One New Person Podcast

Conversations with leaders about the connections that got them there
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One New Person

Conversations with leaders about the connections that got them there.

Every interaction is meaningful. Every person you meet is important.

Welcome to Brian Miller’s podcast, where we explore the ripple effect of everyday interactions.

Brian’s guests represent the best of humanity: highly successful people doing meaningful work and creating a better world for everyone they meet.

We invite you to eavesdrop on intimate conversations with leaders at the top of their fields, to learn about the chance encounters, lucky moments, and connections on which they build their success.

Strap in for guests like business legend Seth Godin, digital marketing guru Shama Hyder, non-profit leader Ami Dar, famed sports radio broadcaster Jay Reynolds, Yale’s influence expert Zoe Chance, global activist Getrude Matshe, and prominent skeptic Matt Dillahunty.

SEASON 1

Ep 12. “Doing Good and Doing Well” with Zoe Chance

Zoe Chance is a renowned expert in influence and persuasion techniques and an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Yale’s University’s School of Management, but my audience knows her best as the “I like your hat” lady.

The story of how I met Zoe is very public, but in case you haven’t heard it, here’s the short version: We met on a plane, sitting next to each other, when she opened a conversation by saying, “I like your hat.” I had no idea those four words would change the course of my life.

In this episode, Zoe and I get into the nitty-gritty on the power of no: How to say no, why to say no, and why saying ‘no’ may be the most generous thing you can do. We chat in-depth about how to influence others in a way where both people come out ahead, and of course Zoe shares her story of a chance encounter with lasting impact.

Oh – and as a bonus, we finally get to hear her side of the “I like your hat” story. And yes, it’s the first time I was hearing it as well.

So please enjoy this epic Season 1 finale of One New Person.

RELATED LINKS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Ep 11. “Seeing Language Differently” with Dr. Amanda Howerton-Fox

Dr. Amanda Howerton-Fox is an assistant professor of language and literacy, TEDx speaker, and thought leader on deaf culture.

I was lucky enough to be in the audience for Amanda’s TEDx talk, entitled “Language Beyond the Sound Barrier,” and found her insights into deaf culture so fascinating, I knew I had to bring her on the show.

We spoke about her wild and winding career path, her counter-intuitive work in deaf education, and of course, Amanda shares her story of a chance encounter with lasting impact.

This conversation will expand your perspective, perhaps more than most. So get comfortable, keep an open mind, and please enjoy.

RELATED LINKS

FORTHCOMING ARTICLES

Ep 10. “Patient Engagement, On and Offline” with Dr. Don Dizon

Dr. Don Dizon is a renowned oncologist specializing in women’s cancers and affiliated with a handful of top medical institutions including Lifespan Cancer Institute, Rhode Island Hospital, and Brown University.

Don and I met in 2017 when we were both speaking at a patient experience conference held by Teva Pharmaceuticals in Barcelona. Like discovering a lost sibling we were joined at the hip the entire conference, and have been friends ever since.

This conversation is full of fascinating twists and turns. We discussed how Don created a balance between his beautiful family and a prestigious career, why he believes all medical professionals should be embracing social media, and of course, Don shares his story of a chance encounter with lasting impact.

Our interview was scheduled for the day of crazy snowstorm, so Don ended up calling in from his home office, which means you might hear a bit of his family jostling around in the background. As far as I’m concerned, it made the conversation that much more relatable.

 

Show Notes

Ep 9. “Honoring the Shame” with Michael Kent

Michael Kent is an award-winning, world class entertainer and self-described “comic, magician, and smartass.” Michael was my hero as a young aspiring comedy magician, who graciously became a mentor from afar, and eventually someone I now call a colleague and a friend. He is one of the most thoughtful and considered artists I know, and this conversation was nothing less than enlightening.

We discussed how to handle shame and self-worth as an artist or entrepreneur, how he found a niche in a hyper competitive field, and of course, Michael shares his story of a chance encounter with lasting impact. And like everything he does, his story is a brilliant twist on my established format.

This conversation lasted for nearly an hour and 20 minutes, so you’re only getting about half of it here. Subscribers to the One New Person email list will receive the full, unedited, uncut episode as a bonus in the next few weeks.

 

Show Notes

Related Links

Ep 8. “Best People Practices” with Zakia Lieske

Zakia Lieske is the Event Program Manager for Inova Heart & Vascular Institute. I met Zakia just last year when she hired me to speak at Inova’s 3rd Patient Experience Conference. We connected instantly, but as you’ll find out, she seems to do that with almost everyone.

In this episode we discuss the difference between event planning and event managing (hint: it’s all about leadership roles), the importance of working with and hiring the right people, and of course, Zakia shares her story of a chance encounter with lasting impact.

And it’s truly an epic tale.

Related Links

“At, For, or With?” – video excerpt from my panel session at Inova’s conference (YouTube)

Ep 7. “On the Cusp” with Alex DiPalma

Alex DiPalma is an audio producer and rising celebrity in the podcasting world. Alex and I met in 2018 when I was a student in The Podcasting Fellowship, an online course she co-created and runs with business legend Seth Godin, who will factor prominently in our conversation.

Alex is the producer and editor of Food 4 Thot, named one of the Best Podcasts of 2017 by New York Magazine. She executive produced Rise & Grind with Daymond John of Shark Tank fame, and is now the producer and editor of Seth Godin’s Akimbo.

This episode is more a conversation than an interview, and ranges on topics from the state of the podcast industry in pop culture, to the difference between visual and audio mediums, when to pay attention and when to ignore stats and metrics in our work, how to navigate professional relationships, particularly when you’re working with genius, and of course, Alex shares her story of a chance encounter with lasting impact. It will not surprise you, but it might delight you.

It was an honor to chat with Alex, and I really hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Show Notes

Related Links

Ep 6. “Finding Your ‘You’ ” with Jonah Babins

Jonah Babins is a professional magician, producer, co-owner of the Toronto Magic Company, and fellow podcast host.

His show Discourse in Magic brings on magicians and variety entertainers to discuss theory and business, rather than tricks. He was gracious enough to invite me on his show back in 2017, and now that I’ve got my own, I figured it would be fun to flip the script.

In this episode we discuss why you should deeply consider how and why you do the things you do, how to put more of yourself in your work, and of course, his story of a chance encounter with lasting impact.

Show Notes

Here is my episode on Jonah’s podcast: Networking for Magicians with Brian Miller.

Jonah mentioned a handful of motivational speakers, podcasters, and coaches throughout the episode. Here are links to a few:

Neville Medhora: The Kopywriting Kourse
Pat Flynn’s Smart Passive Income Podcast
Drew Dudley (motivational speaker)

Related Links

Jonah’s Magic Website
Discourse In Magic Podcast
Toronto Magic Company (remember to mention One New Personfor free tickets)

Ep 5. “Freely Expressing Joy” with Carolyn Schrier

Carolyn Schrier is the Director of Marketing for Mitzvah Market, a comprehensive resource for Jewish families planning their Bar & Bat Mitzvah celebrations.

Carolyn and I met just a few years ago at one of their vendor showcases, where families get to interact with DJs, caterers, entertainers, decorators – if you’ve ever been to a wedding or bridal expo, it’s like that, but for 13 year-olds.

In this episode we discuss how Carolyn went from a degree in economics to a career in service of the Jewish community, why we should refrain from judging how others choose to celebrate special occasions, and of course, her story of a chance encounter with lasting impact.

And by the way, her story literally moved me to tears over and over again during post production.

Show Notes

Hora example with traditional “Hava Nagila”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtP3jiXEAjw

Related Links

Ep 4. “Working Love and Loving Work” with Adam Kreutinger

Adam Kreutinger is a public school art teacher, puppeteer, puppet builder, theater set & costume designer, magician, YouTuber, and podcaster. Adam has remained my closest friend from childhood. He is the only person who makes me feel lazy, and in that way, he’s consistently pushed me to improve myself and my work.

In this episode we discuss how he avoids the trap of being a “jack of all trades and master of none,” the value of finding a thought partner, and of course, his story of a chance encounter with lasting impact.

We talked for over an hour, which I cut down to the 30-minute conversation you’ll find here. There’s so much good stuff that was left out of the final edit, that I’m going to upload the full, uncut, unedited conversation separately as a bonus.

 

Related Links

Ep 3. “Moving the Chair” with Parag Joshi

Parag Joshi is a high school social studies teacher and TEDx organizer. In fact, he was my TEDx organizer, and in that way, our lives have become inextricably intertwined.

In this episode Parag and I discuss the state of the public education system in America, what’s changed about it lately, and where it’s going. He illuminates the process of creating and hosting a TEDx conference, and of course, shares his story of a chance encounter with lasting impact.

There are so many gems in this episode that you may have to listen more than once. In particular, if you teach in any capacity, formal or otherwise, Parag’s insight on staying relevant for your students is absolute gold.

Related Links

Ep 2. “The Humans Come to Me” with Kasey Quaglia

Kasey Quaglia is the studio coordinator at Summit Studios, a hip performing arts center in Manchester, Connecticut. Kasey and I met in 2010 when I walked into Summit looking to offer children’s magic instruction. Although we started as colleagues, Kasey quickly became one of my dearest friends. She was even a bridesmaid in my wedding just a few years ago.

Kasey is one of the kindest, most generous people you’ll ever meet. This episode covers the day-to-day responsibilities of a studio coordinator, how an art degree unexpectedly led to mastering human connection, and of course, Kasey’s story of a chance encounter with lasting impact.

Show Notes

-Here is Seth Godin’s life changing book Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?

-Kasey recalled Richard Linklater’s film Waking Life“Hey, can we do that again? I know we haven’t met but… I don’t want to be an ant, you know?”

Related Links

Ep 1: “From Chaos to Mindfulness” with Pam Paydos

Pam Paydos is a Connecticut entrepreneur who in the span of 5 years opened not one, but two beloved and successful restaurants in an upscale & competitive community.

I met Pam in 2010 when I moved to Connecticut to reinvent my magic business from scratch. She was the first, and for months the only, local restaurant owner who took a chance on hiring a weekly magician.

In this episode Pam opens up about why she was able to create such thriving restaurants where most fail, how the business impacted her personal life, and of course, her story of a chance encounter with lasting impact.

Related Links

Popover Bistro & Bakery