The TrustBuilder Podcast

Episode 19 | The Little Things that Build and Break Trust

In this episode of the TrustBuilder® Podcast, Scott and Brad are joined by leadership consultant, executive coach, and Gonzaga University professor Greg Husted to discuss the little things that build, or break, trust. Together, they explore how everyday habits like showing up on time, owning mistakes, communicating honestly, and taking responsibility can strengthen relationships over time. They also examine how small slips add up, why trust looks different for different people, and what leaders can do to create cultures built on accountability and positive intent. If you're leading a team, navigating workplace relationships, or looking to build stronger connections, this episode offers practical insights into how trust is built through the small moments that matter most.

Episode 18 | Why Do We Trust Some People Instantly?

In this episode of the TrustBuilder Podcast, Scott Linklater and Brad Williams explore one of the most common questions in relationships and communication: can you trust your first impression of someone? The conversation breaks down why some people feel instantly safe or familiar, how upbringing and past experiences shape trust tendencies, and why referential trust often plays a major role in early connection. Scott and Brad also discuss the balance between trusting your instincts and recognizing that meaningful trust still has to be built over time. Either in friendships, workplaces, or personal relationships, this episode offers practical insight into how trust begins, how it grows, and why listening to both your instincts and your experiences matters.

Episode 17 | What Builds Trust with Small Habits?

In this episode of the TrustBuilder Podcast, host Scott Linklater and TrustBuilder CRO & Principal Consultant, Morgan Hartanov, explore how trust is often built, or broken, through the small habits and everyday interactions people tend to overlook. From simple moments like a thoughtful gesture at a coffee shop to the routines that shape marriages, teams, and workplaces, they break down why consistency matters more than grand gestures when it comes to relational trust. The conversation explores how small behaviors create lasting impressions, how “guest trajectory” influences expectations in relationships and business, and why personalized trust-building matters because different people value different things. This episode offers practical insight into how everyday actions shape relational health and why trust is ultimately built one interaction at a time.

Episode 16 | The Truth about Trust in the Media with Derek Deis

In this episode of the TrustBuilder Podcast, hosts Scott and Brad sit down with Derek Deis, evening news anchor at KXLY, to explore what it really takes to build trust in modern journalism. With nearly 26 years in the industry, Derek shares how newsrooms balance speed vs. accuracy, navigate bias and echo chambers, and maintain credibility through transparency. The conversation highlights how consistent decision-making and clear editorial processes shape Organizational Trust - especially when public perception is constantly shifting. You’ll also hear why hyper-local storytelling remains a powerful trust Builder, and how journalists stay connected to the communities they serve. Watch now for a behind-the-scenes look at the mechanics of trust in media.

Episode 15 | Can You Trust Your Competitors?

In this episode of the TrustBuilder Podcast, Scott is joined by Brad Williams and guest Jonathan Schwab, a criminal defense attorney from Spokane, WA, to explore one of the most complex questions in relational trust: can you trust someone you compete with? They discuss how trust functions in high-stakes, adversarial environments, where competition and cooperation must coexist. The conversation highlights the importance of building trust within clear boundaries, introduces the concept of predictive trust, and examines how consistent behavior shapes decision-making. They also unpack the difference between trust and leverage, emphasizing how overusing trust for short-term gain can lead to long-term breakdowns in relationships.