Explore every episode of the podcast Unstuck with Jay Abbasi

What happens when the host becomes the guest… and nothing goes as planned? Meet Jay… from a completely different perspective. This time, the questions aren’t coming from him. They’re coming from Alexandra, his wife, who flips the script and takes over the podcast. What follows is an unscripted, honest, and hilarious conversation that pulls back the curtain on Jay’s story, from the origin of his name to his early days in sales, a short-lived rap career, and the moments that shaped his transition into speaking and personal development. But beyond the laughs and stories, this episode reveals something deeper: the human side behind the work. The habits, quirks, values, and relationship dynamics that don’t usually make it into a keynote or a polished talk. Notable Quotes “I made a decision on the kind of work I wanted to do long term.” — Jay Abbasi “I love using language to shift how people think.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Alexandra Preziosi is a real estate professional and entrepreneur known for her authentic, relatable approach to content and client relationships. In this special episode, she brings a fresh, unfiltered perspective as she steps into the host role, creating a candid and engaging conversation that reveals a different side of her husband, Jay. Resources & Links Alexandra Preziosi Website – https://alexpreziosirealestate.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrapreziosi/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070492525113 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/alexpreziosi_real_estate/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay dives deeper into a conversation around AI and leadership. Rather than exploring how to use AI, this episode will be about how to lead humans through the AI disruption. If you’re a leader who sees how AI is impacting how people are showing up, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Distraction isn’t new, but there are evidence-based ways to cultivate greater focus. In this solo episode, Jay breaks down the real reason we struggle with focus and attention, and why distraction is not a modern problem caused by technology, but a deeply human trait that once helped us survive. Drawing from neuroscience and research, he explains how attention actually works and why trying to “fight distraction” often leads to frustration. Jay introduces practical tools to help you regain control of your attention, including understanding what your mind prioritizes, asking yourself powerful awareness questions, and building the habit of mindfulness training. If you’ve ever felt scattered, unfocused, or overwhelmed by distractions, this episode gives you a clear path to sharper focus and greater presence. Notable Quotes “Attention is the flashlight that illuminates your life. Learn to hold it steady and everything changes.” — Dr. Amishi Jha “Your attention will go to what you deem is most important.” — Jay Abbasi “You could be missing so much of your life because your attention is on something else.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, Jay hosts a special and lighthearted conversation as his wife, Alex, takes over the podcast and interviews him. From his background in music to their relationship, favorite shows, and personal insights, this episode offers a fun and refreshing break from the usual format.

What happens when the life that once excited you… no longer fits? Meet Emma. After 30 years in real estate, she’s built a successful career, but lately even picking up the phone feels heavy. The routines that once energized her now feel exhausting. She doesn’t want to quit, but she knows something has to change. In this episode, Jay sits down with Heike Yates, midlife fitness expert, author of Pursue Your Spark, and creator of the Spark Framework. Together, they explore what it really takes to reinvent yourself when your current path no longer feels aligned. From letting go of safety to rebuilding self-trust, Heike shares practical strategies for navigating change without overwhelming yourself, and why progress comes from small, consistent steps, not overnight transformation. Notable Quotes “Leaving safety is gutsy.” — Heike Yates “Progress takes work, effort, consistency, and follow through.” — Heike Yates “You don’t have to jump all at once. Take small steps.” — Heike Yates About Our Guest Heike Yates is a midlife fitness expert, author, and coach with over 35 years of experience in fitness, nutrition, and mindset. Through her Spark Framework, she helps individuals rebuild energy, confidence, and direction when their current routines no longer align with the life they want to live. Resources & Links Heike Yates Pursue Your Spark book – https://heikeyates.com/midlife-mindset-book-pursue-your-spark/ Website – https://heikeyates.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/heike-yates/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQIeOesGLGAOD5RhI2KYjcA Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/heikeyates/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pursueyourspark X – https://x.com/Heike__Yates Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/heikeyates/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay dives into the science of attention and why most people misunderstand how focus actually works. He shares research-backed insights and practical techniques to help you reduce distractions, strengthen concentration, and direct your attention toward what matters most.

What if the way you see your challenges is the problem, not the challenge itself? In this solo episode, Jay introduces a simple yet powerful framework to help you reframe stress, overwhelm, and adversity in real time. Drawing from neuroscience, personal experience, and insights from working with leaders across industries, he challenges the idea that we need to reduce or cope with stress, and instead offers a more effective approach. Through the ABC framework, Jay walks you step-by-step through how to acknowledge what you’re feeling, become curious about your perspective, and channel that energy into meaningful action. If you’ve ever felt stuck in negative thought loops or overwhelmed by challenges, this episode gives you a practical tool to shift your mindset and move forward with clarity. Notable Quotes “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” — Abraham Lincoln “The original perspective that we have does not serve us.” — Jay Abbasi “You have to acknowledge whatever’s coming up in you.” — Jay Abbasi “Channel that energy into something positive.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Emma, a real estate agent in the later stages of her career who feels stuck, unfulfilled, and unsure of her next step. Jay is joined by Heike Yates, midlife fitness expert and author of Pursue Your Spark, to explore how professionals can reconnect with purpose, rebuild energy, and take meaningful steps toward their next chapter.

What is your anger trying to tell you? Meet Annabelle. At home, she swallows her frustration to keep the peace. At work, she watches others get recognized while her effort goes unseen. The anger keeps building, but instead of expressing it, she turns it inward. What if that anger is trying to tell her something needs to change? In this episode, Jay sits down with Alyse Maslonik, founder and CEO of RedefinED School Advancement and a TEDx speaker whose life was shaped by poverty, abuse, and the power of education. Together, they explore how anger can become fuel for grit, purpose, and meaningful change when it is understood instead of suppressed. Notable Quotes “The truth is the truth no matter how many people believe it.” — Alyse Maslonik “Anger is neither good nor bad. It’s simply a signal.” — Alyse Maslonik “If you can believe it, you can become it.” — Alyse Maslonik About Our Guest Alyse Maslonik is the founder and CEO of RedefinED School Advancement, a mission-driven organization that helps schools grow enrollment and increase access for underserved students. A TEDx speaker and advocate for educational opportunity, Alyse draws from her own lived experience of poverty and abuse to help others turn adversity into impact, purpose, and change. Resources & Links Alyse Maslonik Website – https://alysemaslo.com/ RedefinED Website – https://redefiningeducation.org/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/redefiningeducation/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/alyse.victoria.7 Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay shares a new three-step framework for handling adversity without suppressing emotions or losing momentum. If you want to stay focused, resilient, and effective when life gets chaotic, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

The fastest way to build confidence is not what most people think. In this solo episode, Jay breaks down three practical and proven ways to build confidence in the shortest amount of time. Drawing from his own journey as a speaker, coach, and entrepreneur, he explains why confidence is often overcomplicated and why the most effective formula is also the simplest. From taking messy action and reflecting on your progress to priming your mind through visualization and affirmation, Jay shares a clear roadmap for building real confidence, not just temporary motivation. If you have been waiting to feel more ready, more certain, or more capable, this episode will help you move forward now. Notable Quotes “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage.” — Dale Carnegie “You have to fail over and over and over and over and over again.” — Jay Abbasi “You want to be confident? You need to give evidence to your subconscious mind.” — Jay Abbasi “When it’s paired with taking the action and reflecting on your success, you are now building up what I would say is even unwavering confidence.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcas Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Annabelle, who is struggling with anger, frustration, and the tendency to suppress what she is really feeling in order to keep the peace. Jay is joined by Alyse Maslonik, founder and CEO of Redefined School Advancement and TEDx speaker, to explore how anger can be understood, channeled, and used in a way that leads to growth and positive change.

How many times have you told yourself you’d change… and didn’t? In this episode, we revisit the story of Trevor, an oncologist who has built a career on precision, compassion, and service, yet feels exhausted, empty, and increasingly disconnected from himself. Beneath the long hours, self-doubt, and lack of boundaries is a deeper issue: he no longer trusts himself to follow through on the things he says matter. This Unstuck Classics episode revisits a powerful conversation with Leon Thurston Jr., speaker, coach, and author, about confidence, discipline, standards, and the hidden damage caused by the lies people tell themselves every day. Together, Jay and Leon explore how burnout, comparison, and weak boundaries chip away at self-trust, and what it takes to rebuild it. Notable Quotes “You’re the only person who’s ever heard every lie that you’ve ever told.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “When you look at the root word of confidence, the root word is confide.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “Discipline means that you’re a follower, a disciple.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “If you don’t have any standards set, you won’t be able to follow anything.” — Leon Thurston Jr. About Our Guest Leon Thurston Jr. is a speaker, coach, and author whose mission is to help people get unstuck and become their greatest solution. Through his coaching, speaking, and the University of Unstuck, Leon helps leaders, athletes, and professionals move from self-doubt to self-mastery by building stronger standards, confidence, and ownership. Resources & LinksLeon Thurston Jr. Website – https://www.universityofunstuck.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-thurston-jr-2b635355/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@leejuniorunstuck Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lee.junior.50?ref=bookmarks Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/leejuniorunstuck/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay takes a deeper dive into three specific ways to build confidence, especially during seasons of change, uncertainty, and self-doubt. If confidence has been wavering lately, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

What if the most important advice you ever received was the advice you gave yourself? In this special continuation of Jay’s birthday reflection series, he shares the five most impactful lessons he would give his twenty-year-old self. These principles are rooted in lived experience and designed to help you build a fulfilling career, meaningful relationships, and a deeper sense of purpose. From priming your mind through visualization to learning from disruptive emotions, speaking with greater presence, practicing self-observation, and ultimately learning how to “lose yourself” in service of something bigger, this episode invites you to turn insight into daily practice. If you’re looking for direction, resilience, and clarity as you grow, these lessons offer a powerful guide. Notable Quotes “We don’t grow from knowledge. We grow from training, from practice, from application.” — Jay Abbasi “Understanding what you feel frees you from what you feel.” — Jay Abbasi “Pay attention to paying attention.” — Jay Abbasi “Learn how to say more with less.” — Jay Abbasi “Stay connected to something bigger than yourself.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, Jay revisits an Unstuck Classic and shares highlights from one of the most impactful guest conversations since the podcast began. It’s a chance to reflect on timeless lessons and reconnect with ideas that continue to resonate.

What if the reason you feel stuck… is because you’re trying to heal too fast? Meet Tony. He’s an account manager  at a chemical manufacturer under constant pressure to hit quota, but lately something feels off. Some weeks he’s unstoppable. Other weeks he can barely open his laptop. The harder he tries to push through, the heavier everything feels.  In this episode, Jay speaks with Johnny Crowder, mental health entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and founder of CopeNotes. Together they explore why healing and personal growth rarely happen through a single breakthrough moment. More often, they happen through small shifts, repeated consistently over time. Notable Quotes “The habits that took you 30 years to learn, you’re not going to unlearn in 30 minutes.” — Johnny Crowder “Recovery isn’t one big breakthrough. It’s a lot of tiny steps in the right direction.” — Johnny Crowder “You can feel a feeling all the way to the end of it.” — Johnny Crowder “Sometimes the best thing you can do with discomfort is simply sit with it.” — Johnny Crowder About Our Guest Johnny Crowder is a mental health entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and founder of CopeNotes, a global mental health platform that sends supportive text messages designed to interrupt negative thought patterns and build healthier habits. Drawing from his own lived experience with severe mental illness, Johnny helps people develop practical coping skills and resilience through education, compassion, and small daily actions. Resources & Links Johnny Crowder Cope Notes website – https://copenotes.com/ Website – https://johnnycrowder.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnycrowder Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/johnnycrowderlovesyou Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnnyxcrowder YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@johnnycrowder Jay AbbasiWebsite – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, as Jay celebrates his birthday, he will also share the five lessons he would give his younger self if he could go back 20 years. These are practical, actionable strategies for building resilience, happiness, fulfillment, and balance in everyday life. If you’re looking for clear steps to help you move forward with greater clarity and purpose, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

“If you could go back 20 years, what advice would you give yourself?” In this special birthday episode, Jay reflects on turning 40 and shares the first half of a two-part series: ten lessons he would give his 20-year-old self. These insights are not abstract ideas, but practical principles shaped by experience, adversity, growth, and years of studying personal development. In Part 1, Jay explores five actionable lessons that can help anyone build resilience, deepen relationships, and live with greater clarity and purpose. From cultivating relentless curiosity to embracing discomfort and rethinking how we treat both ourselves and others, these lessons offer guidance not just for getting unstuck, but for staying unstuck. Notable Quotes “Know that you don’t know, and stay curious.” — Jay Abbasi “Speak to yourself the way you would speak to someone you love.” — Jay Abbasi “When you see even a small sign of progress, it gives you the energy to keep going.” — Jay Abbasi  “Treat others the way they want to be treated.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Tony, an account manager for a chemical manufacturer who feels overwhelmed by the pressure of sales quotas, financial stress, and a lack of time for himself. Jay is joined by Johnny Crowder, founder of Cope Notes and TEDx speaker, to explore how professionals under constant pressure can build healthier thought patterns and practical strategies for protecting their mental health.

What if being agreeable is not only affecting your confidence, but it’s also affecting your health? Meet Penelope. She nods as her boss speaks, offering agreement before she can stop herself. Inside, she feels the weight of what she didn’t say. In her bag is a fully developed proposal she spent weeks building, designed to improve engagement and reduce burnout. But in moments that matter, she defaults to staying agreeable. What she wants most is the courage to speak up and become the leader she knows she can be. In this episode, Jay sits down with Shereen Thor, keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of Revolutionary Woman. Together, they explore the hidden cost of people-pleasing, how early conditioning shapes behavior, and what it takes to break free and lead with authenticity, courage, and self-trust. Notable Quotes “Your brain is wired for survival, not happiness.” — Shereen Thor “You think you’re making a smart choice, but you’re making a choice that is killing you.” — Shereen Thor “Conflict is change trying to happen.” — Shereen Thor “Be the gift you’re meant to be.” — Shereen Thor About Our Guest Shereen Thor is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of Revolutionary Woman. She helps leaders break free from conditioning, embrace their authentic voice, and lead with confidence, courage, and purpose. Through her coaching and training programs, she supports individuals and organizations in unlocking their full potential. Resources & Links Shereen Thor Revolutionary Woman Book – https://www.amazon.com/Revolutionary-Woman-Break-Rules-Purpose/dp/1737539403 Website – https://shereenthor.com/ LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/shereenthor Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/shereenthor/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay kicks off a special two-part series for his birthday month, sharing 10 lessons he would give his 20-year-old self. These are practical, actionable insights drawn from real experience, designed to help you navigate stress, take meaningful risks, and live with greater clarity and intention.

What if you treated yourself with the same understanding and care you give to others? In this solo episode, Jay explores the science and psychology behind self-compassion and why being hard on yourself may actually be holding you back. Drawing from the research of Dr. Kristin Neff and Kelly McGonigal, he explains how self-compassion improves emotional resilience, reduces anxiety, and even enhances motivation and self-control. Jay breaks down a practical approach to transforming your inner dialogue by acknowledging reality, supporting yourself through difficulty, and reconnecting to what truly matters. If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of self-criticism, this episode offers a powerful and research-backed path to a healthier, more effective mindset. Notable Quotes “With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we give to a good friend.” — Dr. Kristin Neff “Self-compassion, being supportive and kind to yourself, especially in the face of stress and failure, is associated with more motivation and better self-control.” — Kelly McGonigal “I can’t expect to feel good all the time.” — Jay Abbasi “If we keep moving forward, something great is going to happen.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Penelope, a Director of Training in healthcare who is holding herself back from speaking up and sharing her ideas. Jay is joined by Shereen Thor, keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of Revolutionary Woman, to explore how leaders can break free from expectations, find their voice, and lead with unapologetic confidence.

A high salary with a prestigious job title doesn't necessarily mean you're successful. Meet Lauren. A respected VP in tech with over 20 years of experience, Lauren has built a career many would admire. But lately, the work feels hollow. Meetings feel repetitive. Motivation has faded. With her children grown and life shifting, a question she hasn’t asked in years starts to surface… is this really how she wants to spend her next chapter? In this episode, Jay sits down with Colleen Pimentel, former big tech executive turned coach and author, who helps high achievers move beyond success on paper and into a more meaningful second act. Together, they explore identity, purpose, fear, and how to reinvent without burning everything down. Notable Quotes “Confidence doesn’t come when fear disappears. It comes when you take action.” — Colleen Pimentel “You don’t have to burn it all down. You can build your next chapter in parallel.” — Colleen Pimentel “When you live your purpose, you actually gain energy, not lose it.” — Colleen Pimentel About Our Guest Colleen Pimentel is a former big tech executive, author, and coach who helps high achievers redefine success and step into their next chapter with clarity and intention. After spending over 30 years in corporate leadership, she now guides individuals through identity shifts, purpose discovery, and meaningful reinvention. Resources & Links Colleen Pimentel Business Website – https://www.mckennapimentelconsulting.com/ Website – https://www.colleenpimentel.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-pimentel-140790/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@collpimentel/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay explores why being hard on yourself feels natural, but is often counterproductive. He breaks down the research behind self-criticism and shares a practical framework, including insights from Eastern philosophy, to help you become more self-compassionate without losing your edge.

“To manage conflict effectively, you must manage the conflict within yourself first.” In this solo episode, Jay breaks down a practical, experience-driven framework for navigating conflict in the workplace and beyond. Drawing from his own experiences, coaching conversations, and lessons from last week’s episode, he shares a 7-step approach to help you move from reactivity to intentional, effective communication. From managing your emotions and understanding your triggers to practicing conversations, adjusting tone, and leading with vulnerability, this episode emphasizes an inside-out approach to conflict resolution. If you want to strengthen relationships, communicate more effectively, and lead with greater awareness, this episode offers a clear path forward. Notable Quotes “Whenever you're in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude.” — William James “The default for how we manage conflict is to focus our attention on the other person.” — Jay Abbasi “Every time you're triggered, there is a learning opportunity.” — Jay Abbasi “When you share vulnerably from the heart in a kind and respectful way, you're going to open up the conversation.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Lauren, a VP in the tech industry who has achieved success on paper but feels disconnected, unfulfilled, and uncertain about what comes next. Jay is joined by Colleen Pimentel, tech executive, coach, and author of Second Act, to explore how high achievers can rediscover purpose, navigate transition, and build a meaningful next chapter.

Great leaders don’t react emotionally; they respond logically.  Meet Maya. A Chief Supply Chain Officer at a major beverage company, Maya once had a strong partnership with a senior VP. After one tense disagreement, every conversation now feels loaded. She snaps, avoids conflict, replays meetings in her head, and loses focus. What she wants most is to feel grounded and confident during difficult conversations. In this episode, Jay sits down with Darcy Luoma, leadership coach and creator of the Thoughtfully Fit® model. Darcy shares how leaders can train themselves to pause, think, and act instead of reacting under pressure, and why the skill of responding intentionally can transform careers, relationships, and life. Notable Quotes “Pause, think, act.” — Darcy Luoma “You have to train in the small moments so you can show up in the big ones.” — Darcy Luoma “Ninety-six percent of the time, how a conversation starts is how it ends.” — Darcy Luoma About Our Guest Darcy Luoma is a leadership coach, speaker, and creator of the Thoughtfully Fit® model, a practical framework that helps individuals pause, think, and act with intention. Drawing from her background in public service, business leadership, and personal adversity, Darcy helps leaders navigate difficult conversations, strengthen resilience, and communicate with courage, compassion, and curiosity. Resources & Links Darcy Luoma Free Webinar Hosted by Darcy - https://darcyluoma.com/leading-a-business-together-without-losing-your-mind/ Website – https://darcyluoma.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/darcyluoma/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/darcyluoma/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/darcyluomacoaching/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/DarcyLuoma X – https://x.com/DarcyLuoma Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay shares practical techniques for navigating conflict, communicating with strong personalities, and becoming more influential without damaging relationships. These are tools he has personally practiced and taught in coaching, with real results for those who apply them. If becoming a stronger communicator and advocate is a priority, don’t miss this episode.

“Everything we do becomes more meaningful when it connects to something bigger than ourselves.” In this solo episode, Jay introduces three simple but powerful words that can transform how you approach your goals, your work, and your daily life. Inspired by a quote from Nick Vujicic and a reflection on Valentine’s Day, Jay explores how self-focused thinking often fuels anxiety, stress, and dissatisfaction. He explains how finishing the sentence “So I can…” can help you connect your daily actions to deeper meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. When your efforts are rooted in something bigger than yourself, performance improves, resilience grows, and life feels more aligned. Notable Quotes “The greatest rewards come when you give of yourself.” — Nick Vujicic “There’s only one common factor in every one of those situations and it’s this. You are thinking about yourself.” — Jay Abbasi “Everything that we do when rooted in something bigger than ourselves will be done with greater tenacity, with greater resilience and greater performance.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Maya, a Chief Supply Chain Officer navigating growing conflict with a senior VP that is beginning to impact her confidence and leadership. Jay is joined by Darcy Luoma, Master Certified Coach and expert in helping leaders navigate conflict with clarity, to explore how accomplished leaders can advocate for themselves and strengthen relationships even during disagreement.

Life is meaningless when you’re constantly distracted. To have more meaning, you need to have more focus. Meet Randy. It’s 2:17 a.m., and he’s staring at the ceiling while notifications light up his phone. His global team is stretched thin, priorities keep shifting, and motivation is fading. Randy isn’t looking for productivity hacks. He wants his team to believe their work still matters. In this episode, Jay sits down with Greg Bennick, keynote speaker, author, and expert on focus, meaning, and human connection. Greg shares powerful lessons from juggling, performance, and leadership to explain how distraction erodes meaning and how leaders can help people reconnect to purpose, consistency, and impact. Notable Quotes “Keep your eyes on the thing that's most important to you, that if it falls, will cause the most damage.” — Greg Bennick "Meaning disappears when we stop realizing the impact we are having.” — Greg Bennick “Genuine power transforms, and authority tends to disrupt.” — Greg Bennick About Our Guest Greg Bennick is a keynote speaker, author, and performer who helps organizations strengthen focus, collaboration, and purpose in an increasingly distracted world. Blending storytelling, psychology, and lessons from decades as a professional performer, Greg helps leaders and teams reconnect with meaning and build stronger human connection at work. Resources & Links Greg Bennick Website – https://www.gregbennick.com/ Greg Bennick’s Book – https://www.gregbennick.com/gregbennickbook LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregbennick Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/gregbennick Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/gregbennick/?hl=en YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@gregbennickofficial Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay shares three words that can help reconnect you to purpose, strengthen motivation, and help you push forward when things feel difficult.

“We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.” In this solo episode, Jay explores why persistence feels so difficult and what truly drives our ability to follow through. Drawing from psychology, coaching experience, and real-world leadership challenges, he explains how our emotions, not our environment, often determine whether we stay consistent or give in to distraction. Jay introduces four practical keys to help you work through resistance, stay focused on meaningful goals, and build the kind of persistence that leads to long-term progress. If you’ve ever struggled with discipline, consistency, or follow-through, this episode offers a practical and compassionate roadmap forward. Notable Quotes “We must all suffer from one of two pains, the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.” — Jim Rohn “Your emotions are driving your behavior rather than your environment.” — Jay Abbasi “Those who can sit in boredom succeed more than those who cannot.” — Jay Abbasi “Don’t rely on willpower. Create an environment that supports you.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Randy, a VP at a large financial services firm who feels his team losing confidence and motivation amid constant change. Jay is joined by Greg Bennick, keynote speaker, author, and global voice on teamwork and focus, to explore how leaders can restore belief, purpose, and connection during times of uncertainty.

Some dreams don’t start with a plan. They start with a feeling you can’t ignore. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what that journey actually required. In 2014, after the sudden passing of Jay’s father, he became deeply curious about how to live better, healthier, and more intentionally. He read relentlessly, attended workshops, worked with coaches, and watched countless TED and TEDx talks. Somewhere along the way, a quiet idea took hold: one day, he would stand on that red circle and share something meaningful with the world. From years of visualization and preparation, to finding the idea for the talk in an unexpected moment, to applying, rehearsing, getting accepted, and navigating setbacks no one plans for. Jay walks through the exact steps he took to land a TEDx talk, what surprised him most about the process, and the lessons he learned along the way. This is not a highlight reel. It’s an honest look at persistence, adaptability, and doing the hard things consistently, long before there’s any guarantee it will work. Notable Quotes “My gift is taking complex ideas and simplifying them in ways that really stick.” - Jay Abbasi “When you can visualize it and feel it, your mind starts acting as if it already happened.” - Jay Abbasi “Do the hard things consistently. That’s where most people stop.” - Jay Abbasi Resources & Links Jay Abbasi Website –⁠ https://jayabbasi.me/⁠⁠ LinkedIn –⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/⁠ Instagram –⁠ https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/⁠ YouTube –⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast⁠ Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. ⁠Submit Your Story  ⁠ Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay goes deeper into persistence and what it really takes to keep going when motivation fades and the work gets hard. The episode breaks down how to build the muscle of follow-through, especially when progress feels slow or invisible.

“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan.” In this solo episode, Jay shares his personal system for planning life intentionally rather than reacting to whatever shows up on the calendar. As January comes to a close, he invites you to zoom out beyond weekly to-do lists and consider how you’re allocating time across the areas that matter most, including work, relationships, health, and contribution. Jay walks through a practical, flexible process that combines weekly forecasting, daily task setting, and intentional calendar blocking. He also offers alternative approaches for different personalities, reminding listeners that the goal isn’t perfection, but clarity, focus, and refinement. If you’ve ever felt busy but misaligned, this episode provides a grounded reset. Notable Quotes “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan.” — Jim Rohn “Are you a wandering generality or a meaningful specific?” — Zig Ziglar “I’m always looking to continue to grow and develop and learn.” — Jay Abbasi “You will be planning your life rather than reacting to life.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story   Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, Jay shares a special solo conversation walking you through the exact steps he took to land a TEDx talk, from the initial idea to stepping onto the stage. He’ll break down lessons learned, mistakes made, and what he’d do differently, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a journey many listeners are curious about. A meaningful and personal episode you won’t want to miss.

When life feels overwhelming, it’s often because no one is actually driving. Meet Hannah. She’s a driven single mom with two young boys and a demanding leadership role in retail operations. Her days are filled with meetings, fire drills, and constant pressure to perform. Despite strong reviews, promotions keep passing her by. At home, guilt sets in. At work, doubt creeps closer. Hannah isn’t lazy or unmotivated. She’s exhausted from reacting to everything around her and wants to prove to her sons that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of happiness. In this episode, Jay speaks with Dr. Lawana Gladney, also known as Dr. G, a success psychologist and leadership performance expert. Dr. G explains why burnout happens, how overwhelm hijacks the brain, and what it really means to get back in the driver’s seat of life. Through powerful metaphors, practical psychology, and deeply human insight, this conversation reframes control, time, and emotional regulation. Notable Quotes “People are reacting to life instead of planning their life.” —  Dr. Lawana Gladney “Burnout happens when the brain is overwhelmed and disorganized.” — Dr. Lawana Gladney “Make a plan, schedule it. If it's scheduled, then it happens. If it's not scheduled, it won't happen..” —  Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Dr. Lawana Gladney is a successful psychologist, leadership performance expert, speaker, and author. Through her Psychology of Success methodology, she helps leaders change behaviors that lead to burnout, stalled growth, and disengagement. Her work focuses on emotional regulation, mindset, time management, and helping people take control of their lives with clarity and intention. Resources & Links Dr. Lawana Gladney (Dr. G) Website – https://www.drgladney.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgladney/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drgladney/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drgladney/?hl=en YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@psychologyofsuccesswithdr.g Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story   Join Us Next Time This Friday, Jay goes deeper into the idea of planning life instead of reacting to it. He’ll share practical ways to organize time, protect attention, and create structure so work, family, and personal goals can coexist more sustainably.

“What you’re aware of, you’re in control of. What you’re not aware of is in control of you.” In this deeply reflective solo episode, Jay shares nine life-shaping takeaways from Awareness by Anthony De Mello, the book that has had the greatest impact on his perspective, inner life, and leadership. This is a return-to-center episode, designed to slow you down, challenge your assumptions, and invite deeper awareness in how you think, feel, and live. Jay explores themes of attachment, identity, perception, suffering, and freedom, offering insights that touch every area of life, from career and relationships to ambition and self-worth. If you’re looking for clarity, emotional freedom, and a more grounded way to move through the world, this episode is an invitation to wake up. Notable Quotes “There is only one cause of unhappiness: the false beliefs you have in your head.” — Anthony de Mello “Wisdom tends to grow in proportion to one’s awareness of one’s ignorance.” — Anthony de Mello “What you’re aware of, you’re in control of. What you’re not aware of is in control of you.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story   Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Hannah, an ambitious operations manager and single mom who wants career growth without sacrificing her family. Jay is joined by Dr. Lawana Gladney, success psychologist and leadership performance expert, to explore how high-achieving professionals can build resilience, set boundaries, and lead powerfully without burning out.

Being strong isn’t the same as being resilient. Meet Zara. She’s the one everyone relies on. At work, she fixes delays, calms clients, and takes on just one more task. At home, she juggles three kids, dinner, homework, and exhaustion she rarely admits out loud. Zara loves her job and her family, but the pace is catching up to her. Burnout isn’t theoretical anymore. What she wants isn’t to quit, slow down, or give up responsibility. She wants sustainability, clarity, and resilience that actually lasts. In this episode, Jay speaks with Julie Lewis, high-altitude mountaineer, expedition leader, and resilience consultant. Drawing from decades of leading teams through extreme environments, Julie challenges a leadership mistake few people talk about: confusing endurance with strength. Through powerful metaphors from nature, she explains how leaders can build adaptive resilience without burning themselves or their teams out. Notable Quotes “Self-care is self-respect.” — Julie Lewis “Nature is the greatest teacher of resilience.” — Julie Lewis “You can’t sprint forever. Even mountains have seasons.” — Julie Lewis About Our Guest Julie Lewis is a high-altitude mountaineer, expedition leader, keynote speaker, and resilience consultant. With a background in sports science and over 20 years of experience leading multinational teams through some of the world’s most demanding environments, Julie helps leaders build adaptive resilience through nature, self-awareness, and sustainable performance. Her work blends science, lived experience, and powerful metaphors to help people thrive through constant change. Resources & Links Julie Lewis Website – https://julie-lewis.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielewis4/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/julie.lewis.98892 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/juliemileslewis/ X – https://x.com/mountainhighme Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay dives deeper into the idea of connection and resilience by exploring lessons from Awareness by Anthony de Mello. The episode breaks down practical insights that apply to leadership, work, and everyday life in a world defined by constant change.

“A great presentation uses slides to support the message, not compete with it.” In this solo episode, Jay shares seven practical, field-tested techniques to help your PowerPoint or keynote presentation truly shine. Drawing from years in learning and development, as well as his work as a keynote speaker, Jay explains how to design slides that enhance your message rather than distract from it. From deciding whether you even need slides to using high-resolution imagery, clean layouts, intentional animation, and minimal text, this episode walks you step by step through how to build a presentation that is visually compelling, professional, and audience-centered. Notable Quotes “What matters in the end is that people get the message.” — Jay Abbasi “The text on the slide shouldn’t be telling the story for you.” — Jay Abbasi “If I can see step one through step four at the same time, I’m not listening to you anymore.” — Jay Abbasi “Animation should serve timing and clarity, not distraction.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. ⁠Submit Your Story⁠  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Zara, a high-performing project manager whose ambition and pressure have begun to impact her well-being and family life. Jay is joined by Julie Lewis, high-altitude mountaineer, expedition leader, resilience consultant, and keynote speaker, to explore how professionals can build resilience that supports a full life, not just a busy one.

Anxiety doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It often means you care. Meet Gloria. Confident one-on-one but anxious in high-stakes rooms, Gloria freezes when presenting to senior leaders. Despite being capable and respected, anxiety hijacks her focus, causing her to avoid visibility and stall her growth. What she wants most is presence, confidence, and the ability to speak up when it matters.  In this episode, Jay speaks with Stephanie Richardson, a certified speaking coach, former therapist, keynote speaker, and international bestselling author. Stephanie breaks down how high-achieving professionals can shift from anxiety to executive presence by addressing mindset, preparation, and delivery, without trying to become someone they’re not. Notable Quotes “Fear overtakes logic. Anxiety hijacks her brain.” — Stephanie Richardson “You don’t get confidence first. You build it through evidence.” — Stephanie Richardson “You don’t know what you don’t know. And when you don’t have the knowledge, it’s hard to have the confidence.” — Stephanie Richardson About Our Guest Stephanie Richardson is a certified speaking coach, former licensed professional counselor, keynote speaker, and international bestselling author. She helps high-achieving leaders overcome anxiety, build confidence, and communicate with clarity and executive presence, especially in high-stakes moments. Her work blends psychology, coaching, and practical communication tools to help professionals perform at their best. Resources & Links Stephanie Richardson Website – https://stephanierichardsonuyp.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachstephanierichardson/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@coachstephanierichardson Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/UnlockYourPotentialwithStephanie Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay walks through how to create a masterful PowerPoint presentation. He’ll share seven practical principles used in keynotes and workshops to help your slides support your message, not distract from it. If presentations are part of your role, this episode will give you tools you can apply immediately.

A meeting without a clear desired outcome is a scheduled chit chat devoid of purpose. In this solo episode, Jay breaks down why so many meetings feel exhausting, unproductive, and unnecessary, and what to do instead. Drawing from his corporate background and years of leadership experience, Jay shares a 7-step blueprint for running meetings that are focused, efficient, and actually move work forward. From deciding whether a meeting is needed in the first place to setting clear outcomes, managing time, preventing derailment, and closing with concrete action items, this framework helps leaders reclaim their calendars and protect their energy. If meetings are a major part of your workday, this episode offers a practical reset. Notable Quotes “A meeting without a clear desired outcome is a scheduled chit chat devoid of purpose.” — Jay Abbasi “Respectfully interrupting is part of good leadership.” — Jay Abbasi “Clear action items are what turn conversation into execution.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast MOMENTUM: A Mastermind for Emerging Leaders If you’re ready to get to the next level in 2026 and willing to step outside your comfort zone, this case-study mastermind is designed for leaders only.  https://jayabbasi.me/momentum/ Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Gloria, a Director of Product Strategy who experiences intense anxiety when presenting to executives and advocating for herself. Jay is joined by Stephanie Richardson, world-class speaking coach, Maxwell Leadership certified coach, keynote speaker, and international bestselling author, to explore how high-achieving professionals can overcome fear, communicate with presence, and step confidently into leadership moments that matter.

Being a top performer doesn’t mean you’re ready to lead. Meet Gerard. A successful sales representative turned manager, Gerard knows how to execute, but struggles to earn buy-in from his team. Meetings feel heavy. Feedback feels forced. The harder he pushes, the quieter the room gets. He feels like his team just doesn’t trust him. In this episode, Jay sits down with Damon Lembi, a former Division I athlete, CEO of Learn It, bestselling author, and host of The Learn-It-All Podcast. Damon breaks down why many high performers struggle when they step into leadership and how shifting from a “know-it-all” mindset to a “learn-it-all” approach builds trust, confidence, and real influence. This conversation explores what great leaders do differently when it comes to listening, feedback, ego, communication, and earning trust without control. Notable Quotes “Sometimes you need to go slow to go fast.” — Damon Lembi “Your title doesn’t earn trust. Your behavior does.” — Damon Lembi “The moment a leader becomes the bottleneck, growth stops.” — Damon Lembi About Our Guest Damon Lembi is the CEO of Learn It, a live learning and development company that helps organizations build leadership, communication, and AI readiness skills. A former Division I baseball player, Damon has spent more than 30 years helping leaders move from individual success to team-driven impact. He is the author of The Learn-It-All Leader and host of The Learn-It-All Podcast. Resources & Links Damon Lembi Website – https://www.thelearnitallleader.com/ The Learn-it-All-Leader Book – https://www.thelearnitallleader.com/books  LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearnItAllPodcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Learn.iT.anywhere/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi/ X – https://x.com/learnitanywhere Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Free Live Virtual Workshop: Leading at the Speed of AI Register here (limited to 100 seats): https://jayabbasi.me/workshop Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay breaks down how to run meetings that actually move work forward. Drawing from a proven formula he uses with leaders and teams, he’ll share a practical blueprint to help you reduce wasted time, increase clarity, and make meetings more effective and engaging. And on Wednesday, January 7th at 12 PM Eastern, Jay is hosting Leading at the Speed of AI, a live, interactive virtual workshop for emerging leaders ready to level up.  Reserve your seat here: https://jayabbasi.me/workshop

The leaders who win aren’t the strongest or smartest; they’re the most adaptable. In this solo episode, Jay kicks off 2026 by breaking down the three skills every leader must develop to stay relevant, influential, and effective in a world shaped by rapid change and AI-driven disruption. Drawing on research, leadership experience, and real-world examples, Jay explains why adaptability is now the defining advantage and how it’s built through emotional mastery, courageous action, and effective influence. This episode is a practical roadmap for emerging leaders who want to grow without losing their humanity. Notable Quotes “You can't wait for all the information. You have to take a risk and act in a world that is changing so quickly.” — Jay Abbasi “The people who succeed are the ones willing to take courageous, sometimes messy action.” — Jay Abbasi “If you’re worried about AI taking your job, the one thing you need to lean into is how you influence others.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Free Live Virtual Workshop: Leading at the Speed of AI Register here (limited to 100 seats): https://jayabbasi.me/workshop Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Gerard, a newly promoted Director of Sales struggling to get results from his team. Jay is joined by Damon Lembi, former Division I athlete, CEO, and bestselling author, to explore how leaders can shift mindset, communicate more effectively, and lead with confidence after promotion. A must-listen for anyone stepping into bigger responsibility.

The illusion of security is often more dangerous than uncertainty. In this Unstuck Classic, we revisit the story of Jonah, a seasoned SaaS leader with over 20 years of experience who feels trapped in a role that once inspired him and now drains him. Jonah has ideas, talent, and ambition, but fear keeps him stuck. Fear of failing. Fear of financial risk. Fear of disrupting the life he’s built. Each night ends the same way, scrolling job postings he never applies to, wondering when clarity and courage will finally arrive. This Unstuck Classics episode revisits a powerful conversation with Kevin Karschnik, global keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and mindset expert. Kevin has reinvented himself multiple times and shares a practical, grounded approach to building something new without taking reckless risks. From financial runways to mindset shifts, this conversation reframes what “security” really means and why waiting for perfect conditions keeps people stuck. If a reset has been on the mind, but action keeps getting delayed, this episode is worth revisiting. Notable Quotes “The illusion of security is often more dangerous than uncertainty.” — Kevin Karschnik “Getting out of your comfort zone is a process, not a single leap.” — Kevin Karschnik “The perfect time doesn’t exist. The best time to start is today, with the resources you already have.” — Kevin Karschnik About Our Guest Kevin Karschnik is a global keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals and organizations cultivate resilience, avoid burnout, and build sustainable success. Kevin has founded multiple businesses and is known for his practical approach to mindset, entrepreneurship, and intentional risk-taking. Resources & Links Kevin Karschnik \Website – https://kevinkarschnik.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkarschnik/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/kevinkarschnik Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KevinKarschnik Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kevinkarschnik/ X – https://x.com/kevinkarschnik Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay shares a major announcement and breaks down three skills every leader needs to thrive in 2026, accounting for AI, constant change, and the realities of modern communication. Don’t miss it.

In this Unstuck Classic, we revisit the story of Veronica, a leader who deeply cares about culture, connection, and people, yet feels worn down by an organization that prioritizes performance metrics over humanity. Her ideas to reignite morale are repeatedly delayed, leaving her questioning whether purpose and joy still have a place at work, and how she can reconnect with the spark that once drove her. This Unstuck Classics episode revisits one of the most listened-to conversations in the podcast’s history, a powerful dialogue with Amanda Gore, Hall of Fame keynote speaker and author of Joy Is an Inside Job. With more than 25 years of experience helping organizations like Google, Disney, and Cisco, Amanda shares how joy, connection, and emotional intelligence are not distractions from performance, but the foundation of it. If you’ve been running on fumes, questioning your impact, or feeling disconnected from meaning at work, this episode is a reminder worth revisiting. Notable Quotes “Joy is not something outside of you. It’s the essence of who you are; love, peace, and joy.” — Amanda Gore “Most people think joy is excitement, but real joy is quiet peace and acceptance.” — Amanda Gore “Everything in business is about feelings, whether we admit it or not.” — Amanda Gore About Our Guest Amanda Gore is a Hall of Fame keynote speaker, author, and expert in emotional intelligence, joy, and human-centered leadership. With over 25 years of experience working with global organizations including Google, Disney, and Cisco, Amanda helps leaders reconnect to purpose, strengthen culture, and create workplaces where people genuinely thrive. Her work blends neuroscience, psychology, and lived experience to help individuals rediscover joy as a sustainable way of being. Resources & Links Amanda Gore Website – https://amandagore.com/ Book: Joy Is an Inside Job – https://a.co/d/j5V19lF LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalgore Facebook – https://facebook.com/thejoyproject.amandagore/ X – https://twitter.com/amandagore_joy Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/amandagorejoy/ YouTube – https://youtube.com/user/amandagoretv Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time There will be no new episode this Friday due to the holiday. Unstuck returns on Monday the 29th with another classic conversation, “Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time,” featuring Kevin Karshnik. A timely reminder for anyone ready to stop delaying what matters most as 2026 approaches.

“It’s not just the goal that matters, it’s the quality of life you experience along the way.” In this solo episode, Jay breaks down why most people get goal setting wrong and how leading with emotion, excitement, or long wish lists often leads to burnout and discouragement. As the year winds down, Jay offers a simple, grounded framework to help you set goals that actually stick and support the life you want to experience in 2026. Rather than chasing outcomes or milestones for their own sake, Jay walks you through a four-step process that starts with experience, narrows focus, and identifies the uncomfortable but necessary actions required to move forward. If you want clarity, consistency, and momentum in the new year, this episode gives you a practical place to begin. Notable Quotes “People often get goal setting wrong because they lead too much with emotion.” — Jay Abbasi “Don’t make the outcome something you need in order for you to be okay.” — Jay Abbasi “What matters is the experience you want to have, not just the achievement.” — Jay Abbasi “If you try to focus on 20 different things, you set yourself up for failure.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck”Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday, Jay revisits an Unstuck Classic with Amanda Gore in the episode “Lead With Joy: How to Reignite Your Spark.” One of the most listened-to conversations since the podcast launched, this episode helps refocus joy, authenticity, and human connection as core priorities for 2026. A meaningful way to carry this year forward.

"Perceived risk and perceived stability are both illusions." Most people believe they’re choosing between safety and uncertainty. But as you’ll hear in this episode, neither is as real as we think. Meet Alexandra. By late morning, her workday felt finished, not because the work was done, but because it no longer stretched her. As an analyst at the Federal Reserve, she had stability, structure, and respect, yet felt bored, disconnected, and quietly restless. The future, manager, director, VP, looked safe and predictable but uninspiring. Practical and deeply risk-aware, leaving certainty felt uncomfortable, even irresponsible. Still, something inside her wouldn’t settle; she wanted to build more and create meaning, even if the path forward wasn’t clear. Today, Alexandra is a successful real estate entrepreneur, investor, and strategist who built a career aligned with her values through intentional, incremental decisions. In this special episode, Jay sits down with his wife, Alexandra Preziosi, for an honest conversation about career change, calculated risk, journaling, finances, discomfort, and what it truly takes to move from feeling stuck to building a life that feels aligned. The conversation is reflective, grounded, and filled with lessons shaped by real experience. Notable Quotes “We have this perceived risk and this perceived stability, but it’s all made up.” — Alexandra Preziosi “You may never feel comfortable, and that’s okay.” — Alexandra Preziosi “If it doesn’t work out, you can always make another decision.” — Alexandra Preziosi About Our Guest Alexandra Preziosi is a real estate entrepreneur and investor, and a former analyst at the Federal Reserve. Known for her thoughtful, intentional approach to decision-making, Alexandra navigates change through self-reflection, calculated risk, and long-term vision. Her story offers a grounded perspective on career transitions, embracing discomfort, and creating a life that feels both stable and meaningful. Resources & Links Alexandra Preziosi Website – https://alexpreziosirealestate.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrapreziosi/ Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070492525113 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/alexpreziosi_real_estate/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay helps you get ready for 2026 with a simple, practical approach to goal setting. Instead of overcomplicating the process, he’ll walk you through an exercise designed to bring clarity, focus, and direction so you can build a plan that actually sticks. Don’t miss it.

“The lessons that resonate most are the ones we’re meant to carry forward.” In this solo episode, Jay shares the top five lessons he’s taking into 2026, insights shaped by his keynotes, workshops, coaching sessions, and personal experiences throughout 2025. These lessons explore how to channel anger for meaningful change, prioritize social connection, improve inner dialogue, recharge consistently, and take bold, timely action. This closing chapter of the two-part series invites you to reflect on what fueled your growth this year and what you want to accelerate in the new one. If you’re preparing for a stronger, more intentional 2026, these principles will help you get there. Notable Quotes “Anything in your life, professional or personal, if something is making you angry, that could actually be the catalyst to positive change.” — Jay Abbasi “Social connections are not optional. They are a necessary part of being human.” — Jay Abbasi “Of all the conversations you're having, the most important conversation is the one you have with yourself.” — Jay Abbasi “You'll never have it all figured out. If you wait for the perfect time, you're going to be waiting a long time.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday, Jay shares a special in-person episode featuring his wife, Alexandra Preziosi. Together, they explore how Alex left her 9 to 5, conquered fear, and built a thriving real estate business from the ground up. A powerful story of reinvention, courage, and taking bold steps toward your future.

What if the problem isn't that there's too much change, but that you're looking at it all wrong? In this episode, we revisit the story of Dylan, who's stepping into a new role, fearing he'll be in the same situation as in his last position. His last role burned him out, and Dylan's unsure how he could approach this new opportunity with a fresh perspective. We're returning to one of the most impactful conversations since launching Unstuck. Jay met with Nick Tasler, organizational psychologist and bestselling author. Together, they unpack what it means to embrace change instead of fear it, think more clearly, and make decisions with confidence instead of hesitation. If you missed this conversation the first time or just need a reminder, this one hits differently on the second listen. Resources & Links Nick Tasler Website – https://www.nicktasler.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/nick_tasler/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicktasler/ X – https://twitter.com/NickTasler Your Year of Wonders – https://a.co/d/dB9cybl Ricochet: What to Do When Change Happens to You – https://a.co/d/iJLaV62 Domino: The Simplest Way to Inspire Change – https://a.co/d/6z6yZfB The Impulse Factor: An Innovative Approach to Better Decision Making – https://a.co/d/0628SVP Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time This Friday, Jay continues his list of the Top Lessons Learned from 2025; the real game changers to take into 2026. Clarity, confidence, momentum, and practical strategies to move forward with purpose. Don’t miss it.

“The lessons we carry forward shape who we become next.” In this solo episode, Jay reflects on 2025 and shares the first five lessons he found most impactful, both from his own growth and from what resonated most with audiences, workshop participants, and coaching clients. These lessons highlight where leaders are growing, where they’re struggling, and what is most needed to thrive in 2026. From embracing AI with clarity instead of fear to mastering the power of deep breathing, feedback language shifts, emotional navigation through the ARIA framework, and the underrated power of brevity, this episode gives you five principles you can apply immediately as you look ahead to the new year. Notable Quotes “There are people during those times when the internet came out, who stayed in the past and their fears didn't allow them to step into the next phase.” — Jay Abbasi “It’s not about thinking, at some point you have to act.” — Jay Abbasi You already have resilience. You don't need more resilience.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday, Jay releases a throwback episode, one of the most meaningful conversations since the show began, to help you close out 2025 strong and enter 2026 with clarity and momentum. And next Friday, Jay returns with Part Two, sharing the top five lessons of the year. A powerful finish to 2025 is coming.

Your child’s first addiction might come from their screen… not a substance. Most parents don’t know it. Most media companies won’t tell you. But the brain science is clear, overstimulating content changes the developing mind. Meet Daniel. It’s nearly 8 p.m. when he walks through the door, exhausted from back-to-back meetings and a demanding day. His three-year-old son, Leo, is sitting on the couch, eyes locked on a tablet as another video auto-plays. Daniel whispers, “Hey buddy,” but Leo doesn’t look up. A wave of guilt hits. He knows screens shouldn’t be raising his son, but he relies on them, ten minutes to answer an email, thirty minutes for a meeting, an hour just to decompress. Earlier that week, Leo’s teacher mentioned attention struggles. Now Daniel fears the long-term effects but doesn’t know how to break the cycle. Today, Jay sits down with Will Maurer, award-winning media executive, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Children’s Media Research and Reform Lab. Will is considered the father of children’s media reform, exposing how studios engineer content to hijack a child’s attention, and what parents can actually do instead. His mission: protect the developing brain, reduce shame, and give parents realistic, science-backed solutions in a world where screens aren’t going away. Notable Quotes “Stories like Daniel’s aren’t bad parenting, they’re symptoms of a broken system.” — Will Maurer  “If parents knew the neural effects of this content, they would make different choices.” — Will Maurer  “A child under two should be an active participant, not a hijacked viewer.” — Will Maurer About Our Guest Will Maurer is an award-winning media executive, researcher, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Children’s Media Research and Reform Lab. After discovering the hidden production techniques engineered to keep babies glued to screens, Will left the traditional media world to lead a movement for transparency, reform, and harm-reduction in early-childhood screen time. He now educates parents, policymakers, and creators on how to protect children’s developing brains with practical, compassionate, science-rooted strategies. Resources & Links Will Maurer Children’s Media Research and Reform Lab Website – https://www.cmrrl.org/ Website – https://linktr.ee/willmaurer LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/willmaurer YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@EarlyYearsMedia Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/cmrrl.org Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/will.maurer/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@willreforms Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time Next Friday, Jay shares 10 of the best lessons he learned in 2025, wisdom pulled from keynote stages, workshops, coaching clients, and his own personal growth. On December 5th, you’ll hear lessons 10 through 6, and the following Friday, the top five. Then, as the year closes, Jay will help you map your goals for 2026 with clarity and intention. Don’t miss it.

“Gratitude isn’t about listing more things. It’s about going deeper into the ones that truly matter.” In this solo episode, Jay explores the science behind gratitude and why it can significantly improve your mood, resilience, physical health, and relationships. Drawing from Dr. Laurie Santos’ renowned Yale course The Science of Well-Being, Jay breaks down how hedonic adaptation keeps us from appreciating what we have and why learning to savor positive experiences is essential for lasting happiness. Jay shares three research-backed gratitude practices that help you slow down, counteract constant stimulation, and train your mind to feel more grounded, connected, and fulfilled. These strategies are simple, repeatable, and powerful when practiced consistently. Notable Quotes  “Hedonic adaptation makes it hard for us to be grateful for things and to really enjoy things because we keep raising the bar.” — Jay Abbasi “Every day you can do this. Something’s happening every day where you can really allow yourself to go deeper and savor that moment.” — Jay Abbasi “Rather than forcing yourself to make a very long list of all the things you're grateful for, I invite you to reflect on one thing and go a few layers deep.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Daniel, a devoted father struggling to balance work demands with raising his young son, Leo. Feeling guilty about relying on screens to keep Leo occupied, Daniel wants to break the cycle and create healthier habits for his family. Jay is joined by Will Maurer, award-winning media executive, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Children’s Media Research & Reform Lab, who is widely regarded as the father of children’s media reform. They dive into how parents can navigate screen time with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

Discomfort isn’t danger. It’s data. Most people misread that signal and pull back. But discomfort is often pointing us toward growth. Meet Gabriella. After 25 years in marketing, she’s never experienced this much change at once. New metrics. New leadership. New priorities that contradict last week’s priorities. The constant shift has shaken her confidence and left her second-guessing every move. At home she feels grounded, but at work she’s overwhelmed, replaying conversations, hesitating in meetings, and worrying whether her CEO sees her as capable or replaceable. What she wants most is to respond instead of react, and to finally trust herself again. Today, Jay sits down with Anne Bonney, an international speaker and change leadership expert known for helping people communicate courageously, navigate uncertainty, and build resilience in moments of discomfort. Anne’s personal story, from moving across continents as a child to reinventing her career multiple times, gives her a powerful perspective on letting go, embracing change, and finding courage in the unknown. Notable Quotes “Discomfort is a speed bump, not a stop sign.” — Anne Bonney “Don’t wait until you feel brave. You’ll wait forever.” — Anne Bonney “You’re going to be uncomfortable either way — so which discomfort do you choose?” — Anne Bonney About Our Guest Anne Bonney is a change leadership expert, keynote speaker, and author who helps leaders embrace uncertainty, strengthen emotional intelligence, and move through fear with confidence. She has worked with global organizations like NASA, Under Armour, and Lockheed Martin, sharing practical tools for navigating transition and thriving in the discomfort zone. Resources & Links Anne Bonney Website – https://ignitingyourcourage.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/annebonney/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF6svpLe3qVb6eCKyeY4_Nw Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SpeakerAnneBonney Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/speakerannebonney/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay explores the science of gratitude, why your brain naturally focuses on what you lack and how small daily practices can shift your attention toward what truly matters. If you want more presence, peace, and emotional resilience, this episode will give you tools you can use right away.

Consistency isn’t hard because we’re incapable, it’s hard because instant gratification keeps winning. Today, Jay breaks down why distractions pull us off track and introduces a five-step framework, inspired by Wayne Dyer, to help you delay gratification, understand your triggers, and follow through on the meaningful actions that create long-term results. If you’ve ever wondered why staying consistent feels so hard, or how to train your mind to delay gratification, this episode gives you the roadmap. Notable Quotes “Instant gratification may quench your desires momentarily, but delayed gratification fuels lasting achievements.” — Serena Williams “We’ve become so addicted to instant gratification that we're blind to the impact it has on our lives.” — Frank Sonnenberg “Instant gratification leads to long-term mediocrity.” — Courtney Conley “When you observe the impulse instead of reacting to it, you create the space for choice.” — Jay Abbasi  Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Gabriela, a seasoned marketing leader navigating constant change, shifting expectations, and a relentless pace that leaves her feeling unsteady. Jay is joined by Anne Bonney, change-leadership expert, speaker, and author, to unpack how someone in Gabriela’s position can build courage, adapt with confidence, and stay grounded when everything feels in flux. A powerful conversation for anyone facing uncertainty or rapid transformation. Don’t miss it

Meet Trevor. It’s past midnight, and Trevor is still in his office, finishing charts under the dull glow of fluorescent lights. As an oncologist at one of the country’s top hospitals, he carries a heavy emotional load delivering devastating news to families, forcing a hopeful tone for others, and holding the weight of life-and-death decisions every day. On the outside, Trevor is accomplished and respected. On the inside, he feels exhausted, disconnected, and increasingly fraudulent. His routines have slipped. His confidence has taken a hit. And hours lost to social media leave him comparing his life to everyone else’s highlight reel. Despite his success, Trevor can’t shake the feeling that he’s failing himself. He wants balance, consistency, and clarity, but he isn’t sure how to begin. Today, Jay is joined by Leon Thurston Jr., founder of the University of Unstuck, speaker, author, and coach who helps people break free from self-deception and step into radical honesty. Through his own story of struggle and awakening, Leon has built a movement that empowers others to tell the truth, to themselves first and create transformation from the inside out. Together, Jay and Leon explore how self-honesty is the first step toward healing, why so many people hide behind false narratives, and what it really takes to face the truth with courage and compassion. Notable Quotes “You can’t be the principal, the janitor, and the student. At some point you’re going to hit burnout.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “Many of us lack confidence because you’re the only person who’s ever heard every lie you’ve ever told.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “If someone lied to you as much as you lie to yourself, would you trust them?” — Jay Abbasi “Sometimes a crisis is the only thing that forces us to change our behavior.” — Leon Thurston Jr. About Our Guest Leon Thurston Jr. is a speaker, author, and transformational coach dedicated to helping people confront limiting beliefs and rewrite their internal stories. As the founder of University of Unstuck, Leon has inspired thousands through his talks, online programs, and social content that blends humor, truth, and emotional depth. His work challenges people to stop running from themselves and start living from a place of integrity, purpose, and faith. Resources and Links Leon Thurston Jr. University of Unstuck Website – https://www.universityofunstuck.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-thurston-jr-2b635355/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@leejuniorunstuck Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lee.junior.50?ref=bookmarks Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/leejuniorunstuck/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay will break down how to live intentionally rather than in constant reaction mode. Including a five-step process to interrupt that automatic pull toward distraction, retrain your mind to tolerate boredom, and build the capacity for deeper focus and steady progress.  If you’ve been struggling with follow-through or constant distraction, this episode will help you shift your mindset and step fully into your potential. Until then, stay courageous, stay conscious, and stay Unstuck.

In our last episode, Jay spoke with Mitch Bohn, whose story of resilience and refusing to make excuses inspired today’s topic. In this solo episode, Jay explores why excuses keep us stuck, how they limit our potential, and what it takes to break free from the stories we tell ourselves. Drawing from Wayne Dyer’s teachings and a powerful seven-step framework Jay uses in his own coaching, this episode guides you through identifying the excuses holding you back and replacing them with clarity, ownership, and intentional action. Jay explains how excuses are often rooted in old narratives, perceived limitations, or protective behaviors,and how shifting your mindset opens the door to a better future. If you’ve ever felt like your excuses were louder than your belief in yourself, this episode offers a practical and empowering path to let go of what’s holding you back and step into who you’re capable of becoming. Notable Quotes “The only thing an excuse gives you is an option out of the life you'd like to live.” — Wayne Dyer  “Where the excuse ultimately comes from is the decision that you made that this excuse is valid.” — Jay Abbasi “You have to be open to the possibility that what you’ve been telling yourself may not be true.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Trevor, an oncologist at one of the most prestigious hospitals in the country. Despite his dedication to saving lives, he’s been struggling with imposter syndrome, comparison, and burnout from constantly putting others first. Jay will be joined by Leon Thurston Jr., speaker, coach, and author, whose mission is to help people become their own greatest solution. Together, they’ll explore how someone devoted to saving others can learn to start by saving himself. Don’t miss this powerful and deeply meaningful conversation.

Meet Jerry. He wakes to the sound of hospital machines beeping. The ceiling above him feels foreign. There’s a dull ache in his back and panic rising in his chest as he remembers the ladder, the fall, the shouting voices. At 25, Jerry was a proud construction worker, building homes with his own hands. Now, he can’t lift his arm. The doctors say he might walk again, with time, patience, and relentless therapy, but for now, he can’t even sit up on his own. He tells his family he’s okay, but inside he’s angry, ashamed, and terrified that this is all that’s left. Today, Jay is joined by Mitch Bohn, a podcaster, broadcaster, and TEDx speaker born with spina bifida, a condition that left him unable to walk. Instead of letting his disability define him, Mitch has dedicated his life to amplifying voices in sports and creating accessibility through his nonprofit AccessBillings. He reminds us that life’s greatest impact doesn’t come from what we can’t do, it comes from finding our way to what we love. Together, Jay and Mitch explore how to rediscover meaning when life changes your plans, how to transform frustration into purpose, and how loving something you can’t do might just be the path to fulfillment. Notable Quotes “There’s always a way to do what you love. It’s just going to look different.” — Mitch Bohn “Why dwell on the things you can’t change? Focus on how you can still show up.” — Mitch Bohn “Anger isn’t always bad. It can be the fuel that drives meaningful change.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Mitch Bohn is a podcaster, community advocate, and founder of AccessBillings, a nonprofit organization committed to improving accessibility across Montana. Born with spina bifida, Mitch has undergone more than 20 surgeries yet built a thriving career highlighting athletes, coaches, and advocates through his podcast Wide Left Sports. His story and TEDx talk inspire audiences to overcome adversity with resilience, purpose, and a no-excuses mindset. Resources and Links Mitch Bohn AccessBillings Website – https://accessbillings.org/about/ Wide Left Sports Website – https://wideleftsports.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitch-bohn-8293b3157/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mitch.bohn.2025/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bohn.2313 Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay dives into the power of no excuses, how to recognize when self-limiting stories are holding you back, and how to replace them with empowering beliefs. He’ll share a simple seven-step framework inspired by Wayne Dyer and Byron Katie to help you finish the year strong and start 2026 with unstoppable momentum. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I can’t,” this next episode will help you challenge that voice and rediscover what’s possible. Until then, stay resilient, stay resourceful, and stay Unstuck.

In our last episode, we met Dina, a senior director whose racing thoughts made it hard to slow down and focus. Jay was joined by Maura Thomas, a globally recognized productivity expert and author, who explained that it’s not time we manage, it’s attention. In this solo episode, Jay expands on that idea and shares five powerful strategies to help you reclaim your focus and train your attention. Drawing on science and lived experience, Jay explores how attention works like a muscle and offers specific tools to strengthen it. From meditation and mindful movement to setting rules for your devices, each method is designed to help you reduce reactivity, increase presence, and create more meaningful productivity. Jay reveals how simple daily choices, like allowing yourself to be bored, going “monk mode,” or removing unnecessary notifications, can retrain your brain to stay anchored on what truly matters. By applying even one of these practices, you’ll start to notice more calm, clarity, and control throughout your day. If you’ve been feeling scattered or easily pulled off track, this episode will give you the tools to master your attention and make your focus your greatest advantage. Notable Quotes “Attention is a limited resource. So pay attention to where you pay attention.” — Howard Rheingold “You don’t pay attention. Attention pays you.” — Jay Abbasi “Be less reactive, be intentional, and reclaim the power of where your focus goes.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, Jay introduces Jerry, a young man whose life was suddenly upended by tragedy. Struggling with depression and uncertainty, he’s searching for a way forward. Jay will be joined by Mitch Bohn, who was born with spina bifida and turned his own challenges into a mission to amplify stories of resilience through sports. Together, they’ll explore how Jerry can rebuild from within and rediscover purpose after loss. Don’t miss this heartfelt and inspiring conversation!

Meet Dina. She grips the steering wheel tighter as her phone buzzes in the cup holder. At a red light, she glances down, her daughter’s text flashes on the screen: “How far are you? We’ve been waiting.” Her stomach sinks. She should’ve left the office an hour ago. But one email led to another, and now she’s late for dinner again. Dina is the Senior Director of Customer Service at a fast-growing software company. She’s driven, reliable, and endlessly available. Between long meetings, Spanish classes, and cello lessons, she fills every moment, but still feels exhausted. Beneath her achievements lies a quiet longing for calm, clarity, and time with her family. Today, Jay sits down with Maura Thomas, one of the top time management experts in the world, a TEDx speaker, and author of six books, including Attention Management and Everyone Wants to Work Here. Maura teaches leaders that true productivity isn’t about managing time, it’s about managing attention. Her Empowered Productivity System helps professionals reclaim focus, reduce stress, and accomplish more of what matters most. Together, Jay and Maura unpack how leaders like Dina can break free from distraction, redefine success, and create a life that’s not just full, but fulfilling. Notable Quotes “It’s hard to get somebody to believe something when their livelihood depends on them not believing it.” — Maura Thomas “You can’t solve a distraction problem with a time solution. The antidote to distraction is attention.” — Maura Thomas “Sometimes the best thing you can do for your work is not work.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Maura Thomas is an award-winning speaker, trainer, and author recognized among the world’s top 10 time management professionals. Through her Empowered Productivity System, she helps individuals and organizations regain control of their attention, achieve peak performance, and cultivate work-life balance. Maura’s work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal, and her clients include Google, Dell, and the U.S. Air Force. Resources and Links Maura Thomas Website – https://www.maurathomas.com/ The Empowered Productivity Assessment - https://www.maurathomas.com/productivity-assessment  LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauranevelthomas-productivity-trainer/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/regainyourtime Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay explores five simple strategies to reclaim your attention, practical, evidence-based methods to help you regain focus, cut through distraction, and take back control of your day. If you’ve been feeling scattered or overstimulated, this next episode will help you get grounded, clear, and present in what truly matters most. Until then, stay mindful, stay intentional, and stay Unstuck.

In this special Halloween episode, Jay explores seven surprising life lessons hidden inside some of the most iconic horror films and characters. From Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees to Michael Myers, Beetlejuice, Frankenstein, Dracula, and Jigsaw, Jay reveals how even the scariest stories can teach us something powerful about self-awareness, resilience, and gratitude. Each character offers a reflection of the human experience, our fears, our patterns, and our potential to grow beyond them. From learning that nightmares aren’t real to realizing the importance of gratitude for life itself, this episode invites listeners to find meaning in the unexpected and take inspiration from the unlikeliest of places. If you’ve ever loved a good Halloween movie or found yourself facing a few of your own “monsters,” this fun and thought-provoking episode will leave you entertained and inspired. Notable Quotes “Nightmares aren’t real. They’re just stories you tell yourself, and once you see that, you’re free.” — Jay Abbasi “You’re going to get knocked down, but like Michael Myers, you keep getting up. That’s resilience.” — Jay Abbasi “Be grateful for your life. Don’t wait until something shakes you to appreciate it.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, Jay introduces Dina, the Senior Director of Customer Success at a fast-growing software company. She’s passionate about her work but struggling to slow down, constantly feeling overbooked and overwhelmed. Jay will meet with Maura Thomas, ranked among the top 10 time management professionals in the world, TEDx speaker, and author of six books, to explore how Dina can reclaim her attention and create a life that doesn’t just feel full, but fulfilling. Don’t miss this insightful and actionable discussion!

Meet Natalie. It’s late in the evening, and her office light is still on. Next to her sits a cold cup of coffee as unread emails pile up on her screen. Another meeting looms tomorrow, and her team is stretched thin. Natalie wants to lead well, to be the kind of leader her people deserve, but lately, she feels like she’s pouring from an empty cup. For years, Natalie has thrived as the VP of Business Development for a national defense research organization. Her relentless drive has fueled her success, but the cost is undeniable. Most nights, her husband eats dinner alone. Her personal education goals are indefinitely on hold. And every time she tries to rest, her mind races with deadlines and demands. She tells herself, “If I just push through this quarter, things will ease up.” But they never do. In this episode, Jay speaks with Lisa Pachence, Master Certified Coach and executive mentor who helps high-achieving leaders break free from burnout and redefine success on their own terms. Lisa is a “recovering overachiever” who now helps others trade perfectionism for peace and productivity for purpose. Together, Jay and Lisa explore the difference between therapy, mentoring, coaching, and how coaching helps people rise above the stories they tell themselves. Lisa reveals how to identify the “game” you’re playing in life, where your sense of worth really comes from, and why redefining success is less about balance and more about self-awareness. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of achievement without fulfillment, this episode will help you slow down, realign your values, and play a new game, one that actually feels like winning. Notable Quotes “Overachievers often follow a winning strategy that isn’t based on their own values, it’s designed to avoid failure.” — Lisa Pachence “What’s the game you’re winning at, even if you don’t want to be playing that game?” — Lisa Pachence “The first step to change is rising above your story, becoming aware you’re even telling it.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Lisa Pachence is a Master Certified Coach, executive mentor, and recovering overachiever who helps leaders redefine success, reclaim their time, and lead with authenticity. With a background in HR and recruitment for Fortune 100 companies, Lisa brings real-world insight to the pressures leaders face and the courage it takes to choose fulfillment over exhaustion. Through her company, Coaching with LP, she empowers professionals to break free from burnout, protect their energy, and lead lives that are not just successful, but deeply satisfying. Resources and Links Lisa Pachence Website – https://www.coachingwithlp.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapachence/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/CoachesCreatingCommunity/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/coachingwithlp/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday’s episode, Jay’s getting into the Halloween spirit, exploring seven life lessons from scary movies. From Friday the 13th to Beetlejuice, Jay will share what these stories reveal about fear, courage, and the human condition. It’s a lighter, more playful episode that still offers powerful insights into personal growth. Until then, stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Zahir, a leader struggling to inspire his team. Jay was joined by Russ Peterson Jr., who shared insights on how to deliver messages that motivate people and drive real behavior change instead of putting them to sleep. In this solo episode, Jay takes listeners behind the scenes into his personal process for crafting and delivering powerful presentations. He shares his Program Charter, a blueprint that helps speakers and leaders design talks that move audiences to action. From defining the audience’s current challenges to mapping their desired outcomes, Jay reveals how to create content that’s relatable, memorable, and truly transformational. He also introduces the Three S’s Framework: Stories, Studies, and Simulation, to help presenters connect emotionally, back up their points with credible research, and get audiences actively engaged. Whether you’re leading a team meeting, presenting new ideas, or preparing for a keynote, this episode provides a step-by-step approach to make your message land with lasting impact. If you’ve ever wanted to speak in a way that informs, inspires, and drives change, this episode gives you the exact structure to make it happen. Notable Quotes “Begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination.” — Stephen Covey “What people want is ultimately to be heard, to be recognized, to be valued. They want to feel a part of something.” — Jay Abbasi “Stories capture emotion, studies provide logic, and simulation creates experience. When you combine all three, your message sticks.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Program Charter Template Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, Jay introduces Natalie, the VP of Business Development for a resource organization supporting national defense. She’s a high achiever who keeps pushing through heavy workloads at the expense of her health and personal life. Jay will be joined by Lisa Pechacek, a master-certified coach and executive mentor who helps high performers break free from burnout and redefine success on their own terms. Don’t miss this powerful and inspiring discussion!

Meet Zahir. The conference room is silent as he clicks through his slides. As Director of Global Supply for an international tech company, he’s presenting a new strategy to unify operations across three continents. The numbers are solid, but he can feel the energy slipping away. Eyes drift to phones. Nods are polite, not passionate. Zahir knows his data is strong, but his message is falling flat. After the meeting, he lingers by the window, staring at the city skyline. He’s known for solving complex problems, but the one thing he can’t seem to solve is how to inspire his team. He wonders, “How do I get them to care?” In this episode, Jay is joined by Russ Peterson Jr., co-founder of iSpeak and award-winning communication coach who has trained leaders worldwide on how to influence through powerful storytelling. Russ helps professionals move beyond bullet points and data to craft messages that resonate and inspire action. Together, Jay and Russ explore how storytelling transforms leadership communication, turning facts into feelings, information into inspiration. Russ shares his five-step storytelling framework, breaks down the difference between influence and manipulation, and reveals why great leaders always make their audience the hero. If you’ve ever struggled to get buy-in for your ideas, motivate your team, or make your message memorable, this episode will teach you how to engage hearts and minds through the art of story. Notable Quotes “When you make your audience the hero, you inspire them to take action.” — Russ Peterson Jr. “Start with your audience, not yourself. Influence begins when you make them the hero.” — Russ Peterson Jr. “Stories are what allow us to internalize cause and effect.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Russ Peterson Jr. is the co-founder of iSpeak, an award-winning communication training company that helps professionals master the art of influence and presentation. A lifelong student of communication, Russ discovered his passion for speaking after witnessing Zig Ziglar captivate an audience without a single slide, just words and body language. Since then, Russ has trained leaders across the world on how to connect through storytelling, communicate with confidence, and move audiences to action. His work focuses on helping people go beyond information sharing to truly inspire change through their message. Resources and Links Russ Peterson Jr. AI Coaching - https://www.ispeaku.com/course/corporate-ovations code PRES50 to get 50% off of an 8-hr workshop training Website – https://www.russpetersonjr.com/ iSpeak Website – https://www.ispeaku.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/russpetersonjr/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/russpetersonjr Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/russpetersonjr/?hl=en X – https://x.com/russpetersonjr Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay will take you behind the scenes to share how he prepares for a presentation from start to finish. He’ll walk through his Program Charter process, a step-by-step framework he developed during his years in learning and development and explain how it helps him design talks that are relevant, customized, and action-driven. Whether you’re delivering to your team, your company, or a global audience, this episode will give you practical tools to craft presentations that connect and inspire. Until then, stay curious, stay intentional, and keep telling stories that move people.

In this solo episode, Jay reflects on the wisdom of seven timeless quotes by the 13th-century poet Rumi. Each quote has shaped his perspective on resilience, growth, and the way we relate to ourselves and others. From embracing pain as a teacher to recognizing the interconnectedness of all things, Jay unpacks the deeper meaning behind Rumi’s words and shares how they can be applied in everyday life. Jay dives into each quote with practical reflections, encouraging listeners to reframe challenges, recognize their potential, and move through life with greater clarity and purpose. Whether you’re facing setbacks, striving for growth, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers timeless lessons to help you expand your perspective and strengthen your resilience. If you’ve ever wondered how ancient wisdom can guide modern challenges, this episode will leave you with insights that inspire and tools you can carry forward. Notable Quotes “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.” — Rumi “The wound is the place where the light enters you.” — Rumi “You were born with wings. Why crawl through life?” — Rumi “Beyond notions of wrong and right, there is a field. We’ll meet there.” — Rumi “The moon remains bright when it does not shun the night.” — Rumi “If you are irritated by every rub, how will you become polished?” — Rumi “What you seek, seeks you.” — Rumi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, Jay introduces Zahir, the director of global supply for an international tech company. Zahir is struggling to inspire his team and spark motivation. Jay will be joined by Russ Peterson Jr., co-founder of iSpeak and an award-winning communication coach, to explore how leaders can use storytelling to influence, inspire, and rally their teams behind a shared vision. Don’t miss this insightful and practical conversation!

Meet Reggie. The alarm blares again as steam rises from the conveyor belt. Some employees shout over the noise while others stand idle. As plant manager of a mid-sized food processing facility, Reggie has held this place together for more than 25 years. But lately, he feels like he’s plugging holes in a dam that’s about to burst. Veteran workers are burning out. New hires quit after a few weeks. Corporate demands more efficiency, more output, more results. And in the middle of it all, Reggie’s stress boils over. In one meeting, after hearing complaints about impossible quotas, he snaps: “You think you have it hard? Try running this place.” The silence that followed stung worse than his outburst. Walking the plant alone that evening, Reggie realized he hadn’t been caring for his people, or himself. In this episode, Jay is joined by Mark Black, resilience expert, coach, and award-winning author of The Resilience Roadmap. Born with a life-threatening heart defect, Mark received a rare heart and double-lung transplant at 24. Against all odds, he went on to run four marathons, build a thriving career, and dedicate his life to teaching resilience. Together, Jay and Mark explore why resilience isn’t about bouncing back to who you were before, but about growing through adversity to become stronger. Mark shares his seven-step framework for resilience, explains why acceptance and adaptability are the twin pillars of growth, and reveals how to close the gap between “oh no” and “now what”. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of the world or resisting changes you can’t control, this conversation will give you a new perspective on resilience, and the tools to cultivate it every day. Notable Quotes “Resilience isn’t about bouncing back. It’s about growing through adversity and becoming stronger.” — Mark Black “When you’re healthy, you have dozens of priorities. When you’re sick, you have one.” — Mark Black “The best version of you already exists. Resilience is choosing to show up as that version, even on hard days.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Mark Black, CSP is a resilience expert, coach, and award-winning author of The Resilience Roadmap. After surviving a rare heart and double-lung transplant at age 24, Mark went on to run marathons and build a career inspiring leaders and organizations worldwide. His powerful story, combined with practical strategies, helps people reframe adversity as an opportunity for growth. Mark has spoken to thousands across North America, equipping them with tools to adapt, persevere, and thrive in the face of constant change. Resources and Links Mark Black Website – https://markblack.ca/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/IAmMarkBlack Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IAmMarkBlack X – https://twitter.com/IAmMarkBlack Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck”Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay will do something a little different. Jay will explore the timeless words of 13th-century Sufi poet Rumi. He’ll share seven of his favorite Rumi quotes, unpack what they mean, and explain how they’ve shifted his own perspective on resilience, happiness, and purpose. These words have shaped Jay in countless ways, and now he’ll break down how you can apply their wisdom to your own life. Until then, stay strong, stay adaptable, and keep growing through the challenges.