I Wish They Knew

Hosted by Joe Hirsch

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274

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Mar 2026

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About the show

Joe Hirsch hosts I Wish They Knew, a podcast where some of the world’s brightest thinkers share big ideas that deserve more attention… in about the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee. In these short-form conversations, we explore everything from learning to loss, giving to goal-setting, work to wellbeing, and career to compassion. Our guests include bestselling authors, top-rated business professors, CEOs of Fortune 100 companies, media personalities, and the occasional car enthusiast, NFL player, and CIA officer. New episodes air each Tuesday

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60 recent

March 18, 202617 min

(Ep. 266) James Laughlin: Habits of High Performers

High performers don’t thrive on hustle – they succeed with habits. In Episode 266, James Laughlin drops by to discuss the habits of high performers – and they’re accessible to everyone:How to visualize your goals for successHow to sustain motivation over long periods of timeHow to build better habits of mind, body and spiritHow to stay focused on “what’s now,” not just “what’s next”LINKS:James's book : Https://www.thehabitbook.comHabits planner: https://www.jjlaughlin.com/plannerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/

March 11, 202616 min

(Ep. 265) Sunita Sah: How to speak up at work

Defiance is a practice, not a personality - and it's something anyone can do. In Episode 265, Dr. Sunita Sah drops by to redefine defiance. We discuss why people avoid speaking up, the cost of staying silent, and how we can apply acts of "quiet defiance" in the workplace.

March 4, 202617 min

(Ep. 264) Muriel Wilkins: Unblock your leadership

You can't lead others unless your first unblock yourself. In Episode 264, Muriel Wilkins explores the hidden beliefs that hold leaders back. We discuss ways to unblock your leadership potential, how to develop strong self-awareness, and how leaders should practice unblocking at every stage of their careers.

February 25, 202615 min

(Ep. 263) Garry Ridge: Culture makers and breakers

WD-40 created a company culture where people can make a contribution, learn something new, feel safe and protected, and go home happy. Do you wish that your company culture looked just like that? In Episode #263, who spent two decades as WD-40's CEO and chairman, explains why "learning moments" drive the culture, how leaders can balance candor with caring, and why ego is the #1 culture killer.

February 18, 202614 min

(Ep. 262) Natalie Pickering: Your leader identity

IN EPISODE 262:Leadership is uncomfortable. Finding your leader identity doesn't have to be. In Episode 262, Natalie Pickering explains how leaders can develop their inside game and amplify their impact. We discuss how personal narratives influence leadership style, how to become more comfortable with discomfort, and how to take feedback with more grace. Good leaders operate from the inside out -- and after listening to Natalie, you'll know how to bring out your leadership best.ABOUT NATALIE PICKERING:Natalie Pickering, PhD, is a TEDx speaker, organizational psychologist, and executive coach who helps leaders trade performance pressure for authentic influence. For more than two decades, she's helped executives, founders, and teams navigate change, strengthen culture, and lead with courage. She is the author of Leading Becomes You: A Real-World Framework for Leading from Inside Out.

December 27, 20225 min

(Ep. 113) Countdown 2022: Happiness

IN EPISODE 113: In the second part of a special year-end series, we look back on some of your favorite episodes from 2022. In Episode 113, we explore why happiness is a matter of choice, not chance -- and what we can do to lead happier and more fulfilled lives. Featuring insights from Marshall Goldsmith, Keren Eldad and April Hansen.

August 8, 202316 min

(Ep. 144) Bruce Feiler: Be the hero of your own story

IN EPISODE 144: Have you ever experienced a sudden and significant disruption in your work life? It may not be the end of life as you know it, but the start of a new life you never knew. In Episode 144, Bruce Feiler explores the power and possibilities of "workquakes" and their impact on our happiness, meaning and balance. We explore the tension between linear expectations and non-linear realities, why the happiest people "dig" instead of "climb," and how the wisdom of others can help us discover our innermost truths. We can be hero of our own story -- and after listening to Bruce, you'll develop the script and strength to write a new narrative. ABOUT BRUCE FEILER: Bruce Feiler is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including Life is in the Transitions, The Secrets of Happy Families, and Council of Dads. His three TED Talks have been viewed more than four million times, and he teaches the TED course, "How to Master Life Transitions." His latest book is The Search: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World.

August 1, 202316 min

(Ep. 143) Sara Canaday: Unlock your inner coach

IN EPISODE 143: We know that coaches help us do better. But did you know that anyone can become better at coaching? In Episode 143, Sara Canaday helps us hone our coach approach. We discuss why people have more coaching chops than they think, the difference between performance and developmental coaching, and five steps we can take to improve our coaching skillset. There's a coach inside each of us...and after listening to Sara, you'll unlock your inner coach to maximize better results and relationships. ABOUT SARAH CANADAY: Sara Canaday is a leadership consultant, speaker and author of three books. Her work has appeared in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and The Wall Street Journal, and she's a popular instructor for LinkedIn Learning and a member of the National Speakers Association. Sara's latest book is "Essential Coaching Skills for Managers: The Tools You Need to Ignite Greatness in Each Employee."

October 22, 202416 min

(Ep. 203) Scott Mann: Connect like your life depends on it

IN EPISODE 203: From the battlefield to the boardroom, trust is built one relationship at a time. In Episode 203, Lt. Col. Scott Mann shares trust-building strategies he learned from twenty years serving as a Green Beret. He offers tips for operating in high-stakes, low-trust environments, why it pays to "see the pictures" in someone else's head, and how to use storytelling as a way to build connection. ABOUT SCOTT MANN: Lt. Col. Scott Mann is a retired Green Beret who served in Army and Special Operations around the world for more than twenty years. Today he is the CEO of Rooftop Leadership and the founder of a 501c(3), The Heroes Journey, committed to helping veterans tell their stories in transition. Scott has appeared on Fox News, CNN and other major outlets and is the bestselling author of Nobody is Coming to Save You.

January 1, 202510 min

(Ep. 212) Guy Kawasaki: Be remarkable in 2025

IN EPISODE 212: Remarkable people don't set out to be remarkable - they try to leave a positive mark on the world. In Episode 212, Guy Kawasaki explores the subtler side of what it means to be remarkable: Passion. Purpose. Grit. Growth. We explore the benefits of "trusting the dots," the importance of finding and keeping the right mentors, and why remarkable people redefine success and decision-making. ABOUT GUY KAWASAKI: Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva and host of the Remarkable People podcast. He was the chief evangelist of Apple, trustee of the Wikimedia Foundation, Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador, and special assistant to the Motorola Division of Google. He's the author of 16 books, most recently: Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.