Summary
The conversation explores the concept of being a hero or a villain in a team and how awareness of one's role can lead to more intentional actions. The guests, Jesse and Carl, share their perspectives on this topic. Jesse discusses his experience running an agency and how he developed a marketing approach for supervillains. Carl talks about his role at the Bureau and the challenges of being a leader. They also discuss the importance of empathy and self-reflection in avoiding villainous behavior. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to be aware of their actions and the impact they have on others. They also explore the challenges of leadership and self-awareness, particularly in relation to the younger generation. It delves into the importance of difficult conversations, honest feedback, and effective reward systems. The fear and pressure of being in a position of power are discussed, along with the potential for toxic leadership. Strategies for improving self-awareness include having a coach, seeking unfiltered feedback, and using AI tools. The concept of decommoditization is introduced as a way to differentiate oneself in a competitive market. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the supportive and inspiring nature of the Bureau community.

Takeaways
	•	Being a hero or a villain is subjective and depends on the perspective of others.
	•	Leaders should be aware of their actions and the impact they have on their team.
	•	Empathy and self-reflection are important in avoiding villainous behavior.
	•	True communication and understanding can help build stronger relationships within a team. Difficult conversations and honest feedback are crucial for effective leadership.
	•	Fear and pressure can lead to toxic leadership, and it's important to find healthy ways to manage negative energy.
	•	Having a coach and seeking unfiltered feedback can help improve self-awareness.
	•	Decommoditization is a strategy to differentiate oneself in a competitive market.
	•	The Bureau community is a supportive and inspiring network for professionals.

Chapters

03:23 This dude is like Batman...I'm somebody's Joker
07:50 When you think you're  a hero, but maybe you're a villain
10:40 The 3 brains in side every organization
11:05 Being conscious of an advanced perspective
13:53 Knowing when you've slipped into villain mode
20:36 Ways to increase your level of self-awareness
26:35 Decommoditization: Differentiating Yourself in a Competitive Market
31:24 The Supportive and Inspiring Nature of the Bureau Community


Jesse's book
Web: https://marketingforsupervillains.com
Amazon: Marketing for Supervillains https://tinyurl.com/59tkjs39

Contacting Jesse
Web: https://decommoditized.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-wroblewski/

Contacting Carl
Web: https://bureauofdigital.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-w-smith/

Are you the hero or the villain in your team? w Carl Smith and Jesse Wroblewski

"Find Peace, Sign a Lease: Unveiling the Truth Within Ambitious Dreams and Empathy"
Discover the lyrics of "Find Peace, Sign a Lease," a poetic journey through nature, ambition, and empathy. From chasing dreams to the ruthless pursuit of success, uncover the truth in the mind’s bind and the quest for inner peace.

Find Peace Sign A Lease | Mind's Bind Thruth Is Find

The conversation explores the concept of allyship and how the editors of the book 'Teaching Pride Forward' aim to help readers think critically about it. They emphasize the importance of love and critical love in building connections and doing the work of allyship. The editors discuss how they collaborated and nudged the authors to explore allyship from different perspectives. T The editors express their desire to create a safe space for readers to learn, grow, and confront their biases. The conversation explores the global perspective on LGBTQ+ allyship and the challenges faced by different communities. The speakers emphasize the importance of recognizing and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in various cultural contexts. They discuss the need to de-center Western perspectives in queer theory and pedagogies and include diverse voices in the conversation. The chapters in the book provide different approaches to allyship globally, allowing readers to adapt and apply them to their own contexts. 

Get your copy of the book and learn more about this week's guests:
https://bookstore.tesol.org/teaching-pride-forward-products-9781953745200.php


Ethan Trinh, PhD, is an associate director of the Atlanta Global Studies Center. As a Vietnamese queer immigrant, Ethan enjoys thinking with emotions, gender, and language and explores how to embrace queerness as healing and meditative teaching and research practices. Ethan has published four edited volumes that focus on critical storytelling, teachers’ well-being, and doctoral students’ emotions, identities, and community. Ethan is the recipient of the 2022 Leadership Mentoring Program Award by TESOL International Association.

Kate Mastruserio Reynolds, EdD, is a professor of TESOL/literacy at Central Washington University. A licensed K–12 educator, she has taught teachers in several countries and multilingual learners of English in public school districts at elementary schools, middle schools, and universities in various contexts.

James Coda, PhD, is assistant professor of ESL and World Language education, and theory and practice in teacher education in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He earned a doctorate in language and literacy education with an emphasis in TESOL and World Language education from the University of Georgia.

174: What Does Allyship Mean To You?

Welcome to the first episode of "Hey! Sensitive Soul," where we explore what it means to be a highly sensitive person (HSP) and how to embrace this unique trait. In this episode, I, Riley, share my personal journey of discovering my sensitivity, the challenges I faced, and how I learned to accept myself. We'll also discuss common traits of HSPs, the daily fatigue that comes with heightened sensitivity, and tips for managing and embracing this trait. Join me in turning sensitivity into a superpower!

Credits: Dr. Elaine Aron for her pioneering research on HSPs. 
Music Credits: music by penguinmusic - Better Day from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/beats-better-day-186374/)

Episode1 - Understanding Sensitivity

🌟 From Where Does Wisdom Come 🌟

“From Where Does Wisdom Come” is a contemplative and soulful track that delves into the origins of wisdom. Combining elements of folk and spiritual music, this song explores the various streams from which wisdom flows, guiding us through life’s journey.

In the verses, we explore the sources of wisdom:

	•Verse 1 highlights the richness of life’s experiences, lessons learned, and the triumphs and turns that shape our understanding.
	•Verse 2 speaks to the quiet reflection and contemplation that deepen our knowing and start the seeds of wisdom growing.
	•Verse 3 emphasizes the value of ancient lore and the voices of the wise, offering guidance on life’s shifting shore.
	•Verse 4 distinguishes knowledge from wisdom, showing that insight comes from broader experiences and intuition.
	•Verse 5 focuses on the silent guidance of intuition and the whisper of the soul that leads us to deeper understanding.
	•Verse 6 touches on the wisdom found in faith, spirit, and sacred texts, serving as a beacon in the darkest times.
	•Verse 7 highlights the importance of compassion and empathy in cultivating wisdom.
	•Verse 8 reflects on how adversity and challenges forge our wisdom, making us stronger.

The chorus and outro weave these themes together, portraying wisdom as a gift of time, heart, and mind, and a treasure found within our souls.

Let “From Where Does Wisdom Come” inspire you to reflect on the many sources of wisdom in your own life. 🌿

The William Altig Choir: A collection of amazingly talented singers with musical accompaniment, brought to life through the cutting-edge technology of Suno AI language models.

Lyrics: 

From Where Does Wisdom Come	

Wisdom flows from many streams,
Life's rich tapestry of dreams,
From moments lived and lessons learned,
In every triumph, every turn.

Through quiet reflection's gentle grace,
In contemplation's sacred space,
We find the threads of deeper knowing,
Where seeds of wisdom start their growing.

In voices of the wise and old,
In stories shared, in truths retold,
We gather pearls of ancient lore,
To guide us on life's shifting shore.

Knowledge gained through study's light,
Books and tomes, both day and night,
Yet wisdom's more than facts and figures,
It's insight gained through broader triggers.

Intuition, a silent guide,
From depths within, where truths reside,
A whisper from the soul's own core,
Leading us to understand more.

In faith and spirit's tender touch,
In sacred texts that mean so much,
We find a wisdom pure and bright,
A beacon in the darkest night.

Compassion's heart, empathy's gaze,
Illuminate our chosen ways,
For wisdom blooms where kindness grows,
In every act, in love it shows.

Through trials faced and battles fought,
In challenges, our wisdom's wrought,
Adversity, a teacher true,
Forging strength from what we knew.

So wisdom comes from varied streams,
In life's rich weave, in quiet dreams,
A gift of time, of heart, of mind,
A treasure in our souls we find.

From Where Does Wisdom Come?

This is a beautiful and inspiring song, filled with themes of unity, compassion, and hope. The lyrics convey a powerful message of togetherness, reminding us of the strength we find in harmony and kindness. The imagery of Buddhas blooming, wisdom flowing, and empathy's river captures the essence of spiritual awakening and the potential for a world united in love.

The repetition in the chorus emphasizes the importance of walking together, hand in hand, through life's journey, guided by kindness and compassion. The verses paint vivid pictures of a world where love and wisdom prevail, creating a vision of a peaceful, interconnected existence.

Side by Side in Harmony

[Verse 1]
In a world of endless night,
Hearts are seeds, shining bright,
Buddhas blooming in our midst,
Guided by compassion’s kiss.

From the rock to the ancient tree,
Wisdom flows, setting us free,
No more borders, no divide,
Open hearts where love resides.

[Chorus]
We’ll walk side by side in harmony,
Hand in hand, let our spirits be free,
With kindness as our only guide,
We’ll stand together, side by side.

[Verse 2]
Harmony crowns our heads with gold,
Every story, every soul told,
Acts of love, healing all pain,
Under the gentle, cleansing rain.

Empathy’s river, deep and wide,
Flows through us, where dreams reside,
Unified, we’ll rise and sing,
Together, we can do anything.

[Chorus]
We’ll walk side by side in harmony,
Hand in hand, let our spirits be free,
With kindness as our only guide,
We’ll stand together, side by side.

[Bridge]
When the world feels dark and cold,
Remember the stories of old,
Buddhas bloom where love has grown,
In open hearts, we find our home.

[Verse 3]
Let’s build a world where peace abides,
No more fear, no need to hide,
With wisdom’s light to lead the way,
We’ll find joy in every day.

From the mountains to the sea,
We’ll sing our song, wild and free,
Together, we’ll heal, we’ll grow,
Side by side, let our love show.

[Chorus]
We’ll walk side by side in harmony,
Hand in hand, let our spirits be free,
With kindness as our only guide,
We’ll stand together, side by side.

[Outro]
We’ll stand together, side by side,
In this journey, let love be our guide,
With open hearts and spirits wide,
We’ll find our way, side by side.

Side By Side In Harmony

“Oh, Compassionate One” is a heartfelt folk song inspired by Chapter Twenty-Five of the Lotus Sutra. This song captures the transformative power of compassion, telling a story of how embodying kindness and empathy can soften even the hardest of hearts. The lyrics speak of a moment when danger and fear are present, but by calling upon the Compassionate One—a figure representing mercy and understanding—the situation transforms, revealing the innate goodness and interconnectedness of all beings.

The melody of the song is soothing yet powerful, with a gentle folk rhythm that invites listeners to reflect on the themes of unity, love, and the spiritual strength found in compassion. The chorus, “Oh, Compassionate One, hear my call,” serves as a universal plea for guidance and transformation, creating a sense of communal hope and shared humanity.

“Oh, Compassionate One” is a song that resonates across cultures and beliefs, encouraging all who listen to embrace compassion and see the divine in each other.

The William Altig Choir: A collection of amazingly talented singers with musical accompaniment, brought to life through the cutting-edge technology of Suno AI language models.

Lyrics:

Verse 1:

When danger’s near and fear surrounds,
And swords are drawn to strike me down,
I’ll call upon the Voice so clear,
The One who calms our deepest fears.

Chorus:

Oh, Compassionate One, hear my call,
Transform our hearts, embrace us all.
With your love, let us see,
The bond that holds all humanity.

Verse 2:

In every heart, compassion lies,
Even in those who aim to fight.
With mercy’s grace, we all can learn,
That love’s the light for which we yearn.

Chorus:

Oh, Compassionate One, hear my call,
Transform our hearts, embrace us all.
With your love, let us see,
The bond that holds all humanity.

Bridge:

When we embody this sacred way,
Enemies turn to friends one day.
The lotus blooms in every soul,
As mercy makes the broken whole.

Chorus:

Oh, Compassionate One, hear my call,
Transform our hearts, embrace us all.
With your love, let us see,
The bond that holds all humanity.

Outro:

So when the shadows start to fall,
Remember there’s a voice for all.
A gentle heart, a soothing hand,
To guide us to the promised land.

Oh, Compassionate One

Junious Ricardo Stanton offers suggestions on how to rethink embrace and stand for peace as the American Empire appears to be heading for more wars.

Akoben- What If 2024

In this episode of The Crusher, hosts Josh Brewster and Susan Olsen delve into the complexities of political friendships, the rise of political vitriol, and the public perception of figures like Elon Musk.  Joined by LA Mayor Karen Bass and Congressman Brad Sherman, Trump confronts California’s failures to its face, delivering overdue and truthful remarks that needed to be said.  Not unlike an enema, his remarks are long overdue.  They discuss his address at the World Economic Forum, highlighting the contrast between his promises and the media's portrayal. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in government, while also reflecting on the humor and absurdity present in today's political landscape. Susan and Josh explore a range of topics from environmental concerns and political negotiations to the implications of climate change and the weaponization of compassion in modern politics. They delve into historical predictions regarding MLK, JFK and RFK, discuss the evolving landscape of Hollywood representation, and analyze the future of Middle Eastern relations under potential new agreements. SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE THE CRUSHER!

Episode 57 - The Great California Truth Enema

"Empathic" is a reflective blend of atmospheric melodies and deep emotional tones, capturing the raw essence of connection, vulnerability, and inner exploration. Crafted with haunting synth layers, gentle rhythms, and ethereal textures, this track invites listeners on a journey through empathy itself — feeling the unseen and understanding the unspoken. Perfect for introspection, meditation, or late-night contemplation.

Written & Produced by Bryan Stober.

Empathic

“Hearts Can Mend” is a heartfelt acoustic ballad that explores the emotional power of how we speak to one another. Through alternating male and female vocals, the song gently unfolds the pain caused by unintentional harm and the healing that begins when we speak with empathy. It features warm fingerpicked and strummed acoustic guitars, a steady rhythmic beat, and harmonized choruses that lift the message into something deeply human and hopeful. Both raw and reflective, this track invites listeners to connect, forgive, and transform through conscious speech.

Hearts Can Mend

The Listening Podcast by Sidekick.Asia
Episode 1: AI, Empathy, and the Power of Listening

In our very first episode, we dive into the heart of what makes behavior change work: listening. Tul from Sidekick sits down with Dr. Ari to unpack how empathy, deep listening, and human-centered design shape the way we create meaningful solutions — and where AI fits into it all.

🎙️ Highlights from this episode:

- Why listening is the “secret sauce” behind sustainable behavior change

- How immersive research reveals what people won’t always say out loud

- Ways AI is transforming persona design, prototyping, and insight generation

- Why emotional connection still matters in a world full of data

Whether you’re a designer, changemaker, or just curious about how people think and behave — this episode is for you.

Episode 1: AI, Empathy, and the Power of Listening

See Without Sight is a mysterious and soul-stirring exploration of inner vision, inviting the listener to release surface judgment and awaken the heart’s deeper perception. Blending poetic lyrics with a cinematic, electro-mechanical soundscape, the song begins in subtle ambience and builds with emotional intensity. With expressive vocals, atmospheric guitars, analog synth layers, and a reverent pulse, it unfolds like a veil being lifted—revealing a truth felt, not seen. This piece is a spiritual reflection on intuition, empathy, and the unseen dimensions of love and awareness.

See Without Sight

“Isabella’s Light” is a tribute to the unsung heroes who lift others from the shadows—those who plant hope in cracked pavement, bear the scars of others, and give without demand. This song is for the friend who turns strangers’ burdens into music, who roots wild roses in the ruins, and who changes the world, one small act at a time. For anyone who’s ever been changed by kindness or carried by another’s flame—this is your anthem. Carry her light. Guard her flame. We are the crops from the seeds that you dropped.

Isabella's Light

"Ask If I’m Alright" by Dr. Elliot Lach is a heartfelt ballad about the silent weight carried by those who are always there for others but rarely asked how they themselves are doing. With soulful female vocals, a gentle acoustic and string arrangement, and lyrics that speak to vulnerability and resilience, this song is for anyone who has ever felt like the world’s shoulder yet longed for someone to check in on their own heart.

Ask If I'm Alright

Important Notice for Inquiries:
If you’re reaching out regarding music collaborations, promotions, or record label opportunities, please include verifiable identity links. I do not respond to unsolicited messages from Gmail accounts, especially from those claiming to be record executives or industry professionals. Thank you for understanding. You can contact me directly at riven.waters.infinite.story@gmail.com.
About My Music:
I create original, genre-blending music that fuses rock, classical, easy listening, and experimental styles. Each song is crafted with deep emotional honesty, often inspired by my own poetry, journal reflections, or personal stories. Whether instrumental or vocal, my focus is to uplift, inspire, and resonate with listeners on a real, human level.
I don’t settle for “good enough.” Every track goes through hundreds of iterations, shaped by a balance of intuition and precision. I use advanced AI music tools to explore sound and emotional tone, then refine everything in Logic Pro for professional production quality. It's a fusion of heart and technology, and through it, I aim to connect, heal, and inspire—one song at a time.

Akoben is the war horn the call to awareness, readiness and action. Interviews commentary and discussion of current events, news and happenings from around the world cutting through the disinformation of the monopoly mind control apparatus.

CYBER CHORD writes songs the way a porch light holds a night: small, steady, and impossible to ignore. I work with AI as a true co-writer, then carve the lyric by hand and shape the track in Suno. The sound leans bare and human—country roots in the soil, a little rock grain in the teeth, and a faith-lit lift that chooses hope without preaching.

These are ordinary-room hymns: rings hidden in cotton, receipt-tape strings, a dress behind rain glass, a sink that cools while you find the words. Silence is an instrument here; sometimes there’s a full bar where the house gets to breathe. If a line can’t survive a campfire and a cracked mug, it doesn’t make the song.

If you’re new, start with the heartbreakers. They don’t shout. They stay. I believe in the holiness of the everyday, and in the quiet bravery of saying the thing before “later” takes it away.

No paid promo, no playlist buys, no cover-art pitches, no dance offers, no cold DMs. If it’s a pitch, the porch light’s off. If you’re a real listener, come in soft: pick one song, leave a genuine note (lyric or timestamp welcome), and hand it to one friend. That’s how this fire stays lit.

May your road stay open, your coffee stay warm, and your day be peaceful.

Absolutely Everything
🎵 Bryan Stober: A Sonic Alchemist of Modern Music 🎵

Welcome to the Soundcloud sanctuary of Bryan Stober, where the boundary between code and chords dissolves. Armed with an eclectic skill set ranging from Software Architect to multi-instrumentalist, Bryan is a modern-day Renaissance man in both technology and the arts.

🔊 The Sound

Influenced by a myriad of genres, Bryan produces a unique sound that's a soulful blend of rock, electronic, and alternative vibes. With his deep-rooted understanding of sound manipulation—be it through code or musical instruments—each track is a carefully crafted journey into the aural unknown.

🎸 The Instruments

A self-proclaimed "Jack of all trades," Bryan is proficient in guitar, bass, piano, and drums. This proficiency allows him to dive into complex compositions, where each instrument has a voice and contributes to the overall narrative of the music.

🎧 The Tech

Don't let the technical jargon of AWS, Node.js, or SQL fool you. This technologically savvy musician employs the same level of precision and care in his music as he does in optimizing database schemas or architecting cloud solutions.

📈 Always Evolving

Constantly pushing the envelope, Bryan is in a perpetual state of growth—both musically and personally. He's never content to rest on his laurels; every new track is an exploration, a challenge, and an invitation for you to join him on this unstoppable journey.

✉️ Contact & Collaborations

For business inquiries and collaborations, feel free to drop a message.

Please like and share. 
Welcome to the musical world of The William Altig Choir, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary sound.

Inspired by the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and infused with deep spiritual themes, my music blends the rich traditions of blues and folk with modern elements, creating a unique fusion that resonates with both the heart and soul.

I've been captivated by the Lotus Sutra's messages of compassion, wisdom, and transformation since my youth. It's a journey of self-discovery that has found its voice in my music. Each song is a reflection of my own spiritual awakening and a celebration of universal truths.

My style is characterized by emotive storytelling, powerful lyrics, and a commitment to exploring the depths of human experience. Featuring contemplative blues, acoustic slide guitar, saxophone melodies, and the harmonies of a gospel choir, my music reflects a quest for enlightenment and a better understanding of the self.

Join me on this musical journey. Together, we can explore the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, finding solace, hope, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

#SpiritualMusic  #LotusSutraMusic  #ContemplativeBlues  #BuddhistGospel #AcousticSlideGuitar  #GospelChoir  #Self-Discovery  #SpiritualAwakening  #Hope  #The_William_Altig_Choir

Welcome to The Listening Podcast by Sidekick
We’re a communications and research studio turning real human insight into powerful strategies, tools, and campaigns for social change.

In this space, we explore what happens when we stop assuming—and start listening. From design thinking to behavior change, AI to storytelling, join us as we speak with changemakers across Asia about how deep listening leads to better questions, better ideas, and better impact.

#DesignThinking #BehaviorChange #SocialImpact #AI #HumanCenteredDesign #SidekickVoices

A podcast about Agile and Project Management

Reimagining K12 education to foster allyship and belonging one conversation at a time. Learn more at triciafriedman.com

New tracks tagged #empathy,