The Main Thing Podcast
The Worst Christmas Gift I Ever Received Welcome, wisdom-seekers to Skip’s Quips - a Holiday Special Edition! This week on The Main Thing Podcast, we’re doing something a little different — and a little more intimate. No guest. No interview. Just you and me, gathered around a story that has stayed with me for nearly half a century. And it couldn’t be landing at a better time. Today is a week before Christmas, and most of us are feeling the familiar holiday squeeze — the pressure to get it right, to pick the perfect gifts, to keep all the moving parts moving. Before the wrapping paper...
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In this heartfelt and deeply meaningful wisdom conversation, I sit down with Kathleen Walker—a trusted friend of more than 25 years, a respected leadership consultant, an entrepreneur and one of the most compassionate people I know. Kathleen works with leaders, teams, and organizations to strengthen communication, clarity, and performance. But beyond her professional expertise, Kathleen brings a rare blend of empathy, insight, and lived wisdom that has shaped countless lives—including mine. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, look inward, and lead differently. Lead With Love...
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In this inspiring wisdom‑conversation, I sit down with Chris Breed. He’s not only a top PGA-certified golf instructor, coach, encourager and faith‑driven leader, he is one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met. FACE Forward - Encouragement, Focus & Faith We explore how Chris’ coaching insights and spiritual perspectives combine to help us live wiser, bolder lives. Chris introduces his “FACE” framework (Focus • Attitude • Commitment • Effort) and shows how it applies not only on the green, but in our everyday journeys of growth and meaning. You will laugh and...
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Today’s wise guest is an entrepreneurial business owner who has lived and worked in Chicago, London and San Francisco. Lindsay Yellin is creative and bold—and she keeps it very real. She’s worked as an executive in high-pressure industries and now helps other executive leaders in similar environments to cope and thrive. When you listen to this episode you will come away with … Tips and techniques for dealing with fear. Practices you can apply right now - today - for coping with stress and uncertainty. Leadership practices and advice on leading your team during tumultuous times. More...
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Welcome to a very special wisdom mini-series. This four-part project originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. In the truest sense this batch of wisdom has been two decades in the making. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. The Courage to Change Part Four features what was, perhaps, John’s favorite story to tell, his favorite wisdom lesson. It showcases...
info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
This four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. A Powerful Six-Word Phrase for Leaders Part Three of our our mini-series is the shortest of the four. In it, you will discover one of John’s favorite leadership tools. It’s a powerful, six-word phrase that’s easy to grasp, easy to use and easy to...
info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to a very special episode and wisdom mini-series. This four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. In the truest sense this batch of wisdom has been two decades in the making. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. The Art of Visualization In Part Two of our our mini-series, John tells one of his favorite stories. It’s the story of...
info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to a very special episode and wisdom mini-series. This four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. In the truest sense this has been two decades in the making. Embracing Adversity with Grace and Resilience Here in Part One our our mini-series, you will hear John share a wisdom lesson with me...
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From Combat Zones to Community Hubs: Jake Harriman's Journey of Servant Leadership I first heard about Jake Harriman by way of his guest appearance on The Jocko Willink Podcast. Immediately I was drawn to his mission, heart and bias for action. Jake Harriman is a former US Marine Commander who spent more than a decade abroad defending our nation from enemies, terrorism and other global threats. But when Jake retired from active military duty and returned to America, in his words, he no longer recognized the nation he had spent so many years defending. Jake quickly saw that Americans were at...
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Creative expression comes in many forms—and it’s not limited to the arts. Creative expression can be a tremendous, strategic advantage in business, too. The rich, full life of our guest, Bryan Boyd, is a perfect illustration of this wisdom truth. Musical Journeys Meet Marketing Mastery In this rich, colorful wisdom conversation with Bryan Boyd, the ingenious artist and musician, you will discover how someone can blend art, music and entrepreneurship synergistically and successfully. Fresh off a notable performance where he shared the stage with KC and the Sunshine Band,...
info_outlineCreative expression comes in many forms—and it’s not limited to the arts. Creative expression can be a tremendous, strategic advantage in business, too. The rich, full life of our guest, Bryan Boyd, is a perfect illustration of this wisdom truth.
Musical Journeys Meet Marketing Mastery
In this rich, colorful wisdom conversation with Bryan Boyd, the ingenious artist and musician, you will discover how someone can blend art, music and entrepreneurship synergistically and successfully.
Fresh off a notable performance where he shared the stage with KC and the Sunshine Band, Bryan sheds light on his journey through the realms of business and music. As a leader in marketing and design, Bryan unveils unconventional strategies for cultivating client trust and success authentically and effectively.
Discover how urgency and passion, guided by the wisdom of Joseph Campbell's "follow your bliss," can drive excellence in professional and personal spheres. We explore the importance of balancing these principles, not just in business but in nurturing our personal relationships as well.
Bryan's insights promise to leave you motivated, reminding us all that passion, coupled with purposeful actions, can indeed create a lasting impact on those around us.
A Bit More About Our Wise Guest - Bryan Boyd
Bryan Boyd hails from the coalfields of southern West Virginia. He’s the son of legendary, hall-of-fame basketball coach, Jennings Boyd, who guided Northfork High School to eight consecutive AA state championships from 1974 to 1981.
Bryan is a gifted musician and vocalist. He performs regularly in three diverse groups including The Velvet Brothers (a Vegas-style show band), Central Standard Time (progressive and contemporary jazz) and Combo Latino (latin fusion).
An artist and designer by degree and profession, Bryan continues to explore creative expression through many forms, including visual art and songwriting. He’s been a supporter and member for four decades of the arts and related charitable organizations in our region. An avid fisherman and dog lover, Bryan resides in Charleston, WV with his wife Mary and their one-year-old Australian Shepherd, Rufus.
Settle in and get ready. Over the next 30 minutes, you will discover why Bryan Boyd is one of the wisest people I know.
Resources
Bryan Boyd Creative Group website
Wikipedia page of author Joseph Campbell (mentioned by Bryan in this episode)
The Velvet Brothers Facebook page
Credits
Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss
Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski
PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell
Graphic Design + Social Media Chloe Lineberg
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Episode Chapters
[0:03:13] - A hot performance on stage; opening up for KC & The Sunshine Band
[0:06:28] - Bryan’s journey with music; which came first: music or art?
[0:08:51] - How Skip and Bryan are connected
[0:10:20] - Client Confidence Through Listening and Creativity
[0:12:12] - Doodling, sketching or translating?
[0:17:46] - Bryan Boyd reveals his Main Thing wisdom nugget
[0:18:21] - The Power of urgency and passion
[0:22:15] - Applying Bryan’s main thing in family life
[0:24:48] - What happens when you follow your bliss
[0:26:20] - A recognition of joy
Episode Keywords
Wisdom, Creativity, Marketing, Advertising, Client, Trust, Success, Passion, Urgency, Joseph Campbell, Bliss, Family, Balance, Satisfaction, Fulfillment