Episode 296 - Agents of Change (ft. Christina Hillsberg)

Episode 296 - Agents of Change (ft. Christina Hillsberg)

Have you ever wondered what it's really like within the walls of the CIA? What about the stories from the women who actually lived and worked within the walls from the 60's through today? And just how much of it is like James Bond? On today's episode of the podcast, former CIA Agent Christina Hillsberg stops by the show to discuss her book "Agents of Change: The women who transformed the CIA". It's a fascinating look into the world of the agency through the eyes of the women who directly effected change. Enjoy! https://www.christinahillsberg.com/bio About Christina Hillsberg [https://www.christinahillsberg.com/bio] Christina Hillsberg is a former CIA intelligence officer, keynote speaker, and USA Today bestselling author of Agents of Change: The Women Who Transformed the CIA and License to Parent: How My Career as a Spy Helped Me Raise Resourceful, Self-Sufficient Kids [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/653007/license-to-parent-by-christina-hillsberg-with-ryan-hillsberg/]. She brings audiences inside the high-stakes world of espionage to reveal what it takes to break barriers, drive change, and redefine who gets to succeed. At the CIA, she wrote intelligence assessments for U.S. presidents and senior policymakers and later served in the Directorate of Operations, clandestinely collecting intelligence in the field. One of the Intelligence Community's few Swahili and Zulu linguists, she received multiple CIA Exceptional Performance Awards for her work. After her government service, she worked at Amazon before transitioning to writing and speaking full-time. Today, Christina translates these experiences into powerful, real-world insights on leadership, inclusion, and performance, showing organizations how diverse perspectives don't just strengthen culture, but drive better outcomes. Her writing has been featured in The Washington Post, The Seattle Times, Harvard Business Review, People Magazine, and more. https://www.christinahillsberg.com/books-agents-of-change About "Agents of Change" [https://www.christinahillsberg.com/books-agents-of-change] Years after her successful and impactful career at the CIA, Christina Hillsberg became enthralled with the stories of the trailblazing women who forged new paths within the Agency long before she began her career there in the aughts. These were women who sacrificed their personal lives, risked their safety, defied expectations, and boldly navigated the male-dominated spy organization. Through exclusive interviews with current and former female CIA officers, many of whom have never spoken publicly, Agents of Change tells an enthralling and, at times, disturbing story set against the backdrop of the evolving women's movement. It was the 1960s, a "secretarial" era, when women first gained a foothold and pushed against the one-dimensional, pop-culture trope of the sexy Cold War Bond Girl. Underestimated but undaunted, they fought their way, decade-by-decade, through adversity to the top of the spy game. Seamlessly weaving together the individual stories of these exceptional women, Hillsberg deftly tackles not just the fight for gender equality at the CIA, but the current dilemma the Agency faces when dealing with the culmination of a decades-long culture of sexual harassment and assault. Each chapter sheds a light on women's issues during that decade before bringing to life the stories of female CIA operations officers whose experiences were emblematic of that given era. In this fascinating and empowering chronicle, Hillsberg takes readers inside the Agency in a way that's never been done before, paying long overdue tribute to the survivors and thrivers, the indispensable groundbreakers, and defiant rabble-rousers who made the choice to change their lives and in turn, changed history. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! [http://dtalkspodcast.com/] http://dtalkspodcast.com/ Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com [https://theempiretoys.com/] AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: https://www.selfunbound.com/ Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com [http://www.selfunbound.com/]

Episode 295 - Bowling For Soup (ft. Jaret Reddick)

It's the episode all the bad guys want! Let's take it back to 1985! Come back to Texas! Alright, alright, we're done. But on this week's episode legendary Bowling For Soup frontman Jaret Reddick stops by the podcast to promote the BFS 32nd Birthday Bash on June 5, 2026! Joe and Jaret get into a conversation about BFS' career since the pandemic ended, what the birthday bash means to them, and how to continue to evolve as a band all these years later. Enjoy! https://www.bowlingforsoup.com/ About Bowling For Soup [https://www.bowlingforsoup.com/] Pop Punk legends Bowling For Soup are throwing a birthday party - and everyone's invited! Celebrate 32 years of pop-punk, power chords, and zero apologies as Bowling For Soup brings the hits to The Backyard for a full-throttle anniversary show. Would absolutely love for you to chat with vocalist Jaret Reddick ahead of this event! Expect wall-to-wall singalongs, throwback anthems, and the kind of chaotic fun only BFS can deliver — from "1985" to "Girl All the Bad Guys Want," plus plenty of surprises fit for a birthday blowout. Warming up the crowd is Van Full of Nuns, cranking out high-energy pop-punk classics to start the party right. Cold beer, loud guitars, and a crowd that knows every word. This isn't just a concert, it's a birthday party 32 years in the making. Formed in Wichita Falls, TX in 1994 and later relocating to Denton, TX, Bowling For Soup spent years grinding it out in vans, playing to anyone who would listen. Then in 2000, the UK took a liking to "The Bitch Song", and things took off from there. Over the years, they've delivered massive crowd-pleasers like "Girl All The Bad Guys Want" (GRAMMY-nominated in 2003), "1985," "Punk Rock 101," and "High School Never Ends". They even became a part of pop culture history with the theme songs for Jimmy Neutron and Phineas and Ferb. Renowned for their fun, interactive, and unpredictable live shows, Bowling For Soup aren't just a band you listen to—they're a band you experience. Nobody leaves a Bowling For Soup show without a huge smile on their face. Their fans span multiple generations, with OGs who grew up on the band's music now bringing their kids—who know every word to every song. That's because BFS have become ingrained in pop culture, from hit songs to movie soundtracks and TV themes. Whether playing to 3000 or 50,000 people, their onstage chemistry, fan engagement, and comedic charm make every show feel personal. With their legendary live performances, ongoing new music, and active social media presence, Bowling For Soup continue to prove that pop punk is alive, well, and a hell of a good time. In early 2025, longtime guitarist Chris Burney retired due to health concerns, but Jaret Reddick (vocals/guitar), Gary Wiseman (drums), and Rob Felicetti (bass) have carried on, insisting, "You can't replace a legend." June 5. The Backyard. Be there. If you want to listen to the After the Encore episode featuring Jaret, you can CLICK HERE [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b-sides-jaret-reddick/id1476424611?i=1000496198829&l=vi] Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! [http://dtalkspodcast.com/] http://dtalkspodcast.com/ Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com [https://theempiretoys.com/] AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: https://www.selfunbound.com/ Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com [http://www.selfunbound.com/]

Episode 294 - Sacred Curiosity (ft. Britney Winn Lee)

When was the last time you allowed yourself to truly be curious? What if, instead of rushing to pick a side, we asked more questions to better understand our neighbor? These are just a few of the questions Joe and author Britney Winn Lee discuss on today's episode of the podcast. Britney wrote a fabulous book entitled: "Sacred Curiosity: Wondering Our Way Toward Wholeness". In it and in this episode, she shares insights and learnings about what a world might look like if we all leaned in more with curiosity instead of rushing to pass judgement. It's a fantastic discussion, enjoy! https://www.britneywinnlee.com/ About Briney Winn Lee [https://www.britneywinnlee.com/] Britney Winn Lee is an author, nonprofit professional, and seminarian who writes to make room. Living in Louisiana with her creative husband and big-hearted son, Lee works bivocationally as the Grants Outreach Coordinator for the United Methodist Foundation while also publishing numerous books, including The Boy with Big, Big Feelings, Rally: Communal Prayers for Lovers of Jesus and Justice, and Good Night, Body: Finding Calm from Head to Toe. With a BA in religious studies and a master's degree in nonprofit administration, Lee has worked for over a decade in faith- and justice-based, creative community-building. https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9798889834694/Sacred-Curiosity About 'Sacred Curiosity' [https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9798889834694/Sacred-Curiosity] Curiosity slows us down, tunes us in for transformation, pushes past shame, activates awe, and rewrites with hope. What if our most accessible resource for healing and transformation is ready and waiting to be harnessed? When everything feels gray and hopeless, curiosity emerges as an unexpected path back to color and life. Sacred Curiosity explores how the simple practice of remaining open to wonder can become a powerful force for personal and communal renewal. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! [http://dtalkspodcast.com/] http://dtalkspodcast.com/ Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com [https://theempiretoys.com/] AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: https://www.selfunbound.com/ Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com [http://www.selfunbound.com/]

Episode 293 - The Endless Game (ft. J.D. Amato)

What would you do if you moved to a new town where an endless game of Capture the Flag was already going on? Would you join in? Which side would you take? These are, but a few of the questions asked by today's guest, J.D. Amato in his book "The Endless Game"! J.D. and Joe get into a fantastic conversation about writing, storytelling, career journey, and life itself. It's a fantastic conversation you won't want to miss, enjoy! https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/J-D-Amato/193643584. About J.D. Amato [https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/J-D-Amato/193643584] J.D. Amato is a writer based in Astoria, New York. He is best known for his work in comedy television. Outside of writing, he is an amateur distance runner and loves colorful things. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Endless-Game/J-D-Amato/9781665927154 About 'The Endless Game' [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Endless-Game/J-D-Amato/9781665927154] When Fred Townsend and his family move to Lakeside, Illinois, Fred is inducted into a game of capture the flag that has split the entire town in two. But this isn't a normal game. It's been going on for decades and has been passed down from generation to generation. It has its own history, laws, and institutions, with elaborate castle-like bases, dreary prisons, kid-run saloons, and even a council of home-schooled kids that preside over the rules of the game. But for Fred, and all of Lakeside's kids, this unending war is not just about winning—it's also about learning how you want to fit into the world, the power of friendship, and making sure this summer is one they will never forget. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! [http://dtalkspodcast.com/] http://dtalkspodcast.com/ Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com [https://theempiretoys.com/] AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: https://www.selfunbound.com/ Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com [http://www.selfunbound.com/]

Episode 292 - A Secret Escape (ft. Alyson Gerber)

We are SO EXCITED to welcome back Alyson Gerber to the show to discuss her latest book in The Liars Society series, 'A Secret Escape'! Alyson shares how her characters have changed from Book 2 to Book 3, what puzzles await them, and her advice for the reluctant readers out there. Enjoy! https://www.alysongerber.com/ About Alyson Gerber [https://www.alysongerber.com/] Alyson Gerber is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Liars Society series and the critically acclaimed novels Focused, Braced, and Taking Up Space. A former marketing director, Alyson earned her MFA in creative writing at the New School. She grew up in New England and now lives in New York City with her family. https://www.alysongerber.com/the-liars-society#anchors-mavhoay3 About 'A Secret Escape' [https://www.alysongerber.com/the-liars-society#anchors-mavhoay3] The game starts now. Jack and Weatherby―the newest members of Last Heir, the most powerful secret society in the world―have landed at an exclusive prep school in the Swiss Alps, ready to win big. Last Heir is offering the chance of a lifetime: millions of dollars, a private island, and a powerful spot in the society's inner circle. Not everyone has the same reasons for playing, but with money, power, and influence up for grabs, everyone wants to win. Too bad they're not all playing by the same rules. New York Times bestselling author Alyson Gerber crafts an explosive, high-octane mystery that will immerse readers in a world of dangerous riddles, friendship and betrayal, and an addictive search for the truth. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! [http://dtalkspodcast.com/] http://dtalkspodcast.com/ Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com [https://theempiretoys.com/] AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: https://www.selfunbound.com/ Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com [http://www.selfunbound.com/]