Interesting ideas with Stan Hustad

The Tuesday Truth: Reflections from the Radio Man On a brisk Tuesday morning, broadcaster and performance coach Stan Hustad—known to listeners as The Radio Man—takes his audience on another insightful journey through modern leadership and media reality. His latest episode of Inconvenient Ideas begins, as always, not with politics, but with a principle: “Donald Trump is still the king.” Not, Stan clarifies, the king of America—but the king of the ratings. And that’s no small difference in today’s performance economy, where visibility equals influence and airtime equals authority. He dominates the story,” Hustad observes. “Every time someone attacks him, they help him win the media game.” The result? A world where the loudest voice often becomes the leading one—and where even those who protest can unintentionally raise the crown on the very head they oppose. “It’s a kingdom of attention,” Hustad notes, “and Trump still rules the realm.” The Nap Syndrome: Non-Achievement Performance But Stan’s real message isn’t about Trump—it’s about us. He points to the weekend’s “No Kings Rally,” a national protest that produced plenty of shouting but, as he calls it, “a NAP—a Non-Achievement Performance.” “Maybe it made them feel good,” he quips. “But nothing happened. Nothing changed.” That, Hustad suggests, is the danger in our modern culture of reaction: the illusion of activity without accomplishment. We substitute outrage for outcomes and noise for progress. The cure? Two words: So what? One of Hustad’s mentors taught him that powerful question. Before you act, post, protest, or pontificate—ask, “So what? What will change? What will be better?” Leaders, he says, aren’t just expressive—they’re effective. They measure results, not reactions. From Power Plays to Purposeful Presence From there, Hustad draws a deeper leadership insight. Power, he explains, comes from motion. Donald Trump understands this well—keep money moving, keep people engaged, keep stories alive, and power follows. But there’s another kind of power that Hustad lifts up: the power of self-expression and self-listening. In the “Do It Right” era—the performance economy he coaches others to master—success belongs to those who know how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. “We’re in the Transformation Zone now,” he says. “It’s not enough to do it—you have to do it right.” Whether you’re leading a company, a church, or a creative venture, the microphone is now your crown. The question is, what kind of king—or servant—will you be? Things to Think About, Share, and Remember • Self-Expression + Self-Listening = Real Leadership. Speak your truth—but make sure it makes sense when you hear it back. • Ask “So What?” Before You Act. It’s the simplest way to filter what truly matters. • Avoid the NAP Trap. Don’t spend your energy on Non-Achievement Performances. • Remember Who (or What) Is King in Your Life. Is it ego, money, media—or something higher? • Power Follows Movement. Keep good things—ideas, generosity, creativity—moving. That’s how you lead with influence. A Call to Reflection and Action Stan closes his broadcast with a question worth repeating: “Who or what do you want to be king in your life?” For some, it’s wealth or recognition. For others, it’s principle or faith. Hustad reminds listeners that those who follow the Christian tradition often speak of King Jesus—a different kind of kingdom built not on domination but on service and good works. His final challenge is simple: Don’t waste your days taking NAPs. Build something. Lead something. Do it right. And if you’re ready to start—whether in business, broadcasting, or personal transformation—Stan Hustad can help you find your voice and make your mark. Reach him directly at Stan@WiTRadio.net [Stan@WiTRadio.net] or visit WiTRadio.net [https://WiTRadio.net]. Because in the new world of performance, your story is your stage—and it’s time to rule it well.

In this thought-provoking edition of Inconvenient Ideas, Stan Hustad offers a 15-minute story-time reflection on power, personality, and perception — all wrapped around a provocative headline: “Donald Trump is smiling now because he’s the King of POP.” But in Stan’s hands, POP doesn’t mean “Prince of Peace.” It means Power, Opportunity, and Personality — the currency of modern influence. An Idea Worth Wrestling With Broadcasting from the What It Takes Radio studio — standing tall, gesturing, and speaking with his whole body as he always does — Stan begins by reminding listeners that ideas matter. They lead to insight, insight leads to influence, and influence creates impact (and maybe even income). But to have impact, you must be willing to hold inconvenient ideas — the kind that comfort some people and discomfort others. From there, Hustad turns to a “reality check of the moment.” As peace talks flicker across the headlines and the political stage grows restless, Donald Trump stands — figuratively and literally — smiling. Not because he’s universally loved, but because he’s managed to turn personality into power and persistence into political longevity. Whether admired or despised, Hustad argues, Trump embodies the ultimate performance principle: he knows who he is, what he wants, and how to keep the spotlight. Politics, Power, and the Personality Principle Stan takes listeners behind the headline with a mix of humor and humility. He points to the irony of Trump’s alliances — foes who become friends again (like Elon Musk), rivals turned partners (like Marco Rubio). He paints a picture of a man who doesn’t need to please everyone — only to keep momentum, to stay in motion, to act decisively while others argue. As Hustad notes, this isn’t a political statement but a “statement of reality.” Leadership, like broadcasting, is performance — and the ones who understand their audience, even when the crowd boos, often end up writing the script. Facing the Truth and Finding the Lesson Hustad closes with a story about one of his mentors, who told him, “Always have the courage to face the truth.” That line becomes the heartbeat of the program. Whether it’s Trump’s triumph, your own business struggle, or life’s daily disappointments, success begins by seeing things as they are — not as we wish them to be. The program ends as it began: with an invitation. Stan challenges listeners to pick up the microphone — literally or figuratively — and “story him back.” True communication, he insists, is not argument but relationship. “If I can turn a foe into a friend,” he smiles, “I might just be a prince of peace.” Things to Remember, Share, and Do **Remember:** - Every great idea is inconvenient for someone. - Power often follows personality — and the courage to stand when others sit. - Facing the truth is the first step toward influence. **Share:** - This episode with anyone tired of shouting matches and hungry for genuine conversation. - The insight that real communication creates connection, not division. **Do:** - Take 15 minutes to listen to the full Inconvenient Ideas program. - Reflect on your own “POP” — your Power, Opportunity, and Personality. - Record your own story, your own truth, and share it. Because ideas, shared wisely, can still change the world. Produced by The What It Takes Radio Company • Inconvenient Ideas Series

The latest episode of TWIT Talks with Stan Hustad dives into a topic we all know but rarely name: the strange power of empty threats, the certainty of foes when you try to do good, and the absolute necessity of performing in today’s world. Stan kicks off with a smile and a sting: “If you’re doing well—and especially if you’re helping others do well—you will have foes.” It’s a truth rooted in history, spirituality, and everyday reality. Add to that a few comic tales from Stan’s days as “Mr. H” the high school teacher—like the student who threatened to “pee on the floor” if not allowed to sneak out for a smoke—and you get a blend of laughter and wisdom that sticks. But Stan doesn’t stop at funny stories. He draws a sharp line to our modern reality: we live in the performance economy. Books, businesses, and brands don’t just sell themselves anymore. To thrive, you have to master what he calls the 4S Formula: Storytelling – share who you are and what you stand for. Streaming – get your voice on video and digital channels. Selling – never forget the transaction that sustains you. Strategy – tie it all together with purpose. Whether you’re an introverted author, a seasoned entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to make a difference, Stan insists you’ll need to add “performance” to your skill set. In his words: “You’re going to have to become a PA—a Performance Author.” Actor or Artist... Remember all business is your business. Things to Remember & Share Foes are proof you’re moving in the right direction. Empty threats backfire—on the giver, not just the receiver. Performance is the new currency in the economy of ideas. The 4S Formula—Storytelling, Streaming, Selling, Strategy—should guide your next steps. Take Note for Action Ask yourself: Am I just selling sugar water—or am I performing something of lasting value? Consider: What new performance skill can I practice this month? Reach out: Stan Hustad has spent over 45 years mastering the art of performance and can help you step into this new economy with confidence. Closing Challenge As Stan reminds his listeners, each new season—and each new year—is a chance to change the script. Don’t settle for empty threats or sugar water. Step up, tell your story, and learn to perform with authenticity and impact. For wisdom, insight, and truth with a smile, listen to the full TWIT Talk. And if you’re ready to sharpen your performance edge, contact Stan Hustad today. After all, in the performance economy, the next act is yours.

The Curiosity Zone, hosted by Stan Hustad, has always been a place where inconvenient ideas meet everyday wisdom. In his latest program, Stan takes listeners on a thought-provoking ride through media, leadership, and the surprising lessons of a fiery presentation given by former Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Whether you loved the message or loathed it, the performance itself offers a master class in communication for anyone navigating today’s performance economy. The Power of Performance Stan begins by reminding us that podcasting—whether with video or audio—has always been “radio at heart.” But the world has shifted: leaders, entrepreneurs, and even introverts must now learn to perform in front of a microphone or a camera. That’s where Hegseth’s speech comes in. Delivered to a room of 800 generals and admirals, it was not just a policy statement—it was performance art. No teleprompter dependency, no stiff posturing. Instead, Hegseth walked, gestured, and energized the room. He made bold statements, accepted disagreement, and ended with something too few leaders remember: a benediction. Speaking well—even to those who might not like you—is a timeless tool for influence. Lessons Worth Remembering Stan doesn’t leave the audience with theory. He translates the moment into practical takeaways for anyone who wants to thrive: Not everyone will like you—and that’s okay. About 25% will always cheer you, 25% will never like you, and the rest are persuadable. Focus your energy on the middle. Presentation is a performing art. Business, politics, preaching, or teaching—all require performance skills now. Passion beats perfection. Speaking from the heart often carries more weight than flawless slides or scripts. Always close with goodwill. A benediction—whether “Live long and prosper” or “All the best to you”—sends people away with dignity. A New Year, A New Economy Stan closes with a challenge: this is not just the “information age” anymore—it’s the performance economy. To succeed, you don’t just need knowledge; you need to present it well. You need to be ready to step into the spotlight, whether on stage, behind the mic, or in front of a camera. Call to Action If you’re ready to sharpen your performance, grow your influence, and prepare for the economy that values presence as much as product, Stan Hustad is here to help. Reach out at Stan@witradio.net and explore more conversations in the Curiosity Zone at What It Takes Radio. This year, don’t just work—perform. And in doing so, make it not just another year, but one of your very best.

What It Takes Radio Company presents a special 10-minute program of clarity, curiosity, and a touch of charity. On the eve of Yom Kippur—the holiest day of the Jewish calendar—broadcaster Stan Hustad sat down with his longtime friend Steve Lear for a spirited and heartfelt conversation about faith, forgiveness, and what it means to live humbly in “the Days of Awe.” What began as an informal chat turned into a lively impromptu radio moment. Stan and Steve, one Christian and one Jew, took listeners into the heart of interfaith friendship. Their dialogue danced between humor, history, and hope, capturing the essence of what makes Yom Kippur both solemn and joyful. A Story Worth Retelling Steve recalled a moment shared years ago from Pastor John Hagee, who told of meeting Israeli leader Yitzhak Rabin. Before their conversation, Rabin proposed an agreement: “When the Messiah comes, we’ll both go ask him—first time or been here before? Then we’ll know. But until then, let’s work together to repair the world.” That spirit of cooperation—seeking common ground while honoring differences—became the heartbeat of the program. Wrestling With Faith From there, the conversation explored the tension between knowing and not knowing. Christians often emphasize certainty, while Jews live comfortably with questions and mystery. Stan observed that true faith is not about certainty but about trust—moving forward even without all the answers. Steve added that this posture cultivates humility, forgiveness, and growth—the very themes at the core of Yom Kippur. Things to Remember and Share • Faith is not certainty. It is the courage to move without having all the answers. • Never trust a man without a limp. Hardship, like Jacob’s limp, is the mark of those who have wrestled with life and faith. • Repairing the world is shared work. Whether Messiah has come or is yet to come, the call remains the same—make things right with God, with ourselves, and with others. • Forgiveness is a gift to enjoy. Yom Kippur is not only about confession but also about the comfort of being forgiven. A Call to Action In just ten minutes, Stan and Steve modeled what many of us long for—respectful conversation across traditions, honest reflection on life’s mysteries, and a shared determination to make the world better. As you begin this new year, take time to forgive, to seek forgiveness, and to walk humbly—even with your own limp. And then, share this program with others who could use ten minutes of clarity and charity in their day.