Help Wanted

Nicole’s back on Help Wanted—and a lot has changed: she became a mom, then she lost her home and studio in the LA fires, and now she’s rebuilding—literally and emotionally. Together, Jason and Nicole unpack why asking for help is so hard, and the science behind what makes a strong support system. Most importantly, Nicole shares everything she learned about how to effectively ask for support, giving you strategies to ask for— and get— the help you need.

You’ve been through it. A layoff. A failed project. A rough season. Now you’re haunted by a worry you can’t shake: What if people can see my failures? But here’s what you need to know: Nobody sees your past except you. They only know what you show them. Today, Jason will help you walk into a room more confidently — so you show up as someone worth betting on. (Because you are!)

How do you know if someone is hesitant to work with you… and more importantly, what can you do about it? That’s what Jason and special cohost Jenny Wood (author and former Google executive) are unpacking in today’s episode. Jenny shares a story about a time a freelancer almost walked away from working with her—and the surprising reason why. Together, Jason and Jenny dig into how to spot signals when something feels off in a professional relationship, how to get honest feedback (even when it’s awkward), and what to do when your first impression misses the mark. Order Jenny’s book Wild Courage, out now, here!

You may not realize it, but someone is afraid to talk with you. If you’re a manager, your team might hesitate to give you updates. If you’re a business owner, your customers might not give you valuable feedback. If your friends or partners are in need, they might not turn to you first. So what’s the problem? It’s this: You haven’t given them permission — because you didn’t think you needed to. Today, Jason will show you how to fix this problem — making you a better friend, leader, and partner. All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage servicesbrya for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Treasury accounts offering 6 months T-Bills are offered by Jiko Securities, Inc.,member FINRA & SIPC. Securities in your account are protected up to $500,000. For details: www.sipc.org. Banking services and the Bank Accounts are provided by Jiko Bank, a division of Mid- Central National Bank. For U.S. Investments in T-bills: Not FDIC Insured; No Bank Guarantee; May Lose Value. Treasuries risk disclosures, see https://jiko.io/docs/treasuries_risk_disclosure.pdf. See public.com/#disclosures-main.

How do you really know when it’s the right time to leave your job and bet on yourself? Today’s caller, Bryan, was asking himself this question— before life made the decision for him. To dig into this moment so many aspiring entrepreneurs face, Jason is joined by Jenny Wood, former Google executive and author, who’s navigated this moment herself. Together, Jason and Jenny share the real questions you need to ask yourself before walking away from a steady paycheck—and how to know if you’re truly ready to start your own thing. Order Jenny's book Wild Courage, out now, here! All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage servicesbrya for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Treasury accounts offering 6 months T-Bills are offered by Jiko Securities, Inc.,member FINRA & SIPC. Securities in your account are protected up to $500,000. For details: www.sipc.org. Banking services and the Bank Accounts are provided by Jiko Bank, a division of Mid- Central National Bank. For U.S. Investments in T-bills: Not FDIC Insured; No Bank Guarantee; May Lose Value. Treasuries risk disclosures, see https://jiko.io/docs/treasuries_risk_disclosure.pdf. See public.com/#disclosures-main.

LinkedIn has made some big changes to its algorithm. So what kind of posts does the system now reward? LinkedIn editor in chief Dan Roth and director of product Alice Xiong walk us through it.

You messed up. Or something went wrong. Your first instinct is to hide. Or act like it didn’t happen. Or feel a wave of shame. But wait! You should know this: According to research, your mistakes make you more likable — so long as you present them properly. Today, Jason will show you what to do, why it works, and how to use errors to your advantage. - All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Treasury accounts offering 6 months T-Bills are offered by Jiko Securities, Inc.,member FINRA & SIPC. Securities in your account are protected up to $500,000. For details: www.sipc.org. Banking services and the Bank Accounts are provided by Jiko Bank, a division of Mid- Central National Bank. For U.S. Investments in T-bills: Not FDIC Insured; No Bank Guarantee; May Lose Value. Treasuries risk disclosures, see https://jiko.io/docs/treasuries_risk_disclosure.pdf. See public.com/#disclosures-main.

What does it take to lead a great company? During his 44 years as CEO of Whole Foods, John Mackey found his answer: Don't worry about acting like a CEO, serve the business, serve its people, and never abandon yourself. Mackey discusses this, along with his book The Whole Story.

Your story is one of your strongest assets. It can make you relatable and memorable, and it can draw people to you — but only if you tell it right. Today, Jason will show you a four-step framework for turning personal stories into compelling narratives.

Have you ever felt misunderstood by a manager? If so, you know how frustrating—and downright demoralizing—it can be. Today’s caller, Mike, is stuck in that very situation. His manager constantly second-guesses his work, and Mike is desperate to find a way to get on the same page. To tackle this challenge, Jason is joined by Jenny Wood, former Google executive and author, to break it all down. Together, they equip Mike with a clear, actionable framework to transform his next conversation with his manager—turning tension into trust and frustration into forward momentum. Pre-order Jenny's upcoming book Wild Courage here! All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Treasury accounts offering 6 months T-Bills are offered by Jiko Securities, Inc.,member FINRA & SIPC. Securities in your account are protected up to $500,000. For details: www.sipc.org. Banking services and the Bank Accounts are provided by Jiko Bank, a division of Mid- Central National Bank. For U.S. Investments in T-bills: Not FDIC Insured; No Bank Guarantee; May Lose Value. Treasuries risk disclosures, see https://jiko.io/docs/treasuries_risk_disclosure.pdf. See public.com/#disclosures-main.

You’re about to meet someone important. And you’re nervous. In scenarios like these, Jason has one rule: Treat the conversation like a joint project. Today, he’ll show you how it works. Then he’ll explain how he uses it to great effect.

As you know, many parts of Los Angeles were devastated by recent wildfires. Today, Nicole shares her story. All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank.

You want to do something new. But there’s a problem: Your current thing is so comfortable. So how do you escape the trap of being too comfortable? How do you overcome the fear of leaving something behind, and move forward? Here’s how: Jason calls it transfer of value. It’s a way to move on from old things — and once you master it, you’ll feel more empowered able to seize new opportunities. Today, he explains how you can do it. All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Treasury accounts offering 6 months T-Bills are offered by Jiko Securities, Inc.,member FINRA & SIPC. Securities in your account are protected up to $500,000. For details: www.sipc.org. Banking services and the Bank Accounts are provided by Jiko Bank, a division of Mid- Central National Bank. For U.S. Investments in T-bills: Not FDIC Insured; No Bank Guarantee; May Lose Value. Treasuries risk disclosures, see https://jiko.io/docs/treasuries_risk_disclosure.pdf. See public.com/#disclosures-main.

You have to reach out to someone— and they're a big deal. Maybe they run a huge company and would be a life-changing client for your business, or maybe it's the recruiter at a job you really want. Whoever they are, they're important, and you want to get their attention. How should you do it? Today, Jason calls the perfect person to answer this question: Jenny Wood, author of the upcoming book Wild Courage and former Google executive. Jenny has sent cold outreach to some of the biggest celebrities ever (think Oprah, Tina Fey, Michelle Obama). Today, she shares the strategies she uses to stand out and build new relationships. Pre-order Jenny's upcoming book Wild Courage here!

You’re being misunderstood. You shared a great idea, or made something wonderful, or told someone something — and they are confused. Now you’re upset. Why don’t they just understand!? But here’s the problem: You started in the wrong place. Jason falls victim to this all the time… So today, he’ll share some of his own stumbles — and a powerful, two-step exercise that will make your intentions and ideas clearer, so everyone understands you.

Jason and his wife, Jen, keep trying to make plans with another couple— but this couple keeps flaking. Now Jason and Jen are wondering: Do they just not like us? To get some insight, they call up their friend Katie Sturino (body acceptance advocate and founder of Megababe), who proudly admits she's not the easiest person to make plans with. Together, they unpack what might really be going on and land on a theory we're calling Social Competency Index. If you have a friend you can never make plans with, this index may help you better understand them— and yourself. Want more Katie in your life? Start HERE. Find Jen's work HERE.

Do you ever feel like time is moving by too fast? Well, Jason has good news: it is possible to create more time… in a way. Today, Jason will explain what that means, why it works — and how this year can be even richer, more memorable, and feel longer (in the best way!) than the years before.

Jason just had lunch with a professional contact he genuinely clicked with—someone he could see becoming a real friend. But now, he's wondering: Is it too soon to follow up and plan another lunch? If he reaches out now, will he seem too eager... or just plain weird? Enter Taryn Southern, storyteller and AI strategist, filling in for Nicole while she's on maternity leave. She and Jason tackle the awkward art of follow-ups, creating a foolproof "onboarding system" for new friendships that you can use too. With just a few simple questions, you’ll know exactly when to reach out, how to keep the momentum going, and how to build genuine connections—without the fear of coming on too strong. Follow Taryn’s work here. All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Treasury accounts offering 6 months T-Bills are offered by Jiko Securities, Inc.,member FINRA & SIPC. Securities in your account are protected up to $500,000. For details: www.sipc.org. Banking services and the Bank Accounts are provided by Jiko Bank, a division of Mid- Central National Bank. For U.S. Investments in T-bills: Not FDIC Insured; No Bank Guarantee; May Lose Value. Treasuries risk disclosures, see https://jiko.io/docs/treasuries_risk_disclosure.pdf. See public.com/#disclosures-main.

You want to end something. But you’re not sure how to tell people. You don’t want to disappoint anyone. You don't want to say the wrong thing… but you do have to say something. Today, Jason will teach you a four-part formula to effectively and compassionately communicate the end of something.

Today, Jason shares a question that's been stuck on his mind: if someone uses AI in their work, does that signal that they’re not good at it? In other words: does use of AI indicate a lack of natural competency or skill? To get some answers (and maybe even permission to use AI in his own work!), Jason calls up storyteller and AI strategist Taryn Southern. Together, Jason and Taryn explore whether it's time to embrace AI openly in our professional lives and how AI affects perceptions of authenticity. Plus, Taryn shares the prompts she uses to make ChatGPT an asset, not a crutch. Get more of Taryn's great AI tips and resources here!