Podcast
Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond
Hosted by Lou Diamond · EN
Lou Diamond connects with those that are thriving in the their lives, their businesses and their passions.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
1148: Erika Rothenberger - "Audacious Expansion"
Mar 1000:22:30Tap to summarizeWhat if the moment that knocked you to the ground became the spark for your greatest breakthrough?Lou Diamond welcomes back the unstoppable Erika Rothenberger, who shares the audacious story behind her comeback—from a literal punch in an alley to launching her book and the Audacious Woman Summit. Erika reveals how confronting setbacks head-on allowed her to transform pain into powerful purpose, create bold spaces for women to thrive, and inspire daily action for lasting change. From navigating the challenges of event planning and authoring a book, to celebrating wins with her family, you’ll discover how Erika’s journey is about activating your audacity and expanding your impact.Plus, don’t miss the speed round, behind-the-scenes stories, and actionable ways to break free from your limitations!Episode Overview:00:00 Welcome & Erika’s bold comeback story02:20 Year-in-review: Book, Summit, and juggling it all03:35 What sparked Audacious Expansion & the summit’s impact06:04 Launching the book and embracing legacy08:06 Behind-the-scenes of creating a summit & overcoming overwhelm11:13 The “happy accident” of authoring and family celebration14:28 How to grab Erika’s book and summit details17:07 Speed round: colors, sports, speakers, vacations, and next big goals21:16 Final thoughts, book flash, and inspiration to keep thriving
Transcribe →
1147: Karen Laos - "Trust Your Own Voice"
Mar 300:27:01Tap to summarizeWhat if the most powerful thing you could do in your career was simply trust your gut—and voice? In this episode of Thrive Loud, bestselling author and communication expert Karen Laos reveals how a lesson learned at age six—and a mortifying boardroom moment—set her on a mission to empower professionals to own their value and speak with confidence that gets noticed.Host Lou Diamond dives deep with Karen Laos into the nuances of effective communication, including why many leaders unknowingly silence themselves, how to balance authority and likability, and the surprisingly simple trick to stop rambling and get to the point. Karen shares the story behind her book, Trust Your Own Voice, and offers practical tips for conquering self-doubt, breaking the “data dump” cycle in presentations, and adapting to today’s multigenerational workplace culture.You’ll also hear:Karen’s childhood flea market negotiation lessons and their lasting impact (01:50)The importance of asking yourself for permission, not just others (04:28)How tone, punctuation, and facial expressions shape your ability to connect (07:01)Real-world strategies to make your presentations audience-focused (17:37)Karen’s top tip for curing “rambling syndrome” (19:52)A fun trek through Karen’s favorite movies, music, food, and dream destinations (21:55)Whether you’re a seasoned leader or a rising professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you speak up, stand out, and thrive.Episode Timestamped Overview:00:02: Welcome and introduction to Karen Laos01:50: Karen’s childhood lessons and early influences02:27: A boardroom defining moment and trusting your gut04:28: The concept of asking yourself for permission07:01: Voice tone, punctuation, and likability in communication09:45: Warmth vs. assertiveness: balancing authority and likability11:16: Multi-generational workplace challenges14:56: The biggest communication challenge leaders face today17:37: Shifting presentations from information dumps to audience needs19:52: Simple tip for stopping rambling21:55: Fun Street: movies, music, food, activities, dream destinations26:00: Karen’s mission to empower 10 million women26:53: Closing thoughts and gratitude
Transcribe →
1146: Jessica Kriegel - "Surrender to Lead"
Feb 2400:24:45Tap to summarizeWhat if the secret to 4x business growth wasn’t more control, but letting go?Lou Diamond welcomes back workplace culture expert and bestselling author Jess Kriegel for a candid conversation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about leadership. Drawing from her new book, Surrender to Lead, Jess Kriegel unveils the surprising power of surrender—showing that true leadership isn’t about micromanaging outcomes, but inspiring belief and trust within your team.Key Highlights:The naptime epiphany that sparked Surrender to Lead (Jess Kriegel literally woke up with the idea for her bestseller!)Why the word “surrender” gets a bad rap—and how elite Navy SEALs are actually masters of this misunderstood strategy.The costly action trap: How relentlessly driving outcomes can backfire, and how surrendering correlates with 4x greater organizational growth (10:05)A vulnerable story of transparent leadership:Jess Kriegelshares how surrender transformed a daunting layoff into a win for everyone involved (13:03)The surprising intersection of workplace pragmatism and personal spiritual journeys, plus the wisdom every leader needs in times of change.Fun Street lightning round: From guilty pleasure TV (Love Island!) to sourdough toast and heartfelt wishes.If you’re ready to ditch the myth of control and discover the real levers for inspiring teams and cultures, this episode is your wake-up call.Timestamped Overview:00:00: Introduction & why surrender matters in leadership01:29: The nap-inspired origin of Surrender to Lead03:15: Subtle control behaviors versus true leadership06:06: Unpacking “surrender” (with Navy SEAL secrets!)08:12: Personal and organizational assessment tools for surrendered leadership10:05: Stanford research: Surrendering quadruples business growth11:49: Surrender as the missing piece in leadership and life13:03: Radical transparency during layoffs: a true case study16:24: The gift of creating the book, and feedback from readers18:18: Jess Kriegel: Where to find, her podcasts, and newsletter19:00: Fun Street: TV picks, favorite foods, activities, and rapid-fire Q&A23:15: Closing reflections and linksTune in for stories, strategies, and practical steps to unleash your best leadership and get ready to Thrive Loud!
Transcribe →
1145: Eric Eager - "Decision Intelligence"
Feb 1700:27:55Tap to summarizeWhat if the next big business threat isn't what you know—it's what you don't know, and acting fast could mean heading for disaster even quicker?Lou Diamond brings back Eric Eager, CEO of 4Impact Data and host of the Codified Wisdom podcast, to pull back the curtain on the rapidly evolving world of Decision Intelligence. From the frontline of AI-enabled advisory, Eric Eager reveals why simply using AI in your business could steer you onto the wrong path—faster than ever before.Key highlights from this conversation:Discover the crucial difference between Artificial Intelligence and Decision Intelligence, and why your company’s future might depend on bridging that gap.Learn why 80% of businesses never measure the outcome of their decisions, and how this missing accountability can sink even the most promising organizations.Find out how 4Impact Data's new system, from codifying senior advisor “wisdom” to creating audit trails for every important decision, is transforming CPAs from rearview-mirror historians into forward-looking navigators.Get an exclusive look at how these technologies are democratizing critical business guidance for small and medium-sized businesses—not just Fortune 500s.Hear about the upcoming "Great Promotion Era" in accounting, where AI agents are replacing basic tasks, and what this means for the next generation of business advisors.Learn how the Codified Wisdom approach can dramatically fast-track the experience curve for young professionals and help firms scale the right kind of decision-making.Whether you’re a business owner, a CPA, or just fascinated by the future of business, this episode arms you with a new perspective—and possibly a lifeline—on thriving in the age of AI.Episode Timestamped Overview:00:00 – Intro Announcer sets the stage; Lou Diamond welcomes Eric Eager back for an AI update01:30 – The new frontier: from GPS guidance systems to Decision Intelligence03:38 – Breaking down AI vs Decision Intelligence—accountability, prioritization, and audit trails07:00 – The transformation of the CPA, and why human advisors are more important than ever11:11 – Comparing 4Impact Data’s approach to industry giants like Palantir, and why “measuring outcomes” changes everything14:01 – How decision intelligence empowers small businesses and upskills the next generation20:15 – What the “Great Promotion Era” means for the profession24:46 – Final thoughts, plug for 4impactdata.com, and where you can learn more27:21 – Outro Voiceover: How to subscribe and connect with Thrive LoudReady to move from constant firefighting to genuine fire prevention? Press play now and step into the future of business guidance.
Transcribe →
1144: Harley Bassman - "The Convexity Maven"
Feb 1000:22:34Tap to summarizeWhat if the real threat to our economy isn’t in tomorrow’s headlines—but in the unstoppable march of demographics and a hidden wave of “financial eminent domain”?Lou Diamond sits down with his former mentor, Wall Street legend and the original “Convexity Maven” himself, Harley Bassman, for a riveting, honest conversation that will change how you see global markets, monetary policy, and even your own mortgage.In this candid interview, Harley Bassman unpacks how decades of government policy, economic cycles, and simple human nature keep repeating themselves—no matter how much we hope things will be different this time. From the impending strain of an aging Baby Boomer generation to why gold’s recent rise signals more than market speculation, Harley shares his unfiltered perspective on where our financial system is heading and what might make it unravel.Key episode highlights include:The real drivers behind persistent deficits and why both political parties are “just going to print money”—with staggering consequences (05:00)Why Harley believes that market timing is a “terrible idea” and instead urges listeners to focus on 30,000-foot, long-horizon trends (04:17)An exclusive breakdown of Harley’s innovative take on mortgage portability, and why your ultra-low-rate mortgage might soon be treated like a financial asset you can literally take with you (10:00)The surprising ways good intentions in public policy often trigger unexpected market distortions—from rent control to historic Fed moves (09:05)Behind the scenes of inventing legendary financial instruments, why the MOVE Index was created, and what it really means to stand “on the shoulders of giants” (07:06)Harley’s personal reflections on the scariest economic crisis of his career, and the lasting damage the COVID era did to public trust (19:43)Plus, a speed round of personal favorites, career advice, and why you should “go on vacation with your kids—you’re dead a lot longer than you think” (16:11)Whether you’re a market veteran or a curious listener, get ready for an episode brimming with hard-won wisdom, sharp humor, and truths the financial news never tells you.Timestamped Episode Overview:00:00 – Intro and welcome with Lou Diamond00:26 – Harley’s background and mentoring legacy02:23 – How Harley became a prolific financial writer03:45 – The power (and limits) of episodic market commentary04:08 – Geopolitics, demographics & deficits05:35 – Why history always repeats: “It’s never different this time”07:03 – Creating products: Solving problems and seizing mispriced opportunities08:33 – Mortgage portability: A solution to America’s housing logjam12:03 – The evolution and politics of the Fed15:38 – Where to find Harley online and why family vacations matter16:50 – Fun Street: Music, movies, lifestyle habits & favorite places19:17 – The scariest market crisis Harley ever lived through21:10 – Lou thanks Harley and wraps up22:00 – Outro and how to stay connectedListen and discover the patterns behind the chaos—only on Thrive Loud.
Transcribe →
1143: Sarah Ohanesian - "Dominate Your Day"
Feb 300:26:20Tap to summarizeWhat if being “busy” isn’t a badge of honor, but a one-way ticket to burnout? Lou sits down with productivity strategist and former chief marketing officer Sarah Ohanesian for a candid look at why chasing endless tasks keeps so many professionals from meaningful work—and life.Together, they dig into the real roots of burnout, revealing the shocking truth that even the highest achievers sometimes give their families the “worst version” of themselves after a long day of decision fatigue. Sarah Ohanesian shares her personal journey from feeling perpetually overwhelmed in a CMO role to reshaping her career with a mission: help high-performers achieve their most important goals without sacrificing their well-being.Highlights include:The difference between being “busy” and truly “productive,” and how reframing those definitions can transform your workday and your mindset.Sarah Ohanesian’s simple but powerful system for identifying High Priority Tasks (HPTs) so you can break the cycle of “doing everything” and start doing what matters most.Strategies for figuring out your peak performance hours and building a schedule that fits YOU (not another “magic morning” book’s prescription).Real-life tips for limiting distractions—whether it’s muting notifications or literally closing your curtains to hide the UPS truck.Honest insights into why burnout isn’t new—but why, post-COVID, it’s more amplified, complicated, and pervasive than ever before.Sarah Ohanesian’s actionable advice for moving from stuck to starting, including how to break overwhelming projects into tiny steps and regain your sense of hope and control.Whether you’re a solopreneur stretching your work hours into the night or a team leader looking to prevent burnout, this episode will give you a much-needed reset button.Timestamped Overview:00:00:00 – Introduction and setting up the conversation on thriving without burning out00:02:15 – Sarah Ohanesian’s story: Burnout, career pivot, and her “aha” moment00:04:03 – Busting the “busy as a badge of honor” myth and shifting to productivity00:06:08 – The HPT Method: How to prioritize what matters00:08:17 – When to do your best work—tailoring schedules for real productivity00:11:27 – Managing distractions (and some practical tech/workspace tweaks)00:13:24 – The universal “that’s me!” moment when audiences hear Sarah’s message00:15:35 – Is burnout new, or just finally getting named?00:17:15 – Sarah’s personal tools for getting back on track (even on off days)00:18:51 – Fun Street: Taylor Swift binges, Chicago pizza, and what Sarah’s loving outside work00:25:46 – Outro and where to find Sarah Ohanesian onlineTune in for an honest, actionable road map to thriving at work, delivering your best self at home, and finally making busy work for you—not against you.
Transcribe →
1142: Oliver Libby - "Strong Floor, No Ceiling"
Jan 2700:29:05Tap to summarizeWhat if the real threat to America isn't from abroad, but from our own fading belief in the American Dream? Host Lou Diamond sits down with civic entrepreneur, investor, and author Oliver Libby, whose career journey spans government, big business, startups, and philanthropy. Together, they dig deep into the soul of our nation, asking tough questions: Is the American Dream still alive—and what do we need to do to reignite it?Oliver Libby shares the inspiration behind his new book "Strong Floor, No Ceiling," revealing how his unique background—growing up around Nobel Prize-winning scientists and military service—shaped his approach to solving America's most persistent challenges. The conversation covers everything from the essential 'planks' of opportunity (healthcare, education, housing, justice) to the cultural and economic battles over homeownership, the allure and pitfalls of unlimited success, and why redefining our national priorities isn't just possible—it's necessary.Unexpectedly, you’ll hear why nearly 75% of Americans today doubt the American Dream, and why restoring faith in it is critical for our future. Whether you're a dreamer, a doer, or just worried about the country’s direction, this episode will challenge, inspire, and spark the conversation we all need.Timestamped Overview:00:00-01:12 –Intro Announcer introduces Libby’s remarkable career and latest book.01:13-03:25 –Oliver Libby recounts his family legacy, varied career path, and how it informed "Strong Floor, No Ceiling."03:26-05:19 – Is the American Dream still real? Oliver Libby and Lou Diamond dissect its history, promise, and current challenges.05:19-10:22 – What must America fix? Building a 'strong floor,' expanding the 'pie,' and shifting away from zero-sum thinking.10:26-13:27 – Is America still the best place for dreams? Tough love, critical reflection, and what we can learn—and fix.13:32-16:03 – Homeownership, housing crises, and practical solutions to revive core opportunities.16:04-20:21 – The flywheel of innovation and safety: why a 'no ceiling' must coexist with a 'strong floor.'20:21-22:09 – Learning from past policies (even pennies!) and why agency matters in reigniting dreams.22:11-end – Fun Street: movies, music, favorite New York eats, parenting, Star Wars Legos, and more personal insights fromOliver Libby.Listen now and reignite your perspective on what’s possible in America.
Transcribe →
1141: Richard Wilson - "Family Office Club"
Jan 2000:18:28Tap to summarizeWhat if we told you that the world’s ultra-wealthy are powering an investment vehicle bigger than private equity and venture capital—managing a mind-blowing $14 trillion—and yet, most people have no idea what a family office actually is? Get ready to have your perspective shifted in this episode of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond!Host Lou Diamond sits down with Richard Wilson, founder of the Family Office Club, leader of the largest global investor community in the family office niche. Coming to us from Hawaii and fresh off a mega event in South Florida, Richard pulls back the curtain on:How family offices became the global investment powerhouseThe biggest challenges family office investors face—including the trust crisis and AI-fueled disruptionWhy so many hedge funds are converting to family offices, and what that means for the industry’s explosive growthThe all-powerful daily practice that has made Richard millions (and how you can use it yourself)Personal insights into balancing ambition, family, and well-being—plus a peek at Richard’s goals for 2026Rapid-fire fun: favorite movies, songs, family adventures, and dream destinations (yes, even for someone living in Hawaii!)Whether you’re interested in elite investing, the psychology of influence, or want practical advice for thriving every day, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable wisdom.Episode Overview:[00:00:02] Show intro: Meet host, Lou Diamond and guest, Richard Wilson[00:01:11] How Richard discovered and built the Family Office Club[00:02:16] What is a family office? And why are they so important?[00:03:32] The challenges family offices face today: Trust and adaptation in a changing world[00:04:40] Hedge funds turning into family offices—industry secrets revealed[00:06:39] Legal and regulatory definitions, and what’s really a family office[00:07:42] Richard’s simple, millionaire-making daily practice (and how YOU can do it)[00:10:32] 2026 goal setting—a behind-the-scenes look at Richard’s annual targets[00:12:02] Personal and family goals: Health, fatherhood, adventure, and thriving in business and life[00:14:06] Where to find Richard Wilson and Family Office Club resources[00:14:35] Fun Street rapid fire: Movies, music, food, adventure, dream destinations[00:17:54] Outro and next steps to keep thriving!Ready to learn firsthand what it means to operate at the next level? Press play and jump in!
Transcribe →
1140: Sanya Bari - "Love Clarity"
Jan 1300:21:23Tap to summarizeWhat if the way you’ve learned to love is actually holding you back—and even harming the people you care about most?In this eye-opening episode of Thrive Loud, host Lou Diamond sits down with trauma therapist and founder of the Love Clarity Method, Sanya Bari, to dive deep into what love really is…and unpacks the hidden traps of guilt, emotional over-responsibility, and survival-based love that plague even the most successful high achievers. Prepare to challenge everything you thought you knew about loving others and yourself.Lou Diamond and Sanya Bari break down:Why “losing yourself” in love can backfire, and what loving from a place of inner stability actually looks likeThe dangers of transactional love and why putting yourself aside for others leads to resentment (even when it feels selfless)Real-life stories of how guilt and manipulation can sneak into parent-child relationships—and how to spot and heal these patternsWhat we can learn about pure connection and forgiveness from dogs—and how it differs from the messy, memory-filled world of human loveThe fundamental difference between doing loving things and loving from the right place within yourselfSanya Bari’s personal methods for “drinking the Kool Aid” and keeping her own relationships healthy and clearPlus: Get a peek into Sanya Bari’s favorite guilty pleasures, creative hobbies, and her dream destination on Fun Street.This episode is full of “aha” moments for anyone who’s felt confused, overwhelmed, or just curious about how to make love—whether for people, pets, or purpose—transformative instead of toxic.Timestamped Overview:00:00 – Introduction and Lou welcomes Sanya Bari00:01 – Sanya shares her lifelong purpose and origin story00:03 – Early lessons about love (family, siblings, sacrifice)00:04 – Redefining love: Not losing yourself; finding stability within00:05 – The problems high achievers face with survival-based love00:07 – Connection vs. dependence; how disconnection leads to pressure00:09 – Who seeks out Sanya’s therapies, and why00:10 – Symptoms of problematic love, especially related to guilt00:11 – Generational struggles: families, guilt, and unhealthy dynamics00:12 – Sanya reveals how she checks herself and confronts “guilting”00:13 – Can we learn true love from our pets? (And why memories matter)00:15 – How forgiveness moves us closer to unconditional love00:15 – The universal head-nodding moments from Sanya’s audiences00:16 – Where to find Sanya Bari online and her podcast info00:17 – Fun Street: Sanya’s favorite movies, music, foods, and hobbies00:19 – Dreaming of the Amalfi Coast—and why she’ll make it happen00:20 – Wrap up, takeaways, and episode closeListen in and discover how to thrive with clarity, connection, and love—starting with yourself.
Transcribe →
868: Mark Hunter - "The Sales Hunter"
Feb 16, 2023Tap to summarizeMark Hunter, CSP is recognized as one of the top 50 most influential sales and marketing leaders in the world. He is author of three books, “High-Profit Prospecting” and “High-Profit Selling” and “A Mind for Sales.” Mark can also be heard on two podcasts, The Sales Hunter Podcast and Sales Logic. His integrity centered sales strategies are used daily by companies such as American Express, Chubb Insurance, Lenovo and hundreds more. These same strategies are found in The Sales Hunter University on-line program which in 2020, and 2021, was ranked as one of the top 10 sales learning programs. Mark has spoken in more than 30 countries on 5 continents helping salespeople find and retain better clients. He doesn’t view what he does as a job, he views it as a lifestyle focused on influencing and impacting others. Mark connects with Lou in this very fun, “breaking the speed limit” episode of Thrive LouD. ***CONNECT WITH LOU DIAMOND & THRIVE LOUD***
Transcribe →