Kelly welcomes Harvard professor Ranjay Gulati back to the podcast to discuss his new book, “How to Be Bold: The Surprising Science of Everyday Courage.”     Before we get into it, how exactly does one get the Dali Lama to write the forward for one’s book? Is that a text? An email?  “You know, sometimes …

Kelly connects with longtime film critic Nick Digilio to talk about his new book “40 Years, 40 Films.” They discuss growing up in Chicago, falling in love with movies and Nick’s start at WGN Radio on the Roy Leonard Show. Then they dig into some of Nick’s favorite movies such as Albert Brooks’ “Lost in …

In this engaging conversation, Goldie Chan, a brand and storytelling expert, discusses the nuances of introversion, personal branding, and the dynamics between introverts and extroverts. She shares insights from her new book, ‘Personal Branding for Introverts,’ and emphasizes the importance of networking, small talk, and setting expectations in professional environments. Goldie also draws parallels between …

Kelly talks to Venezuelan-born, Chicago-based photographer Daniel Moreno about his new book of photographs of Chicago’s legendary Holiday Train.    What brought you to Chicago all the way from your home in Venezuela?  “Well, actually, t’s funny – and I was thinking about it because this is the Second City podcast – and actually I …

In this conversation, Kelly Leonard interviews Bastion Bergmann, co-founder and COO of Solston, about the significance of play in human experience and its implications for business strategy, particularly in gaming. They discuss how gaming can serve as a powerful tool for engagement and marketing, illustrated by Burberry’s innovative approach to integrating their brand into a …

Kelly welcomes Caroline Stokes back to the podcast to discuss her new book “Aftershock to 2030: A CEO’s Guide to Reinvention in the Age of AI, Climate and Societal Collapse.”    After reading your book, three adages came to me that connect to your work: In improv, we learn to see all obstacles as gifts. …

In this episode, Kelly Leonard interviews James Kimmel Jr., a clinical professor and author, about his book “The Science of Revenge.” They explore the neuroscience behind revenge, its addictive nature, and how it manifests in real-life scenarios. Kimmel shares compelling stories, including those of mass violence, and discusses the role of mental illness in revenge-seeking …

Kelly speaks with Harvard professor, Margaret Andrews, about her new book which was inspired by her most popular class. Enjoy as they discuss the principles of leadership and her new book “Manage Yourself to Lead Others: Why Great Leadership Begins with Self-Understanding.”    You talk about a lot of bad leaders in this book, but …

Kelly has a powerful conversation with longtime friend and Second City colleague Tania Richard, whose new book “Black Girl from a White Suburb” looks at race, a life in theatre, loss and finding resilience along the way.    We’ve known each other for 30 some odd years, but it always seems like I learn the …