On this episode of The Agile for Agilists Podcast, Drew Podwal and Brad Nelson sit down with Dr. Alex Korb, PhD—neuroscientist, coach, and author of The Upward Spiral—to explore how your brain is wired, and how understanding that wiring can unlock better focus, performance, and well-being.

We dive into how autonomy, motivation, and neurotransmitters (like dopamine and serotonin) shape the way we work and lead. Dr. Korb explains why accepting how your brain naturally operates is essential to getting the most out of it—especially in high-stakes, fast-moving environments like Agile teams.

Whether you’re a coach, leader, or just a curious human, this conversation offers practical neuroscience insights that can help you work with your brain, not against it.

🧠 Learn more about Dr. Korb’s work at alexkorbphd.com

On this episode of The Agile for Agilists Podcast, Drew Podwal and Brad Nelson are joined once again by Todd Hallowell for a candid conversation about the current state of Agile and what it really means to practice agility in today’s organizations.

Together, we unpack the tension between traditional project management approaches and true Agile thinking—exploring the fallacy of control, the evolving role of business analysts, and the often-blurry line between product and project management. We also touch on leadership’s role in shaping Agile culture, how AI is influencing decision-making, and why purpose-driven agility matters more than ever.

If you're navigating Agile transformation, questioning frameworks, or just trying to lead with more clarity and intention—this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Agile for Agilists Podcast, hosts Drew Podwal and Brad Nelson welcome seasoned Agile coach and trainer Mike Bowler to talk about psychological safety—through the fascinating lens of brain science, leadership, hypnosis, and LEGO.

Mike explains why our brains are wired to react to uncertainty like it’s a bear attack—and what leaders can do to create environments that feel safe rather than threatening. We also explore the power of play, including Mike’s training in LEGO Serious Play and how it unlocks new thinking in teams.

From primal instincts to psychological insights, this conversation is a journey into what makes us human at work—and how we can lead with more understanding, trust, and creativity.

Mike's follow-up page: https://gargoylesoftware.com/mike_bowler/followup/

Specific topics we discussed:

Polyvagal theory

SAFETY model

Six Thinking Hats

The Bear and the Brain

The anti-anxiety toolkit

What really is hypnosis?

Bonus Links:

Tips and tricks from neuroscience to improve your retros

Mike's Reading List