I Need To F***ing Talk To You – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In a world full of corporate buzzwords, AI-generated fluff, and leadership jargon that could put a caffeinated squirrel to sleep, real storytelling cuts through like a hot knife through the B.S.

Our guest this week, Dr. Rod Berger, has made a career of doing exactly that. As the author of The Narrative Edge, Rod is a strategic storyteller, keynote speaker, and media contributor whose 4,000+ interviews span the globe—from Magic Johnson to heads of state, and even an audience with Pope Francis.

Rod joins us to share how authentic narratives transcend the noise of a fast-paced business world—highlighting what happens when leaders stop performing and start telling the truth from the inside out.

In This Episode:

• How strategic storytelling builds authentic leadership
• Lessons from interviewing global icons like Magic Johnson and Pope Francis
• Why authenticity—not polish—makes stories stick
• The most difficult business conversation Rod’s ever had (and no, it wasn’t with the partner who embezzled from his company)
• What happened later that day with his wife—and why that conversation mattered more

About Our Guest:

Rod Berger, Psy.D. is the author of The Narrative Edge and a leading voice in strategic storytelling. With over 4,000 interviews under his belt, Rod brings a unique blend of psychological insight and media savvy to leaders, organizations, and audiences worldwide.

Resources from this episode:

• Order The Narrative Edge by Dr. Rod Berger here
• Pre-order the audio book here

Subscribe & Share:

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Share it with your colleagues who might need a fresh perspective on thriving in challenging work environments!

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Ready to take your difficult conversations to the next level?

Get our book: I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace Conversations

Available on:

• Amazon
• Owl's Nest Books
• Shelf Life Books

Visit our website: ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, I sit down with Faith Clarke, bestselling author of Parenting Like a Ninja, team effectiveness specialist, and culture designer. Faith works with small business teams to redefine work ecosystems for post-pandemic humans who want to do work better. On Instagram, she describes herself as an Organizational Health and Inclusive Teams Specialist. Autism Activist. Author. MamaBear. Ride or Die Friend.

Together, we dive into the messy, real-world challenge of building an inclusive team where people really feel an integral part of things. Faith talks about what her experiences of being a parent of a child with autism have taught her about being a parent and the transferable lessons for business teams. We also discuss navigating a difficult client conversation involving hurt feelings, racial dynamics, and power imbalances.

If you’ve ever struggled with conversations that touch on race, equity, or power—this episode is a must-listen. Faith brings both wisdom and practical tools that leaders can apply immediately to foster healthier, more resilient teams.

Resources from this episode: 

• FaithClarke.com
• Faith's article about creating her home team to support her son, Stop World!
• Faith Clarke's Substack, Faith With Life
• For Faith's peak performing team assessment or restorative work culture assessment, contact by email: faith@faithclarke.com

Subscribe & Share:

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Share it with your colleagues who might need a fresh perspective on thriving in challenging work environments!

—  

Ready to take your difficult conversations to the next level?

Get our book: I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace Conversations

Available on:

• Amazon
• Owl's Nest Books
• Shelf Life Books

Visit our website: ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Ken and Russell sit down with Sandra Clarkson, President & CEO of The Calgary Drop-In Centre, one of North America's largest homeless shelters. Sandra has dedicated her entire career to the nonprofit sector, working both on the front lines and on the funding side, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the sector. At The DI, Sandra lead a major strategic shift to a housing-focused model. 

Sandra shares insights into the challenges of implementing strategic change with long-serving staff some of whom may be resistant to new approaches: and navigating public engagement amidst NIMBYism and community pushback. Whether you're a leader in the nonprofit sector or just someone who gives a f*** about making meaningful change, this conversation offers valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of vision.

Links:

• The Free Goods Program, by The Calgary Drop-In Centre: FreeGoodsProgram.ca

The DI’s Free Goods Program collects new and used donations and then distributes them to Calgarians who need them – at no cost. For donations that aren’t required for programs, the DI will recycle or sell them to raise money that is better suited for other agency needs. No donation goes to waste.
Subscribe & Share:

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Share it with your colleagues who might need a fresh perspective on thriving in challenging work environments!

—  

Ready to take your difficult conversations to the next level?

Get our book: I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace Conversations

Available on:

• Amazon
• Owl's Nest Books
• Shelf Life Books

Visit our website: ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this f***ing festive episode of the “I Need To F***ing Talk To You’ podcast the guys channel their inner Ebenezer Scrooge and look back at another f***ing COVID year, before looking forward to the upcoming Yuletide festivities. Along the way Ken and Russell offer you their insight into such important topics as - the best Christmas movie, favourite winter sport (as a Canadian Ken has lots of these) and their favourite Christmas traditions, before wrapping up (pun intended) with their Top Tips for a less stressful holiday period. 

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Ready for the next step in your difficult conversations? You can buy the book on Amazon now.

I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace Conversations - Amazon | Owl's Nest Books| Shelf Life Books

https://www.ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After f***ing up a quote from Shakespeare the boys are in conversation with Kari Fulmek & Carolyn Charles from Equine Connection. They discuss what equine assisted learning is, the similarities between a team of people and herd of horses and how horses make great teachers bringing out the authentic leader in you. Kari and Carolyn also talk about the most important personality trait/strength someone would need to work as a leader and what horses can teach us about leadership.

For further information on the various programs offered by Equine Connection please visit www.equineconnection.ca

We hope you enjoy the podcast. Remember to subscribe via Apple podcasts or Spotify, share the link with your friends and colleagues and you can always reach out to as at the following email address info@ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com.

-

Ready for the next step in your difficult conversations? You can buy the book on Amazon now.

I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace Conversations - Amazon | Owl's Nest Books| Shelf Life Books

https://www.ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Being the irreverent pair they are Ken and Russell embellish Shane’s own motto "Earn it, don't expect it”, before joining him in conversation and meandering with purpose through the topics of being an entrepreneur at Shane Holmes, leading culture change in the organization, Shane’s advice to the new Mayor of Calgary and learn a couple of Shane’s other favourite sayings from comic books and film.

Before you ask, yes, the company was named after Shane. Shane joined Shane Homes at a young age and learned the new home building industry from the ground up, first working in the field on jobsites, then joining the Sales and Marketing department. While in the role of Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Shane was instrumental in leading innovation in marketing and design for the company. Now, Shane leads the Shane Homes Group of Companies as President, isa social media creative, a mentor, podcaster, speaker, and an active member of the LGBT community. 

We hope you enjoy the podcast. Remember to subscribe via Apple podcasts or Spotify, share the link with your friends and colleagues and you can always reach out to as at the following email address info@ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com.

Ready for the next step in your difficult conversations? You can buy the book on Amazon now.

I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace Conversations - Amazon | Owl's Nest Books| Shelf Life Books

https://www.ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode the guys finally catch up with Byron Brooks the f***er, sorry builder, who built Ken’s new house and learn about the creative side to the construction industry that is more than simply hard hats and work boots. Byron talks about his philosophy of craft building with Brookwright Developments leadership lessons learnt running a small business, the company’s links to microbrewing and his networking group Builders & Brews. 

Brookwright Developments are design conscious carpenters who are energized by the idea of helping homeowners and architects realize their vision. They’re individuals who have been drawn together by a quest to fashion tangible things with their hands and the desire to create quality results every day. They have a combined 220 years of thoughtful craftsmanship.

We hope you enjoy the podcast. Remember to subscribe via Apple podcasts or Spotify, share the link with your friends and colleagues and you can always reach out to as at the following email address info@ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com.

Ready for the next step in your difficult conversations? You can buy the book on Amazon now.

I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace Conversations - Amazon | Owl's Nest Books| Shelf Life Books

www.ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’ve ever wondered what an Economist actually does (and hey, who hasn’t) then you absolutely need to F-ing listen to Todd Hirsch, author, VP/Chief Economist at ATB Financial and host of The Future Of … podcast. 

Todd shares his views on whether economics is an art or a science, what’s the best film with an economist as a lead character and how to forecast effectively. You can also find out why economics and story should be hardwired together, how he reinforces ATB’s famous corporate culture and whether or not you should listen to a hamster’s financial projections.

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Ready for the next step in your difficult conversations? You can buy the book on Amazon now.

I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace Conversations - Amazon | Owl's Nest Books | Shelf Life Books

https://www.ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode Russell is in conversation with Kevin Kobelka, Executive Director with Hockey Calgary and thankfully neither of them end up in the penalty box! Kevin talks about the greatest challenges in leading Hockey Calgary, whether he feels that criticism of hockey culture is fair and why ultimately he believes that hockey offers more to young people than simply the sport itself. You will also learn who Kevin’s favourite hockey player is, but not before he names drops a few current NHL players who are Hockey Calgary alumni.

Hockey Calgary is a volunteer driven organization that has been dedicated to helping young hockey players since 1949. Hockey Calgary is the largest minor hockey association in Alberta and one of the largest and fastest growing in North America, with 20 member associations with over 14,300 players, 3,700 coaches, 1,200 officials and countless volunteers. For further information on the various programs offered by Hockey Calgary please visit www.hockeycalgary.ca

We hope you enjoy the podcast. Remember to subscribe via Apple podcasts or Spotify, share the link with your friends and colleagues and you can always reach out to as at the following email address info@ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com.

-

Ready for the next step in your difficult conversations? You can buy the book on Amazon now.

I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace Conversations - Amazon | Owl's Nest Books | Shelf Life Books

https://www.ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ward 4 candidate and brilliant polymath DJ Kelly shares some F***ing Leadership Lessons from City Administration, Community Building and And Baseball. In this episode the guys share a wide ranging discussion all of which boils down to this: "if you don’t like it, pitch better”.

We hope you enjoy the podcast. Remember to subscribe via Apple podcasts or Spotify, share the link with your friends and colleagues and you can always reach out to as at the following email address info@ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com.

-

Ready for the next step in your difficult conversations? You can buy the book on Amazon now.

I Need To F***ing Talk To You! | The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace Conversations - Amazon | Owl's Nest Books | Shelf Life Books

https://www.ineedtof-ingtalktoyou.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.