Story Samurai

In this engaging conversation, Paloma Alaniz shares her unique journey from military school to the Army, her experiences in Afghanistan, and the lessons learned along the way. She reflects on the challenges of parenting, the importance of self-acceptance, and the complexities of family dynamics. The discussion highlights the significance of resilience, personal growth, and the humorous moments that come with raising childr...

In this conversation, Diane discusses the flaws of the current incarceration system, emphasizing the historical context and the lack of effective rehabilitation. She compares the U.S. system with models from other countries, particularly Norway, highlighting the importance of education and trauma awareness in reducing recidivism. Diane also shares her experiences in engaging youth in prison reform and the transformative po...

In this conversation, Balki shares his journey from childhood fascination with engineering to a successful career in software development. He discusses the importance of communication in chaotic environments, the challenges of hiring the right talent, and managing brilliant but difficult engineers. Balki emphasizes the significance of integrity in engineering and reflects on the balance between career and personal life.

In this engaging conversation, Michelle Hill shares her journey from a challenging divorce to self-discovery and empowerment. She discusses her transition from ghostwriting to working with pro athletes and the evolving landscape of publishing, emphasizing the importance of mindset and personal growth. Michelle also reflects on the future of traditional publishing in the age of self-publishing and offers valuable advice to ...

In this engaging conversation, Chris Wysong shares his journey from a directionless youth to a dedicated soldier in the Army, recounting his experiences during Desert Storm. He reflects on the lessons learned from military life and how they shaped his character. After transitioning to civilian life, Chris founded Bucket of Bread, a business that combines his love for baking with a mission to combat food insecurity. He disc...

In this engaging conversation, Simeon shares his journey from engineering to diplomacy, discussing his experiences at the State Department and the impact of his work on technology policy. He reflects on his time at Deloitte, where he contributed to the successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Kentucky, and his role at Lambda, where he focused on AI infrastructure. The discussion also touches on personal grow...

In this engaging conversation, Aspry Jones shares his journey from a comic book enthusiast to a successful media professional and author. He reflects on his early influences in fantasy, the challenges faced during his media career, particularly during 9/11, and his passion for writing. Aspry discusses the importance of character depth in storytelling, his writing process, and the unexpected responsibilities of marketing hi...

In this conversation, Adam Olalde shares his journey of embracing life and overcoming fears, inspired by his family's history and personal experiences. He discusses the importance of living in the moment, the impact of generational trauma, and the lessons he aims to impart to his children. Through his work with cars, he creates memorable experiences for others, emphasizing the significance of making the most of life while ...

In this conversation, Steven Mitts shares his journey from ROTC to the Army, the impact of 9/11 on his life choices, and the challenges he faced transitioning to civilian life. He discusses the lessons learned from corporate culture, the importance of support systems in entrepreneurship, and his innovative venture into the alcohol industry with a unique vodka product that incorporates terpenes. Steven emphasizes the signif...

In this conversation, Camille Fetter shares her transformative experience as a volunteer at the Denver Metropolitan Crisis Line, discussing the profound impact of crisis calls and the lessons learned about communication, self-awareness, and resilience. She emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions, both in crisis intervention and in executive search, highlighting the differences between recruiting and headhun...

In this conversation, Mark Runyon shares his experiences and insights on managing engineering teams, navigating crises, and building high-performing teams. He emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, mentorship, and the balance between A and B players in a team. The discussion also covers the significance of checks and balances in engineering processes, the pride in quality work, and the need to effectively com...

In this engaging conversation, Jo Giese shares her life experiences and insights on resilience, joy, and the importance of making the best of difficult situations. Through personal anecdotes, she illustrates how challenges can lead to growth and deeper connections with family. The discussion emphasizes the significance of grit, determination, and the choices we make in shaping our happiness.

In this conversation, Shlomo Gilead discusses the Nova Project, an initiative that supports NGOs by providing students with real-world consulting experience. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and commitment in hiring, the challenges of modern scams, and the role of technology in facilitating fraud. Gilead also shares insights on the human element in fraud prevention and offers advice for consumers and banks to prot...

In this conversation, Meghan Sacks shares her journey from a childhood fascination with crime shows to a career in criminology and criminal justice. She discusses the myths surrounding forensic science, her early career experiences, and the realities of probation and parole. Meghan reflects on her changing perspectives regarding punishment and rehabilitation, highlighting the flaws in the justice system, particularly the i...

In this engaging conversation, Ari Block, Carla Bayot, and Cory Borman delve into the complexities of parenting, particularly in relation to children with ADHD and other learning challenges. They discuss the emotional struggles parents face, the impact of the school system, the role of diagnosis and labels, and the importance of mentorship and curiosity in children's learning. The dialogue emphasizes the need for support s...

In this conversation, Eric Vaughan shares his journey from discovering the world of endurance trail running to navigating the complexities of technology and AI adoption in the workplace. He discusses the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, the importance of camaraderie and support systems, and the lessons learned from his career in technology. Eric emphasizes the need for curiosity and understanding in both pe...

In this engaging conversation, MeiMei Fox shares her journey as a writer and co-author of 'Bend Not Break,' discussing the challenges of self-doubt, the intricacies of becoming a New York Times bestselling author, and the impact of social media on publishing. She reflects on insights from her book 'Fortitude,' addressing midlife crises and the pursuit of happiness. MeiMei emphasizes the importance of teaching children emot...

In this engaging conversation, Karen Chao shares her journey into product management, discussing her early career challenges, the joy she finds in building products, and the importance of relationships and influence in her role. She emphasizes the value of feedback, both in professional and personal contexts, and how she applies product principles to her fitness journey. Karen also reflects on her leadership lessons and of...