Interesting ideas with Stan Hustad

Well it really is the summer season now here in North America. And I am going to start the summer by having a burning bush birthday and I'm gonna turn that into a burning bush summer. No I don't plan to burn anything down but this is a metaphor for a very powerful principle that could guide our life if we fully understood it and acted upon it. And I'm going to try to do that.  With your permission may I take just 13 minutes to tell you what that all means to me and how it might be helpful to both of us and then may I inspire you to make this a very special summer for you too. Maybe it's time for you to make your mark and be reckoned with! And once again the robot wanted to add his comments to the program! My Burning Bush Summer—And Maybe Yours Too By Stan Hustad This summer, I’ve decided not to just sweat through the heat—I’m going to set my soul on fire. I’m calling it My Burning Bush Summer, and no, I’m not heading off into the wilderness in sandals. But like Moses, I’m hoping for a moment of clarity, calling, and maybe even a little bit of divine direction. Let me explain. What’s a Burning Bush Summer? Think of it as a metaphor. Just like Moses stumbled on that mysterious, fiery shrub that wouldn’t burn out, I’m looking for the spark that grabs attention and doesn’t let go. This isn’t about a midlife crisis. This is about a mid-year mission: to ignite something purposeful, powerful, and personal—something that just might change my life and, if I do it right, maybe someone else’s. And that, dear reader, is where you come in. From Thump Day to Impact Zone It all started on a Wednesday I now call “Thump Day.” Not just the middle of the week—this is when you pound the table, recommit to your purpose, and say: “Let’s do something meaningful.” For me, that means launching a few bold initiatives: - The Impact Zone: Not self-improvement—self-expression with impact. It's where you learn to make your mark, become someone worth reckoning with, and find your voice in the noisy marketplace. - The Christian Entrepreneur Network: Where we teach people how to be Jesus entrepreneurs—bold, brave, and kingdom-minded in business. It’s not about proselytizing. It’s about practicing. Not about preaching. About producing. - The Transformation Zone: In partnership with folks like Joe Pine, we’ll go beyond change into transformation. Not just better—but different. - The Generosity Zone: Where we’ll help people understand that success isn’t about what you take—it’s about what you give. All of this is anchored in the idea that this summer could be your turning point. Not just a time for vacations and BBQs (though I’m for that too), but a chance to ask: Am I serious about living a life that matters? The Power of Performance If content is king, then performance is queen—and if you know your chess, the queen moves the board. That’s why I believe in personal performance marketing. Whether you're trying to land a job, start a business, or launch a podcast—it's not just about what you know. It’s about how you show who you are. This summer, I’m helping people become MSCs—Masters of Self-Communication. You’ve got to sell your intelligence, your empathy, your energy, and your value. If you’re asking someone to pay you $50,000, remember: they could buy a new car instead. You’ve got to prove you’re the better investment. Plans, Purpose, and a Touch of Nostalgia Personally, I’m even planning to revisit my roots—a little town in North Dakota where I spent my earliest years. I haven’t been back in over six decades. There’s something sacred about returning to where it all began. Maybe there’s a burning bush waiting for me on that prairie. I’m also taking time to celebrate birthdays and beaches here in Carolina. Rest, reflect, reset. And then I’ll be back—because this work, this mission, this summer matters. What About Your Burning Bush Summer? This isn’t just about me. It’s about you. - What’s going to set your summer on fire in the best way? - What story do you want to tell come September? - Who do you want to become by the time the leaves change? Maybe it’s launching that podcast. Starting that business. Forging that friendship. Or simply becoming the person you’ve always known you were meant to be. I’m here to help. If I can’t, I probably know someone who can. That’s what a burning bush moment is all about—suddenly seeing the path, the power, and the people who can walk with you. Takeaways for Your Summer Journey - 🔥 Seek the spark. Don’t settle for a boring summer. Ask for a burning bush one. - 🎯 Make an impact. Look for places where your presence matters. - 🧠 Sell your smarts. Learn to express yourself in a world that needs authentic voices. - 💡 Find mentors. Don’t just get a job—get next to people who stretch and teach you. - 🎁 Give generously. Generosity is the greatest growth strategy. Final Word Be a blessing, not a curse—because, friend, you’re one or the other. This summer, I invite you to do more than tan your skin. Light a fire in your heart. Make it a summer to remember. Best and blessings, Stan

Two journalists have written a book that is making them millions of dollars called Original Sin... And they claim that former President Joe Biden was the sinner. What do you think about that and what is going on, and I would love to hear your opinion. But could it be that once again that everything we thought we knew might be wrong and should we continue to have that curiosity part of our life always intact. Well give me just 14 minutes and see if we can become a little bit braver bolder and smarter and learn from the people who are not! And then the robot wanted to add something to the story What’s *Your* Original Sin? A Curious Case of Politics, Personal Truths, and a Summer of Forgiveness A reflection by Stan Hustad Have you ever made a decision so wrong, so misjudged, that it seemed to ripple through the rest of your life like a bad echo in a canyon? No, this isn't just about Joe Biden or the latest political bombshell of the season—this one’s about you. And me. And what we might learn from all the noise. Welcome to another edition of “What If Everything You Thought You Knew Was Wrong?”—our new program for those who are brave enough to be curious. Inspired by the best-selling political exposé Original Sin, this episode isn’t a political takedown. It’s an invitation. Yes, the book’s title is dramatic. According to the journalists-turned-authors (whose names I chose not to mention—no need for more spotlight), President Joe Biden’s “original sin” was deciding to run for reelection when he was in no shape to do so. They say that decision—fueled by ego, denial, or misplaced loyalty—led to a chain reaction that cost him the presidency and threw the nation into chaos. But here’s the kicker: their version of “original sin” got me thinking… What if we all have one? What if the real story here isn’t just about a failed political maneuver but about the mistakes we make, the cover-ups we attempt, and the truths we avoid in our own lives? The Point of the Program This episode isn’t just about what went wrong with Biden’s campaign. It’s about taking the headlines personally. Not to wallow in guilt, but to get wiser. We started by unpacking the idea of original sin—not just the theological version where Eve takes a bite and all humanity goes off the rails—but the personal ones. The little ones and the big ones. The things we did. The things we didn’t do. The ones that still keep us up at night. Or worse, the ones we’ve forgotten to regret. This reflection led to a question: What is your original sin? Is it a business deal you pushed too far? A relationship you let die on the vine? A promise you broke, not because you had to, but because it was easier? Maybe it’s the lies you told yourself, or the truths you never told others. Like I said on the air, I go to church most Sundays and always find myself muttering that timeless phrase, “Forgive me for what I’ve done, and what I’ve failed to do.” That, friends, is the daily confession of a recovering sinner. One who wants to get a little better, braver, and bolder each time I fall and get back up. Takeaways to Remember, Reflect, and Share • Take the news personally. Not everything is just about “them.” Often, it's a mirror. • Admit your original sin. Confession isn’t weakness. It’s the birthplace of strength. • Forgive and move forward. Carrying old guilt is like dragging a rusted anchor. • Be curious, not combative. Truth is rarely found in the shouting match. • Transformation begins with truth. Real change starts when we stop pretending. A Gentle Push Toward Better Living Let me leave you with a charming challenge: This summer, do the brave thing. Admit a fault. Seek forgiveness. Offer some too. Whether you’re running a business, a family, or just trying to run your own life better—consider that some of what you “knew for sure” might’ve been dead wrong. And that’s okay. Because the greatest sin may not be the one we committed, but the one we refused to learn from. So here’s to getting it a little more right. To being more useful, more human, more whole. Let’s be stronger, bolder, and even… a little more forgiving. If you’re looking for a guide, a sounding board, or even just a voice of reason in the whirlwind of change, reach out to me at witradio.net. Because whether it’s business or life, chances are, there’s still something worth transforming. All the best to you. Till next time—stay curious, stay kind, and stay brave.

I tell stories. That's what I do. And today I want to tell you some stories about Memorial Day, and being on the radio, and how old time towns celebrated Memorial Day many years ago. And then I want to tell you about my friend Brennan... He is the one that the title of the program is all about. So please take about 15 minutes to be inspired, and perhaps challenged, and perhaps be thankful for those who are not here, but because they're not, you are here! Then please take some time to tell me your Memorial Day memory and perhaps your transformation story. And now here is what Stosh has to say about the show! “He Threw Himself on the Grenade for Me” — A Memorial Day Story of Transformation This is Stan, and I want to welcome you to a story that’s more than a Memorial Day message. It’s about memory and meaning, about service and sacrifice, but above all—it’s about transformation. From Bike Parades to Battlefields I remember when Memorial Day fell on May 31st, not just on the Monday that made for a three-day weekend. It was a sacred day, a break in the normal rhythm of life. In my small town, we’d decorate our bikes with crepe paper and flags and trail behind the veterans as they marched through Main Street. The parade ended at the cemetery, where taps echoed through the air and spent shells from the 21-gun salute became childhood souvenirs. It was a holiday, yes—but one wrapped in reverence. The Day I Entered the World of Radio Another Memorial Day stands out for me. It was during the time I made a dramatic career pivot—from teaching to broadcasting. I was still juggling both, working full-time at school and studying broadcasting by night. We were told there’d be no class that holiday Monday, and we all sighed with relief. But then our instructor dropped a little truth bomb on us: “Enjoy it. It’s the last holiday you’ll ever have off. Radio doesn’t stop.” And he was right. From that day on, I worked holidays. No more time off. Why? Because someone had to be there—on air, in voice, speaking truth, remembering, reminding. That’s what transformation demanded of me: to step into a new calling and stay present, even on days of rest. Brennan Manning and the Weight of Sacrifice But the story that defines Memorial Day for me isn’t mine. It belongs to Brennan Manning. You may know him as the compelling speaker and author who shared deeply about grace, addiction, and faith. I had the privilege of picking him up once for a speaking engagement at our church. As we drove, he quietly mentioned that “Brennan” wasn’t his real name. He shared the story behind it. During the Korean War, a grenade landed in the trench where he and a few others were huddled. A friend of his—without hesitation—threw himself on the grenade. It killed him but saved Brennan and the others. Brennan told me, “He didn’t just die for his country. He died for me.” Think about that. “No greater love has anyone than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” That act transformed Brennan. But it also burdened him. He carried guilt. He wrestled with the question, *How do I live a life worthy of that sacrifice?* That guilt led him into addiction, then into recovery—and ultimately into ministry. He confided that he always needed to have someone from AA on call. Just in case. Just to remember he wasn’t alone. Transformation, he reminded me, doesn’t always happen in a straight line. It’s messy. It’s humbling. It’s painful. But it’s real. Memorial Day: A Time for Remembering and Reimagining As we honor those who laid down their lives this Memorial Day, let’s also remember the living legacies of transformation they leave behind. Some gave their lives in uniform. Others gave their lives in other ways—serving, sacrificing, showing up. Brennan’s friend didn’t just save a life—he transformed one. And Brennan, for all his brokenness, turned his life into a source of transformation for others. A Few Takeaways to Reflect On: • Transformation often begins with sacrifice—someone gives up something, sometimes everything, so another can live, grow, or thrive. • Guilt can hinder growth unless we find community and purpose to work through it. • Old voices still speak—and if we’ve lived long enough, it’s probably because we’ve learned something worth sharing. • Radio, like life, never turns off. We stay “on the air” because someone may be listening, someone who needs our words. Final Thoughts: Entering the Transformation Zone We don’t need to wait for a national holiday to start living transformed lives. But Memorial Day gives us a moment to pause, reflect, and commit. Transformation isn’t just about changing jobs or habits. It’s about deeper shifts—of heart, spirit, and perspective. Maybe this summer is your time for that. Maybe this is your moment to enter the transformation zone. Tell your story. Receive someone else’s. And like Brennan, may your life—no matter how imperfect—become the spark for someone else's transformation. Thanks for listening. Till next time, Stan

Here you go friends for a Monday evening. First of all I have a celebration day and it's always nice to be able to share a happy day. But I also have decided that because so many things are changing in my life that we all need to get used to not only changing things but also changing names.  So I have a little 12 minute story that I think will be amusing and possibly helpful to you and I know that if you want to excell and do well in the challenging times before us you're gonna have to take one of my suggestions quite seriously. And here is what STOSH the robot has to say Could Everything You’ve Learned Be Wrong? Why I’m Changing the Name—and What That Might Mean for You Hi, I’m Stan—the Radio Man—and I’ve been hosting a podcast called Interesting Ideas. But here’s the big news: it’s time to change the name. And no, this isn’t just a branding decision. It’s something deeper. Something more personal. Something that might matter to you, too. Let me tell you why. A Personal Moment Sparks a Shift Today is my daughter’s birthday. My youngest is turning 50. And as I reflect on that (with a bit of disbelief), I realize that life constantly changes—whether we’re ready or not. Back when I was teaching high school history, I overheard one of my students tell a classmate, “It doesn’t matter what the course is—it’s always Husted.” That comment has stayed with me. It reminded me that no matter what label you slap on the work, if I’m involved, I bring a certain way of thinking, a certain voice, and a certain personality to the table. So when I change the name of this show, it’s not about erasing the past—it’s about aligning with the present. Because I’ve changed. The world has changed. Maybe you have, too. The Drucker Moment That Changed Everything Years ago, I read a Forbes article featuring the legendary management consultant Peter Drucker. It was the October 1998 issue. The cover headline jolted me into a new awareness: “Everything You’ve Learned About the New Economy Could Be Wrong.” I kept that cover. Blew it up into a poster. Used it as a constant reminder in my coaching and consulting work. Why? Because that sentence hits hard. It dares us to consider that our cherished assumptions might no longer apply. And in today’s world—where everything is accelerating—this kind of thinking is more vital than ever. Why the Name Must Change The name Interesting Ideas has served us well. But now, I’m searching for something more fitting. Maybe something like: • Instigating Ideas • Innovative Ideas • Inconvenient Ideas • Irritating Ideas • Inspirational Ideas I want a name that reflects not just curiosity, but courage. Because that’s what it takes to admit, “I was wrong.” It takes maturity to grow up, not just grow older. And if you’ve ever changed your mind, you know what I mean. When we realize that what we used to know might no longer be true, we’re not falling apart—we’re waking up. And that’s where real wisdom begins. What This Podcast Is Really About Here’s how I see the journey: • Ideas lead to • Insight, which leads to • Influence, which creates • Impact, and if you're lucky, • Income—not just financial, but relational, spiritual, and personal wealth. We're entering what I call The Impact Zone. If you don’t make an impact today, you may already be invisible. And I believe we were made to leave an imprint—to leave behind more than we take. Key Takeaways • It’s okay to change your mind. Growth means rethinking what we thought we knew. • Impact matters. In this fast-changing world, we must move from ideas to action. • Names are not sacred. What matters is the substance, not the label. • Humility is power. Saying, “I was wrong,” might be the wisest thing you’ll ever do. • Wisdom is the goal. Not information, not even knowledge—but wisdom. A Red Plate Day—and a Call to You When our kids were young, we had a tradition: on birthdays or special occasions, we’d bring out a red plate that read, *This is your special day*. It was a way of saying, “You matter.” Today, as I honor my daughter’s milestone, I realize that this is my red plate day, too. And maybe yours. So here’s my call to action: • Rethink something you’ve always believed. • Be willing to be wrong—so you can become wiser. • Give me your thoughts on what this new name could be. • And above all, aim to leave a legacy of impact, wisdom, and blessings. Because as much as everything may change, one thing doesn’t: our calling to bless others at every turn. Thanks for listening. Let’s continue the journey—under a new name, but with the same spirit. Until next time… from whatever this show will soon be called. Blessings always, Stan the Radio Man

Right now there are a lot of crazies and crises going on in a lot of peoples lives, careers, and business. And this month it will get even more so as millions of young graduate who have their new diplomas and certificates and degrees and also a mountain load of debt have to meet marketplace. What kind of advice would you give them? I would like to know and I also, after going through many crises in life, have a few thoughts of my own that I might want to share with you but I want to hear from you first. Thanks Stan