Inconvenient Ideas with Stan Hustad...the Radio Man
Do You want to be great? Do you want to master the arts, strategies, skills ,and ways of thinking and performing to be world-class in how well you live your life and how you build your career and your business. Well we will talk about all those kind of things so that you can be a master creator and build a world-class company and often times be strong even in the broken places of your life. And one of the best ways to do all of these good things is that is to always deal with the reality that maybe what you thought was true or what you thought you knew was wrong and so you are open to new and powerful and sometimes INCONVENIENT IDEAS. That is one of the marks of successful people who make an IMPACT in life Stan Hustad, teacher, storyteller, broadcaster, and business performance coach is your host, guide, and sometimes healer on our road to being fully alive and building a life and business that matters and makes a difference. Your contribution and participation are welcome.
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THIS IS FOR YOU Welcome to the Transformation Zone Four Questions That Could Change Your Life and Business A What It Takes Radio / Transformation Zone Special
09/04/2026
THIS IS FOR YOU Welcome to the Transformation Zone Four Questions That Could Change Your Life and Business A What It Takes Radio / Transformation Zone Special
September 1 was Transformation Day. September 3 may be even more important. Because declaring a day is relatively easy. Living a transformed life is something else entirely. In this special edition of What It Takes Radio, broadcaster, coach and entrepreneur Stan Hustad follows the first annual Transformation Day with a very personal invitation: THIS IS FOR YOU. It is an invitation to enter what Hustad calls The Transformation Zone — a growing community and conversation for people who are no longer satisfied merely making things a little better. They want to become different. And perhaps help make their businesses, organizations, communities and world different as well. From Transformation Day to the Transformation Zone On September 1, Hustad and a colleague informally declared the first Transformation Day — a day intended to become an annual opportunity to stop, think and ask whether this might finally be the time to pursue meaningful transformation. Transformation in a life. Transformation in a business. Transformation in relationships. Transformation within a person's circle of influence. Perhaps even transformation that reaches far beyond that circle. It is an ambitious idea. Hustad readily admits that declaring a new international observance with two people may sound slightly audacious. But then again, most movements don't begin with a committee of 10,000. They begin with somebody. Sometimes two somebodies. And then somebody else decides to join them. That is the invitation of this program. Better Is Good. Transformation Is Different. Hustad makes an important distinction between four ideas that are often treated as though they mean the same thing: BETTER → IMPROVEMENT → CHANGE → TRANSFORMATION Almost everyone wants something to be better. Most people are willing to consider improvement. Change becomes more difficult because change usually costs something. It interrupts routines, challenges assumptions and occasionally moves the furniture in our lives without asking permission. But transformation goes considerably further. Transformation is not simply becoming different by degree. It is becoming different in kind. A transformed business doesn't simply sell 5 percent more of the same thing. It may discover an entirely new way to create value. A transformed professional doesn't merely become slightly more efficient. That person may discover an entirely different understanding of his or her work. And a transformed life isn't merely a better-organized version of yesterday. Transformation is difficult. But difficult things have an annoying habit of being where many of life's most important opportunities are hiding. Four Questions at the Entrance Hustad has spent many years coaching people who wanted something to change in their lives or businesses. Before getting very far into strategies, techniques, goals and plans, he learned to ask more fundamental questions. In this program he offers four of them as a kind of entrance examination for the Transformation Zone — not one that anyone passes or fails, but one that requires an honest answer. 1. Are You Serious? This is where transformation begins. Not: “Wouldn't that be nice?” Not: “I've been thinking about doing something someday.” But: Are you serious? Transformation requires intention. It requires enough commitment to move an idea from something interesting into something important. Hustad's coaching experience taught him that he could not do the work for another person. He could encourage, challenge, teach, coach and accompany them. But ultimately the person seeking transformation had to decide: I am serious about this. 2. Who Are You? Years ago, when teaching people to become broadcasters, Hustad would tell students that there was one person they absolutely had to meet if they wanted to become successful communicators. Naturally, they wanted the name. Who was this important broadcasting personality? The answer was: You. Before someone can communicate authentically, lead effectively or create something genuinely new, that person needs to begin understanding himself or herself. Most of us know our job titles. We know our schedules. We know what other people expect from us. But those aren't necessarily answers to the question: Who are you? Transformation requires self-knowledge — sometimes uncomfortable self-knowledge — because it is difficult to intentionally transform a life one has never seriously examined. 3. What Is True? Then comes a question that has occupied philosophers, theologians, leaders and ordinary people for thousands of years: What is true? What do you believe so deeply that you are willing to build your life around it? What principles are not negotiable? What would you defend? What would you advocate? What have experience, faith, wisdom and reflection taught you to trust? A transformed life cannot be built entirely on whatever happens to be fashionable this week. It needs foundations. And that requires deciding what is true. 4. What Do You Want? Finally comes a deceptively simple question: What do you want? Hustad points to this as one of the powerful questions Jesus repeatedly asked people who approached him. It is powerful precisely because many people cannot answer it clearly. They know what happened to them. They know what they're supposed to do Monday morning. They know what other people want from them. But what do they really want their life to become? What do they want to create? What difference do they want to make? What relationships do they want to deepen? What work matters enough to deserve part of their remaining lifetime? Transformation requires direction. If you don't know what you want, it becomes remarkably difficult to recognize whether you're moving toward it. Transformation Is Already Coming There is another reason these questions matter. Transformation is not politely waiting for us to decide whether we're interested. It is already happening. Artificial intelligence is transforming industries and professions. Streaming media has transformed broadcasting. Communication bears remarkably little resemblance to the industry Hustad entered decades ago. Businesses are discovering that assumptions that worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. Some transformations are chosen. Others arrive without an invitation. Sometimes they even arrive through disruption, disappointment or trauma. Will transformation merely happen to us, or will we participate in shaping it intentionally? That is what the Transformation Zone is intended to explore. Welcome to the Transformation Zone The Transformation Zone is not being presented as a place for spectators. It is for people willing to become change makers, difference makers and transformation makers. People who want to make more money — and make more meaning. People who want greater influence — and greater impact. People who would like to have more fun while doing work that actually matters. And people humble enough to recognize that genuine transformation rarely happens alone. We need teachers. We need coaches. We need friends. We need colleagues. We need communities. We need people willing to challenge our comfortable assumptions. Sometimes we simply need somebody to ask us the right question at the right time. THINGS TO REMEMBER Transformation is not the same as improvement. Better is worthwhile. Improvement is valuable. Change is often necessary. But transformation asks whether something needs to become different not merely by degree, but different in kind. Transformation begins with seriousness. Interest alone rarely transforms anything. You are part of the transformation. Before transforming a business, organization or community, spend serious time discovering the person doing the transforming. Know what you believe is true. Transformation without foundations can simply become motion. Know what you want. You cannot intentionally travel toward a destination you refuse to identify. Transformation is already happening. The question is whether you will merely react to it or participate in shaping it. THINGS TO SHARE Are you serious? Who are you? What is true? What do you want? Share these questions with a friend, colleague, spouse, business partner or team. Don't rush the answers. Spend an hour discussing them honestly. The conversation could be uncomfortable. Good. It might also be transformational. THINGS TO DO RIGHT NOW Take a blank sheet of paper and write four headings: SERIOUS — SELF — TRUTH — WANT. Under each heading, write one honest paragraph. Identify one transformation you want to begin during the next 30 days. Not twelve. One. Name it. Write it down. Tell somebody. Take one visible action toward it within the next 24 hours. Transformation becomes real when intention finally becomes action. THIS REALLY IS FOR YOU There was a reason Stan Hustad began this program with those four simple words: This is for you. After decades in broadcasting, business and coaching, he has learned that communication becomes powerful when it stops speaking vaguely to everybody and begins speaking intentionally to somebody. If something in your life, work, business, relationships or calling needs more than another small improvement, perhaps it is time to enter the Transformation Zone. Hustad and the developing Transformation Zone community are inviting serious people to begin exploring how they can live transformed lives, build transformed businesses, create meaningful work, increase their influence and help bring worthwhile transformation to others. READY TO BEGIN?Contact Stan Hustad stan@wittradio.net Tell him what you want to transform. Better yet, be prepared to answer four questions when he responds: Are you serious? • Who are you? • What is true? • What do you want? September 1 was Transformation Day. September 3 is an invitation to do something about it. WELCOME TO THE TRANSFORMATION ZONE. THIS IS FOR YOU.
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WHAT DOES JESUS
LOOK LIKE? Image, Influence, and the Peculiar Power
of the Jesus Entrepreneur
09/02/2026
WHAT DOES JESUS
LOOK LIKE? Image, Influence, and the Peculiar Power
of the Jesus Entrepreneur
What Does Jesus Look Like? Dolly Parton understood something that every entrepreneur, broadcaster, leader, and communicator eventually learns: Image is not everything—but it is the first thing. In this timely and thought-provoking edition of the Jesus Entrepreneur Collective, Stan Hustad—“Stan the Radio Man”—begins with the passing of one of America’s most recognizable performers, entrepreneurs, and generous public figures. Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. The media response was immediate and enormous. Her passing became one of those major stories that, in broadcasting language, “takes all the oxygen out of the room.” That observation becomes Stan’s first practical lesson for anyone trying to communicate through modern media: every message enters a crowded marketplace. Even an excellent program, article, podcast, product, or proposal competes with hundreds of other stories for the public’s attention. Good communicators therefore must pay attention not only to what they say, but also to when they say it, how they present it, and what is already occupying the audience’s mind. Stan wisely waited a day before releasing this program. After more than 50 years in broadcasting, he knows that timing is not a minor production detail. Timing is part of the message. But Dolly Parton also provides the starting point for a much deeper question: What does Jesus look like? Dolly Parton and the Power of a Distinctive Image Dolly Parton did not become unforgettable by accident. She developed a public image that was colorful, distinctive, warm, humorous, and unmistakably her own. The hair, the rhinestones, the voice, the clothing, the stories, and the self-deprecating humor all worked together. She created an image that attracted attention, but she supported that image with genuine talent, disciplined work, business intelligence, generosity, and service. Dolly never walked into a room wondering whether anyone would notice her. Beige anonymity was apparently not part of her business plan. Yet the image alone would not have sustained a seven-decade career. Behind it were thousands of songs, countless performances, careful business decisions, Dollywood, publishing interests, motion pictures, charitable projects, and the Imagination Library. Her image opened the door. Her character, competence, creativity, and generosity kept people in the room. That is an important distinction for every Jesus entrepreneur. A manufactured appearance without substance eventually becomes an empty costume. But genuine ability and character that are never communicated may remain undiscovered. The challenge is to bring appearance, message, conduct, and service into alignment. Dress for Leadership—and Then Live Up to It Stan encourages entrepreneurs and professionals to “dress for leadership.” That does not necessarily mean wearing expensive clothing or attempting to look like someone else. It means presenting oneself with intention. A leader’s appearance, voice, energy, preparation, surroundings, website, business card, podcast artwork, and personal behavior all communicate before the formal presentation ever begins. The goal is not vanity. The goal is congruence. A Jesus entrepreneur should develop a distinctive and appealing presence—and then complement that presence with even greater grace, personality, competence, generosity, and service. The clothing cannot substitute for the calling. The logo cannot replace the labor. The photograph cannot compensate for a lack of faithfulness. But image can become a visible invitation into a much greater story. What Did Jesus Actually Look Like? The honest answer is that no one knows with certainty. The Gospel accounts do not provide a detailed physical description of Jesus. No authenticated portrait painted during his lifetime has been discovered. Although many artists have pictured him, those images usually tell us almost as much about the artist and the artist’s culture as they do about the historical Jesus. Across centuries and continents, people have pictured Jesus through the faces, clothing, symbols, colors, and artistic traditions of their own communities. European artists often portrayed a European-looking Jesus. African Christians pictured him through African features and experiences. Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, Indigenous, and other communities have done the same. Human beings naturally attempt to picture Jesus in a way that places him within their own world. The important warning is this: people must not confuse their preferred picture of Jesus with Jesus himself. A familiar image can help someone think about Christ, but it can also become limiting. The Jesus of history and faith is always greater than any portrait, painting, movie, church window, or AI-generated illustration. Jesus in the Marketplace The Jesus Entrepreneur Collective is attempting a form of contextualization. It presents the message and person of Jesus within the contemporary cultures of communication, commerce, entrepreneurship, leadership, performance, and business. That does not mean changing Jesus to make him fashionable. It means helping people recognize that his teaching applies beyond the walls of a church. Work and calling Leadership and responsibility Money and stewardship Risk and courage Creativity and innovation Service and customer care Reputation and integrity Failure, forgiveness, and restoration Success and its temptations The proper use of influence and power The Jesus entrepreneur looks to Jesus as more than a distant religious figure. Jesus becomes teacher, mentor, master, model, and—if the word is properly understood—boss. The entrepreneur is therefore an apprentice. The central question is not merely, “What would Jesus look like if he entered my business?” The more demanding question is: What should my business—and my behavior—look like if I truly belong to Jesus? The Lost Poster and a Continuing Search Stan recalls an important visual discovery from his years in missionary broadcasting in Europe. While working with Trans World Radio and maintaining connections in the Amsterdam and Hilversum area of the Netherlands, he encountered a remarkable Christian poster. The poster contained approximately 40 different pictures of Jesus, each reflecting how Christ had been imagined within a different country, culture, or community. It became one of Stan’s prized possessions, but it was eventually lost during the many moves and transitions of life. Now, some 30 or 40 years later, he is searching for it again. The poster represented more than an interesting collection of religious art. It demonstrated how people encounter Jesus through the culture, history, hopes, suffering, and imagination of their own place and time. Stan invites listeners, international broadcasters, missionaries, artists, historians, and members of the Christian community to help locate the original poster or identify the organization that produced it. Recovering it could become an important project for the Jesus Entrepreneur Collective—and perhaps the foundation for a new contemporary collection showing how people around the world picture Jesus today. You May Be the Only Jesus They See The program then moves from portraits of Jesus to the living picture presented by his followers. “You may be the only Jesus they see.” That is both a privilege and a sobering responsibility. People may form their impressions of Jesus by watching those who claim to follow him. They observe how Christians conduct business, treat employees, respond to criticism, handle money, keep promises, serve customers, admit mistakes, forgive people, and behave when no applause is coming. A Jesus entrepreneur is therefore always communicating an image of Jesus—even when no sermon is being preached and no Bible verse is being quoted. The question is not whether an image is being presented. The question is whether it is a faithful one. Do people encounter arrogance or humility? Do they experience manipulation or service? Do they see fear or faith? Do they discover condemnation or grace? Do they receive religious language without dependable work—or someone whose faith makes that person more honest, creative, courageous, compassionate, and trustworthy? Stan concludes with another memorable instruction: “Play it well.” If a person is going to represent Jesus in the marketplace, that role deserves preparation, humility, excellence, and wholehearted commitment. Things to Remember Image is not everything, but it is the first thing. Every message competes with other messages for public attention. Timing is an important part of media communication. A distinctive image must be supported by ability, character, and service. No one possesses a completely certain physical portrait of Jesus. Every artistic picture of Jesus contains elements of the culture that created it. Jesus should not be confined to a church building or a religious category. A Jesus entrepreneur treats Jesus as teacher, mentor, master, and leader. People may judge Jesus by what they see in those who claim to follow him. The most compelling Christian image is still a life of grace, courage, competence, and loving service. Things to Share Share this program with: An entrepreneur trying to distinguish a business in a crowded marketplace A younger leader developing a professional identity A pastor interested in faith and work A broadcaster, podcaster, or communicator learning how media attention works An artist who has explored cultural representations of Jesus A missionary or former missionary who may remember the Dutch poster A business owner who needs to align appearance, message, conduct, and service Anyone wondering what it means to represent Jesus in everyday work A useful conversation starter might be: “When people do business with me, what picture of Jesus—if any—do they receive?” Things to Take Special Note Of First impressions are powerful, but they are not the final objective. The purpose of creating an effective image is not simply to attract attention. It is to earn the opportunity to serve. Christians should also be careful not to create Jesus entirely in their own image. A picture of Jesus should challenge a culture as well as connect with it. Finally, the most important representation of Jesus may not be hanging on a wall. It may be walking into the office, answering the telephone, conducting the meeting, paying the invoice, solving the problem, or responding to an unhappy customer. That representation is you. Things to Take Action On Examine your present professional image. What do your clothing, website, photographs, graphics, workspace, voice, and written communications say about you? Ask three trusted people what impression you create when you enter a room or begin a conversation. Identify one place where your presentation needs to become more intentional and professional. Identify one place where your character or service must become stronger so that you can live up to the image you present. Consider how Jesus functions in your working life. Is he merely part of your religious identity, or is he truly influencing your decisions, relationships, money, leadership, and ambitions? Help search for the historic Dutch poster containing approximately 40 cultural portrayals of Jesus. Contact Stan if you recognize it or know an organization that may have produced it. Share this program with one younger entrepreneur who needs encouragement to bring faith, excellence, and distinctiveness into the marketplace. The Closing Challenge The Jesus entrepreneur should never seek attention merely for the pleasure of being noticed. The goal is to become noticeable in order to be useful. Create an image that opens the door. Develop the competence that earns trust. Demonstrate the character that sustains relationships. Offer the grace and service that point beyond yourself. The Jesus entrepreneur is a peculiar kind of person with a special kind of power. In a culture that rewards imitation, perhaps becoming “peculiar” is not such a bad business strategy after all. Let that sit on your head for a while. Reach Out to Stan The Jesus Entrepreneur Collective is being developed to encourage, equip, mentor, and connect hundreds—and perhaps thousands—of younger men and women who want to make their mark in the marketplace while living as serious followers and apprentices of Jesus. Stan Hustad brings more than 50 years of experience in broadcasting, communication, entrepreneurship, teaching, and business-performance coaching to this growing movement. If you need help developing your message, strengthening your professional image, building a podcast or media platform, clarifying your calling, or becoming a more effective Jesus entrepreneur, Stan would be glad to begin the conversation. He would also be grateful to hear from anyone who can help locate the historic international poster depicting Jesus through approximately 40 different countries and cultures. STAN HUSTAD Email: Website: Presented by: The What It Takes Radio Company Program: The Jesus Entrepreneur Collective You may be the only Jesus someone sees today. Play it well.
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SEPTEMBER 1: TRANSFORMATION DAY A New Season, a New Zone—and Perhaps a New You
08/31/2026
SEPTEMBER 1: TRANSFORMATION DAY A New Season, a New Zone—and Perhaps a New You
September 1 has a new designation. At least it does if Stan Hustad has anything to say about it. The longtime broadcaster, teacher, business performance coach—and increasingly self-described “Transformation Man”—has decided that September 1 should become Transformation Day. Call it T-Day. Not an official government holiday. No banks will close. The mail will probably still arrive. And nobody is required to buy a greeting card. But perhaps it is a day worth taking seriously. In this special edition of What It Takes Radio and The Transformation Zone, Stan makes the case that September 1 is an unusually appropriate moment to stop, look at our lives, and ask a deceptively difficult question: What needs to be transformed? WHY SEPTEMBER 1? There is something naturally transitional about the beginning of September. Summer vacations are ending. Schools are reopening. Businesses begin moving toward the final stretch of the year. Labor Day reminds us about work and those who do it. Autumn approaches. For many people, September feels almost like a second New Year. Stan believes we should use it that way. Instead of simply returning to “normal,” perhaps September should invite us to consider whether normal is actually where we want to go. Maybe we should not merely resume our lives. Maybe we should transform them. That is the idea behind Transformation Day. September 1 becomes a marker—a chance to declare that the coming season will not simply be more of the same. DIFFERENT NOT JUST IN DEGREE, BUT IN KIND One of the most memorable ideas in the program comes from an observation made years ago by a Jesuit scholar Stan knew. Speaking about the small percentage of people who seem to discover the deeper principles of successful living, the scholar observed that such people eventually become: “Not different by degree, but different in kind.” That is a powerful description of transformation. Transformation is not simply doing five percent more. It isn't buying another planner, downloading another app, attending another seminar or making another list of resolutions destined to disappear beneath the paperwork by October. Real transformation changes something fundamental. It changes how we see, how we think, how we work, how we serve, how we relate to other people—and ultimately, perhaps, who we are becoming. Improvement asks, “How can I do this a little better?” Transformation dares to ask, “What could this become?” And perhaps the even more uncomfortable question: “Who could I become?” WELCOME TO THE TRANSFORMATION ZONE Transformation Day also marks the beginning of another experiment: The Transformation Zone Collective. Stan describes the Transformation Zone as a gathering place for people who want to learn together, challenge one another, share what works, and help create meaningful transformation in life, work, business, service and relationships. The idea has also been influenced by Stan's continuing conversations and work surrounding Joe Pine and the emerging Transformation Economy. The Experience Economy helped businesses understand that customers increasingly wanted memorable experiences rather than simply goods and services. The next question is bigger: What if people increasingly want experiences that actually change them? That possibility extends far beyond business. People want transformed careers, transformed organizations, transformed relationships, transformed communities, transformed ways of working—and, increasingly, transformed lives. Stan's interest in that subject did not begin with a business book. It has run through much of his life—as a teacher, missionary broadcaster, communicator and business performance coach. Behind those different occupations has been one continuing ambition: Help people become different because the encounter happened. Not manipulated. Not merely motivated. Transformed. TRANSFORMATION MAY BEGIN WITH FORGIVENESS The program then takes an important turn. Transformation isn't always about adding something new. Sometimes transformation begins by finally putting something old down. Stan points toward the Jewish High Holy Day tradition surrounding Rosh Hashanah, the Days of Awe and Yom Kippur as reminders of reflection, repentance, forgiveness and renewal. That suggests another possibility for Transformation Day. Perhaps September 1 could also become a personal Forgiveness Day. Forgive someone. Ask someone to forgive you. Stop rehearsing an old injury. Admit an old mistake. Accept forgiveness when it has been offered. And perhaps do one of the hardest things of all: stop allowing yesterday's failure to dictate tomorrow's identity. Transformation sometimes begins not with acquiring something, but with releasing something. THE WORLD IS TRANSFORMING WHETHER WE ARE READY OR NOT There is also urgency behind this conversation. Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming work, communication, media, education and business. Careers are changing. The media environment has already changed dramatically. Entire professions may be reshaped. The question is therefore not whether transformation is coming. It already is. The better question is whether we will simply have transformation happen to us, or whether we will learn how to participate intelligently and intentionally in it. Stan argues that this requires more than technology. It requires wisdom, knowledge, discernment, courage, compassion, and people willing to help one another navigate unfamiliar territory. That is part of the purpose of The Transformation Zone. LIVING A TRANSFORMED LIFE There is a danger in talking about transformation until it becomes another attractive business word. Stan's challenge is much more personal. A transformed life should eventually become visible. Someone should be served differently because of it. A relationship should improve. A habit should change. A decision should be made. Something should be forgiven. Something worthwhile should begin. Something destructive may need to end. And somebody besides ourselves should eventually benefit. Because perhaps one of the finest reasons to live a transformed life is this: Transformed people can become transforming people. They bring courage into discouraged rooms. They bring possibility into stuck organizations. They ask better questions. They help others see alternatives. They become examples rather than merely instructors. And sometimes they simply become the person who says to someone else: “You don't have to stay where you are.” That may be one of the most important messages of Transformation Day. THINGS TO REMEMBER • Transformation is more than improvement. Getting better is worthwhile. Becoming different in kind is something deeper. • September can become a second New Year. Don't simply return from summer. Decide what the next season of your life is going to mean. • Transformation begins with awareness. You cannot intentionally transform something you refuse to examine. • Forgiveness can be transformational. Some of the baggage we carry into tomorrow belongs in yesterday. • The world is changing whether we participate or not. AI, media, careers and business are already being transformed. Wisdom means learning how to respond rather than merely react. • A transformed life should eventually transform something beyond itself. The ultimate test may be whether somebody else is better because of what is happening in you. THINGS TO SHARE Ask someone you care about: “If September 1 were Transformation Day for you, what would you want to transform?” Share the idea with a colleague, friend, family member or team. Instead of asking only, “What are we going to accomplish before the end of the year?” try asking: “What could become fundamentally different before the end of the year?” And perhaps share this idea: Don't merely survive change. Learn to become someone capable of creating worthwhile change. THINGS TO TAKE ACTION ON Choose one area of your life that deserves transformation. Name it. Write it down. Then ask three questions: • What needs to stop? • What needs to start? • Who can help me make it happen? Next, identify one person you might help. Transformation becomes far more powerful when it moves from me to we. And finally, consider the forgiveness question: Is there something—or someone—you need to release before you can move forward? Do something about it. Not someday. Transformation Day seems like a pretty good day to begin. AND IF YOU NEED A GUIDE INTO THE ZONE… Transformation is personal, but it doesn't have to be solitary. For decades, Stan Hustad has worked as a teacher, broadcaster, business performance coach and guide to people seeking meaningful change in their work and lives. His invitation is simple: Contact Stan. Start a conversation. Bring the problem. Bring the possibility. Bring the dream that has been sitting on the shelf. Bring the business challenge, career question or nagging feeling that something in life needs to become different. Then explore together what a genuinely transformed life, business or way of working might look like—and what it will take to begin making it real. Because September 1 does not need congressional approval to become Transformation Day. It only needs a decision. September 1 is T-Day. Transformation Day. And perhaps the most important question is not whether the world will recognize it. The question is: Will you? WELCOME TO THE ZONE. The Transformation Zone • What It Takes Radio • Stan Hustad
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THE PEOPLE IN THE RADIO And Why You May Need to Become One of Them
08/20/2026
THE PEOPLE IN THE RADIO And Why You May Need to Become One of Them
There was a time when a very young Stan Hustad climbed onto the kitchen counter and peered behind the family radio. His mother asked what he was doing. He was looking for the people in the radio. He could hear their voices. Surely they had to be in there somewhere. Decades later, Hustad became one of them. That childhood story opens this edition of Inconvenient Ideas, but the program is not really about nostalgia. It is about the future - and an inconvenient proposition: In an AI world, perhaps more people need to learn how to be "radio people." Not necessarily professional broadcasters, but people who can tell a story, communicate an idea, speak into a microphone, look into a camera, create an audience and make themselves heard. RADIO'S SECRET WEAPON Hustad's fascination with radio began in childhood, grew through shortwave and amateur radio, and eventually helped change his career. After more than a decade as a teacher, he went to broadcasting school at night and began a journey through international radio, television, the BBC and podcasting. That experience produced a useful career lesson: when considering a major change, investigate your early loves. Childhood curiosity sometimes leaves clues. Radio also has a secret weapon: the human voice. Hearing a story brings tone, timing, emotion, humor and personality into the message. Technology changes. The human hunger for stories does not. RADIO DIDN'T DISAPPEAR - IT MULTIPLIED Radio became television. Television became digital. Digital became mobile. Today the device in your pocket streams audio and video, records programs and can broadcast to a global audience. Now AI is beginning another transformation. For generations, ambitious people were told to learn public speaking. Dale Carnegie and Toastmasters understood that communication mattered. Hustad believes the assignment has expanded. Today we need to communicate through media - in front of the camera and behind the microphone. CREATE YOUR OWN PERSONAL ECONOMY AI is changing careers, businesses and the value of many traditional skills. Education still matters, but perhaps it should prepare people not only to ask, "How do I get a job?" but also: How do I create value? How do I build something? How do I communicate what I know? How do I build an audience? How do I create my own opportunities? And perhaps most importantly: How do I create my own personal economy? That is why Hustad argues that entrepreneurship and modern communication should become basic educational skills. DON'T JUST LEARN TO SCROLL A physician communicates. A teacher communicates. An entrepreneur communicates. So do salespeople, pastors, consultants, coaches and business owners. Increasingly they do it through microphones, cameras, podcasts, videos and digital presentations. The question is no longer simply, "Should I start a podcast?" The better question is: "Am I capable of communicating effectively in a media-driven world?" Hustad's challenge is direct: Don't merely watch. Produce. Don't merely scroll. Speak. Don't merely follow audiences. Learn how audiences are built. Don't merely consume ideas. Develop ideas worth communicating. Good broadcasting is a craft. So are interviewing, storytelling and listening. THINGS TO KNOW, LEARN AND DO Know that radio is now much bigger than traditional radio. Communication is increasingly an economic skill, story remains powerful, and AI may make distinctly human communication more valuable rather than less. Learn to tell a good story, speak clearly, interview and listen, understand microphones and cameras, use AI as an assistant rather than a substitute, and make your message memorable. Then practice. Record a three-minute story. Turn on your phone camera and explain one idea you know well. Interview someone. Listen back. Notice your voice, pace and clarity. Then do it again. The objective is not becoming famous. The objective is becoming communicatively capable. ONE FINAL INCONVENIENT IDEA Perhaps the little boy looking behind the kitchen radio was asking a better question than anyone realized: Where are the people in the radio? Today they're everywhere - on podcasts, YouTube, Zoom and whatever comes next. They're teaching, building companies, telling stories, creating audiences, using AI and building their own personal economies. So perhaps National Radio Day should not merely remember radio's past. Perhaps it should be a day to think about your future. The next important voice coming through the radio, podcast, smartphone, computer or television might need to be yours. The people are still in the radio. Perhaps it's time to join them. INCONVENIENT IDEAS & UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS Ideas that may rattle us, shake us up and make us think - and perhaps help us make our mark in life and business.
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JESUS, THE CHILDREN—AND THE MILLSTONE The Warning We’d Rather Not Hear
08/12/2026
JESUS, THE CHILDREN—AND THE MILLSTONE The Warning We’d Rather Not Hear
A Jesus Entrepreneur Collective Commentary with Stan Hustad There is a version of Jesus that almost everybody can live with. Gentle Jesus. Welcoming Jesus. Compassionate Jesus. Jesus with the children gathered around him. Jesus healing the sick, feeding the hungry, forgiving sinners and telling frightened people not to be afraid. That Jesus is real. But he is not the whole Jesus. And in this challenging edition of the Jesus Entrepreneur Collective, Stan Hustad asks his audience to confront another side of Jesus—the strong, courageous, sometimes confrontational Jesus who was willing to say things that made powerful people uncomfortable. This is Jesus, the Man of the Millstone. And his warning concerning the vulnerable—especially children—is difficult to dismiss. Jesus said that whoever causes one of the “little ones” to stumble would be better off having a great millstone hung around his neck and being cast into the sea. Those are not gentle words. They are not politically convenient words. And they certainly do not sound like the harmless, perpetually agreeable Jesus sometimes presented by modern culture. They are the words of someone who took the protection of the vulnerable with extraordinary seriousness. Jesus Was No Wimp Hustad begins the program with an observation he has made repeatedly throughout his years of broadcasting, teaching and coaching: Jesus was not weak. He was compassionate without being timid. He could welcome a child, touch a leper, forgive a sinner and comfort a grieving family. But he could also challenge religious authorities, confront hypocrisy, overturn tables and stand before political power without surrendering his convictions. Hustad recalls the famous scene from the classic film Ben-Hur. A Roman soldier attempts to prevent Jesus from giving water to the exhausted prisoner. Jesus simply rises and looks at him. No speech. No violence. No threat. Just presence. And the soldier backs away. Whether or not the cinematic scene tells us precisely what the historical Jesus looked like, it captures something important about him: Strength does not always have to shout. Real authority does not require bullying. Courage does not require cruelty. And conviction does not require hatred. That distinction becomes especially important when Christians enter the difficult moral arguments of their time. Don’t Mess With the Children The program then moves directly into one of the most contentious issues in American public life: abortion, particularly political efforts to permit abortion very late in pregnancy. Hustad makes no attempt to hide his position. He believes unborn children possess profound human worth, and he believes Christians should speak clearly in their defense. But the challenge goes deeper than a political argument. His question is: What does Jesus’ warning about protecting the vulnerable require of people who claim to follow him? That question cannot simply be handed to politicians. It belongs to pastors, business leaders, entrepreneurs, parents and grandparents, teachers, broadcasters and communicators, and ordinary Christians sitting quietly in church pews. The millstone passage is disturbing precisely because Jesus intended it to be disturbing. He deliberately chose an image his listeners would understand: an enormous grinding stone, potentially so heavy that an animal was required to turn it. Then Jesus attached that image to a warning about harming or corrupting the vulnerable. Whatever one’s politics, those words should stop a follower of Jesus long enough to ask: Do I take the protection of vulnerable human life as seriously as Jesus apparently did? That is the challenge. Not hatred. Not harassment. Not threats. Not personal condemnation. A challenge of conscience. Conviction Without Cruelty There is another challenge here for the Christian entrepreneur. It is possible to believe something strongly and still behave badly while defending it. Christians do not receive permission to become cruel simply because they believe their cause is righteous. Jesus demonstrated another way: strong convictions, courageous words, compassion for people. Those three belong together. The Jesus Entrepreneur Collective therefore does not call people to attack those with whom they disagree. It calls people to become courageous enough to speak, thoughtful enough to listen, disciplined enough to understand the issue, and compassionate enough to remember that every person in the argument remains a human being. The unborn child matters. The frightened mother matters. The father matters. The physician matters. The person who profoundly disagrees with you matters. Truth and love are not competitors. The difficult task of Christian leadership is learning to practice both. Jesus the Marketplace Man Hustad then returns to one of the recurring themes of the Jesus Entrepreneur Collective: before Jesus became an itinerant teacher, he spent many years in the ordinary world of work. He knew customers. He knew deadlines. He knew workmanship. He knew expectations. He knew what it meant to make something useful and have another person judge its value. Whatever modern occupational title we apply to the ancient tekton, Jesus knew the marketplace. That matters to Hustad because Christianity should never be confined to Sunday morning. If Jesus is Lord, then Jesus belongs in Monday morning too—in the office, in the shop, in the sales meeting, in the boardroom, in the classroom, behind the microphone, and in the difficult public conversations that respectable people would sometimes prefer to avoid. The Jesus Entrepreneur Collective exists in part to recover that connection between faith, courage, work, enterprise and public responsibility. Become an Apprentice Perhaps the most important word in the program is not entrepreneur. It is apprentice. Christians traditionally call the followers of Jesus “disciples.” Hustad suggests that modern people might better grasp the idea if they thought of themselves as apprentices. An apprentice watches the master. Studies the master. Practices what the master does. Learns how the master thinks. Makes mistakes, receives correction and tries again. So Hustad poses a far more demanding question than simply, “Do you believe in Jesus?” He asks: Are you apprenticed to Jesus? Are you learning his courage? His compassion? His way of dealing with people? His willingness to challenge conventional wisdom? His concern for the vulnerable? His ability to combine strength and grace? And his willingness to accept the consequences of telling uncomfortable truths? That is considerably harder than simply claiming a religious identity. What’s Your MOU With the MOU? Hustad closes with one of his memorable plays on words. Businesspeople know the term MOU—Memorandum of Understanding. So he asks: What is your MOU with the MOU—the Master of the Universe? What exactly is your understanding with Jesus? What have you agreed to do? What responsibilities come with calling yourself his follower? What happens when his teaching conflicts with your politics, your profession, your comfort, your financial interests—or even your friends? Perhaps every Christian entrepreneur needs a personal memorandum of understanding: This is what I believe. This is whom I follow. These are the people I will protect. These are the principles I will not sell. This is how I will treat people who disagree with me. And this is the courage I intend to practice when remaining silent would be easier. That may be what apprenticeship to Jesus looks like in the modern marketplace. And perhaps that is why the image of the millstone still matters. It reminds us that the Jesus who welcomed children was also fiercely serious about what happened to them. Grace was real. Love was real. And so was accountability. THINGS TO REMEMBER Jesus was compassionate, but he was not weak. His love included courage, confrontation and moral seriousness. Protecting the vulnerable is not merely a political issue. For followers of Jesus it is a matter of conscience and discipleship. Conviction does not excuse cruelty. Christians should be able to defend what they believe without dehumanizing those who disagree. Christianity belongs in the marketplace. Faith that disappears when business, money, reputation or controversy enters the room is worth examining. A disciple is an apprentice. Following Jesus means more than admiring him. It means learning to live differently because of him. THINGS TO SHARE Share this program with someone who believes Jesus was merely “nice.” Share it with a Christian business leader who is trying to determine how faith should influence difficult decisions. Share it with someone who disagrees with Stan. In fact, that conversation may be particularly worthwhile. The goal should not be to create another shouting match. The world already has plenty of those. The better goal is to create an uncomfortable but honest conversation about human dignity, courage, responsibility, children, conscience and what following Jesus actually requires. THINGS TO DO Before criticizing somebody else, examine your own MOU with the Master of the Universe. Ask yourself: Where am I remaining silent because speaking might cost me something? Where have I confused being loving with being agreeable? Where have I confused being courageous with being angry? Who are the vulnerable people around me whom I have a responsibility to protect? If someone watched my business life for a month, would they discover evidence that I am actually apprenticed to Jesus? Then choose one action: Speak. Serve. Protect. Give. Apologize. Learn. Challenge. Encourage. Or simply refuse to remain comfortably indifferent. AND NOW, A CHALLENGE Stan Hustad has made his argument. You are welcome to challenge it. If you believe he has gone too far, tell him. If you believe he has not gone far enough, tell him that too. If you think his interpretation of Jesus is wrong, make your case. And if this program caused you to reconsider something you had comfortably stopped thinking about, tell him that as well. Write Stan at stan@witradio.net. Better yet, don’t keep the conversation between Stan and you. Share this article. Share the program. Start a conversation. And if the idea of becoming an apprentice to Jesus—in your life, profession, business and marketplace leadership—strikes a chord, talk with Stan about becoming part of the Jesus Entrepreneur Collective. Because perhaps the world does not need more people who merely admire Jesus. Perhaps it needs more people willing to apprentice themselves to him—and then have the courage to live like it.
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STOP WORRYING. START CREATING YOUR OWN ECONOMY. An Inconvenient Idea for an AI World That Is Changing Faster Than We Are
08/10/2026
STOP WORRYING. START CREATING YOUR OWN ECONOMY. An Inconvenient Idea for an AI World That Is Changing Faster Than We Are
There is a whole lot of worrying, waiting and wondering going on. After taking something he rarely takes—a real vacation—Stan Hustad returned to Inconvenient Ideas with five days away from television, computers and the daily digital noise. The occasion was a significant wedding anniversary, celebrated with his wife, Karen, along the North Carolina coast. It also came after a difficult season marked by loss, uncertainty and reminders that life can change very quickly. Perhaps that is why a few days away produced something more valuable than rest: perspective. Stan returned not pretending that the world had suddenly become easier, but recognizing that, despite difficulties, obstacles and a few genuinely frightening possibilities, he was still living in what he calls a POA—a Place of Opportunity. And then he turned the television and computer back on. Welcome back to the world of worrying. Worrying, Waiting, Wondering—and Wishing Stan noticed four activities consuming an extraordinary amount of human energy: Worrying. Waiting. Wondering. Wishing. People worry about their jobs. They wait to see what happens next. They wonder what artificial intelligence will do to their profession. And they wish somebody—or something—would make the uncertainty go away. But wishing is not a business strategy. Worrying is not a career plan. And waiting for the world to become predictable may require a very long wait. The more useful question is: What can you create? That question becomes especially important when so many people feel they are reacting to life rather than creating it. Certainly, much of life is outside anyone's control. But there remains an enormous difference between admitting that reality and surrendering one's ability to act. That distinction may become one of the essential survival skills of the AI age. What Is Real? Artificial intelligence introduces another inconvenient question: What is real? Stan has encountered videos, music, images and performances that seemed completely authentic—until closer examination raised another possibility. Perhaps they weren't. AI is rapidly moving toward a point where ordinary viewers and listeners may have difficulty determining whether something was created by a human being, a machine, or some collaboration between the two. Stan describes the strange sensation perfectly: Sometimes something can seem too fake to be real—and too real to be fake. That changes the questions we may have to ask. Instead of simply asking, “Is it real?” perhaps increasingly we will also ask: Is it true? Is it good? Is it useful? Is it helpful? Is it beautiful? Does it make life better—or worse? That is an inconvenient idea indeed. Even the new Inconvenient Ideas studio provides a playful example. The glowing neon-style sign, the broadcast environment and the visual presentation can now be created with AI assistance. Is the neon sign “real”? Well, you're looking at it. And perhaps the more useful question is whether it helps Stan communicate an idea worth hearing. Become an Author of Ideas Stan also makes a personal confession. He has spent nearly half a century as a broadcaster and communicator. He talks. He teaches. He coaches. He interviews. And perhaps most importantly, he continually comes up with ideas. But traditional writing has never necessarily been his greatest strength. AI has helped him recognize a different possibility: Maybe he is not primarily an author who writes. Maybe he is an Author of Ideas. That changes the relationship with artificial intelligence. The human being supplies experience, judgment, imagination, conviction, stories and ideas. AI can help organize, edit, develop and distribute them. In that arrangement, AI does not necessarily replace the human creator. It can multiply the creator. And that may be one of the great opportunities of this technological revolution. But Beware of Trojan Horses Every gift is not necessarily good for you. The ancient Trojans learned that lesson the hard way. Artificial intelligence may become one of the greatest productivity tools ever created. It may also eliminate jobs, disrupt professions, destroy established business models and make some previously valuable skills considerably less valuable. Both realities can be true. The appropriate response, therefore, is neither blind enthusiasm nor paralyzing fear. It is preparation. Create Your Own Personal Economy Here Stan reaches the central challenge of the program. In an increasingly unpredictable economy, people should learn how to create their own personal economy. That does not mean everyone must quit a job tomorrow morning and launch a company by lunchtime. It means learning to think entrepreneurially. Can you recognize an opportunity? Can you solve a problem? Can you create something useful? Can you communicate its value? Can you develop relationships? Can you serve customers? Can you adapt when technology changes the rules? And can you create another source of usefulness and income when an old one disappears? Those questions are becoming important whether someone is 22, 42, 62—or 82. Everyone Is Also Becoming a Broadcaster There is another skill Stan believes people increasingly need. They need to learn how to communicate through modern media. You may never have a radio program. You may never call yourself a podcaster. You may never dream of becoming a YouTube personality. But we live in a mass-media marketing world. At some point, most professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders and creators will need to become comfortable behind a microphone, in front of a camera, on a screen or communicating through digital media. That makes broadcasting no longer merely a profession. It is becoming a life and business skill. The Four People We May Need to Become Stan's challenge can be reduced to four roles worth developing in this new world: Become an Entrepreneur. Learn to recognize opportunities, create value and build your own personal economy. Become a Broadcaster. Learn to communicate clearly, confidently and persuasively through modern media. Become a Transformer. Develop the ability to change yourself, your work and perhaps the lives of people around you. Become an Author of Ideas. Bring distinctly human experience, imagination, wisdom and judgment to AI tools capable of helping those ideas travel farther and faster. None of this guarantees an easy future. There will still be plenty to worry about. But perhaps there will be considerably less to fear. THINGS TO REMEMBER • Worry is information, not instruction. Fear may tell you that something deserves attention. It doesn't necessarily tell you what to do. • AI is both opportunity and disruption. Refusing to acknowledge either side leaves you unprepared. • Your ideas still matter. AI can generate words, pictures and possibilities, but human experience, judgment, character and wisdom remain extraordinarily valuable. • Entrepreneurship is becoming a basic life skill. You don't necessarily need to own a company to learn how to create value. • Broadcasting is becoming a basic communication skill. The ability to speak effectively through microphones, cameras and digital media will increasingly matter. • Transformation requires action. Waiting for certainty may simply mean waiting forever. THINGS TO SHARE Ask someone you care about: “If your present job disappeared because of AI, what useful thing could you create, teach, communicate or sell?” Then ask a second question: “What could AI help you do that you could not realistically have done five years ago?” Those two questions may start a far more productive conversation than another hour of worrying about artificial intelligence. THINGS TO TAKE NOTE OF Pay attention this week to the places where AI is already changing your life. Notice what it does extraordinarily well. Notice where it makes mistakes. Notice what frightens you. But especially notice where it gives you new capabilities. Instead of merely asking, “What will AI do to me?” begin asking: “What can I now do with AI that I could never do before?” That is the entrepreneur's question. THINGS TO DO Choose one idea you have been postponing. Write it down—or speak it into your phone. Use AI to help organize it. Turn it into something tangible: an article, presentation, proposal, podcast, video, course, business idea or conversation. Then put it into the world. Don't merely worry. Don't merely wait. Don't merely wonder. And don't merely wish. Create. THE INCONVENIENT CHALLENGE The AI digital world will undoubtedly produce disruption. Some careers will disappear. Others will change dramatically. New professions will emerge that hardly anyone can describe today. So the goal cannot be to make the future perfectly safe. The goal is to become the kind of person who is increasingly capable of meeting it. Stan Hustad has spent decades as an entrepreneur, broadcaster, communicator and coach. Today he is helping people learn how to become entrepreneurs, world-class broadcasters, transformational thinkers and Authors of Ideas who can work intelligently with artificial intelligence rather than merely worry about what it might do to them. If the new world has you worrying, waiting, wondering or wishing, perhaps it is time for a different conversation. Stan's invitation is simple: Learn to create your own economy. Learn to communicate your own ideas. Learn to use the new tools. Learn to become more useful. And learn to become less afraid of the future by becoming better prepared for it. Stan Hustad and What It Takes Radio are available to help. Stan@witradio.net Because in the end, the future may belong neither to the people who blindly embrace AI nor to those who desperately resist it. It may belong to the people who learn how to remain fully human while becoming remarkably good at using it. And remember: If an idea is interesting and important, there's a pretty good chance it will also be inconvenient.
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Didn't Know Jesus Was That Smart!
07/30/2026
Didn't Know Jesus Was That Smart!
Why Seeing Jesus Through the Eyes of an Entrepreneur Could Change Your Life, Business, and Calling This expanded feature article is designed for publication, distribution, teaching, and discussion within the Jesus Entrepreneur Collective. It explores one of the central ideas of the episode: many people know Jesus as a religious figure but have never seriously considered Him as an extraordinary communicator, leader, craftsman, entrepreneur, and builder of people. A Remark Worth Remembering During a business presentation, a young businessman approached Stan Hustad and said, 'I didn't know Jesus was that smart.' What sounded awkward became a profound insight. Many people separate faith from the marketplace. This episode invites us to reconnect them. Rediscovering Jesus Throughout the program Stan argues that Jesus understood people, stories, leadership, influence, timing, service, courage, reputation, and purpose. These are not merely religious ideas; they are the foundations of flourishing organizations and meaningful lives. The Hidden Eighteen Years One of the most thought-provoking themes is Jesus' long period as a working craftsman before His public ministry. Those years remind us that ordinary work can become preparation for extraordinary influence. Why a Collective? A collective is more than an organization. It is a community of people united around a shared mission, encouraging one another while contributing their own gifts. Stan suggests that this reflects the way Jesus gathered people. A Marketplace for the Twenty-First Century The conversation reaches into today's world of AI, entrepreneurship, media, technology, and rapid change. The question is not whether technology matters, but whether timeless wisdom still has something essential to say. The program answers with a confident yes. From Success to Significance The closing challenge asks listeners to think beyond paying the bills. What if our greatest regret would not be failure, but unused opportunity? The invitation is to become the kind of entrepreneur who builds people as well as businesses. Memorable Quotations "I didn't know Jesus was that smart." "Great movements begin as communities before they become organizations." "Don't merely make a living. Build a life that outlives you." "The greatest venture you will ever build is your own life." Things to Remember Jesus belongs in Monday's marketplace as much as Sunday's worship. Leadership begins with serving people. Community multiplies influence. Purpose gives success lasting meaning. Things to Share Discuss the question: 'Was Jesus the greatest entrepreneur in history?' Share this episode with business owners, students, pastors, and leaders. Start conversations about integrating faith, work, and innovation. Personal Action Challenge For the next seven days, identify one teaching of Jesus that can be intentionally practiced in your work, leadership, or relationships. Keep a journal of what changes. Invitation The Jesus Entrepreneur Collective exists to help thoughtful men and women discover timeless principles for today's marketplace. Stan Hustad invites listeners to join the conversation, grow together, and become builders of organizations, communities, and lives that reflect wisdom, courage, service, and hope.
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Two men about my age died last week. Can I tell you the story.docx
07/28/2026
Two men about my age died last week. Can I tell you the story.docx
Two men about Stan's age died within days of one another. One was a lifelong friend. The other was his own brother. Their passing became more than heartbreaking news—it became a deeply personal reminder that every one of us is living on borrowed time. In this thoughtful and surprisingly hopeful episode of Inconvenient Ideas, Stan reflects on those losses and asks a question that most of us avoid: How do we become fully alive before our lives come to an end? Drawing on the wisdom of philosopher and theologian Howard Thurman, Stan explores the difference between merely paying the bills and discovering the work that truly makes us come alive. Rather than focusing on death itself, this conversation turns toward purpose, calling, relationships, and what may become the most meaningful years of our lives. Along the way he introduces a new idea—the upcoming Encore Zone—designed especially for those entering the later chapters of life who believe their greatest contribution may still lie ahead. Whether you are twenty-five or eighty-five, this episode offers an invitation to step back from the noise, rethink your priorities, embrace new tools such as AI and modern media, and begin living more intentionally. Death may be inevitable. Living fully is still a choice. Things to Remember Life is fragile, and none of us knows how much time remains. Success is not measured only by what we accomplish, but by how fully we live. Discover what makes you come alive—and do that. The world desperately needs people who are fully alive. Your Encore Years may become your most significant years. Things to Share Share this episode with someone who has recently experienced loss. Share it with someone approaching retirement or wondering what comes next. Share it with anyone who needs encouragement to live with greater purpose. Take Special Note Stan introduces the upcoming Encore Zone—a conversation for people who believe life still has another chapter to write. Ask not simply 'When can I retire?' but 'What am I uniquely created to contribute while I still have time?' A Life Challenge Set aside fifteen quiet minutes this week. Ask: What truly makes me come alive? Am I spending enough time doing it? If I had five more years to make a difference, what would I begin today? Connect with Stan Stan Hustad has spent more than four decades behind the microphone and more than three decades helping leaders, entrepreneurs, organizations, and communicators discover greater purpose, performance, and impact. Email: Because a better future rarely happens by accident. Sometimes it begins with one inconvenient idea. And if you'd like to watch the program on a video you can do so
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IF Pain Were Water the World Would Drown!
07/21/2026
IF Pain Were Water the World Would Drown!
The title tells it all that you need to know and now you need to listen to the show ... Because indeed if pain were water the world would drown and you might too!
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MOM — Moment of Mortality
A Reflection for Radio and Transformation The death of Senator Lindsey Graham is a vivid reminder of what the Bible expresses so simply:
07/14/2026
MOM — Moment of Mortality
A Reflection for Radio and Transformation The death of Senator Lindsey Graham is a vivid reminder of what the Bible expresses so simply:
“You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” — James 4:14 By all public accounts, Senator Graham had returned from Ukraine, was planning to appear on television the next morning, had spoken with President Trump only hours before, and reportedly mentioned only that he was 'tired.' Within hours, he had died from what preliminary reports identify as an aortic dissection. That is what I have called a MOM — Moment of Mortality. The idea reaches far beyond a single event. MOM is a memorable acronym that could become a recurring feature. Almost every week there is some public event that reminds us how fragile life is—not to frighten people, but to awaken them. Farrah Fawcett is another powerful illustration. Millions remember the famous poster that hung on bedroom walls in the 1970s. She represented youth, beauty, fame, and success. Yet she died in 2009 at only sixty-two after a long battle with cancer. Her story reminds us that wealth, beauty, popularity, and influence cannot exempt anyone from mortality. A Powerful Contrast One died suddenly, with almost no warning. One died after a long struggle. Both arrived at the same destination. Neither could postpone the appointment. The Question We All Must Face Knowing that death is certain, how then shall we live? That is where transformation becomes so valuable. A Moment of Mortality is not primarily about death. It is about life. Questions Worth Asking Am I becoming the person I ought to become? Have I said what needs to be said? Have I forgiven those I need to forgive? Am I investing in people who will outlive me? If tonight were my last night, would I be at peace with the life I have lived? These are not morbid questions. They are deeply life-giving questions. Closing Thoughts A Moment of Mortality is God's invitation to a Moment of Clarity. Every Moment of Mortality is really an invitation to a Moment of Priority. MOM — Moment of Mortality has the potential to become a signature recurring radio feature. It is simple, memorable, emotionally engaging, and naturally opens the door to conversations about purpose, transformation, hope, faith, and living well before dying well.
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High, Hard, and Inside
Sometimes the Pitch That Shakes You Up Is the One That Changes Your Life
07/07/2026
High, Hard, and Inside
Sometimes the Pitch That Shakes You Up Is the One That Changes Your Life
There are certain phrases from sports that stay with us long after the game is over. One of those phrases is “high, hard, and inside.” Baseball fans know exactly what it means. It is the pitch that comes fast. It comes close. It gets your attention. It makes you step back. And sometimes it changes everything. In this episode of The Transformation Zone, I share a baseball story that begins with a treasured baseball, moves through memories of growing up as a Chicago Cubs fan, includes an unexpected connection to Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal, and eventually arrives at a powerful lesson about life itself. Because sometimes the things that transform us most are not the things we planned. Sometimes transformation arrives disguised as difficulty. Sometimes it arrives disguised as disappointment. Sometimes it arrives as a pitch that comes high, hard, and inside. A Baseball Story That Became a Life Lesson The program begins with family stories and baseball memories. There is the family legend that I attended my first Chicago Cubs game when I was only two months old. There are memories of growing up as a loyal Cubs fan through years when winning seemed almost impossible. There is also a remarkable connection to baseball great Juan Marichal, whom I once saw pitch as a teenager in the minor leagues before he became one of the game's legendary stars. What begins as a nostalgic baseball story gradually becomes something much more important. It becomes a story about life. Because baseball has often been described as a game that resembles life itself. It requires patience. It requires resilience. It requires strategy. And perhaps most importantly, it requires learning how to respond when unexpected pitches come your way. The Pitch Nobody Wants In baseball, a high, hard, inside pitch was often used to back a batter away from the plate. The purpose was not necessarily to hit the batter. The purpose was to shake them up. To make them uncomfortable. To remind them that they were not entirely in control. Life has a way of doing the same thing. Unexpected setbacks. Disappointments. Failures. Criticism. Health problems. Financial challenges. Broken relationships. Suddenly we find ourselves ducking for cover as something comes high, hard, and inside. None of us volunteers for those moments. Yet many of us discover that they become the very experiences that shape us. When Transformation Comes Through Difficulty One of the most thoughtful observations in this episode is the suggestion that transformation and traumatization are sometimes connected. Not because pain is good. Not because hardship should be celebrated. But because some of life's most important lessons emerge from experiences we never would have chosen. Many people can point to a difficult season and say: “I didn't want that experience.” “I would never have chosen it.” “But it changed me.” Sometimes the setback becomes the setup. Sometimes the wound becomes the wisdom. Sometimes the pitch that nearly knocked us down becomes the moment that ultimately made us stronger. That is one of the central ideas explored in this conversation. Transformation is not always comfortable. In fact, it often begins with disruption. Humility, Growth, and a Better Perspective The program also explores another reality. Occasionally people need a wake-up call. Not a cruel one. Not a destructive one. But a reminder that there is still more to learn. A reminder that talent alone is not enough. A reminder that humility remains one of the most valuable qualities anyone can possess. Many successful people can look back and identify a moment when life gave them a gentle—or not-so-gentle—course correction. A high, hard, inside pitch. Something that caused them to step back, rethink their assumptions, and grow. The result was not defeat. The result was maturity. A Brief Look Into the Transformation Zone The episode concludes with a short introduction to a new podcast initiative connected to the ideas explored in Joe Pine's work on the Transformation Economy. The upcoming series, You Are the Transformation, is built around a simple but powerful concept: If we are living in a world of constant change, perhaps the most important transformation is the one that happens within us. The focus is not merely on changing circumstances. It is about becoming the kind of person who can thrive amid change and help others do the same. That larger theme serves as a fitting backdrop to the baseball lesson at the center of this program. Because transformation is not something that happens only to organizations, economies, or industries. It happens to people. It happens to us. Things to Remember • Life occasionally throws pitches that are high, hard, and inside. • Unexpected challenges often become catalysts for growth. • Transformation frequently emerges from experiences we would not have chosen. • Humility is often learned through adversity. • The moments that shake us can also strengthen us. Things to Share • Share a story about a difficult experience that ultimately helped you grow. • Discuss the idea that transformation and hardship are sometimes connected. • Encourage others who may currently be facing a “high, hard, and inside” season. • Share the reminder that setbacks are not always the end of the story. Things to Take Action On • Identify a difficult experience that taught you an important lesson. • Ask yourself what current challenge may be trying to teach you. • Look for growth opportunities hidden inside present difficulties. • Encourage someone who is dealing with a setback. • Decide to face life's next challenge with courage rather than fear. A Transformation Zone Challenge The next time life throws you a pitch that comes high, hard, and inside, don't assume the game is over. Take a breath. Step back into the batter's box. Look carefully at what the experience might be teaching you. The pitch may have surprised you. It may even have knocked you down. But it does not have to defeat you. In fact, it may become one of the defining moments of your life. Because some of the greatest transformations begin exactly where we least expect them—when life throws us a pitch that is high, hard, and inside. And when that happens, the challenge is not simply to survive it. The challenge is to learn from it, grow through it, and eventually use it to help someone else who finds themselves facing the same pitch. That's the Transformation Zone. And that may be where your next breakthrough begins. And if you'd like to see this presentation on a video you can go right here.
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It's going to be a bad weekend for our doggies so Freedom from Fear: Why Everybody Needs a Thunder Jacket
07/03/2026
It's going to be a bad weekend for our doggies so Freedom from Fear: Why Everybody Needs a Thunder Jacket
As millions of Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, family gatherings, and patriotic festivities, broadcaster and transformation coach Stan Hustad invites listeners to see the holiday through an entirely different lens. In this warm and engaging episode of The Transformation Zone, a simple story about a frightened rescue dog becomes an unforgettable metaphor for the emotional and spiritual storms that every person eventually faces. The result is an episode that begins with laughter, moves toward reflection, and concludes with genuine hope. A Story Every Pet Owner Understands Stan begins with an observation familiar to almost every dog owner. While people eagerly anticipate fireworks, many dogs experience them as terrifying explosions. His own beloved rescue dog, Jackson, dreaded every Fourth of July until the family discovered a simple solution—a ThunderShirt (or 'thunder jacket'), a comforting wrap that gently calms anxious animals during storms and fireworks. The image is both humorous and touching. Listeners can almost picture Jackson waiting by the hallway where his thunder jacket hung, knowing comfort was only moments away. It is an entertaining story, but it is also preparing listeners for something much more significant. The Thunder Jacket We All Need The conversation then turns inward. Stan asks a wonderfully simple question: What is your thunder jacket? When life becomes frightening... When relationships become uncertain... When careers are shaken... When health changes unexpectedly... Where do you go for comfort? Who wraps around your life with reassurance? What beliefs, relationships, habits, or faith keep you steady when everything around you feels like fireworks? Rather than offering easy answers, Stan encourages listeners to identify those sources of genuine security before life's storms arrive. A Different Kind of Freedom Because the program airs during Independence Day weekend, the discussion naturally expands beyond fireworks. Freedom, Stan suggests, is much more than political liberty. Real freedom includes freedom from fear. Freedom to love. Freedom to serve. Freedom to live fully alive rather than constantly reacting to anxiety and uncertainty. It is a refreshing reminder that external celebrations are at their best when they awaken something deeper inside us. Lighting Up Our Senses One of the program's most memorable moments comes when Stan recalls a lyric from John Denver: "You light up my senses like a storm in the desert." Instead of simply admiring the lyric, he transforms it into a personal prayer. As we grow older, we often lose some of our physical senses. Perhaps, however, we can gain something even greater. Greater sensitivity. Greater awareness. Greater compassion. Greater attentiveness to people rather than projects. Greater appreciation for relationships instead of simply pursuing performance. It becomes a beautiful prayer that God would 'light up our senses' so we notice the people around us more deeply than ever before. Transformation Begins with Awareness Like many episodes of The Transformation Zone, this one reminds us that transformation rarely begins with dramatic events. It begins by noticing. Noticing our fears. Noticing our need for comfort. Noticing the people who may be quietly struggling beside us. Noticing opportunities to become someone else's 'thunder jacket.' That may be the greatest transformation of all. Things to Remember • Every person eventually experiences emotional and spiritual storms. • Comfort is not weakness—it is one of life's deepest necessities. • Freedom includes freedom from fear as well as freedom to serve. • Sensitivity is a strength that often grows with wisdom and experience. • Sometimes the smallest stories carry the biggest lessons. Things to Share • Share this episode with every pet owner preparing for fireworks weekend. • Talk with family members about what has become their own 'thunder jacket' during difficult seasons. • Encourage someone who may be quietly carrying anxiety or uncertainty. • Remember that simple illustrations often open the door to profound conversations. Things to Take Action On • Identify the people, practices, and beliefs that steady your life when storms come. • Become a source of calm for someone facing uncertainty this week. • Spend a few quiet moments asking God to 'light up your senses' so you become more aware of the needs around you. • As you celebrate freedom, consider how you can help someone else experience greater peace. A Closing Thought Fireworks are designed to light up the sky. This episode reminds us that perhaps our greatest calling is to light up someone's life. Whether through encouragement, compassion, wisdom, or simply being present, we all have the opportunity to become a kind of thunder jacket for another person—a reassuring presence in the middle of life's unexpected storms. As Stan Hustad often reminds us, transformation is not merely about changing circumstances. It is about becoming the kind of person who helps others navigate theirs. If the fireworks in your life—whether joyful celebrations or unexpected explosions—have left you searching for direction, encouragement, or a fresh perspective, Stan would be delighted to help. Through decades of experience in broadcasting, coaching, leadership, and personal transformation, he has walked alongside individuals and organizations facing both opportunity and adversity. Reach out, start the conversation, and discover how today's challenges can become tomorrow's transformation. After all, the very best fireworks are the ones that illuminate lives, not just the night sky. And if any of you would like to see the radio program on the video connection just click right here
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The Birds and Snakes Society What Jesus Taught Every Entrepreneur About Wisdom, Courage, and Character
07/01/2026
The Birds and Snakes Society What Jesus Taught Every Entrepreneur About Wisdom, Courage, and Character
What if one of Jesus' most practical business lessons had nothing to do with profits, marketing, or management—but everything to do with birds and snakes? That unusual question launches one of the newest episodes of the Jesus Entrepreneur Collective, where broadcaster and entrepreneur Stan Hustad returns from a brief broadcasting sabbatical with a fresh challenge for anyone seeking to build a meaningful life and business in today's rapidly changing world. At first glance, "The Birds and Snakes Society" sounds mysterious—even a little unsettling. That is exactly the point. Drawing from one of Jesus' most memorable sayings, Stan explores the surprising command to be "wise as serpents and gentle as doves." Rather than treating those words as simply a religious phrase, he invites listeners to wrestle with what they might mean for entrepreneurs, leaders, creators, business owners, and anyone trying to navigate an increasingly complex world. Along the way, listeners travel with Stan from the deserts of Arizona to the walking trails of North Carolina, where encounters with birds and the ever-present warnings about rattlesnakes and copperheads become vivid illustrations of the tension every entrepreneur must learn to manage. Gentleness without wisdom can become naïve. Wisdom without gentleness can become manipulative. Jesus calls His followers to something far more difficult—and infinitely more powerful. Throughout the conversation, Stan reminds listeners that the Jesus Entrepreneur Collective is not simply another organization asking for support. Instead, it is an invitation to build businesses that create genuine value, solve real problems, provide for families, and become living demonstrations of faith expressed through excellence in the marketplace. The program also places this challenge within today's extraordinary historical moment. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary while artificial intelligence, technological innovation, and global economic transformation reshape nearly every profession, Stan argues that entrepreneurs need more than better business techniques. They need transformed character. The discussion also highlights the remarkable example of Lydia—the prosperous merchant described in the New Testament as the first European Christian. Her story reminds listeners that entrepreneurship, leadership, and faithful discipleship have always belonged together, and that women as well as men have shaped the history of Christian enterprise from the very beginning. Perhaps the most memorable image in the program is Stan's invitation to imagine Jesus Himself as an entrepreneur in today's marketplace—not changing His character, but expressing it through wisdom, excellence, integrity, creativity, confidence, and servant leadership. It is a refreshing reminder that following Jesus was never intended to separate faith from work. Instead, faith should transform the way we work. The Birds and Snakes Society may sound like an unusual title. But behind it lies a timeless challenge: Can we become people who are both compassionate and courageous...both peaceful and perceptive...both kind and remarkably wise? In a world that often rewards extremes, Jesus offers something better. He calls us to live in the creative tension between grace and wisdom. Things to Remember: • Combine gentleness with wisdom. • Character matters as much as competence. • Spiritual discernment belongs in the marketplace. • Lydia reminds us entrepreneurship has always had a place in God's story. • Trust is a lasting competitive advantage. Things to Share: • Discuss what Jesus meant by being wise as serpents and gentle as doves. • Share the idea that faith and business strengthen one another. • Encourage entrepreneurs to see their work as a calling. • Help others grow both character and competence. Things to Think About and Act Upon: • Which side comes more naturally—grace or wisdom? • What practical step can you take this week? • Read The Jesus Entrepreneur and apply its principles. • Consider becoming a Founding Friend of the Jesus Entrepreneur Collective. A Final Word: The future belongs to those who can reflect God's heart while navigating today's marketplace with wisdom. The world needs more Jesus entrepreneurs—wise as serpents, gentle as doves, and determined to make a lasting difference wherever God has placed them. If you would like to see the entire program on video you can try this link
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I Didn't Expect to Live This Long... Now What? When Life Gives You an Encore, What Will You Do With It?
06/30/2026
I Didn't Expect to Live This Long... Now What? When Life Gives You an Encore, What Will You Do With It?
There are moments in life when a single question changes everything. As I prepared for another Fourth of July weekend—and reflected on a wonderful week celebrating another birthday—I found myself asking a question I never imagined I would ask: What do you do when you didn't expect to live this long? For me, that isn't just a philosophical question. It's deeply personal. Several years ago, following a cancer diagnosis and knowing my family's history of relatively short lives, I honestly believed my time might be drawing to a close. I prepared myself emotionally and spiritually for that possibility. I hoped to finish well. More than anything, I hoped to leave behind something that would continue after I was gone. But here I am. Still here. Still healthy. Still working. Still dreaming. Still believing there is more to do. During the past week, Karen and I slipped away to the North Carolina coast for a genuine vacation—no computer, very little work, long walks along the ocean, quiet conversations, bookstores, prayer, reflection, and the simple gift of slowing down. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give ourselves isn't another achievement. It's simply enough quiet to hear our own hearts again. As I walked those beaches, I realized something. When you've been given years you never expected to have, your priorities begin to change. You stop worrying quite so much about many of the things that once consumed your attention. You begin thinking more about legacy than success. More about people than projects. More about significance than recognition. You begin asking different questions. How do I want to be remembered? Who can I still help? What unfinished work is worth completing? What kind of difference can I still make? Years ago someone told me something I've never forgotten: "If your calling can be completed in one lifetime, perhaps your vision isn't large enough." That thought has stayed with me ever since. Our greatest work may not be simply what we accomplish ourselves. It may be what we leave behind for others to carry forward. That's legacy. That's stewardship. That's hope. Another thought returned to me during this past week. Years ago I read The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker. One of its enduring ideas is that much of human behavior is shaped by our fear of death. But something interesting happens when that fear begins to lose its grip. Other fears begin to lose their power too. When you realize every day is a gift, you also realize every day is an opportunity. You become freer. Bolder. More generous. Less concerned about protecting yourself. More concerned about investing yourself. That may be one of the hidden blessings of living longer than you expected. As we celebrate Independence Day, we naturally think about freedom. Freedom as a nation. Freedom as individuals. But perhaps there is another kind of freedom worth celebrating. The freedom to become the person God intended us to be. The freedom to forgive. The freedom to serve. The freedom to encourage. The freedom to live courageously rather than cautiously. The freedom to leave this world a little better than we found it. I'm increasingly convinced that our "encore years" are not meant to be years of simply slowing down. They can become years of mentoring. Teaching. Creating. Encouraging. Building. Passing the baton. Helping others discover their own calling. Perhaps that is one of the greatest privileges of growing older. You finally understand that life was never only about you. It was always about those whose lives you touch. So if, like me, you've lived longer than you once imagined, perhaps this isn't the end of your story. Perhaps it's the beginning of your encore. And perhaps the most important contribution you will ever make still lies ahead. I certainly hope so. Because I still have people I'd like to encourage. Businesses I'd like to help. Young broadcasters I'd like to mentor. Entrepreneurs I'd like to inspire. Friends I'd like to serve. And transformations I'd like to witness. If God gives me another day, I'll try to use it well. If He gives me another year, I'll be grateful. If He gives me many more, I hope to spend them helping others become fully alive and fully free. That's becoming my definition of success. Maybe it could become yours as well. Things to Remember Every unexpected year is a gift, not an entitlement. Legacy is often more important than achievement. Some of your most meaningful work may happen during your 'encore' years. Living with purpose is one of life's greatest freedoms. Things to Share Ask someone you love, "How do you want to be remembered?" Encourage someone entering retirement to think about their next mission rather than their last career. Share hope with someone who thinks their best years are behind them. Things to Give Some Thought To If you were given ten more years, how would you use them? What unfinished work deserves your attention? Who could benefit most from your experience and wisdom? What legacy are you intentionally leaving behind? A Final Thought As we celebrate this Fourth of July, enjoy your family. Enjoy your friends. Celebrate freedom with gratitude. But somewhere during the holiday, find a quiet place. Ask yourself one simple question: "If I've been given more life than I expected... what should I do with it?" The answer to that question may become the beginning of the most meaningful chapter of your life. Until next time, may you live fully, love generously, serve faithfully—and if you've been given an encore, may you make it your finest performance yet. And if you'd like to see and hear this podcast and video you can choose it from the link right here{ https://youtu.be/zDzzaBz9OT0
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A Beer with Jesus & Grits from Grandma: Inconvenient Ideas for a Busy World
06/03/2026
A Beer with Jesus & Grits from Grandma: Inconvenient Ideas for a Busy World
Busy, but Becoming: Finding Purpose in Everyday Moments and Unlikely Questions In this episode of Inconvenient Ideas Radio, veteran broadcaster Stan Hustad brings together a surprising mix of reflections—ranging from media wisdom to faith, from family stories to modern challenges—into a thoughtful and engaging conversation about what really matters. At the heart of the program is a question many quietly wrestle with: Is being busy the same as being effective? Hustad explores the tension between activity and impact, encouraging listeners to consider how their time, talents, and opportunities can best serve others. With characteristic warmth and storytelling, he moves effortlessly between topics. A simple errand—buying grits for a grandson in New York—becomes a reminder of connection, legacy, and the small acts that brighten lives. A passing song about “having a beer with Jesus” sparks a deeper reflection: how would timeless wisdom show up in today’s world, especially in a media-driven age? Hustad also challenges listeners to embrace an unavoidable reality: communication has changed. Whether plumber, philosopher, or entrepreneur, everyone is now called to step “behind the golden microphone” and into the world of audio, video, and digital storytelling. In his view, learning to communicate authentically in modern media is no longer optional—it is essential. With references to faith, culture, and current events, including reflections on public figures and personal loss, the program invites listeners to slow down, think deeply, and engage courageously with both opportunity and uncertainty in today’s rapidly evolving world. Ultimately, this episode is less about answers and more about perspective—an invitation to live thoughtfully, communicate effectively, and make a meaningful mark in a noisy, busy age. Key Takeaways - Being busy is not the same as being purposeful - Small, human moments (like “grits from grandma”) carry deep meaning - Communication is the new currency—everyone must learn it - Faith and modern life are not separate—they intersect daily - Curiosity (“What would Jesus do today?”) can open powerful insights - The world is changing quickly—especially with AI—and requires thoughtful navigation Things to Remember - You are already a communicator—refining that skill changes everything - Tradition (like tipping a hat) still teaches respect and awareness - Relationships often matter more than achievements - Your voice—literally and figuratively—has value Things to Learn - Basic video and audio communication skills - How to tell your story in a clear, helpful way - How to adapt timeless principles to modern tools (including AI) - How to balance productivity with purpose Things to Share - Encourage others to develop their voice and message - Pass along meaningful small acts—like the grits story - Start conversations about purpose, not just performance - Share insights about faith expressed in everyday life Possible Actions - Record a short video sharing something useful from your field - Reach out to someone across generations (family or community) - Evaluate your weekly schedule: What truly matters? - Begin learning one new communication tool (audio, video, or AI-assisted) Closing Challenge This week, ask yourself one honest question: Am I just busy… or am I becoming someone who makes a difference? Then take one small, visible step to align your actions with your answer. Reflection / Meditation Take a quiet moment and consider: - If wisdom walked into your world today, would you recognize it? - Would it speak through a microphone… or through a simple act of kindness? - Where is your “grits from grandma” moment waiting to happen? Pause. Listen. Then act.
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The Indianapolis 500: Speed, Danger, Memory, and American Mythology
05/26/2026
The Indianapolis 500: Speed, Danger, Memory, and American Mythology
A reflective essay on the danger, drama, and cultural memory surrounding the Indianapolis 500 A Childhood Memory That Was Real Your memory is not exaggerated at all. The Indianapolis 500 really was considered extraordinarily dangerous for much of its history, and part of the fascination — especially from the 1930s through the 1970s — was precisely that mixture of speed, courage, patriotism, spectacle, and risk. For many Americans, especially in Indiana and throughout the Midwest, “The 500” was almost a sacred ritual of late May and Memorial Day weekend. Families gathered around radios and later televisions. Drivers became folk heroes. Yet underneath the celebration was a very real awareness that somebody might not come home alive. The Danger Was Very Real In the early decades of the Indy 500, fatalities were tragically common. The cars were primitive compared to modern standards. Drivers sat in open cockpits with little protection. Fuel tanks could rupture. Fires were frequent. Helmets and safety systems were minimal. The speeds were astonishing for the technology of the time. Drivers were viewed almost like test pilots or gladiators. Newspapers often described them as fearless men willing to risk everything for glory and victory. Over the history of the race, dozens of drivers, mechanics, and others connected to the event lost their lives either during the race itself, in practice sessions, or during qualifying. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway earned a reputation as both legendary and unforgiving. The Famous Driver Many People Remember One of the most famous tragedies involved Bill Vukovich, one of the greatest drivers in Indianapolis history. Vukovich was killed during the 1955 Indianapolis 500 while leading the race. His death shocked the racing world because many believed he was virtually unbeatable at the Speedway. For fans of that generation, Vukovich’s death became symbolic of the terrible cost of speed. Other legendary names connected with the dangerous years of Indy racing included Jimmy Bryan, Swede Savage, Tony Bettenhausen, Eddie Sachs, and Dave MacDonald. The 1964 crash involving Eddie Sachs and Dave MacDonald was especially horrifying and helped force major changes in racing safety. Part of the Appeal Was the Risk Modern audiences sometimes forget how much danger shaped the mythology of automobile racing. People did not generally watch hoping someone would die. But the awareness that disaster could happen at any moment created enormous drama. Drivers were admired because they knowingly faced danger. The tension between triumph and tragedy became part of the emotional power of the event. That same atmosphere surrounded early aviation, boxing, mountain climbing, and many frontier-style pursuits. America admired daring. Decoration Day and Memorial Day Your recollection of “Decoration Day” is historically important. Before Memorial Day became more commercialized, it carried a deeper spirit of remembrance, sacrifice, courage, and national identity. The Indianapolis 500 became closely linked with that atmosphere. In many ways, the drivers themselves symbolized a particular American ideal: boldness, innovation, toughness, and the willingness to risk everything. For boys growing up in Indiana, hearing the roar of the engines and the dramatic radio broadcasts made the race feel larger than life. Safety Changed the Sport Modern IndyCar racing is dramatically safer than it once was. Improvements include energy-absorbing walls, fire-resistant suits, advanced helmets, enclosed survival cells, safer fuel systems, and highly trained emergency medical teams. Fatalities are now far rarer than in earlier generations, although racing still involves real danger. Ironically, some longtime fans believe that as safety improved, part of the old mystique disappeared. The sport became more technical and less mythic. A Story Worth Sharing Your memory touches something bigger than racing itself. The Indianapolis 500 represented a period in American culture when courage and danger were publicly intertwined. Heroes were often people who accepted enormous personal risk in pursuit of excellence. The deaths were not celebrated, but the willingness to face danger was deeply respected. For many young people growing up in Indiana and across America, the Indianapolis 500 became part sport, part mythology, and part national memory — a dramatic yearly reminder of speed, ambition, courage, and the unpredictable nature of life itself. “Back home again in Indiana…” became more than a song. For generations, it was part of the emotional soundtrack of courage, memory, and American storytelling.
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Random Thoughts. Real Time. Radical Truth. Why the Most Inconvenient Ideas Might Be the Ones That Change Your Life By Stan Hustad
04/21/2026
Random Thoughts. Real Time. Radical Truth. Why the Most Inconvenient Ideas Might Be the Ones That Change Your Life By Stan Hustad
There are days when everything feels planned, polished, and predictable. And then there are days like this one. This is one of those point-of-the-moment days—what I like to call POM thinking. No script. No delay. No filter. Just real-time reflection from the Coaching Zone, where ideas don’t always arrive neatly packaged… but they often arrive useful. Welcome to another adventure in Inconvenient Ideas—because let’s be honest: the ideas that help us most are often the ones that disrupt us first. Radio, Real Time, and the Power of Now One of the reasons I’ve spent a lifetime in radio—and now what we call radio with pictures—is because it allows something rare in today’s world: Immediacy. Presence. Truth in motion. I can speak to you right now—in the middle of an unpredictable year, in a world that refuses to sit still. That matters. Because we are living in a time when the pace of change has outstripped the pace of reflection. And that’s dangerous. Inconvenient Truth #1: Nothing Works Perfectly No plan works perfectly. No leader has perfect clarity. No system runs without friction. If you’re waiting for perfect certainty before you act… you may be waiting forever. Inconvenient Truth #2: The World Has Already Changed We are now living in the performance economy—and what some call the transformation economy. And layered on top of that? Artificial Intelligence. This is a right now reality. Inconvenient Truth #3: We Don’t Teach People How to Handle Money Everybody wants money. Because money helps you get the good stuff. But most people don’t know how to manage it, multiply it, or use it well. Financial intelligence matters. Inconvenient Truth #4: Generosity Is Not Optional Without generosity, civilization collapses. At some point, we must choose to share what we have. Inconvenient Truth #5: Everyone Should Learn to Be an Entrepreneur What if we prepared people not just for jobs—but to build something? Even if you work for someone else, think like an entrepreneur. So What Does This Mean for You? 2026 will be challenging. But you can become the kind of person who turns obstacles into opportunities. Things to Remember - The best ideas are often inconvenient before they are helpful - No plan works perfectly - Adaptation is essential - Financial intelligence matters - Generosity sustains society - Entrepreneurial thinking is a life skill Things to Share - Share POM thinking - Talk about financial intelligence - Encourage entrepreneurial thinking - Promote generosity Things to Take Action On - Review your financial habits - Act on one entrepreneurial idea - Practice generosity this week - Adapt to AI and change - Treat your work as a project you are building The Challenge Think like an entrepreneur. Act with generosity. Move forward without waiting for perfect clarity. Stay present. A Motivational Wish & Benediction May you not fear inconvenient ideas. May you think clearly, act boldly, and give generously. May you find your place as a builder in this changing world. And may it go well with you—as you learn to survive, thrive, and serve. Until next time, Stan
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You’re Missing the Most Important Hire in Your Business… And It’s Not Who You Think
04/15/2026
You’re Missing the Most Important Hire in Your Business… And It’s Not Who You Think
Why Every Company Now Needs a Chief Broadcasting Officer (CBO) By Stan “The Radio Man” Hustad The What It Takes Radio Company presents another adventure… another expedition… and this one might just disrupt the way you think about your entire business. Let me start with a simple—but slightly inconvenient—idea: You are probably missing a very important person in your business today. And no… it’s not your CFO. Not your CMO. Not even your AI specialist. You need a CBO. A Chief Broadcasting Officer. AI is changing everything. But we’re not just entering a digital economy—we’re entering a performance economy. It’s not enough to know something, build something, or market something. You must communicate it—clearly, powerfully, and consistently. That’s broadcasting. There’s a difference between someone who does a podcast and someone who is a broadcaster. Broadcasting is not just a skill. It’s a state of mind. It’s curiosity. Presence. Connection. The best broadcasters are the most curious people in the room. Every person has a story. The question is—are you curious enough to discover it? Every person you meet is wearing an invisible sign that says: “Please tell me I’m important.” Read the sign. In today’s world, your communication determines your success. Your Zoom calls matter. Your videos matter. Your voice matters. If you want to succeed today, you must learn how to perform across media. This is the new degree: Master of Self-Expression. THINGS TO REMEMBER We are living in a performance economy. Communication is core strategy. Curiosity drives connection. THINGS TO SHARE Every business needs a CBO. Curiosity is power. Broadcasting is identity. THINGS TO ACT UPON Improve your communication skills. Invest in your presence. Develop or hire a CBO. A PERSONAL CHALLENGE If you can’t communicate it, you can’t scale it. A CLOSING BENEDICTION May you find your voice in a noisy world. May your curiosity open doors. May your message reach those who need it most. You are not just building a business. You are broadcasting a story. Make it worth hearing.
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Big Sticks, Bigger Questions, and Your Superpower:
An Inconvenient Return to Realit
04/14/2026
Big Sticks, Bigger Questions, and Your Superpower:
An Inconvenient Return to Realit
By Stan Hustad There are times in life when you step away for a bit—whether by design or by necessity—and when you return, you see things differently. That happened to me. After a stretch of what I’ll call “downtime, overtime, and out-of-time,” I’m back behind the microphone with a fresh installment of Inconvenient Ideas. And it felt only right to begin with a simple—but unsettling—question: What if everything we think we know… might be wrong? Now, that’s not a comfortable thought. But then again, the best ideas rarely are. The Power—and Problem—of Inconvenient Ideas I’ve come to believe something that may surprise you: The most valuable ideas are often the most inconvenient. They interrupt our assumptions. They challenge our comfort zones. They force us to rethink what we thought was settled. And right now, we’re living in one of those moments—where everything is shifting. AI: Not a Tool… a Tidal Wave Let me begin with a confession. When I first started talking about artificial intelligence, I said, “Not much will change… but some things will.” Well… I was wrong. A lot is going to change. In fact, it already is. I recently faced a complex business problem with my team—one that might have taken us an entire day (or more) to solve. Instead, I turned to my AI assistant. Within minutes, we had: - Research - Contacts - A workable solution Problem solved in five minutes. That’s not evolution. That’s disruption. The Four A’s of AI Here’s how I now understand AI—through what I call the Four A’s: Aggregation – It gathers knowledge from everywhere Amplification – It expands and clarifies ideas Acceleration – It moves faster than any human workflow Artistry – It creates visuals, language, and expression with remarkable skill That combination is powerful—and potentially dangerous if ignored. Those who learn to use AI will surge ahead. Those who don’t… may fall behind quickly. The Rise of the Creator Capitalist You must learn to create value in a way that also creates income. Creativity is no longer optional. Expression is now economic. And everyone is in the marketplace. So Here’s the Big Question: What’s Your Superpower? What is your superpower? What do you do exceptionally well? What could you become known for? What category could you own? Noise vs. Signal: Why Expression Matters More Than Ever A lot of traditional communication is losing its power. Blogs without emotion are ignored. Words without energy are forgotten. Ideas without expression are invisible. You don’t just need to say something. You need to move something. A World of Big Sticks and Bigger Decisions Power matters. Not just words. Not just intentions. But the ability to act—and create outcomes. A Personal Reflection: What Does It Mean to Be Useful? Be useful. Ask yourself—what can I do that is useful to others? That’s where real value begins. The Cowboy Spirit and the Future of Storytelling We’re building something new: A broadcasting collective A publishing platform A performing network All rooted in one idea: Help people live well… and flourish. If your business does not help people flourish—it’s probably a wreck. Things to Remember - The most valuable ideas are often inconvenient - AI is transformational - Your superpower is your leverage - Expression matters - Power creates outcomes Things to Share - The Four A’s of AI - Discovering your superpower - Thinking like an entrepreneur - Being useful Things to Take Note Of (and Act Upon) - Identify your superpower - Use AI daily - Upgrade communication - Be useful every day A Final Thought—and an Invitation Inconvenient times create uncommon people. Don’t just survive—step into it. Be useful. Be powerful. Be world class.
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Black, Bread, and Breakthroughs A Maundy Thursday Reflection on Wisdom, Risk, and Living Well in a Changing World
04/03/2026
Black, Bread, and Breakthroughs A Maundy Thursday Reflection on Wisdom, Risk, and Living Well in a Changing World
On a quiet and reflective Maundy Thursday—coinciding with the sacred rhythms of Passover—veteran broadcaster and coach Stan Hustad took a moment not to preach, but to think out loud. What emerged was less a formal message and more a seasoned conversation—part reflection, part reminder, part rallying cry for living wisely in a world shaped by rapid change, artificial intelligence, and ongoing global tension. Drawing from a piece of his own work rediscovered from several years ago, Stan revisited a simple but powerful question: What are the real skills—the “pro skills”—that actually help us live well? A Moment Between Shadows and Hope Set against the solemn backdrop of Maundy Thursday—the day marking the Last Supper and the beginning of Christ’s suffering—Stan framed the moment with honesty: The scene is dark. The world feels uncertain. But even in black, there’s a thread of red—hope running through it. With a touch of humor (and his “granny greeting glasses”), he invited listeners into a rediscovery—not of something new, but of something true. The Real Skills That Still Matter 1. The Future Belongs to Storytellers In a world flooded with information, it is meaning that wins. And meaning travels best through story. If you can tell a story—clearly, compellingly, and authentically—you will always have a place in the performance economy. 2. Design Builds Trust Before Words Design is not decoration—it’s experience. Before anyone hears what you say, they feel what you present. Good design quietly communicates credibility, care, and clarity. 3. Learn to Show Up and Communicate The modern world is a stage—whether you like it or not. From camera to microphone to conversation, the ability to communicate effectively is no longer optional—it’s foundational. 4. Take Smart Risks With AI reshaping careers and industries, playing it safe is no longer safe. “Everybody needs water—and everybody needs a plumber.” Practical value still matters—but beyond that, we must learn to create value, think entrepreneurially, and take thoughtful risks. 5. Sleep, Stillness, and Prayer Matter More Than Ever In a noisy, anxious world, the disciplines of rest, reflection, and connection to something greater are not luxuries—they are survival skills. 6. Learn to Say the Right Things “Thank you.” “How can I help you?” “I don’t know.” 7. Everyone Is Wearing a Secret Sign “Please tell me I’m important.” A Sacred Pause: Passover and Freedom Passover reminds us of liberation—of a people set free after centuries of bondage. Maundy Thursday reminds us of sacrifice and love in the face of betrayal. - Wisdom is not fast—but it is foundational. - Storytelling is the currency of meaning. - Risk must be learned wisely. - Gratitude and humility matter. Things to Share - A sincere “thank you” can change everything. - Encouragement matters. Things to Take Action On - Tell three people they matter. - Practice stillness. - Take one thoughtful risk. A Closing Blessing and Call to Action To our Jewish friends, may this Passover season be filled with renewal and freedom. To all reflecting on Maundy Thursday, may you find strength and hope. Live wisely. Speak kindly. Take a risk. Rest well. Reach out to Stan at witradio.net Blessings, courage, and peace.
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The Hidden Days of Holy Week what happened on Monday Tuesday and Wednesday and Why it Matters!
04/01/2026
The Hidden Days of Holy Week what happened on Monday Tuesday and Wednesday and Why it Matters!
A deeper look at the overlooked days that reveal the heart of the story—and the choices we must make. Introduction We often move quickly from Palm Sunday to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. But in doing so, we can miss something profoundly important. Holy Week is not just about the final events—it is about the unfolding decisions that lead to them. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are not empty days. They are the days where truth is declared, tension rises, and loyalties are revealed. Let’s step into those days together—and discover what they mean for us today. Holy Monday — Confrontation and Cleansing On Monday, Jesus returns to Jerusalem and immediately confronts what is broken. He enters the Temple and drives out the money changers, declaring that God’s house is meant to be a place of prayer, not profit. Then, in a symbolic act, He curses a fig tree—an image of outward life with no inward fruit. This is a day of spiritual clarity. It asks us a powerful question: What needs to be cleansed in our lives? Monday is about honesty, courage, and the willingness to deal with what is not right. Holy Tuesday — Teaching, Truth, and Urgency Tuesday is one of the most intense days of Jesus’ public ministry. He teaches openly in the Temple, engages with religious leaders, and delivers some of His most important parables—calling people to readiness, responsibility, and faithfulness. He also speaks about the future, urging watchfulness and awareness. This is a day of truth. Tuesday asks: Are we listening? It reminds us that truth is not just to be heard—it is to be lived. Holy Wednesday — The Silent Day Wednesday is often quiet in the Gospel accounts—but beneath the surface, everything is shifting. Plans are being made. Betrayal is being arranged. Judas agrees to hand Jesus over. At the same time, a woman pours out expensive perfume in an act of devotion and love. This day holds a profound contrast: Devotion and betrayal. Love and calculation. Wednesday asks: Where do I stand? It is a day of decision—often made in silence. Putting It All Together The flow of these days tells a powerful story: Monday: Clean house Tuesday: Clarify truth Wednesday: Choose your allegiance By the time Thursday arrives, the direction has already been set. Holy Week is not just history—it is a mirror. Things to Remember • God is not interested in appearances—He desires authenticity. • Truth, once heard, carries responsibility. • Quiet decisions often shape our greatest outcomes. • The most important choices are often made before the spotlight appears. Things to Share • Share the idea that Holy Week includes meaningful “hidden days.” • Encourage others to reflect on what Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday represent. • Invite conversation about what needs to change, grow, or be decided. • Remind others that faith is lived in daily decisions—not just big moments. Things to Act On • Take time to “clean house” in one area of your life. • Revisit a truth you know—but may not be fully living. • Make one clear decision about who you are and what you stand for. • Choose devotion over distraction, clarity over compromise. Closing Call to Action This Holy Week, don’t rush to the ending. Live the middle. Because Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are where the real work happens. If you’re serious about building a life—and a business—that matters, start here. Clean house. Speak truth. Make your choice. And if you’re looking for someone to walk alongside you in that journey, I would be honored to help. This is what we do at The Jesus Entrepreneur Experience and The Christian Entrepreneur Network. Let’s build something that lasts. — Stan Hustad What It Takes Radio Company
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Yes Dad, Just what the world needs... Another damn book on ___________ !
03/25/2026
Yes Dad, Just what the world needs... Another damn book on ___________ !
Greetings, ladies and gentlemen... friends... and yes, even the occasional foe or two. Let me begin with a confession—and a bit of an edge. Years ago, I floated an idea to my daughter. I said, “I think I might write another book... maybe a follow-up to my marketing book.” She paused. That’s always dangerous when an editor pauses. Then she said something I’ve never forgotten: “Dad... yes, you could write another book. It might even be better than most. But let me tell you something... Yes Dad .... Just what the world needs?... another damn book on marketing?! Don’t do that. Write the book that only you can write.” Ouch. And thank God for that moment. The Problem We Don’t Talk About Let’s be honest. We live in a world flooded with “another _________ _________.” Another business. Another podcast. Another coaching program. Another course. Another “me too” idea dressed up in slightly better graphics. And here’s the danger... Most people—good people, talented people, even faithful people—end up building something that looks like everyone else’s version of success. They don’t build their thing. They build a copy. And I’ve seen it over and over again in my coaching work. People come to me excited, motivated... and when we peel it back, what are they really trying to do? Create another _________ _________. The AD Principle I call it this: Another D__________ AD — Avoid Duplication. Or, in plain language: Let’s not do another _________ _________. Instead... What would it look like for you to build the business that only you can build? Write the message that only you can deliver? Create the impact that only you can make? Jesus: The Ultimate Entrepreneur Now here’s where it gets interesting—and maybe a little provocative. I often say: Jesus was one of the world’s first entrepreneurs. Think about it. Before the ministry... before the miracles... before the movement... There were years—many years—of building, learning, working, creating, growing. He wasn’t just preaching. He was preparing. And then, in a relatively short window of time, He launched something so original, so powerful, so transformational... ...it changed the world. Not another _________ _________. Something entirely new. The Real Question So here’s the question I want to put in front of you: Are you building something... or are you copying something? Because there’s a big difference. You can make money copying. You can survive copying. You might even succeed—for a while—copying. But you will never feel fully alive copying. Where Your Life Gets Interesting There’s a phrase I love: “Where your deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.” That’s the zone. That’s where the magic happens. That’s where your calling meets your craft. That’s where your faith meets your work. And that’s where you stop producing another _________ _________... ...and start doing the work that only you can do. A Word to the Young... and the Encore Crowd I started this program thinking especially about young men... Men who want to be strong. Men who want to build something real. Men who want to lead, love, and leave a legacy. But let me tell you something... This is just as true—maybe even more true—for those in the encore years. I had a man in his 70s ask me: “Stan... do you think it’s too late for me to start something new?” I said: “Too late? No. It might be exactly the right time.” Because now you have something you didn’t have before: Perspective. Experience. Wisdom. And maybe... just maybe... the courage to stop doing another _________ _________. The Risk of the Unlived Life Let me give you one more thought. Why would there be tears in heaven to wipe away? I’ve heard it said... Maybe—just maybe—it’s because we’ll finally see all the things we could have done... ...but didn’t. The risks we didn’t take. The ideas we didn’t pursue. The difference we didn’t make. I don’t want that. And I don’t think you do either. So... What Should You Do? Simple. Not easy... but simple. Stop asking, “What’s already working?” Start asking: - What am I uniquely wired to do? - What has God placed in me? - What problem breaks my heart enough to act? - What would I regret not trying? And then... Do that. A Short Word to Remember, Share, and Act On Remember: - The world doesn’t need another _________ _________. - You were not created to copy—you were created to contribute. - Jesus didn’t duplicate—He transformed. Share: - This idea with someone who’s stuck in “me too” mode. - The encouragement that it’s not too late—ever. - The possibility that their “only” work still matters. Take Note (and Take Action): - Identify one idea that is uniquely yours. - Take one step this week toward building it. - Refuse to settle for another _________ _________. Let’s Do Something That Matters If this resonates with you—even a little—let’s talk. Because this is what I do. I help people—entrepreneurs, leaders, dreamers, encore explorers— build something that actually matters. Not just another _________ _________... ...but something that reflects who they are, what they believe, and why they’re here. Reach out to me: stan@witradio.net Or connect through The Jesus Entrepreneur Experience. Let’s see if together... we might just build something that only you can do. And maybe... something that only we can do—together. Until next time... Best and blessings.
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How to Become More Interesting in a Performance Economy An Inconvenient Idea That Might Just Change Your Life
03/24/2026
How to Become More Interesting in a Performance Economy An Inconvenient Idea That Might Just Change Your Life
Ladies and gentlemen, let me begin with a confession. For the past week, I’ve been dealing with something I call broadcaster’s block. Even those of us who talk for a living can sometimes struggle to find the words, the angle, the energy. And that got me thinking… What if the real issue isn’t just what we say—but how interesting we are when we say it? Because here’s the truth: We are now living in what I call a performance economy. And in this economy, it’s not enough to be good. You have to be interesting. The Problem: You Might Be Offering… But Not Engaging A friend of mine recently said, “Stan, I keep offering my books online—and nobody’s buying.” I told him something that may sound a bit blunt: “You’re not selling. You’re offering. And your offer is boring.” In today’s world, if you want attention, impact, and income… you cannot afford to be boring. You must bring energy. You must bring edge. You must bring something that delights, disrupts, or provokes thought. The Breakthrough: 10 Types of Ideas That Make You Interesting 1. Intelligent Ideas – Thoughtful and insightful. 2. Smart Ideas – Practical and valuable. 3. Inquisitive Ideas – Spark curiosity. 4. Inspirational Ideas – Move people to act. 5. Instructional Ideas – Teach and equip. 6. Instigating Ideas – Stir things up. 7. Innovative Ideas – Fresh and new. 8. Idealistic Ideas – Vision-driven thinking. 9. Inconvenient Ideas – Challenge comfort. 10. Issachar Ideas – Help you understand the times and know what to do. The Big Shift: From Comfort Zone to Transformation Zone If you begin to think and communicate these kinds of ideas, you move out of your convenient zone and into the Transformation Zone. That’s where real change happens. Things to Remember - We are in a performance economy - You must be engaging, not just good - Ideas are your greatest asset Things to Share - “You’re not selling—you’re offering.” - “Attention goes to the interesting.” Things to Take Notice Of - Evaluate your communication - Add energy and edge - Develop new ideas consistently A Final Word You already have ideas. You already have a voice. The question is whether you will step up and become the kind of person people want to listen to. Your Next Step Reach out: Stan@witradio.net Benediction May it go well with you in your life, your family, your business, and your work.
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Why don't you have a professional broadcaster in your business because that is vital to success in the marketplace today
03/16/2026
Why don't you have a professional broadcaster in your business because that is vital to success in the marketplace today
Here we go, the What It Takes Radio Company presents Stan, that's me, and why don't you have a professional broadcaster in your business? Today, every business needs to consider that a professional broadcaster may be vital to your marketing and business success. May I tell you my story? Greetings once again ladies and gentlemen, this is Stan, Stan the Radioman. Now people say, but just radio? Let me tell you, radio means everything in terms of electronic communication. Radio, video, whatever you call it, it is all radio. It is electronic radiation that goes into the air or goes through the wire and makes things happen. And in particular, in our modern era, it makes communication happen. In fact, radio, video, radio and television, digital communication, all of that is radio and it is the way that most of us communicate today. Just think about that. Your iPhone, it's a radio. Your Apple Watch, it's a radio. They all are done as a result of something that a man named Tesla, heard about him? Did many years ago when he discovered ways to make electricity go from what was direct current, always go this way, to alternating current, which means it goes back and forth. Don't try to understand it, but just try to understand that what they discovered was when electricity went very, very, very fast back and forth. Electronic waves, invisible waves went through the air and could go all around the world. And then we figured out how to make sounds from them so we could send code. And then we figured out how to put voice on them. And there we are. We have radio. And then we figured out how to put pictures on them. And then we have television. And that's where we are today. It's all radio. Thank you, Mr. Tesla. Thank you, Mr. Marconi. Thank you, Mr. Faraday and a variety of others whose names you don't know who have given us something that within the last 100 years has truly changed human history and how we communicate. Well, I'm simply saying this. I've been involved in radio for most of my life, and I'm a professional. I've done it for a long time. I've gotten paid for it. I've done it around the world. I've produced thousands of radio programs, probably hundreds, maybe thousands of video programs. It's something I love to do. I do it fairly well. I've got great experience at it, and I've taught people around the world how to be really good at being on the radio so they could do the good work they want to do, hopefully do great work for humankind, and hopefully find ways to make it a better world to serve others. That's what I do. I think I do it fairly well, and I would like to audition with this particular little card that I have put together. You have an accountant in your business. You probably have a bookkeeper. You have a website designer. You may even have a social media person who comes in and does some work. You have people who do a variety of things that help make the business go. Well, in today's world, if you're not broadcasting in some way, you are going to be way behind, particularly with the AI phenomenon, and in particular because this truly is the performance economy and because changes are taking place faster than we can count, and you're going to have to be what I call point of the moment. You're going to have to be very good at responding to the world around and in sending messages of comfort, encouragement, challenge, wisdom, insight, and truth. So here's a bit of an audition. Ask, do you have a professional broadcaster in your business? You have all those other people in your business, and you may pay them well, and they may do a lot of worthwhile things, but you also will need somebody who knows how, not just a hobbyist, not just someone who knows a little bit about it, but you'll need somebody who's had a lot of experience in knowing, first of all, what doesn't work. Remember, I can never guarantee that something will work, but I can pretty well assure you that there will be things that won't work, and there are ways that what you can do, you can do much better and make more money. I just sighed because one of my good friends who's running a business where I've tried to help them, and they just sent out peace on the internet, and it's boring. It has no action, no energy, no personality. There is nothing about it except that there is a lot of writing and a few pictures that just sit there. We used to call this, and I still do, whenever people hold up a brochure, I say, that's a dead tree. All of the brochures you have, and all of the flyers you have, and all of that stuff that people pay good money to print out and put on glossy paper, and the news service, the UPS service, the postal service delivers it to my house, and it is what we call dead tree marketing. It's a dead tree. Paper is a dead tree, and it may be a glossy dead tree. It may be a well printed dead tree. It might even be an attractive dead tree, but it's a dead tree. No personality, no energy, no conversation. It's not nearly as effective as we would like it to be, and it is not nearly as effective as live with energy, personality, sound, moving pictures, stories that are told. We are now discovering that the best way to write a book is to do a radio program first, and one of the best ways to sell your book right now is to do a program about the book or something that leads people to your book, and that's why What It Takes Radio is a podcasting and publishing company, because if you want to write and sell a book, you're going to have to learn how to book it and broadcast it. Book it and broadcast it. I would like to demonstrate to you how you can make more money and have more fun and be more powerful and personable and maybe even professional in the marketplace that you seek to make your living and make your business successful in. Why don't you have a professional broadcaster in your business? I'm Stan. I'm the Radio Man, and I'd be more than happy to give you a little demonstration, maybe some instruction, but certainly to answer your questions about how and why you need a professional broadcaster somewhere in, with, connected to your business. I would welcome that opportunity. Thank you very much for your time. All the best and blessings on you and your business in these challenging, I mean very challenging times, both in life and business and in the world. It's, in many cases, needing someone like you with your wisdom, insight, and truth and the service that you can provide to make your mark in the marketplace. Until next time, and hopefully as we work together, I'm Stan. Bye for now.
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When the Lights Go Out in Tucson, What Do We See?
02/04/2026
When the Lights Go Out in Tucson, What Do We See?
Some ideas don’t announce themselves with flashing lights. In fact, this one is about what happens when the lights aren’t there at all. This week on Inconvenient Ideas, I found myself talking about Tucson, Arizona — a place my wife Karen and I once called home for nearly sixteen years — and a current news story that stopped me cold. An elderly woman has gone missing in Tucson. She happens to be the mother of a very well-known broadcaster, which is why the story caught national attention. But what really caught my attention was something deeper, quieter, and frankly more unsettling. Light pollution. Or rather… the lack of it. If you’ve never lived in Tucson, you might not know this: much of the city — especially the desert communities — is intentionally dark. No streetlights. Limited exterior lighting. Strict rules designed to protect the night sky. Tucson is one of the great stargazing cities in the world, home to observatories, astronomers, and people who truly treasure the stars. When Karen and I moved there from Minnesota, one of the first things we noticed was how dark it was at night. At first, we thought something was broken. Nope. It was by design. And once we adjusted, we fell in love with it. Dark skies. Brilliant stars. Quiet nights. Space to breathe. But here’s the inconvenient part. Darkness, while beautiful and good for the soul, can also hide things. It can obscure danger. And in scattered desert neighborhoods — where homes are tucked into the landscape and security lights are rare — it raises hard questions about safety, vulnerability, and unintended consequences. That tension is what this episode explores. I share stories from our years in the desert: walking at night with a flashlight because you had to, being stopped by security if you didn’t have one, learning to live with coyotes, javelinas, bobcats, and yes, the occasional mountain lion triggering motion lights. I talk about the peace of sitting under the stars with no music, no noise, just silence — and how much I miss that. And then I zoom out. Because this isn’t really just about Tucson. It’s about the balance we all have to strike between clarity and safety, beauty and realism, solitude and responsibility. It’s about knowing when darkness is restorative — and when it might be hiding something we need to pay attention to. Even Jesus, we’re told, regularly withdrew from the noise, the crowds, and the chaos to find strength in quiet places. But the Gospels also remind us that darkness isn’t neutral. Every place — even the most beautiful — carries the full range of human nature. This episode isn’t alarmist. It’s reflective. It’s honest. And yes, a little inconvenient. I close the program with a reminder that ideas matter — because ideas start things. Movements. Conversations. Changes. And if you have an inconvenient, interesting, or maybe even inspiring idea, I’d love to hear it. We’re always looking for thoughtful guests, bold voices, and people who want to make things move instead of just making noise. You can reach me anytime at . And if you’re curious about learning how to use radio, podcasting, or video to tell your story — to build a business, a message, or a meaningful presence — that’s part of what I do too. After more than four decades behind the microphone, I’m still convinced this is one of the most powerful tools for good if it’s used well. So step into the conversation. Turn down the noise. And once in a while… don’t be afraid of the dark — just be wise about it. Blessings to you, and thanks for listening. — Stan
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Would Jesus Use AI? Faith, Technology, and the Future of Meaningful Work
01/28/2026
Would Jesus Use AI? Faith, Technology, and the Future of Meaningful Work
Just for fun this a 3rd person article but written by me In a world racing toward artificial intelligence, automation, and unprecedented technological power, a provocative question is quietly unsettling leaders, entrepreneurs, and everyday workers alike: If Jesus were here today, would He use AI in his work and business? That question sits at the heart of a recent episode of The Jesus Entrepreneur Experience, a weekly exploration that looks at the life and leadership of Jesus not only as a spiritual figure — but as a model for meaningful, mission-driven entrepreneurship. Hosted by veteran broadcaster and business performance coach Stan Hustad, the program challenges listeners to rethink success, work, and contribution in an age where technology increasingly shapes the marketplace. Rather than offering simplistic answers, the episode invites careful reflection. Jesus built his mission without exploiting supernatural shortcuts. He worked within human limits, relied on relationships, gathered people, developed leaders, and focused relentlessly on purpose. His approach resembles an entrepreneurial model grounded in wisdom, restraint, and human dignity. The episode acknowledges both the promise and peril of AI. Used wisely, it can enhance creativity and productivity. Used recklessly, it can erode meaning, displace workers, and magnify harm. If Jesus were here today, the program suggests, He would not reject AI out of fear nor embrace it uncritically. He would study it carefully, seek wise counsel, and ask whether it contributes to human flourishing. Above all, He would pray. The episode reminds listeners that meaningful work is deeply human — craftsmanship, service, risk, and responsibility. Entrepreneurs are challenged to examine whether their businesses truly help people flourish or merely function as rackets. In an era of rapid change, The Jesus Entrepreneur Experience offers realism, wisdom, and hope by reminding us that the most important questions are still worth asking. This is an AI based quick summary that the video program that I did that goes into far more details about Jesus and the AI and if you'd like to watch that program just click the link below.
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Seven Words to Think About During the Storm
01/23/2026
Seven Words to Think About During the Storm
The storm is coming. You can feel it—not just outside, but everywhere. Schools closing. Churches canceling. Flights disappearing from the board like magic tricks gone wrong. We’re all being gently (or not so gently) told: stay home, stay put, stay warm. Which is exactly what I’m doing—sitting in my little radio studio, which also happens to be a television studio, a video studio, and a worldwide broadcasting station. No tower. No transmitter building. No million-dollar equipment. Just a good microphone, a decent camera, an internet connection, and a lifetime spent loving radio. I started in the kind of radio that had mystery and majesty—big towers, humming transmitters, and studios that felt like sacred ground. There was romance in it. There still is. Old radio guys even swap pictures of their favorite towers now, like proud grandparents showing photos of the grandkids. Guilty as charged. But radio has changed. And in some wonderful ways, it’s come home. Now, during a snowstorm, you can sit in your own house and be on the radio. You can speak to the world from a spare bedroom, a basement, or a corner of the living room—just like I’m doing right now. And that matters, because a lot of people have something to say, something to sing, something to teach, or some wisdom worth sharing. They just needed permission and a microphone. Which brings me to the storm—and the pause it gives us. When weather forces us to slow down, it also gives us space to think. To read. To pray. To wonder a little about the life we’re living… and the life we still want to live. I’ve made a commitment that 2026 is going to matter. I want it to be significant—for my family, my community, and the people kind enough to listen in on my life and work. And as I was sitting here waiting for the storm, seven simple words came to mind. Not fancy words. Not complicated words. Just honest ones. Here they are. Don’t rush past them. Let each one ask you a question. Better. What, exactly, do you want to be better at this year? Beautiful. What do you want more of that brings beauty into your life—or that you bring into the world? Bright. Not smarter—brighter. More alive. More visible. More you. Bolder. Where have you been playing it safe when you know you’re meant to step forward? Braver. What fear are you finally ready to face? Richer. Yes, maybe financially—but also richer in relationships, meaning, gratitude, and joy. Smarter… and Wiser. Not the same thing. Smarter fills your head. Wiser shapes your life. And then there’s the one underneath them all: Matter. We all want to matter. We were made for meaning. We were designed to make a difference. That’s not ego—that’s wiring. So while the snow falls and the world quiets down a bit, maybe these seven words are worth sitting with. Let your mind talk to your heart. Let your heart speak to your future. As I often ask: Are you living the life you want—or just the life you’ve got? Storms have a way of clarifying things. Stay safe. Stay warm. Comfort one another. And maybe—even in the middle of the storm—find a little comfort and joy. All the best and blessings, Stan Things to Remember - Storms slow us down so reflection can catch up - You don’t need a tower to have a voice - Meaning often shows up in simple words Things to Share - The seven words that resonated most with you - This question: Which one am I ignoring? - The idea that 2026 is still wide open Things to Take Note Of (and Act On) - Write the seven words down - Circle the one that scares you a little - Take one small step toward it—after the storm Snow days are good for productivity too. ❄️🎙️
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If Jesus were in the IDF today... What kind of soldier or man do you think he would be?
01/21/2026
If Jesus were in the IDF today... What kind of soldier or man do you think he would be?
In a culture crowded with slogans, outrage, and instant opinions, a recent radio program in The Jesus Entrepreneur Experience does something surprisingly rare: it asks people to stop, imagine, and think. The program poses a single, provocative question—not to shock or inflame, but to awaken reflection: If Jesus were here today—now, in our time and place—and if He were a young man living in Israel, what kind of man would He be if required to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces? The result is a thoughtful, TED-Talk-length exploration that bridges history, faith, entrepreneurship, and the human condition—without preaching, ranting, or political positioning. Making Jesus Real—Not Distant At the heart of the program is a simple but profound concern: Jesus is real, but too often He feels unreal to modern people. For many, Jesus exists only in stained glass, ancient texts, or distant history—long ago, in a far-away land. The broadcast challenges that distance by re-anchoring Jesus in real life: born into political oppression, raised in an occupied land, a refugee as a child, a working tradesman and small-business owner, and a man without elite credentials, yet deeply competent and respected. Rather than asking the worn question “What would Jesus do?”, the program reframes it in a more personal and practical way: What would Jesus do if He were you? The Thought Experiment: Jesus and the IDF In modern Israel, military service is not hypothetical. It is a reality of citizenship and survival. If Jesus were living there today as a young man, He would almost certainly be required to serve. The broadcast carefully avoids spectacle or sensationalism. There are no images of Jesus firing weapons or raging in battle. Instead, listeners are invited to imagine Him as calm, centered, and courageous—fully human, facing fear and duty. The question is not what position He would take, but what kind of man He would be. Character Over Certainty Rather than offering conclusions, the program offers mirrors. By refusing to answer the question for the audience, the program creates space for honest self-examination. The Entrepreneurial Connection Jesus spent nearly two decades as a working tradesman before beginning His public ministry. In modern terms, He lived most of His life as a small-business owner—serving clients, mastering skills, managing work, and earning trust. From this perspective, the term Jesus Entrepreneur is not irreverent—it is illuminating. Things to Remember - Jesus was fully real—historically, socially, economically. - Character is revealed under pressure. Things Worth Sharing - Thoughtful questions invite deeper conversations than fixed positions. - Understanding people is the foundation of influence. Things to Take Note Of and Act On - Examine what your assumptions say about you. - Practice leading with conscience, not just competence. Closing Challenge If Jesus were here today—walking our streets, facing our pressures—what kind of man would He be? And what kind of person are you becoming? For more information about The Jesus Entrepreneur Experience or working with Stan Hustad, reach out and continue the conversation.
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More Than a Name: The Title of the Man and the Faith Behind Dr. King’s Legacy
01/19/2026
More Than a Name: The Title of the Man and the Faith Behind Dr. King’s Legacy
In this special birthday-commemoration edition of Inconvenient Ideas, broadcaster Stan Hustad invites listeners to pause, reconsider, and remember something easily overlooked in the story of one of America’s greatest heroes: the full and formative identity of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The program opens with a light, affectionate nod to radio history and the marvel of modern podcasting—how a single voice can now circle the globe without towers, transmitters, or billion-dollar budgets. From there, the focus turns to the meaning of this national holiday and to the man it honors. The heart of the episode centers on a deceptively simple but surprisingly powerful idea: “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” was not his complete title. His full and proper designation was the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. That distinction matters. Listeners are reminded that King was not merely a civil-rights strategist, political activist, or moral philosopher—though he was all of those. First and always, he was a Christian minister. His authority flowed from the pulpit to the people and into the public square. His sermons, marches, and moral clarity were not parallel tracks; they were one unified calling rooted in faith. With warmth and candor, the program reflects on the shock of King’s assassination, the brutality of the moment, and the lasting imprint it left on a generation. From there, the story widens to reveal an often-missed spiritual lineage behind King’s philosophy of nonviolence. That path leads to missionary-evangelist E. Stanley Jones, whose writings on Mahatma Gandhi deeply influenced King’s thinking. Through Jones’s work, King encountered a practical theology of nonviolent resistance—one he embraced, embodied, and ultimately gave his life to defend. Along the way, the program maintains a gentle, conversational tone—personal anecdotes, naming stories, and moments of humor included—while never losing sight of the central message: to honor Dr. King fully, we must acknowledge the spiritual foundation that shaped his life and leadership. Things to Remember • Dr. King’s full title—the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—tells a deeper story than “Dr.” alone. • His faith was not an accessory to his work; it was its source. • King’s commitment to nonviolence was shaped by Christian conviction and global spiritual influence. Things to Share • King’s sermons and public actions were one integrated calling. • The civil-rights movement drew strength from theology, not just strategy. • Faith-driven leadership can reshape nations without resorting to violence. Things to Take Note Of (and Act Upon) • Language matters: how we name people reflects how we understand them. • Spiritual roots are often edited out of public memory—but they still matter. • Nonviolence is not weakness; it is disciplined moral courage. A Closing Challenge As you listen to this program, consider the ways we simplify history to make it more comfortable—or less demanding. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. challenges us not only to remember his dream, but to reckon with its source. What might change in our own lives, leadership, or communities if conviction once again shaped courage—and faith informed action? 26 Blessings on his memory, his family, and all who continue the work of justice, courage, and nonviolent love.
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Why are the Democrats and the ICEers trying to get Donald Trump and his team elected and have more power
01/16/2026
Why are the Democrats and the ICEers trying to get Donald Trump and his team elected and have more power
Protest Backfires: The Inconvenient Politics of Noise, Power, and Human Nature In this episode of Inconvenient Ideas, veteran broadcaster Stan Hustad poses a question that at first sounds almost absurd—and then increasingly unavoidable: Why do the loudest opponents of Donald Trump and ICE often end up strengthening the very people they oppose? It’s a question rooted not in partisan rhetoric, but in something deeper and far more uncomfortable: human behavior, perception, and unintended consequences. A Radio Man Sounds the Alarm Drawing on more than four decades in broadcasting, Hustad opens the program the old-fashioned way—with a “sounder,” a classic radio cue meant to signal urgency. In the golden age of radio, it meant one thing: stop what you’re doing—this matters. And what matters here is not simply immigration policy, protest movements, or the presidency of Donald Trump. What matters is how people think, how they react, and how often they misjudge the impact of their own actions. The Minority Illusion At the heart of the episode is a simple but inconvenient insight: people routinely overestimate how many others agree with them. Hustad illustrates this with stories from business, publishing, and event marketing—where passionate creators are shocked to discover that enthusiasm does not automatically translate into widespread support. Protest, Power, and Perception The episode examines protests against immigration enforcement actions carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Hustad does not argue policy details as much as outcomes. When protests disrupt daily life or escalate into chaos, many observers don’t blame the administration—they recoil from the protesters. Instead of weakening Trump’s political position, such actions may solidify support for him and those aligned with his agenda. Things to Remember • Passion does not equal majority support • Noise can repel as easily as it attracts • Methods often matter more than messages A Final Inconvenient Thought This episode isn’t ultimately about immigration or Trump. It’s about the human condition—our tendency to confuse conviction with consensus and noise with power. If you want to change minds, you must first understand how people actually think.
/episode/index/show/tcentrepreneur/id/39759745