Best Melissa Hanks Podcasts (2024)

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Season 2, Episode 7 - Melissa Rush/Ashley Higginbotham - Double Trouble (In a Good Way)! 46:35

17d ago46:35

46:35

On this episode, Michael speaks with Melissa Rush and Ashley Higginbotham. Melissa Rush is an adventurer and entrepreneur, co-owning Rush & Company, an Executive Search Firm specializing in Textiles, with her husband Rick. She's trekked iconic trails worldwide, from Patagonia's W Trail to Japan's Kumano Kodo to Tour du Mont Blanc and Nepal's Annapu…

1
Episode 91: Rahm Emanuel 43:42

3M ago43:42

43:42

Hank welcomes Rahm Emanuel (31st US Ambassador to Japan, 55th Mayor of Chicago, and former White House Chief of Staff) to the podcast to discuss his upbringing and how it shaped his interests and values, his start in local politics, working in Washington, and the difference between working in the Clinton and Obama administrations. He delves into hi…

1
Season 2, Episode 6 - Dawne Hanks - Eliminate Girl Hate 58:14

5M ago58:14

58:14

On this episode, Michael speaks with Dawne Hanks, founder and CEO of Eliminate Girl Hate. With over two decades of experience as a brand and marketing strategist, Dawne has journeyed across the globe, delving into the intricacies of human behavior and gaining a profound global perspective—both in the spotlight and behind the scenes. Renowned for aw…

1
Season 2, Episode 5 - Juliet Starrett - Built to Move 51:55

7M ago51:55

51:55

On this episode, Michael speaks to Juliet Starrett. Juliet is the coauthor of NYT Bestseller Built to Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully, as well as the CEO of The Ready State, a multi-million-dollar company that has disrupted the fitness industry with a new market category of movement and mobility content. She fo…

1
Season 2, Episode 4 - Bob Carter - Giving Back 43:53

9M ago43:53

43:53

On this episode, Michael speaks with Bob Carter. Bob Carter is a connector and philanthropic visionary who champions creative solutions to institutional strategy and humanitarian challenges worldwide. He's a founding board member of the World Health Organization Foundation and the African American Development Officers Network Board, serves as a boa…

1
Season 2, Episode 3 - Bryan Maher - Vision Quest 40:48

10M ago40:48

40:48

On this episode, Michael speaks with Bryan Maher. Bryan is a songwriter, music producer, and new dad. He's also the lead signer of the band, Black Suit Youth. Black Suit Youth is a four piece DIY rock band from, New York. Currently signed to 59X Records, they have been self-releasing albums and EPs and booking their own tours for years. They have p…

1
Season 2, Episode 2 - Christine Astarita - The 100 Mile Journey 51:36

12M ago51:36

51:36

On this episode, Michael speaks with Christine Astarita. Christine is the owner and founder of Breakthrough Intensive PT, an organization focused on helping kids and adults with disabilities, as well as their families, to improve the quality of their lives. She is also an endurance athlete, using her mission at Breakthrough to fuel purpose behind h…

1
Season 2, Episode 1 - Rebecca Rusch - Nothing Is Impossible 45:22

1y ago45:22

45:22

On the first episode of Season 2, Michael speaks with Rebecca Rusch. Rebecca is a world-class explorer, professional athlete, acclaimed speaker and author who brings her wilderness wisdom to top trailblazers to reach the heights of human performance in leadership, business, and life. Rebecca launched three thriving organizations: Rusch Ventures, Th…

1
Episode 90: Melissa Kearney 43:04

1y ago43:04

43:04

Hank welcomes Melissa Kearney (Director of The Aspen Economic Strategy Group and Economics Professor at University of Maryland) to the podcast to discuss her new book, The Two-Parent Privilege, which explores the rise of single-parent households and the benefits two-parent homes provide for children. Kearney looks at widening inequality, eroding so…

1
Episode 89: Hillary Clinton 32:21

1+ y ago32:21

32:21

Hillary Clinton (67th US Secretary of State and former US Senator) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss the state of American democracy, political polarization, and US-China relations. She shares insights into leadership and civic responsibility, America’s role in the world, her advice for young people, and the importance of education in navigati…

1
Episode 88: Bob Rubin 47:02

1+ y ago47:02

47:02

Hank welcomes Bob Rubin (Chairman Emeritus, Council on Foreign Relations and 70th US Treasury Secretary) back to the podcast to discuss his new book The Yellow Pad: Making Better Decisions in an Uncertain World. Rubin shares his insights on decision-making, the importance of free expression and unfettered discussion, and leadership. They dive into …

1
TIA Episode 21 - Gina DeGregorio-Sonbert, Mama Bear 55:21

1+ y ago55:21

55:21

On the season one finale, Michael speaks to his wife, Gina DeGregorio-Sonbert. Gina is a former music publicist turned psychologist, autism advocate, author, and business owner. On this episode, Gina and Michael talk about reality TV, walking away from something that no longer serves you (even when you're really successful at it), and raising child…

1
TIA Episode 20 - Mark Anthony, The 7-Figure Club 40:30

1+ y ago40:30

40:30

On this episode, Michael speaks with Mark Anthony. Mark Anthony is an international speaker and business advisor. He has lectured as well as trained and coached business professionals on six of the seven continents. At the age of nineteen, Mark started his first business and in only a few short years, had clients coast to coast. In his thirties, he…

1
TIA Episode 19 - Dr. Amber Langley-Gill, Family, Flexibility, and Mental Fortitude 59:34

1+ y ago59:34

59:34

On this episode, Michael speaks with Dr. Amber Langley-Gill. Amber is an author, founder of Biohacker Babe Academy, and a content strategist. Formerly an emergency/critical care veterinarian, she quickly shifted her focus from veterinary medicine to brain + gut health when her twins were born prematurely. As she embarked on a personal mission to he…

1
TIA Episode 18 - Dave Lubelczyk, There's No Such Thing As Work/Life Balance 43:47

1+ y ago43:47

43:47

On this episode, Michael speaks with Dave Lubelczyk - AKA, The Brain For Rent. A former branding columnist, business author, brand strategist, idea incubation consultant, and President of the branding firm IMAGEidentity, LTD. he has provided creative and consultation services to large corporations, non-profits, and small start-ups for over thirty y…

1
TIA Episode 17 - Jenn Jordan, From Pain to Power 46:00

1+ y ago46:00

46:00

On this episode, Michael speaks to Jenn Jordan. Jenn is a healthcare attorney, a mom of three, a wellness coach focused on women's growth, and an endurance athlete. On this episode, Jenn and Michael talk about the importance of challenging oneself, embracing pain, and Jenn's super-human endurance feats. Enjoy!…

1
Episode 16 - Melissa Finkelstein, From Attorney to Author 34:54

1+ y ago34:54

34:54

On this episode, Michael speaks to Melissa Finkelstein. Melissa is a New Jersey-based author, lawyer, and proud mom of three. Since she was a young girl, Melissa has loved creating stories and poems. She began her career as a litigator in Manhattan but craved a more creative and whimsical outlet. Once she had her son (7), and twin daughters (5), Me…

1
TIA Episode 15 - Noah Pines, The Kyle Pease Foundation 44:51

1+ y ago44:51

44:51

On this episode, Michael speaks with Noah Pines. Noah is a criminal defense lawyer in Atlanta and a frequent guest commentator on Court TV. A partner at Ross & Pines, he's known for his willingness to tackle tough cases. He also talks to teens to offer guidance about real-life legal issues they need to know the repercussions of including fake IDS, …

1
Episode 14 - Leo Chan, Anyone Can Innovate 45:44

1+ y ago45:44

45:44

On this episode, Michael speaks with Leo Chan. Leo is the founder of Abound Innovation Inc., former Senior Innovation Lead at Chick-fil-A, and former innovator at State Farm Insurance. He believes a work culture that empowers innovators creates a thriving atmosphere for meaningful, fulfilling work with exponential impact. Leo is a named inventor on…

1
TIA Episode 13 - Kimberly King, A Person on a Mission 46:28

1+ y ago46:28

46:28

Kimberly King is an award-winning author, teacher, and authority on sexual abuse prevention. A survivor of sexual assault turned advocate and educator, Kimberly started her work with sexual abuse prevention as a women’s health Peer Counselor and Human Sexuality teaching assistant to the renowned Dr. Sandra Caron. After more than a decade of teachin…

1
Episode 87: George W. Bush 27:00

1+ y ago27:00

27:00

In this episode of Straight Talk, President George W. Bush (43rd President of the United States and Founder, George W. Bush Institute) joins Hank to discuss the 20th anniversary of PEPFAR and more. They examine the financial crisis, increasing calls for isolationism, building relationships across the aisle, and the need to work together to accompli…

1
TIA Episode 12 - Winn Claybaugh, Be Nice (or Else!) 45:54

1+ y ago45:54

45:54

On this episode, Michael speaks to Winn Claybaugh. Winn is the author of Be Nice (Or Else!) and “one of the best motivational speakers in the country,” according to CNN’s Larry King, who wrote the foreword for the book. Winn is the founder, co-owner, and dean of Paul Mitchell Advanced Education, and a popular seminar leader and keynote speaker. He …

1
TIA Episode 11 - Michael Parnell, Whatever it Takes for Ryan 46:07

1+ y ago46:07

46:07

Michael Parnell is a Father, Husband, Entrepreneur, and Founder of The Ascent2aCure Foundation, a non-profit public charity which holds all expense paid adventure camps for children with the rare autoimmune disease, Juvenile Myositis, and their families. His daughter, Ryan, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 3, and he and his wife Erin ha…

1
Episode 86: Stephen Hadley 56:06

1+ y ago56:06

56:06

Hank welcomes Stephen Hadley (Principal at Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel LLC and Former Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs) to the podcast to discuss his new book Hand Off and the Bush Administration’s accomplishments and missteps. He shares insights into China in the Bush era and the China of today, national security, and Amer…

1
TIA Episode 10 - Thomas Hamm, Wellness around the World 49:10

1+ y ago49:10

49:10

Thomas Hamm is the Founder & CEO of SMASH Wellness LLC providing clients with holistic fitness and wellness practices. He refers to himself as your "Wellness GPS," helping you to arrive at your desired destination as safely and as quickly as possible. He has studied, traveled, and worked with clients in cities around the globe such as Napa Valley, …

1
TIA Episode 9 - Keith Hille, Guitars and Graphic Design 42:50

1+ y ago42:50

42:50

On this episode, Michael speaks to Keith Hille. Keith is a husband, father, designer, and performer. As a designer, his affection for branding radiates through his creative services with Hille Design. His passion for music and connecting with people shines brightest when he's on stage, leading sing-alongs to energized crowds. Keith and Michael talk…

1
Episode 85: Bono 55:25

1+ y ago55:25

55:25

On the heels of releasing his book, Surrender, Bono (Lead Singer, U2 and Cofounder, ONE and (RED)) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss creating award-winning music with U2 while advocating for causes affecting the world's most vulnerable people. From advocating for AIDS relief in Africa and fighting poverty to addressing climate change and the i…

1
TIA Episode 8 - Jenn Whitmer, Laughter, Care, and the Enneagram 43:46

1+ y ago43:46

43:46

On this episode, Michael speaks with keynote, TEDx speaker, and consultant, Jenn Whitmer. Jenn helps leaders solve conflict, cultivate communication, and create empowered teams. Jenn and Michael talk about leading with care, the impact of having a toxic boss, and the "humbling weight of responsibility." Additionally, Jenn introduces Michael to the …

1
TIA Episode 7 - Eric Bland, Fueling Your Inner Furnace 50:02

1+ y ago50:02

50:02

On this episode, Michael speaks with attorney, Eric Bland. Recognized by CNN, The Today Show, Dateline, Court TV, and People Magazine, Eric Bland is also a speaker, podcast host, media correspondent, and fitness nut. Eric has gained the reputation of being a tenacious litigator and the person who blew open the Murtaugh Murder Case in South Carolina…

1
TIA Episode 6 - Darren Roberts, Say No to Doubt 50:08

1+ y ago50:08

50:08

Darren Roberts is an entrepreneur, husband, father, marathoner, and ultra-marathoner who's highly interested in how individuals overcome fear and doubt to achieve their goals and dreams. On this episode, Darren and Michael talk about building strong relationships, living with intention, the benefits of running without music, and how to push past do…

1
TIA Episode 5 - Justin Weatherholtz, Tattoos, Humility, and Rising to the Occasion 1:04:15

1+ y ago1:04:15

1:04:15

On this episode, Michael speaks to Justin Weatherholtz. Justin is a world-renowned tattoo artist, event promoter, illustrator, painter, and musician. He's traveled the globe, sharing his art with the world. They talk about the importance of humility, being willing to leave security behind in search of something deeper, and how to embrace having the…

1
TIA Episode 4 - Maureen Pierce, Fighting Back 1:01:17

2y ago1:01:17

1:01:17

On this episode, Michael speaks to Maureen “Moe” Pierce, an educator for sexual abuse awareness and certified self-defense instructor. Her journey began at the young age of 8, after she became a survivor of abduction, assault, and rape. Moe’s passion is to use her experience to help others not only defend themselves but for survivors to take their …

1
Episode 84: Jim Steinberg 33:04

2y ago33:04

33:04

Jim Steinberg (Dean, Johns Hopkins SAIS and Former US Deputy Secretary of State) joins Hank on the podcast to discuss growing up in Massachusetts and being inspired to pursue public service by the Kennedys, his pivotal shift to foreign policy, and his philosophy of education. They delve into US-China relations, the meeting between Biden and Xi, and…

1
TIA Episode 3 - Michael Goldberg, The Walkalongside Leader 48:27

2y ago48:27

48:27

On episode 3, Michael talks to Michael Goldberg, the former executive director of Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish Medical Center. At LIJ, Michael led the day-to-day operations of the hospital’s $1 billion annual operating budget, 583 beds, 6,500 employees, and 4,000 physicians. Michael has since founded and created Walkalongside Leader, Inc. …

1
Episode 83: Nicholas Stern 46:00

2y ago46:00

46:00

Hank Paulson welcomes Nicholas Stern (Chair of the Grantham Research Institute, Chair of the Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy, and IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government at the LSE) to the podcast. They discuss takeaways from COP 27, carbon markets, and the opportunity for the US and China to work together to address climate c…

1
TIA Episode 2 - Whitney McDuff, Publicity and Personal Development 40:14

2y ago40:14

40:14

On this episode, Michael talks betting on yourself, showing up big, and overcoming imposter syndrome with Whitney McDuff. Whitney is a public speaker’s secret weapon. She works with purpose-driven leaders to build visible, credible, and profitable brands through public speaking and PR. With clients showcased on stages around the world and recognize…

1
Episode 82: Paul Ryan 45:57

2y ago45:57

45:57

Hank welcomes Paul Ryan (54th Speaker of the US House of Representatives) to the podcast to discuss how his upbringing in Wisconsin shaped his values and beliefs, his approach to policymaking, fixing political polarization in the US, and the role and challenges of being Speaker. He shares his advice for the new GOP Speaker, insights into his princi…

1
TIA Episode 1 - John Mosely, The Popular Nobody 45:39

2y ago45:39

45:39

On the debut episode of The Inspiration Accelerator, Michael speaks with the NAHA 2022 Educator of the Year, John Mosely: AKA, The Popular Nobody. John was Kendrick Lamar's personal barber, and his work has been featured in GQ, New York Times Style, Black Enterprise, Rolling Stone, and more. John is an impactful speaker who's committed to driving c…

1
Episode 81: Minouche Shafik 35:39

2y ago35:39

35:39

Minouche Shafik (Director, London School of Economics) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss her philosophy of education and her vision for the London School of Economics, the role the IMF and Central Banks should play in the transition to a green economy, and her acclaimed book. She shares insights into growing up in the American South, economics…

1
Episode 80: Cristián Samper 40:27

2y ago40:27

40:27

Cristián Samper (Managing Director, Bezos Earth Fund and tropical biologist) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss his upbringing in Colombia and the importance of the country in preserving biodiversity, how he developed his connection with nature, COP 15 and important agenda items and challenges. He also shares insights into the approach and prio…

1
Episode 79: Admiral Mike Mullen 46:42

2y ago46:42

46:42

Admiral Mike Mullen (17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and retired US Navy Admiral) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss how his distinguished career in the Navy unfolded, the role of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and advising both presidents Bush and Obama. He assesses the status of the war in Ukraine and shares insights into n…

1
Episode 78: David Sibley 33:34

2y ago33:34

33:34

David Sibley (Author, Illustrator, and Ornithologist) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss birding, bird collisions and the impact of cats on bird populations, and the biodiversity crisis. He shares insights into his love of drawing, the Sibley Guide to Birds and how the guide works, and his advice for young birders.Sibley Guides to Birds: https:…

1
Episode 77: Hal Harvey 32:17

2y ago32:17

32:17

Hank welcomes Hal Harvey (Chief Executive Officer of Energy Innovation) to the podcast to discuss the influence of his mother’s environmentalism on his career, his knack for innovation in the energy space, and his new book—The Big Fix. He shares insights into what he’s working on and his goals for Energy Innovation, how we can keep from losing grou…

1
Episode 76: David Axelrod 54:08

2y ago54:08

54:08

Hank welcomes David Axelrod (Director, University of Chicago Institute of Politics and CNN Senior Political Commentator) to Straight Talk to discuss his experience in journalism, how he met Barack Obama and was inspired to work on his campaigns, and the shift from advising in politics to governing. He shared insights into Obama’s historic president…

1
Episode 75: Darius Adamczyk 37:03

2y ago37:03

37:03

Darius Adamczyk (Chief Executive Officer of Honeywell) joins Hank on the podcast to discuss Honeywell and its role in the planet’s energy future, data architecture, and the economic, business, and policy aspects of US-China relations. He shares insights on operating a multinational business in an increasingly unpredictable political landscape, crea…

1
Episode 74: Austan Goolsbee 40:19

2y ago40:19

40:19

Hank welcomes Austan Goolsbee (Professor and Economist, University of Chicago and former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, Obama Administration) to Straight Talk to discuss his talent for and enthusiasm while public speaking, the economy today, and demand and supply shocks. He shares insights into how he ended up in the field of economi…

1
Episode 73: Walter Isaacson 36:54

2y ago36:54

36:54

Hank welcomes Walter Isaacson (Former Chair and CEO, CNN and Editor, Time Magazine) to Straight Talk to discuss lessons from his books, innovation and climate change, and bipartisanship and increased ideological polarization. He shares insights into creativity, his writing process, and the gift of storytelling.Walter Isaacson: https://liberalarts.t…

1
Episode 72: Samm Sacks 30:19

2y ago30:19

30:19

Samm Sacks (Cyber Policy Fellow, New America and Senior Fellow, Yale Law School Paul Tsai China Center) joins Hank Paulson on Straight Talk to discuss the core issues and key technologies of US-China tech competition, data flows, and governing the digital economy. She shares insights into the need for the US to invest in itself and not inhibit adva…

1
Episode 71: Evan Medeiros 45:50

2y ago45:50

45:50

Evan Medeiros (Professor and Penner Chair in Asian Studies (China), Georgetown University) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss US-China relations and balancing the world powers’ intensifying competition with economic interdependence. He shares insights on the rapid decoupling between the West and Russia and potential impacts on the US-China rela…

1
Episode 70: Henry Kissinger 41:38

2y ago41:38

41:38

Henry Kissinger (Chairman of Kissinger Associates, Inc. and 56th Secretary of State) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss how coming to America after fleeing Nazi Germany shaped his worldview, getting his start in politics, and working with the world’s most consequential leaders—something he delves into in his latest book. He shares insights into…

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