Planting Seeds by Jeff Hilimire

Hosted by Jeff Hilimire

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141

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Nov 2025

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About the show

Refreshing conversations with inspiring people. Welcome to Planting Seeds. I'm Jeff Hilimire, a husband, father, entrepreneur, and author. I created this podcast to talk to people that inspire me, either because they've accomplished great things or done a lot of good in the world - or more likely, a combination of both. My goal is to learn people's origin stories, really dig into what makes them tick, and understand their secrets to success.

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60 recent

November 20, 202523 min

The AI-Driven Leader

In this episode of the Planting Seeds podcast, hosts Jeff Hilimire, Adam Walker (48in48 and Edgewise), and Mickey Mellen (GreenMellen) discuss the concept of AI-driven leadership, the 48in48 Good Host project (reach out to adam@48in48.org to get involved) and their personal experiences with AI tools. They explore how AI can serve as a thought partner, the importance of effective prompting, and the tools they use in their daily lives. The conversation also touches on humorous anecdotes involving AI, their wishlist for future AI capabilities, and a review of the book 'The AI-Driven Leader.'Takeaways:- AI should be treated as a thought partner, not a replacement.- Effective prompting is crucial for maximizing AI's potential.- The CRIT framework helps in crafting better AI prompts.- Daily interactions with AI can enhance productivity.- AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude are popular among users.- Humor can be found in everyday AI interactions.- AI can assist in strategic decision-making and project management. The importance of context in AI responses cannot be overstated. AI's memory and understanding improve with consistent use. - The book 'The AI-Driven Leader' offers valuable insights, but could delve deeper. (https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-ai-driven-leader-harnessing-ai-to-make-faster-smarter-decisions-geoff-woods/f7175c11e4bcb6c8?ean=9798990904002&next=t)Sound bites"AI can help clarify your thinking.""AI systems are like savants.""Ask me one question at a time."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Hosts and Their Backgrounds01:18 Exploring the Good Host Project02:39 Understanding AI as a Thought Partner04:47 The CRIT Framework for Effective AI Prompts06:47 AI Tools in Daily Use10:12 AI in Everyday Life and Humor12:54 Daily Interactions with AI18:27 Implementing Insights from 'The AI-Driven Leader'20:58 Future AI Wishlist and Expectations23:11 Book Review and Final Thoughts

October 27, 202559 min

"We are the ones we've been waiting for." - From Dropout to Doctorate (with Dr. Terence Lester)

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Terence Lester, author of From Dropout to Doctorate: Breaking the Chains of Educational Injustice. In this episode, Dr. Lester shares his powerful journey from high school dropout to earning a PhD, overcoming homelessness, trauma, and systemic barriers. We dive into the realities of educational injustice, the impact of poverty on Black families, and the urgent need to reform systems that perpetuate inequality.Dr. Lester addresses the school-to-prison pipeline, equitable access to education, and what community involvement and mentorship mean for creating real change. His story is both a challenge and a roadmap for educators, nonprofit leaders, and anyone who believes in justice and opportunity for marginalized communities.Whether you’re an advocate, educator, policymaker, or simply seeking inspiration, you’ll be moved by Dr. Lester’s raw honesty and scholarly insight. Tune in and discover how one person’s resilience and purpose can ignite transformation for millions.Dr. Lester discusses:- The school-to-prison pipeline- Equitable access to education- The importance of mentorship and community involvement for creating lasting change- How one person’s resilience and purpose can ignite transformation for millions📚 Pick up your copy of From Dropout to Doctorate today and join the fight for educational equity.Other books mentioned:When We Stand – Dr. Terence LesterEvicted – Matthew DesmondPoverty, by America – Matthew DesmondNickel and Dimed – Barbara EhrenreichThe 1619 Project – Nikole Hannah-Jones and contributorsCaste: The Origins of Our Discontents – Isabel WilkersonThe Pool is Closed – Hannah PalmerJust Mercy – Bryan Stevenson#EducationalJustice #Podcast #TerenceLester #FromDropoutToDoctorate #SocialChange #Equity #Resilience #Inspiration

September 30, 202535 min

When weak is ok (with Joel Conwell)

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Joel Conwell, author of the powerful children's book "The Boy in the Tree: When Weak is Okay." In this episode, we dive deep into Joel's beautifully crafted story about a young boy who gets stuck in a tree and discovers that vulnerability isn't a weakness—it's actually a superpower.Buy the book! https://littleripples.media/books/the-boy-in-the-tree🌟 **What We Discuss:**- The real-life inspiration behind "The Boy in the Tree"- Why teaching emotional intelligence to kids aged 4-9 is crucial- How parents can create safe spaces for children to express vulnerability- The surprising strength it takes to ask for help- Joel's unique background combining pastoral care, counseling, and tech- Practical tips for families navigating conversations about feelings and fear🎯 **Perfect for:** Parents, educators, counselors, and anyone who wants to help children build emotional resilience and understand that needing support is part of being human.Joel's message is simple yet profound: sometimes the bravest thing we can do is let others help us down from our tree. This conversation will change how you think about strength, weakness, and the beautiful courage found in vulnerability.📚 **About the Book:** "The Boy in the Tree: When Weak is Okay" (released September 23, 2025) is an 8x8 picture book that shows children asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness—perfect for sparking meaningful family conversations about emotional wellness, published by Ripples Media. https://littleripples.media/books/the-boy-in-the-tree#ChildrensBooks #EmotionalIntelligence #Parenting #Vulnerability #SocialEmotionalLearning

September 20, 202541 min

A Sense of Hope (with Kyle Pease)

Kyle Pease joins me to discuss anything and everything, including his foundation (The Kyle Pease Foundation), his personal Purpose, his life with cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia, and so much more.Learn more about The Kyle Pease Foundation at https://kylepeasefoundation.org/Follow along with Kyle's journey at ‪@thekylepeasefoundation‬

September 20, 202538 min

Steve Carse (King of Pops) on his new book, Work is Fun

Steve joins me to discuss his new book, Work is Fun, which launched on April 1st, 2025. He's the founder and CEO of King of Pops, and in this interview, we talk about the lessons from the book (including the King of Pops story) that everyone can use to find more fun in their work. The subtitle says it all: Seven Ways a Successful Ice Pop Company Makes Work Meaningful and How You Can Too.His book can be found here: https://amzn.to/4cdHvSi

September 20, 202536 min

The future of leadership with Mohamed Massaquoi

Mo and I have had numerous conversations about leadership and its evolution in organizations and teams, and we've decided to bring those discussions to this podcast episode. You can find out more about Mohamed and the work he is doing at https://www.thevessol.com/Episode details:This video features a conversation between Jeff Hilimire and Mohamed Massaquoi, a speaker and coach specializing in transformation, reinvention, and change [00:08]. Massaquoi shares how an ATV accident, which resulted in the loss of his left hand, unexpectedly led him to this field [00:24].The discussion centers on leadership and its challenges. Massaquoi highlights common difficulties such as rigid playbooks [02:08], lack of flexibility in volatile situations [02:13], insufficient "shock absorption" for disruptions [02:31], and siloed thinking that prevents leaders from realizing others share similar challenges [02:44, 02:52].Drawing parallels between leadership in athletics and business [05:47], Massaquoi, with his professional football background, notes that many sports analogies directly apply to business, including talent acquisition [06:44], performing under pressure [06:52], and cross-functional teamwork [06:52].A key theme is the importance of a clear, unifying vision. Massaquoi emphasizes that unlike sports teams where everyone typically knows the goal [17:28, 17:35], businesses often lack this shared understanding, leading to departmental confusion and lack of cohesion [18:00].They also discuss leadership styles, agreeing that authenticity is crucial, though the best style depends on the specific talent and situation [25:16, 26:04]. Massaquoi points out that effective leaders are hands-on and invested in their people, much like coaches [31:31].Finally, Massaquoi offers advice for teams undergoing transformation: remember past successes in overcoming change [32:55], embrace the current chaos as an opportunity for creativity [33:28], don't go it alone and empower the team [33:47, 33:53], and iterate to discover what's next, which may be better than initially envisioned [34:18, 34:25]. Massaquoi also mentions he is working on a book and a podcast [36:08].

September 20, 202550 min

Book review: The Pool is Closed (with author Hannah Palmer)

Hannah Palmer, author of The Pool is Closed, joins me to do a deep dive (pun intended) into the book. In this livestream, I’m joined by Hannah Palmer, urban naturalist, activist, and acclaimed author of The Pool Is Closed: Segregation, Summertime, and the Search for a Place to Swim. Together, we dive deep into the book’s themes of water access, segregation, parenting, environmental history, and the fight for public space in the South—particularly Atlanta.About the Book:The Pool Is Closed chronicles Hannah’s personal quest with her sons to find a place to swim in Atlanta—an odyssey that opens into broader questions of race, class, and who gets access to water for recreation. Interweaving memoir, social commentary, and environmental history, Palmer reveals hidden creeks, vanished lakes, and complex stories about the city’s environmental legacy, water policy, and the continuing racial politics of public pools. The book is not just about swimming—it’s about community, environmental justice, and embracing parenthood in an era of dwindling public resources and ecological anxiety.🛒 Buy the Book (Bookshop.org): ⁠https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-pool...⁠About the Author:Hannah S. Palmer is a writer and designer from the Southside of Atlanta. Her work in essays, memoir, and public art explores hidden histories and wildness in the urban South. She is also the author of the acclaimed Flight Path: A Search for Roots beneath the World’s Busiest Airport.🔗 Hannah Palmer’s Website:⁠https://hannahspalmer.com⁠🛒 Flight Path on Bookshop.org: ⁠https://bookshop.org/p/books/flight-p...⁠References & Further Reading:AJC Feature: "Bookshelf: Local author considers the politics of public pools" - ⁠https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/book...⁠Review: Hannah Palmer’s The Pool is Closed – ⁠https://markmcelroy.com/review-hannah...⁠Rough Draft Atlanta: Above the Waterline - ⁠https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2025/08...⁠Timestamps:⁠00:00⁠ – Introduction⁠02:00⁠ – Hannah’s inspiration and swimming in Atlanta⁠15:00⁠ – Access to water, segregation, and environmental impacts⁠35:00⁠ – Parenting, activism, and embracing wild places⁠48:00⁠ – Q&A and closing thoughtsLike, comment, and subscribe for more author interviews and book discussions!⁠#ThePoolIsClosed⁠ ⁠#HannahPalmer⁠ ⁠#BookReview⁠ ⁠#Atlanta⁠ ⁠#EnvironmentalJustice⁠ ⁠#Parenting⁠ ⁠#Livestream

April 23, 202433 min

Force of Nature: A Celebration of Girls and Women Raising Their Voices (with Kate T. Parker)

On this episode, I talk with Kate T. Parker, a mother, wife, entrepreneur, photographer, author, and turns out, a great podcast guest! We talk about her story and what led her to the incredible work she's doing today. Kate's books! -> https://amzn.to/3w9bYk3 Kate's website -> https://katetparker.com/ Kate's TedX talk -> YOUTUBE Don’t forget to subscribe 👍🏼 About me: Sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly email newsletter! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partner: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Purpose Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-founder: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dragon Army⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠48in48⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The A Pledge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ripples Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Turnaround Leadership Series⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.jeffhilimire.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/jeffhilimire

February 12, 202446 min

How accurate is The Bear? (with Fred Castellucci)

I'm obsessed with the TV show The Bear. Like, obsessed. So, I decided to have Fred Castellucci (Atlanta restaurateur legend) on the podcast to help me understand just how accurate their depiction of running a restaurant is. (Spoiler: pretty darn accurate.) Don’t forget to subscribe 👍🏼 About me: Sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly email newsletter! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CEO: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Purpose Group⁠⁠⁠ Co-founder: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dragon Army⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠48in48⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The A Pledge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ripples Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Turnaround Leadership Series⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.jeffhilimire.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/jeffhilimire

January 17, 202442 min

The Life Brief (the book!) with Bonnie Wan

On this episode, Bonnie Wan joins me for the second time, this time with her (hopefully, first of many) published book, The Life Brief! I devoured this book in a matter of days, complete with more highlights and notes than I knew what to do with. Please a) use the link below to buy your copy, b) listen to this podcast to hear Bonnie tell her story, and c) check out our first podcast interview, where we get deep into the background of Bonnie's journey to finding The Life Brief. Notes: - Buy Bonnie's book -> https://amzn.to/41N8C1u - Listen to our first conversation on my podcast! -> https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/g0iXM2ui7Fb Don’t forget to subscribe 👍🏼 About me: Sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly email newsletter! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ CEO: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Purpose Group⁠⁠ Co-founder: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Dragon Army⁠⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠⁠48in48⁠⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠⁠The A Pledge⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ripples Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Turnaround Leadership Series⁠⁠⁠⁠ Blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.jeffhilimire.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/jeffhilimire