FOMO Sapiens with Patrick J. McGinnis

On this week’s episode of FOMO Sapiens, Kevin Evers, senior editor at Harvard Business Review and author of There’s Nothing Like This, uncovers the secrets behind Taylor Swift’s business brilliance. Patrick McGinnis explores how Swift built a brand through consistency, trust, and innovation while making bold moves to stay ahead of the competition. Evers delves into her customer obsession, drawing comparisons to Jeff Bezos, and how her use of social media fosters FOMO and loyalty among fans. With a keen eye on her ability to turn controversies into narrative-driven opportunities, they discuss how Swift’s strategic thinking has reshaped the music industry and beyond. Entrepreneurs will walk away with insights on building brand loyalty, navigating industry disruptions, and adapting strategies while staying authentic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an age where media often feels oversaturated, Nayeema Raza is boldly carving out a space for genuine curiosity and fearless inquiry through her podcast Smart Girl Dumb Questions. On this week’s FOMO Sapiens, Patrick J. McGinnis dives into Nayeema’s journey—from producing at top outlets like The New York Times to launching her own independent show. Nayeema shares how she’s turning “dumb” questions into an essential tool for sparking deep, meaningful conversations. This episode explores the art of creating content that isn’t just accessible but also thought-provoking—engaging everyone from astrophysicists to everyday individuals. They also dive into the challenges of building a digital media brand where AI isn’t just a threat but a tool. Nayeema’s ultimate mission is to democratize knowledge and prove that sometimes the simplest questions lead to the most profound insights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the right question could change everything? In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick McGinnis sits down with Topaz Adizes, Emmy award-winning writer, director, and founder of Skin Deep, to explore the transformative power of asking well-crafted questions. With over 1,250 intimate conversations under his belt, Topaz explains how discomfort in a question—not the answer—can deepen connections and foster resilience. He shares practical techniques for creating open, vulnerable spaces that go beyond yes/no answers and how regular practice of these conversations can change the way we reflect and relate to others. Tune in to learn how focusing on the right questions can reshape your reality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The future isn’t something that just happens—it’s something you can design. This week on FOMO Sapiens, Patrick sits down with Frederik Pferdt, Google's first-ever Chief Innovation Evangelist and author of What’s Next Is Now, to uncover how the world’s top innovators reframe uncertainty, take action, and shape their own futures. Frederik shares why the most successful people don’t fear change—they leverage it—and how shifting your mindset from “having” to “being” and “feeling” can create breakthroughs in both life and business. From rewiring your brain for adaptability to making better, bolder decisions (without the FOMO), this conversation is packed with tactical strategies for thriving in an unpredictable world. Tune in to learn how to turn uncertainty into opportunity and take control of what’s next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you just walked away—literally? This week on FOMO Sapiens, Patrick sits down with Tom Turcich, the 10th person in history to walk around the world, to explore what seven years of solitude, cultural immersion, and extreme endurance taught him about risk-taking, adaptability, and finding purpose in the unknown. With only a backpack and his loyal dog, Savannah, Tom navigated 38 countries, countless challenges, and life-altering moments—from dangerous encounters to deep self-discovery. Now, he shares how the lessons from the road apply to business, decision-making, and breaking free from the fear of missing out. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping outside your comfort zone—or wondered what it really takes to do the impossible—this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What kind of person looks at an old, abandoned building and thinks, This should be a museum about words? Ann B. Friedman did. But turning that vision into reality wasn’t easy. This week on FOMO Sapiens, Patrick talks with Ann about the steep challenges of launching Planet Word—from convincing funders to back an untested concept to navigating DC politics and designing exhibits that actually engage modern audiences (including those who claim they "don’t like reading"). Ann shares how she tackled skepticism, built a world-class team, and turned an abstract idea into an immersive, interactive experience. Plus, they dive into the impact of language in the digital age, how words shape our reality, and why the way we communicate is evolving faster than ever. If you’ve ever had a big idea but doubted whether it could work, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people think virtual communication is just about choosing between email, Slack, or Zoom. But according to Prof. Andrew Brodsky, an expert in virtual communication and Top 40 Under 40 MBA Professor, that’s dead wrong. In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick sits down with Andrew to unpack why digital conversations fail, how to build trust and rapport remotely, and why “in-person bias” can actually hurt productivity. Andrew’s expertise isn’t just academic—his personal journey battling cancer as a teenager forced him to master virtual communication long before it became the norm. He breaks down the science of digital dialogue, the cultural impact of different communication platforms, and the small tweaks that make a massive difference in how you’re perceived online. If you’re leading a remote team, closing deals over Zoom, or just want to avoid being that person on Slack, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most founders chase funding. Maura Duggan didn’t. Instead, she took a completely different path, scaling Fancypants Baking Co. into a national brand—all without venture capital, an MBA, or a safety net. On this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick sits down with Maura to unpack how her neuroscience background shaped her approach to consumer psychology, product development, and brand strategy. But it wasn’t all science and strategy—she also had to survive near bankruptcy, a brutal learning curve in the food industry, and the pressures of building a business while raising a family. If you’re an entrepreneur wondering if slow, smart growth beats the high-risk, high-burn VC game, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does deep work truly boost productivity, or is it just another overhyped trend? This week on FOMO Sapiens, Patrick J. McGinnis checks in with Molly Sonsteng and Jeremy Redleaf, co-founders of Caveday, a company that claims to help people work smarter, not harder. They discuss how their productivity method has evolved from in-person sessions in Soho to a global online movement—but does it actually deliver results? We examine real data, success stories, and counterarguments, including why some people find deep work ineffective or unsustainable. Plus, we explore the psychology behind the focus, whether deep work benefits everyone (including neurodivergent individuals), and what the skeptics have to say. If you’ve ever felt like productivity hacks don’t work for you, tune in for a candid conversation about what helps—and what doesn’t—when it comes to getting things done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to learn the secrets to a richer, wiser, and happier life? In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, we delve into the world of investing with William Green, author of "Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World's Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life." William shares his insights from interviewing some of the most successful investors in the world, exploring their strategies, mindsets, and approaches to wealth and fulfillment. We discuss the importance of deferred gratification, embracing uncertainty, and finding purpose beyond material success. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your financial journey, this episode offers valuable lessons on building a rich and fulfilling life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices