build Motivation Into an Effective Financial Plan (SB1659) 1:04:39

1M ago1:04:39

1:04:39

Ever wonder why some people crush their financial goals while others keep hitting snooze? Today, we’re talking about the secret sauce behind sticking to a financial plan—and no, it’s not just “wanting it more” (though that helps). Joining Joe in the basement is OG, alongside personal finance expert Jesse Kramer from The Best Interest and CFP Dana A…

1
192. Quick Thinks: How to Supersize Your Stories 10:38

1M ago10:38

10:38

How to craft compelling stories that captivate, inspire, and make an impact. Great storytelling isn't just about telling tales—it’s about crafting experiences that captivate, inspire, and drive change. In this special Quick Thinks bonus episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams welcomes bestselling author Dan Heath for a masterclass on the p…

1
Climb Out of Your Rut: Molly Fletcher on Creating Sustainable Motivation (SB1658) 1:21:59

1M ago1:21:59

1:21:59

Ever feel like you're stuck in a rut, spinning your wheels, or just running low on motivation? Today, we crack the code on sustaining drive and avoiding complacency with former sports agent Molly Fletcher, who’s worked with some of the biggest names in sports and has been dubbed the female Jerry Maguire. She breaks down the fine line between conten…

1
Think You Know Yourself? Think Again. 26:09

1M ago26:09

26:09

Brian Lowery, the Walter Kenneth Kilpatrick Professor of Organizational Behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business and the author of Selfless: The Social Creation of You, argues that identity is about much more than external characteristics, family history, or the collection of experiences that compose the chronology of our lives. In fact, Lo…

1
From Medieval Love Songs to Modern Hip-Hop: Marisa Galvez on the Power of Poetry 31:35

1M ago31:35

31:35

What do medieval troubadours and modern rappers have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, Stanford professor of French and Italian, Marisa Galvez joins Brian Lowery to explore how poetry—whether in 12th-century love songs or hip-hop lyrics—has long been a way to express love, power, or identity. Together they discuss how lyrical t…

1
191. Memorable Messages: Choose Words That Capture Attention and Stay Remembered 23:10

1M ago23:10

23:10

How to craft communication that your audience will remember. Why do some messages stick, while others go in one ear and out the other? When it comes to crafting memorable communication, Ada Aka says not all verbiage is created equal. “Certain words are intrinsically more memorable than others,” says Aka, an assistant professor of marketing at Stanf…

1
From Olympic Hopeful to CEO: Rebecca Ajulu-Bushell's Journey of Breaking Barriers 32:13

1M ago32:13

32:13

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Rebecca Ajulu-Bushell, CEO of Ten Thousand Interns Foundation. Join them as they explore: Rebecca's journey from elite swimming to charity leadership The challenges of being a trailblazer in a predominantly white sport Her decision to retire from swimming before the London 2012 Ol…

1
How to Use Process to Create Sustainable Drive (SB1657) 1:07:44

1M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

Ever start a new financial goal feeling unstoppable, only to lose momentum when life gets in the way? Staying motivated isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Today, Joe and OG take a deep dive into Dynamic Drive, the key to keeping your financial momentum going without burnout. We’ll break down the seven essential pillars—mind…

1
UN Efforts in the Middle East: Helping or Hurting? 53:15

1M ago53:15

53:15

UNRWA and other peacekeeping forces in the Middle East play an important role in the Israel-Palestine conflict, but do they do enough? Those saying they help argue that they act as buffers between warring factions, preventing wider regional escalation. Those saying they hurt argue they fail to maintain neutrality. Now we debate: UN Efforts in the M…

1
Yeah, We Overpaid for That (SB1656) 57:43

1M ago57:43

57:43

Ever feel guilty about that $7 airport coffee or the mystery fees that somehow turn your $15 DoorDash order into a $40 financial regret? You’re not alone. This episode, Joe Saul-Sehy is joined by Paula Pant (Afford Anything) and Justin Peters (The Struggle Is Real) to unravel the sneaky ways convenience drains our wallets. In this episode: Airport …

1
The Best Tax Prep Software of 2025 (SB1655) 1:10:05

2M ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Choosing the Best Tax Software for Your Needs Tax season is here—so which software should you trust with your hard-earned Benjamins? Eric Rosenberg from The College Investor joins us to break down the best options, whether you're a side hustler, crypto investor, or just looking for a free filing solution. Will TurboTax take the crown again, or is t…

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