Interesting ideas with Stan Hustad

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Do You want to be great? Do you want to master the arts, strategies, skills ,and ways of thinking and performing to be a true world-class Creator Enterpriser? Are you ready to seek the true Spirit Force vital to being a successful life and business innovator, enterprise builder, and entrepreneur? Here is how to be one, here is how to sell like the master creator, how to build a world-class company, and how to be strong, even in your broken places and spaces. And one of the better ways to do that is to continually seek out expose yourself to and create powerful interesting ideas. And that's what this program is all about. Because great ideas lead to greater influence, impact, and true income and in addition they help you become more interested and interesting. 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 is welcome.

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August 12, 2026Episode 101019 min

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.

August 10, 2026Episode 101021 min

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.

July 30, 2026Episode 100819 min

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.

July 28, 2026Episode 100819 min

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: Stan@witradio.net 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 https://youtu.be/PfZa58OIUTU

July 14, 2026Episode 100511 min

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.

July 7, 2026Episode 100416 min

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. https://youtu.be/WPktHSsWrLw

July 3, 2026Episode 100417 min

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 https://youtu.be/YnuZyEJC_uQ

July 1, 202617 min

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 https://youtu.be/dJwb_aJcNt4

June 30, 2026Episode 100215 min

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

June 3, 2026Episode 100016 min

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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A Beer with Jesus & Grits from Grandma: Inconvenient Ideas for a Busy World

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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:

High, Hard, and Inside Sometimes the Pitch That Shakes You Up Is the One That Changes Your Life