The Drop the Needle Podcast

Ep. 5 - Can You Take Me Higher? | Jim Alstott

Our latest episode of the Drop the Needle Podcast dives deep into the versatile nature of success. Jim Alstott uncovers layers of achievement beyond wealth and fame, bringing thought-provoking perspectives from industry leaders and experts. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or seeking inner fulfillment, this episode is your guide to redefining success.
This episode's Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/04fyiV1MwYF8evAGqcSdG2?si=940083e8a1e846d5
Chapters
00:00 Jim Allstott explores personal and professional success.04:41 Record professional achievements in a success journal.08:50 Reflective writing, physical activity, chronicling success.10:30 Individual success can lead to job loss.14:34 Profitability, growth, positive company culture, meaningful impact.17:09 Frontline managers face unique success measures, challenges.22:17 Decentralized leadership improves employee engagement and success.25:34 Celebrate small successes to appreciate big victories.27:08 Define your own success, ignore others' expectations.31:45 Excited for upcoming podcast guests, including friends.34:03 Thank you, enjoy the podcast, see you next time.

Ep. 4 - Should I Stay or Should I Go? | Ken Bauer

In this episode, HR executive Ken Bauer discusses the challenges companies face in the labor market, including attracting talent and employee engagement. He highlights the shortage of skilled workers and the changing values of younger generations. Ken emphasizes the importance of providing career paths and development opportunities to retain employees. He also discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work arrangements and the need for organizations to adapt to hybrid models. The conversation covers the role of remote work, the soundtrack of life, music and company culture, musical tastes over time, and concludes with a farewell.
Get this episode's Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3NZkHU7k8xeLOJgqqIoqPM?si=2428b77f8fcc47e1
 
Takeaways
 
The labor market faces challenges in attracting skilled workers, particularly in blue-collar industries.
Employee engagement and culture are crucial for retaining talent and fostering a sense of teamwork.
Investing in education and skills development can provide career paths and opportunities for growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in work arrangements, with hybrid models becoming more prevalent. Remote work can be challenging, but it offers flexibility and the opportunity to maintain relationships.
Music has a significant impact on our lives and can evoke strong emotions and memories.
Music can be a powerful tool for building company culture and creating a sense of camaraderie.
Musical tastes can change over time, influenced by personal experiences and cultural shifts.
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:01 Challenges in the Labor Market
07:15 Employee Engagement and Culture
09:39 Investing in Education and Skills
12:30 Changing Work Values and Job Hopping
19:47 Career Paths and Development
27:26 Return to Work and Hybrid Models
34:14 The Role of Remote Work
38:01 The Soundtrack of Life
52:32 Music and Company Culture
55:57 Musical Tastes Over Time
58:30 Conclusion and Farewell

Ep. 3 - I Am The Warrior | Joanna Barbera | 2/29/2024

In this episode of the Drop the Needle podcast, host Jim Alstott interviews Joanna Barbera, a singer, songwriter, and healer. Joanna shares her journey of pursuing a career in music and blending it with healing modalities. She discusses the connection between spirituality and music and the challenges of seeking validation in the music industry. Joanna also explains mantra meditation and its benefits. She encourages listeners to be open to trying new things and experiencing personal transformation. In this conversation, Joanna Barbera shares her journey as a musician and the transformative power of music. She discusses overcoming stage fright, taking a break from music, and rediscovering her passion through mantras. Joanna also introduces her unique offering of soul song mentoring, where she helps individuals create songs that express their true selves. The conversation concludes with a discussion on memorable songs and moments, advice to her younger self, and promoting Joanna's offerings.
 
This week's Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/76UcoEuiq7SdvgQf8VUVha?si=2e75c2803ce94f65
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Drop the Needle podcast
01:23 Joanna Barbera's background and expertise
06:01 Joanna's music placements
08:25 The connection between spirituality and music
10:20 Seeking validation in the music industry 12:15 The driving force behind seeking validation
13:40 The impact of self-deprecating responses
21:49 Joanna's personal approach to mantra meditation
26:34 Addressing skepticism about mantra meditation
28:24 Encouraging openness to try new things
30:20 Overcoming Stage Fright
32:16 Taking a Break from Music
34:29 Rediscovering Music through Mantras
37:35 Soul Song Mentoring
40:18 The Power of Music in Life
45:18 Memorable Songs and Moments
52:17 Advice to Younger Self
57:33 Promoting Joanna's Offerings