Just Press Record is a conversation-style interview podcast hosted by Matt Zeigler. Each episode brings together two guests with little in common to discuss a single shared topic. The show focuses on making curiosity a habit and presents the enjoyable parts of learning without the formal structure of school. It is framed as Zeigler's personal audio and visual archive.
Episodes
Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi: Songs That Describe American Life | Cultish Creative Music Club
Why does Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" sound like a victory when we never find out whether Tommy and Gina make it? On the Cultish Creative Music Club, Matt Zeigler and Joseph Moore revisit the 1986 arena rock anthem to hear what it says about working-class life and the American dream.New Jersey native Matt Ackermann makes the case for the song, and the hosts listen for details
A Trader and a Small Cap Investor Meet for the First Time | Brent Donnelly & Ian Cassel
Microcap investor Ian Cassel and currency trader Brent Donnelly meet for the first time on Just Press Record to compare what their own track records taught them about conviction, position sizing, and the difference between feeling certain and being right.Brent explains what he found when he graded his trades by confidence, and Ian shares why he now starts with smaller positions and lets a company
Tragedy Plus Time by Rise Against: Songs That Describe American Life | Cultish Creative Music Club
What can Rise Against's Tragedy Plus Time tell us about resilience, optimism, and the American experience? In this episode of the Cultish Creative Music Club, Matt Zeigler and Joseph Moore explore Guy Penn's song selection and what its lyrics reveal about a generation navigating uncertainty, emotional struggles, and the belief that tomorrow can be different.The conversation moves from punk
Jack and Diane by John Cougar Mellencamp: Songs That Describe American Life | Cultish Creative Music
John Mellencamp's "Jack and Diane" captures the dreams, romance, and uncertainty of growing up in small-town America. In this episode of the Cultish Creative Music Club, Matt Zeigler and Joseph Moore explore the song's lyrics, iconic guitar riff, and surprising production story to understand what it reveals about American life.Nominated by Julia Duthie (a pitch from England!), the song sparks a co
A Recovering Exec & a Financial Therapist Meet for the First Time | Shannon Nutter & Ashley Quamme
What happens after women break the glass ceiling, and why do so many still feel they are too much or not enough? On this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler brings together Ashley Quamme, founder of Beyond the Plan, and Shannon Nutter, co-author of Walking on Broken Glass, to explore gender bias, women in leadership, and how the language we use shapes careers, relationships, and confidence.
America the Beautiful by Homeboy Sandman: Songs That Describe American Life | Cultish Creative Music
What can Homeboy Sandman's "America the Beautiful" teach us about gratitude, inequality, and the American experience? In this episode of the Cultish Creative Music Club, Matt Zeigler and Joseph Moore explore how the underground hip-hop track challenges both blind patriotism and relentless pessimism, finding room for criticism and appreciation in the same song.The conversation connect
Dumbest Girl Alive by 100 Gecs: Songs That Describe American Life | Cultish Creative Music Club
What does 100 Gecs reveal about American life in the age of TikTok, algorithms, and constant digital stimulation? In this episode of the Cultish Creative Music Club, Matt Zeigler and Joseph Moore explore "Dumbest Girl Alive," nominated by Dave Nadig as a song that captures the chaos, creativity, and disconnection of modern America.Dave's pitch opens a conversation about hyperpop, the
Check It Out by John Cougar Mellencamp: Songs That Describe American Life | Cultish Creative Music Club
Matt Zeigler and Joseph Moore explore John Mellencamp's "Check It Out" and what it reveals about the American dream, suburban life, and the search for meaning in adulthood. On this episode of the Cultish Creative Music Club, a song submitted by John Stoj sparks a conversation about work, family, male friendship, and why getting the life you were told to want can still leave you askin
"Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" by Billy Joel: Songs That Best Describe American Life
Billy Joel's "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" captures the American experience through young love, marriage, divorce, suburban dreams and the places we return to as we grow older. On this episode of the Cultish Creative Music Club, Matt Zeigler and historian Joseph Moore (@josephmoorebooks) explore the song's storytelling, musical structure and cultural history after a nominat
Juicy by The Notorious B.I.G.: Songs Describing American Life | Cultish Creative Music Club Track 3
What does Juicy by The Notorious B.I.G. reveal about the American dream, ambition, and the stories we tell about success? On this episode of the Cultish Creative Music Club, a Just Press Record series, Matt Zeigler and Joseph Moore explore Biggie's hip-hop classic through its rags-to-riches storytelling, musical structure, and portrait of American life. Justin Castelli submits the song for the
Bastards of Young by The Replacements: Songs Describing American Life | Cultish Creative Music Club
Matt Zeigler and Joseph Moore explore The Replacements' Bastards of Young and what Paul Westerberg's songwriting reveals about growing up, finding purpose, and feeling lost in early adulthood. In this B-side edition of the Cultish Creative Music Club on Just Press Record, they unpack the song's lyrics, music theory, and unconventional music video to explain why a punk anthem from the 1
Relatively Easy by Jason Isbell: Songs That Describe American Life | Cultish Creative Music Club
What does one Jason Isbell song reveal about American life, abundance, frustration, and the search for meaning?In the inaugural Cultish Creative Music Club, Matt Zeigler and historian Joseph Moore make the case for Relatively Easy as a song that captures the tension between material prosperity and personal dissatisfaction in modern America.Matt and Joseph launch a new experiment built around a sim
You Can't Fix Inauthenticity | Lara Crigger on Trust, Editing & Wrong Advice
Matt Zeigler sits down with writer and editor Lara Crigger to explore how trust, criticism, and authenticity shape the creative process. They discuss why good feedback can make you want to revise immediately, how to distinguish bad advice from wrong advice, and why the people you trust to critique your work matter as much as the critique itself.Topics coveredWhy great editing requires trust betwee
Why Selling Out Feels So Personal | Joseph Moore on Music, Status and Identity
Historian and bestselling author Joseph Moore (@josephmoorebooks) joins Matt Zeigler to explore how commodification changes art, music, fashion, and culture, and why making creative work available to the masses may be a feature rather than a flaw.They examine the relationship between taste and status, why people turn against things once they become popular, and what Jane Austen, Taylor Swift, Andy
There Was a Version of Me Before 9:03 | Adam Bruderly on the Moments That Change Us
Matt Zeigler sits down with Adam Bruderly of The 9:03 Collective to explore how live music, shared experiences, and community can help us process emotions and transform difficult moments.Starting with Greg Larkin's story of attending a Black Crowes concert after working as a first responder on 9/11, they discuss emotional catharsis, collective experience, endurance sports, family, and why some of
What Punk Rock and Venture Capital Agree On | Matt Zeigler on Sponsorship
Matt Zeigler explores what sponsorship really means and why supporting local events should be viewed as a promise to a community rather than a simple advertising transaction.Using Cultish Creative's sponsorship of Spooky Summer 2026 at the Circle Drive-In in Scranton, Pennsylvania, he explains the difference between traditional marketing ROI and the long-term return created by investing in local v
A Typo Almost Ended His Shot at Citizenship. | Bogumil Baranowski on Refusing to Quit
Bogumil Baranowski joins Matt Zeigler to explore why failure is feedback and how persistence can turn rejection, uncertainty, and personal obstacles into life-changing opportunities.Bogumil shares his journey from Poland to a career in New York investing, the green card rejection that nearly ended it, and the unlikely path that eventually led him to ask Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger a question
He Found Music Through Loss. He Found Writing Through Failure. | Jim Ruland & Seth Lorinczi
Writers Jim Ruland and Seth Lorinczi meet for the first time to explore how punk rock, outsider culture, and underground communities shaped their lives, creative work, and approach to parenting.They trace their paths through the DC and Los Angeles punk scenes, the writers and mentors who sent them into the world, and the challenge of preserving subculture in the algorithm age.Along the way, they d
The Unearned Opinion Problem | Matt Zeigler on AI and Creativity
Matt Zeigler explores how artificial intelligence is changing creativity, writing, attention, and the meaning of earning your work.Using a middle school guitar story, Steven Pressfield's "Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t," and an unexpected AI-assisted response from the real Tommy, he argues that ChatGPT and other AI tools can accelerate output but cannot replace the effort, identity, and personal a
The King's Speech Producer & A Bestselling Author Both Crashed After Success | Egan & Moore
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler introduces historian and author Joseph Moore to filmmaker and producer Simon Egan for a conversation about creativity, failure, storytelling, and what happens after a big project finally reaches the world.They discuss Joseph’s national bestselling book How to Get Rich in American History, Simon’s journey with The King’s Speech, the emotional cost
What Algorithms Took From Us | Meghaan Lurtz on Trust, Change and Belonging
Megan Lurtz joins Just Press Record to unpack what a conversation with Chuck Marohn and Aaron Hurst reveals about community, trust, social connection, and the psychology of change.This episode explores why talking to strangers, third places, shared culture, liminal space, and group thinking matter in a world shaped by algorithms, loneliness, and constant transition.Main topics coveredWhy talking t
Purpose, Place, People | The Three-Word Framework That Changed How I Travel
This solo episode of Just Press Record explores why purpose, place, and people are essential to meaningful experiences, personal transformation, and human connection.Matt Zeigler connects recent trips to Chicago, St. Louis, and a World Cup match in Philadelphia with lessons from Chuck Marohn, Aaron Hurst, Joe Pine, Shannon Staton, Kate Bradley Chernis, and D.A. Wallach on travel, serendipity, comm
One Never Stayed. | Chuck Marohn & Aaron Hurst on Building Community
Chuck Marohn of Strong Towns and Aaron Hurst of the Chamber of Connection meet for a conversation about how communities are built, why trust is breaking down, and what cities can do to rebuild social connection.They explore small-town roots, life transitions, relocation, purpose, urban planning, pluralism, and why connection may be the central challenge facing modern America.Matt Zeigler introduce
Nobody Learns to Speak Anymore | Dave Nadig on the Skill Business Forgot
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler and Dave Nadig react to Kate Bradley Chernis on radio, storytelling, media training, and why the human voice still matters.They explore how great communicators use theater of the mind, cadence, nostalgia, emotion, and preparation to make an audience feel pulled into the story.Topics Covered:Why radio creates a unique theater of the mindHow great c
Justin Castelli on the Workarounds That Help You Live More Authentically
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler brings Justin Castelli back to react to a Drew Feldman clip about willpower, boundaries, workarounds, and designing a life around who you really are.The conversation turns into a deeper discussion about self-awareness, authentic living, money alignment, accountability, and whether willpower comes from discipline or from being aligned with your val
He Won in Football. Then Investing Humbled Him | Coach Vass on Self-Awareness
Chris Vasseur (aka Coach Vass) is back.He's a football coach turned finance student who went all-in on CANSLIM after reading Market Wizards, hit major gains as a beginner on early tech trades, then discovered futures trading unlocked emotions he'd never experienced before: greed, revenge trading, bargaining, and things that made him unrecognizable to himself.Matt brings him back to react t
We Thought It Was About Algorithms. It Wasn’t
Matt Zeigler and Jack Forehand look at what recent Intentional Investor conversations can teach us about creativity, investing, YouTube, AI, mentorship and building a media business.Using clips from Michael Perry, Marc Rubinstein and Mat Cashman, they explore why knowing your limits, understanding your strengths, learning from mentors and building real relationships still matter in a world of algo
Why Trust Needs Tension | Nancy Burger on Repairing Relationships That Matter
In this Oh Snap “Guess What I Saw” episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler brings workplace communication strategist and keynote speaker Nancy Burger back to react to a clip from psychologist Naomi Win on language, repair, and trust. Together, they unpack how the words we use — and the meanings we quietly attach to them — can deepen connection, create misunderstanding, and shape how we lead, wo
The Experience Expert Meets the Event Curator | Joe Pine & Shannon Staton on Life-Changing Moments
The Experience Expert met the Event Curator, and it turns out they’d been working on the same problem from opposite directions. Joe Pine, author of The Experience Economy and The Transformation Economy, and Shannon Staton, founder of Collective Experiences, sit down to talk about how you actually design, customize, and protect experiences that move people from simple “nice event” to something that
The Trader Who Hears Markets Like a Symphony | Tony Greer
This episode explores the deep connection between music, memory, and markets through a wide-ranging conversation with trader Tony Greer (TG Macro, The Macro Dirt Podcast).What starts as a set of once-in-a-lifetime live music stories (Warren Haynes, Black Crowes at the Beacon, Blind Melon at Wetlands) turns into a deeper look at how creativity, pattern recognition, and emotion shape the way we inte
Dylan O’Sullivan on Flat Characters, TikTok & Bad Art
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler sits down with writer and editor Dylan O’Sullivan (Essayful, Infinite Loops) for a conversation about flat vs round characters, TikTok’s effect on attention, and how to develop real taste in art.Sparked by a clip from Michael Perry and Aaron Gwyn about “Bob the one-eyed beagle,” they use the idea of a fascinating flat character as a way into comed
A Rock Star Turned Biotech VC and a Radio DJ Turned AI Founder Meet for the First Time
This episode explores the evolution of culture, connection, and media through a wide-ranging conversation on radio, music, technology, and human belonging. DA Wallach and Kate Bradley Cherniss unpack how the shift from shared cultural experiences to fragmented digital consumption has changed how we connect—and what might come next.We dive into the lost art of radio intimacy, the rise of streaming
The 4-Hour Rule, The Matchbox Test & The Story No One Will Tell | Work, Life & Legacy
This episode of The Intentional Investor brings together some of the most powerful lessons from early 2026, focusing on the intersection of work, life, and legacy. Through three standout conversations, the episode explores what it really takes to build a meaningful career, live with integrity, and adapt in a world where identity and opportunity are constantly evolving.In this special clip show, Ma
Three Conversations. One Idea. | What Work, Life, and Legacy Really Mean
This special clip show brings together some of the most powerful insights from Just Press Record in 2026, centered around three core themes: work, life, and legacy.Through conversations with investors, musicians, and writers, it explores how people think about identity, creativity, decision-making, and what it means to build a meaningful life.The episode highlights the most compelling moments from
A Futurist and a Scientist Meet for the First Time | Bronwyn Williams & Michael Kinch
This episode of Just Press Record brings together futurist Bronwyn Williams and biotech expert Michael Kinch for a wide-ranging conversation on how we understand the future, why most predictions are wrong, and how human behavior, incentives, and values shape outcomes in science, economics, and society.The discussion explores the tension between data and belief, optimism and realism, and why many w
Your Armor Is Stopping You | Mat Cashman on Dissolving the Self That's Holding You Back
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Ziegler sits down with Mat Cashman for a wide-ranging conversation about practice, performance, mastery, and the pursuit of meaningful work.Inspired by a clip featuring Jess Bost and Tom Morgan, the discussion explores how identity, ego, and deliberate practice shape personal growth over time.Drawing on experiences from trading, music, education, and crea
Why Smart Leaders Miss the Real Problem | Elie Jacobs on Strategic Thinking
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler welcomes back communications strategist and Purposeful Advisors founder Elie Jacobs to unpack the evolving role of advisors, communicators, and chiefs of staff in an era defined by constant crisis and rapid technological change.Using a clip about the modern chief of staff role as a starting point, the conversation explores how leaders process info
The Midwesterner's Secret | Morgan Ranstrom on Self-Promotion, Pride, and Letting Go
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler sits down with Morgan Ranstrom for a wide-ranging conversation about identity, artistry, business, pride, and community.Starting with a clip from Michael Perry and Aaron Gwyn, the discussion explores what it means to grow up close to the ground and then find yourself in creative or professional spaces that feel like the wrong bus.Morgan reflects o
One Email. No Plan. Sold Out. | Angie Colee and the Minimum Viable Promotion That Started Everything
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Ziegler sits down with Angie Colee to explore the tension between intuition and logic, leadership and permission, and why sometimes you simply have to say, “I will show you,” and do it anyway.Using a powerful clip from Matthew Stafford and Matt Ackerman as the starting point, the conversation weaves through the 65% rule, minimum viable promotion, corporat
The Relationship No One Teaches You | Julia Duthie on Building Real Friendship
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler welcomes back Julia Duthie, host of the podcast People Are Everything (@Peopleareeverything), for a wide-ranging conversation sparked by a powerful clip featuring musicians Allison Wolfe (Bratmobile) and Brianna Collins (Tigers Jaw).What begins as a reflection on life in bands unfolds into a deeper exploration of friendship, creative partnership,
A Short-Term Trader and Long-Term Investor Meet for the First Time | Tony Greer & Bogumil Baranowski
In this episode of Just Press Record, two very (VERY) different investors meet for the first time.Tony Greer, a short-term macro trader who lives in the rhythm of the tape, and Bogumil Baranowski, a long-term investor focused on owning great businesses for years, sit down to explore what really drives decision-making in markets and in life.What unfolds is a thoughtful and often hilarious conversat
Never Change Who You Are | Jason Friedman and Drew Feldman on Why Authenticity Wins
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt brings together two people who have never met before and lets the conversation unfold in real time.Jason Friedman and Drew Feldman come from very different professional paths, but quickly discover shared experiences around career risk, entrepreneurship, creativity, and the emotional reality of building something from scratch.What starts as a conversation
She Met 500 Strangers. He Built an Audience of One | Carly Valancy & Spencer Kier on Real Networking
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt brings together two strangers with very different backgrounds and a shared obsession with human connection.Carly Valancy and Spencer Kier explore how creativity, repetition, gratitude, and authenticity shape careers, relationships, and opportunities.What starts as a conversation about networking quickly becomes a deeper discussion about practice, compound
I Was There But Didn't Know It Yet | Allison Wolfe & Brianna Collins on Finding Perspective
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler brings together Allison Wolfe and Brianna Collins for a wide-ranging conversation about music scenes, creative identity, and what it really means to realize you were there while something special was happening.From Olympia and the Riot Grrrl era to northeast Pennsylvania DIY basements, the conversation explores how community, distance, adulthood,
They Never Planned to Be Writers | Aaron Gwyn & Michael Perry on Mentors Who Changed Everything
In this episode of Just Press Record, host Matt Zeigler brings together two writers from very different worlds who discover how much they actually share. Author and musician Michael Perry and writer and professor Aaron Gwynn connect over farm life, physical labor, creative discipline, and the unlikely paths that led them to writing books. What begins with stories of rural upbringing and lost finge
When Does the Mask Become Real? | Phil Pearlman on Behaving Your Way Into Being
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler sits down with Phil Pearlman for a wide-ranging conversation about consistency, identity, and the quiet power of how we show up in the world. Using a short clip featuring Nancy Berger and Julia Duthie as a jumping-off point, the discussion explores how behavior shapes character, why role modeling matters more than advice, and how small, repeated a
We Didn't Plan Any of This: 10 Unscripted Introductions from 2025
In this special year-end clip show, Matt Zeigler and Jack Forehand reflect on some of the most meaningful conversations from Just Press Record in 2025. Rather than a traditional recap, this episode explores the deeper themes that emerged across very different guests, from connection and creativity to fear, identity, and long-term thinking. Along the way, Matt and Jack discuss why these moments mat
It’s The Same Start, But One Became a Hero and One Didn’t | Tyrone Ross & Neils Ribeiro-Yemofio
This episode of Just Press Record brings together Tyrone Ross and Neils Ribeiro-Yemofio explore how early experiences, belief, and community shape who we become. What begins with comic books, video games, and childhood stories unfolds into a powerful conversation about identity, hope, economic mobility, and the systems that determine who gets access to opportunity. From superheroes and supervillai
Life Is an Accident | Eric Pachman on Serendipity, Privilege, and Purpose
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt sits down again with Eric Pachman to explore the idea of serendipity, the role of accident in shaping a life, and what it really takes for opportunity to become meaningful. Using a clip from a prior conversation with Eric Markowitz and Elie Jacobs as the jumping-off point, this conversation turns into a deep examination of privilege, poverty, the three Cs
Brad Fisher & Chris Grimes: How 2 Great Coaches Help People the Same Way | Listening Without Agenda
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler brings together motivational comedian and storytelling coach Chris Grimes and structural scalability expert Brad Fisher for a spontaneous, free-flowing conversation about story, leadership, presence, improvisation, personal growth, and the bridges between creativity and organizational transformation. What begins as a playful meeting between two st
From Goals to Vision | Stories of People Who Bet on Themselves
In this episode, we showcase some of the most powerful clips from The Intentional Investor. These conversations explore how strategic thinkers, founders, investors, and creatives navigate risk, build vision, overcome adversity, and retain their humanity along the way. This highlight reel offers a taste of the depth, honesty, and storytelling that define the series.Main topics covered• How goals di
The Right Ruler | Kevin Alexander on What Actually Matters in Creative Work
On this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler sits down with music critic Kevin Alexander of On Repeat Records ( https://thekevinalexander.substack.com/ ) for a conversation about creativity, measuring success, and the craft of writing with authenticity. The two explore what it means to build something meaningful in an age driven by metrics, using a clip from musician Ned Russin (Glitterer, T
Before They Were Experts They Made It Up | Danielle Strachman and Kevin Leahy on Creating Your Path
A venture investor and an audio storyteller explore curiosity, community, and unconventional careers. Danielle Strachman (1517 Fund, Teal Fellowship) and Kevin Leahy (Podcast Point Man, NPR alum) join Matt to dig into education outside the system, how local projects build connection and opportunity, and why following your instincts matters more than following a script. This episode is about taking
Don’t Be a Critic, Be a Curator | Dave Nadig on Finding What Moves You
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler welcomes back Dave Nadig for a conversation about music discovery, community, and the art of curation. The two explore how radio, mixtapes, blogs, and the internet have shaped the way we find and share music across generations. From college radio stations to TikTok, from Dr. Demento to The Cramps revival, they discuss how music connects people, de
Same Loss, Same Guilt, Same Impossible Truth | Rachael Goldfarb & Eric Pachman
Rachel Goldfarb and Eric Pachman meet for the first time on Just Press Record in an extraordinary conversation about grief, awareness, and reclaiming soulfulness. Matt Zeigler brings these two together—each transformed by loss and purpose—to explore how we find meaning, reconnect with our humanity, and turn pain into growth. From policy and data to parenting and purpose, this episode is a raw, tho
The Keynote That Went Sideways | Dennis Moseley-Williams on Over-Preparation and Flow
Dennis Moseley-Williams joins Matt Zeigler for a conversation on creativity, preparation, and authenticity in the experience economy. They explore what it means to truly “show up” — balancing the control of preparation with the freedom of flow. From keynotes gone sideways to customer secrets and the power of belonging, Dennis shares personal stories and insights on how businesses — and people — ca
The Breadcrumb Theory (Why We're Sponsoring NEPA Horror Fest)
NEPA Horror Fest is happening at Circle Drive in on 10/22/2025! $15 at 5pm, all ages welcome. More info and tickets here: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/nepa-horror/nepa-horror-13-short-films-night-market?fbclid=IwVERDUAMk5uhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHoN7Ac74lOm-7IMweZDjTRWb1N41GHD0SRmSjFEGAQZC-1RkDShNvPnwMxS__aem_FNWIe1phkCqfjHgyp8J7Dg
Bobby K Lost Thousands on His Horror Fest. Then Realized He Was Measuring Wrong
Join us for a conversation with Bobby K, the founder of NEPA Horror Fest. We talk about the origins of the festival, the challenges of running community events, and why creating a space for indie films, music, and art matters so much. From Murphy’s Law stories to what it takes to bring Hollywood-quality experiences to local communities, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at passion, persever
Stop Wishing Away Your Days. Start Designing Them. | How to Make Work Feel Human
In this episode, Nate Bagley and Bree Groff unpack how to design work that feels human, energizing, and worth your days. We dig into the real drivers of performance (recognition, meaning, and momentum), why so many teams misread burnout, and a practical “magic ratio” you can use this week to change culture. If you’ve ever caught yourself wishing away weekdays, this conversation offers concrete way
Friendships Fall Off a Cliff After 30 | Psychology Expert Reveals What Actually Saves Them
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt brings together journalist and friendship expert Anna Goldfarb and psychologist/behavioral finance analyst Naomi Win for a deep and wide-ranging conversation on friendship, uncertainty, and the ways we build and sustain human connection.The discussion moves from personal stories and research insights to cultural commentary, exploring how we navigate moder
You’re Playing the Wrong Game | Steve Willison on Work, Burnout, and Incentives
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler sits down with Steve Willison—HR executive and author of Players, Payoffs and People—to explore how game theory applies to work, leadership, and life.The conversation weaves together stories of creativity, burnout, and identity with lessons on incentives, teamwork, and personal growth. From bands on tour to boardrooms, Steve shares how seeing the
Stop Waiting for Permission | Preston Cherry & Jenny Wood on Owning Your Choices
In this episode of *Just Press Record*, Matt Zeigler brings together Dr. Preston Cherry, author of *Wealth in the Key of Life*, and Jenny Wood, former Google exec and author of *Wild Courage*. They dive into the power of rejection, the value of “weird,” the courage to stand out, and why nobody likes to be “should on.” This conversation blends psychology, storytelling, and practical lessons on livi
The Late Starter's Advantage | Morgan Ranstrom on Why "Being Behind" is Actually Winning
In this second conversation with Morgan Ranstrom, we dive deeper into the power of creating in public, the discomfort of vulnerability, and the surprising compounding benefits of sharing ideas openly. From creativity and wealth management to music, poetry, and AI, this episode explores how learning out loud can change careers, relationships, and the way we engage with the world.Special shoutout to
The Trap of Validation. The Pursuit of Mastery | Bill Stephney & Lawrence Yeo on Lasting Creativity
What happens when a hip-hop pioneer and a philosopher-turned-artist sit down to explore the tension between external validation and internal mastery?In this episode of Just Press Record, Bill Stephney—former Def Jam executive and cultural force behind launching acts like Public Enemy—and Lawrence Yeo—author of More To That (@moretothat) and creator of deeply reflective visual essays—discuss the cr
You Think It Doesn’t Matter Now. It Does. | Morgan Ranstrom on Time, Compounding & Legacy
In this deeply reflective episode of *Just Press Record*, Matt Zeigler sits down with Morgan Ranstrom for a conversation that moves beyond money and into the heart of what truly compounds in life. Prompted by a powerful clip from John Candeto, Morgan and Matt explore how time serves as the ultimate filter — for ideas, relationships, art, and legacy. Together they unpack the meaning of right living
The Musical Intuition of Great Curators | Laurie Kaye & Kevin Alexander on Discovery
What happens when a legendary radio insider meets a modern-day playlist curator? In this episode of Just Press Record, host Matt Zeigler brings together Laurie Kaye, the last person to interview John Lennon, and Kevin Alexander, the music-obsessed mind behind the On Repeat Records Substack. Together, they explore the emotional power of music discovery—from transistor radios under the covers to Sub
W-2s Are Dying. Entrepreneurs Are Winning | Lindsey Bell on What’s Next
]🎙 Lindsey Bell on Career Pivots, Purpose, and the Future of WorkIn this special “O Snap” episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler sits down with Lindsey Bell to explore the messy, magical in-between of career pivots and how the future of work is being shaped by a new wave of entrepreneurs. Using a powerful clip from Hal Hershfield and Julia Carrion as a jumping-off point, they dive into the imp
The Death of Shared Experiences | Bob Seawright on Sports, Family & Connection
In this episode, we’re joined by writer, thinker, and Substack author Bob Seawright for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about what sports, fandom, and Moneyball can teach us about markets, behavior, and decision-making.We explore why live shared experiences matter, how fandom evolves across generations, and where investors misunderstand data-driven models like Moneyball. Bob also shar
Talent Won’t Save You | Grant Williams and Craig Pearce on Luck, Timing, and Publishing
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler brings together two brilliant minds—Grant Williams, renowned author and podcaster, and Craig Pearce, publisher at Pan Macmillan/Harriman House—for a conversation full of humor, insight, and heart. From childhood memories and music that shaped them, to deep reflections on leadership, books, publishing, and the unpredictability of success, this dial
Different Eras, Same Fight | Why Keith Morris (69) & Ned Russin (35) Refuse to Stop Creating
🎙️ Two Generations of Punk. One Shared Truth.In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler brings together two icons from different eras of punk rock - Ned Russin (Title Fight, Glitterer) and Keith Morris (Black Flag, Circle Jerks, OFF!) - for a candid, passionate conversation about music, community, and the punk ethos. Recorded during a turbulent moment in U.S. politics, this intergeneration
The Scoreboards We All Get Wrong | Cullen Roche & Coach Vass on Winning in Finance and Life
What Happens When a Football Coach Meets a Finance Expert?Cullen Roche & Coach Vass on Scoreboards, Predictions, and Finding MeaningWhat do disciplined investing and defensive football coaching have in common?A lot more than you’d think.In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler introduces Cullen Roche (founder of Discipline Funds and macroeconomic thinker @disciplinefunds) to Coach Ch
Most Creators Miss This | Matt Reustle on What Makes Content Transformational
In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler reunites with Colossus CEO and Business Breakdowns host Matt Reustle for a conversation that blends media strategy, creative philosophy, and practical lessons on building meaningful content. Through a mix of insightful clips and behind-the-scenes thinking, Matt breaks down what separates content that merely entertains from content that truly trans
What Everyone Gets Wrong About Friendship and Family | Lara Crigger and Nina Badzin
Two accomplished writers. Two unique journeys. One unforgettable conversation.In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler introduces Lara Crigger and Nina Badzin ( @dearninafriendship ) —two women who've never met but instantly click in a conversation that blends parenting, friendship, faith, and career twists. From NASA satellites and video game journalism to friendship advice and Tora
Stop Chasing Growth | Eric Markowitz on How to Outlast
In this special “Oh Snap, Guess What I Saw” edition of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler welcomes back writer and thinker Eric Markowitz for a deep reflection on resilience, longevity, and the power of being unapologetically human in a digital age. Centered around a powerful clip from Christina Garnett and Vic Ruggiero, the conversation unpacks how meaningful connection—whether in business, creativi
The Power of Midlife Reinvention | Nancy Burger & Julia Duthie on Fear, Identity & Showing Up
What happens when two women who’ve lived, led, and learned through fear, reinvention, and transformation meet for the first time? In this moving episode of Just Press Record, Nancy Burger and Julia Duthie share personal stories about stepping into the spotlight — one at 14, the other at 40 — and unpack what it really means to live authentically. From coming out later in life to healing childhood w
For Every Pathology, a Profession: Bob Seawright & Jim Carroll on Markets, Writing & Finding Purpose
JPR: Bob Seawright & Jim Carroll - Financial Markets, Music, and Life LessonsIn this episode of JUST PRESS RECORD, host Matt Zeigler brings together two financial market experts who've never met: Bob Seawright (author of The Better Letter on Substack) and Jim Carroll (author of Vixology on Substack). Their conversation weaves through shared passions for music, writing, market insights, and
How to Build a Brand That Actually Stands Out | Matt Ackermann
In this episode of JUST PRESS RECORD, host Matt Zeigler welcomes back Matt Ackermann, Chief Brand Officer at Integrated Partners, for an insightful discussion on brand building and storytelling. Triggered by a clip featuring David Burkus ( @DavidBurkus ) and Kit Huffman, the conversation explores how to develop memorable brands that stand out in a sea of sameness. From storytelling fundamentals to
When Achievements Feel Empty: The Path to Joy | Mishka Shubaly & Greg Larkin
In this engaging and thought-provoking episode of Just Press Record, host Matt Zeigler introduces two guests who've never met before: musician and author Mishka Shubaly and financial crisis predictor turned entrepreneur/Punks and Pinstripes community founder Greg Larkin. Their conversation weaves through transformative musical experiences, sobriety journeys, post-9/11 New York City, corporate
The Secret Stories That Control Your Life | Sean Delaney on Breaking Free
Join Matt Zeigler as he welcomes back author, coach, and poet Sean Delaney for this special "Oh Snap, Guess What I Saw" episode of Just Press Record. Matt shares a thought-provoking clip from Dylan O'Sullivan about storytelling principles and explores with Sean how these concepts apply to coaching, personal growth, and the stories we tell ourselves that shape our lives.Topics Covered
Your Greatest Strength is Also Your Greatest Weakness | Mark Newfield and Steve Willison
In this thought-provoking episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler brings together two fascinating individuals - Steve Willison, an HR executive with a passion for martial arts and stoic philosophy, and Mark Newfield, a financial advisor and thought leader. Their conversation reveals striking parallels in their life philosophies, professional approaches, and personal journeys, touching on stoici
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