2120 Podcast

The more you communicate the better people understand what's going on. In episode 115, Matt and Jim dive into these two vital parts to getting things done.

Cobra Kai won't be celebrated for it's acting, it's writing, it's direction... but it does make for some good mindless TV.

It's also good for discussing the concept of 'the villain' and that's the topic of episode 114 of the 2120 podcast.

** Spoiler Alert **
If you're a fan of Cobra Kai and haven't watched all of the seasons yet, you might not want to listen carefully. We might spoil a plot twist.

Do opportunities fall in your lap, or are they something you create? 

Matt and Jim explore this topic through the lens of a major life decision for Matt.

Defense mechanisms. We all have them. It's a way of dealing with hurt, stress, and fear.

In this episode Matt and Jim take a look at the idea of defense mechanisms from a unique perspective.

On episode 11, Matt and Jim talk about Christmas traditions and favorite memories.

Merry Christmas to you and yours !

Do you think, communicate and take action at a fast... or slow pace? 

Are you more task-oriented, or more people-oriented? 

In episode 110, Beth joins Jim on the podcast to discuss differences in pace and priority. After nearly 30 years of marriage, we talk about our differences and how we've worked through them.

And what we've learned might just help you be less frustrated with a co-worker or your significant other.

Danielle takes over for Jim for episode 109 to discuss her bucket list goal of running a full marathon. 

Madison, WI in November. 35 degrees. Snow, sleet, rain and wind. 

She crazy!

What are some of your favorite traditions when it comes to holidays and family get togethers? 

On episode 108, Matt and Jim discuss their Thanksgiving traditions and times they broke the mold and did things a little different.

How you bounce back from a setback is vital to your growth. In episode 107, Matt and Jim explore resilience, second chances and learning from missed opportunities.

Summer or Winter? Favorite restaurant? Chocolate or Vanilla?

In Episode 106 we tackle some of these timeless debates.

Do you have a favorite scary movie? 

It's Halloween 2021 (we recorded this episode on Friday, October 29) and for fun we discuss all time great scary movies.

In episode 104, we get on the subject of tools, starting with Matt's podcast recording gear.... The question we ponder is what is the value of having quality tools and how you accumulate them over the years.

Power. Greed. Money. Legacy.

Sometimes a story comes along that you just can't get enough of. In episode 103, Matt and Jim discuss one of their favorite stories, Yellowstone.

*spoiler alerts

Is it true that if you have a bucket full of crabs, that when one tries to climb out, the others pull it back down? 

If you watch a couple of youtube videos, it seems like it is.

The idea of holding others down out of insecurity, immaturity and/or inexperience is the topic for this episode of the 2120 podcast.

2 guys. 1 conversation. 20 minutes.

Is it possible to place unfair expectations on others? That's the question that Matt and Jim tackle on this episode of 2120.

The wives join the show for this special edition of the 2120 podcast. Hear the real stories about the best parts of Jim and Matt (hint, their names are Beth and Danielle).

Sometimes people push our buttons. They may do it for fun, or they may do it unknowingly. Either way, we have a reaction to it.

Sometimes technology is a stressor... like trying to fix your internet when it goes down (GRR!!)

In episode 99, Jim and Matt talk about stressors and how to cope with them.

What is the significance of 86,400? 

Is it how much money professional athletes make per game? 
Is it how many downloads this podcast has? 
Is it days you have to live? 

Or is it something entirely different?

Find out what Jim and Matt have to say about 86,400 on this episode of 2120.

What do you think of when you think about misdirection?

Sleight of hand like a magician?

Do you think of it as an offensive strategy for a football team? 

How does the concept of misdirection fit into business? 

In episode 97 of the 2120 Podcast, Matt and Jim discuss the topic of misdirection.

Business is about staying in the lead, and in order to stay leading your competition you have to continuously try new things and innovate your systems, your products and your service.

In episode 96, Jim and Matt share their perspectives on how to create a culture that innovates. 

Can most people be trusted? 

What is meant by most? How far do you trust someone with your wallet? To watch your 10 year old child?

This conversation was driven by a LinkedIn poll that asked the same question. As of this morning (Aug 16, 2021) with 180+ respondents, 62% responded  YES while 38% responded NO.

So what do you think? Can most people be trusted? And is trust earned...

or is mistrust earned? 

Have you ever said something that didn't 'land' right with another person?

Perhaps you said something that came across as rude or insensitive but it's actually 180 degrees opposite of what you intended to say...

That's the topic of this episode. Jim opens the 'cast with a quick story of how he sorta stuck his foot in his mouth... Uh oh.

It leaves you feeling embarrassed, but even worse,  you may actually damage a relationship for a long time. Listen to the conversation and let us know what you think.

Life doesn't just pause, it's constantly going.

All too often people wait until a day off, a vacation, or even retirement, before they decide that it's time to start living. That could be too late.

In episode 93, Matt and I share our perspectives on what it means to be fully present and living in the moment. 

***Special Guest Alert***
Matt and Jim talk to Andrew Hanscom.   In this episode they break down what it takes to complete a Diesel Day in Colorado.   How far can you push yourself and finish what you started and not QUIT!

What is Diesel Day, Check out the website below.
https://www.crookedbutterfly.com/

Who Brian ‘tosh’ Chontosh:
Brian “Tosh” Chontosh is a retired Marine having served as an enlisted and commissioned infantryman. He has received multiple decorations for valor and recognized for his dynamic leadership capacities.  His pursuits in the ultra endurance arena challenge the limits of his comfort zone to where he continually re-negotiates the question “Who Am I?” Tosh’s skill and passion for the outdoors, coupled with his empathy and curious knack for leadership, presents a special talent in creating opportunities for others toward self-discovery and personal enrichment.

Agree and commit.

The secret sauce of accountability in great teams. In episode 91, Jim and Matt talk through what it means to get buy-in from other leaders and people on the team... as well as what happens after the meeting.

What does it mean to have clearly defined roles in leadership?

In episode 90, Matt and Jim take an example of a specific role in cycling from the Tour de France to discuss what it means to have defined roles and how it translates into business. 

From winless to undefeated and a berth at State on the line... this is the story of the Vinton-Shellsburg Boys Soccer team told from their head coach, Kyle McAbee.

After enduring multiple winless seasons, the 2021 season was filled with hope and determination as they won the conference outright with an undefeated season and a trip to State on the line.

This incredible story of resilience and persevering through tragedy is still being written.

Inspired by the memory legendary high school coach, Ed Thomas of Parkersburg, Iowa, Matt and James discuss what it means to give away your 'playbook.'

In episode 86, Matt and Jim talk about everything from seeing things differently to becoming comfortable with who you are and being 'you.'

In episode 85, Matt and Jim discuss what it means to stay on the path... in business and in life. 

Principles Matt shared are:

• Thumbs Up
• Pointing blame
• Eff it
• What am I married to
• The little things

Each of these represent a finger on your hand. So what does it mean in your life to "stay on the path?"

What does it mean to stay in your lane? Is that a good thing?

That's exactly what we Matt and Jim discuss on this episode of the 2120 podcast. We set it up through the lens of a basketball team and quickly transition to how 'staying in your lane' works – or doesn't work – in the business world.

Cast a compelling vision and watch how that inspires excellence around you.

In Episode 83 we take the famous quote by French philosopher Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, "If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea," to inspire our conversation.

The reality is that it's hard to bring 100% effort every day. That might happen because you're distracted, sick, under prepared... or because you've consciously (or unconsciously) decided to just 'show up'. As a result, you're not bringing your A-game.

In episode 82, Matt and Jim share their thoughts on what happens when you take your foot off the gas.

What if you had a goal to receive a letter in the future from someone who worked for you where they expressed their gratitude for helping them find greater success? 

In episode 81, Matt and Jim break down what it takes to build into another person and why "it's all about people."

This episode was a lot of fun and we hope you enjoy the twists and turns.

Before we hit record we were discussing retirement and the different perspectives people have on it. But, as with all of our episodes, the conversation turns to what preparing for the future, working towards goals, and the value of a decision...

This episode ends on a powerful realization that power of one decision has a ripple effect forward that we can't begin to understand today.

What happens when we're on guy-movie overload? We talk about it on the podcast, of course! 

So what would happen when 8 superstar action heroes get into a free-for-all match? Who would come out on top?

Listen in as we take a different approach on episode 79 of the 2120 podcast with this controversial debate as part of our I'm Right, You're Wrong series.

Jim and Matt launch into episode 78 by discussing great performances – specifically the 2018 film, Bohemian Rhapsody, the story of legendary British rock band, Queen and lead singer, Freddie Mercury.

We discuss brainstorming, active listening, "Wow! (not how)", and why you have to understand what makes people around you exceptional.

In part 2  with our friend and guest, Josh Erickson, we talk about our families, what it means to have an inner circle, and most importantly, what it means to build a lifelong friendship and the benefits from it.

Our good friend, Josh Erickson finally joins us for a podcast... and he had so much fun, we got him to do another.

We talk with Josh about seeing abilities in others and how others see the talents, strengths and gifts in us long before we're able... or even ready.

In this episode we get into the question of creating a culture that makes it acceptable to make a mistake, but also where it's unacceptable not to learn from them. 

Join Matt and Jim for episode 75. Two guys. One conversation. 20 minutes.

Is it possible to empower an employee, volunteer or staff member in such a way they have too much power? 

As a leader, your job is to get the best out of people, but could you empower them too far? What happens as a result? And, how do you know when you've created a 'monster?'

That's the topic that James Mayhew and Matt Phippen tackle in this episode of the 2120 podcast.

Have you tapped into your extra gear, or are you cruising around in 3rd thinking your car isn’t fast enough for the interstate? 

In episode 73, we discuss what it means to be confident, to be the best, and why helping others tap into their strengths is so rewarding.

In episode 72, Jim and Matt break down how easily conflict can occur over differences with pace and priority.

Pace determines how we think, make decisions, and act... fast or slow.

Priority determines whether we're task-focused or people focused... the source of almost all conflict between people. 

The call comes in.

"Can I speak with a manager?"

If you've ever received that call, you probably are bracing yourself for an unpleasant experience. It's easy to jump into the mindset of, Now what?

But what if that call is something else?

That's the topic for episode 71 of the 21020 podcast.

In episode 70, we discuss what happens when corners get cut in business and sloppiness and laziness become the norm.

In episode 69, Matt shares his 10 keys to success in life.

So, what do you think about Matt's list?  Do you agree? What keys have you found that have helped you achieve success? 

In Episode 68, Jim introduces Mr. Patrilla to the 2120 family. Matt and Jim discuss the power of having a great teacher/coach/mentor in your life and reflect on lessons they were taught from perfectionism to remembering why you teach.

What do you talk about with your friends at 8:30PM on a Friday night over beer while watching a kickass sporting event...?

What annoys you, of course.

In episode 67 Jim shares a piece from his leadership training about what makes us exceptional – the way we think, communicate, relate and work – could be what annoys someone else.

We hope you find as much enjoyment by listening to this episode as we had recording it. 

Cheers. 

In episode 66, Matt and Jim discuss the difference between advice and feedback.

How to seek it... 

Who to seek it from...

And the ability to discern great feedback and advice without compromising your goals or vision.