Understanding People: Fastest Way To Better Sales, Better Interviews with Nancy Zare

Send us a textWant more engaging interviews, warmer leads, and fewer awkward stalls? We sit down with sales whisperer and author Nancy Zare to decode how four personality styles quietly drive trust, timing, and the word choices that make people lean in. Nancy’s AlikeAbility system maps buyers by decision speed—2, 4, 6, and 8—and reveals the value language each style needs to hear: outcomes and efficiency for fast movers, process and proof for deep thinkers, and balanced blends for those in the middle. The twist: most of us show a social persona on a pre-call, then switch to a decision persona when the stakes rise, which explains why a great screening chat can turn into a sticky recording.We dig into Nancy’s five-step framework: understand the four styles and their values, identify your own defaults, diagnose the other person in under a minute, shift your words to match their priorities, and sand down the habits that create friction. For podcasters, that means smarter guest selection, tighter prep, and on-the-fly adjustments that keep conversations crisp instead of combative. For creators and coaches selling services, it means dropping sales resistance without feeling pushy, using value words that feel natural and precise rather than resorting to mirroring tricks that can come off as phoney.You’ll hear practical cues—vocal pace, question density, patience level—that help you spot a style fast and choose the right on-ramp: “Here’s the fastest path” for 2s, “Here’s the evidence behind the method” for 8s, and a calibrated mix for 4s and 6s. Nancy also shares a free AlikeAbility assessment to identify your ideal prospect’s dominant style so you can tailor offers, CTAs, and interview structures with intention. Ready to turn rapport into results and make every conversation smoother? Listen now, grab the assessment, and tell us which style challenges you most. If you found this helpful, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who hosts—or hopes to.Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textWhat if the career you built isn’t the life you want? That question sparked a midlife awakening for Dr. Agi Keramidas, who traded a thriving path in dentistry for a mission fuelled by curiosity, conversation, and service. We unpack how intuition led him from the clinic to the microphone, why public speaking unlocked confidence, and how podcasting became the platform to learn in public and help others do the same.Across this candid conversation, we pull back the curtain on the real engine of a durable show: consistency, systems, and a clear why. Agi shares the early “coach every week” insight that transformed interviews into a powerful form of self-education, then explains how doubling his publishing schedule revealed both the workload and the joy that turned a hobby into a mission. We dig into the marathon mindset—why most creators quit before episode ten, how trust compounds around episodes 50–60, and why comparing yourself to celebrity brands misses the years of reputation those voices carried long before their first upload.We also get tactical. If starting today, Agi would build systems first: booking workflows, prep templates, editing pipelines, and distribution checklists that make publishing inevitable. We talk about smart automation and AI as time-savers, not shortcuts, and the importance of protecting authenticity over gimmicks. Then we explore content leverage: turning a library of episodes into evergreen assets, including Agi's book, 88 Actionable Insights for Life, distilled from hundreds of interviews into practical guidance.You’ll leave with a simple invitation—choose one small step you’ve been postponing and take it today. Subscribe for more conversations about podcast strategy, audience trust, and the creative habits that make meaningful work sustainable. If this resonated, share it with a friend, drop us a review, and tell us the one action you’re taking next.Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textSick of long flights and awkward trade-show chatter? Chris Lipper and James Prokop share how a mastermind-led community transformed trade shows into high-ROI virtual events that actually feel human.From early Zoom “booths” to a polished metaverse-style floor, they reveal the systems that help business owners meet the right people, learn faster, and close smarter. The results speak: new clients, nationwide partnerships, and attendees who show up for 10 minutes and stay for hours.We also hit lessons learned (RIP Lipperville), simple onboarding that calms newbies, and the next frontier—AI-assisted mastermind sessions for sharper feedback.If you want networking that actually works, this convo is your roadmap. Tune in and register for the next On The Bus virtual conference at onthebus.biz.Chris LipperBusiness Coaching, Sales Training & Mastermind Programs | Since 2008Phone: 973-285-3993Email: [email protected]: onthebus.bizSchedule a Meeting with Chris LipperBooks:The Entrepreneur’s Big Book– Amazon | Audible also in Paperback/Hardcover | Kindle | Audiobook The On The Bus™ Sales Training WorkBook– Amazon | AudiblePlease come as my guest, at NO CHARGE, to the December 4th On The Bus™ International Virtual Conference from 2:00 - 6:00 EST, and 11:00 - 3:00 PST. Register here: https://onthebus.biz/ivc-signup-q4  James ProkopCEO/ Website Designer/ Digital Marketing Specialist Vogue Website DesignPhone: 424-281-9415Address: 1211 Sunset Plaza Drive, West Hollywood, CA 90069Email: [email protected]: www.voguewebsitedesign.comSupport the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textReady to grow your voice without chasing vanity metrics? We sit down with Duncan Bhaskaran Brown—author, speaker, and unapologetic Morris dancer—to unpack how small, aligned audiences can move the needle more than massive but passive ones, and why guesting early and often builds skill, credibility, and genuine reach. Duncan’s journey from overindulgence to helping people rewire habits gives him a rare blend of empathy and edge. He shares how a playful hook makes you relatable, how to turn interviews into research that benefits listeners, and why your “ordinary” insights might be exactly what someone needs to hear today.We explore hosting and guesting from both chairs: the shift from rigid question lists to guided, human conversations; how to ask questions that spark fresh thinking instead of rehearsed talking points; and a simple production mindset that favours incremental upgrades over perfection. Duncan breaks down the art of resilient outreach, the value of showing up for smaller shows, and the compounding return of being kind—you never know who someone knows or who they’ll become. You’ll also pick up smart, practical tactics: prepare out loud, make your CTA unforgettable with a short domain, and design segments that keep pace without sacrificing depth.Along the way, Duncan shares a teaser about a future Guinness World Record and why embracing personal stories—yes, even Morris dancing—can illuminate serious topics like sobriety, community, and joy. Whether you’re levelling up your pitch, refreshing your format, or just getting started, this conversation gives you tools to grow your authority while staying human. If it resonates, follow, rate, and share with a friend who’s ready to launch or to land bigger shows—then tell us: where do you win more right now, hosting or guesting?Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textA teenage band with no instruments, a DIY studio built on curiosity, and a philosophy show that grew for six years without chasing ad money—Joel Bouchard’s story is a masterclass in building something meaningful and letting it compound. We sit down with Joel, a doctoral student in psychology, multi-instrumentalist producer, author, painter, veteran, and host of From Nowhere To Nothing, to unpack why so many podcasts fade and how to design one that lasts.We trace Joel’s path from learning music the hard way to launching a philosophy podcast with his former professor, and we get real about expectations. Joel explains why purpose must come before monetization, how to know when a sponsorship fits, and why he turned down early ad offers to protect the show’s flow. He shares a simple structure that balances familiarity and novelty—start with foundations, explore the core tensions, then ask what it means for our lives—so listeners feel guided, not lectured.Along the way, we explore the mindset that sustains long projects: be a beginner often, fail in public, and keep your early episodes as proof of growth. We talk psychology, language, and attention; audience-first guesting; and practical ways to launch, avoid podfade, and stay consistent without burning out. Joel’s filter is refreshingly clear: passion plus knowledge plus responsibility. If your work helps people think better and feel braver, keep going. The audience will come.Listen for straight talk on purpose, structure, and craft—and leave with a calm plan for the long game. If this conversation sparks something, follow, share with a friend, and drop a review to tell us what you’ll try next.Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textIf you’ve ever wondered why some podcasts quietly stack momentum while others sputter out by episode 21, this conversation with Alan Lazarus pulls back the curtain. We get honest about the real work: pairing repeatable systems with genuine people skills, playing the long game with weekly cadence, and aligning passion with purpose so profit arrives as a result—not the goal.Alan traces a winding path from a life‑altering car crash to building Next Level University, revealing how each iteration of his show sharpened the niche and strengthened the promise: 1% improvement, every day. He explains the two‑train model that keeps creators afloat—let a short‑term train fund your life while a long‑term train (your podcast) compounds trust and opportunity. We break down the “triad of failure” that derails new hosts—wrong expectations, wrong approach, wrong time perspective—and replace it with a durable blueprint: clear listener targeting, dependable publishing, and continuous upgrades to titles, artwork, audio, and show notes that boost discoverability and retention.We also dig into the craft that separates memorable voices from forgettable feeds: storytelling with hook‑story‑lesson‑future pace, asking “who is the listener?” before you hit record, and using analogies that bridge the abstract to the obvious. Alan’s take on the industry’s future is practical and optimistic—barriers keep falling, reach keeps rising, and the most serious creators will win bigger than ever by mixing consistency with care. If you’re ready to stop dabbling and start compounding, this conversation gives you the mindset, the model, and the next steps to become unignorable.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. Tell us your current publishing cadence and what you’re changing after this episode—we’ll cheer you on.Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textFour and a half rejections and still pushing forward—that’s how Julie Pham, PhD, found her footing on the TEDx stage and, later, across 66 podcast guest appearances. We dive into the real mechanics of turning a complex personal journey—refugee roots, historian training, community organizing, and Seattle tech—into a clear message listeners remember and hosts want to book.Julie breaks down the core idea behind her book, Seven Forms of Respect: respect feels the same but often looks different. From CC’ing everyone to prove transparency to keeping inboxes light to show trust, these mismatched “looks” spark friction at work. She shares how to name and align expectations so teams communicate better and collaborate faster. Then we get practical. Instead of waiting for invitations, Julie treats guesting like a craft and a numbers game: research shows that are still publishing, listen for tone and the closing question, write short pitches, and include 2–3 custom episode titles in the host’s style. We talk boundaries—what not to discuss—and how to stay specific with stories so your ideas stick.There’s also a frank look at preparation. Some hosts send long questionnaires; others prefer a loose flow. Julie adapts to both, but she always keeps bullet-note stories ready to avoid rambling and to protect the edit. For new hosts and guests, her mantra is simple: do the best you can with today’s resources. Quality matters, perfection stalls. Learn in public, iterate fast, and let curiosity be the muscle you train, not a trait you either have or don’t.If you’re ready to sharpen your message, land better bookings, and show up with clarity and warmth, this conversation gives you the playbook. Subscribe for more smart, real-world conversations on podcasting, communication, and community. And if this episode helped, share it with a friend and leave a quick review—it makes a big difference.Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textRemote work isn't a pandemic experiment—it's a workplace revolution that's been brewing for decades. Shane Spraggs, CEO of Vertura and author of "The Power of Remote," takes us on a fascinating journey from IBM's 1970s telecommuting programs to today's fully distributed global teams.What makes this conversation especially relevant for podcasters and content creators is how perfectly our industry aligns with remote work principles. As Shane points out, the resistance to remote arrangements often comes from companies lacking proper management training and systems—not from any true productivity disadvantage. The most successful remote-first companies have mastered intentionality in their processes, something creative professionals inherently understand.The benefits extend far beyond convenience. Remote workers save an average of $55 daily on commuting expenses, reclaim hours previously lost to travel time, and enjoy improved work-life balance. Perhaps most compelling is Shane's observation that "the next Google and Microsoft are being created quite literally in someone's garage right now"—not physically, but virtually, as entrepreneurs build global teams without geographic limitations.This shift impacts everything from real estate (homes now needing dedicated office spaces) to management practices (focusing on outcomes rather than hours worked). For content creators specifically, these changes represent massive opportunities to collaborate with global talent and build businesses unbound by traditional constraints.Whether you're a seasoned remote worker or considering the transition, this episode provides valuable insights into building intentional systems for remote success. Shane's practical advice on leadership, management, and culture-building will help you navigate the evolving landscape of work. Ready to embrace the remote revolution? Tune in now and discover how to harness the power of working from anywhere.Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textHow do you turn life-shattering trauma into a powerful speaking career? Combat-wounded veteran Brian Fleming reveals the answer after surviving a suicide bomber attack in Afghanistan that left him with second and third-degree burns requiring 14 months of grueling recovery.The pivotal moment came when Fleming met a Vietnam veteran who showed him how personal pain could transform lives—including his own. Sixteen years later, Fleming has spoken to over half a million people, worked with Fortune 500 companies, and built a thriving career sharing his resilience strategies.What's surprising is Fleming's counterintuitive approach to storytelling. "One of the biggest mistakes new speakers make is that they talk about themselves," he explains. Instead, successful speakers position their experiences as solutions to problems their audiences desperately want solved. This shift in perspective transforms a personal story from self-focused to audience-focused, answering the two questions every listener silently asks: "Why does this person understand me?" and "Why should I listen to them?"Fleming breaks down his profitable speaking framework into three essential components: Problem (identify what pain your audience experiences), Promote (market yourself to the right decision-makers), and Present (deliver value that solves their problem). This approach works whether you have an extreme story like Fleming's or more common life experiences—the key is addressing problems your audience recognizes and hates.Ready to share your own story and get paid for it? Fleming offers a free Share Your Story Roadmap at useyourstory.com that shows how to make your first $500 speaking within 30 days. As he reminds us, "Your story has more power than you could ever possibly imagine, and your story matters."Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textEver wonder why some marketing cuts through the noise while most fades into oblivion? G Ranasina, CEO of Caxino marketing agency and a veteran marketer since the days of AOL CDs, reveals the uncomfortable truth about what's wrong with modern marketing."Marketing bros think all you need is to throw data into some AI engine and have it vomit out a thousand clichéd images," Ranasina explains with refreshing candor. "But what's missing is the idea, the concept, the emotional connection." Drawing on decades of experience helping over 400 startups across 20 countries, he articulates why the fundamental principles of marketing remain unchanged despite technological revolution.The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Ranasina distinguishes between efficiency and effectiveness in marketing. While other business units can optimize for efficiency, marketing requires emotional resonance that can't be quantified in dollars. "We've exorcised creativity from the equation," he laments, explaining why $1.6 trillion in marketing spending with increasingly sophisticated targeting tools has resulted in decreasing effectiveness.For podcasters and business owners alike, Ranasina offers a compelling perspective on standing out in a crowded marketplace. "You need to have the balls to be different, to be distinctive in your category," he advises, citing brands like Liquid Death that embrace their uniqueness rather than blending into the background. His insights on why we're "feeling creatures that think" rather than "thinking creatures that feel" provide a psychological framework for creating marketing that works.Whether you're looking to improve your marketing strategy, grow your podcast audience, or simply understand why some messages stick while others don't, this episode delivers actionable wisdom wrapped in entertaining, no-nonsense commentary. Connect with G Ranasina on LinkedIn for more marketing insights delivered with his signature blend of expertise and straight talk.Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72