SmarterU

In this episode, we sit down with Alastair Duncan—known for his work in the God of War series—to explore something simple, but often overlooked: the importance of truly listening.
In a world that rewards quick reactions and constant noise, listening can feel like a lost skill. Alastair reflects on how slowing down, being present, and hearing others more deeply can lead to better conversations, stronger relationships, and clearer thinking.
Sometimes the smartest move isn’t having the right answer—it’s taking the time to understand the question.

Mark Itkin rose to be the Managing Partner of hollywood's mega agency, William Morris Endeavor by Zigging while everyone else was Zagging. Responsible for getting Deal or No Deal, Fear Factor, The Real World, Big Brother, Project Runway, Hell's Kitchen, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and so many more to market and onto televisions, Mark has left an indullible "mark" on the entertainment landscape. In this deep-dive interview, he shares the surprising stories of how he plotted his own career path, how some of those hit shows made it to air and how we can all navigate our own lives better. You won't want to miss being advised by the mind that has been trusted by the royalty of Hollywood for decades. key topics Zigging when others zagging in media Evolution of television and media business Branding and quality in entertainment The rise of reality TV and format business Career development and mentorship in entertainment

Get practical ... Get Started ... with Anish Quenim, Director of the Alderson Griffin Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship at the Rawls College of Business, Texas Tech University. Unpack the very first steps you need to take to get started and the critical things you can do to make your hard work benefit your family and generations to come. Join us as we explore the future of family business and entrepreneurship with Anish Quenim from Texas Tech University. Discover how micro-credentials, intergenerational communication, and community engagement are shaping the next generation of business leaders.

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In this insightful interview, Dines, a creative powerhouse in the global creative scene, co-founder and creative director of Studio Blup, shares his perspectives on staying relevant in the age of AI, building authentic brands, and cultivating a creative mindset. He emphasizes the importance of culture, authenticity, and consistent work to achieve long-term success.
key topics
Staying ahead of AI in creative fields Authentic branding and culture The importance of consistent work and patience Building a personal and professional system The intersection of history, culture, and creativity sound bites "Your work is your creative ideas." "Remix the old to create the new." "Humans bring what no machine can."

Matt Savage shares his journey from chip runner to influential leader in the poker industry, emphasizing respect, standardization, and global growth of poker. Discover how his innovations and passion have shaped televised poker and fostered a worldwide community.
key topicsStandardization of poker rules Global expansion of poker tournaments Impact of televised poker on the industry
sound bites"Never hold a grudge in this industry" "Started as a chip runner in 1992" "Poker is a microcosm of life"

In this trend-setting interview, poker legend Phil Hellmuth shares insights on success, positivity, networking, and the parallels between poker and entrepreneurship. Discover how embracing authenticity, seizing opportunities, and building genuine relationships can transform your life and career. key topics The importance of seizing opportunities and walking through doors The role of positivity and cheerleading in success Building a strong network through poker and business The parallels between poker strategies and entrepreneurial success The importance of staying grounded and authentic

In this engaging conversation, WPT host Vince Van Patten shares his journey from a young poker enthusiast to a prominent figure in the poker world as the host of the World Poker Tour. He discusses the importance of forgiveness, the evolution of poker into a mainstream sport, and his entrepreneurial spirit that has led him to various creative ventures. Vince reflects on the grind of poker and life, the impact of the World Poker Tour, and the significance of gratitude in his career. His insights provide a unique perspective on the poker industry and the personal growth that comes with it.

In this pace-setting conversation, Steve Lipscomb and Hermance Blum discuss the evolution of the World Poker Tour, the importance of adaptability in global business, and the unique experiences that poker offers. They explore how poker serves as a platform for diverse individuals to connect, the significance of branding and innovation in the industry, and the role of content creation in expanding the poker community. Hermance shares insights on wellness trends in poker, the creative process behind new ideas, and the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. The discussion emphasizes the need for trust and relationships in business, as well as the mindful use of social media to foster creativity and connection.

Movie and Television Star Mimi Rogers shares her insights on persistence, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit in both acting and poker. She discusses her journey in Hollywood, the importance of storytelling, and how the streaming revolution has opened new opportunities for actors of all ages. Mimi reflects on her experiences in the World Poker Tour and the lessons learned from both poker and film production, emphasizing the significance of passion and originality in achieving success.

In this engaging conversation, Steve Lipscomb and Lynn Gilmartin explore the intersection of poker, storytelling, and personal growth. Lynn shares her journey in the poker world, emphasizing the importance of communication, listening, and emotional intelligence. They discuss the significance of taking risks, the role of luck in both poker and life, and the power of generosity within the poker community. The conversation also touches on philanthropy, the diversity of poker players, and the importance of gratitude and community support in career growth. Ultimately, they highlight the lessons learned from poker that can be applied to entrepreneurship and personal development.