Straight To It

In this episode I interview Dr. Bruno Verdini, who has taught leadership, diplomacy, and communication techniques for stakeholders from over 80 countries. He created, then earned a unique Ph.D. at MIT, and then designed two MIT courses, The Art and Science of Negotiation and Leadership in Negotiation: Advanced Applications. Both courses have been in the top 1% of MIT’s most popular courses for 8 years running. Dr. Verdini also wrote Winning Together, an award-wining book on how to approach natural resource negotiations, including in-depth examples between the U.S and Mexico. In a special, longer than usual interview, Dr. Verdini and I cover many topics, including negotiation and how it relates to empathy, the importance of vulnerability, and the collaborative nature that must take shape for an impactful outcome. We also cover leadership, moral compass, what Dr. Verdini thinks makes a great leader as well as the mentors and leaders he admires. I thoroughly enjoyed learning from Dr. Verdini, and I hope you enjoy the interview!

In this episode, I interview Nani Jansen-Reventlow, a human rights lawyer who formerly argued free speech cases with Media Defense, a non-profit defending journalism around the globe. Now, Nani works on Systemic Justice, a non-profit she founded with the purpose of making change through litigation. We discuss some of her biggest cases, the importance of journalism, and why she wanted to become a lawyer. Enjoy the episode!

In this episode, I interview Yoav Saarony, a tennis coach who has coached players at all 4 grand slams, over a 30-year career. Yoav grew up in Israel and immigrated into the US at eight years old. When not on the court, Yoav is also an amazing DJ! As we dig into his tennis journey, we focus a good bit on mental toughness and how he helps players develop it. Enjoy the episode!

In this episode, I interview Laker Newhouse, an AI and Mathematics Major at MIT. This past summer, Laker taught at a program in Barcelona to teach Ukrainian high school students about AI. We discuss how AI works, its potential and risks, and his experience at MIT. Enjoy the episode!

I am very excited to announce, the changing of Explain It To Me Like I'm a Ten Year Old to Straight To It with Charlie Zeitlin. Listen to learn more! Also, look forward to new episodes coming out this month with an MIT AI student, a psychiatrist, and more!

In this episode, I interview Guy Friedman, the CEO and founder of SteadyMD. SteadyMD is a telehealth service that connects patients with licensed clinicians. Guy also was the founder of HigherNext, one of the first online proctoring services. We discuss his story, what he loves about entrepreneurship, and the future of healthcare. I really enjoyed speaking with Guy - and I hope you enjoy the episode.

In this episode, I interview Alex Grodd, Founder of BetterLesson, one of the first platforms for teachers to share lesson plans. Now, Alex is building Mainstem Media, a company dedicated to creating podcasts and documentaries to facilitate productive disagreement. Alex is a former teacher and alum of Teach for America. We discuss what he learned from Teach for America, BetterLesson, and his vision for Mainstem. I really enjoyed speaking with Alex and hope you enjoy the episode!

Introducing: Explained! This is the start of a new series on the podcast where we are spending a half-hour with experts breaking down an important - and complex topic. In the first episode, we're speaking with Dr. Kevin Trenberth, climate scientist and an author of the Nobel Prize Winning 2007 IPCC report on Climate Change as well as Mark Reynolds, Executive Director of the Citizens Climate Lobby. I really enjoyed this new format and I learned a lot. I hope you enjoy the episode!

In this episode, I interview Ward Horton, an actor who has had roles in movies and shows such as Annabelle and Pure Genius, as well as in the Broadway show, Torch Song. He has appeared in movies like Ford vs. Ferrari and The Wolf of Wall Street. We discuss the ongoing actors strike, fair compensation, and his fascinating career. I really enjoyed speaking with Ward. Enjoy the episode!!!

In this episode, I interview Jeff Wise, a science and aviation journalist and MH370 expert. Jeff was featured in the Netflix documentary, MH370: The Plane That Disappeared. Jeff's writing has appeared in outlets such as the New York Times, Business Week and Popular Mechanics, and he has spoken about MH370 on CNN, MSNBC and Fox. We discuss that Jeff thinks happened to flight MH370, the documentary, misinformation and modern day journalism. I really enjoyed speaking with and learning from Jeff - I hope you enjoy listening!

In this episode, I interview Julie Lythcott-Haims. Julie is an NYT best selling author, former Stanford dean and current Palo Alto City Council Member. Julie first was a corporate lawyer, but finding herself unfilled, she left her job to join Stanford. As a Freshman Dean, Julie noticed the effect of helicopter parenting on students, and decided to write How to Raise an Adult. We discuss the negative impact of helicopter parenting, her journey, and her service on the Palo Alto City Council. I really enjoyed recording this episode with Julie and hope you will enjoy listening!

In this episode, I interview Barrington Irving, pilot and Founder of Experience Aviation and The Flying Classroom. Barrington became the youngest person and first African-American to fly around the world solo. Barrington flew 30,000 miles around the globe, with 27 stops, moving through monsoons, blizzards and sandstorms in a single-engine plane. He went on to start Experience Aviation and The Flying Classroom, programs dedicated to helping teens get interested in STEM by doing exciting projects like building an airplane or a race car. We discuss his legendary flight, how he makes STEM fun for young people and what he hopes his legacy will be.

In this episode, I interview Nancy Coupal, founder of Coupa Café. Nancy moved with her family from Venezuela to Palo Alto, and saw the need for an authentic, delicious café. Coupa has become a Palo Alto institution, with nine locations (and appearances in The Social Network, The Dropout and 60 Minutes). We discuss Nancy's story, what it takes to run a successful café and why Coupa is so iconic. I loved speaking with Nancy and hope you enjoy the episode.

In this episode, I interview Sunny Vanderbeck, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Satori Capital. Sunny Vanderbeck and his partner Randy Eisenman founded Satori in 2008. Satori invests into companies with outstanding leadership and sustainability practices. After serving as an Army Ranger, Sunny founded his own company, Data Return, one of the first web hosting businesses, and led the company to a highly successful IPO. We speak about Satori's purpose, why companies that are sustainable and treat employees well do better, and his highest hopes for Satori in 20+ years. I truly enjoyed speaking with Sunny - and I hope you enjoy the episode.

In this episode, I interview Celine Halioua, founder and CEO of Loyal, a company dedicated to keeping man's best friend around for longer. Loyal is developing drugs to slow aging in large and small dogs, and has done a number of pilot studies. They aim to release their first drug in 2025. Celine studied Neuroscience at UT Austin and the health economics of gene therapy at Oxford. We discussed how Loyal's drugs work, why big dogs live shorter lives and her vision and goals for Loyal. I learned so much from this conversation, and I hope you will too! Enjoy!

In this episode, I interview Dr. Robert Cialdini, Emeritus Professor of Marketing and Psychology at Arizona State University. In his bestselling book, Influence, Dr. Cialdini draws on his experience studying the principles of influence and simplifies them in seven universal principles. Robert shares his stories from over 40 years of research and what he is must proud of from his career. 

In this special (50th!) episode, I am very lucky to be interviewed by my dad, Zac Zeitlin. Zac has been my mentor and guide on my podcastsing journey and has helped me from day one! I really enjoyed being the guest this time, and Zac did a great job preparing questions. We have the opportunity to discuss the vision for the podcast and process of doing the interviews, and we talk about guests we would love to have on future episodes. Enjoy!

In this episode, I interview Erin Thorkilsen, former teacher at Greens Farms Academy in Connecticut, and founder of Heart in Education. Erin has be teaching in the classroom for over 20 years and started Heart in Education to train and inspire teachers to fill their classrooms  with joy, enthusiasm and mindfulness. I was lucky enough to have been taught by Erin, and I really enjoyed catching up and hearing more about her amazing work today. 

In this episode, I interview Josh Balk. Josh started working at the Humane Society in 2005, and has successfully led many companies like McDonalds and Walmart to treat animals better. He also was instrumental in helping pass Prop 12 in California, which prohibits cruel confinement for mother pigs. Josh is the Co-Founder of Eat Just, the makers of Just Egg, an incredibly popular egg substitute, as well as the first government-approved cultured meat. Josh recently left HSUS to start The Accountability Board, dedicated to ensuring companies fulfill their ESG commitments. We discuss the state of animal welfare, his work at HSUS and how The Accountability Board holds companies accountable for their actions. I really enjoyed this interview, and I hope you do too! 

In this episode, I interview Pete Shadbolt, the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of PsiQuantum, a company working to build the world's first one million qubit quantum computer. We discuss how quantum computing works, its real world applications, and Pete's story of moving to America to start PsiQuantum. I enjoyed talking to Pete, who really knows how to explain a complex topic! Enjoy the interview!

In this episode, I interview Alden Mills, a Navy SEAL, founder of Perfect Fitness and author of Be Unstoppable and Unstoppable Teams. When Alden was diagnosed with asthma at age 12 and told he couldn't do anything athletic, he focused even more on fitness and eventually became a collegiate rower and a Navy SEAL. Alden shares incredible stories about his time in the SEALS; how with $25,000 left in the bank, he was able to successfully launch the Perfect Push-Up; and how he coaches people to keep persisting to achieve their dreams. I loved talking to Alden and hope you learn as much as I did from this interview!

In this episode, I interview Ross Greenburg, CEO of Ross Greenburg Productions and former President of HBO Sports. Ross has won 56 Emmys and 8 Peabody Awards as the producer of many amazing sports documentaries and movies, including Miracle, Hard Knocks, and 61*. We discussed Ross' love of sports, the stories behind some of his legendary shows and how the TV and movie industries have evolved in the past 30 years. I really enjoyed meeting Ross and I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.

In this episode, I interview Chris Voss, the former FBI lead hostage negotiator, founder of the Black Swan Group and author of Never Split The Difference. He also teaches a Masterclass about Negotiation. Chris is a really smart and incredible person. In the interview, we discuss his career and do an hostage role play -in which Chris handily defeated me. He also talks about strategies you can use in your own negotiations and personal relationships. I really enjoyed talking to Chris and learned so much! Enjoy!

In this episode, I interview Ryan Springer, a Founding Partner of Midnight Ventures and Founder of High Desert Cactus Vodka. Midnight Ventures is an awesome VC fund investing in the future of wellness. High Desert Cactus Vodka makes Vodka from the cactus! We discuss some of the unique wellness products Ryan has invested in, his journey, and how he sees the wellness industry evolving. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! 

In this episode, I speak with Pat Burt, the Mayor of Palo Alto, CA. With a population of over 60,000, Palo Alto is home to Stanford University and countless technology companies. Mayor Burt is a champion of sustainability who has helped turn Palo Alto into one of the greenest cities in the country. Mayor Burt is serving in his third term and has been on the City Council for over a decade. We look back on Mayor Burt's accomplishments, and discuss housing, climate change and his goals for the future. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!

In this episode, I interview Maria Kim, CEO of REDF. REDF is a venture philanthropy that invests in businesses that are dedicated to providing employees a second chance, including homeless or formerly incarcerated individuals. Maria talks about how REDF works, some of the businesses they support, and how we can build a more inclusive economy. 

In this episode, I interview Tom Costley, the founder of Overland Summers, an adventure group that takes kids on amazing trips to places like Yellowstone, the Swiss Alps and Iceland. Overland has had 40,000 kids go through its program over 40 years. Tom founded Overland with his wife, Liz. We discuss the story of Overland, the challenges and how Overland works. I really hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

In this episode, I interview Eren Harris,  Admissions Manger at Prep Scholar and Founder of True North Academix. Eren has over 10 years of experience in college counseling. We discuss what makes a good application, how to find the right college for you and the future of college admissions. I learned so much from Eren and really enjoyed our conversation!

In this episode, I interview Nolan Bushnell, the Founder of Atari and Chuck E Cheese. Nolan also founded 20 other businesses and has plans for many more. We get to hear Nolan share the story of Atari along with his thoughts on the video game industry, VR and the future of education. I really enjoyed learning from Nolan and I hope you enjoy this interview too!

In this episode, I interview Esther Wojcicki, a teacher at Palo Alto High School for 36 years, a California Teacher of the Year award winner and the founder of Tract and Moonshots in Education. We discuss Esther’s legendary journalism program at PALY, her work in changing schools for the better and her recent book, How to Raise Successful People. I really enjoyed talking to Esther and learning so much more about journalism, education and parenting.  

In this episode, I interview Mary Lemmer, the founder of Improve and Iorio Gelato. Improve teaches employees from companies such as Google, CBS and Lyft in the art of Improv. Iorio sells artisanal gelato in 3 stores in Michigan. Mary founded Iorio when she was only 14 with her brother Nick. During the interview we discussed improv, Mary's goals for Improve and her story of starting her gelato business. I really enjoyed talking to Mary and hope you enjoy this episode! 

In this episode, I interview Andrew Remlinger, Co-Founder of Sourse, a chocolate vitamin company that sells products to improve energy, skin and even mood. Andrew founded his company in 2020 with his wife, Jenne Moore, and Modern Family actor, Sarah Hyland. In the interview we discuss the supplement industry, the story of Sourse and how the chocolates are made. I really enjoyed speaking with Andrew and learning more about Sourse. Enjoy!

In this episode, I am very lucky to have Jordan DeCicco with me, the co-founder of Super Coffee. Jordan, as a student athlete, founded Super Coffee in his dorm room to find a healthy and delicious energy drink. Now he runs Super Coffee with his two brothers Jim and Jake. So far, they have energized over 400,000 people and were featured on Shark Tank. He talks to us about the story behind Super Coffee and his views on the beverage industry. I really enjoyed learning about Super Coffee and I hope you do too!

In this episode, I interview Shane Battier, a two time NBA champion. As a college player at Duke, he won the NCAA championship and won the National College Player of the year award in 2001. He then went on to be selected 6th overall in the NBA draft and has played for the Grizzlies, Rockets, and Heat. After making the playoffs in 10/13 seasons in the NBA he retired. He now runs his foundation, the Battier Take Charge Foundation and he worked for the Heat. He talks to us about his career, the art of the intangible, and defending Kobe Bryant. I really enjoyed talking to Shane, and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! 

In this episode, I interview David Karr, Founder of Guayakí Yerba Mate. They sell powerful teas that can boost your energy, mood, and health. The Yerba mate is a plant native to the South American Rainforest and has been enjoyed as tea for centuries by its inhabitants. He was introduced to Mate by his friend Alex. David loved it so much he decided to start a business selling mate and the rest is history. Guayakí is sold in 10,000 stores and is enjoyed around the world. In this interview, he shares with us the story behind discovering mate and starting Guayakí, Guayakí's unique Market Driven Regeneration strategies, and Guayakí's purpose as a business! I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did!

In this episode, I interview Ryan Black, the CEO and Founder of Sambazon, a company that sells sustainable açaí products including bowls, bites and smoothies. He explains the meaning of Triple Bottom Line, Sambazon's strategy to help make the world a better place by helping communities in the Amazon rainforest and protecting land by harvesting sustainably. He also shares with us the story behind starting Sambazon and going from store to store giving out thousands of samples of pitching Açaí. I learned so much from Ryan and hope you do too!

In this episode, I interview Vernon Davis, a Former NFL Tight End and Super Bowl Champion. He played for 14 years with the 49ers, Broncos and Washington. Vernon talks about his journey to the NFL, the highlights of his football career and his current work as an actor. He also shares with us his advice on how to become excellent. I had an awesome time speaking with Vernon and hope you enjoy the episode as much as I did! 

In this episode, I interview Benjamin Smith, the CEO and Founder of Disco. Disco is a Men's skincare brand with natural and effective products like eye sticks, facial masks and body wash for men. Ben shares with us how he started Disco and developed his product, as well as his mission and goals for the business! I really enjoyed doing this episode and I hope you enjoy listening!

In this episode, I interview Shawn Nelson, the Founder and CEO of Lovesac, a public company with over $500 million in sales in 2022. Lovesac sells incredibly comfortable Lovesacs, chairs that are stuffed with foam, and Sactionals, couches that can change shape. He discusses starting Lovesac, the amazing story of his first big order, and being on a reality show with Richard Branson and winning $1,000,000! I enjoyed this episode so much, and I hope you do too!

In this episode, I interview John Cullen, John has had a long and interesting career in broadcasting, radio, and investing. John served as the CEO of DMX, a supplier of music to restaurants, bar, gym, and other locations. He was also the CEO of Andrew Harper, which supplies travel reviews and bookings. He also owned hundreds of radio stations with Steve Hicks. John brings so much wisdom to this conversation, and I hope you learn as much as I did. 

In this episode, I interview Grant Behrman, the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Behrman Capital. This is an inspiring story that I'm sure you will love hearing as much as I did. 

I recap the past five episodes with Spencer Thompson, Kellee James, Dennis Littky, Michel Nischan and Peter Bencivenga - Enjoy! 

In this episode, I interview Peter Bencivenga, the founder and CEO of Datacation, which uses data from school districts to help improve the performance of schools. Peter is the President of Operoo, which enables thousands of schools around the world to manage operational tasks on a single platform. He tells the story of Datacation and shares his vision for the schools that run better. I really enjoyed our conversion and I hope you do too!