Heartbeat For Hire with Lyndsay Dowd
Heartbeat For Hire with Lyndsay Dowd

Heartbeat For Hire with Lyndsay Dowd

Lyndsay Dowd

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Episodes

Details

The Heartbeat for Hire Podcast was created to inspire leaders on how to get through the most difficult of circumstances. I feature CEOs, Olympians, Professional Athletes, Authors, Disruptors, Emmy Winning Journalists and more as they share their stories of resilience with my lens on leadership and culture. My guests share their vulnerability and lessons learned so those of you who have never had a good leader can see the possible in the way they lead. My goal is to transform leadership as we know it and this podcast features the best of the best in showing you the way.

Recent Episodes

181: The Future of Food: Why Oceans Hold the Answer with Jennifer Bushman
DEC 17, 2025
181: The Future of Food: Why Oceans Hold the Answer with Jennifer Bushman
What if the solution to feeding the world isn't on land—but in the ocean? Today, we're diving into the future of food with James Beard and Emmy-nominated storyteller Jennifer Bushman. In this episode of The Heartbeat for Hire, we dive into the deep blue with Jennifer Bushman, a James Beard Award–nominated chef, Emmy-nominated producer, and co-founder of Fed by Blue. Jennifer shares her journey from growing up in a cattle-ranching family in Colorado to becoming one of the world's leading advocates for sustainable aquaculture, ocean health, and blue foods. We explore her groundbreaking PBS docuseries Hope in the Water, the innovators restoring our oceans, and why the future of food depends on what comes from water—not land. Jennifer debunks common myths around farmed vs. wild seafood, explains how seaweed farming can regenerate ecosystems, and reveals why storytelling—not fear—is the key to environmental leadership and lasting change. From shrimp farms in Minnesota dairy barns to kelp used in skincare and ice cream, this conversation offers a hopeful, practical vision for feeding a growing world while healing our oceans. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Why Seaweed is the Vegetable of the Future 00:44 – Welcome: Meet Jennifer Bushman 01:51 – Jennifer's Origin Story: From Cattle Ranching to Ocean Advocacy 03:50 – Feeding the World: Reliance on Blue Foods 05:15 – Seaweed: It's More Than Just Sushi (Skincare, Toothpaste, & Ice Cream) 07:05 – Fed by Blue and the Hope in the Water Docuseries 09:00 – The Power of Celebrity Advocates: David E. Kelly & Martha Stewart 11:35 – Breaking the Stigma: The Truth About Farm-Raised Seafood 14:10 – Innovation Spotlight: Farming Shrimp in Minnesota Dairy Barns 16:45 – Leadership Lesson: Using Storytelling to mobilize funding and action 22:15 – Finding Inspiration and Defining Legacy 24:58 – What's Next & The Blue Food Cookbook About the Guest Jennifer Bushman is an award-winning chef, cookbook author, consultant, and storyteller working at the intersection of food, sustainability, and ocean health. A multiple James Beard Award nominee and Emmy nominee, Jennifer is the co-founder of Fed by Blue, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainable blue foods and aquaculture. She is also the creator and producer of the PBS docuseries Hope in the Water, spotlighting the water farmers, fishers, and scientists driving real solutions to restore our oceans and feed the world. Jennifer serves on the Board of Directors of The Marine Mammal Center and believes innovation, education, and hope are essential to solving the ocean crisis. Website: www.jenniferbushman.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-bushman-86782212/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_bushman About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. Official Brand Partner: https://MyDeals.Page/19c3 To my loyal listeners - I love luxury and I love a great deal. If you are looking for an amazing gift or a way to treat yourself, Go to https://cozyearth.com/ and use the code LEADWITHHEART and get 41% off. It's the deepest discount you will find anywhere and I get commission too! This brand has been on Oprah's Favorite Things 9 times!! Happy Shopping! Connect with Lyndsay Dowd: Website: https://heartbeatforhire.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h #JenniferBushman #FedByBlue #BlueFoods #FutureOfFood #SustainableSeafood #OceanHealth #Aquaculture #FoodSystems #EnvironmentalLeadership #HopeInTheWater #SustainableEating #ClimateSolutions
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27 MIN
180: Lights, Camera, Leadership with Rob Sharenow
DEC 10, 2025
180: Lights, Camera, Leadership with Rob Sharenow
What if the secret to leading creative teams wasn't control — but curiosity? Rob Sharenow shares the leadership philosophy behind decades of award-winning programming. In this episode of The Heartbeat for Hire Podcast, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Rob Sharenow, President of Programming for A+E Networks, overseeing the creative vision behind A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, A&E Indie Films, and Home.Made.Nation. Rob is one of the most respected creative executives in modern media — an award-winning writer and producer, Emmy and Peabody–recognized leader, and a guiding force behind some of the most impactful storytelling and programming in the industry. But his career? Anything but linear. Rob takes us through his unexpected path: ➡️ an unhappy academic in a PhD program ➡️ a risk-taking pivot into screenwriting ➡️ a bold 30–40% pay cut to pursue passion ➡️ and finally, rising to the top of a major media organization This powerful conversation offers a rare inside look at what it really takes to lead creative teams, navigate volatility, and shape culture in one of the most competitive industries in the world. This episode is a must-listen for creators, leaders, media professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to understand the DNA of great storytelling and extraordinary leadership. 📌 Timestamps 0:00 | The Evolution from a "Unified Culture" to a "Fragment Culture" 0:37 | Introducing the Episode's Three Key Learning Themes 1:12 | Meet Rob Sharenow, Creative Force at A&E, Lifetime, and History 1:59 | The First Rule of Leadership: Always Give Credit to Your Teams 2:30 | Rob's Circuitous Journey: From Academics to Screenwriter to TV Executive 5:53 | The Unique Culture of A&E and Leading Multiple Brands 7:41 | The "No One Wants to Read Anything Twice" Rule: Why Preparation is Everything 9:11 | Leadership Principle: Differentiating Passion from Conviction 10:48 | Killing a Good Idea: Navigating Tough Creative Feedback in "Show Business" 13:25 | The Risky Decision: Taking a Pay Cut for a Passion Project 15:13 | Decoding the Volatile Media Landscape and Targeted Content 19:15 | How to Maintain Psychological Safety for Creative Teams 21:28 | The Enduring Power of Individual Creative Acts 27:04 | Rob's Final Advice for Aspiring Creators & Final Thoughts 👤 About the Guest Rob Sharenow is a leading creative media executive, award-winning writer, and producer who currently serves as President of Programming for A+E Networks. He oversees all creative development and production for A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, A&E Indie Films, and Home.Made.Nation. Throughout his career, his teams have earned numerous Primetime Emmys, News & Documentary Emmys, Peabody Awards, and even Academy Award recognition. A former screenwriter and longtime executive, Rob's leadership is defined by curiosity, clarity, and a deep respect for creative storytelling. 👩‍💼 About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. 🌐 Official Brand Partner: https://MyDeals.Page/19c3 🛍️ To my loyal listeners - I love luxury and I love a great deal. If you are looking for an amazing gift or a way to treat yourself, Go to https://cozyearth.com/ and use the code LEADWITHHEART and get 41% off. It's the deepest discount you will find anywhere and I get commission too! This brand has been on Oprah's Favorite Things 9 times!! Happy Shopping! 📲 Connect with Lyndsay Dowd: 👉 Website: https://heartbeatforhire.com 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/ 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H 👉 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h #RobSharenow #AENetworks #CreativeLeadership #MediaIndustry #Storytelling #LeadershipPodcast #HeartbeatForHire #LyndsayDowd #EntertainmentIndustry #ContentCreation #TVLeadership
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29 MIN
179: Hamilton: The Business Behind the Magic with Maggie Brohn
DEC 3, 2025
179: Hamilton: The Business Behind the Magic with Maggie Brohn
What It Feels Like to Lead the World's Most Successful Musical with Maggie Brohn ---------------------------- She started answering phones. Now she runs Broadway's biggest global hit. Meet Maggie Brohn, the powerhouse behind Hamilton. In this episode of Heartbeat for Hire, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Maggie Brohn, Chief Operating Officer of Adventureland and the powerhouse Executive Producer of Hamilton across Broadway, the West End, Disney+, multiple global tours, and international productions. Maggie shares the remarkable story of how she went from answering phones in a theatrical office to becoming an owner, producer, and one of the most influential leaders in modern theater. She breaks down how Hamilton transitioned from a groundbreaking production into a global business — operating more like a major corporation than a traditional Broadway show. We explore the art of leading creatives, building trust, setting authority, navigating strong emotions, and making mission-critical decisions. Maggie reveals what it takes to guide artists while staying grounded in business realities and cultivating a team capable of worldwide excellence. She also opens up about listening, cultural sensitivity, DEI conversations, building long-term contracts, and why the industry needs a full reset. Plus, Maggie shares what Broadway needs most right now — and how audiences can help. Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro: The Audience's Desire for Delight in Theater 00:01:00 Introducing Maggie Brohn: Broadway's Executive Producer and COO 00:01:58 Maggie's Journey: From Answering Phones to Producing Hamilton 00:03:23 Leading Creatives: Setting Authority and Navigating Feelings 00:04:30 The Power of Trust and Delegating to Expertise 00:06:00 The Biggest Lesson: Moving Theater from "Show" to Global Business 00:08:15 Adapting Hamilton for International Audiences 00:11:59 The Current State of the Broadway Business 00:18:24 Setting Boundaries as a Manager 00:20:32 An Early Leadership Test: The Jack Daniels & Massage Request 00:23:46 Leading as an Outsider and a Woman in a Male-Dominated Group 00:24:49 Listening & Hard DEI Conversations 00:26:50 Maggie's Legacy: Leading an Industry "Reset" 00:30:22 Union Negotiations & Long-Term Contracts 00:33:26 How to Support Theater & Broadway Today 00:34:18 Conclusion & Final Thoughts About the Guest Maggie Brohn is the Chief Operating Officer of Adventureland and the Executive Producer of Hamilton on Broadway, the West End, the international tour, UK/Ireland Tour, and Disney+. Her recent credits include The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at New York Botanical Garden, the 2023 Sweeney Todd Broadway revival, Hamilton in Hamburg and Australia, Derren Brown: Secret, and The Cher Show. Previously a partner at Bespoke Theatricals, Maggie general-managed major plays and musicals for over a decade. She serves on the Board of Governors and Executive Committee for The Broadway League and is a former Co-Chair of the Labor Committee. She resides in New York City with her husband and two children. About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. Official Brand Partner: https://MyDeals.Page/19c3 To my loyal listeners - I love luxury and I love a great deal. If you are looking for an amazing gift or a way to treat yourself, Go to https://cozyearth.com/ and use the code LEADWITHHEART and get 41% off. It's the deepest discount you will find anywhere and I get commission too! This brand has been on Oprah's Favorite Things 9 times!! Happy Shopping! Connect with Lyndsay Dowd: Website: https://heartbeatforhire.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h #Hamilton #Broadway #MaggieBrohn #HamiltonMusical #ExecutiveProducer #LeadershipPodcast #CreativeLeadership #TheaterBusiness #WomenInLeadership #BehindTheScenes #HeartbeatForHire
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34 MIN
178: Sustainability Served Hot: Lead Like a Chef with Matt Beaudin
NOV 26, 2025
178: Sustainability Served Hot: Lead Like a Chef with Matt Beaudin
The Truth About Food Nobody Told You with Matt Beaudin | with Lyndsay Dowd Some chefs chase fame. Matt Beaudin chased truth. From riverbank fires in Vietnam to volcanic soil in Rwanda, he learned from people whose kitchens often had no walls—only stories, culture, and purpose. Today, he shares that journey with us. In this cinematic and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Chef Matt Beaudin, a world-class culinary leader whose career has been built not in glossy kitchens—but in the kitchens of villagers, fishermen, farmers, and cultures most chefs have only read about. Matt's journey has taken him from the volcanic slopes of Rwanda to riverbank fires in Vietnam, from hidden markets in Hong Kong to back-porch grills in the Caribbean and small island kitchens in Barbuda. He didn't travel to collect stories—he traveled to earn them. Today, Matt is a leading voice in sustainability and conservation, using food as a platform for purpose. In this conversation, he shares how consumer choices shape global supply chains, why real sustainability requires truth—not marketing—and how partnering with the right suppliers can uplift communities and protect the environment. We also dive into his journey from barely graduating high school in a small New Hampshire town to attending the Culinary Institute of America, often called the "Harvard of cooking schools," and becoming a globally respected culinary storyteller. If you care about food, culture, leadership, conservation, or making an impact, this is a must-listen. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and Episode Themes 01:18 – Meet Chef Matt Beaudin: From Small Town to CIA 04:39 – Leadership and Culture in the Kitchen 05:31 – Partners, Not Purveyors: Food as a Conservation Platform 08:49 – The Reality of the Global Supply Chain (Ghana & Vietnam) 13:00 – Finding Purpose: SSA Group & Seafood Watch 17:14 – Simple Ways to Make an Impact 24:56 – The Power of Consumer Choice & Sense of Place 28:49 – Bluefin Tuna & Conservation Wins 32:00 – Final Takeaway About the Guest Matt Beaudin is a globally recognized chef, culinary storyteller, and advocate for sustainability and conservation. His work bridges culture, food integrity, and environmental responsibility through partnerships with communities around the world. About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. To my loyal listeners - I love luxury and I love a great deal. If you are looking for an amazing gift or a way to treat yourself, Go to https://cozyearth.com/ and use the code LEADWITHHEART and get 41% off. It's the deepest discount you will find anywhere and I get commission too! This brand has been on Oprah's Favorite Things 9 times!! Happy Shopping! Connect with Lyndsay Dowd: Website: https://heartbeatforhire.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h #ChefMattBeaudin #CulinarySustainability #FoodCulture #VoteWithYourPlate #CulinaryJourney #ConservationMatters #SustainableSeafood #GlobalCuisine #CulinaryLeadership #FoodWithPurpose
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34 MIN
177: Everything You've Heard About Menopause Is Wrong with Dr. Iris Crawford
NOV 19, 2025
177: Everything You've Heard About Menopause Is Wrong with Dr. Iris Crawford
In this transformative episode, Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Dr. Iris Crawford, the world's leading authority on the Pre-Hormone System and one of the most trusted voices in women's hormonal health. Known as The Hormone Boss, Dr. Crawford reveals the truth about menopause, perimenopause, burnout, fatigue, and why conventional medicine is still operating from outdated hormonal science. Dr. Crawford opens up about her journey from growing up in poverty to becoming a nationally recognized naturopathic physician dedicated to empowering women with real answers. She explains why most women enter menopause already hormonally imbalanced—and why a "just do HRT" approach is not only incomplete but can be ineffective or harmful. This episode breaks down the stress response system, the pre-hormone system, and why accurate hormone ratio testing is the missing key to helping women reclaim their energy, mood, and mental clarity. Dr. Crawford outlines her proven six-month protocol, designed to repair hormone production at the root. Whether you're navigating hormonal changes, burnout, or searching for answers your doctor can't explain, this episode will leave you informed, empowered, and hopeful. About the Guest Dr. Iris Crawford is the world's leading expert on the Pre-Hormone System, a licensed naturopathic physician, author, speaker, and national women's hormone specialist. Affectionately known as The Hormone Boss, she earned her medical degree from the National University of Natural Medicine and her Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nutrition from Bastyr University. With decades of clinical experience, Dr. Crawford has helped thousands of women finally understand the root causes of fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, perimenopause, menopause symptoms, and burnout. Her groundbreaking approach moves beyond outdated HRT-only models and focuses on restoring hormonal balance by repairing the body's stress and pre-hormone systems. She is dedicated to empowering, educating, and unlocking the leadership potential of women by helping them reclaim their health—from the inside out. Connect with Dr. Iris Crawford Website: https://www.hormone-boss.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehormoneboss Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hormone.boss LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dririscrawford/ Membership: https://go.hormone-boss.com/opt-in-page-401882 About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. To my loyal listeners - I love luxury and I love a great deal. If you are looking for an amazing gift or a way to treat yourself, Go to https://cozyearth.com/ and use the code LEADWITHHEART and get 41% off. It's the deepest discount you will find anywhere and I get commission too! This brand has been on Oprah's Favorite Things 9 times!! Happy Shopping! Connect with Lyndsay Dowd: Website: https://heartbeatforhire.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h #HeartbeatForHire #DrIrisCrawford #HormoneBoss #WomensHealth #HormoneHealth #PreHormoneSystem #PerimenopauseSupport #MenopauseHealth #StressAndHormones #NaturopathicMedicine #BurnoutRecovery #WomensWellness #HolisticHealth #LyndsayDowdPodcast
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32 MIN