We are all on the edge and Trump wins again! ... And how did that happen! And a report from my robot.
Inconvenient Ideas with Stan Hustad...the Radio Man
Release Date: 03/04/2025
Inconvenient Ideas with Stan Hustad...the Radio Man
On the first day of 2026, The What It Takes Radio Company opens the year with a simple, thoughtful, and surprisingly powerful eight-minute radio and television program designed to help listeners pause, reflect, and begin the year with intention. Hosted by Stan Hustad, the program does not offer a list of resolutions or predictions. Instead, it centers on one clarifying question—drawn from history, philosophy, and practical coaching—that has the potential to save time, sharpen focus, strengthen relationships, and improve effectiveness in life and work throughout the year ahead. A Question...
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On the first day of December, while many people are still digesting Thanksgiving leftovers and arguing about when it’s “socially acceptable” to play Christmas music, broadcaster and performance coach Stan Hustad steps up to the microphone with something more than seasonal sentiment. In his new Monday series, Inconvenient Ideas with Stan Hustad, he invites listeners into a world where what we see, hear, and even believe may be—quite literally—too real to be fake and too fake to be real. Stan begins with a memory from his days hosting the early morning show “Morning Sound” on a...
info_outlineInconvenient Ideas with Stan Hustad...the Radio Man
A TWiT Talk with Stan “The Radio Man” Hustad On this post-Thanksgiving “Black Friday,” veteran broadcaster and performance economist Stan Hustad explores why so many people still “leave money on the table.” With sharp insights and light humor, this 15-minute TWiT Talk explains the real origin of the phrase and how it applies to modern business, media, and the performance economy. Key Ideas: • The poker-table origin of “leaving money on the table” • How entrepreneurs underprice, under-offer, and underperform • The importance of full performance in the modern economy •...
info_outlineInconvenient Ideas with Stan Hustad...the Radio Man
On Thanksgiving Eve—one of the most meaningful, reflective, and even quietly complicated days on the American calendar—veteran broadcaster and business-performance coach Stan Hustad steps into the “How to Be Useful” virtual studio with a simple story and a profound invitation: Let this Thanksgiving Eve be different. Let it be useful, grateful, and transformational. In a warm and deeply human 10-minute reflection, Stan guides listeners through a practice he began years ago—a practice he now teaches in his performance coaching and encourages leaders everywhere to adopt: ...
info_outlineInconvenient Ideas with Stan Hustad...the Radio Man
As Thanksgiving week arrives, What It Takes Radio brings forward another thoughtful, 10-minute conversation from veteran broadcaster and business performance coach Stan Hustad—a message wrapped in gratitude, wisdom, a touch of humor, and a powerful challenge to do it right in life and business In this Thanksgiving meditation—part encouragement, part coaching moment—Stan reminds listeners that this season isn’t just about turkey and tradition. It’s about relationships, gratitude, and the courage to live and work with intentional excellence. A Summary That Stands on Its Own In “When...
info_outlineInconvenient Ideas with Stan Hustad...the Radio Man
Living on the Edge — Lessons from a Heart and a Life A Transplant Zone Reflection with Gary Register In this moving short feature from The Transplant Zone, host Stan Hustad sits down once again with Gary Register — a man living day by day in the tension between hope and uncertainty as he awaits a heart transplant. Today’s conversation was framed by the news of the passing of former Vice President Richard “Dick” Cheney, who died at 84 after a long and complex journey with heart disease — a journey that, for many years, mirrored the one Gary now walks. A Shared Story of Fragile...
info_outlineInconvenient Ideas with Stan Hustad...the Radio Man
And he and you must decide what to do next because we are all at turning points. In this latest episode of Inconvenient Ideas with Stan “the Radio Man” Hustad, listeners are invited to step into the Curiosity Zone—that place where everything you thought you knew might be wrong. With his signature mix of humor, insight, and challenge, Stan declares a new national observance: Turning Point Day. Why? Because almost everything—from world politics to personal purpose—is shifting, and every one of us is standing at a crossroads. From the geopolitical to the...
info_outlineInconvenient Ideas with Stan Hustad...the Radio Man
The Tuesday Truth: Reflections from the Radio Man On a brisk Tuesday morning, broadcaster and performance coach Stan Hustad—known to listeners as The Radio Man—takes his audience on another insightful journey through modern leadership and media reality. His latest episode of Inconvenient Ideas begins, as always, not with politics, but with a principle: “Donald Trump is still the king.” Not, Stan clarifies, the king of America—but the king of the ratings. And that’s no small difference in today’s performance economy, where visibility equals influence and airtime equals authority....
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In this thought-provoking edition of Inconvenient Ideas, Stan Hustad offers a 15-minute story-time reflection on power, personality, and perception — all wrapped around a provocative headline: “Donald Trump is smiling now because he’s the King of POP.” But in Stan’s hands, POP doesn’t mean “Prince of Peace.” It means Power, Opportunity, and Personality — the currency of modern influence. An Idea Worth Wrestling With Broadcasting from the What It Takes Radio studio — standing tall, gesturing, and speaking with his whole body as he always does — Stan begins by reminding...
info_outlineInconvenient Ideas with Stan Hustad...the Radio Man
The latest episode of TWIT Talks with Stan Hustad dives into a topic we all know but rarely name: the strange power of empty threats, the certainty of foes when you try to do good, and the absolute necessity of performing in today’s world. Stan kicks off with a smile and a sting: “If you’re doing well—and especially if you’re helping others do well—you will have foes.” It’s a truth rooted in history, spirituality, and everyday reality. Add to that a few comic tales from Stan’s days as “Mr. H” the high school teacher—like the student who threatened to “pee on the...
info_outlineAnd what does it mean for how we understand the world and how we understand power! I kept the rule of not saying anything for 72 hours and I'm simply making an observation about the responses to what happened and what is happening now.
And remember whatever your feelings are about situation and people the point is to be able be grown-up enough to understand what is going on and what to do... And then to learn something that will be helpful and useful to you in your life work business and relationships.
No matter what happened you can learn!
Now that is what I said ... And then I asked my robot to make a commentary and explanation of the program and this is what he said...
Walking on the Edge: Understanding Power, Leadership, and Deals in a Changing World
It’s Monday, and here we go again. Another week, another moment of reckoning with the realities of the world around us. I’m Stan, and today, I want to share a few thoughts about power, leadership, and how understanding these dynamics can help us navigate life and business more effectively.
Over the weekend, the headlines were dominated by a familiar name: Trump won again. Now, this is not a political statement—it’s an observation. Whether you support him or not, his approach to power, negotiation, and influence offers valuable lessons. He understands the art of the deal, the importance of perception, and the way power structures operate. And whether we like it or not, these are the forces that shape the world we live in.
The Power of Perception and Leadership
Jordan Peterson once said, stop dressing like a 10-year-old. His point? Dress like a man. Dress for leadership. Dress for power. The way we present ourselves affects how we are perceived and, ultimately, how we are treated.
Take Volodymyr Zelensky, for example. He presents himself as a man of the people, dressed in casual military gear. That’s fine when addressing soldiers or rallying the public. But when sitting at the negotiating table with world leaders, perception matters. Power players expect to see a suit, a symbol of authority and respect. The reality is, in high-stakes diplomacy, appearance is part of the game.
If you want to be taken seriously, you have to present yourself seriously. That’s not just about clothing—it’s about posture, language, confidence, and understanding the audience you are playing to. The boardroom, the political stage, and the business world all demand a level of strategic presence.
Understanding Power: A Key to Success
Power is neither inherently good nor bad. It is a tool. Those who understand it can use it for constructive purposes. Those who ignore it are often at its mercy.
Trump, for example, operates with a keen awareness of power dynamics. He sees every interaction as a negotiation, every situation as a deal to be made. Whether it’s foreign policy, business, or media presence, he leverages his influence strategically. And while his approach may not be universally admired, there’s no denying its effectiveness.
What’s the takeaway? Learn how power works. Understand the flow of influence in your workplace, in your industry, in your relationships. Develop your power IQ. Know when to compromise and when to stand firm. Recognize that confidence, perception, and strategic thinking are as important as raw talent.
Lessons from the World Stage
The events unfolding on the global stage are lessons in negotiation and leadership. Trump, whether intentionally or not, positioned himself as a peace broker in Ukraine, using his perceived strength to influence the situation. While Zelensky played to public sentiment, Trump played to the power dynamics at hand. In the end, those who understand power—how to project it, how to use it, how to navigate it—are the ones who shape outcomes.
This applies to our personal and professional lives as well. Whether you’re negotiating a business deal, navigating office politics, or simply trying to be more effective in your daily interactions, understanding power is key. And it starts with self-awareness, confidence, and strategic thinking.
Key Takeaways
- Perception matters. Dress for leadership. Speak with authority. Command respect through presence and preparation.
- Understand power dynamics. Know who holds influence in your environment and how decisions are made.
- Negotiate strategically. Life is a series of deals—learn how to make them work in your favor.
- Be adaptable. Different situations require different approaches. Recognize what the moment calls for and adjust accordingly.
- Seek wisdom. Power alone isn’t enough—use it wisely and ethically to create positive outcomes.
Moving Forward: Walking with Purpose
Life is about navigating challenges with wisdom and courage. As you step into your week, carry yourself with confidence. Be aware of the dynamics at play in your world, and position yourself to lead, not just follow.
And remember, as I often say—this is the way the world works. It doesn’t mean everything is fair or good, but understanding it gives you the ability to navigate it effectively. Seek wisdom, speak truth, and walk with purpose.
You are walking on the edge—so walk tall.
Until next time, all the best and blessings to you.