Podcast Summary: Help Wanted – "How to Get What You Really Want"

Podcast: Help Wanted
Hosts: Jason Feifer (Editor-in-Chief, Entrepreneur Magazine), Nicole Lapin (Money Expert)
Air date: January 22, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode, hosted solo by Jason Feifer, centers on overcoming self-imposed barriers at work and in life—especially the tendency to assume that opportunities are blocked or unavailable without ever testing whether that’s true. Through engaging storytelling and actionable reflection, Jason aims to embolden listeners to challenge these "scarecrow" obstacles and take bold steps toward getting what they really want.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recognizing the Illusion of Barriers

• Jason highlights how many people hesitate to pursue what they want—be it reaching out to someone, applying for a job, or asking for a favor—due to assumed barriers.

  "You are accepting a barrier without testing whether it’s real." (02:00)

2. The Celebrity and the Security Guard: A Parable

• Jason recounts a vivid story from a conference:
  • A celebrity is backstage, and a security guard is instructed: if people ask permission to approach the celebrity, say no; if someone just walks up, don’t stop them.

  “The security guard was functioning as a scarecrow. He was there for deterrence. But if anyone actually tried, they could walk right past him.” (03:35)

• The story serves as a metaphor: many barriers in life are only for show, and most people stop at the first sign of resistance.

3. Challenging Your Assumptions

• Jason breaks down common untested beliefs:
  • “They won’t want to hear from me.”
  • “I’m not qualified.”
  • “That’s not for me.”
• He prompts listeners to ask themselves:
  1. Is the barrier real or perceived?
  2. What’s the worst that can happen if I try?
  3. What’s the best that can happen if I try?
• On cost vs. benefit:

  “The worst that can happen is, someone says no, or they say nothing at all, and maybe you feel a little embarrassed. … The best that can happen? You could have an incredible experience, you fulfill a desire, maybe you even change your life.” (06:05)

4. Personal Story: Meeting David Crosby

• Jason shares a story from 2012: his wife wanted to meet David Crosby but was intimidated by a security guard.
  • She approached, was turned away, and David Crosby ignored her.
  • They still cherish the story and laugh about it today.

  “She didn’t get to meet David Crosby, but we got an experience that we value and a story that we have been telling friends forever. It was totally worth her testing the barrier. The worst was just fine.” (07:30)

5. What Really Happens When You Challenge Barriers

• Back at the conference, only one person—a teenager—ignored the “scarecrow” and approached the celebrity, resulting in a pleasant and positive interaction.

  “The only real barrier is our willingness to test them. … The formula for a more rich and fulfilling life is really simple. It is this: see what happens.” (08:30)

6. Application: Live What You Learn

• Jason encourages listeners to embrace a “see what happens” approach in the face of uncertain barriers.

  “So the next time you want something but assume you can't have it, remember that teenager. He got what he wanted, not because he was special, but because he was unafraid.” (08:15)

7. Behind-the-Scenes Note

• Jason reveals a fun anecdote about the episode’s timing: the story featured here was first shared on an earlier recorded call-in episode with Nicole and later became a newsletter and then this episode—an example of how stories can echo and reinforce themselves across different mediums. (09:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On deterring yourself:

  "When we see or feel a barrier, we stop. But we rarely test whether it’s an actual barrier, or just the appearance of a barrier." – Jason Feifer (03:50)

• On facing rejection:

  "The only person saying no to you is, well, you." – Jason Feifer (05:45)

• On living bravely:

  "Go see what happens. Do not let those barriers stop you. Go, go, go." – Jason Feifer (09:55)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:46] – Jason introduces the “scarecrow barrier” concept
• [03:15] – Celebrity and security guard parable
• [04:50] – Challenging assumptions; practical reframing
• [06:05] – Assessing cost/benefit; the “worst that can happen” analysis
• [07:05] – David Crosby story: personal example of “testing the barrier”
• [08:15] – Backstage outcome: teen’s success and the “see what happens” mantra
• [09:00] – Behind-the-scenes podcast production insight
• [09:55] – Final words of encouragement

Overall Takeaways

• Most barriers are perceived, not real.
• Testing supposed obstacles often leads to rich experiences, even when it doesn’t work out “perfectly.”
• Courage comes from asking, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’ and then seeing what happens.
• Live with curiosity and boldness—the world belongs to those who try, not those who hesitate.

Tone & Style

Jason’s approach is conversational, engaging, and supportive, blending practical advice with relatable stories and gentle humor.

For anyone facing a work or personal challenge, this episode is a reminder: Don't let the “scarecrows” stop you. Go test those barriers. See what happens.