Podcast
Insights To Live By
Hosted by Matt Zinman · EN
This perfect blend of substance, fun and inspiration uncovers new pearls of wisdom to put into action. We all have our Insights to Live By.
Be they life lessons, credos, mantras, guiding principles or by any other name, these are those core values most often shared to positively impact others.
Hosted by Matt Zinman, author of Z-isms, the show features both solo and guest episodes. Matt’s book, podcast, courses and speaking engagements represent his devotion as a difference-maker to personally enrich the lives of at least 25 million people by 2030.
Show guests come from all walks of life. These may be celebrities, athletes, musicians, authors, coaches, social media personalities, thought leaders and/or entrepreneurs.
Solo shows delve into Matt’s core focus on self-discovery and mindset, wellbeing (including Mood Health), relationships and interactions, purpose and enrichment and finding "Happierness" – the shortest path to an enriched life.
Listen in.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EPISODE 126 [guest]: What Gets Founders Funded with Chris Halligan
Dec 1800:56:06Tap to summarizeClosing out this four-part series on entrepreneurship is an inside look at the investment side of startup funding. Guiding the way is serial entrepreneur Chris Halligan, co-founder of Good Human Investment Partners. He breaks down what angel investors look for in early-stage companies and why founder character can matter as much as metrics. Then he turns the tables on Matt and puts him and MindRev to the test. Chris also shares stories from his early days of Dell, along with practical guidelines for making meetings matter and several sage Insights to Live By. Here you'll find a sharp, human conversation packed with practical gems.TOPIC TIME CODES00:29 – Introduction01:20 – The Mindset Man03:03 – An OG of the Ecosystem04:04 – Origin of Good Human 08:35 – Investment Criteria: product, market, distribution, team10:25 – What Constitutes an “Unfair Advantage” 18:05 – A Future Self (Wheel of Insights)19:10 – Family Matters22:15 – Making Meetings Matter (Dell Roots)25:00 – Identities in the C-Suite28:50 – Vibe Coding 32:10 – Favorite Queen City Spot (Wheel of Insights)34:20 – Big Break (Wheel of Insights)35:10 – Inside Dell38:00 – Insight #1: Time and the River Flowing 40:10 – Insight #2: …Hoops of Steal43:40 – Relationship Matters44:35 – Insight #3: The Real Cycle You’re Working On48:15 – Challenging Oneself50:40 – Advice to Your Younger Self (Wheel of Insights)52:30 – Self-Kindness55:10 – Closing ThoughtsSOURCE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishalligan/
Transcribe →EPISODE 125 [guest]: Driving Innovation in a Startup Community with Juan Garzón
Dec 1100:41:44Tap to summarizeLaunching a new company is among life’s greatest challenges. It demands resilience, decisiveness, adaptability, vision and resourcefulness. The founders who succeed know they cannot do it alone. This is where a strong startup ecosystem can make all the difference. Here to unpack those forces and share a ground-level view of Charlotte’s entrepreneurial landscape is Juan Garzón. He is the Managing Director of Innovate Charlotte, Head of Innovation-Led Entrepreneurship for the City of Charlotte and Executive Director of PitchBreakfast, the Queen City’s premier startup pitching event. Join the conversation for a fascinating inside look at everything from ecosystem building and raising capital and to the art of the pitch and the mindset that separates founders who survive from those who thrive.TOPIC TIME CODES00:00 – Intro00:55 – Charlotte’s entrepreneurial ecosystem maturity and resource gaps01:37 – Innovate Charlotte’s role and Global Entrepreneurship Week overview06:07 – Pitch Breakfast history and structure07:48 – How founders benefit from real investor feedback09:40 – Quality of pitches increasing and YouTube library of 500–600 past pitches17:48 – Founder programs: Product Jam, Growth Jam, mentoring initiatives21:40 – Capacity limits and demand for deeper founder support22:15 – Evolution of Innovate Charlotte from media to nonprofit ecosystem engine22:48 – Angel investing realities in the Southeast24:36 – Funding gaps for early-stage founders who lack traction26:07 – Need for local innovation funds and current microloan-driven landscape28:57 – Founder mindset: fall in love with the problem not the solution31:44 – Storytelling as a competitive advantage in pitching34:00 – Founder true north: aligning work with deeper purpose36:47 – Community building as a core strategy not a sideshow38:48 – The importance of “intentional serendipity” for founders40:29 – Involving family in ecosystem building and the next generation41:37 – Upcoming events: monthly Pitch Breakfast and Seed the South 2026SOURCES:InnovateCharlotte.orgPitchBreakfast.comSeedTheSouth.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcgarzon/
Transcribe →EPISODE 124 [guest]: Navigating the Tech-Talent Shift with Brooks Raiford
Dec 400:39:35Tap to summarizeNorth Carolina is becoming one of the fastest rising tech hubs in the country. Matt sits down with Brooks Raiford, CEO of NC Tech, to unpack the forces shaping the region’s innovation economy. They get into hiring trends, the truth about the AI skills gap, why non-tech companies now dominate tech hiring, and the surprising drop in computer science majors. Brooks explains how employers are navigating rapid AI transformation and why soft skills still matter. They also talk leadership, communication habits that elevate influence and the challenges start-ups face. It’s a grounded, wide-angle look at tech, talent and the future of work.TOPIC TIME CODES00:00 – 06:06: NC Tech overview and annual programming06:06: Membership composition and geographic breakdown10:16: Small business presence, local HQ footprint, and non-traditional members14:36: Hiring data and the monthly IT job trends dashboard16:40: Top hiring companies and non-tech sectors driving demand19:20: Talent supply concerns and the dip in CS degree applications21:49: Why young people are confused about tech careers in the AI era24:40: AI skills, stackable credentials, and the new baseline of competency26:52: How employers are adapting hiring and upskilling strategies29:30: AI risks, data privacy concerns, and community college upskilling32:04: Soft skills, communication, and what really drives leadership success34:12: Brooks’ three life insights and the “walking stick” communication metaphor38:03: How better communication creates influence and opportunity41:45: The 2026 Young Tech Professionals Network42:03: NC Tech’s advocacy role and statewide collaboration45:03: Early-stage funding challenges in the Southeast and startup relocation46:39: Closing thoughts.SOURCES:NCTECH.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brooksraiford/
Transcribe →EPISODE 123 [guest]: “Unmasking Your Imposter” with Gary Frey
Nov 2700:48:33Tap to summarizeFrom perfectionism at age ten to coaching CEOs who quietly wonder if they belong, Gary exposes how comparison, credentials and hidden shame steal confidence. Join this lively conversation as Gary gets brutally honest about the sneaky scripts that fuel imposter syndrome. He also shares personal stories of betrayal, resilience and finding freedom through vulnerability, purpose and service. If self-doubt ever whispers you’re not enough, this episode gives you the means to silence it and step into who you’ve earned to be.TIME-CODED TOPIC GUIDE0:00 — Matt intro and North Carolina series setup02:30 — Who is Gary Frey, background, business history06:10 — Defining imposter syndrome and where it came from09:45 — Perfectionism, early childhood patterns, high achiever psychology14:20 — CEO coaching, the silent epidemic among leaders19:30— The Tana Green story and the power of admitting “I don’t know what I’m doing”24:40 — Education, credentials, comparison, hiding flaws, internal shame28:55 — Why sharing your story sets others freeREMAINING TRANSCRIPT:Wheel of Insights – random fun questions for GaryGary’s Insights to Live ByFinal ThoughtsSOURCES:• GaryDFrey.com• LINKEDIN.COM/IN/GARYDFREYNOTABLE QUOTES:“I didn’t even know the term imposter syndrome until five years ago, but I’d been living it since I was ten.”“High achievers often think they’re the only ones who don’t know what they’re doing. That’s the great lie.”“The imposter wants you focused on how others perceive you. Freedom comes from focusing on serving others.”“Some of the most successful leaders I’ve coached whispered the same words: I don’t know what I’m doing.”“Realizing you’re not alone is a weapon. Shame loses power when it’s shared.”“Purpose always silences fear. When I’m focused on serving you, I don’t have time to worry about me.”
Transcribe →EPISODE 122 [GUEST] – How Underdogs Win: Leading with a Healthy Mindset (Mike Hartman)
Jul 300:45:56Tap to summarizeWhat does it take for an underdog to win their face-off against adversity? Former NHL enforcer and Stanley Cup winner Mike Hartman joins the show to share his journey from house league long shot to professional athlete and how mindset made all the difference. Now as founder of the Healthy Mindset App, Mike is guiding both corporate and professional athletes to lead with purpose and mental toughness. He’s also trained an AI version of himself to deliver real-time coaching anytime, anywhere. With Matt also a lifelong player, the episode includes behind-the-scenes moments with Gretzky, leadership insights from Messier, and actionable habits for building resilience both on and off the ice.TOPIC TIME CODES00:00 - Episode Intro and Underdog Setup02:00 - Mike Hartman's NHL Journey and Mindset Roots06:58 - Healthy Mindset App Origin and AI Coaching13:40 - Leadership Lessons from Mark Messier16:31 - How the Healthy Mindset App Works20:37 - Content Development and Personal Investment23:41 - How to Access the Healthy Mindset App25:29 - Mindset and Simplicity in Speaking26:14 - Charlotte Favorites and Coyote Story28:19 - Best Hockey Skills and Habit Formation30:35 - Insights to Live By: No Shortcuts31:39 - Insights to Live By: Practice Your Habits34:10 - Insights to Live By: Set Measurable Goals36:40 - Insights to Live By: Be Where Your Skates Are40:13 - Matt on His Mission and Favorite Thing to Do43:09 - Closing Reflections and Attention to Detail45:34 - Show CloseSOURCESWebsite: HealthyMindsetApp.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/healthymindset
Transcribe →EPISODE 121 [guests]: Thrive or Survive: HR’s New AI Reality with Jason Walker and Rey Ramirez
Jun 1900:45:19Tap to summarizeAs the mind-boggling pace of AI continues, how can a self-respecting HR professional keep pace? More to the point, how can one find ways to thrive rather than just survive or, worse yet, become irrelevant? Joining the show for this powerful conversation, Jason Walker and Rey Ramirez, co-founders of Thrive HR Consulting, unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping everything from recruitment and workforce planning to learning and development along with the increasing role of AI for mental health support. We take on the rise of agentic AI and HR chatbots, job displacement and how professionals can stay ahead by leading, not lagging. This essential episode offers practical direction and a human-centered lens on what’s next and how to be there.TOPIC TIME CODES:00:00 – Intro & HR Tech Throwbacks (White-Out & Typewriters)03:45 – What Is Thrive HR AI 2.0?05:15 – Managing AI as a Workforce Entity (Agentic AI)09:50 – Staying Relevant: How HR Pros Can Adapt11:40 – If HR Doesn’t Lead AI, Who Will? (The Cloud Analogy)14:10 – Reskilling, Prompt Engineering & Certification Trends15:40 – Can AI Be HR’s Ticket to the C-Suite?18:20 – Jobs AI Is Replacing vs Jobs It’s Reshaping20:45 – How to Keep Pace with the Flood of AI Tools23:50 – AI in L&D: Adaptive Learning and AI Career Coaches26:50 – AI in Shared Services: Ticketing, Escalation & Autonomy28:30 – The Human's Role in an AI-Driven Workflow30:50 – Making Room for HR to Evolve31:30 – Final Thoughts: Overcoming Fear and AI Anxiety32:20 – Wheel of Insights: Local Haunts, Self-Advice & Grace35:00 – Insights to Live By: Giving Back and Life Isn’t Fair39:30 – Mental Health Chatbots and the Future of Well-Being42:50 – Try It Yourself: Using Thrive’s Chatbot to Explore MH Tools44:00 – Closing Advice: Be Curious or Fall BehindSOURCE:https://thrivehrconsulting.com/
Transcribe →EPISODE 120 [guest] - Shifting from Fear to Fire with Heather Hansen O'Neill
Jun 1200:42:42Tap to summarizeIn this high-energy episode, award-winning speaker, TEDx powerhouse, and leadership igniter Heather Hansen O’Neill talks about how to stop letting fear run the show and start leading with fire through purpose, passion, and action. From literally flying on the trapeze to metaphorically helping leaders leap into their fullest potential, Heather shares her unconventional path to becoming a best-selling author, adventurer and creator of the Elements of Adventure framework. We explore how to build resilience through uncertainty, inspire teams in the face of apathy and reframe leadership as a human-first, joy-driven experience. Whether you're a team leader, entrepreneur, or someone trying to reconnect with your fire, this one’s a mindset masterclass.TOPIC TIME CODE SUMMARIES00:00 – 01:50Welcome + Guest Intro• Matt introduces the show’s theme: Where purpose meets profit• Intro of Heather: keynote speaker, four-time author, two-time TEDx speaker, NSA star• Story of how they met at an NSA retreat in South Carolina01:51 – 02:30Giving Back Through Speaking• Heather reflects on the importance of contributing back to the community that nurtured her growth02:31 – 04:00Thrill-Seeking as a Life Philosophy• Heather shares how her love of adventure (skydiving, fire-walking, flying trapeze) informs her leadership style and mindset training• Using discomfort as a rehearsal space for life's challenges04:01 – 05:20Thrill-Seeking: The Next Frontier• She's in search of her next big adventure and asks listeners for ideas• Highlights of her past thrills: trapeze, hang gliding, eating fire, sensory deprivation tank (least favorite)05:21 – 06:30Adventure vs Anxiety• Fun banter about problem-solving under stress (e.g., escape rooms)• Touch on Everest ambitions and thresholds of discomfort06:31 – 08:40From Adventure to Activation• Heather explains how her adrenaline-fueled adventures translate to her real superpower: helping others activate their goals• She breaks down how she turns personal instinct into teachable frameworks for leaders and teams• “You're not just a Nike commercial — people need steps to close the gap.”08:41 – 09:15Mutual Inspiration and Momentum• Matt reflects on how Heather’s message stirs his own thinking• Heather flips the lens: “Your next thrill? You’re already doing it.”09:16 – 10:58Purpose + Responsibility = Platform• Matt shares his sense of responsibility as a speaker and impact creator• Intro to Heather’s book Finding Humanity and her decision to donate 100% of proceeds to Alzheimer’s causes10:59 – 12:47Why Finding Humanity Matters• Heather opens up about her parents’ struggles with Alzheimer’s• The deeper motivation behind the book• Encouragement to listeners: find the thing that touches you deeply, then act on it13:37 – 14:20From Overwhelm to Impact• Heather shares a vulnerable realization: trying to change the world was overwhelming• Her pivot: help leaders change the world — the ripple effect is exponential.14:21 – 16:02Personal Loss to Global Insight• Heather moved to South Carolina to support her mom — who passed just six weeks later• This sparked a deep search for meaning, which led to spotting "moments of humanity" in daily life• That journey planted the seed for Finding Humanity — not directly about Alzheimer’s, but deeply rooted in it16:03 – 17:05The Book’s Core: Humanity Meets Business• While the book acknowledges Heather’s personal losses, its heart is about infusing humanity into sales• Matt invites her to dig into the book's core ideas and how purpose aligns with profit17:06 – 20:12How ‘Finding Humanity’ Became a Business Framework• Heather began sharing sunrise reflections online; they resonated more than anything she’d posted in 25+ years• Inspired by pandemic disconnection, she formalized the insight• Conducted focus groups and found clear data: companies that prioritize people, community, and care outperform• Humanity and profit are not opposites — they’re co-dependent20:13 – 21:08Loneliness and the Call for Real Connection• Matt reflects on the global loneliness epidemic and the universal desire to feel seen, heard, and valued• The challenge: how to align human needs with practical business goals21:09 – 21:34Daily Practice to Find Alignment• Heather’s advice: get quiet, listen to your heart, take one action a day toward what matters• Tiny steps can lead to massive ripple effects21:35 – 23:10Elite Sales Alliance: Activating the Gap• Heather explains her group cohort model: small, customized, cost-effective, and community-driven• The program helps participants identify where they are vs. where they want to be — and closes that gap through human-centered strategies• It’s the embodiment of everything she’s talked about — action, alignment, and human-first business23:16 – 24:48Wrapping Purpose + Profit• Matt confirms the segment is complete, Heather agrees: “I’m an open book”• Transition to the next segment: the Wheel of Insights24:49 – 25:34Surprise Segment: Wheel of Insights• Heather reacts with delight• The wheel lands on: “Teenage Job”25:35 – 27:14Teenage Job: Dancing Pro at 13• Heather shares her unusual teen path: paid professional dancer performing at schools• Juggled three jobs to afford dance training: dancing, working at the studio, tutoring• She skipped traditional teen experiences to focus on her passion — an early sign of her self-driven path27:15 – 28:14Matt’s Teenage Job Throwback• Shares his own odd jobs: sticking address labels on newspapers (a penny per label), dough master at Pizza Hut• Fun nostalgia moment and a bonding pause28:15 – 29:47Big Break: The 13th Hole• Heather describes the pivotal moment on a golf course where a client told her:“You’re a fireball. Start your own company. I’ll be your first client.”• That moment launched her entrepreneurial journey• She didn’t come from an entrepreneurial family and had no prior plan — but she said yes and never looked back29:48 – 30:45The Power of Mentorship + Follow-Through• Matt emphasizes the ripple effect of mentors• Heather adds the full-circle moment: she lost touch with her mentor but eventually tracked him down to thank him• Moral: if someone impacted you, reach out and say thank you — it matters31:12 – 32:15Insights to Live By: #1 — Say It Now• Heather’s first pearl of wisdom: Life is short• Don’t wait to say “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” or “Thank you” — these are the emotional regrets people carry most• She emphasizes regret avoidance over fear of rejection32:16 – 33:28Insight #2 — Prioritize What’s Important• Heather shares her past habit of starting her day with email and Facebook scrolls• Realized she was living by others’ priorities, not her own• Now starts her day with beach walks, meditation, journaling — a routine that serves her energy and clarity33:29 – 36:37Reinforcing Healthy Routines + Practical Presence• Matt adds a real-time reflection about habit loops and using presence to reclaim mornings• Mentions his involvement with Positive Intelligence coaching pods and how small changes (e.g. mindful face washing) can shift entire habits• Powerful tip: change your routine to change your response36:38 – 39:00Insight #3 — Simple, Not Easy• Heather’s third principle: Be present• True connection happens when you listen without planning what to say next• Shares a story of building an indoor amusement park during a snowstorm — a moment her kids still cherish• Clients echo the same thing: “You listened to me.”39:01 – 41:18Final Thoughts: Being Human First• Heather and Matt reflect on authenticity, being genuine, and how true bonds start with real questions like: “How are you… really?”• Heather underscores her brand’s essence: Finding Humanity starts by being human41:19 – 42:15Closing Message — You’re Already Enough• Heather’s final encouragement:“You are exactly where you’re supposed to be. Strive forward from abundance, not lack.”• Embraces the paradox: self-acceptance and ambition can coexist42:16 – EndGratitude + Sign-Off• Matt expresses appreciation and closes the show with a warm reminder to connect SOURCES:https://heatherhansenoneill.com/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1m1WB4dTmU
Transcribe →EPISODE 119: [guest] Being a Limitless Leader with Dr. Mary Hemphill
Jun 500:43:27Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to become a truly limitless leader? Joining the show is Dr. Mary Hemphill, a global leadership strategist and founder of The Limitless Leader. Mary shares game-changing insights about self-leadership, human-centered growth, and the courage to unlearn what no longer serves us. From conducting a “human audit” of your life to redefining the role of tech in personal well-being, she offers a powerful framework to help leaders thrive in all areas of life.00:07 – Welcome & Guest IntroMatt welcomes listeners and introduces Dr. Mary Hemphill and her background.01:22 – Setting the ToneMary shares her energy and enthusiasm for the conversation.02:24 – Career in Education & Leadership RolesOverview of Mary’s background as an educator, administrator, and public official.04:36 – The One Minute MeetingDiscussion about her leadership technique to connect with students, one minute at a time.05:38 – Books & Leadership ContentMatt highlights Mary’s published works and their focus on principal and collaborative leadership.07:26 – Audience & EdupreneurshipMary defines her role as an edupreneur and describes the types of leaders she serves.11:30 – What Is a Limitless Leader?Mary explains the mindset and character traits of limitless leaders.17:30 – The Human AuditShe introduces her signature practice of evaluating human and tech influences in life.22:10 – Corporate Wellness ReimaginedWhy self-awareness comes before self-care, and how to build a wellness culture.30:35 – Insight to Live By #1: Clarity is a Leadership StrategyClarity in goals and choices as a guiding principle.33:45 – Insight #2: Protect Your PeaceSetting emotional boundaries and honoring personal integrity.37:35 – Insight #3: Momentum Over PerfectionMary shares a personal lesson about starting, learning, and evolving through action.42:40 – Final Thoughts: Leadership as LifestyleMary wraps with a powerful reminder that leadership shows up in every role we play.SOURCE: https://www.bealimitlessleader.comOVERVIEWAt The Limitless Leader LLC, we specialize in public speaking, leadership development, and leadership consulting to help leaders at every level elevate their impact. Through transformational keynotes, immersive workshops, and strategic retreats, I empower individuals, teams, and organizations to amplify their leadership, sharpen their vision, and curate actionable strategies for lasting success.
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The Audiobook - Z-isms: Insights to Live By
Feb 15, 202509:00:33Tap to summarizeBOOK CAPSULE: Richly authentic, deeply personal and highly motivating, Z-isms offers new ways to better ourselves, our experiences and our encounters.Matt keeps it casual, as though in private conversation with readers, freely sharing his life experiences as an entrepreneur, athlete, single parent, caregiver and nonprofit founder with practical insights and ways to help navigate and overcome common challenges we all face.TRACKS BY CHAPTER:00:17 - BACKSTORY06:41 - INTRODUCTION22:46 - EARNED CONFIDENCE57:57 - BE AWARE OF SPIDERS1:40:34 - A DOSE OF PREVENTION2:22:44 - PERCEPTION IS3:00:11 - MINDING THE MOOD SCALE3:44:20 - MANAGING ENERGY4:18:44 - BEING A LIFE ATHLETE4:28:30 - THE ELEMENTS IN MOTION5:03:39 - SWIM WITH THE CURRENT5:40:14 - MAKING COINCIDENCES MATTER6:23:17 - AMPLIFYING GRATITUDE7:12:29 - INEVITABILITY7:58:08 - WINNING THE BATTLE WITHIN PT.18:26:01 - WINNING THE BATTLE WITHIN PT.28:53:28 - EPILOGUECRITICAL ACCLAIM:“Z-isms is one of the finest guides to discover our true self and stimulate personal and interpersonal growth."Grady Harp, Amazon Top 100 Reviewer“A highly personal and practical primer packed with anecdotes and life lessons. It’s also well-written, easy to understand, concise and often quite funny.”John J. Kelly, Detroit Free Press“Matt Zinman has provided each and every one of his readers with a blueprint for success, both in business and in life."Susan Keefe, Midwest Book Review
Transcribe →EPISODE 118 [solo]: Z-isms 5th Anniversary Special
Feb 14, 202500:14:30Tap to summarizeThe show is BACK! Following a record hiatus, Matt reemerges to explain where he’s been, what’s happened since, what’s occurring now and what lies ahead. These include his relocation, progress with THE BRIGHT SIDE (newsletter for LinkedIn), two high-profile upcoming presentations, show plans for 2025-2026, and a special announcement in concert with Z-isms turning 5. The reveal: the audiobook is about to grace the podcast. 0:00 – The ITLB Sabbatical1:30 – COVID Reflections2:32 – The Queen City4:20 – Looking on The Bright Side6:43 – The Big Events9:18 – Anniversary Announcement10:25 – Matt’s Focus12:49 – Future Episodes
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