Awsomology
104 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago -Hello and welcome, fellow Awsomologists, to Awsomology, the show where Ben and Sue find awesome things and dish them up just for you.
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Episodes
7 Questions to Find Your Purpose
May 09, 2024 12:15 - 59 minutes - 82.4 MBBen and Sue go through and start to answer some questions from Mark Manson’s article about finding your purpose.
Cortney Arnold from Filene
April 24, 2024 15:42 - 52 minutes - 71.7 MBBen and Sue sit down with Cortney Arnold, Community Development Director at Filene Research Institute, to discuss her career and how Filene helps credit unions think forward and change lives.
What Will Success Look Like?
April 09, 2024 16:48 - 53 minutes - 73.6 MBBen and Sue discuss some new ideas for how the book we’re writing might look and sound and then dive into some thoughts about success that they think are worth exploring. We are so happy you’re on this journey with us! Our awesome recommendations: Have An Infinite Mindset Success That Lasts The Role of Visual Learning in Improving Students’ High-Order Thinking Skills What Makes Storytelling So Effective For Learning? The Power of Visual Learning Impact of Visual Aids in Enhancing the...
Todd Kuckkahn on Company Culture
March 25, 2024 18:54 - 49 minutes - 68.2 MBBen and Sue talk to Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach, and Solopreneur, Todd Kuckkahn. Todd tells us how he transitioned from working for an organization to becoming a full-time consultant, as well as his mission of revolutionizing company culture and leadership. You don’t want to miss this episode! We appreciate you coming on the show Todd. Our awesome recommendations: Truck Driver Rescue Welcome to the Monkey House – Kurt Vonnegut
Learning How to Write a Book
March 06, 2024 19:41 - 52 minutes - 72 MBBen and Sue talk about our book we are writing, updates on the barriers that have been experiencing, and how we are going to move past them as a team. We’re excited that you are on this journey with us! Our awesome recommendations: Jurassic Park, 8 years from initial idea to publication The Beatles - making quick work! The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - 36 hours, one take Stephen King - Everything you need to know to write successfully
Professor John W. Neumann
February 21, 2024 15:50 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MBBen and Sue talk to special guest, Professor John Neumann, on his awesome marketing journey. They dive into John’s purpose and how he is able to balance teaching, consulting, and running a small business. You don’t want to miss his inspiring story! We appreciate you coming on the show John. Our awesome recommendations: The Super Bowl Was 100% Solar Powered Organic Valley - working with organic farmer to reduce greenhouse gas emissions X: The Generation That Changed The World
Finding the Purpose in Your Work
February 07, 2024 18:24 - 38 minutes - 52.4 MBBen and Sue help us break down purpose by putting it into three main buckets: purpose as a human, in the organization you work for, and the purpose behind what you do in your job. Also more discussion about our upcoming book? Join us on this journey!
Denise Wymore Returns
January 24, 2024 18:31 - 54 minutes - 74.5 MBBen and Sue talk to special guest/author, Denise Wymore, who has such wealth of knowledge and passion for what she does. They go over what GSD means and talk credit unions! You don’t want to miss this! We appreciate you so much Denise. Our awesome recommendations: Future Technology Beef - Netflix Echo on Disney+ – Alaqua Cox is a member of the Menominee tribe from Kenosha, WI
New Year, New Adventure
January 10, 2024 19:23 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MBIn this episode Ben and Sue share information on their new adventure! Their book project will unify all of the useful information under the broader theme of marketing with purpose. Will you join us on this journey?
Our Predictions for 2024
December 27, 2023 19:45 - 53 minutes - 73.9 MBBen and Sue talk about their top three predictions for 2024! Tune in to see if you have the same predictions! Will ChatGPT become the new Myspace? Only time will tell… Once again, thank you clients and friends for a GREAT 2023! Our awesome recommendations: Apes remember friends Why re-watching your favorite TV show is good for you
Accountable Team Series Wrap Up
December 14, 2023 05:30 - 45 minutes - 62.7 MBIn this episode Ben and Sue share their top three moments from this series and begin to tie a bow on 2023!
Sedric Brinson
November 30, 2023 16:25 - 58 minutes - 80.2 MBBen and Sue talk to special guest, Sedric Brinson, on his new role at CUNA. Ben and Sue are inspired by his advocacy for Credit Unions and how he helps others discover their value. You don’t want to miss his story! We appreciate you Sedric. Our awesome recommendations: The Secret Millionaire The Vibe Controller Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose
Leading Change Through the Overwhelming
November 09, 2023 18:19 - 49 minutes - 68.4 MBIn this episode Ben and Sue get real on navigating change when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It's important to remember that we are human! We sometimes feel overwhelmed, which doesn’t mean failure. Being overwhelmed is a normal part of the growth process. Ben and Sue discuss the importance of full transparency and tell us how to bounce back!
Do Chunky People Buy Cars?
October 18, 2023 15:25 - 55 minutes - 75.7 MBBen and Sue talk to special guest, Nanci Wilson, on how she became such a big Credit Union advocate! Sue was specifically inspired by an article Nanci contributed to CU Insight last year called “Did You Know Chunky People Buy Cars?”. In the article Nanci talks about a table discussion at a conference that inspired her. You don’t want to miss this inspiring story!! We appreciate you Nanci. Our awesome recommendations: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Mutant Mayhem Lies My Teacher Told Me ...
Insights from Our Accountable Book Club
October 05, 2023 17:14 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBBen and Sue discuss the meta... takeaways from their team's takeaways! They had their team come up with personal and team goals from the book "Revolutionize Teamwork." Main topics of discussion include: -Speaking for themselves (using I instead of We) -Making statements instead of asking questions -Refer back to the decision matix -Breaking social contracts What are the next steps? Tune in!
Marketing Advice for Solopreneurs
September 21, 2023 16:28 - 57 minutes - 79.4 MBBen and Sue are calling out all the very smart, very innovative people out there starting new business. How do solopreneurs connect to their audience and grow a business when it’s just them and maybe a friend who works in Marketing somewhere and giving them advice? Ben and Sue give you important details on steps to take to get you started. Also just remember you can’t skip steps and results may vary! Our awesome recommendations: American Prometheus Strike Force Five
Keep On Keepin' On
September 08, 2023 15:08 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MBBen and Sue decided on monthly updates, so they're keeping their word. In this episode they are honest about what the team is working on/working towards, interview talks, and owning up to issues made on the team. The best way to get through these issues? Recognize them and figure out a plan to move forward. You can't ignore your way through issues!
Creating Human Moments With Your Brand Live
August 21, 2023 19:09 - 39 minutes - 54.7 MBBen and Sue go live at the Wisconsin Credit Union League’s 2023 Marketing and Public Relations Workshop! What would make this podcast more electric? If it was done in front of a live audience? Join Ben, Sue, and special guest, Denise Wymore, as they talk about humanizing your brand in front of a live audience! Oh, and they also do a fun true/false segment and Denise explains what G.S.D. actually means! Our awesome recommendations: Bay Beach Barbie Movie
Giving Up Control
August 07, 2023 17:22 - 1 hour - 84.7 MBGiving up control over something can be a very hard thing to do, but luckily for you there are a lot of variables that Ben and Sue cover in this episode. Ben and Sue talk about surrendering control and how it can help to build teams and move them closer toward their shared fate, grow as individuals for future roles, and to be able to see their vision.
Do You Have to Join Threads (or Anything Else)?
July 26, 2023 17:46 - 57 minutes - 78.4 MBBen and Sue share their opinions on the new text-based social media platform Threads. They also discuss the business strategy of Threads and how it might help us understand the “Fediverse”. Also...What is the fediverse?! And don't worry, they will explain what that is too. They will finish off with explaining how joining a new social media platform can affect your current strategy. What's the best option? Tune in and find out! Our awesome recommendations: ‘Oppenheimer’ Composer Old Wor...
Breaking The Social Contract
July 05, 2023 18:35 - 47 minutes - 65.6 MBHave you had an issue with one of your teammate's work? How do you handle the situation? In this episode Ben and Sue talk about the social contract that prevents us from helping each other grow and how to handle them in an appropriate way. Spoiler: Your boss doesn't need to fix everything.
What's The Deal With DE?
June 22, 2023 21:03 - 1 hour - 87.4 MBBefore we explain what it is, just know, it's for everyone! YAY! In this episode, Ben and Sue talk about their experience in DE (development education), why everyone should do it, and what to expect. Our awesome recommendations: The Radium Girls National Credit Union Foundation's DE program
All Stop Time
June 07, 2023 21:32 - 46 minutes - 64.5 MBIn this episode, Sue shares her definition of an "all stop" and why it is important for a functional team. Ben and Sue also provide examples of what is going well (goal setting and incorporating the whole team in conversations) and maybe what isn't going as planned (having milestones in place and having shared fate for projects).
How Consumer Behavior Affects Your Marketing
May 21, 2023 19:01 - 48 minutes - 65.9 MBConsumer Behavior can affect your marketing strategy. Consumers act, think, buy, and respond in certain ways. In this episode, Ben and Sue provide a list of things that can help drive/predict consumer behavior, things that can negatively affect consumer behavior, and they also talk about how it can affect what we do and how we can work with it. Our awesome recommendations: Dog Toy Project Josh Groban as Sweeney Todd
Why Your Team Should Stop Pairing
May 09, 2023 15:51 - 54 minutes - 75.1 MBIn this episode, Ben and Sue talk about the concept of pairing and how it prevents functional teams from being truly accountable. They give you examples of pairing in the workplace and also give you new ideas on how your team can curb it.
Top Tips for New Marketers
April 25, 2023 18:18 - 1 hour - 87 MBHave you ever had a marketing idea whether it's for your personal brand or business and you don't know where to start? Ben and Sue deep dive right into top tips to get you started as a new marketer. They cover six important tips to get you started on the right track. Our awesome recommendations: Changes in baseball Finch: Self care app
Survey Says - We're Functional
April 13, 2023 15:23 - 56 minutes - 77.5 MBIn this episode, Ben and Sue dive into their best advice for how to incorporate healthy processes in an organization and if our creative and capable team is meeting expectations via our survey data. Three main points: -Setting tolerances for not achieving perfection -Can a team can succeed when a team members fails -How to fill gaps moving forward
Does Your Content Align with Your Strategic Plan?
March 28, 2023 16:32 - 1 hour - 98.9 MBDo you know your business's strategic plan? What about your content plan? Do they need to be aligned? After touching on the bank failures in Silicon Valley, Ben and Sue talk about staying on track with goals by building the right habits and how a strategic plan can be different from a content plan, but both should align in a few ways. Our awesome recommendations: The postal service pledges to move to an all electric delivery fleet National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)
Is Your Team Functional?
March 14, 2023 17:00 - 44 minutes - 60.5 MBBen and Sue discuss their best advice for how to move forward when gaps come up in the functionality of a team. Is your team accountable? Have you tried creating a survey to see where everyone is at? How do you measure if the team is striding toward your shared purpose? In this episode, you'll hear Ben and Sue discuss how they worked past those to become a more accountable team. Want to learn more about the ideas we're sharing? Check out: Revolutionize Teamwork by Eric Coryell
TikTok Troubles with Rich
March 03, 2023 15:59 - 40 minutes - 55.7 MBHow are you using social channels in your business? And how deep are you looking into it? Is it safe for your internal network? In this episode, you'll hear Rich explain why using TikTok in business can be very risky and gives us some things to look for as a marketer before jumping head first into a new social media channel. Our awesome recommendations: Michael Jordan Donates $10 million to Make-A-Wish Pug Rescue of New England Krebbs on Security Create your own will for free right h...
Getting Back On Track
February 27, 2023 21:03 - 43 minutes - 60.2 MBWhat do you do when you face challenges? Are we being honest with ourselves? In this episode, you'll hear how they strive for total and radical accountability, what to do when barriers come up when moving forward with projects, and how transparency is key to growing past those mistakes and keeping the accountable team strong.
How AI Could Change the Creative World
January 25, 2023 20:39 - 51 minutes - 70.5 MBHow are you using AI in your own creative workspace? And how often are you using AI without even realizing it? In this episode, you'll hear how they use AI on the daily, what AI applications they want to try, and if they're scared of AI taking over the world? (Spoilers: They are.) Our awesome recommendations: The Endangered Species Act has saved at least 227 animals. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Game
Getting Started with Our Accountable Team
January 11, 2023 16:34 - 54 minutes - 75 MBHow much more successful would your team be if they were fully accountable to a shared vision, to each other, and to the success of your organization? Join Ben and Sue from the Exclamation Marketing Team on their journey toward building healthy and happy accountability. In this episode, you'll hear where they started, how it's going, and their plans for the future. Want to learn more about the ideas we're sharing? Check out: Revolutionize Teamwork by Eric Coryell
End of 2022 Q&A With Nick
December 29, 2022 15:27 - 57 minutes - 78.7 MBFrom strategy to budgeting to who they'd play in a fantasy biopic, we covered a lot of ground to cap the year off right. What questions would you have asked if you had the chance? Extra Awesome for you to check out: Charlie sees his new Spiderman kicks for the first time Learn about this breakthrough in nuclear fusion energy Watch Wednesday on Netflix Quick! Get over to Eastbay.com and get some deals before they're gone!!
Should I Scale Back on Marketing Next Year?
November 29, 2022 14:14 - 58 minutes - 79.8 MBBen and Sue talk about why that happens, how you can prevent it, and how you can do more with less in 2023. Check out our recommendations: Some books we love by Neil Gaiman: Anansi Boys, The Graveyard Book, The Sandman Custom Kicks by Nick Malovrh (check out our blog to see Charlie's new Spiderman shoes.)
What the Heck is Plantopia?
October 28, 2022 13:59 - 1 hour - 112 MBBen and Sue detail their team's planning process (that's what the heck Plantopia is..), reflect on how it has evolved, and give their advice for how it can work on your team. Some awesome (if a little bit heavy) recommendations: Revolutionize Teamwork by Eric Coryell All There Is (Podcast) With Anderson Cooper The Orphaned Adult by Alexander Levy
Climb Africa with Lois and Katy
September 30, 2022 12:57 - 51 minutes - 71 MBBen is flying solo this time, but that's okay because he's talking to two intrepid adventurers who are giving their all to help ACCOSCA and the Africa Cooperative Development Foundation invest in state-of-the-art training facilities to benefit the SACCOs (African credit unions) across the continent of Africa. Our guests talk about how they got involved with the African credit union movement, and how they're preparing for the climb along with other climbers, a dedicated ground crew, and int...
Is Empathy Part of Your Stategy?
August 30, 2022 13:48 - 48 minutes - 66.7 MBIn this episode of the podcast, Ben and Sue talk about creating an empathy map to reach the right people with the right message, at the right time, how you can use those insights to connect in a human way, and how they apply in your day-to-day. Check out our recommendations: A major shout out to Filene Research. You should check out their insights. James Webb: How does a grain of sand held at arm’s length look? For a great night out in 75+ cities, investigate "Dinner Detective."
Building an Online Business with Jimmy
July 28, 2022 11:56 - 49 minutes - 67.7 MBIn this episode, Jimmy shares his journey as we explore the advantages and roadblocks to starting a business based on a hobby he's loved since he was a kid. From the first steps to consider, through the building blocks of a successful online shop, and into the future of building and growing a loyal customer base for the long term, we cover it all, and then some. Awesome things we recommend this month: Check out the affordable and sustainable products from Grove.co Read "Night" by Elie...
Angela and Lisa on Rainbow Washing
June 30, 2022 13:12 - 1 hour - 83.5 MBAfter consuming podcasts, articles, and think pieces (oh my), we decided to talk to more of our super-smart friends to help us fill in the blanks. In this episode, Ben and Sue are diving into the danger and disappointments of Rainbow Washing for the LGBTQIA+ community with the help of guests Angela Prestil (from CU Difference) and Lisa Koenecke (a Certified Diversity Equity Inclusion Speaker). Some recommendations you’ll want to check out: The Human Rights Campaign (To find the Corporate E...
Teaching Yoga and Balancing Business with Stacy
May 26, 2022 13:39 - 41 minutes - 56.7 MBFrom yoga enthusiast to traveling teacher, to full-time business owner Stacy takes us through her journey to bring health, love, and community into the Marshfield area through yoga practice. As a mom of five boys with a husband also running his own business, Stacy can tell us a lot about following your passions and carving out moments of relaxation and healing in a busy life. Once you're done hearing Stacy's Story, check out these other awesome things: Life Kit by NPR The Kitchen Tab...
Are Good Ideas Really Magic?
April 28, 2022 12:42 - 47 minutes - 65.4 MBBen and Sue are tackling some of the mysteries of ideation, talking about their process, and bringing a little science along to make it all make sense. Check out some of the places we found good ideas: Adam Grant: The surprising habits of original thinkers Find a Little Free Library here
Cyber Warfare With Rich
March 30, 2022 13:00 - 35 minutes - 48.1 MBRich, our VP of IT, joins Ben and Sue for an enlightening conversation about keeping your data secure and keeping the bad guys out of your business. For more info on what you can do to protect yourself and your organization check out our blog post here. How about some great resources to help people? Home Delivered Meals in Marshfield Meals on Wheels in Stevens Point Meals on Wheels in Neenah-Menasha Support Humanitarian efforts in Ukraine through Rotary International Vet where your c...
Dohnia and the AACUC
February 25, 2022 18:51 - 34 minutes - 47.8 MBWhether you're a credit union professional or want to learn about how thousands of diverse credit union people are working together to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the movement, this episode is a great place to start. When you're done listening, check out more from these organizations: The African American Credit Union Coalition The National Association of Latino Credit Union Professionals Inclusiv In your free time, check out these recommendations too: Extraordinary, ...
Who We Are and Where We Came From
January 28, 2022 16:54 - 58 minutes - 79.9 MBIn this episode, Ben and Sue take us all the way back to where it started, explain what's unique about Exclamation Services (spoilers: it's a CUSO), and highlight why it's so awesome that they get to help credit unions, small businesses, and non-profits on the regular. The links we shared: Ready to amp up your DEI journey? Check out these Inclusive Language Guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association. Want to take a break and reconnect with your partner? Try one of these Date N...
Only Awesome Things
December 29, 2021 14:00 - 29 minutes - 40.1 MBIf you've listened before, you know we like to end each episode by sharing something awesome for you to check out. This time it's NOTHING BUT awesome recommendations from our team and a special guest from episodes past. Join us as we shout out some cool things you can get into while you relax over the holidays. Here's the awesomeness, in order of appearance: Black Oxygen Podcast - Live in Amherst, WI Sunsets Cosmo Sheldrake on Spotify The Marketplace Podcast from NPR Make Me Smart P...
Taking Care of Yourself for the Holidays
November 26, 2021 19:13 - 48 minutes - 66.2 MBBen took a little break while Sue chatted with Lynn Meinders, a social work professional who works with the Employee Assistance Program at Ascension Healthcare. Listen as they discuss shared trauma from the pandemic, processing grief, and how to tell if your holidays are helping or hurting your mental health this year. Our Something(s) Awesome to Share: Marty Rogers has handed out Free Thanksgiving Dinners for 44 Years The Mental Illness Happy Hour Podcast
Did We Predict It?
October 27, 2021 14:24 - 54 minutes - 74.9 MBHas this year been as unpredictable as we think? As 2021 is wrapping up, Ben and Sue are looking back at this blog post from February of 2021 to see if they and their Exclamation teammates accurately predicted what 2021 had in store. Awesome things to check out: Be an amateur stargazer like Ben with the SkyView app. Get your history fix with The Dollop Podcast (NSFW, but awesome).
Ask Us Anything 2021
September 29, 2021 17:30 - 52 minutes - 72.4 MBBen and Sue answer questions about their career journey, giving philosophies, what makes them hit their heads against a desk, and more. Tune in and we're sure you'll find a little something you can use. Awesome Things We're Watching Right Now: Secrets of the Whales on Disney+ Only Murders in the Building on Netflix
Thinking Strategically about Strategic Planning with Josh
August 30, 2021 16:44 - 49 minutes - 68.5 MBAnother of our smart friends, Josh Roberts from The Wisconsin Credit Union League, joins Ben and Sue to talk about the power of planning, no matter how large or small your organization is. They dissect the process from start to finish, share tips, and demonstrate that they're exactly the kind of people that get really jazzed about strategic planning. Awesome things to Share: Josh's Recommendations- (Book links to Amazon but also please consider supporting your local bookseller..) - ...