"Are Politics Poison?" with State Representative Colin Larson

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to this new episode of The People People Podcast featuring special guest Coloardo State Representative Colin Larson! Colin is a millenial politician who is not afraid to have a genuine conversation even if it is with someone from the opposing political party (like this podcast’s host, Matt Mattson).

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

Are politics poison? Are politicians?

What if you locked yourself in a room with a political figure from party that you don't support. What if you tried to actually connect, like really connect with this politician?

Could you do it?

Could you even potentially learn something?

Could you even... potentially... like this is a long shot, but what if... what if you left the room feeling like you could SUPPORT this politician?

Sound like science fiction? Especially in today's world.

Well, welcome to this special highly political episode of THE PEOPLE PEOPLE PODCAST!

Recently, Matt Mattson went down to his state capitol to meet up with his representative. Not to lobby for some new law or to complain about his taxes, but to see if politicians were capable of human connection.

In a time when sound bites and partisan attacks are all it seems you ever hear from political leaders, does Social Excellence have any relevance? That’s what this episode aimed to find out.

And it seems like maybe there is reason to be hopeful.

Can human connection happen between a modern politician and a podcast host? What if they are from opposing political parties? Are there parallels between running a local coffee shop and running a state? Should we be hoping for some major political pendulum swing? Is there hope for US politics because millennial politicians are rising? Are political parties of the future “people who binge The West Wing vs. people who binge House of Cards?”

This episode dives into all of these questions, plus some relevant political topics of the day. And perhaps the most important advice from the episode…

"You want to make a difference,? Go talk to 20 people on your block."

"Building A Community" with Scott Spears

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to this new episode of The People People Podcast featuring special guest Scott Spears! Scott is the creator and owner of Scrumptious, Super Zoom Bang Bang, Sock, Schoolhouse, and So RADish in Olde Town Arvada.

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

What do you think of when you hear the word “community?” If the idea of a thriving small town with happy people milling about seems both delightful and like something from centuries past, you’re not alone. These small “main street” communities seem like an essential part of classic Americana, but didn’t they go the way of the dinosaur and rotary phone?

Well, at least in Arvada, Colorado, community is thriving and it is due in large part to this episode’s guest, Scott Spears.

Scott is an entrepreneur, but more than that, he is a community engineer. He has been a leader in the movement to take one small town that had literally turned into an antique, and transform it into a thriving community.

This podcast includes a BUNCH of awesome tips on practical Social Excellence in action. Listen to how his vision was turned into a reality through real human to human interaction, involvement in community organizations, and creative details that bring people together through fun and joy.

Scott is an example of real Social Excellence in action, and his businesses are some of the most fun, exciting, and happy places you’ll encounter anywhere. Enjoy the podcast, and if you’re ever in Arvada, Colorado, you HAVE TO visit these places!

"The Double Date" with Tina VanSteenbergen, James Robilotta, and Meggan Mattson

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to this new episode of The People People Podcast… This one is about LOVE! Romance! Amorousness! Passion! Marriage! And everything related to that. Welcome to the special “DOUBLE DATE” episode featuring special guests Tina VanSteenbergen, James Robilotta, Meggan Mattson, and your host Matt Mattson.

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

This episode is really special. We put a microphone right in the middle of a double date. The show’s host, Matt Mattson along with his wife Meggan Mattson (an entrepreneur and indepent college counselor - click here to learn more) joined for an evening of conversation with James Robilotta and Tina Vansteenbergen. Learn more about James professionally here, and here’s a link for Tina.

The Mattsons have been married for 15 years. Tina and James got married last year. There were discussions about healthy relationships, communication patterns/habits, and the power of compliments and listening.

More than anything, there was genuine love expressed in a way that is too rare. We’re not sure if these two marriages are perfect, but they sure are beautiful and have lessons to share with any listener.

Social Excellence has very real applications to romantic relationships, and this episode offers a fun glimpse at what that looks like in practice.

More about our guests… professionally…

Tina VanSteenbergen is a professional speaker with a passion for working with women. She believes in the power of women, individually and collectively. Especially collectively. She says, “When we come together, really believing in one another, building communities and celebrating our shared womanhood—watch out world. Unfortunately, the world has taught us how to build better walls between one another than bridges. That’s where I come in. I help build bridges between women. My mission in life is to help women feel less alone in this world.” Tina speaks to college students, corporate audiences, to women and to everyone who seeks confidence and way to matter in this world. Tina has a background in actually teaching Social Excellence in the past. She is proudly from and makes her home (with James) in Minnesota.

James Robilotta is an author, a professional speaker, a personal coach, and an entrepreneur. His first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings is available here. James is also a trained stand-up and improv comedian. He created “North Coast” an improv team that incorporates freestyle rapping and beatboxing into long-form improv; they have impressed and delighted audiences worldwide. He grew up in Sayville, NY, went to UNCW and Clemson, lived in NYC for a bit, and now he and Tina have made a home in The Twin Cities.

Meggan Mattson has over 15 years of experience in college counseling. She started her professional career working on the college side as a college admissions counselor. After eight years on the college side, Meggan then worked as a high school counselor for another six years, guiding many students and families through the college process. Meggan earned her undergraduate degree from Bradley University (Peoria, IL) and her M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, IL). She is an active volunteer in her industry, she has presented at professional conferences, and she has a particular passion for helping students from all backgrounds find the right “college fit” for them. She spent most of her childhood in Colorado, and now lives in Littleton, CO with her husband, Matt, and their two daughters.

"The Idea That Could Save Lives" with Akshay Pradhan

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to this new episode of The People People Podcast featuring an interview with Akshay Pradhan, who co-created the Brella app to protect people during mass public shootings.

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

Do you have an idea that is sitting in your mind, just waiting to come to life? Does the world desperately need you to make that idea into something real?

Akshay Pradhan, our guest in this episode of The People People Podcast, made an idea real that is literally meant to save lives in some of the most terrifying moments our society too often provides: public shootings.

Akshay, working in collaboration (a theme we explore) with his partner Sid Bhat created Brella, and we explore the importance and process of doing so.

This podcast has explored the issue of school shootings before (listen here). In this conversation, we hear about Akshay’s collaborative efforts to take action in a modern and practical way.

Here’s the description of the app from the website: “Report live threats (e.g., gun shootings, mysterious activity, bomb threats, etc.) using the extremely simple Brella app. Share alerts, text messages, pictures, and more with other users instantly. The geo-tracker alerts others of the precise location of the threat. The app will automatically save a history of all incidents for your reference. The community has your back.”

Akshay is such a fantastic example of an every day person who chose to turn a conversation with a friend into reality. Listen to his motivation for making the Brella app. Listen to the way he wants to be an example for his kids. And listen to the power of collaboration come to life.

What’s your idea that is lingering in your mind? What does the world need you to make real? Who is the person with whom you need to collaborate because a better world is depending on it?

Special thanks to Akshay for this great conversation!

Here’s the Facebook page for Brella, and here’s a related news article that you should check out too!

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UN-COMMERCIAL PARTNER

On The People People Podcast, we don’t have commercials. We’re not trying to make millions, we’re trying to change the world. So we create opportunities on our show for organizations that are already changing the world to be featured.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. Listen for an un-commercial during this episode celebrating and supporting the great cause of Children’s Miracle Network, and please consider giving at https://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/.

"A Jeffersonian Style Dinner" with Lara Smedley

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to this new episode of The People People Podcast featuring an audio exploration of a Jeffersonian Style Dinner experience with guest, Lara Smedley.

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

Have you ever participated in a Jeffersonian Dinner? Let me tell you about this truly one-of-a-kind event I was a part of recently... In fact, let me take you on an audio adventure into the event, and then we’ll talk with the creator of this “Sunset Dinner Experience” produced by Smedley Events, Lara Smedley.

This thoughtful gathering was for one purpose — human connection — strangers gathered in a breathtaking setting, enjoying inspired local cuisine and drinks, and engaging in guided conversation around a shared topic (“Legacy”).

Apparently Thomas Jefferson was known for putting together events like this. They probably didn’t include Colorado sunsets and perfectly timed rainbows and such a fascinating group of folks from all age ranges and life experiences. I was honored to be asked to moderate. This is #socialexcellence in practice.

Enjoy this episode that includes raw audio from event, a deep interview with the creator of the event, and some tips for creating a powerful gathering based on what was learned at this one.

Thanks for listening!

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UN-COMMERCIAL PARTNER

On The People People Podcast, we don’t have commercials. We’re not trying to make millions, we’re trying to change the world. So we create opportunities on our show for organizations that are already changing the world to be featured.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Listen for our friend, Alex Fountain, from St. Jude share an un-commercial during this episode, and please consider giving at www.stjude.org.

"Social Transformation" with co-host Justin Spurlock

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to this new episode of The People People Podcast featuring a conversation about Social Transformation (check out that blog) between your host Matt Mattson and co-host Justin Spurlock!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

What would it look like to go beyond Social Excellence? Yes, handshakes, conversations, and relationships are the first steps to change the world… but then what? How do we engage with others we disagree with? How do we move beyond the shouting, dismantling, and tearing down to start creating the world we want?

This episode explores the idea of Social Transformation. Listen closely, consider for yourself, and then engage in the conversation with us! You can always find us at @SocialXcellence on Twitter or Instagram, or find us on Facebook. Those a great places to start the conversation.

Thanks for listening! And special thanks to this episode’s co-host, Rev. Justin Spurlock for the inspiration and the support with the podcast.

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UN-COMMERCIAL PARTNER

On The People People Podcast, we don’t have commercials. We’re not trying to make millions, we’re trying to change the world. So we create opportunities on our show for organizations that are already changing the world to be featured.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. Listen for an un-commercial during this episode celebrating and supporting the great cause of Children’s Miracle Network, and please consider giving at https://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/.

"Own Your Weird" with Brittany Charboneau

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to this new episode of The People People Podcast featuring a conversation “on the run” between your host Matt Mattson and Brittany Charboneau!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

What if I recorded a podcast episode about humans connecting through running... while on a run... with a world-class elite runner? I am so grateful to Brittany Charboneau (@funnyrunner26.2) for agreeing to do this episode. Let me explain why.

I have found a sense of belonging and authenticity as a runner. I’m not elite or even fast... heck, I walk sometimes. But I love it. Especially on the trails. And I love the sense of community at races, in convos with others who identify as runners, and on social media. I love the positivity and the way people uplift each other and cheer on each individual’s best efforts and heart. It’s like a spiritual community that worships best efforts and human potential. And people really connect through running.

So getting to do a podcast episode with Brittany Charboneau (one of the fastest female marathoners in the country, and an established comedian) was so cool. Learn all about Brittany at http://thefunnyrunner.com. We explored the way humans connect through running (and comedy). We talked about the rhythm of running and relationships. We talked about how weird runners are and why it’s important to #ownyourweird — it was awesome.

Big thanks to Brittany and to all the runners out there who create an atmosphere of invitation, celebration, and community. Cheer on Brittany as she works to qualify for the 2020 Olympic team and crushes trails, roads, and comedy clubs with joy and weirdness and positivity along the way!

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UN-COMMERCIAL PARTNER

On The People People Podcast, we don’t have commercials. We’re not trying to make millions, we’re trying to change the world. So we create opportunities on our show for organizations that are already changing the world to be featured.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Listen for our friend, Alex Fountain, from St. Jude share an un-commercial during this episode, and please consider giving at www.stjude.org.

"Curiosity and Uncertainty" with Josh Orendi

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to this new episode of The People People Podcast featuring a cool conversation with Josh Orendi AND the full audio of a recent TEDx Talk by your host, Matt Mattson!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

Josh Orendi is a co-creator of The Social Excellence Project and a co-author of Social Excellence: We Dare You. He’s also one of the most curious people you’ll ever meet in your life. He’s a master question asker. And he doesn’t disappoint in this episode. Listen to the end when he challenges the host with a question that sticks him right in the heart (in a good way).

This episode also features the audio from Matt Mattson’s (the host of the podcast) recent TEDx Talk titled, “Curiously Uncertain.” Enjoy it, share it, and consider its implications on your life. How can you ask more and better questions every day.

Curiosity is such an innocent little idea. Sure, just ask questions. But asking excellent questions that actually push conversations forward and take your relationships “off script” as is discussed in this episode requires intention, thought, and perhaps most importantly… practice.

Enjoy this episode of The People People Podcast! Thanks for listenting!

"Human Connection In College" with Northeastern University Students

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to The People People Podcast!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

Earlier this year Matt Mattson (host of the podcast) got to lead a multi-day educational program (similar to this) with a cohort of brilliant college students at Northeastern University in Boston. The program turned into a podcast recording session, uncovering some of the fears and challenges these real life college students face when trying to create real human connection. It was really cool.

College is tough. And creating meaningful relationships (not just surface-level) with roommates, classmates, and organizational members can be tougher. These college students not only talk about the difficulties, but they also offer practical and wise advice on creating that connection consistently.

Enjoy this episode, and thanks for listening to the show!

"End School Shootings" with Rev. Dr. Steve Poos-Benson (Season 2 Episode 1)

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to Episode 1 of The People People Podcast’s 2nd Season!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

Rev. Dr. Steve Poos-Benson, Head pastor at Columbine United Church, and author of Sent To Soar: Fulfilling Your Divine Potential For Yourself and For The World is our guest for the first episode of season two!

Steve was a first-responder to the Columbine High School shooting. On April 20, 1999, two boys killed 12 students, 1 teacher, and then themselves. 21 other people were injured. Countless others were traumatized forever. Steve and other pastors from his church ran toward the chaos and tried to do what they could to help. Since then, Steve has found himself supporting far too many families through far too many school shootings — including another that recently hit his community.

We explore what human connection, or the lack thereof, has to do with the massive societal problem that is school shootings, and the solutions to that problem.

Thanks for listening! Check out Steve’s podcast here.

Bonus Episode: "People Who Need More Love" With Elliotte Mattson

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to this special bonus episode of The People People Podcast!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

This is a special bonus episode featuring the host, Matt Mattson, and his daughter Elliotte. Listen in to try to imagine human connection through the eyes of a child. There’s a button above if you want to buy a copy of the book that Elliotte wrote (referenced in the episode).

So, no kidding, here’s the story of this episode. When I was still just imagining what this podcast could be, I ordered a bunch of equipment. Microphones, pop filters, etc. When my portable lapel mics came in the mail, I opened up the package, plugged them into my phone, and went looking for someone to test them on.

And no joke, my oldest daughter was in her room, sitting on the floor, reading Social Excellence: We Dare You. (And no, I hadn’t assigned it to her!)

That’ll work!

I sat down and started recording. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever use the recording. It was the first “interview” I had done and I was kind of just goofing around. But after listening to it (and I might be a little biased), I thought it was podcast gold! Try to see the world through a kid’s eyes. Try to imagine their point of view. Remember the simplicity of friendship as a kid, and how it started to get complicated in late elementary school, middle school, and high school.

I hope you find some simple and meaningful lessons in this episode. It also includes an audio excerpt from the TEDx talk I did a couple of years ago that features a story about my kid.

Thanks for listening to this special bonus daddy-daughter episode of The People People Podcast!

Episode 9: "We Just Want To Belong" with Mike Dilbeck

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to Episode 9 of The People People Podcast!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

Mike Dilbeck’s name has become synonymous with the idea of “bystander intervention” in some circles. He’s established himself as a guru who helps people and organizations make courageous choices in their lives.

From Mike’s website: “Mike is leading a call for courage and a demand for dignity — empowering us to go beyond fear and shame by standing up, stepping in, and speaking out while also honoring the dignity of others…and ourselves.

“He calls on us to take “response ability” and react to any everyday life issue by going beyond our shame and fear to show courage and honor dignity in momentary choices. Mike is on a mission to change the way individuals, organizations, companies, and communities react when someone is being adversely impacted by inappropriate, abusive, or unhealthy behavior.”

In this episode, Mike and Matt vulnerably talk through those moments from our past that shape us… those moments that shake our very sense of human dignity… those moments like the one in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot… those moments like the one walking home from Pizza Hut… those moments like the one in Macy’s… (listen to the show, you’ll know what we’re talking about).

We all just want to belong, and when moments happen in our life that threaten our feeling of belonging, they change us.

Enjoy this episode, and thanks for listening to the show!

Episode 8: "Southern Charm" with Alex Taylor

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to Episode 8 of The People People Podcast!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

“Where are you from?” This question is boring, predictable, and painfully dull when employed in conversation. But somehow, it is still REALLY important. Why is that? Why is it that we seek to understand a person’s geographical roots as a shortcut to understanding who they are? What makes that a valuable human connection tactic?

Alex Taylor (@alext_sigmanu on Insta and Twitter) is a southern boy, ya’ll. And this episode explores the southern culture’s unique human connection eccentricities along with the big idea of how PLACE shapes our sense of identity. Alex and the podcast’s host Matt Mattson work together, but this conversation isn’t about work… it’s about humans, and connection, and all the things you’ve become used to expecting from the deep dive conversations that take place on The People People Podcast.

Enjoy the episode!

Episode 7: "Good Beer, Bad Sound, Great Conversation" with Mark Gehrke

[Episode Note: The audio quality on this recording was not good (because we were sitting in a big echo-y, noisy brewery. Sorry about that. But, I LOVE the episode and I LOVE that Mark was willing to get into this conversation with me. Enjoy!]

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to Episode 7 of The People People Podcast!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

Here’s the story of this episode. Early on in the “dreaming phase” of this podcast, I saw on Instagram that my friend Mark was starting a beer blog (follow @thebeerdedlad). I like beer. And Mark and I knew each other a little through professional conferences, but we certainly weren’t close buddies or anything.

So I DM’d him. I said, “I’ve got an idea. You and I go to some breweries that I know of together… we’ll drink beer, have conversations about beer (and conversations about how men drink beer together to seek connection), and we’ll record it. It’ll give you some content and me some content. We’ll see what happens.”

Mark was in!

So, we met at Living The Dream brewery in Highlands Ranch, Colorado (and later went over to Grist brewery). We ended up having a wonderful conversation (that you get to listen into) about life, the beer scene, the beers we were drinking, and human connection.

It’s worth mentioning how awesome the people at Living The Dream were. I showed up before Mark and asked a bartender if there was any space that was quieter. While the recording doesn’t exactly reflect how much better the space that we found was, the LTD people let us into their private event room, gave us stickers out of kindness, and then comp’d our beer flights. Seriously, so kind. They were so Socially Excellent.

Enjoy the episode!

Episode 6: "The People You Do Life With" with RJ Taylor

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to Episode 6 of The People People Podcast!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

RJ Taylor is one of those people who absolutely oozes Social Excellence. He is approachable, friendly, kind, and cheerful… but he’s also clearly deep, seeking meaning from every moment, and has stories to tell that can inspire anyone.

This episode, recorded this summer, caught RJ as he was smack in the middle of a 10 month mission trip around the world (learn more at https://rjandkaylataylor.theworldrace.org/). He and his wife, Kayla, have since returned safely and are doing incredibly cool work for an outdoor outfitting company in Michigan.

RJ is a faithful and inclusive, bold and welcoming, gentle and driven soul. In the episode we talk about connecting with people across cultures, and we explore the idea of connection in many ways.

Enjoy the episode!

Episode 5: "For Some Reason People Like Me" with Vince Fabra

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to Episode 5 of The People People Podcast!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

Vince Fabra is the guest on this episode of The People People Podcast. Vince is a professional speaker, stand-up comedian, and the host of a podcast called You Almost Had It (check that out!). He is a perpetual includer, a joy inducer, and he has the ability to draw out raw emotional connection with anyone. Seriously, he’s a unicorn of human connection. He oozes #SocialExcellence.

This episode is full of real conversation about the stuff that brings people together (and the stuff that keeps us from truly connecting). This episode represents exactly what we want this podcast to become — pure, long-form, emotion-laden connection that is recorded and shared. You’ll hopefully find some inspiration and a little education along with some laughs built in.

Vince has worked with us as a speaker teaching #SocialExcellence. He even wrote a key piece of curriculum (Fun Zone/Deep Zone) that made it into our book. He truly understands the message, and he exemplifies what it means to be a “people people.”

Enjoy the episode!

Episode 4: "Because You Make Me Feel Safe" with Krista Hashemi

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to Episode 4 of The People People Podcast!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

How do great students build real connections with their students? What about with parents and other colleagues? Teachers have this intense, challenging, and thankless job, and our guest dives fully into how she makes an impact, and how she builds connection.

Krista Hashemi is a ten-year veteran of elementary school teaching. She is teaching a class full of brilliant fourth graders this year at Ute Meadows Elementary School in Colorado.

This episode explores the challenges and wonders of conversations and relationships with kids (and their parents). Krista uses the phrase “emotional vocabulary” in a fun way that is likely to stick with you for a while.

What an honor it was for me to get to sit down with a teacher I respect and just dig into a rich and fascinating conversation. So grateful to have had the chance to do this.

Can you reach out to a teacher this week? Perhaps one from your past? Or maybe, for those parents and grandparents out there, you can build a deeper connection with someone who teaches the kids in your life (they spend 8 hours a day with them!).

Thanks to Krista and to Ute Meadows Elementary.

Enjoy the episode!

Episode 3: "Divine Connection" with Justin Spurlock

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to Episode 3 of The People People Podcast!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

Why are we so afraid to talk with each other about faith, religion, spirituality, or the things we find sacred… outside of the walls of a traditional religious building? Should we save conversations about the biggest questions of life and death for only formal weekend morning lectures and funerals? That seems absurd.

This episode features Pastor Justin Spurlock, the senior pastor at Grace Presbyterian Church in Colorado. Justin and I dive deeply into the questions above.

Justin and I have a history of meaningful connection. He’s one of those people who isn’t afraid to dive into big conversations in big ways. Maybe that’s partly because of his vocation, but he’s also a person who has obviously made a choice to put Social Excellence in the middle of his lifestyle.

I hope this episode inspires people to dive into some big conversations about big topics this week. Talk about the big questions of life. Dive in. Learn from each other and find inspiration in the viewpoints of others. Perhaps you’ll find divinity in that connection. Maybe God, whatever that means for you, lives in the space between us.

Episode 2: "Nachos With Cheese On The Inside" with Jessica Pettitt

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to Episode 2 of The People People Podcast!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

Jessica Pettitt (learn all about her and buy her book at www.goodenoughnow.com) pulls together her stand up comedy years with 15+ years of diversity trainings in a wide range of organizations to serve groups to move from abstract fears to actionable habits that lead teams to want to work together. With a sense of belonging and understanding, colleagues take more risks with their ideation, conserve precious resources through collaboration, and maintain real connections with clients over time.

I’ve been lucky enough to be friends with Jessica for years now. We normally cross paths at professional conferences and speaking engagements… but she’s one of those people that just seems to make others around her feel comfortable so that they can engage in the difficult questions and conversations of life.

This “interview” was raw, and real, and unscripted. You never know where a conversation with Jessica is going to go, and this one was no different. I feel like we hit some practical, meaningful, helpful points, and I’m so grateful for Jessica choosing to give her time to The People People Podcast. Enjoy!

P.S. We reference “our book” a bunch of times, because Jess was kind enough to be an early reviewer. We’re talking about Social Excellence: We Dare You, of course. How cool is it that she gave it away to those big time thinkers!

Episode 1: "Try Hard" with Josh Orendi

by Matt Mattson

Thanks for listening to Episode 1 of The People People Podcast!

Access the podcast on iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher

You're one of us, aren't you? You're a people person. But you get that being a “people person” isn’t just about being chatty and smiley and super-duper nice, it’s about transforming the world through relationships.  You're one of those people who understands that HUMAN CONNECTION is the key to everything. You're one of those people who understands that humans are social animals, and we're all deeply longing for real, meaningful, deep-spirited connection in all aspects of our life. You're one of those people who understands that the secret to creating the world you want is found in your ability to connect. You're one of us. We are people people. And you found our show.

Thanks for giving our podcast a shot. Just to give you the lay of the land, The People People Podcast is a production of The Social Excellence Project. The Social Excellence Project is a company we started a few years back to spread human connection and to help more people live a Socially Excellent lifestyle. You can learn more at www.social-excellence.com, or if you go to www.peoplepeoplepodcast.com you’ll get to the same place. We’re passionate about this idea of Social Excellence. It has changed our lives and the lives of thousands of others who have read the book, seen our talks, or who have plugged into our other educational offerings.

I (I’m Matt Mattson, host of the podcast) could think of no better way to start off this podcast than by holing up in a hotel room and having a long-form conversation with one of my best friends, Josh Orendi. Josh and I started our companies together over 15 years ago and we've been having an evolving version of the same conversation as often as we possibly can throughout all those years. We talk about how to bring more people together to make the world better. That's what all of our work has been about. That's the point of The Social Excellence Project, and that's the point of this podcast.

Josh and I talk about a bunch of stuff in this episode, but mostly we talk about why we believe Social Excellence matters to individuals, to groups, and to the world. This isn't a "canned speech," this isn't a "polished talk." This is just two buddies with a dream talking about it... and inviting you in.

Enjoy the show!