Help Wanted

This one gets deep. Nicole kicks things off with a provocative question: throughout Jason’s career in journalism, has he seen anyone successfully get a story about themselves erased from the internet? The question turns into a vulnerable conversation about whether the internet is forever, how we can feel a sense of control over the uncontrollable, and what is the price of reputation.

This week, Jason digs into three big questions. How do humble people get ahead? How should you think about your future? And how do you know when an idea is ready for prime time? The answers are surprising, useful, and connected by one common theme. We’re all works in progress, and that’s exactly how growth happens.

A friend of the show calls in with an awkward question, “How do you ask someone for money they don’t even know they owe?” Jason and Nicole walk through every possible misstep and outcome, from the awkward ask to the aftermath. And then - our caller sends the text. You’ll hear exactly what happens next.

You might be clear about what you offer a client, but do you really understand what they need on a deeper level? That difference can be the thing that closes the deal… or leaves you waiting for a call that never comes. In this episode, Jason breaks down how to move beyond surface-level clarity and tap into a deeper knowing so you can truly connect.

Help Wanted’s own producer calls in for advice. What do you do when a business partner drags you into a long, unnecessary process? Jason and Nicole dig into the real issue, offer smart ways to push back, and share what to do when nothing works. Blame Nicole.

Jason once got scammed on vacation. Years later, he had a chance to confront his scammer. What he learned changed how he sees conflict. Here’s how you can use it too.

Nicole got a referral, hired the person, and then got ghosted. She and Jason break down what to do when a referral doesn’t work out. Who’s responsible when you vouch for someone? What about the people who never make referrals, or the ones who expect a finder’s fee? Plus, what the heck happened to Nicole’s hire who disappeared?

What if your greatest strength is also your biggest roadblock? In this episode, Jason digs into how overusing the very thing you’re best at can quietly sabotage your success. With a dose of self-awareness, you can turn that liability back into a true superpower and unlock the next level of growth.

Julia Cabral, LinkedIn’s Senior Director of Product Marketing and content creator, joins Nicole and Jason to demystify how the platform really works. You’ll learn what the LinkedIn algorithm rewards (and what it ignores), why your views might suddenly drop, and how to create posts that get noticed. Plus, Jason shares his go-to formula for writing the perfect hook.

Someone’s upset, maybe a colleague, a client, or your partner, and you have no idea why. Here’s the simple, 10-word phrase that can calm the room, cut through confusion, and get to the real problem. It works at home, at work, and anywhere else clarity beats conflict.

Where’s the line between being nice and flirting? A little charm can make interactions brighter and even boost business, but push it too far, and you risk confusion or misleading someone. Nicole and Jason dig into when flirting can be good for sales, and when it can turn into bad business.

When the pressure’s on, it’s easy to believe that everything hinges on this one moment. But what if the stakes aren’t as high as you think? In this episode, Jason shares a personal story about how reframing the situation can reduce stress, improve your decision-making, and lead to better results.

Sometimes even the hosts need a little help. Nicole gets a boost from Andrew Cates, founder of Rayzyn, the superfood raisin company. After surviving the Napa fire, Andrew and his community were left with a field of grapes too smoke-damaged for wine. So, he got creative. He turned them into raisins. In the process, he rebuilt his business and helped his neighbors do the same. He joins the show to talk about resilience, reinvention, and finding opportunity in the ashes.

Three questions. Three personal dilemmas. Jason digs into how to take (or ignore) advice from your spouse, how to start over when everything changes, and why you don’t need to dance on TikTok to build a business.

Jason got three emails and a phone call on his personal line from a stranger trying to get him to change a story. It worked, but it earned the guy a sassy reply. In this episode, Jason and Nicole unpack when persistence crosses the line into annoyance and how to build a drip campaign that actually gets people to say yes.

You’re working on something. You’d like feedback. But let’s be honest: Feedback can be hard to hear. And it can make you defensive. So now you’re wondering things like: Who should I ask? And when? And what if I don’t like what they say? In Jason’s experience, the best feedback comes from completing this formula: Right people + right time + right perspective Today, Jason will break it down for you.

There are some bizarre headlines making the rounds in business news... but, beyond the headlines, there are some important lessons on building a brand, having tough conversations at work, and building trust. Today, Jason and Nicole mine those lessons from the weirdo headlines.

What happens when your C-suite becomes tabloid fodder? In this episode, Jason and Nicole unpack the viral moment that set social media on fire: Astronomer CEO and Chief People Officer caught having an affair—on a Coldplay concert Jumbotron, no less. Beyond the scandal, Jason and Nicole dive into the real lesson: how companies should handle PR disasters, take accountability, and lead through chaos. Whether you’re running a business or climbing the ladder, this is a masterclass in crisis comms—Coldplay optional.

You’re trying to understand something, but you’re stuck. Maybe it’s a problem at work, a decision you need to make, or an idea you can’t quite articulate. You’ve been thinking about it a lot, but clarity is elusive. Here’s Jason’s advice: Don’t think alone. Today, he’ll show you why — and how to gain clarity more strategically and intentionally.

You’re juggling projects and chasing goals. But if someone asked you, “What are you working towards?”, you might struggle to answer. Here’s why: Specific goals aren’t really what we want. They’re just what we think will get us what we want — even if we have no idea what that is. So, what are we actually working toward? Jason has a theory: he calls it a state of being. Today, he’ll help you identify yours — and then use this clarity to transform how you spend your time and energy.

Today's caller Mike runs a production studio and wants to know if top-of-the-line equipment will set him apart from other studios. Jason and Nicole's answer: not necessarily. Instead, Jason and Nicole give him a foolproof method for getting a competitive advantage— and it has nothing to do with the competition!

Think of the last time you saw something — and you said, "That sucks." Maybe it's a product. Or a song. Or a YouTube video. This thing is successful, but you think it's dumb— and you're convinced you're right. Today, Jason has a magic question that will help you recognize the mechanisms of success, even for things you don't understand— which will help you build more successful things too.

​​Want to make LinkedIn actually work for you? Today, Jason and Nicole will show you how. Whether you’re trying to land your next role, build a personal brand, or just get more than 12 views on a post, mastering content on LinkedIn can be a serious game-changer. But what actually makes a post perform? In this episode, Jason breaks down the strategy behind the LinkedIn following he’s built—and puts Nicole’s own posts under the microscope to show exactly what works (and what doesn’t). It’s a crash course in thought leadership, engagement psychology, and how to stand out on the world’s most buttoned-up social platform.

You’re facing a problem with no obvious solution. Maybe it’s a work challenge, a family issue, or a personal dilemma. You’ve thought about it from every angle, but every option seems flawed. Today, Jason shows you a simple but powerful technique that can break you out of this trap. He calls it List Before You Leap. It will help you find solutions you never would have considered otherwise. Jason will explain how and why it works — but first, he’ll tell you about a conversation with his wife, where this strategy came in handy…

How do you talk to your kids about work—without making them think their worth depends on it? In this episode, Jason and Nicole tackle one of the trickiest balancing acts of modern parenting: explaining your career in a way that’s honest but not overwhelming, inspiring but not pressure-packed. They explore how to navigate your child's questions about what you do, how to help them dream big in a world where industries are constantly evolving, and how to set boundaries around work without making them feel like they’re second place. If you’ve ever felt the guilt of closing your laptop after bedtime—or struggled to explain why “Zoom” isn’t a game—this one’s for you.

Today, we're sharing an episode of the Superhero Leadership podcast, hosted by Marvel's former CEO and legendary turnaround expert, Peter Cuneo. Each week, Peter is joined by top performers from business, media, and beyond, leaders who have mastered the art of impact, resilience, and vision. Together, they explore Peter’s 32 leadership essentials, revealing what it really takes to rise, inspire, and lead with purpose. In this episode, Jon Harris, CEO of AthLife, explores how leaders create lasting impact by empowering others, fostering empathy, and embracing lifelong learning. From his journey as DePaul basketball captain to building programs that support athlete development off the field, Harris shares insights on creating a service-driven culture, learning from failure, and making space for others to lead— on the court, in business, and beyond. Listen to more Superhero Leadership episodes wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

You’re envious of someone. Why? Pick the reason. They make more money than you. Accomplish more than you. Their career is bigger. Their title is cooler. You already know that comparison is the thief of joy. Jason doesn't need to tell you that — and anyway, knowing it doesn’t help. So today, Jason will give you something that actually helps: he will show you how the people you envy aren’t as enviable as you think — and how you can celebrate what you have.

Nicole had a great appearance on Good Morning America… until she made one tiny mistake that she can’t stop thinking about. Jason and Nicole dig up their most embarrassing moments and workplace missteps, and decide on a benchmark for when to call out your mistakes, and when to keep them to yourself.

You want to put yourself “out there,” but you're worried. You don’t want to feel too vulnerable or come across as self-centered. So here’s a liberating truth: You don’t need to put your whole self out there. In fact, you shouldn’t. Today, Jason will show you a powerful alternative: he calls it the “5% Character.” It’s a version of yourself that’s always interesting, always impressive, and always on — and once you identify it, you become exponentially more valuable and desirable. This idea unlocked his career and created a wave of opportunity— and today, he shows you how you can use it, too. For more on the 5% Character and additional strategies for personal branding, check out Jason’s first-ever course, called LinkedIn Mastery​, which helps you advance your career by becoming a respected top voice in your industry. As a Help Wanted listener, you can get it for 40% off by using the code HELPWANTED.

Trust is not binary, it's a gradient — and once you appreciate how it works, you can build (and maintain!) trust in smarter, more careful ways. It’s a concept called the trust battery. Today, Jason will show you how to use it — and how it can help you build better relationships, professionally and personally.

In this episode, Jason checks in with Nicole to see how she's managing the demands of work and parenting a four-month-old. Nicole opens up about the mental load of being the parent responsible for most of the childcare logistics. Jason then phones a friend—his wife, Jen—who shares the systems she and Jason have put in place to create a more balanced and equitable approach to parenting.

You made something amazing, but people don’t get it. Here’s the problem: “Creating something” is only half the job. “Teaching others to understand its value” is the other half. Today, Jason explains how to be a better teacher so that your ideas will be taken more seriously, your work will thrive, and people will finally listen. Check out Poppy, the company that inspired this episode, HERE

When a video of a plane passenger refusing to give up her seat for a toddler went viral, the internet had thoughts—and most of them weren’t kind. Today, Jason and Nicole sit down to unpack why they're siding with the passenger, and what this viral moment reveals about how we rush to judgment online. This episode isn’t just about plane etiquette—it’s about the stories we tell, the facts we skip, and the cost of outrage culture. By the end of the episode, you’ll walk away with a sharper lens for spotting bias in viral narratives—and how that same skill can help you make better, smarter decisions in business and in life. HERE is the story referenced in the episode.

You’re being cautious. You want to do something, but you’re waiting for the right moment. You keep telling yourself: I must be careful. I can’t ruin what I already have. Today, Jason will help you move forward — and to do this, he is going to teach you the Messy Couch Principle. It’s a new way to assess your problem, and then find the confidence to act boldly.

Jason was asked for a favor— but told that he couldn't expect a favor in return. Should he be annoyed? Or is he expecting too much? Today, Nicole shares with Jason how she builds relationships that are mutually beneficial.

You know what you want. But it doesn’t make you happy. Maybe you reached a goal, but it wasn’t as satisfying as you expected. Or you’re chasing a goal, but it feels perpetually out of reach. Either way, now you feel stuck. Today, Jason will share the antidote — which he calls “Say yes to more than what you want.” It’s a way of thinking beyond your immediate goals, so you aren’t trapped by them. Today, he'll show you how to do it.

In today's episode, Nicole and Jason are joined by a founder Nicole critiqued on this very podcast. Tea! This conversation could have gone one of two ways, but how this founder responds is *chef's kiss* perfection. This conversation will leave you with a script you can use next time you get some tough feedback. Find the most excellent Kim Kaupe here: https://kimkaupe.com/ Originally aired in 2023

You’re stuck between two bad options: Something unsatisfying but familiar. Something scary and unknown. Today, Jason will help you clarify a difficult choice — and he’ll show you how it works through a real-life example his friend lived through.

If you've ever been the center of a story that's unflattering or just plain embarrassing, you probably wish you could go back in time and undo it. Unfortunately we can't do that, but we can take control— and change— the narrative. Today, Nicole and Jason share how to do just that, and they start by unpacking a viral video that the internet got so wrong.

Ever worry that someone hates you? Or is avoiding you? Jason experienced this recently, and it messed him up. But he also gained critical insight on the problem — and how to solve it. Today, Jason will share what he learned — so that you can remain calm and focused, and maybe even jumpstart the relationships you thought were dead.

The tariff rollercoaster has sent nearly every American business— big and small—scrambling to create contingency plans. In these stressful times, Jason and Nicole are inspired by stories from entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs who have created opportunities out of uncertainty, like Sarah Zurell, CMO of Chinese Laundry. Jason and Nicole call up Sarah to hear how Chinese Laundry pivoted in response to the tariffs. Then, they share insights that you can use to navigate uncertainty at your work, no matter the obstacle. Learn more about Sarah's work here. Learn more about CPG FastTrack here.

Nicole’s back on Help Wanted—and a lot has changed: she became a mom, then she lost her home and studio in the LA fires, and now she’s rebuilding—literally and emotionally. Together, Jason and Nicole unpack why asking for help is so hard, and the science behind what makes a strong support system. Most importantly, Nicole shares everything she learned about how to effectively ask for support, giving you strategies to ask for— and get— the help you need.

You’ve been through it. A layoff. A failed project. A rough season. Now you’re haunted by a worry you can’t shake: What if people can see my failures? But here’s what you need to know: Nobody sees your past except you. They only know what you show them. Today, Jason will help you walk into a room more confidently — so you show up as someone worth betting on. (Because you are!)

How do you know if someone is hesitant to work with you… and more importantly, what can you do about it? That’s what Jason and special cohost Jenny Wood (author and former Google executive) are unpacking in today’s episode. Jenny shares a story about a time a freelancer almost walked away from working with her—and the surprising reason why. Together, Jason and Jenny dig into how to spot signals when something feels off in a professional relationship, how to get honest feedback (even when it’s awkward), and what to do when your first impression misses the mark. Order Jenny’s book Wild Courage, out now, here!

You may not realize it, but someone is afraid to talk with you. If you’re a manager, your team might hesitate to give you updates. If you’re a business owner, your customers might not give you valuable feedback. If your friends or partners are in need, they might not turn to you first. So what’s the problem? It’s this: You haven’t given them permission — because you didn’t think you needed to. Today, Jason will show you how to fix this problem — making you a better friend, leader, and partner. All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage servicesbrya for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Treasury accounts offering 6 months T-Bills are offered by Jiko Securities, Inc.,member FINRA & SIPC. Securities in your account are protected up to $500,000. For details: www.sipc.org. Banking services and the Bank Accounts are provided by Jiko Bank, a division of Mid- Central National Bank. For U.S. Investments in T-bills: Not FDIC Insured; No Bank Guarantee; May Lose Value. Treasuries risk disclosures, see https://jiko.io/docs/treasuries_risk_disclosure.pdf. See public.com/#disclosures-main.

How do you really know when it’s the right time to leave your job and bet on yourself? Today’s caller, Bryan, was asking himself this question— before life made the decision for him. To dig into this moment so many aspiring entrepreneurs face, Jason is joined by Jenny Wood, former Google executive and author, who’s navigated this moment herself. Together, Jason and Jenny share the real questions you need to ask yourself before walking away from a steady paycheck—and how to know if you’re truly ready to start your own thing. Order Jenny's book Wild Courage, out now, here! All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage servicesbrya for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Treasury accounts offering 6 months T-Bills are offered by Jiko Securities, Inc.,member FINRA & SIPC. Securities in your account are protected up to $500,000. For details: www.sipc.org. Banking services and the Bank Accounts are provided by Jiko Bank, a division of Mid- Central National Bank. For U.S. Investments in T-bills: Not FDIC Insured; No Bank Guarantee; May Lose Value. Treasuries risk disclosures, see https://jiko.io/docs/treasuries_risk_disclosure.pdf. See public.com/#disclosures-main.

LinkedIn has made some big changes to its algorithm. So what kind of posts does the system now reward? LinkedIn editor in chief Dan Roth and director of product Alice Xiong walk us through it. All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Treasury accounts offering 6 months T-Bills are offered by Jiko Securities, Inc.,member FINRA & SIPC. Securities in your account are protected up to $500,000. For details: www.sipc.org. Banking services and the Bank Accounts are provided by Jiko Bank, a division of Mid- Central National Bank. For U.S. Investments in T-bills: Not FDIC Insured; No Bank Guarantee; May Lose Value. Treasuries risk disclosures, see https://jiko.io/docs/treasuries_risk_disclosure.pdf. See public.com/#disclosures-main.

You messed up. Or something went wrong. Your first instinct is to hide. Or act like it didn’t happen. Or feel a wave of shame. But wait! You should know this: According to research, your mistakes make you more likable — so long as you present them properly. Today, Jason will show you what to do, why it works, and how to use errors to your advantage. - All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Treasury accounts offering 6 months T-Bills are offered by Jiko Securities, Inc.,member FINRA & SIPC. Securities in your account are protected up to $500,000. For details: www.sipc.org. Banking services and the Bank Accounts are provided by Jiko Bank, a division of Mid- Central National Bank. For U.S. Investments in T-bills: Not FDIC Insured; No Bank Guarantee; May Lose Value. Treasuries risk disclosures, see https://jiko.io/docs/treasuries_risk_disclosure.pdf. See public.com/#disclosures-main.

What does it take to lead a great company? During his 44 years as CEO of Whole Foods, John Mackey found his answer: Don't worry about acting like a CEO, serve the business, serve its people, and never abandon yourself. Mackey discusses this, along with his book The Whole Story.

Your story is one of your strongest assets. It can make you relatable and memorable, and it can draw people to you — but only if you tell it right. Today, Jason will show you a four-step framework for turning personal stories into compelling narratives.