Today we talk to Chris Hood — speaker, strategist, and author of Infallible, a book that challenges a lot of what we’ve been told about AI. And Chris should know - he’s spent his career working with companies on their digital strategies — from advertising in movie theaters to helping count votes for FOX on American Idol.

I’ve been avoiding talking about AI on the pod because honestly, I didn’t know what else there is to say. But Chris offers something new to the conversation I hadn’t heard before. First, he dispels some myths and suggests that where most people think we are with AI is actually 7 years away. And there is a huge gap between what companies are focused on and what consumers really want. And since we are the consumers, we have the power to decide how fast this moves. The truth is most consumers aren’t crazy about any of this, and Chris has great stories of companies that went too far too fast.

We also talk about what this convenience is costing us, how AI is making us lazy, how it borrows from social media to keep us addicted and why we need less Star Trek and more Columbo.

So what will AI never replace? Curiosity and connection. This conversation is a perfect example of that.

Please enjoy, Chris Hood.

Key Takeaways:

• The Danger of Overhyping AI: Many companies are marketing AI like it's magic, but most consumers either don’t care or don’t even realize they’re already using it. The focus should be on solving problems, not shouting about the tools.

• The “You Bias” of Generative AI: AI tools are designed to flatter you — to tell you your ideas are brilliant. It feels good, but over time it can reinforce ego, limit critical thinking, and create a false sense of confidence.

• We’re in the Cut-and-Paste Era: Generative AI makes it easy to sound smart or get things done quickly, but we’re losing nuance, creativity, and original thought in the process.

• AI Can’t Replace Human Connection: Emotional intelligence, empathy, humor — these are deeply human traits that AI can’t replicate. For businesses, this means finding the right balance between automation and authentic connection.

• We’ve Seen This Movie Before: Chris draws parallels between the rise of AI and the early days of social media. Back then, we trusted tech companies to self-regulate. We know how that played out.

• Don’t Trust the Echo Chamber: Platforms like LinkedIn make it seem like AI is everywhere and everything. But when you step outside of the bubble, most people are still trying to figure it out — or not thinking about it at all.

• Be the Columbo, Not the Sci-Fi Dreamer: Instead of fantasizing about the future of AI, we need to ask harder questions and look at the real implications. Curiosity and skepticism are powerful tools.

Links and Resources

Chris on LinkedIn

Website and Books

Connect with Bob Mathers

Website

LinkedIn

In this re-released episode, we talk to Rob Carli, a multi-award-winning musician, producer and composer for film and television. Rob has had a storied career in music from his early days touring the country in an Econoline van to most recently co-founding the Awesome Music Project - a not-for-profit dedicated to delivering practical solutions to mental health through the transformative power of music.

It’s conversations like this one with Rob that are the reason I started this podcast. Rob is a giant in his industry, but he’s someone I would never come across in my work as a revenue coach with growing tech companies. The ideas we explored allow me to see my work and my life in a whole new light.

Rob and I talked about how we can all tap into our creative energy and how our best ideas always come from the most unlikely places. Yes, your first draft is going to suck but the most important thing in finding your voice is not judging your ideas, or allowing them to be judged. Rob shares stories of how chasing your curiosity is the key to re-inventing yourself throughout your career, taking you to places you’d never have planned for yourself.

Finally, Rob talks about what we’ve lost as technology has displaced rituals like cooking together and listening to live music. And what would Rob have done differently with the music in Oppenheimer?

Please enjoy, Rob Carli.

Every other week, join your host Bob Mathers, keynote speaker for conversations designed to push you out of your comfort zone. Each episode delivers boundless insights and ideas that matter by inspiring you to get off autopilot and keep chasing curiosity.

Takeaways

• The Myth of Arrival: Rob challenges the idea that we ever "make it." Success isn’t a destination — it’s a constant journey shaped by change, curiosity, and reinvention.
• The Creative Process: Great ideas often arrive when we stop trying so hard. For Rob, creativity comes from loosening control — going for walks, grocery shopping, or just letting the mind wander.
• Judgment Kills Creativity: One of the biggest barriers to creativity is self-censorship. Rob encourages letting go of perfectionism and allowing ideas to flow — even the weird or messy ones.
• Music as Ritual: Rob reflects on how modern convenience has replaced rituals like cooking or making music — and why bringing those rituals back could improve our sense of connection and purpose.
• Parenting and Purpose: When his son decided to pursue music, Rob didn’t try to talk him out of it. His biggest hope? That his son finds fulfillment — whatever path he chooses.
• The Awesome Music Project: What started as a neighbor’s idea became a national charity focused on the link between music and mental health. Rob shares the story behind it and why he believes music has the power to heal.
• Balance Over Hustle: Rob hopes that in 2024, we’ll all move toward more balance — not just in work, but in how we connect with each other and ourselves.
• Stay Curious: Whether it’s attending a random concert or following a creative hunch, Rob believes discovery is one of the most important — and joyful — parts of being alive.

For more information about Rob or to connect with him, check out these links:

Rob Carli’s Website

The Awesome Music Project

Instagram: Awesome Music Project

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Connect with Bob Mathers

Website

LinkedIn

Today we talk to Karl Allen-Muncey - a tech innovator, motorcycle enthusiast and now a real-life Instagram influencer.

When I originally talked to Karl about being on the podcast, I wasn’t sure what we’d talk about. He’s a motorcycle guy who talks about throttle therapy and the mental health benefits of riding. I’ve never been on a motorcycle. I was always scared, I was never that cool.

But it turns out this conversation isn’t really about motorcycles at all. Karl was a big success in every way - fancy job working with huge companies, big house - he had it all. Then during the pandemic, all that fell apart. His marriage, his job - and with it, everything he thought he knew about himself.

So he started over. He did what so many of us long to do at some point in our lives. He took all his unique superpowers he’s amassed over his career, and point them in a new direction, something he really cares about. If you think this sounds like a fairy tale, it’s not. Karl is very honest about how painful this has been. He talks about his life being in pieces, and having to decide which parts to pick up and which ones to leave behind.

Now he’s an Instagram influencer - a middle-aged motorcycle dude in black leather, gray beard, baring his soul and being vulnerable about his mental health. And yeah, his audience is exploding.

So sure, if you like riding, you're going to love this. But maybe you're like me and you've never been on a bike. Maybe you think reinventing yourself is something only other people do.

This conversation will change that.

Please enjoy Karl Allen-Muncey.

Every other week, join your host Bob Mathers, keynote speaker for conversations designed to push you out of your comfort zone. Each episode delivers boundless insights and ideas that matter by inspiring you to get off autopilot and keep chasing curiosity.

Key Takeaways:

• From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Karl shares how the pandemic stripped away his career, marriage, and identity, forcing him into a profound personal transformation—and eventually leading him to a more intentional life.

• Motorcycles as Mental Health Tools: Riding became Karl’s way to quiet his mind and reconnect with himself. What started as escape turned into healing, clarity, and a whole new community.

• The Power of Admitting Defeat: One of Karl’s biggest lessons was learning to admit when something is truly over—and how doing so created space to rebuild on his own terms.

• Therapy, Ego, and Growth: Karl reflects on how therapy helped him confront the version of himself he had been hiding behind, and why losing the ego was the beginning of real self-awareness.

• The Unexpected Gift of Instagram: What began as an anonymous place to share moody moto-camping photos became a growing platform for connection, vulnerability, and ultimately, business.

• Parenting with Presence: Karl talks candidly about how his growth journey has made him a better father—and why being “Dad” is the most important title he’ll ever hold.

• Innovation, Burnout, and Reinvention: Karl’s background building innovation labs gives insight into how great ideas get stuck—and what it takes to actually create change inside large organizations.

• Finding Authentic Connection: Whether through motorcycles, social media, or programs like Vienna Waits, Karl has found that the best relationships are built on honesty, not image.

Links and Resources

Karl on Instagram

Karl on LinkedIn

Vienna-Waits

Connect with Bob Mathers

Website

LinkedIn