Interesting ideas with Stan Hustad

Busy, but Becoming: Finding Purpose in Everyday Moments and Unlikely Questions In this episode of Inconvenient Ideas Radio, veteran broadcaster Stan Hustad brings together a surprising mix of reflections—ranging from media wisdom to faith, from family stories to modern challenges—into a thoughtful and engaging conversation about what really matters. At the heart of the program is a question many quietly wrestle with: Is being busy the same as being effective? Hustad explores the tension between activity and impact, encouraging listeners to consider how their time, talents, and opportunities can best serve others. With characteristic warmth and storytelling, he moves effortlessly between topics. A simple errand—buying grits for a grandson in New York—becomes a reminder of connection, legacy, and the small acts that brighten lives. A passing song about "having a beer with Jesus" sparks a deeper reflection: how would timeless wisdom show up in today's world, especially in a media-driven age? Hustad also challenges listeners to embrace an unavoidable reality: communication has changed. Whether plumber, philosopher, or entrepreneur, everyone is now called to step "behind the golden microphone" and into the world of audio, video, and digital storytelling. In his view, learning to communicate authentically in modern media is no longer optional—it is essential. With references to faith, culture, and current events, including reflections on public figures and personal loss, the program invites listeners to slow down, think deeply, and engage courageously with both opportunity and uncertainty in today's rapidly evolving world. Ultimately, this episode is less about answers and more about perspective—an invitation to live thoughtfully, communicate effectively, and make a meaningful mark in a noisy, busy age. Key Takeaways - Being busy is not the same as being purposeful - Small, human moments (like "grits from grandma") carry deep meaning - Communication is the new currency—everyone must learn it - Faith and modern life are not separate—they intersect daily - Curiosity ("What would Jesus do today?") can open powerful insights - The world is changing quickly—especially with AI—and requires thoughtful navigation Things to Remember - You are already a communicator—refining that skill changes everything - Tradition (like tipping a hat) still teaches respect and awareness - Relationships often matter more than achievements - Your voice—literally and figuratively—has value Things to Learn - Basic video and audio communication skills - How to tell your story in a clear, helpful way - How to adapt timeless principles to modern tools (including AI) - How to balance productivity with purpose Things to Share - Encourage others to develop their voice and message - Pass along meaningful small acts—like the grits story - Start conversations about purpose, not just performance - Share insights about faith expressed in everyday life Possible Actions - Record a short video sharing something useful from your field - Reach out to someone across generations (family or community) - Evaluate your weekly schedule: What truly matters? - Begin learning one new communication tool (audio, video, or AI-assisted) Closing Challenge This week, ask yourself one honest question: Am I just busy… or am I becoming someone who makes a difference? Then take one small, visible step to align your actions with your answer. Reflection / Meditation Take a quiet moment and consider: - If wisdom walked into your world today, would you recognize it? - Would it speak through a microphone… or through a simple act of kindness? - Where is your "grits from grandma" moment waiting to happen? Pause. Listen. Then act.

By Stan Hustad There are times in life when you step away for a bit—whether by design or by necessity—and when you return, you see things differently. That happened to me. After a stretch of what I'll call "downtime, overtime, and out-of-time," I'm back behind the microphone with a fresh installment of Inconvenient Ideas. And it felt only right to begin with a simple—but unsettling—question: What if everything we think we know… might be wrong? Now, that's not a comfortable thought. But then again, the best ideas rarely are. The Power—and Problem—of Inconvenient Ideas I've come to believe something that may surprise you: The most valuable ideas are often the most inconvenient. They interrupt our assumptions. They challenge our comfort zones. They force us to rethink what we thought was settled. And right now, we're living in one of those moments—where everything is shifting. AI: Not a Tool… a Tidal Wave Let me begin with a confession. When I first started talking about artificial intelligence, I said, "Not much will change… but some things will." Well… I was wrong. A lot is going to change. In fact, it already is. I recently faced a complex business problem with my team—one that might have taken us an entire day (or more) to solve. Instead, I turned to my AI assistant. Within minutes, we had: - Research - Contacts - A workable solution Problem solved in five minutes. That's not evolution. That's disruption. The Four A's of AI Here's how I now understand AI—through what I call the Four A's: Aggregation – It gathers knowledge from everywhere Amplification – It expands and clarifies ideas Acceleration – It moves faster than any human workflow Artistry – It creates visuals, language, and expression with remarkable skill That combination is powerful—and potentially dangerous if ignored. Those who learn to use AI will surge ahead. Those who don't… may fall behind quickly. The Rise of the Creator Capitalist You must learn to create value in a way that also creates income. Creativity is no longer optional. Expression is now economic. And everyone is in the marketplace. So Here's the Big Question: What's Your Superpower? What is your superpower? What do you do exceptionally well? What could you become known for? What category could you own? Noise vs. Signal: Why Expression Matters More Than Ever A lot of traditional communication is losing its power. Blogs without emotion are ignored. Words without energy are forgotten. Ideas without expression are invisible. You don't just need to say something. You need to move something. A World of Big Sticks and Bigger Decisions Power matters. Not just words. Not just intentions. But the ability to act—and create outcomes. A Personal Reflection: What Does It Mean to Be Useful? Be useful. Ask yourself—what can I do that is useful to others? That's where real value begins. The Cowboy Spirit and the Future of Storytelling We're building something new: A broadcasting collective A publishing platform A performing network All rooted in one idea: Help people live well… and flourish. If your business does not help people flourish—it's probably a wreck. Things to Remember - The most valuable ideas are often inconvenient - AI is transformational - Your superpower is your leverage - Expression matters - Power creates outcomes Things to Share - The Four A's of AI - Discovering your superpower - Thinking like an entrepreneur - Being useful Things to Take Note Of (and Act Upon) - Identify your superpower - Use AI daily - Upgrade communication - Be useful every day A Final Thought—and an Invitation Inconvenient times create uncommon people. Don't just survive—step into it. Be useful. Be powerful. Be world class.

A deeper look at the overlooked days that reveal the heart of the story—and the choices we must make. Introduction We often move quickly from Palm Sunday to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. But in doing so, we can miss something profoundly important. Holy Week is not just about the final events—it is about the unfolding decisions that lead to them. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are not empty days. They are the days where truth is declared, tension rises, and loyalties are revealed. Let's step into those days together—and discover what they mean for us today. Holy Monday — Confrontation and Cleansing On Monday, Jesus returns to Jerusalem and immediately confronts what is broken. He enters the Temple and drives out the money changers, declaring that God's house is meant to be a place of prayer, not profit. Then, in a symbolic act, He curses a fig tree—an image of outward life with no inward fruit. This is a day of spiritual clarity. It asks us a powerful question: What needs to be cleansed in our lives? Monday is about honesty, courage, and the willingness to deal with what is not right. Holy Tuesday — Teaching, Truth, and Urgency Tuesday is one of the most intense days of Jesus' public ministry. He teaches openly in the Temple, engages with religious leaders, and delivers some of His most important parables—calling people to readiness, responsibility, and faithfulness. He also speaks about the future, urging watchfulness and awareness. This is a day of truth. Tuesday asks: Are we listening? It reminds us that truth is not just to be heard—it is to be lived. Holy Wednesday — The Silent Day Wednesday is often quiet in the Gospel accounts—but beneath the surface, everything is shifting. Plans are being made. Betrayal is being arranged. Judas agrees to hand Jesus over. At the same time, a woman pours out expensive perfume in an act of devotion and love. This day holds a profound contrast: Devotion and betrayal. Love and calculation. Wednesday asks: Where do I stand? It is a day of decision—often made in silence. Putting It All Together The flow of these days tells a powerful story: Monday: Clean house Tuesday: Clarify truth Wednesday: Choose your allegiance By the time Thursday arrives, the direction has already been set. Holy Week is not just history—it is a mirror. Things to Remember • God is not interested in appearances—He desires authenticity. • Truth, once heard, carries responsibility. • Quiet decisions often shape our greatest outcomes. • The most important choices are often made before the spotlight appears. Things to Share • Share the idea that Holy Week includes meaningful "hidden days." • Encourage others to reflect on what Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday represent. • Invite conversation about what needs to change, grow, or be decided. • Remind others that faith is lived in daily decisions—not just big moments. Things to Act On • Take time to "clean house" in one area of your life. • Revisit a truth you know—but may not be fully living. • Make one clear decision about who you are and what you stand for. • Choose devotion over distraction, clarity over compromise. Closing Call to Action This Holy Week, don't rush to the ending. Live the middle. Because Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are where the real work happens. If you're serious about building a life—and a business—that matters, start here. Clean house. Speak truth. Make your choice. And if you're looking for someone to walk alongside you in that journey, I would be honored to help. This is what we do at The Jesus Entrepreneur Experience and The Christian Entrepreneur Network. Let's build something that lasts. — Stan Hustad What It Takes Radio Company

Ladies and gentlemen, let me begin with a confession. For the past week, I've been dealing with something I call broadcaster's block. Even those of us who talk for a living can sometimes struggle to find the words, the angle, the energy. And that got me thinking… What if the real issue isn't just what we say—but how interesting we are when we say it? Because here's the truth: We are now living in what I call a performance economy. And in this economy, it's not enough to be good. You have to be interesting. The Problem: You Might Be Offering… But Not Engaging A friend of mine recently said, "Stan, I keep offering my books online—and nobody's buying." I told him something that may sound a bit blunt: "You're not selling. You're offering. And your offer is boring." In today's world, if you want attention, impact, and income… you cannot afford to be boring. You must bring energy. You must bring edge. You must bring something that delights, disrupts, or provokes thought. The Breakthrough: 10 Types of Ideas That Make You Interesting 1. Intelligent Ideas – Thoughtful and insightful. 2. Smart Ideas – Practical and valuable. 3. Inquisitive Ideas – Spark curiosity. 4. Inspirational Ideas – Move people to act. 5. Instructional Ideas – Teach and equip. 6. Instigating Ideas – Stir things up. 7. Innovative Ideas – Fresh and new. 8. Idealistic Ideas – Vision-driven thinking. 9. Inconvenient Ideas – Challenge comfort. 10. Issachar Ideas – Help you understand the times and know what to do. The Big Shift: From Comfort Zone to Transformation Zone If you begin to think and communicate these kinds of ideas, you move out of your convenient zone and into the Transformation Zone. That's where real change happens. Things to Remember - We are in a performance economy - You must be engaging, not just good - Ideas are your greatest asset Things to Share - "You're not selling—you're offering." - "Attention goes to the interesting." Things to Take Notice Of - Evaluate your communication - Add energy and edge - Develop new ideas consistently A Final Word You already have ideas. You already have a voice. The question is whether you will step up and become the kind of person people want to listen to. Your Next Step Reach out: Stan@witradio.net Benediction May it go well with you in your life, your family, your business, and your work.

Some ideas don't announce themselves with flashing lights. In fact, this one is about what happens when the lights aren't there at all. This week on Inconvenient Ideas, I found myself talking about Tucson, Arizona — a place my wife Karen and I once called home for nearly sixteen years — and a current news story that stopped me cold. An elderly woman has gone missing in Tucson. She happens to be the mother of a very well-known broadcaster, which is why the story caught national attention. But what really caught my attention was something deeper, quieter, and frankly more unsettling. Light pollution. Or rather… the lack of it. If you've never lived in Tucson, you might not know this: much of the city — especially the desert communities — is intentionally dark. No streetlights. Limited exterior lighting. Strict rules designed to protect the night sky. Tucson is one of the great stargazing cities in the world, home to observatories, astronomers, and people who truly treasure the stars. When Karen and I moved there from Minnesota, one of the first things we noticed was how dark it was at night. At first, we thought something was broken. Nope. It was by design. And once we adjusted, we fell in love with it. Dark skies. Brilliant stars. Quiet nights. Space to breathe. But here's the inconvenient part. Darkness, while beautiful and good for the soul, can also hide things. It can obscure danger. And in scattered desert neighborhoods — where homes are tucked into the landscape and security lights are rare — it raises hard questions about safety, vulnerability, and unintended consequences. That tension is what this episode explores. I share stories from our years in the desert: walking at night with a flashlight because you had to, being stopped by security if you didn't have one, learning to live with coyotes, javelinas, bobcats, and yes, the occasional mountain lion triggering motion lights. I talk about the peace of sitting under the stars with no music, no noise, just silence — and how much I miss that. And then I zoom out. Because this isn't really just about Tucson. It's about the balance we all have to strike between clarity and safety, beauty and realism, solitude and responsibility. It's about knowing when darkness is restorative — and when it might be hiding something we need to pay attention to. Even Jesus, we're told, regularly withdrew from the noise, the crowds, and the chaos to find strength in quiet places. But the Gospels also remind us that darkness isn't neutral. Every place — even the most beautiful — carries the full range of human nature. This episode isn't alarmist. It's reflective. It's honest. And yes, a little inconvenient. I close the program with a reminder that ideas matter — because ideas start things. Movements. Conversations. Changes. And if you have an inconvenient, interesting, or maybe even inspiring idea, I'd love to hear it. We're always looking for thoughtful guests, bold voices, and people who want to make things move instead of just making noise. You can reach me anytime at stan@witradio.net. And if you're curious about learning how to use radio, podcasting, or video to tell your story — to build a business, a message, or a meaningful presence — that's part of what I do too. After more than four decades behind the microphone, I'm still convinced this is one of the most powerful tools for good if it's used well. So step into the conversation. Turn down the noise. And once in a while… don't be afraid of the dark — just be wise about it. Blessings to you, and thanks for listening. — Stan

The storm is coming. You can feel it—not just outside, but everywhere. Schools closing. Churches canceling. Flights disappearing from the board like magic tricks gone wrong. We're all being gently (or not so gently) told: stay home, stay put, stay warm. Which is exactly what I'm doing—sitting in my little radio studio, which also happens to be a television studio, a video studio, and a worldwide broadcasting station. No tower. No transmitter building. No million-dollar equipment. Just a good microphone, a decent camera, an internet connection, and a lifetime spent loving radio. I started in the kind of radio that had mystery and majesty—big towers, humming transmitters, and studios that felt like sacred ground. There was romance in it. There still is. Old radio guys even swap pictures of their favorite towers now, like proud grandparents showing photos of the grandkids. Guilty as charged. But radio has changed. And in some wonderful ways, it's come home. Now, during a snowstorm, you can sit in your own house and be on the radio. You can speak to the world from a spare bedroom, a basement, or a corner of the living room—just like I'm doing right now. And that matters, because a lot of people have something to say, something to sing, something to teach, or some wisdom worth sharing. They just needed permission and a microphone. Which brings me to the storm—and the pause it gives us. When weather forces us to slow down, it also gives us space to think. To read. To pray. To wonder a little about the life we're living… and the life we still want to live. I've made a commitment that 2026 is going to matter. I want it to be significant—for my family, my community, and the people kind enough to listen in on my life and work. And as I was sitting here waiting for the storm, seven simple words came to mind. Not fancy words. Not complicated words. Just honest ones. Here they are. Don't rush past them. Let each one ask you a question. Better. What, exactly, do you want to be better at this year? Beautiful. What do you want more of that brings beauty into your life—or that you bring into the world? Bright. Not smarter—brighter. More alive. More visible. More you. Bolder. Where have you been playing it safe when you know you're meant to step forward? Braver. What fear are you finally ready to face? Richer. Yes, maybe financially—but also richer in relationships, meaning, gratitude, and joy. Smarter… and Wiser. Not the same thing. Smarter fills your head. Wiser shapes your life. And then there's the one underneath them all: Matter. We all want to matter. We were made for meaning. We were designed to make a difference. That's not ego—that's wiring. So while the snow falls and the world quiets down a bit, maybe these seven words are worth sitting with. Let your mind talk to your heart. Let your heart speak to your future. As I often ask: Are you living the life you want—or just the life you've got? Storms have a way of clarifying things. Stay safe. Stay warm. Comfort one another. And maybe—even in the middle of the storm—find a little comfort and joy. All the best and blessings, Stan Things to Remember - Storms slow us down so reflection can catch up - You don't need a tower to have a voice - Meaning often shows up in simple words Things to Share - The seven words that resonated most with you - This question: Which one am I ignoring? - The idea that 2026 is still wide open Things to Take Note Of (and Act On) - Write the seven words down - Circle the one that scares you a little - Take one small step toward it—after the storm Snow days are good for productivity too. ❄️🎙️

In this special birthday-commemoration edition of Inconvenient Ideas, broadcaster Stan Hustad invites listeners to pause, reconsider, and remember something easily overlooked in the story of one of America's greatest heroes: the full and formative identity of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The program opens with a light, affectionate nod to radio history and the marvel of modern podcasting—how a single voice can now circle the globe without towers, transmitters, or billion-dollar budgets. From there, the focus turns to the meaning of this national holiday and to the man it honors. The heart of the episode centers on a deceptively simple but surprisingly powerful idea: "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." was not his complete title. His full and proper designation was the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. That distinction matters. Listeners are reminded that King was not merely a civil-rights strategist, political activist, or moral philosopher—though he was all of those. First and always, he was a Christian minister. His authority flowed from the pulpit to the people and into the public square. His sermons, marches, and moral clarity were not parallel tracks; they were one unified calling rooted in faith. With warmth and candor, the program reflects on the shock of King's assassination, the brutality of the moment, and the lasting imprint it left on a generation. From there, the story widens to reveal an often-missed spiritual lineage behind King's philosophy of nonviolence. That path leads to missionary-evangelist E. Stanley Jones, whose writings on Mahatma Gandhi deeply influenced King's thinking. Through Jones's work, King encountered a practical theology of nonviolent resistance—one he embraced, embodied, and ultimately gave his life to defend. Along the way, the program maintains a gentle, conversational tone—personal anecdotes, naming stories, and moments of humor included—while never losing sight of the central message: to honor Dr. King fully, we must acknowledge the spiritual foundation that shaped his life and leadership. Things to Remember • Dr. King's full title—the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—tells a deeper story than "Dr." alone. • His faith was not an accessory to his work; it was its source. • King's commitment to nonviolence was shaped by Christian conviction and global spiritual influence. Things to Share • King's sermons and public actions were one integrated calling. • The civil-rights movement drew strength from theology, not just strategy. • Faith-driven leadership can reshape nations without resorting to violence. Things to Take Note Of (and Act Upon) • Language matters: how we name people reflects how we understand them. • Spiritual roots are often edited out of public memory—but they still matter. • Nonviolence is not weakness; it is disciplined moral courage. A Closing Challenge As you listen to this program, consider the ways we simplify history to make it more comfortable—or less demanding. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. challenges us not only to remember his dream, but to reckon with its source. What might change in our own lives, leadership, or communities if conviction once again shaped courage—and faith informed action? 26 Blessings on his memory, his family, and all who continue the work of justice, courage, and nonviolent love.

What kind of person pays six dollars for a newspaper in 2026? Apparently, I do. In this short episode of Inconvenient Ideas, I tell a simple story that turns out not to be simple at all—from being a 12-year-old paperboy delivering six days of news for 35 cents, to standing in a store today holding a weekend paper that costs more than I used to make in a week. Along the way, we talk about old-school radio, standing up to do a broadcast, dressing for the job even when no one can see you, and why some things that feel inconvenient—like slowing down, paying attention, or holding real paper in your hands—might actually be more valuable than ever. This isn't really about newspapers. It's about how we judge value, why inconvenient ideas often matter most, and why the things we're tempted to dismiss are sometimes the very things that help us think better, live better, and do better business. If you've ever wondered whether the "old ways" still have something to teach us—or whether inconvenient ideas are worth the trouble—this one's for you. Pull up a chair. Or better yet, stand up and listen.

Reflections on Culture, Power, and the Cost of Ignoring Inconvenient Ideas In this edition of Inconvenient Ideas, veteran broadcaster and performance coach Stan Hustad draws on decades of lived experience in Minnesota to explore a troubling question: How did a state long known for "Minnesota Nice" find itself at the center of one of the largest fraud scandals in recent American history? This is not a political rant, nor is it a partisan argument. Instead, Hustad offers a reflective, sometimes uncomfortable examination of how cultural drift, failed assimilation, technological dominance, and institutional hesitation can combine to produce damaging outcomes—not just in Minnesota, but anywhere. A Personal Lens, Not a Political Agenda Hustad's perspective is shaped by time and proximity. He studied at the University of Minnesota, taught in its public schools, built a career there, and raised a family connected deeply to the state. His reflections come not from distance, but from familiarity. From the outset, he emphasizes that this conversation is about money, culture, and systems, not political parties or personalities. The fraud that eventually came to light was not an isolated event—it was the result of long-standing conditions that were ignored or mishandled for years. Technology, Media, and the Loss of Guardrails Drawing on the work of cultural critic Neil Postman, Hustad reminds listeners that societies can become so captivated by technology and efficiency that they surrender moral and cultural frameworks in the process. When technology becomes dominant, efficiency and power replace wisdom, responsibility, and character. Assimilation Deferred, Consequences Multiplied Minnesota's welcoming posture toward immigrants was morally commendable, Hustad argues, but assimilation challenges were often left unresolved. Cultural clarity and shared civic expectations were avoided in the name of being "nice," creating parallel systems rather than a unified public culture. Culture Always Wins One of Hustad's central lessons is familiar to organizational leaders: culture eats strategy. No amount of policy or funding can overcome a deteriorating culture. When culture turns unhealthy, surface-level fixes are not enough—deep structural renewal is required. The Cost of Avoiding Inconvenient Conversations Declining educational outcomes, civic disengagement, and population flight are not sudden developments, Hustad suggests. They are cumulative consequences of long-term avoidance of difficult truths. A Closing Reminder Cultures can be rebuilt, but only when leaders and citizens confront inconvenient ideas early. When culture is neglected, nice can turn into vice faster than anyone expects. Things to Remember Culture shapes outcomes more powerfully than policy.- Technology without moral guardrails reshapes societies.- Avoided conversations create compounded consequences. Things to Share Welcoming people and integrating shared values are not the same task.- Media and technology influence culture whether acknowledged or not.- Institutional failure is usually gradual, not sudden. Things to Take Note Of — and Act Upon Healthy cultures require clarity and accountability.- Leadership means addressing problems early.- Communities that preserve shared norms are better positioned to thrive.

On the first day of December, while many people are still digesting Thanksgiving leftovers and arguing about when it's "socially acceptable" to play Christmas music, broadcaster and performance coach Stan Hustad steps up to the microphone with something more than seasonal sentiment. In his new Monday series, Inconvenient Ideas with Stan Hustad, he invites listeners into a world where what we see, hear, and even believe may be—quite literally—too real to be fake and too fake to be real. Stan begins with a memory from his days hosting the early morning show "Morning Sound" on a large international station. Every December 1, he opened with a simple declaration—"It's the first of December, welcome to Morning Sound"—and then rolled straight into Joy to the World. It was his line in the sand: Thanksgiving had been honored, and now the Christmas season could begin. That little tradition becomes a metaphor for what he's asking us to do now—mark a moment, take stock, and decide how we're going to move forward in the days ahead. From there, Stan revisits one of his core themes: ideas matter. Interesting ideas, he reminds us, can lead to good ideas, which lead to greater insight. Insight opens the door to greater influence, influence leads to impact, and impact can lead to income. It's a kind of "good life formula" that reflects how we truly grow—personally, professionally, and even financially. But now, he's raising the stakes. It's not enough to chase interesting ideas. We have to face inconvenient ideas—those uncomfortable truths that challenge what we think we know, disturb our assumptions, and refuse to be neatly ignored. One of those inconvenient ideas came to him this weekend while watching a stunning Christmas video. The scenes were beautiful, the people were inspiring, the storytelling was moving. The whole thing, he knew, couldn't possibly be real—and yet, parts of it were so authentic and so well-crafted that it couldn't be entirely fake either. So he names the paradox: "It's too real to be a fake, and it's too fake to be real." In that sentence, Stan captures the strange territory we now live in—a world shaped by AI, deep media, and global storytelling machines. We are moved by images and messages that may be partly fabricated, partly factual, and fully influential. And that's not just an interesting observation; it's an inconvenient idea that demands a response. Stan then turns the spotlight from the screen back to the listener. In a world where so much can be generated, staged, or edited, he insists that you will need to learn new skills just to stay in the game. Like it or not, we are all now in the performance economy. You'll need to learn: - Performance marketing - Performance mentoring - Performance selling And yes, he says, you're going to have to learn how to be comfortable behind a microphone—even if it's not a golden one like the one on his desk. That might be a podcast mic, a Zoom microphone, a smartphone camera, or a stage. Either way, your voice, story, and presence will matter. This, he admits, is more than a little inconvenient—especially coming from a man who once tested as a strong introvert on the Myers-Briggs scale. Stan cheerfully confesses he's still "an off-the-wall introvert." But he also realized long ago that if he wanted to do radio, help people, and make an impact, he would have to learn to speak, perform, and be different. And that's the third inconvenient idea of the day: You will have to keep learning new ways of being different if you want to grow, contribute, and succeed. Stan then connects the dots. In this too-real-to-be-fake, too-fake-to-be-real world, it's no longer optional to think clearly and communicate well. You'll need to: - Think critically - Tell stories that are honest, human, and compelling - Stream those stories into the world - Sell your goods, services, and yourself ethically and confidently. All of that must be part of a purposeful strategy—one that you and your colleagues know, believe in, and practice together. Good is not enough. In many settings, you will need to be great. And that is another inconvenient idea. As the program closes, Stan pushes ahead to the coming year with his own playful motto: "In '26, pick up more sticks." More sticks of opportunity, creativity, service, income, and impact. More ways of making money, having fun, pleasing others—and maybe even pleasing God. And then, as he signs off for this first Monday of December, he leaves listeners with one last, profoundly inconvenient idea: Treat every person you meet as if they were the most important person in the world. Things to Remember - Ideas must move from insight to influence, impact, and implementation. - We live in a world where content can be both real and fake at the same time. - Performance economy skills are now essential. - Even introverts can learn to communicate powerfully. - In many areas today, you will need to be great. Things to Share - "Too real to be fake, too fake to be real." - The question: "What inconvenient ideas am I avoiding?" - The reminder that everyone is now a broadcaster. - The challenge to tell honest stories in an edited world. Things to Take Note Of - Audit your media diet. - Develop your performance skills. - Invest in storytelling. - Build a purposeful communication strategy. - Practice the final inconvenient idea. A Challenging, Hopeful Ending In a world where anything can be faked and everything can be streamed, Stan Hustad's Inconvenient Ideas invites you to do something radical: Think deeply. Speak honestly. Perform boldly. Love people as if they really matter. That might be inconvenient. It might also be the most important idea you'll act on this week.

On Thanksgiving Eve—one of the most meaningful, reflective, and even quietly complicated days on the American calendar—veteran broadcaster and business-performance coach Stan Hustad steps into the "How to Be Useful" virtual studio with a simple story and a profound invitation: Let this Thanksgiving Eve be different. Let it be useful, grateful, and transformational. In a warm and deeply human 10-minute reflection, Stan guides listeners through a practice he began years ago—a practice he now teaches in his performance coaching and encourages leaders everywhere to adopt: Spend the Wednesday before Thanksgiving calling people who have been good to you. Not to pitch. Not to ask for anything. Simply to say, "I am thankful for you." A Gentle Story with Real-World Impact In this Thanksgiving message, Stan shares how he spent the morning calling doctors who saved his life, friends who walked with him through adversity, and people who have simply been part of his journey. Their responses ranged from warmth to surprise to heartfelt emotion. Some quietly admitted they hadn't heard anyone say "I'm thankful for you" in a long time. Stan also speaks with honesty about the bittersweet nature of Thanksgiving Eve. Law enforcement officers have shared with him that it can be one of the most dangerous nights of the year—especially for college students who return home and gather with friends. So he offers a compassionate reminder: Pray for young people tonight. Pray for good choices, safe travels, and a Thanksgiving Day unmarred by tragedy. From there, the message turns to gratitude, humility, and the importance of keeping Thanksgiving sacred—a holiday "they can't steal," as Stan says. While Black Friday may try its best to reshape the meaning of the week, Thanksgiving itself remains stubbornly simple, beautifully human, and deeply needed. A Coaching Moment for Leaders and Entrepreneurs Stan makes a compelling case that gratitude is a business strategy—perhaps one of the most undervalued, underused, and underappreciated tools available to leaders today. A grateful leader is rarely a fearful leader. A grateful organization is rarely a toxic one. A grateful business is more human, more productive, and more resilient. His invitation is as practical as it is personal: Make thankfulness part of the business plan. Let your people know they matter more than your metrics. Tell colleagues and customers "I appreciate you" without attaching a sale or an agenda. Make gratitude a cultural habit, not a seasonal gesture. Things to Remember • Gratitude is one of the most powerful performance tools in life and business. • A simple Thanksgiving Eve phone call can touch a life deeply. • College students and young adults need our prayers, protection, and encouragement tonight. • Being useful—truly useful—is at the heart of living well. • Leadership grounded in gratitude is leadership that endures. Things to Share • Share "I appreciate you" freely and sincerely. • Share kindness without an agenda. • Share the story of Thanksgiving Eve calls with your family, team, or organization. • Share gratitude as a cultural value, not a holiday accessory. Things to Take Note Of & Take Action On • Tonight: Consider calling two or three people who have blessed your life. • This weekend: Slow down and reflect on the year—not just the work, but the people. • This season: Make gratitude a strategic part of your leadership and business practice. • This coming year: As Stan says about 2026, "Pick up a few more sticks… make a little more money… have a little more fun… and do a little more blessing." A Final Word of Blessing From the "How to Be Useful" Studio at What It Takes Radio, Stan closes with a message of warmth, gratitude, and purpose: "Best and blessings… and give thanks. Right now and every day." May this Thanksgiving be a turning point toward deeper gratitude, stronger relationships, and a renewed commitment to being useful—in life, in business, and in the lives of others. If you need encouragement, guidance, or a companion for the journey, Stan welcomes you to reach out: Stan@witradio.net Happy Thanksgiving from the Do It Right Collective. Blessings on you and all those you love.

Living on the Edge — Lessons from a Heart and a Life A Transplant Zone Reflection with Gary Register In this moving short feature from The Transplant Zone, host Stan Hustad sits down once again with Gary Register — a man living day by day in the tension between hope and uncertainty as he awaits a heart transplant. Today's conversation was framed by the news of the passing of former Vice President Richard "Dick" Cheney, who died at 84 after a long and complex journey with heart disease — a journey that, for many years, mirrored the one Gary now walks. A Shared Story of Fragile Courage Cheney's life was one of contrasts — power and vulnerability, public service and private struggle. Long before his decades in Washington, he was struck by a premature heart attack that changed the course of his life. For years he lived with assistive devices, artificial pumps, and eventually a heart transplant that extended his time, allowing him to see grandchildren grow and to continue the work he valued. For Gary, and for many in The Transplant Zone, Cheney's story is a reminder that life on the edge is still life — full of meaning, gratitude, and growth. Each day brings a mix of fear and faith, but also the awareness that every heartbeat — natural or borrowed — is a gift. What We Can Remember and Share This short program does not dwell on politics or legacy debates. Instead, it honors what we can all take away from a life sustained by courage and technology: • Resilience matters. Whether in public life or private waiting, endurance often defines true strength. • Gratitude transforms fear. Those who live on borrowed time understand that every sunrise carries grace. • Legacy isn't perfection — it's perseverance. The will to keep going, even when the heart falters, becomes its own quiet inspiration. Living in the Transplant Zone Gary Register continues to share his reflections from what he calls "the waiting room of grace." His stories bring insight and encouragement to others who face heart failure, chronic illness, or major life transitions. In The Transplant Zone, he reminds us that being "on the edge" is not the end — it's often the place where life becomes most real, most human, and most sacred. Things to Remember, Reflect On, and Share • Every heart — natural, artificial, or transplanted — beats with a purpose beyond survival. • Gratitude and generosity make life richer, even when days are uncertain. • Hope is not naïve; it's the art of living fully with whatever heart you have today. Call to Action To experience this short video and future reflections from Gary Register, visit The Transplant Zone — a place for stories of hope, healing, and the courage to keep living from the heart. Share this episode with someone facing their own waiting season — and remind them that they're not alone.