It doesn't take a genius.

Mike learns about Dude Perfect: What’s the appeal?

If you have kids, you might have heard of the YouTubers Dude Perfect. The channel is geared toward a younger audience interested in trick shots and goofy contests, but even Mark's wife cackles at their antics.What's the appeal? Mike learns about the multimillion-dollar franchise and shares his observations. Next up: Mark's family attending Dude Perfect's summer tour. Stay tuned for a report. ...Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and Mark. 

WWJD with AI?

Why would Mark ask an AI to write a Bible study for a podcast about the workplace?
It has loads to say about what we chose to be dependent on ... about what is happening to our attention spans ... and about what we can do that brings value. 
Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and Mark. 

If artificial intelligence doesn’t care, does it matter?

Where is the line between AIs filling needed voids and AIs replacing humans who make connections with others? 
We already have computers with warm, empathetic voices. Does it matter that the machine doesn’t care, just its designers do? 
Could a machine be a pet? A librarian? An engineer? A coach? A manager? 
A spouse?  
Big-box checkout lines, Barry Manilow, a cyberpunk art-making robot and a Japanese robot seal hint at the answers of this newly developing field. 
Mike and Mark wrestle with the latest: Maybe most jobs will involve AI-wrangling. Or maybe the real value will be in making human connections. 
Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and Mark. 

Mike’s conversation with Stalin and other useful AI tools

Mike has found some incredibly practical uses for artificial intelligence--and Mark is practically terrified.
Sure, you can make a deepfake or chat with an infamous historic villain--but you can also use the most powerful brainstorm partner ever. And we're just getting started harnessing the capabilities. 
Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and Mark. 

How is working with you better than working with AI?

We used to ask customerfacing team members, "How is working with you better than going online?" Now the question for everyone is, "How is working with you better than working with AI?"Mark taunts our future AI overlords. Mike has further treasures to reveal from his experiments with AI. It's impressive--and scary. 
 
Are all of our jobs in danger? In a sense.
 
After we recorded this, we both agreed it felt like a different kind of episode. More AI episodes to come. 
 
Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and Mark. 

Your team needs a story time?

A Wall Street Journal column shared the research behind how reading aloud to students can overcome losses they suffered during pandemic shutdowns. 
 
It's a practice Victorian teachers, classical education proponents and home schoolers have known for years. (See: Read-Aloud Revival. See also: Mark's amazing wife.)
 
Mark thinks it's a practice you need, too. Listen in for the benefits of turning training and department meetings into, well, story time. 
 
Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and Mark. 

Before AI destroys us all … can it help you at work?

Mike is a believer! He has seen the light--the value of artificial intelligence--in the form of ChatGPT. He's ahead of the curve ... as we went to press, news broke that its creator was in talks with investors for a valuation around $29 billion. 
 
Tune in for a demonstration of the power that just may change everything. This is the first in a series on AI. 
 
Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and Mark. 

Two alternatives to New Year’s resolutions

New Year's has come and gone ... so what if resolutions don't work for you? 
Mike has learned from his clients about two alternatives that will help you take action on your goals. 
Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and Mark. 

A report from one of our listeners: He quit ... for less money ... doing the same work. Why?

A report from a listener: He quit ... for less money ... doing the same work. Why?
It's not about money. As the Great Resignation continues, it's a good time to look at the research from Gallup--and common sense.
Make your organization as attractive to employees as possible. (See some related advice here.)
Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and Mark. 

Coaching feedback tips for kids and adults

Coaching is as simple as providing a child with feedback on his or her drawing.
This simple metaphor can help you change your coaching habits--and take some pressure off. 
You can listen to an episode sharing insights from "Coaching Amplified" here. 
Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and Mark.