Navigating Change and Connection in a World of Uncertainty with Jarrod Hoffman

Natasha Weber on Cosmic Climate, Free Will, and Navigating the 2026 Transition

Something feels off in 2026, and you already know it. Maybe you can't name it precisely, but there's a tilt to the world right now, a sense that the ground beneath familiar systems is shifting in ways that resist easy explanation. If you've caught yourself staring at headlines with a mix of dread and curiosity, wondering whether this stretch of uncertainty is just noise or something more structural, this conversation is for you. I sat down with Natasha Weber [https://www.astrotash.com/], the award-winning Australian astrologer known as Astro Tash, to explore a question that's been circling my mind for months: Can astrology offer a practical framework for navigating a period that feels genuinely unprecedented? Not vague mystical reassurance, not doom predictions, but something closer to pattern recognition and timing, a way to read the conditions and make grounded decisions about how to respond. Natasha brings over 25 years of study to this conversation, and what struck me most is the way she strips away the mystique without diminishing the substance. She describes astrology as "cosmic climate" or "astrological weather," and the analogy lands immediately. The planets don't make us do things. They set up conditions, and then we decide whether or not to carry the umbrella. That distinction between fate and agency runs through the entire episode, and it's the piece I think most people are hungry for right now. You don't want to be told what's going to happen to you. You want to understand the environment you're operating in so you can make sharper choices. We get into the specifics of what makes 2026 such a seismic year astrologically. Saturn and Neptune meeting at zero degrees Aries, the very starting point of the zodiac, for the first time in decades. Uranus is entering Gemini for the first time in 84 years. The return of Leo-Aquarius eclipses, which last cycled through during a period of significant political upheaval. Natasha walks through historical parallels with striking concreteness: the fall of the Berlin Wall during the last Saturn-Neptune conjunction, the collapse of the Romanov dynasty during the one before that. She's not drawing these connections loosely. She's using cycles the way a historian might, looking at what happened during the same planetary alignments in previous eras and asking what rhymes now. One of the most fascinating moments in our conversation came when Natasha described something deeply personal: looking at her own chart and not liking what she saw for a particular year. Rather than accepting it passively, she used her knowledge of solar return charts to physically relocate to Japan on her birthday, shifting the mathematical framework of her year ahead. That relocation placed her strongest planetary influences into the house of publishing, and that turned out to be the year she published her book with Penguin Random House. It's a small, vivid example of what agency looks like within this system. You're not rewriting the sky. You're choosing where to stand under it. We also spent time on the question that I think sits underneath everything right now: artificial intelligence. Natasha connects the acceleration of AI to Pluto's entry into Aquarius, a transit that won't complete until 2044. She frames this not as a prediction but as a description of the era we've entered, one defined by intelligence, technology, and the tension between cool logic and human compassion. The last time Pluto was in Aquarius, the American and French revolutions were reshaping the Western world, and the Industrial Revolution was beginning. The parallel isn't subtle. And the question she poses is worth sitting with: Are we using this technology as a tool, or are we handing our power over to it? What I keep coming back to is something Natasha said almost in passing, the phrase "as above, so below." It's ancient, but in this conversation, it felt urgent. We are all of us living through a transition between ages. The Age of Pisces, with its emphasis on religion, spirituality, and compassion, is giving way to the Age of Aquarius, with its emphasis on technology, intelligence, and collective humanity. These epochs last roughly two and a half thousand years. Most people who will live in the Aquarian age will simply know it as the way things are. We happen to be the ones standing at the threshold, which is disorienting and, if you hold it at the right angle, extraordinary. This episode is not about converting anyone into an astrology believer. It's about offering a different lens for a moment when the usual lenses feel insufficient. Natasha's insistence on pairing every difficult transit with a remedy, her refusal to deliver hard news without a pathway through it, reflects something I think we all need more of right now: honesty that doesn't abandon you, and frameworks that leave room for what you choose to do next. What questions are you asking about this period in your life? And what would it mean to stop waiting for certainty and start reading the weather instead? Check out Natasha's free birth chart service: https://www.astrotash.com/services/star-charts/ [https://www.astrotash.com/services/star-charts/] Learn more about Natasha: https://www.astrotash.com/ Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1. Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation. Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business. He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming. Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Navigating Change and Connection in a World of Uncertainty with Jarrod Hoffman

In this episode, we explore how mental health, purpose, and human connection are evolving amid rapid technological and societal shifts. Jarrod Hoffman, a Memphis-based licensed professional counselor, shares insights into working with teens and families facing uncertainty, especially in the age of AI and a changing educational landscape. Key Topics Covered: The role of purpose and stability in mental health during unpredictable times The impact of AI on relationships, therapy, and youth development The metaphor of uphill and downhill riding as a reflection of life's challenges How connection, not just knowledge, drives meaningful change The influence of societal expectations on teens' mental health and career choices Navigating therapeutic work in a digital age with AI chatbots and virtual interactions Personal stories of resilience, rule-following, and the importance of authentic human connection Timestamps: 00:37 - Introduction: The season of exploring stories that matter   01:02 - The importance of diversity in conversations and understanding human complexity   01:28 - Jared Hoffman’s background: From youth ministry to clinical work   02:14 - The mental health overlap with physical endurance: Jared’s triathlon journey   03:23 - The inspiring story of a 91-year-old triathlete   04:21 - The human need for structure amid chaos   05:07 - How societal fear impacts long-term planning and purpose   06:20 - The metaphor of uphill and downhill in life and work challenges   07:27 - The changing landscape of careers and climbing the traditional ladder   07:55 - Anxiety and job security in the modern workplace   08:43 - The impact of AI and outsourcing knowledge to technology   09:47 - The importance of empathy and understanding in therapy   10:16 - Challenges and opportunities in the mental health field with AI integration   11:34 - Supporting youth in a world of increasing information and uncertainty   12:32 - The true driver of change: Connection over information   13:43 - The role of AI in therapy and potential risks for vulnerable populations   14:57 - Maintaining human connection in an AI-driven world   16:13 - The emotional effects of encouragement versus virtual affirmation   17:34 - The shifting expectations around education and career paths for teens   18:30 - Purposelessness and anxiety in young people faced with societal pressures   19:45 - The weight of self-identity amid rapid technological change   20:38 - Personal insights from working with teens and the value of authenticity   21:42 - Jarrod’s reflection: Learning about himself through working with youth   23:22 - How to connect with Jarrod Hoffman and access resources Resources & Links: Website: JarrodHoffman.com [https://jarrodhoffman.com/] LinkedIn: Jarrod Hoffman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrod-hoffman/] This episode reminds us of the profound importance of authentic human connection in a digital age, encouraging us to embrace vulnerability and purpose as we navigate life's uphill and downhill moments. Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1. Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation. Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business. He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming. Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Navigating Voice, Trust, and Advocacy in a Divided World

Navigating Voice, Trust, and Advocacy in a Divided World In this episode, Rod Berger sits down with Jim and Tiffany Drastic—creators of The Dangerous Ones & Eleven Films [https://www.elevenfilms.com/]—to explore the journey of finding and using their voices amid societal chaos, personal trauma, and the ongoing fight for justice. Discover how authenticity, modulation, and community-building shape their impactful work. Key topics: * The role of trauma in developing a resilient voice for activism * The importance of humility and admitting errors in public discourse * Strategies for modulating emotional responses to sustained activism * How comedy and brevity enhance engagement and understanding * The global impact and international audience of American political content * Navigating personal sacrifices and moments of doubt in advocacy * Building a community for shared experiences and collective resilience * The idea of the "expiration" of activism and the importance of continuous effort * How to organize and prioritize amidst overwhelming information * The value of re-entry and forgiveness in political division and family relationships Timestamps: * 00:31 - Embracing life's pivots and sharing diverse perspectives * 01:15 - The importance of including marginalized voices * 02:08 - Jim and Tiffany’s rise and viral success * 03:00 - Finding your voice through trauma and activism * 03:29 - Tiffany’s childhood experience with trauma * 04:17 - The drive for accountability and justice * 05:04 - Jim’s early influences and childhood activism * 06:10 - Growing up with a voice and lifelong influences * 07:23 - Reconnecting and launching impactful content * 08:02 - Building authority and parental influence in voice formation * 09:03 - The power of protest and boundary-testing as a youth * 10:02 - Managing emotional crashes in activism * 12:01 - The importance of realistic expectations in activism * 13:20 - The significance of compartmentalization * 14:12 - Celebrating small wins in political activism * 15:23 - Effectiveness and persistence in social change * 15:49 - Avoiding burnout through community and nature * 17:14 - Keeping pace with rapid technological and political changes * 17:53 - Organizing and organizing arguments in a fast-moving environment * 18:47 - The flood of information and managing mental load * 19:04 - Focusing on what matters most to sustain effort * 20:22 - Recognizing ideological distractions and maintaining clarity * 21:33 - The importance of hope and collective action * 22:25 - Acknowledging mistakes and embracing humility * 23:27 - The value of admitting errors and continuous learning * 25:50 - The origins of viral content and learning from mistakes * 26:46 - How leadership and humility can influence outcomes * 27:44 - The challenge and reward of public accountability * 30:17 - The personal cost of advocacy and moments of doubt * 32:50 - Evolving relationships with audiences over time * 33:42 - The power of community and shared struggles * 36:45 - The global interest in American politics * 37:00 - The interconnectedness of world issues and you. S. influence * 39:23 - Bridging divides among friends, family, and communities * 40:37 - The importance of grace and patience in reconciliation * 44:47 - The possibility of societal awakening and collective healing * 46:15 - The ongoing mission beyond political wins * 47:38 - The humor and humanity in advocacy * 49:19 - The value of storytelling in shaping societal narratives * 50:11 - Connecting, collaborating, and community from grassroots to global * 51:11 - A message of gratitude and hope for continued activism Resources & Links: * The Dangerous Ones [https://www.youtube.com/@DangerousOnes] on YouTube Connect with Jim and Tiffany Drastic: * Twitter [https://x.com/DangerousOnesUS] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dangerousones/] * Substack Articles [https://thedangerousones.substack.com/] Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1. Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation. Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business. He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming. Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the Classroom to the C-Suite: Greta Jackson on Culture, Storytelling, and the Human Hum of Organizations

"From the Classroom to the C-Suite: Greta Jackson on Culture, Storytelling, and the Human Hum of Organizations" In this episode of the CultureCon Catalyst podcast, Dr. Rod Berger sits down with Greta Jackson, Employee Engagement and Culture Enrichment Director at Tegria, and a CultureCon Culture Catalyst. Greta's journey — from third-grade dreamer to middle school English teacher, high school AP Lit instructor, principal, recruiter, and now culture strategist — is a masterclass in following your instincts and letting storytelling lead the way. What we cover: * The origin story: How Greta fought her calling to teach, found her way through retail and substitute teaching, and ultimately fell in love with "big toddlers" (aka high schoolers) * Storytelling as leadership: Why Greta taught American Literature through the lives of authors — and how that same instinct for origin stories now drives her culture work at Tegria * Climate vs. culture: The critical difference between the two, and why listening to the "hum" of an organization is essential for any culture leader * The soft skills myth: Why Greta reframes "soft skills" as core skills — and how she's been teaching them since her students' desks were their first "offices" * Cascading communication: Why pushing messages down the org chart is a game of telephone, and how "job alike" practice sessions help managers truly connect with their teams * AI as a thought partner: How Greta uses AI (including Claude) to process ideas out loud, analyze her blind spots, and build backwards-design frameworks for culture initiatives * Proactive culture diagnosis: How to tune into an organization's energy before problems surface — and what to do when the vibration feels off * Feedback and values in action: Why values aren't posters on a wall, and how honest, real-time conversations are the only way to make them live Connect with Greta Jackson: * LinkedIn: Search Greta Jackson, Employee Engagement & Culture Enrichment Director at Tegria * CultureCon: culturecon.com [https://culturecon.com/] About the Host: Dr. Rod Berger is a storyteller, author of The Narrative Edge, and Storyteller in Residence at CultureCon. Are you the author of your story — or a character in someone else's? Find out together. Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1. Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation. Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business. He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming. Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Power of Storytelling in Leadership: Insights from Dr. Marcus Conyers

The Power of Storytelling in Leadership: Insights from Dr. Marcus Conyers Discover how storytelling shapes leadership and innovation. Learn key insights from Dr. Marcus Conyers, founder of BrainSmart, on enhancing organizational effectiveness. In today’s fast-paced world, understanding the power of storytelling in leadership is crucial. How can narratives shape our leadership styles and foster innovation within organizations? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the insights shared by Dr. Marcus Conyers [https://brainsmart.org/] during his conversation with Dr. Rod Berger on "The Narrative Edge. [https://www.amazon.com/Narrative-Edge-Authentic-Storytelling-Moment/dp/1394331290/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8]" You’ll discover how to leverage storytelling to create impactful connections and drive change in your organization. About Dr. Marcus Conyers Dr. Marcus Conyers is the founder and CEO of BrainSmart, a pioneering organization dedicated to enhancing innovation and productivity in various sectors through brain research. With over 30 years of experience, he has authored 20 books, including the bestseller "Positively Smarter," and has shared his expertise across 30 countries. His journey emphasizes the significance of applying brain science in practical settings, making him a credible voice in the field of leadership and education. The Role of Storytelling in Leadership Storytelling is not just a tool for entertainment; it’s a vital aspect of effective leadership. Here’s why it matters: * Building Connections: Stories create emotional connections that facts alone cannot achieve. They help leaders resonate with their teams on a personal level. * Fostering Innovation: Sharing stories of past successes and failures encourages a culture of learning and innovation. Leaders can inspire their teams to think creatively by illustrating how challenges were overcome through innovative thinking. * Enhancing Communication: A well-told story can simplify complex ideas, making them more accessible to team members. This clarity can drive better understanding and alignment within teams. Key Insights from Dr. Conyers During the conversation, Dr. Conyers shared several key insights that illuminate the relationship between storytelling and leadership effectiveness: 1. The Kaleidoscope of Human Experience: Dr. Conyers highlighted that the human experience is rich and varied. By embracing diverse backgrounds and perspectives, leaders can craft more compelling narratives that reflect the complexity of their teams and the challenges they face. 2. Learning from the Past: He emphasized the importance of reflecting on past narratives to understand what drives success. Leaders should analyze previous experiences to identify patterns and insights that inform future strategies. 3. Creating a Culture of Exploration. Dr. Conyers encourages leaders to foster an environment where exploration and curiosity are valued. This involves encouraging team members to share their stories, insights, and lessons learned, which can lead to collective growth and innovation. Practical Strategies for Leaders To effectively harness the power of storytelling in your leadership approach, consider the following strategies: * Share Personal Stories: Open up about your own experiences, including challenges and triumphs. This vulnerability can help build trust and rapport with your team. * -Encourage Team Storytelling: Create opportunities for team members to share their own stories. This not only builds connections but also encourages a sense of belonging and collaboration. * Use Stories to Communicate Vision: When articulating your organizational vision, frame it within a story. This makes the vision more relatable and inspires your team to work towards a common goal. Conclusion The power of storytelling in leadership cannot be overstated. By integrating narratives into your leadership style, you can foster deeper connections, drive innovation, and create a culture of exploration within your organization. As Dr. Conyers illustrates, every leader has the potential to shape their narrative and inspire others by sharing their story. So, what’s your story? Consider how you can leverage it to enhance your leadership effectiveness   Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1. Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation. Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business. He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming. Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.