Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization Show – Details, episodes & analysis

Ready to hack your happiness? In this episode of Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization, neuroscientist Dr. Paul J Zak (aka Dr. Love) sits down with host Ira S Wolfe to shatter the myths of happiness. Forget everything you thought you knew—happiness isn’t just luck or “soft skill” fluff. It’s hardwired biology, measurable in real time, and absolutely essential for thriving at work and life. Whether you’re a leader seeking to boost culture, an innovator obsessed with productivity, or simply a geek (or geezer) wanting less stress and more joy, this episode is a must-listen.

Who should listen?

• Anyone who thinks happiness is an afterthought or side effect of success

• Leaders, HR pros, & changemakers who want to build high-performing, emotionally fit teams

• Every individual tired of “good vibes only” advice and ready for scientifically-backed happiness hacks

3 Compelling Takeaways:

1. Happiness Is Chemistry, Not Chance: Discover why Dr. Zak says the happiest people are “wired for it”—and how his SIX app can literally measure if your heart is full before your brain realizes it.

2. Connection Is Contagious: Learn how your strongest relationship moments give you “immersion spikes,” and why surrounding yourself with thriving, supportive people is neurologically contagious.

3. Virtue Is Your Secret Advantage: Uncover the 45 virtues powering happiness (spoiler: caution makes the cut!) and why balancing paradoxical traits like adaptability and awe rewires your brain for joy, resilience, and better decision-making.

Get ready to reboot your operating system for happiness—because the future doesn’t care if you’re ready.

About Dr. Paul Zak:

Dr. Paul J. Zak is the neuroscientist who made love measurable and happiness trackable. Known as “Dr. Love,” he’s the pioneer behind the discovery of oxytocin’s role in trust, the creator of the first neurologic wearable for emotion, and the author of The Little Book of Happiness. His work rewires how we understand joy, connection, and purpose—from the boardroom to the brainstem.

Buy the Book "The Little Book of Happiness: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Happiness-Scientific-Approach/dp/1544547889

Learn more about Paul: https://pauljzak.com

Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-j-zak-91123510/

Forget what you’ve been told about what’s driving division, disengagement, and dysfunction. It’s not woke and DEI. It’s not remote work. It’s not Gen Z or political affiliations. According to Dr. Zach Mercurio, it’s something far more primal: the deep, unmet need to matter. In this gut-punch of an episode, Zach and host Ira S Wolfe rip into why belonging programs fall flat, expose the myth about soft skills, and reveal why making someone feel seen isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s survival. You’ll never look at leadership, work, or human connection the same way again.

Perks don't create a vibrant culture. They’re distractions from the fact no one feels like they belong. Ping-pong tables and catered lunches won’t fix your toxic culture. Start with making people feel like they matter. 

If you give a damn about your people—this is required listening.

Order the book: The Power of Mattering (https://www.zachmercurio.com/the-power-of-mattering/)

Download "Mattering" resources: https://www.zachmercurio.com/mattering/

Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio/

Forget quiet quitting – the ENTIRE employment system is on life support! 🤯 Host Ira Wolfe sits down with Josh Drean, co-founder of Work3 Institute and author of the bombshell new book “Employment is Dead,” to expose the brutal truth about the dying model of traditional jobs. They dissect the forces driving this seismic shift – rampant burnout, the desperate cry for flexibility, and the rise of game-changing technologies like AI, blockchain, and DAOs. Drean reveals how these forces are converging to create a new world of work that’s already here – one where YOU have the power to design your ideal work life.

This isn't some futuristic fantasy – it's happening RIGHT NOW. Are you ready to adapt and thrive in the decentralized economy? Or are you going to be left behind, clinging to the outdated 9-to-5 grind? The choice is yours, but the clock is ticking. Don't miss this urgent conversation about the future of work – your future!

Key Talking Points That Will Blow Your Mind:

● R.I.P. Traditional Jobs: Forget the corner office and the gold watch. Drean lays out the brutal truth: the old way of working is killing us. Burnout is rampant, flexibility is a myth, and nobody gives a f*** about your feelings. Can you say "toxic"? The good news? This death opens the door to a radical reinvention of work.

● DAOs: The Future is Decentralized: What if you could work WHEN you want, WHERE you want, and get paid what you're actually WORTH? Drean breaks down how DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) are poised to smash the corporate hierarchy and unleash a new era of collaboration, ownership, and radical flexibility. Say goodbye to the boss!

● Tech on Steroids: AI, Blockchain, and the Skills You NEED: Brace yourself for the tech tsunami! Drean reveals how AI and blockchain are already transforming the job landscape, making traditional skills obsolete and creating a whole new set of rules. This isn't some far-off sci-fi fantasy - it's happening NOW, and you need to be ready.

About Josh Drean

Josh Drean, co-founder of the Work3 Institute, AI Advisor at Harvard Innovation Labs, and co-author of Employment is Dead, published by Harvard Business Review and endorsed by thought leaders like Adam Grant, Josh Bersin, and Ravin Jesuthasan.

A powerhouse on social media, Josh is reshaping the conversation around the future of work with actionable insights that reach a global audience. His content has sparked tens of millions of views, igniting dialogue and inspiring change across industries worldwide

In this episode, Paul’s dives deep into third leader quality in his FIRED leadership model: R, the importance of leaders being Real and accountable. Welcome to another provocative episode of the Future of Leadership! 

Grab your headphones, and join Paul as he unveils the story of a CEO whose raw authenticity transformed an entire organization! Discover why staying true to your word isn’t just noble, but a necessity in today's leadership landscape. Paul doesn't just stop at powerful anecdotes; he arms you with actionable strategies and a treasure trove of resources from the Fired Leader Handbook. Whether you're sitting in the C-Suite or aiming to lead your team as a supervisor, this episode promises a riveting journey. 

Here are three key takeaways:

• Authenticity builds trust and encourages collaboration.
• Leaders who take ownership of their actions and hold themselves accountable inspire others to do the same.
• Leaders who acknowledge their failures and shortcomings foster a culture of trust and continuous improvement.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmacleadership/

Free Resources: https://www.paulmacleadership.com/resources

References:

Why Likable Leaders Seem More Effective, by Charn McAllister, Sherry Moss and Mark J. Martinko - OCTOBER 29, 2019

DDI 2023 Global Leadership Forecast

Reinventing Organizations

Are you ready to turn those employee whispers into resounding roars? This iepisode is about to rock your company culture conversations as we ask Stephen “Shed” Shedletzky: “Is psychological safety really worth it?” We kick things off with the ultimate truth bomb: an open-door policy isn't the superhero cape it's cracked up to be. It's like thinking a pineapple is the secret to becoming a world-class surfer – it just doesn't add up! We'll unravel the myth and reveal why true psychological safety goes beyond propping a door open.

But wait, there's more! Shed reveals how technology can be your trusty sidekick, not the enemy of the people, in building a culture where speaking up is rewarded, not draped in fear, jeers, and smears. Tune in as we uncover how tech wizardry can bring teams closer, even if they're miles apart. 

And did someone say purpose? Yep, you heard it right! We're digging deep into the treasure chest of purpose, discovering why finding yours is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a very meaningful rainbow.

And hey, we're not just tossing around brilliant ideas; we've got actionable takeaways: 

1. Your voice needs a safe landing pad – that's psychological safety for you. But it's not just about landing; it's about taking off too!
2. Tech tools aren't just for your cat videos; they're the secret sauce for a culture where your voice isn't just heard, but celebrated.
3. Can't bond at the watercooler? No problem! We're revealing the magic formula for creating bonding moments, even if your team is scattered around the globe. 

And guess what? If you're already itching to grab a piece of Shed's wisdom, you're in luck! His upcoming book is about to hit the shelves in October 2023. Pre-order your copy now at speakupcultiure.com and prepare to unleash your team's untapped potential.

In this episode of "Better Leaders, Better Workplaces," host Vivian Blade sits down with Michele Fantt Harris, the former Executive VP of Human Resources at National Cooperative Bank. Together, they unpack the unseen challenges HR professionals face, diving deep into the fight for influence, and how HR's value is perceived from the outside looking in. In a world reshaped by the pandemic, what does it mean for HR to effectively support all employees emotionally? Discover the essential integration of HR in business strategy, the vital partnership with CHROs, and innovative insights into talent engagement and retention. Don't just scratch the surface – dive in and redefine your understanding of HR leadership. Click play to listen.

Resources:

• Download HR's Seat at the Table Guide
• Top 100 HR Influencer 2021 - Leadership & Development
• #1 Best Selling Author
• Email Vivian: vivian@vivianblade.com
• Vivian's website
• Connect with Vivian on LinkedIn
• Vivian's full bio
• Get on Vivian's Calendar
• Connect with Michele

Just a few years ago, the closest we'd come to discussing love in the workplace was in the context of issues like sexual harassment. But here we are on this episode, discussing Love as a Business Strategy! We didn’t see that coming! Renee Smith, CEO and founder of A Human Workplace, is our guest for this episode and she shines the spotlight on the importance of love in the workplace. Intrigued by where this chat heads? 

3 Key Takeaways:

• Love's Power in Action: Learn how genuine compassion and respect can revolutionize the workplace. 

• Build Connection & Inclusivity: Unravel the vital role of belonging in fostering a workplace founded on love. 

• The Productivity of Love: Seems like an oxymoron, right? Reframe the idea that love and efficiency are at odds. Discover how making love a cornerstone can amplify engagement, spur innovation, and skyrocket business outcomes. 

Join us as we uncover why love may be the game-changer your business needs. Uncover the profound impact of compassion, respect, and connection in making work more human.

Connect with Renee: linkedin.com/in/reneesmith-ahumanworkplace

Visit her website: makeworkmorehuman.com

Buckle up folks for the most positive economic update of the year! Just hours before this interview, breaking news dropped positive and unexpected updates about GDP, inflation, jobs, unemployment. And Geeks Geezers and Googlization, with hosts Ira S Wolfe and Jason Cochran, were there to discuss the news with the brilliant financial and business minds at Odeon Capital Conversations.

Get ready to be blown away by the latest news about the #FedInterestRateHike and what might come next. How might the growing #StudentLoanDebt and showdown over how to collect it impact the economy - now and in the future.

And that's not all! Brace yourself for a glimpse into what to expect with the unexpected rapid adoption of #AI into the workplace, jobs, and industries like banking, manufacturing, and health care.

Listen to Wall St financial analyst Dick Bove, Odeon Capital co-founder Mat Van Alstyne, and award winning journalist John Aidan Byrne, as they share their expert insights and valuable perspectives, leaving no stone unturned!  

Don't miss this opportunity to level up your financial acumen and stay ahead in the ever-evolving economic landscape!  

And while you’re here, please hit that "Subscribe" button, leave a review, and become part our growing Googlization Tribe. Stay informed, empowered, and ready to conquer the future of work and business.

Tune in to this enlightening episode of Geeks Geezers Googlization as we explore the converging worlds of culture, performance, and learning. In today's fast-paced business environment, continuous learning is the key to fostering a positive work culture and driving organizational success. Join AJ Kruse, Concept Illustrator at Humanworks8, as he delves deep into discovering how and why prioritizing continuous learning can lead to increased productivity and provide employees with a clear career direction – a true win-win scenario! You’ll hear how to integrate learning seamlessly into daily experiences, relationships, and work tasks, drawing inspiration from the exceptional practices of the Navy SEALs.

AJ presents three game-changing takeaways: 

1) Performance Reviews as a Reflection of Learning Culture: Discover how companies that prioritize learning within their performance review processes showcase a strong commitment to continuous growth and development. Unearth the power of assessing team members' capabilities and identifying high-performing individuals for further coaching and development.

2) Team Members Driving Performance Discussions: Embrace the future of performance reviews, focusing on frequent and meaningful conversations led by team members themselves. Witness the transformational impact of empowering individuals to take ownership of their learning journey, identifying areas of improvement, and fostering a culture of continuous learning within the organization. 

3) Investing in Team Member Learning: Uncover the undeniable link between an organization's success and the growth and development of its team members. Discover how valuing and investing in learning opportunities, starting with the performance review process, can enhance productivity, provide clear career direction, and create a happier, less stressed work environment.

This Humanworks8 episode of GGG Unleashed promises to offer practical insights and actionable tips to shape a positive and thriving organizational culture. If you're curious about the intersection of culture, learning, and performance reviews in the workplace, this podcast is a must-listen!

In this episode, we take a deep dive into a whole new approach to productivity, acknowledging that the age-old "proven" methods of the last 100 years, focused on output and efficiency since the Industrial Revolution, no longer work. Listen as we explore how trust has become an indispensable factor, especially in our data-driven workplaces where privacy regulations are tighter than ever before. Discover why companies overlooking these aspects might find themselves skating on thin ice.

Productivity surveillance, an increasingly prominent aspect of contemporary workplaces, also comes under scrutiny in our riveting chat with Steve Hatfield, Deloitte's Global Future of Work Leader. Steve argues that enhancing worker performance lies not in relentless monitoring, but in figuring out what allows each individual to truly shine.

We also take a deep dive into how AI and wearables will help craft individualized work schedules and explore the idea of a "skills hub" within organizations.  We conclude with a thought-provoking discussion on the shifting nature of organizational structures, the importance of team-based work, and the need for a more collaborative workforce ecosystem. 

Key takeaways include: 

1) Reimagining productivity in the digital age requires a shift in perspective - it's not about ticking boxes, but about empowering employees to work in a way that allows them to give their best. Trust, privacy, regulatory management, and individual preferences are all crucial ingredients.

2) The "skills hub" concept and ecosystem collaboration are key strategies for organizations to effectively manage their diverse workforces, drawing on a variety of sources including full-time employees, gig workers, contractors, and vendors.

3) As organizations flatten and team-based work becomes the norm, embracing change and fostering collaboration are key. Equipped with digital platforms and data, individuals have the tools to steer their own career paths, driving greater satisfaction and productivity.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevehatfielddeloitte/

FREE Resources:

Beyond Productivity: The Journey to the Quantified Organization

The Skills-Based Organization

2023 Global Human Capital Trends Report

Click Here to participate in the 2024 Global Human Capital Trends Survey