Send us a text A mustache can start a conversation, but the real goal is changing the rules men grew up with. This episode digs into Movember as a catalyst for men’s mental health, exploring why so many guys carry stress, anxiety, and depression in silence and what it takes to make sharing feel safe. We talk candidly about the phrases that shape bo…

Send us a text We trace how a dining table mic turned into a focused blue-collar podcast and why showing up beats having perfect gear. We dig into trade careers, union vs non-union nuance, and the real time cost of making a quality show while life and work keep moving. • origins of a three-host shop-floor show • evolving into interviews, leadership…

Send us a text We share a six-book reading stack and explain why switching between genres—biography, classic epic, mystery, gothic, and marketing—makes ideas stick. We show how fast first reads, slow second reads, and simple note-taking turn reading into a useful habit. • six-book list from Lucas to Homer to Hopkins • how the chapter-by-chapter “bu…

Send us a text We celebrate the clean, bold flavor of Louisiana hot sauce and call out the frustrating plastic seal that slows breakfast to a crawl. We share a simple packaging fix and ask listeners to send their worst “who designed this?” examples for future features. • brief history of Louisiana hot sauce and its simple recipe • the protective se…

Send us a text Ben and Scott discuss whether it's time for Mike Gundy to step down as Oklahoma State's head football coach after the team's devastating loss to Oregon. • Gundy transformed OSU from an afterthought into a nationally respected program with 15 Top 25 finishes • Last season was Gundy's worst as head coach with only three wins • The Oreg…

Send us a text Sometimes the most meaningful discoveries come when we venture beyond our usual preferences. Having just finished "Theo of Golden," by Allen Levi. a book far removed from my typical action-packed thrillers, I found myself profoundly moved in unexpected ways. When Eric Rostad, host of Books of Titans podcast and a friend whose literar…

Send us a text We're celebrating a major milestone on the podcast with our 7,500th download after five years and 234 episodes. This achievement represents the longest project I've ever committed to outside of my professional career. • Most new podcasts don't make it beyond 7 episodes • The conversations with guests and their stories have been the d…

Send us a text featuring: Draven Hope Ben Townsend Ever caught yourself replaying a meeting or conversation days later, questioning your every word and action? You're not alone in this leadership struggle. Our latest installment in the Leadership is Influence series tackles the complex relationship between reflection and effective leadership. Throu…

Send us a text Leadership isn't about pursuing titles but developing others to reach their potential. Our conversation explores how leadership perspectives evolve from seeking positions to focusing on creating meaningful impact and building capable teams. • Shifting from wanting leadership positions to prioritizing good work and social influence • …

Send us a text Leadership is fundamentally about influence and returning more value than the resources invested. Our views on leadership evolve over time, often shifting from purely analytical approaches to recognizing the crucial importance of emotional connections. • Leadership defined as the ability to influence others toward fulfilling the comp…

Send us a text Leadership is about influence and aligning people to goals while serving them empathetically and helping them develop to reach their full potential. • Leadership develops through experience, just like learning to walk—you fall down, get up, and improve as long as you're paying attention • The ability to influence is the essence of le…

Send us a text Support the show I ♥ my podcast host @Buzzsprout. This link will get us both a $20 credit if you upgrade! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1087190 The Scott Townsend Show Merchandise https://teespring.com/stores/tsts-2 Resources and Links -------------------------------------------- My contact info: LinkedIn https://bit.ly/2ZZ…

Send us a text We explore the emotional and mental challenges of decluttering during life transitions and how our attachment to possessions can hold us back from moving forward. • Moving reveals the overwhelming accumulation of possessions that often go unused for years • The emotional challenge of parting with items tied to significant memories an…

Send us a text Scott Townsend welcomes back familiar guest Ben Townsend for a deep dive into why "a well-defined problem is half the solution" and how this principle applies across business and personal scenarios. • Understanding customer needs beyond their stated requirements is essential for effective problem-solving • In software development, wh…

Send us a text Diving into HG Wells' 1897 classic "The Invisible Man," Scott explores how the novel uses invisibility as a device to illuminate human nature. This short but profound book examines what happens when accountability disappears and reveals who we truly are when no one is watching. • First-time reading of the 162-page classic "The Invisi…

Send us a text A preview of next week's exploration of the Net Promoter Score (NPS), the single-question metric that helps businesses predict growth through customer loyalty. We'll uncover who created it, why it's widely used, and how different companies implement this powerful tool. • Net Promoter Score revolves around one question about customers…

Send us a text Career setbacks happen to everyone, but how you respond to them determines your professional trajectory and future opportunities. • The "tube top" comment highlights the importance of getting honest feedback after a rejection • One word in an interview (describing a workplace as "hostile") can sink your chances if the interviewer tak…

Send us a text Understanding how to navigate rejection in your career is vital for long-term success and personal growth. Emphasizing resilience, this episode explores effective strategies for responding to disappointment and staying prepared for future opportunities. • Discusses initial feelings of disappointment after not being promoted • Highlig…

Send us a text Video that Ben mentioned https://x.com/WarPath2pt0/status/1887864859515121904 In today’s rapidly shifting workplace, how do you navigate career advancement while balancing merit-based promotions with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives? In this episode of The Scott Townsend Show, I sit down with Executive Producer Ben …

Send us a text Picture this: it's Valentine's Day 1997, you've just snagged a speeding ticket, run into your youth group while watching Titanic, and the film's tragic ending is the cherry on top of your misadventure sundae. Join us as Jay Webster, the witty author of "You Don't Have to Read This," brings his comical calamity to life on The Scott To…

Send us a text This episode emphasizes the transformational power of intentional outreach and empathy in supporting those facing difficult times. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, we explore ways to foster meaningful connections while dismantling the stigma against asking for help. • The impact of consistent check-ins on emotional we…

Send us a text Retail theft is costing businesses billions, but locking up merchandise alienates customers and reduces sales. Solutions exist, and finding a balance between security and customer satisfaction is crucial for retailers. • Retail theft costs nearly $94.5 billion annually • 60% of shoppers encounter locked merchandise regularly • 27% of…

Send us a text Ever had a package disappear from your doorstep? It happened to me, which got me thinking about how we handle neighborly etiquette in today’s tech-driven world. With delivery drivers often skipping the doorbell, it’s easy to miss when a package arrives. I share a story about a mix-up with a package pickup and a simple solution: using…

Send us a text The episode explores an unexpected encounter with a stranger asking for fuel on a bitterly cold morning, prompting thoughts on kindness, trust, and decision-making. The story raises questions about empathy and the balance between safety and generosity in our interactions with others. • A 5:30 AM encounter in a deserted parking lot • …

Send us a text Erik Rostad joins us once again for his third annual appearance on the Scott Townsend Show, bringing fresh insights from his impressive reading project. Since 2017, Erik has been on a mission to read 52 books a year, but his journey has grown to encompass nearly 200 authors, exploring timeless works that have shaped literature and th…

Send us a text As we embrace the festivities, it's all too easy to get lost in the whirlwind of consumerism and the hustle and bustle of modern life. But what if we paused for a moment to rediscover the true reason for the season? In his signature style, Scott takes us on a reflective journey as he reads Luke 2:8-14, the timeless passage that encap…

Send us a text Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly achieve their goals while others struggle to make progress? It's not magic—it's consistency. On this episode of the Scott Townsend Show, I pull back the curtain on the pivotal role consistency plays in transforming dreams into reality. Whether it's in our personal lives or p…

Send us a text What if you could transform your social life with just a two-hour cocktail party? Discover the secrets with Nick Gray, the mastermind behind "The Two-Hour Cocktail Party," as we chat about hosting unforgettable gatherings that bring people closer together. Nick shares his unique morning routine, featuring a twist on bulletproof coffe…

Send us a text What happens when communication channels falter in the face of global tensions reminiscent of the Civil War era? Join Scott Townsend and executive producer Ben Townsend as they unpack the critical role of communication during these turbulent times. Discover how to navigate the maze of biased media to seek out objective truths amid in…

Send us a text Unlock the secrets of impactful leadership with insights from Scott Townsend, who joins us for an enriching conversation led by the astute Liz Draven Hope. Discover how the timeless wisdom of historical figures like Jesus, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln can transform your leadership approach by emphasizing servant leadership …

Send us a text Tyler Cole from OK Bird Control joins us to share his fascinating journey from the machining industry to becoming an expert in avian management. Discover how Tyler tackled the formidable task of managing flocks of starlings at industrial sites and turned a part-time passion into a thriving full-time business. We explore the delicate …

Send us a text How often do we pause to appreciate the simple pleasure of a handwritten note? Reflecting on a recent postcard I received from my friend Rick Larkin, who visited the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, I found myself pondering the rarity and impact of these tangible messages in our digital age. Join me on this heartfelt journey …

Send us a text What if the key to a fulfilling life lies in the small moments you often overlook? Sit down with Jay Webster, a jack-of-all-trades in filmmaking, humor writing, and authoring, as we explore this very notion. From humorous breakfast banter to the inspiration behind his latest book, "You Really Don't Have to Read This," Jay shares stor…

Send us a text Can you imagine starting as a part-time tools associate and rising to become a store manager? Join us as we chat with Jordyn Roberts, the new store manager at Lowe's, who shares her incredible journey. From her Missouri roots and a scholarship at TU in Oklahoma to navigating the multifaceted roles at Lowe's during the pandemic, Jordy…

Send us a text Ever wondered how a simple habit like punctuality can transform your personal and professional life? Hear from Pastor Scott Turner, co-lead pastor at CityChurch in Bartlesville, as he shares touching stories about his father's influence on his values and time management skills. Pastor Scott highlights how punctuality goes beyond bein…

Send us a text Can kindness transform your business's bottom line? Discover how genuine care and empathy can revolutionize the retail world on this episode of the Scott Townsend Show. We promise you'll learn how kindness isn't just a feel-good tactic but a strategic advantage. From the impressive low turnover rates at Trader Joe's to the exceptiona…

Send us a text Do you know the biggest misconceptions job seekers have about recruiters? Join us as we sit down with Glenn Hall from Coltech Consulting to uncover the top five things recruiters wish job seekers knew. From debunking the myth that recruiters find jobs for candidates to elucidating the crucial role of applicant tracking systems, Glenn…

Send us a text Are you hesitant to start a project because you're not "fully ready"? Jody and I dive deep into the art of taking the plunge, inspired by the "80 and go" principle from a Disney Institute keynote speaker. We explore how internal podcasts, like the one created for Tennessee State Parks, can revolutionize corporate communication. Jody …

Send us a text Ever wondered if tipping should be a choice left to restaurants or continue as a cultural norm? Join me and my brother, Dan Townsend, as we dive into the world of tipping in our engaging conversation. We debate the pros and cons, with Dan offering his unique perspective on how tipping can act as a strong motivator for waitstaff, anal…

Send us a text Unlock the secrets to exceptional leadership on this episode of the Scott Townsend Show, featuring recurring guest Matt Clark. Discover how integrating multiple leadership styles—like democratic, transformational, and autocratic—can transform your team dynamics and drive outstanding results. Matt delves into the nuances of each appro…

Send us a text Have you ever hesitated to act in an emergency, thinking someone else will surely step in? This episode peels back the layers of our psychology to reveal why our instincts might not always lead to heroism. Drawing from a segment in Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking Fast and Slow," I delve into the revealing study by Richard Nisbett and Eug…

Send us a text Ever wonder what it's like to juggle punchlines and parenthood? Tune in as my hilarious friend, Adam Bush, unpacks the path from TV writer to stand-up comedy stardom. Our chat takes a twist through the corridors of Adam's forthcoming Dry Bar special, and his new special "Who Brought The Kid", sprinkled with tales of touring with the …

Send us a text When Lee Cockrell, the mastermind behind the operational excellence at Walt Disney World, casually agreed to chat on our podcast, I knew it would be an episode packed with wisdom and heart. This week, we're honored to welcome Lee to share his story, from his Oklahoma upbringing and the tough love of his mother, to the peaks and valle…

Send us a text Ever wondered why a simple customer service interaction can turn into a defining moment for both the customer and the business? Matt Clark and I unpack the art of customer service innovation, revealing hidden truths about why businesses lose their sparkle and how empowering your team with the right skills can reignite that initial sh…

Send us a text When Max Skinner joined me on The Scott Townsend Show, he didn't just bring statistics from Movember's latest campaign; he brought his heart, steeped in personal tragedy and triumph. As we sipped on mushroom coffee—a morning ritual Max swears by—we ventured into a conversation that transcended mere awareness, tapping into the pulse o…

Send us a text Discover the unexpected parallels between nurturing a child and nurturing a team as I sit down with Valerie Cockrell, a business hospitality expert and author of "Managed Like a Mother." Valerie's illustrious career, marked by her transitions from Epcot to Disneyland Paris, has given her a unique vantage point on the symbiotic relati…

Send us a text Could the quiet grind toward achievement overshadow the applause of public goal declarations? This episode tackles the philosophical debate of goals versus systems through the lens of James Clear's 'Atomic Habits'. Sam Lister's herculean challenge of crafting a daily video for a thousand days is the springboard to a monologue sustain…

Send us a text Ever wondered how to create a soirée that leaves everyone talking? That's exactly what Nick Gray, the wizard behind "The Two Hour Cocktail Party," and I unfold in this episode. Our chat is brimming with golden nuggets on transforming a simple gathering into a night of unforgettable networking and bonding. Get ready to learn how to se…

Send us a text As we embrace the festivities, it's all too easy to get lost in the whirlwind of consumerism and the hustle and bustle of modern life. But what if we paused for a moment to rediscover the true reason for the season? In his signature style, Scott takes us on a reflective journey as he reads Luke 2:8-14, the timeless passage that encap…

Send us a text In this episode, join us as we sit down with Erik Rostad, the mastermind behind Booksoftitans, to delve into his inspiring journey into the realm of the Great Books in 2023. Erik's voyage begins with the very first book known to humankind, Enheduana, and takes us through the epic adventures of Gilgamesh, the wisdom of ancient Egypt's…