Keep Going

By: John Biggs
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  • Summary

  • When you're going through Hell, keep going." This is a podcast about failure and how it breeds success. Every week, we will talk to amazing people who have done amazing things yet, at some point, experienced failure. By exploring their experiences, we can learn how to build, succeed, and stay humble. It is hosted by author and former New York Times journalist John Biggs. Our theme music is by Policy, AKA Mark Buchwald. (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/policy/)

    keepgoingpod.com
    John Biggs
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Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Leadership Management & Leadership Psychology
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Episodes
  • Keep Going: How to be kind

    Keep Going: How to be kind
    Feb 17 2025
    The workplace isn’t exactly known for being a warm and fuzzy place. Stress, pressure, and the relentless pursuit of profit usually take priority over things like employee happiness. But what if that’s the wrong approach?On this episode of Keep Going, I talked to Shereen Eltobgy, the Chief of Belief at Kindr Workplaces—a new initiative that aims to make kindness a core part of company culture. It sounds idealistic, but it’s rooted in hard science. Studies show that happier employees lead to better productivity, stronger customer relationships, and ultimately, more successful companies. So why aren’t more businesses making this a priority?The Zappos ExperimentShereen’s journey into workplace happiness started in an unlikely place—Zappos. Before it became an e-commerce giant, Zappos was just another online shoe retailer. But under Tony Hsieh’s leadership, the company made a radical bet: culture matters. Employees weren’t just workers; they were part of something bigger. Their values were aligned with the company’s mission, and their well-being wasn’t an afterthought—it was the strategy.The results were undeniable. Zappos employees weren’t just showing up for a paycheck—they believed in what they were building. And happy employees translated into happy customers, which translated into serious business success.That’s what Kinder Workplaces is trying to replicate: a workplace culture where people don’t just survive—they thrive.Can Kindness Scale?This is where most skeptics come in. It’s easy to build a strong culture when you’re a small, fast-growing company like Zappos was in its early days. But what happens when you’re a legacy company that’s been around for 50 years? What happens when your employees are there just to collect a paycheck?According to Shereen, it’s possible—but it starts with leadership. She’s seen firsthand how large organizations, including a 60,000-person healthcare company, completely transformed by prioritizing connection, resilience, and empathy. The CEO led the charge—not with empty buzzwords, but by actually showing up for employees, making culture a company-wide priority. The result? A massive jump in customer satisfaction and engagement.The Business of HappinessFor years, companies have talked about employees being their greatest asset. But when times get tough, that’s often the first thing that gets ignored. Stress and burnout are treated as unavoidable side effects of high performance. But the research—and real-world case studies—prove otherwise.When people are engaged, valued, and supported, they work harder, innovate more, and stay longer. It’s not just good for morale—it’s good for business.Shereen calls it mindful kindness—a structured, intentional way to integrate kindness into leadership, communication, and even sales. It’s not about random acts of kindness. It’s about changing how companies operate from the ground up.How to Start (Without Losing Your Edge)For founders, CEOs, and managers who think this all sounds nice but impractical, Shereen offers a reality check: kindness doesn’t mean weakness. It doesn’t mean ignoring deadlines or letting things slide. It means leading in a way that brings out the best in people.Some simple, actionable ways to start:* Reduce judgment—on yourself and others.* Speak more kindly—to employees, customers, and even competitors.* Prioritize well-being—physical, mental, emotional. Happy people work better.* Shift the bottom line—not just profit, but the human bottom line.It’s a mindset shift, and it’s one that more companies are starting to embrace.Keep Growing, Keep Glowing, Keep GoingAt the end of our conversation, Shereen left us with a simple mantra: keep growing, keep glowing, keep going.The world is changing. AI is automating tasks, traditional hierarchies are breaking down, and employees want more than just a paycheck. They want purpose, connection, and meaning.Companies that figure this out will win. The ones that don’t? They’ll keep struggling with retention, engagement, and burnout.So the question isn’t “Should we focus on kindness?” The question is “Can we afford not to?”If you want to learn more, check out bekindr.org—and maybe start thinking about how a little kindness could go a long way in your own company. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keepgoingpod.com/subscribe
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    22 mins
  • Keep Going: How to breathe (plus a bonus breath work session at the end of the episode)

    Keep Going: How to breathe (plus a bonus breath work session at the end of the episode)
    Feb 10 2025
    On this week’s episode of Keep Going, I spoke with Hannah Cohen, a somatic coach and transformational guide specializing in breathwork and sound healing. In today’s world of relentless pressures, both personal and professional, Hannah’s work offers tools to navigate the noise and reconnect with the body and self.Creating Space to BreatheHannah believes the first step to finding balance is carving out intentional time away from technology and daily distractions. By grounding yourself—placing your feet on the earth or simply tuning into your breath—you create the opportunity to reconnect with your inner world. This practice, she says, can help anyone, from high-pressure CEOs to individuals overwhelmed by today’s constant stream of news and demands.CrankWheel is a 10x simpler screen sharing solution, tailor-made for sales professionals. Add a screen sharing presentation to your sales call in 10 seconds flat. Your prospect clicks a link that you send by text message or email and immediately sees your presentation - no download or registration, even on their mobile device. Breathwork is at the core of Hannah’s practice. She highlights techniques like holotropic breathing, which involves a pattern of deep breaths into the belly, chest, and then a release. This method can activate the vagus nerve, calm the nervous system, and allow for emotional release. Hannah encourages journaling after these sessions to reflect on patterns, themes, or emotions that emerge.The Power of SoundSound healing is another tool Hannah champions. Whether through humming, sound baths, or working with instruments like gongs or bowls, sound creates a space for energy release and self-exploration. She explains how sound can help process emotions like anger or grief, clear stagnant energy, and foster a deeper connection to the self.Hannah emphasizes that sound doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply listening to the wind in the trees, a favorite song, or even experimenting with your own voice can be powerful. For those looking to explore sound healing more deeply, she suggests seeking out local practitioners or group sound baths, which often create a shared space for healing and connection.Try SubMarket.pro to advertise in newsletters like this oneWant to tap into newsletter audiences without the usual affiliate hassles? Submarket lets you pay newsletter owners only when their readers actually click your links.No upfront fees. No complicated codes. Just direct access to engaged newsletter audiences and crystal-clear analytics on every click.Test it out - create your first link in under 60 seconds. Overcoming SkepticismFor those skeptical of these practices—or those who feel too busy to try—Hannah offers gentle encouragement. Even setting aside 10 minutes a day for focused breathing or listening to sound can make a difference. She notes that skeptics often find unexpected breakthroughs when they give these methods a chance, pushing past resistance and tuning into their body’s wisdom.A Practice of ConnectionHannah’s work is rooted in community and collaboration. Whether in group settings or one-on-one sessions, she values the collective energy and healing that comes from shared spaces. She reminds us that the journey toward wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about small, consistent steps to honor the body and the present moment.If you’d like to explore Hannah’s offerings, including retreats and workshops, visit her website at feelingsfelt.com or find her on Instagram at @feelings__felt.She’s also offered a discount to join for a Breath of Transformation class at Reforesters Lab. The promo code is: HANNAHCOHENShe teaches every Tuesday at 6 PM at Reforesters Lab and every Thursday from 7:30-9 PM at Jivamukti. She is also available for 1:1 sessions.As Hannah says, “Healing happens together.” Whether it’s through a deep breath, a hum, or a moment of stillness, taking the time to reconnect with yourself can create the space to keep going.As a special bonus, Hannah has created a 10 minute session for Brave Leaders! Hopefully it will help you and please reach out to her if you’re interested in her work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keepgoingpod.com/subscribe
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    25 mins
  • Editor-In-Grief: Why journalism sucks right now

    Editor-In-Grief: Why journalism sucks right now
    Feb 6 2025
    NOTE: This episode contains bad words.On the latest episode of Editor in Grief, Jim and I sat down with journalist and columnist Brian Karem to talk about the state of journalism today. Brian, a veteran reporter and host of Just Ask the Question, pulled no punches as we discussed what he calls "bend over and take it in the a** journalism."CrankWheel is a 10x simpler screen sharing solution, tailor-made for sales professionals. Add a screen sharing presentation to your sales call in 10 seconds flat. Your prospect clicks a link that you send by text message or email and immediately sees your presentation - no download or registration, even on their mobile device. Want to tap into newsletter audiences without the usual affiliate hassles? Submarket lets you pay newsletter owners only when their readers actually click your links.No upfront fees. No complicated codes. Just direct access to engaged newsletter audiences and crystal-clear analytics on every click.Test it out - create your first link in under 60 seconds. The Problem with Decorum JournalismJim kicked things off by defining what he calls "decorum journalism," where reporters avoid asking tough questions to maintain access, keep sources happy, or avoid backlash from fellow journalists. Brian took that further, arguing that the real problem is a mix of inexperience, access journalism, and corporate consolidation. The old model—where seasoned reporters asked tough questions and held power to account—is fading fast. Instead, we have newsrooms filled with younger, less experienced reporters who are hesitant to challenge authority.Brian pointed out that his mentors, Sam Donaldson and Helen Thomas, instilled in him the importance of asking questions—whether or not they get answered. “It doesn’t matter what the question is. It doesn’t matter if they answer it. It just matters that you ask it. That way you’ve put the issue on the record.”The White House Press Room: A Case Study in GroupthinkWe talked about how the White House press briefings have become performative. Brian recalled moments where reporters would speculate about what an official meant rather than just reporting what was actually said. That speculation would then turn into anonymous sourcing—one journalist repeating another's educated guess as insider information.He also shared stories about how institutional knowledge has vanished from the front row of the briefing room. Where there used to be decades of experience, there’s now a fraction of that, and it shows. “The problem in that briefing room is not just a lack of education, responsibility, and experience,” Brian said. “It’s the idea that you’ve never covered a beat before. You don’t know what the hell you’re doing.”The Real Cause: Corporate ConsolidationOne of the biggest threats to journalism, according to Brian, is the monopolization of media. Six companies control 95% of what Americans see, read, and hear. “We don’t have real journalism today. We have cheap entertainment.” He pointed out that newsrooms used to be filled with reporters who broke major stories, but corporate ownership and cost-cutting have gutted those institutions.Jim and I agreed. In our own experiences, we've seen vulture capitalists strip newsrooms for parts, cutting experienced reporters to save money while chasing profit margins that aren’t sustainable. The result? More clickbait, less investigative work, and a public that’s increasingly misinformed or disengaged.How Do We Fix This?Brian had a few ideas, and none of them involved waiting for billionaires to save us. He argued for breaking up media monopolies, providing tax incentives for local journalism, and supporting new models that prioritize actual reporting over entertainment.Local journalism, he stressed, is key. “There are 45% of the counties in this country that don’t have a single local news outlet. That means no one is covering city councils, school boards, or local government corruption.” Without local journalism, there’s no accountability, and without accountability, democracy suffers.The Bottom LineThis conversation reinforced what many of us in journalism already feel—our industry is in trouble, and it won’t fix itself. The corporate owners of media don’t care about informing the public; they care about turning a profit. And as long as we continue prioritizing access over accountability, entertainment over investigation, and groupthink over independence, the situation will only get worse.Brian’s book, Free the Press, digs deeper into these issues. If you care about the future of journalism, it’s worth a read. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keepgoingpod.com/subscribe
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    39 mins

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