Best Scott Benedict Podcasts (2025)

1
Organizing a labor revival 49:44

Play Pause

6h ago49:44

49:44

We lead-off with Milwaukee Area Labor Council President Pam Fendt to discuss a successful organizing campaign by union workers at the City of Milwaukee to win a Common Council vote to override the Mayor’s budget vetoes, including his effort to scale backe to pay increases for city employees who live in Milwaukee. We connect this worker-led union ef…

1
Ep. 4 - How To Organize Around The Consumer 36:18

2d ago36:18

36:18

Stop treating e‑commerce like an add‑on. We unpack how to rebuild your organization around the way people actually shop—across search, social, marketplace, curbside, and aisle—so strategy, incentives, and execution line up behind one number and one customer. With Lauren Livak Gilbert, Executive Director of the Digital Shelf Institute, we dive into …

1
Retail’s Next Operating System 8:47

2d ago8:47

8:47

Retail is quietly undergoing a structural reset, and the numbers finally make the picture snap into focus. We break down Walmart’s latest results alongside Target, Costco, Kroger, Ahold, and leading players across Europe and Asia to reveal the model that’s defining 2026 and likely the rest of the decade. The signal is clear: omnichannel has become …

1
Teaching Made Human: Piedad Gutiérrez on the Magic of Story 59:56

3d ago59:56

59:56

Piedad Gutiérrez, a veteran Spanish teacher and CI consultant now teaching in Israel, shares her inspiring journey from grammar-heavy lessons to joyful, story-based communication through Comprehensible Input. Want ready-to-use CI lessons, stories, and activities that make language learning effortless? Grab the CI Survival Kit today at https://imim.…

1
Wisconsin populist revival heats up 46:39

6d ago46:39

46:39

We discuss the pathbreaking Utility Rate Cap bill which is currently circulating for co-sponsors in the state legislature. We praise the current co-sponsors and encourage our listeners to reach out to their state legislators today. We expose the continuing perversion of democracy and human decency that finds Speaker Robin Vos unilitarially blocking…

1
How to Thrive, Not Survive, The Holiday Season Financially & Emotionally with Dr. Jennifer Dragonette 51:40

7d ago51:40

51:40

Are you trying to survive, or do you want to thrive this holiday season? I welcome back our resident psychologist, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, to tackle the emotional whirlwind of the year-end holiday season. Both Dr. Jen and I felt it was time to reframe the usual "surviving the holidays" narrative. Instead of just getting through it, we talk about h…

1
How Bridge-Building Questions Cross Divides! | Frank Sesno #58

7d ago

—

"I'm gonna make an appointment with my curiosity." - Frank Sesno Emmy award-winning journalist Frank Sesno shares how curiosity and strategic questioning shaped his four-decade career covering presidents and world leaders as CNN's Washington Bureau Chief and White House correspondent. From a fourth-grade question about astronauts to interviewing fi…

1
How AI Agents Rewire Retail and CPG 4:28

10d ago4:28

4:28

The ground under retail and CPG is shifting from automation to true agency—and the difference is night and day. We unpack how AI agents don’t just summarize dashboards or send alerts; they connect scattered systems, make sense of messy signals, and take action inside real workflows where time, margin, and customer trust are on the line. We walk thr…

1
Episode 12: “Wait, Am I Doing This Right?” — CI Impostor Syndrome 1:17:43

10d ago1:17:43

1:17:43

Feeling like a fraud in your CI classroom? You’re not alone — welcome to CI Impostor Syndrome. Take the CI Proficiency Quiz and see where you stand on the CI journey: https://imim.us/ciquiz In this hilarious and brutally honest episode, Scott sits down with Monique Francis and Peter Riehl to talk about why even experienced teachers question themsel…

1
The "Benedict 8" 47:56

13d ago47:56

47:56

This week America met the “Benedict 8” – who pursued a craven, cynical, and ultimately unstrategic betrayal of the American public. We dive into how the “Benedict 8” and the leadership that enabled them exposes what’s wrong with Democratic leadership and how it fails to deliver on its goals. Does this low point provide a moment to break with failed…

1
Why Families Feel Behind: The Emotional and Financial Pressures to Keep Up - Dr. Jennifer Dragonette 39:45

14d ago39:45

39:45

Are you feeling behind financially? Are you a parent juggling everything from college savings to daily expenses? Dr. Jennifer Dragonette returns for her much-anticipated monthly conversation, and we dive deep into a timely and universal theme: why so many families, even those who are objectively doing well, still feel like they're falling behind em…

1
Building Enduring Trust Through the Questions We Ask! | Jaimie Reese #57

14d ago

—

"When you have a trusting environment, it is exactly to hold each other accountable." - Jaimie Reese What does it take to build trust in one of the world’s largest bureaucracies? Former U.S. Navy Senior Executive (SES) Jaimie Reese joins Ken Woodward to explore how genuine curiosity and courageous questioning can reshape systems, teams, and lives. …

1
Ep. 3 – Your Store Is the Strategy 41:20

16d ago41:20

41:20

The biggest threat to retail growth isn’t a new competitor or a shiny app. It’s the hidden friction inside stores that quietly drains baskets, shortens dwell time, and erodes loyalty without ever showing up on a dashboard. We sit down with retail strategist DeAnn Campbell to unpack “store blindness", the subtle wayfinding glitches, aisle flow break…

1
Retail Media in Grocery: From Side Hustle to Growth Engine 4:46

17d ago4:46

4:46

Grocery retail media just graduated from side hustle to strategy, and the shift is reshaping how value gets created across the entire store. We dive into why ad spend is racing from roughly $52B to $98B, how Amazon and Walmart set the pace, and why grocers like Albertsons and Kroger are rapidly building networks that don’t just sell ads—they power …

1
Episode 11: “CI with THAT Class: When It’s All Chaos and Side-Eye” 47:00

17d ago47:00

47:00

Ever tried staying comprehensible while teaching that class — the one fueled by chaos, sarcasm, and an Olympic-level side-eye game? Yeah, this one’s for you. 🎯 Ready to see how your CI skills stack up? Take the CI Proficiency Quiz and find out your level at https://imim.us/ciquiz. You might surprise yourself… or confirm everything you’ve suspected …

1
Election Whiplash? 33:30

20d ago33:30

33:30

With Matt under the weather, Robert goes solo with the help of podcast producer Mollee Albinger asking the questions. We dig into the aftermath of the Democratic sweep in the off year elections this week. What does it mean for the ending of the government shutdown and the fight to save liberal democracy? Meanwhile, still unwilling to negotiate with…

1
How Technology Impacts Our Family, Finances, and Well-being and What We Can Do About It - Scott Hanselman 53:14

21d ago53:14

53:14

How much tech do you let into your life? Do you even know why you let certain tech into your life? I'm thrilled to welcome back my friend and Microsoft VP, Scott Hanselman. It's been almost four and a half years since our last conversation, and so much has changed for both of us—at home, at work, and everywhere in between. Scott and I dive into the…

1
Safety, Burnout, and the High-Achievement Mask! | Garrett Wood #56

21d ago

—

"The closer you become with these people while you're wearing that mask, the more distant you actually feel from the people around you." - Garrett Wood In this episode of Curated Questions, host Ken Woodward engages in a deep conversation with Garrett Wood, a national board-certified health and wellness coach and certified clinical hypnotherapist. …

1
Inside the Digital Shift of Wholesale Clubs 6:39

24d ago6:39

6:39

The warehouse treasure hunt didn’t disappear—it went digital. We unpack how Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s are extending the classic club model with omnichannel tools that make membership more valuable, suppliers more effective, and shopping far more flexible than a weekend stock-up run. From the rise of organics and stronger private labels to curbsi…

1
Episode 10: “CI in the Wild: My Big Takeaway” 1:11:16

24d ago1:11:16

1:11:16

When it comes to Comprehensible Input teaching, nothing beats real teachers sharing real classroom takeaways — from epic CI wins to wild “this actually works!” moments. 🎒 Ready to level up your CI game? Grab the CI Survival Kit, now with Ask-a-Story Slides in French, German, and Spanish — your monthly lifeline for fresh, ready-to-teach CI lessons a…

1
A.I. data centers & democracy 1:01:01

27d ago1:01:01

1:01:01

We take a deep dive into the on-going data center debate in Wisconsin for the entire show.We welcome IUPAT District Council No. 7, Director of Governmental Affairs Office, Andy Buck to tell us why their union supports the current data centers that will be built union and how IUPAT members get work and sustain work.Next, State Senator Chris Larson j…

1
Family Travel: Adventures and Challenges in Building Lasting Memories - Jill Benedict 56:21

28d ago56:21

56:21

How long have you been planning that trip of a lifetime? Our resident travel expert, Jill Benedict, is back with us for a lively deep dive into the unpredictable world of family travel. From international cruises and unexpected illnesses to the logistics of planning multi-city adventures, Jill and I swap personal stories, travel mishaps, and inside…

1
The Locked Door: How Avoided Questions Hold the Key to Transformation! | Ken Woodward #55 35:27

28d ago35:27

35:27

Episode Notes 00:00 The Possibility Of Your Avoided Question 01:21 Welcome to Curated Questions 01:59 Tangled Wings' Impact 04:31 The Question That Changes Questions 07:43 When Your Brain Says "Nope" (A Friendly Science Tour) 12:06 The Locked Door Model (Your Map to the Question) 15:11 A Personal Interlude (When I Found My Door) 16:10 From Boardroo…

1
Ep. 2 - Turn Store Data Into Revenue 42:50

1M ago42:50

42:50

Want a smarter way to sort real retail change from the noise? We sit down with Ricardo Belmar, host of The Retail Razor, global retail influencer, and advisor, to unpack how leaders can pair timeless fundamentals with timely tech to drive measurable results. From the rise of retail media to AI on the sales floor and the coming wave of agentic comme…

1
Rethinking Retail Media for Small Brands 6:30

1M ago6:30

6:30

The numbers tell a different story than our habits. We unpack new analysis from Bird Dog and Keen—built on real spend and performance data from 400+ brands and roughly $16B in annual investment—to show how small to medium brands can get more out of retail media without spending more. The headline: retail media has matured into a core channel, but t…

1
AI & Data Center Bubble 46:23

1M ago46:23

46:23

As Trump takes a bulldozer to the White House and liberal democracy, we take a deep dive into the devastating potential impact of the tech oligarchs here in Wisconsin. Foxconn 2.0: the Data Center Invasion, shows that as in the movies the sequel is even worse than the original. Robert tells us about economist Jerrod Bernstein’s forecast that there …

1
The Power of Mini Vacations for Your Mind and Body - Dr. Jennifer Dragonette 49:38

1M ago49:38

49:38

Have you ever wondered why you get sick on vacation? I share my all-too-relatable experience of getting sick on my recent anniversary trip across Italy, Greece, and Turkey with our resident therapist, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette. Dr. Jen dives into why our bodies often choose downtime to recover, exploring our hidden demands we carry and how American w…

1
The Permission Paradox & Why Questions Matter More Than Approval! | Jill Reilly #54 1:17:54

1M ago1:17:54

1:17:54

"The most fundamental relationship in any change process is the one that you have with yourself. It's the questions that you ask yourself first and foremost that are the game changers." - Jill Reilly In this episode of Curated Questions, host Ken Woodward is in conversation with global citizen and author Jill Reilly to explore the power of question…

1
Reclaiming the Merchant’s Role in a Tech-Obsessed Retail World 6:15

1M ago6:15

6:15

Algorithms can rank, bid, and predict, but can they choose with taste? We open the door to a candid look at the merchant’s role in a retail world obsessed with technology, marketplaces, and media networks. From assortment strategy and pricing judgment to supplier relationships and inventory flow, we unpack the timeless skills that still separate a …

1
No Kings 2.0 47:36

1M ago47:36

47:36

We are back after a week off! We welcome State Representative Vinnie Miresse to the show to discuss new legislation to protect the ‘rights of nature’ and reinstitute a state anti-mining law.We take stock in the state of American democracy and why Saturday’s No Kings Rally 2.0 will communicate by the number of people who turnout widespread oppositio…

1
Understanding Costco Therapy and the Psychology Behind Our Spending Habits 47:45

1M ago47:45

47:45

Have you ever wondered why you buy what you buy? There are so many reasons under the surface for our purchases from social status to taking care of our future selves. I have the perfect guest to help break down these spending thoughts for us. Dr. Michael Barbera, associate professor of marketing at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, expl…

1
Impactful Questions: Am I My Brother's Keeper? Ken Woodward | Ken Woodward #53 45:06

1M ago45:06

45:06

"Am I my brother's keeper? Is answered in the daily work of showing up, being challenged, getting it wrong, being corrected, and showing up again." - Ken Woodward In this solo episode, Ken Woodward explores one of humanity's oldest and most challenging questions: "Am I my brother's keeper?" Born from Cain's evasion after murdering Abel, this questi…

1
Ep. 1 - Connecting Retail’s Sharpest Minds 37:13

1M ago37:13

37:13

The fastest way to clarity in retail isn’t a louder megaphone, it’s a smarter network. Scott sits down with Paul Lewis, managing director of RETHINK Retail, to unpack how a global community of 500+ vetted experts, executives, and solution leaders is changing how the industry learns, collaborates, and executes. What began as a gap spotted at a confe…

1
Physical AND Digital: Rethinking Modern Retail Strategies 5:28

1M ago5:28

5:28

The false narrative of "physical versus digital" retail continues to frustrate industry experts who recognize that success lies in integration, not separation. Today's retail landscape shows a normalization where e-commerce growth follows predictable patterns after pandemic acceleration, while physical retail remains essential to customer experienc…

1
Episode 9: “Equity & CI: Why This Matters” 1:16:29

2M ago1:16:29

1:16:29

Comprehensible Input isn’t just about language—it’s about equity, access, and giving every student a fair shot at success in your classroom. 🎯 Take our free CI Proficiency Quiz and find out your Comprehensible Input teaching level at https://imim.us/ciquiz. In this episode of Comprehend THIS! we’re diving into Equity & CI: Why This Matters with two…

1
Maximizing Benefits Under the One Big Beautiful Bill for Retirees 20:08

2M ago20:08

20:08

Do you know how the new "One Big Beautiful Bill" will impact you during your retirement years? I'm wrapping up my One Big Beautiful Bill series by exploring the unique challenges and opportunities of financial planning for retirees. I walk you through the key highlights of the new legislation and what it means for those who are already in retiremen…

1
Why Asking the Right Questions Beats Having Quick Answers! | Amy Radin #52 1:34:53

2M ago1:34:53

1:34:53

"Asking the right questions the right way at the right time can often be more of a determinant of your success than being the person to raise their hand and come up with the answer." - Amy Radin Amy Radin is a pioneer in corporate innovation and strategic questioning. Amy shares her journey from the influence of her father's corner drugstore to bec…

1
AI Training for All: Walmart’s Bold Workforce Move 4:30

2M ago4:30

4:30

Walmart has just made a game-changing announcement that signals a fundamental shift in retail strategy. Rather than simply investing in the latest technology, they're making an unprecedented commitment to their people by bringing AI training through a custom OpenAI certification to every US associate—completely free of charge. This bold initiative …

1
Episode 8: “CI Burnout? Been There.” 1:17:38

2M ago1:17:38

1:17:38

Struggling with CI teacher burnout? Learn how to stay sustainable with Comprehensible Input strategies that actually work. 👉 Grab your free CI Survival Kit here: https://imim.us/survival In this episode of Comprehend THIS!, Scott Benedict sits down with guests Tracey Collazos and David Rice to talk honestly about the not-so-magical side of teaching…

1
Meeting the moment? 51:59

2M ago51:59

51:59

We start with discussion of the new fighting spirit of Congressional Democrats, and the central role the health care cost crisis is playing in the impasse. Are Democrats finally learning how to resist an increasingly authoritarian president? We review the latest MU Law Poll and whether we agree with what veteran political journalist Craig Gilbert c…

1
Navigating the Impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill During the Empty Nest and Pre-Retirement Years 27:10

2M ago27:10

27:10

Do you know what one of the most underrated life transitions is? And how the "One Big Beautiful Bill" may impact it? Today, I delve into the often-overlooked yet pivotal transition of entering the empty nest and pre-retirement phase. Drawing on years of experience working with families, I share personal reflections and practical insight about the e…

1
Mental Models, Cognitive Frameworks, and the Questions That Disrupt Them! | Dave McGurk #51 1:27:11

2M ago1:27:11

1:27:11

"If we start talking about developing people, you have to ask those deep questions." - Dave McGurk Dave is a transformational leader who bridges military precision with cutting-edge organizational development. As Founder and CEO of Veridian Perspective and Vice President at Apogee Global RMS, Dave brings over 20 years of executive leadership experi…