FOMO Sapiens with Patrick J. McGinnis

The future isn’t something that just happens—it’s something you can design. This week on FOMO Sapiens, Patrick sits down with Frederik Pferdt, Google's first-ever Chief Innovation Evangelist and author of What’s Next Is Now, to uncover how the world’s top innovators reframe uncertainty, take action, and shape their own futures. Frederik shares why the most successful people don’t fear change—they leverage it—and how shifting your mindset from “having” to “being” and “feeling” can create breakthroughs in both life and business. From rewiring your brain for adaptability to making better, bolder decisions (without the FOMO), this conversation is packed with tactical strategies for thriving in an unpredictable world. Tune in to learn how to turn uncertainty into opportunity and take control of what’s next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you just walked away—literally? This week on FOMO Sapiens, Patrick sits down with Tom Turcich, the 10th person in history to walk around the world, to explore what seven years of solitude, cultural immersion, and extreme endurance taught him about risk-taking, adaptability, and finding purpose in the unknown. With only a backpack and his loyal dog, Savannah, Tom navigated 38 countries, countless challenges, and life-altering moments—from dangerous encounters to deep self-discovery. Now, he shares how the lessons from the road apply to business, decision-making, and breaking free from the fear of missing out. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping outside your comfort zone—or wondered what it really takes to do the impossible—this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who builds a museum about words—and makes it work? Ann B. Friedman shares the challenges, skepticism, and breakthroughs behind launching Planet Word.

Most people think virtual communication is just about choosing between email, Slack, or Zoom. But according to Prof. Andrew Brodsky, an expert in virtual communication and Top 40 Under 40 MBA Professor, that’s dead wrong. In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick sits down with Andrew to unpack why digital conversations fail, how to build trust and rapport remotely, and why “in-person bias” can actually hurt productivity. Andrew’s expertise isn’t just academic—his personal journey battling cancer as a teenager forced him to master virtual communication long before it became the norm. He breaks down the science of digital dialogue, the cultural impact of different communication platforms, and the small tweaks that make a massive difference in how you’re perceived online. If you’re leading a remote team, closing deals over Zoom, or just want to avoid being that person on Slack, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can a neuroscience background help build a cookie empire? Maura Duggan reveals how she ditched academia, bootstrapped a multi-million-dollar brand, and kept full control—without outside investors.