Leadership isn’t easy. Work can be messy. And the most honest conversations don’t always happen on the record.
With 50+ years of combined experience spanning nonprofits to major corporations, Mike and Nate dive into leadership, workplace culture, and personal growth — without buzzwords, corporate spin, or HR-approved answers.
Just real stories. Hard truths. And the conversations you wish more people were having after the meeting.
This is Take It Offline.
All Episodes
Ep. 24 – Talent: Buy, Sell, or Hold
Mike and Nate discuss whether organizations develop and promote known talent or simply default to buying an external resume. Which track is ultimately more beneficial? Is employee loyalty a thing of the past? And are you someone who is developing[...]
Ep. 23 – Does Conflict Make You Pause?
This week, Mike and Nate discuss why workplace friction is avoided. The guys examine leader behavior vs. cultural conditioning - and introduce three micro-actions to help normalize productive debate.
Ep. 22 – The Business Of Football
Mike and Nate discuss what any leader can learn from the NFL’s growth, scarcity, customer loyalty, talent model, and blind spots – no football knowledge required! (But football nostalgia appreciated…)
Ep. 21 – Who Invited the Yes-Men?
If your team never argues, you aren't aligned - you're just terrified. This week, Mike and Nate dissect why conference rooms are overrun with polite nods, fake smiles and unearned consensus. Tune in as they debate the difference between healthy[...]
Ep. 20 – Obedience Pays… But At What Cost?
Mike & Nate discuss what it takes to have a lucrative career in corporate America - according to someone who’s done exactly that. Is it possible to balance playing the game strategically without sacrificing your identity?
Ep. 19 – Got your a uarters ready? Pinball is back!
Will AI be your new boss? Where did NASCAR find its roots? Are sports teams a new investment vehicle? Is Gemini the new corporate water cooler? The guys tackle all that and more in this fast-paced, full-tilt episode.
Ep. 19 – Get your quarters ready…Pinball is back!
Will AI be your new boss? Where did NASCAR find its roots? Are sports teams a new investment vehicle? Is Gemini the new corporate water cooler? The guys tackle all that and more in this fast-paced, full-tilt episode.
Ep. 18 – Dysfunctional Heirlooms
Mike and Nate wrap up their Atomic Habits conversation with James Clear’s fourth law: Make It Satisfying. The guys discuss why immediate rewards are so powerful, the tension between what feels good now and what’s good for us later, and how tracking progress, celebrating small wins,[...]
Ep. 17 – The Sauce Makes The Pizza
Lasting change isn't about just exerting more willpower—it's about reducing friction and creating systems that make good habits almost automatic. If you've ever struggled to stay consistent, this conversation will challenge you to stop making habits harder than they need[...]
Ep. 16 – What Are You Craving?
The guys are back with Part Two of our conversation around habits and habit-building. All habits start with a cue that leads to a craving that leads to an action. Master the craving and a positive habit is sure to[...]
Ep. 15 – You Can’t Change What You Can’t See
Mike and Nate kick off a four-part series inspired by Atomic Habits by James Clear. This isn’t a book review – it’s a conversation about how small intentional choices shape who we become. In Part 1, the guys explore the[...]
Ep. 14 – Live From Studio B
Mike & Nate are back at it with actionable tips for improving your communication as well as some tactics for self-imposed growth. And also: is a movie better when you know the ending? (You’re either team Mike or team Nate!)[...]
Ep. 13 – McCormick Spice
Communication requirements radically shift as you move from managing projects to people. From strategy and tactics to context switching to leading through crisis, Mike & Nate break down the evolution of communication from the front lines to the C-suite.
Ep. 12 – Selling Ketchup To An Eskimo
Good leadership and effective communication are inseparable. But what are the components of good communication exactly? Because in the end, it’s not what you say that matters - it’s what people hear.
Ep. 11 – Leadership On Mute
Can you be a great leader if you’re a terrible communicator? Or does leadership fall apart the moment people stop understanding you? This week the guys discuss where the line really is between bad communication and bad leadership.
Ep. 10 – Pinball Wizard
Mike brought the quarters. Nate brought the questions. It’s time to pull the plunger and see who gets the high score!
Ep. 9 – Standards & Expectations…So What?
Weaker or stronger? Higher or lower? Complimentary or conflicting? Join the guys as they debate the difference between Standards and Expectations.
Ep. 8 – Mediocrity City
In business and in life - is there a place for mediocrity? Mike & Nate break it down. (Plus one of the guys has a high-achieving bathroom fixture.)
Ep. 7 – No Participation Trophy For YOU!
Are high achievers and mediocre people really at odds? Join the conversation as Mike & Nate debate the issue. Plus, hear Mike’s Yelp review of Canada’s only nude beach.
Ep. 6 – Burnout Part 2 (We Did[n’t] Start The Fire)
Burnout. It happens. But who’s responsible? And who’s to blame? Better question - what are you going to do about it? Mike & Nate discuss all this and more as we Take It Offline.
Ep. 5 – Burn[out] After Reading
Burnout. Is it real? Or is it simply good, ol’ fashioned, everyday workplace stress? Mike & Nate dig into the research and explore the most current trends. (And how modern work culture may have blurred the lines.) It’s Part 1[...]
Ep. 4 – File It Or Flush It!
Leadership cliches. They’re infinitely quotable and often motivational. But are they actually factual? The studio heats up as Mike & Nate offer their HOT takes. Join us, won’t you?
Ep. 3 – Just Because You Can…
Just because something is legal, does that make it okay? Can you keep your values and still succeed? Do any of us really know what our values are? Mike & Nate tackle all that and more on this episode of[...]
Ep. 2 – Mission, Vision, Blah blah blah
Missions, visions - everyone’s got one. But does any of it matter? Or do they all stink? Join the guys as they talk everything from moon landings to company standings.
Ep. 1 – The Great Work Debate
Join Mike & Nate as they take on the remote vs. hybrid vs. in-office debate. The stats are solid, the debate is spirited, and the outcome may not be what you’re expecting.