<![CDATA[Thought Partners Podcast]]>At the intersection of creativity and career, it’s the Thought Partners Podcast.

Who You Are

You are looking for more meaning in your work and a better balance in your life. You might be a quiet leader who feels overlooked, a parent trying to make a business fit your family, or a professional ready to start a brand-new chapter. You want to move past fear and find a path that brings you joy. You are tired of competing with others and are ready to focus on your own growth.

Who We Are

We are Ed and Paul—two friends who believe that ideas are better with company. Ed is a creator and storyteller who loves to build things and solve problems. Paul is a business owner driven by curiosity and the human side of leadership. Think of us as an extension of your own brain, helping you rethink problems and find new perspectives.

What We Do

Every episode, we sit down to tackle big questions about work and creativity. We use a simple three-step approach: we challenge old ways of thinking, clarify what is truly important, and co-create something useful together. We’re here to practice. Because thinking alongside someone you trust, with the mess welcome and the stakes real, is one of the most underrated things a human being can do. We avoid fancy talk to focus on real-life stories and honest conversation. Every show provides a small, targeted activity to try so you can start making progress that same week.

]]>www.edbuchanan.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:47:06 GMTMon, 06 Oct 2025 21:15:27 GMT60Ed Buchanan & Paul Tonden<p><b>At the intersection of creativity and career, it’s the Thought Partners Podcast.</b></p><p></p><p><b>Who You Are</b></p><p>You are looking for more meaning in your work and a better balance in your life. You might be a quiet leader who feels overlooked, a parent trying to make a business fit your family, or a professional ready to start a brand-new chapter. You want to move past fear and find a path that brings you joy. You are tired of competing with others and are ready to focus on your own growth.</p><p></p><p><b>Who We Are</b></p><p>We are Ed and Paul—two friends who believe that ideas are better with company. Ed is a creator and storyteller who loves to build things and solve problems. Paul is a business owner driven by curiosity and the human side of leadership. Think of us as an extension of your own brain, helping you rethink problems and find new perspectives.</p><p></p><p><b>What We Do</b></p><p>Every episode, we sit down to tackle big questions about work and creativity. We use a simple three-step approach: we <b>challenge</b> old ways of thinking, <b>clarify</b> what is truly important, and <b>co-create</b> something useful together. We’re here to practice. Because thinking alongside someone you trust, with the mess welcome and the stakes real, is one of the most underrated things a human being can do. We avoid fancy talk to focus on real-life stories and honest conversation. Every show provides a small, targeted activity to try so you can start making progress that same week.</p>episodicEd Buchanan & Paul Tondenwordsweeper@gmail.comyes<![CDATA[All Words Are Made Up with Beth Ardner]]>A grant proposal. A conversation with your doctor. A veterans program in Maryland. Beth Ardner argues they are all the same act: telling a story well enough that someone sees themselves in it.

In the Season 2 finale, Beth comes back as our first two-time guest and makes a bigger claim than she did the first time. Storytelling is not one skill among many. It is the connective skill, the one that lets you turn durable skills, soft skills, world-ready skills, and every other rebranded version of the same idea into something people actually adopt. Stories build consensus. Consensus is how anything changes.

Then it gets personal. Beth writes collaborative fiction with fifteen people across the world, a hobby that just made her a Simming Prize Laureate. When one of those writers passed away this year, the group made plot decisions to honor his wishes and keep his character alive. That story becomes the clearest answer in the episode to the question everyone is asking right now: what can humans do that AI can't? You cannot give AI the context of a human.

We land where the show always tries to land. Not on theory, but on what you can do with it. Beth's answer for anyone who thinks they aren't a storyteller is simple, and it might change how you read everything after this.

CHAPTERS (timestamps)

00:00 — Cold open

00:39 — Welcome back: our first returning guest

01:24 — Fun fact: "capital" comes from cattle

03:06 — What Beth is juggling: a $25M RFP, apprenticeships,veterans

05:46 — Is everyone just busy, or is it 2026?

07:36 — Storytelling is THE skill, not a sub-skill of communication

10:03 — "All words are made up": the terminology trap

14:56 — How story builds consensus (Goldilocks)

17:40 — Relatability, morals, and consent

18:33 — Sci-fi that came true: Star Trek, the tablet, the communicator

20:34 — The second label: inspiration

22:19 — Timeless vs. of-a-time: history as consensus

24:53 — Learning is a skill too: storyteller as learner and teacher

27:48 — Retelling: Disney, remakes, and generational nostalgia

30:47 — Archetypes and the Bechdel test

33:42 — Why AI can write scripts, and where humans come in

34:54 — Inside collaborative writing: fan fiction, simming, fifteen authors

36:43 — Choose your own adventure as long-form improv

38:23 — The Simming Prize: Beth becomes a Laureate

40:50 — Who's in the room: a ferry captain, a UK cop, a winery

43:49 — AI in the hobby: where the line actually is

46:13 — AI as translation: getting what's in your head out

47:24 — Plotting with AI without losing the people

49:13 — What AI can't do: honoring a writer they lost

52:46 — Ed's challenge: what do you carry into the real work?

54:10 — "An apprentice is a title, not a person"

57:02 — Compassion and empathy as the real test

1:01:03 — How anyone can write their way out of a problem

1:04:29 — The close: first to say yes, and a new question

1:11:10 — Take care of yourselves and each other

]]>7895c558-2c94-45dc-9e5f-b20b5ad3db72Tue, 16 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>A grant proposal. A conversation with your doctor. A veterans program in Maryland. Beth Ardner argues they are all the same act: telling a story well enough that someone sees themselves in it.</p><p></p><p>In the Season 2 finale, Beth comes back as our first two-time guest and makes a bigger claim than she did the first time. Storytelling is not one skill among many. It is the connective skill, the one that lets you turn durable skills, soft skills, world-ready skills, and every other rebranded version of the same idea into something people actually adopt. Stories build consensus. Consensus is how anything changes.</p><p></p><p>Then it gets personal. Beth writes collaborative fiction with fifteen people across the world, a hobby that just made her a Simming Prize Laureate. When one of those writers passed away this year, the group made plot decisions to honor his wishes and keep his character alive. That story becomes the clearest answer in the episode to the question everyone is asking right now: what can humans do that AI can't? You cannot give AI the context of a human.</p><p></p><p>We land where the show always tries to land. Not on theory, but on what you can do with it. Beth's answer for anyone who thinks they aren't a storyteller is simple, and it might change how you read everything after this.</p><p></p><h2>CHAPTERS (timestamps)</h2><p>00:00 — Cold open</p><p>00:39 — Welcome back: our first returning guest</p><p>01:24 — Fun fact: "capital" comes from cattle</p><p>03:06 — What Beth is juggling: a $25M RFP, apprenticeships,veterans</p><p>05:46 — Is everyone just busy, or is it 2026?</p><p>07:36 — Storytelling is THE skill, not a sub-skill of communication</p><p>10:03 — "All words are made up": the terminology trap</p><p>14:56 — How story builds consensus (Goldilocks)</p><p>17:40 — Relatability, morals, and consent</p><p>18:33 — Sci-fi that came true: Star Trek, the tablet, the communicator</p><p>20:34 — The second label: inspiration</p><p>22:19 — Timeless vs. of-a-time: history as consensus</p><p>24:53 — Learning is a skill too: storyteller as learner and teacher</p><p>27:48 — Retelling: Disney, remakes, and generational nostalgia</p><p>30:47 — Archetypes and the Bechdel test</p><p>33:42 — Why AI can write scripts, and where humans come in</p><p>34:54 — Inside collaborative writing: fan fiction, simming, fifteen authors</p><p>36:43 — Choose your own adventure as long-form improv</p><p>38:23 — The Simming Prize: Beth becomes a Laureate</p><p>40:50 — Who's in the room: a ferry captain, a UK cop, a winery</p><p>43:49 — AI in the hobby: where the line actually is</p><p>46:13 — AI as translation: getting what's in your head out</p><p>47:24 — Plotting with AI without losing the people</p><p>49:13 — What AI can't do: honoring a writer they lost</p><p>52:46 — Ed's challenge: what do you carry into the real work?</p><p>54:10 — "An apprentice is a title, not a person"</p><p>57:02 — Compassion and empathy as the real test</p><p>1:01:03 — How anyone can write their way out of a problem</p><p>1:04:29 — The close: first to say yes, and a new question</p><p>1:11:10 — Take care of yourselves and each other</p>no01:11:4527All Words Are Made Up with Beth Ardnerfull<![CDATA[Living in the Dash with Steven Fleming]]>Ed and Paul jam with career coach and musician Steven Fleming to tackle what it means to be "stuck in the dash" of life's transitions. Moving from corporate accounting to artistic freedom, Steven drops powerful mental models on overcoming fear, escaping the passive "NPC" mindset, and reclaiming your life's controller. The energetic session shifts into deep, raw vulnerability when Steven flips the script, challenging the hosts to reveal their own proudest personal triumphs.

 

Stick around to the end of this week’s episode for a very special performance by Steven Fleming courtesy of his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@steventoddsounds/featured. Don’t miss it!

 

Chapters

0:00 Opening

05:01 Self-Discovery and Facing Fears

09:09 Integrating Passions and Professional Life

13:07 The Power of Perspective and Reality

16:55 Embracing Change and Energy

23:18 Being the Main Character in Your Story

25:16 Unlocking Your Superpower

34:17 Leadership as a Unifying Force

48:56 Questions for Reflection and Growth

]]>74ecc9fc-0b4c-4b93-bdc6-02d65bea723fTue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>Ed and Paul jam with career coach and musician Steven Fleming to tackle what it means to be "stuck in the dash" of life's transitions. Moving from corporate accounting to artistic freedom, Steven drops powerful mental models on overcoming fear, escaping the passive "NPC" mindset, and reclaiming your life's controller. The energetic session shifts into deep, raw vulnerability when Steven flips the script, challenging the hosts to reveal their own proudest personal triumphs.</p><p> </p><p>Stick around to the end of this week’s episode for a very special performance by Steven Fleming courtesy of his YouTube channel <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@steventoddsounds/featured" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@steventoddsounds/featured</a>. Don’t miss it!</p><p> </p><p>Chapters</p><p>0:00 Opening</p><p>05:01 Self-Discovery and Facing Fears</p><p>09:09 Integrating Passions and Professional Life</p><p>13:07 The Power of Perspective and Reality</p><p>16:55 Embracing Change and Energy</p><p>23:18 Being the Main Character in Your Story</p><p>25:16 Unlocking Your Superpower</p><p>34:17 Leadership as a Unifying Force</p><p>48:56 Questions for Reflection and Growth</p>no01:05:1026Living in the Dash with Steven Flemingfull<![CDATA[Whose Development Is It, Anyway?]]>It's that time of year. The calendar flips, performance reviews hit, and somewhere in the building a memo goes out: submit your professional development plan. No guidance. No direction. Just go do it — and oh, don't forget, you still have to do your actual job.

That's exactly where a friend of mine found himself when he reached out to talk it through. We're calling him Matt — names changed to protect the innocent. And the conversation went somewhere I didn't expect. What started as "I don't even know where to start" turned into something a lot more interesting once we stopped talking about what the company needed and started asking what Matt actually wanted.

In this episode, Paul and I get into the real friction behind professional development mandates — why so many of us dread them, what that resistance is actually telling us, and how to extract genuine value even when nobody handed you a map.

CHAPTERS

  • 00:00 – Cold Open: "Go Learn This, Because I Said So"
  • 01:09 – Back in the Sandbox
  • 01:19 – Meet Matt: A Mandate with No Map
  • 03:15 – Paul's Background and the Familiar Tune of PD Season
  • 05:18 – Apply It or It Didn't Happen
  • 07:52 – Value Shows Up in Context
  • 08:53 – The Uncomfortable Truth: What If They Just Don't Want To?
  • 10:17 – Paul's Estate Sales Approach to Extracting Value
  • 12:39 – The Sticky Note on Paul's Desk
  • 13:12 – The Treasure Box: Whose Development Is This, Really?
  • 16:03 – "Go Learn This, Because I Said So" (And Why That Backfires)
  • 17:25 – The Trust Equation: Who's Actually Centered Here?
  • 19:47 – Green Pastures, No Map
  • 21:00 – The Three Filters: Accessible, Aligned, and Applicable
  • 24:04 – When You Need the Value to Show Up Immediately
  • 26:45 – Compliance Isn't the Same Thing as Growth
  • 30:10 – What Organizations Actually Get Right
  • 31:28 – Story Time: Ed Walks Into the Wrong Room
  • 40:53 – What He Actually Got Out of It
  • 44:54 – The Clique That Was Studying Cliques
  • 45:29 – Ed Was the Disruption
  • 48:45 – The Guiding Question
]]>f454c2ac-9de9-4bc8-a5b7-709d32c99497Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>It's that time of year. The calendar flips, performance reviews hit, and somewhere in the building a memo goes out: submit your professional development plan. No guidance. No direction. Just go do it — and oh, don't forget, you still have to do your actual job.</p><p></p><p>That's exactly where a friend of mine found himself when he reached out to talk it through. We're calling him Matt — names changed to protect the innocent. And the conversation went somewhere I didn't expect. What started as "I don't even know where to start" turned into something a lot more interesting once we stopped talking about what the company needed and started asking what Matt actually wanted.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, Paul and I get into the real friction behind professional development mandates — why so many of us dread them, what that resistance is actually telling us, and how to extract genuine value even when nobody handed you a map.</p><p></p><h2>CHAPTERS</h2><ul><li>00:00 – Cold Open: "Go Learn This, Because I Said So"</li><li>01:09 – Back in the Sandbox</li><li>01:19 – Meet Matt: A Mandate with No Map</li><li>03:15 – Paul's Background and the Familiar Tune of PD Season</li><li>05:18 – Apply It or It Didn't Happen</li><li>07:52 – Value Shows Up in Context</li><li>08:53 – The Uncomfortable Truth: What If They Just Don't Want To?</li><li>10:17 – Paul's Estate Sales Approach to Extracting Value</li><li>12:39 – The Sticky Note on Paul's Desk</li><li>13:12 – The Treasure Box: Whose Development Is This, Really?</li><li>16:03 – "Go Learn This, Because I Said So" (And Why That Backfires)</li><li>17:25 – The Trust Equation: Who's Actually Centered Here?</li><li>19:47 – Green Pastures, No Map</li><li>21:00 – The Three Filters: Accessible, Aligned, and Applicable</li><li>24:04 – When You Need the Value to Show Up Immediately</li><li>26:45 – Compliance Isn't the Same Thing as Growth</li><li>30:10 – What Organizations Actually Get Right</li><li>31:28 – Story Time: Ed Walks Into the Wrong Room</li><li>40:53 – What He Actually Got Out of It</li><li>44:54 – The Clique That Was Studying Cliques</li><li>45:29 – Ed Was the Disruption</li><li>48:45 – The Guiding Question</li></ul>no00:50:4625Whose Development Is It, Anyway?full<![CDATA[Acknowledge, Accept, and Address Career Chaos with Ryan Poirier]]>What happens when you suddenly lose your job? In this episode, therapist-in-training Dr. Ryan Poirier joins the podcast sandbox to talk about navigating the raw grief of career transitions. Ryan shares how a high school wrestling move called the "neck bridge" can teach us to survive heavy professional pressure without getting completely pinned. The conversation covers how to repurpose AI as a graduate school study tool , why mistakes are our best leadership teachers , and how to use the "Acknowledge, Accept, Address" framework to process big emotions. Finally, Ryan shares a powerful live epiphany: your internal personal mission and integrity matter far more than any corporate statement on a wall.

Time Stamps

00:00 – Processing Job Loss and Finding the Glimmer

01:48 – Welcome to the Arena: Unfinished Thinking in the Sandbox 

03:44 – The Metaphor of the Neck Bridge 

06:27 – Redefining the Creative Canvas: Problem Solving vs. Art 

10:55 – The Human Edge vs. Artificial Intelligence 

14:19 – Operational Creativity & Graduate School AI Hacks 

17:15 – Narrative Storytelling and Stumbling into Psychology 

21:30 – People-First Leadership and the Safety to Fail 

24:02 – Ladder vs. Rock Climbing Wall: Reimagining the Career 

26:44 – Shifting Professional Values and Organizational Friction 

33:24 – The Framework: Acknowledge, Accept, and Address 

35:41 – Healing Through Creative Play 

39:52 – Advisor Advice and the Hospital Psych Unit Path 

41:34 – Unpacking Ikigai and Writing to Your Future Self 

45:40 – Embracing the Messy Process of Collaborative Problem Solving 

52:14 – Workplace Reminders and Staying Out of the River 

56:10 – The Realm of Possibility: Prioritizing Self-Care in Transition 

1:00:04 – The Epiphany: Internal Personal Mission vs. External Banners 

1:01:17 – Approaching Careers as Experiments and Final Wrap-Up 

]]>b25da9e8-6eeb-4e3f-8601-93e131d03a3cTue, 26 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>What happens when you suddenly lose your job? In this episode, therapist-in-training Dr. Ryan Poirier joins the podcast sandbox to talk about navigating the raw grief of career transitions. Ryan shares how a high school wrestling move called the "neck bridge" can teach us to survive heavy professional pressure without getting completely pinned. The conversation covers how to repurpose AI as a graduate school study tool , why mistakes are our best leadership teachers , and how to use the "Acknowledge, Accept, Address" framework to process big emotions. Finally, Ryan shares a powerful live epiphany: your internal personal mission and integrity matter far more than any corporate statement on a wall.</p><p></p><p>Time Stamps</p><p><b>00:00</b> – Processing Job Loss and Finding the Glimmer</p><p><b>01:48</b> – Welcome to the Arena: Unfinished Thinking in the Sandbox </p><p><b>03:44</b> – The Metaphor of the Neck Bridge </p><p><b>06:27</b> – Redefining the Creative Canvas: Problem Solving vs. Art </p><p><b>10:55</b> – The Human Edge vs. Artificial Intelligence </p><p><b>14:19</b> – Operational Creativity &amp; Graduate School AI Hacks </p><p><b>17:15</b> – Narrative Storytelling and Stumbling into Psychology </p><p><b>21:30</b> – People-First Leadership and the Safety to Fail </p><p><b>24:02</b> – Ladder vs. Rock Climbing Wall: Reimagining the Career </p><p><b>26:44</b> – Shifting Professional Values and Organizational Friction </p><p><b>33:24</b> – The Framework: Acknowledge, Accept, and Address </p><p><b>35:41</b> – Healing Through Creative Play </p><p><b>39:52</b> – Advisor Advice and the Hospital Psych Unit Path </p><p><b>41:34</b> – Unpacking Ikigai and Writing to Your Future Self </p><p><b>45:40</b> – Embracing the Messy Process of Collaborative Problem Solving </p><p><b>52:14</b> – Workplace Reminders and Staying Out of the River </p><p><b>56:10</b> – The Realm of Possibility: Prioritizing Self-Care in Transition </p><p><b>1:00:04</b> – The Epiphany: Internal Personal Mission vs. External Banners </p><p><b>1:01:17</b> – Approaching Careers as Experiments and Final Wrap-Up </p>no01:06:2824Acknowledge, Accept, and Address Career Chaos with Ryan Poirierfull<![CDATA[Fandom, Pathways, and Self-Reflection with Kathleen Stone]]>What happens when you spend your entire life collecting elite academic degrees, only to realize the view from the top of the ladder isn't what you actually wanted? In this episode, Ed and Paul sit down with Dr. Kathleen Stone to talk about stripping away the corporate armor, surviving intense life transitions, and why the standard advice to "follow your passion" might be making you miserable.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Mirror Check

01:05 – Drop the "Doctor" Title

03:06 – People Over Projects

06:33 – Email Typos & Leadership Flaws

12:57 – Why "Follow Your Passion" Is Bad Advice

17:51 – Harry Potter, Cosplay, & Clear Skies

21:27 – Life Is Too Short: Caregiving & Sunshine

28:17 – Pulling the Five-Degree Resumé Thread

33:53 – Evolving Whys: "Yes, And"

39:54 – Coasters, Dinosaurs, & Closing the Arena

 

Links

Kathleen Living Life YouTube Channel

]]>1e36cc8b-07e2-479d-9db3-b0ab7e789e12Tue, 19 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT<p>What happens when you spend your entire life collecting elite academic degrees, only to realize the view from the top of the ladder isn't what you actually wanted? In this episode, Ed and Paul sit down with Dr. Kathleen Stone to talk about stripping away the corporate armor, surviving intense life transitions, and why the standard advice to "follow your passion" might be making you miserable.</p><p></p><p><b>Timestamps:</b></p><p><b>00:00 – Mirror Check</b></p><p><b>01:05 – Drop the "Doctor" Title</b></p><p><b>03:06 – People Over Projects</b></p><p><b>06:33 – Email Typos &amp; Leadership Flaws</b></p><p><b>12:57 – Why "Follow Your Passion" Is Bad Advice</b></p><p><b>17:51 – Harry Potter, Cosplay, &amp; Clear Skies</b></p><p><b>21:27 – Life Is Too Short: Caregiving &amp; Sunshine</b></p><p><b>28:17 – Pulling the Five-Degree Resumé Thread</b></p><p><b>33:53 – Evolving Whys: "Yes, And"</b></p><p><b>39:54 – Coasters, Dinosaurs, &amp; Closing the Arena</b></p><p> </p><p>Links</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@kathleenlivinglife" target="_blank">Kathleen Living Life YouTube Channel</a></p>no01:20:5423Fandom, Pathways, and Self-Reflection with Kathleen Stonefull<![CDATA[Corporate to Franchise: Paul's Transformation Journey]]>In this episode, Paul Tonden shares his transformative journey from corporate America to franchise ownership, highlighting the challenges, lessons, and principles of entrepreneurship. Discover how systems, community, and mindset play crucial roles in building a sustainable business and navigating change.

Chapters

00:00 Creating Sustainable Business Practices
00:40 Intro & The Shift
11:38 One Person's Treasure is Another's Soon
17:28 Service & Transitions
22:43 Discipline & Life
30:22 Circling Around

]]>d8e71685-ae3a-4cfc-bb6e-367da511bc01Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, Paul Tonden shares his transformative journey from corporate America to franchise ownership, highlighting the challenges, lessons, and principles of entrepreneurship. Discover how systems, community, and mindset play crucial roles in building a sustainable business and navigating change.<br /><br />Chapters<br /><br />00:00 Creating Sustainable Business Practices<br />00:40 Intro &amp; The Shift<br />11:38 One Person's Treasure is Another's Soon<br />17:28 Service &amp; Transitions<br />22:43 Discipline &amp; Life<br />30:22 Circling Around</p>no00:35:1522Corporate to Franchise: Paul's Transformation Journeyfull<![CDATA[Embracing Passion and Self-Reliance with Erica Dawn]]>Join us as we dive into a conversation with Erica Dawn, a dynamic professional in voice acting, dance, and instructional design. Discover how she balances creativity with business growth and the importance of self-reliance and passion in achieving success.

Timestamps:
00:00

- Introduction to Erica Dawn's drive and determination

00:40

- Meeting Erica: From Akron to Atlanta, voice acting, and dance

01:52

- Erica's journey from NBA dancer to instructional designer

03:12

- Balancing business growth with creativity

04:30

- The challenge of separating work ideas from personal business

07:39

- The importance of balance and passion in work

09:54

- Overcoming entrepreneurial challenges and finding passion

13:15

- Establishing boundaries and learning to say no

17:19

- Building confidence and expertise in instructional design

18:33

- Passion as a motivator for saying yes

20:09

- The role of communication and accountability in coaching

24:57

- Understanding communication as a gift

27:15

- Defining success through self-reliance and community

30:05

- Pride in community and creating opportunities

32:34

- Erica's journey into instructional design during the pandemic

39:16

- Recognizing transferable skills and design thinking

45:46

- Helping others find their best selves and overcome imposter syndrome

49:35

- Encouraging self-initiative and creativity without permission

51:03

- Erica's approach as an accountability coach

55:06

- Building a supportive and fun community

56:15

- How to connect with Erica Dawn for coaching and collaborations

58:15

- Key takeaways: Overcoming obstacles and knowing your passions

Connect with Erica Dawn:

This episode highlights the power of passion, self-reliance, and community in crafting a successful and fulfilling career. Erica's insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to create their own opportunities and embrace their unique path.

]]>462b9f4e-3855-42d2-bdc0-27dae69d1c2fTue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>Join us as we dive into a conversation with Erica Dawn, a dynamic professional in voice acting, dance, and instructional design. Discover how she balances creativity with business growth and the importance of self-reliance and passion in achieving success.</p><h6><b>Timestamps:</b></h6><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>00:00</b></h6><p>- Introduction to Erica Dawn's drive and determination</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>00:40</b></h6><p>- Meeting Erica: From Akron to Atlanta, voice acting, and dance</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>01:52</b></h6><p>- Erica's journey from NBA dancer to instructional designer</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>03:12</b></h6><p>- Balancing business growth with creativity</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>04:30</b></h6><p>- The challenge of separating work ideas from personal business</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>07:39</b></h6><p>- The importance of balance and passion in work</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>09:54</b></h6><p>- Overcoming entrepreneurial challenges and finding passion</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>13:15</b></h6><p>- Establishing boundaries and learning to say no</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>17:19</b></h6><p>- Building confidence and expertise in instructional design</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>18:33</b></h6><p>- Passion as a motivator for saying yes</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>20:09</b></h6><p>- The role of communication and accountability in coaching</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>24:57</b></h6><p>- Understanding communication as a gift</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>27:15</b></h6><p>- Defining success through self-reliance and community</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>30:05</b></h6><p>- Pride in community and creating opportunities</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>32:34</b></h6><p>- Erica's journey into instructional design during the pandemic</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>39:16</b></h6><p>- Recognizing transferable skills and design thinking</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>45:46</b></h6><p>- Helping others find their best selves and overcome imposter syndrome</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>49:35</b></h6><p>- Encouraging self-initiative and creativity without permission</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>51:03</b></h6><p>- Erica's approach as an accountability coach</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>55:06</b></h6><p>- Building a supportive and fun community</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>56:15</b></h6><p>- How to connect with Erica Dawn for coaching and collaborations</p><ul><li></li></ul><h6><b>58:15</b></h6><p>- Key takeaways: Overcoming obstacles and knowing your passions</p><h6><b>Connect with Erica Dawn:</b></h6><ul><li>Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/ericadawnvoices" target="_blank">Erica Dawn Voices</a></li><li>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:erikadonvoices@gmail.com" target="_blank">erikadonvoices@gmail.com</a></li><li>EDV Learning Solutions: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://edvlearningsolutions.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></li></ul><hr /><p>This episode highlights the power of passion, self-reliance, and community in crafting a successful and fulfilling career. Erica's insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to create their own opportunities and embrace their unique path.</p>no01:00:2121Embracing Passion and Self-Reliance with Erica Dawnfull<![CDATA[Designing Work Around Life... and Podcasts]]>Summary

In this conversation, Nicki Ong and Paul Tonden discuss the importance of finding happiness and joy in our work and lives. They emphasize that since we spend a significant amount of time working, it is essential that our careers bring us fulfillment and satisfaction. The dialogue explores the impact of work on our overall happiness and the necessity of aligning our careers with our passions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thought Partners Podcast

03:18 Embracing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

06:16 The Journey into Digital Marketing

12:20 Breaking Free from Corporate Constraints

15:18 Finding Work-Life Balance as a Mompreneur

20:10 Time Management and Productivity Strategies

25:21 The Importance of Flexibility in Work

30:21 Creativity and the Female Cycle

33:40 Embracing Dual Roles: Motherhood and Business

36:20 The Shift in Work Culture: Remote vs. Office

39:57 The Importance of Employee Well-being

41:39 Happiness as a Metric of Success

44:01 The Power of Podcasting: Sharing Stories

49:04 Navigating Podcasting Challenges

51:51 Abundance vs. Scarcity Mindset in Business

54:26 The Language of Service vs. Product

01:01:20 Building Connections and Networks

01:03:59 Final Thoughts: Taking Action and Finding Joy

01:10:00 Slow Outro 30s.mp4

]]>def01e87-4864-451a-bbcd-6d8a45b1b484Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:45:00 GMT<p>Summary</p><p></p><p>In this conversation, Nicki Ong and Paul Tonden discuss the importance of finding happiness and joy in our work and lives. They emphasize that since we spend a significant amount of time working, it is essential that our careers bring us fulfillment and satisfaction. The dialogue explores the impact of work on our overall happiness and the necessity of aligning our careers with our passions.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Thought Partners Podcast</p><p>03:18 Embracing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship</p><p>06:16 The Journey into Digital Marketing</p><p>12:20 Breaking Free from Corporate Constraints</p><p>15:18 Finding Work-Life Balance as a Mompreneur</p><p>20:10 Time Management and Productivity Strategies</p><p>25:21 The Importance of Flexibility in Work</p><p>30:21 Creativity and the Female Cycle</p><p>33:40 Embracing Dual Roles: Motherhood and Business</p><p>36:20 The Shift in Work Culture: Remote vs. Office</p><p>39:57 The Importance of Employee Well-being</p><p>41:39 Happiness as a Metric of Success</p><p>44:01 The Power of Podcasting: Sharing Stories</p><p>49:04 Navigating Podcasting Challenges</p><p>51:51 Abundance vs. Scarcity Mindset in Business</p><p>54:26 The Language of Service vs. Product</p><p>01:01:20 Building Connections and Networks</p><p>01:03:59 Final Thoughts: Taking Action and Finding Joy</p><p>01:10:00 Slow Outro 30s.mp4</p>no01:10:31Designing Work Around Life... and Podcastsfull<![CDATA[Quiet Strength, Real Impact]]>In this episode of the Thought Partners podcast, Ed Buchanan and Paul Tonden engage with Melissa Yu to explore the theme of quiet strengths and their impact on leadership. The conversation delves into the challenges of receiving compliments, the nuances of introversion, and the importance of authenticity in leadership. Melissa shares her experiences in navigating new work environments, building trust, and the significance of thoughtful communication.

]]>fffcf898-f36c-4613-8023-482ccee8f4c4Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of the Thought Partners podcast, Ed Buchanan and Paul Tonden engage with Melissa Yu to explore the theme of quiet strengths and their impact on leadership. The conversation delves into the challenges of receiving compliments, the nuances of introversion, and the importance of authenticity in leadership. Melissa shares her experiences in navigating new work environments, building trust, and the significance of thoughtful communication.</p>no00:31:0516Quiet Strength, Real Impactfull<![CDATA[The Space Between Either and Or]]>Link Schreiber discusses the importance of creativity and adaptability in both personal and professional life. He emphasizes the need to let go of fear and embrace change, sharing insights from his diverse career in radio, teaching, and poetry. The conversation highlights the balance between preparation and improvisation, and the role of creativity in overcoming challenges and fostering growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creativity and Adaptability

00:03 Link's Career Insights

00:09 Balancing Fear and Creativity

00:15 The Role of Creativity in Growth

00:21 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

]]>83f27957-5736-4829-9cf0-285b807e7399Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT<p>Link Schreiber discusses the importance of creativity and adaptability in both personal and professional life. He emphasizes the need to let go of fear and embrace change, sharing insights from his diverse career in radio, teaching, and poetry. The conversation highlights the balance between preparation and improvisation, and the role of creativity in overcoming challenges and fostering growth.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Creativity and Adaptability</p><p>00:03 Link's Career Insights</p><p>00:09 Balancing Fear and Creativity</p><p>00:15 The Role of Creativity in Growth</p><p>00:21 Conclusion and Key Takeaways</p>no00:41:4315The Space Between Either and Orfull<![CDATA[Reimagine and Reset]]>Ed Buchanan and Paul Tonden engage in a deep conversation with Dr. Lauren Segura about the themes of reimagining oneself and the journey of personal and professional reinvention. Lauren shares her experiences and insights on the importance of reflection, authenticity, and the role of values in shaping one's career path.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Reimagining and Reinvention

03:18 Lauren Segura's Journey and Values

05:15 Professional Non-Negotiables and Reflection

07:31 Authenticity and Servant Leadership

09:51 Creating a Safe Space for Authenticity

11:44 Agency and Changing the Vibe

14:20 The Power of 'What If' in Reinvention

28:57 Exploring Durable Skills

30:03 Creating Space for Reflection

32:32 Reframing Anxiety into Opportunity

33:55 Iterative Learning and Growth

36:03 Career Reinvention and Transferable Skills

37:09 Aligning Work with Personal Values

38:28 Taking the Next Step

42:44 The Journey of Continuous Growth

]]>a7df5648-71bd-4a5e-b4cc-4c6534f1e962Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:45:00 GMT<p>Ed Buchanan and Paul Tonden engage in a deep conversation with Dr. Lauren Segura about the themes of reimagining oneself and the journey of personal and professional reinvention. Lauren shares her experiences and insights on the importance of reflection, authenticity, and the role of values in shaping one's career path.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Reimagining and Reinvention</p><p>03:18 Lauren Segura's Journey and Values</p><p>05:15 Professional Non-Negotiables and Reflection</p><p>07:31 Authenticity and Servant Leadership</p><p>09:51 Creating a Safe Space for Authenticity</p><p>11:44 Agency and Changing the Vibe</p><p>14:20 The Power of 'What If' in Reinvention</p><p>28:57 Exploring Durable Skills</p><p>30:03 Creating Space for Reflection</p><p>32:32 Reframing Anxiety into Opportunity</p><p>33:55 Iterative Learning and Growth</p><p>36:03 Career Reinvention and Transferable Skills</p><p>37:09 Aligning Work with Personal Values</p><p>38:28 Taking the Next Step</p><p>42:44 The Journey of Continuous Growth</p>no00:47:0514Reimagine and Resetfull<![CDATA[Building Blocks of Thought Partnership]]>Ed and Paul reflect on their journey through the first two episodes, discussing the importance of thought partnership, curiosity, and intentionality in conversations. They explore the challenges of navigating digital distractions, the significance of values in their work, and the role of creativity in making meaningful connections.

Chapters

00:00 Inventory of Thought Partnership Progress

01:00 Reflecting on Episodes One

02:06 Exploring New Neighborhoods and... Trick or Treating?

06:07 Navigating Noise and Distractions in Thought Partnership

07:56 The Challenge of Maintaining Focus

09:53 Building Trust and Co-Creation in Partnerships

11:51 The Role of Processing Time in Conversations

14:03 The Balance Between Politeness and Progress

16:14 The Value of Pre-Reads in Thought Partnerships

17:43 Spending Time on THE THING

18:37 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

21:20 Connecting People: The Art of Introduction

23:08 Learning from Mistakes: Reflections on Failed Connections

27:10 Empathy in Communication: Understanding the Recipient

29:28 Values and Non-Negotiables: Defining What Matters

32:45 Creativity and Making: The Process of Tangible Creation

36:51 Curiosity and Love: Core Values in Action

40:59 Exploring AI: Human-Centric Perspectives

44:44 Building Connections: Learning from Others

47:09 Adding Value: The Importance of Contribution

]]>8fa91471-da12-49c6-a665-9d1431e2c195Tue, 21 Oct 2025 12:45:00 GMT<p>Ed and Paul reflect on their journey through the first two episodes, discussing the importance of thought partnership, curiosity, and intentionality in conversations. They explore the challenges of navigating digital distractions, the significance of values in their work, and the role of creativity in making meaningful connections.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p></p><p>00:00 Inventory of Thought Partnership Progress</p><p>01:00 Reflecting on Episodes One</p><p>02:06 Exploring New Neighborhoods and... Trick or Treating?</p><p>06:07 Navigating Noise and Distractions in Thought Partnership</p><p>07:56 The Challenge of Maintaining Focus</p><p>09:53 Building Trust and Co-Creation in Partnerships</p><p>11:51 The Role of Processing Time in Conversations</p><p>14:03 The Balance Between Politeness and Progress</p><p>16:14 The Value of Pre-Reads in Thought Partnerships</p><p>17:43 Spending Time on THE THING</p><p>18:37 Conclusion and Key Takeaways</p><p>21:20 Connecting People: The Art of Introduction</p><p>23:08 Learning from Mistakes: Reflections on Failed Connections</p><p>27:10 Empathy in Communication: Understanding the Recipient</p><p>29:28 Values and Non-Negotiables: Defining What Matters</p><p>32:45 Creativity and Making: The Process of Tangible Creation</p><p>36:51 Curiosity and Love: Core Values in Action</p><p>40:59 Exploring AI: Human-Centric Perspectives</p><p>44:44 Building Connections: Learning from Others</p><p>47:09 Adding Value: The Importance of Contribution</p>no00:50:0913Building Blocks of Thought Partnershipfull<![CDATA[Converging Lines]]>Hosts Ed Buchanan and Paul Tonden are joined by guest Beth Ardner. The conversation explores the power of networking, the importance of curiosity, and the value of persistence in both personal and professional growth. Beth shares her unique career journey, including her experiences as a corn pollinator and her passion for creative writing. The trio discusses the significance of building genuine connections and the impact of thought partnerships. Listeners are encouraged to create their own networking questions and embrace vulnerability in their interactions.

 

Timestamps:

  1. Introduction and Welcome

- 0:00

  1. Beth's Career Journey

- 2:15

  1. Networking and Thought Partnerships

- 10:30

  1. The Power of Curiosity and Persistence

- 18:45

  1. Creating Safe to Fail Environments

- 25:00

  1. Engaging with Others and Building Connections

- 32:10

  1. Closing Thoughts and Challenges

- 40:00

]]>6a7e0c7f-7301-4d67-9394-e74a547ad9cdTue, 14 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>Hosts Ed Buchanan and Paul Tonden are joined by guest Beth Ardner. The conversation explores the power of networking, the importance of curiosity, and the value of persistence in both personal and professional growth. Beth shares her unique career journey, including her experiences as a corn pollinator and her passion for creative writing. The trio discusses the significance of building genuine connections and the impact of thought partnerships. Listeners are encouraged to create their own networking questions and embrace vulnerability in their interactions.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Timestamps:</b></p><ol><li><b>Introduction and Welcome</b></li></ol><p>- 0:00</p><ol><li><b>Beth's Career Journey</b></li></ol><p>- 2:15</p><ol><li><b>Networking and Thought Partnerships</b></li></ol><p>- 10:30</p><ol><li><b>The Power of Curiosity and Persistence</b></li></ol><p>- 18:45</p><ol><li><b>Creating Safe to Fail Environments</b></li></ol><p>- 25:00</p><ol><li><b>Engaging with Others and Building Connections</b></li></ol><p>- 32:10</p><ol><li><b>Closing Thoughts and Challenges</b></li></ol><p>- 40:00</p>no00:57:0312Converging Linesfull<![CDATA[What IS a Thought Partner?]]>Ed Buchanan and Paul Tonden explore the concept of thought partnerships, emphasizing the importance of mutual growth, trust, and curiosity. They discuss the dynamics of competition versus collaboration, the role of labels in self-definition, and practical steps for finding and nurturing thought partnerships. The dialogue highlights the significance of self-reflection and the Johari window as tools for understanding oneself and others, ultimately encouraging listeners to take action in their own lives to cultivate meaningful connections.

Chapters

0:00 Building Trust and Connection

0:39 The Trust Equation and Its Relevance

2:03 The Monopoly Analogy: Competition vs. Collaboration 4:44 Defining Thought Partnership

6:50 The Role of Perspective in Thought Partnerships

8:45 Creating Value Through Collaboration

12:13 Finding Your Thought Partner

17:25 Finding Genuine Connections

21:54 The Power of Thought Partnerships

23:43 Understanding Self-Labels and Identity

26:55 The Johari Window and Self-Reflection

31:26 Expanding Our Arena and Co-Creation

]]>24439baf-55e7-4928-80e8-46af4f1d672dTue, 07 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>Ed Buchanan and Paul Tonden explore the concept of thought partnerships, emphasizing the importance of mutual growth, trust, and curiosity. They discuss the dynamics of competition versus collaboration, the role of labels in self-definition, and practical steps for finding and nurturing thought partnerships. The dialogue highlights the significance of self-reflection and the Johari window as tools for understanding oneself and others, ultimately encouraging listeners to take action in their own lives to cultivate meaningful connections.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>0:00 Building Trust and Connection</p><p>0:39 The Trust Equation and Its Relevance</p><p>2:03 The Monopoly Analogy: Competition vs. Collaboration 4:44 Defining Thought Partnership</p><p>6:50 The Role of Perspective in Thought Partnerships</p><p>8:45 Creating Value Through Collaboration</p><p>12:13 Finding Your Thought Partner</p><p>17:25 Finding Genuine Connections</p><p>21:54 The Power of Thought Partnerships</p><p>23:43 Understanding Self-Labels and Identity</p><p>26:55 The Johari Window and Self-Reflection</p><p>31:26 Expanding Our Arena and Co-Creation</p>no00:40:4011What IS a Thought Partner?full<![CDATA[Thought Partners Podcast - Season 1 Trailer]]>Join Ed Buchanan and Paul Tonden as they explore what it means to be Thought Partners. First episode launches October 7, 2025!

]]>d5696628-5910-406a-8775-07fd89a22b71Mon, 06 Oct 2025 22:30:00 GMT<p>Join Ed Buchanan and Paul Tonden as they explore what it means to be Thought Partners. First episode launches October 7, 2025!</p>no00:01:171Thought Partners Podcast - Season 1 Trailertrailer