Send us a text

In this powerful and timely episode, Nick Richtsmeier and Brad Farris dive into the pervasive undercurrent of fear that’s shaping both politics and the workplace. From the physiological and psychological roots of fear to its impact on leadership, decision-making, and organizational culture, the conversation explores how fear manifests in leaders and teams alike.

Nick breaks down the classic "Four F's" of fear—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and how these instinctive reactions show up in modern leadership contexts. Brad adds depth by highlighting how fear hijacks our ability to think clearly, and how leaders can regulate themselves to respond rather than react.

This episode is packed with real-life leadership tensions, practical self-regulation strategies (aka “the ice pack”), and some sharp reflections on how fear gets coded into everyday business language. It’s a must-listen for anyone navigating uncertainty, leading in turbulent times, or just trying to stay grounded.

We live in a time where leadership is both at risk and never more needed. And the line will be drawn based on how leaders deal with fear.

📚 References & Mentions

Books, Articles, and Ideas:

• "On Bullshit" by Harry Frankfurt

Movies:

• Children of Men (2006)
• Minecraft: The Movie

Psychological Concepts:

• The Four F’s of Fear:
  • Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn
    Quick overview

Ensure you are fully subscribed through your favorite podcast app so you do not miss a single episode.

Have a business topic you want us to decide if it's working or broken? Have a question about the episode? You can email us at podcast@culturecraft.com.

Send us a text

Authenticity had a good run, or so it may seem.

In this thought-provoking episode of Working Broken, hosts Nick Richtsmeier and Brad Farris dive deep into the concept of authenticity in a world increasingly dominated by artificiality, distrust, and digital noise. As they wrestle with the idea of being true to oneself in an environment filled with deception—fake resumes, spammy AI-generated outreach, and manipulated social trust—they ask: Is authenticity still working, or is it broken?

Brad comes into the discussion feeling disillusioned, questioning whether it's even possible to be authentic online without being drowned out by the noise. Meanwhile, Nick pushes back, arguing that authenticity is the last battleground of personal integrity. Together, they explore the overwhelming labor of simply existing in today’s digital world, the impact of a fractured internet, and whether showing up authentically still holds value.

Through personal anecdotes, cultural critiques, and practical insights, they reach a nuanced conclusion: authenticity has been weaponized against us, but it remains one of the few tools we have to create meaningful connections. The challenge is not just figuring out how to be authentic but where to show up and engage in ways that align with the world we want to build.

Tune in for a candid, insightful conversation about trust, digital engagement, and reclaiming authenticity on your own terms.

Ensure you are fully subscribed through your favorite podcast app so you do not miss a single episode.

Have a business topic you want us to decide if it's working or broken? Have a question about the episode? You can email us at podcast@culturecraft.com.

Send us a text

In this episode of Working Broken, hosts Nick Richtsmeier and Brad Farris explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of mentoring. Is it truly about passing knowledge from an experienced leader to a junior employee, or is it a two-way street that transforms both mentor and mentee?

Nick and Brad examine how business leaders struggle to delegate responsibilities effectively, often clinging to the idea that “no one can do it like me.” They discuss the distinction between training, managing, and mentoring, highlighting why mentoring is the most challenging yet rewarding of the three. True mentorship is more than just transferring skills—it’s about modeling leadership, fostering growth, and embracing change in both the mentor and the mentee.

The conversation delves into why many leaders resist mentoring, fearing the vulnerability and openness it requires. They also unpack the generational shifts that create friction in the workplace and challenge outdated notions of leadership. Is mentoring broken, or is it simply that today’s leaders are struggling to embrace it?

By the end of the episode, Brad makes a compelling case: mentoring isn’t broken—leaders are. When done right, mentoring can build stronger organizations, create lasting relationships, and develop the next generation of business leaders.

Join Nick and Brad for an insightful, sometimes therapeutic, discussion on what it truly takes to lead in a way that fosters trust, growth, and lasting impact.

Ensure you are fully subscribed through your favorite podcast app so you do not miss a single episode.

Have a business topic you want us to decide if it's working or broken? Have a question about the episode? You can email us at podcast@culturecraft.com.