Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People

With another election approaching, my conversation with Stacey Abrams feels especially timely. We talked about voting rights, democracy, persistence, and what it means to keep doing the work even when you don’t get the job or outcome you wanted.

Stacey shares why she believes our time is now, how curiosity helps us solve problems, and why her guiding principles are simple: be curious, solve problems, and do good.

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Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to make you remarkable. His Remarkable People podcast features interviews with remarkable people such as Jane Goodall, Ma...

What if fighting climate change could actually make you happier? Elizabeth Dunn and Jiaying Zhao, psychology professors at the University of British Columbia, explore how joy, social connection, money, food, transportation, and everyday choices intersect with climate action. They challenge the idea that being environmentally responsible has to mean guilt, sacrifice, or giving up the things we enjoy, showing how positive emotions can help us build habits that last. Drawing from their new book, Leave the Lights On, they also explain why some small environmental choices matter far less than where we live, where we keep our money, how...

What happens when a generation decides it needs more control over its future? Sam Hiner, co-founder and executive director of the Young People’s Alliance, joins Guy Kawasaki to explore youth political power, social media, AI companions, affordability, opportunity, and what he calls the New American Dream. Hiner argues that technology should expand human agency rather than replace human relationships, and he explains why AI designed as a companion raises different concerns from AI used as a tool. He also shares how young people can organize across party lines to influence policy and build stronger communities. It’s a wide...

What does effective activism actually look like, and why does so much of it begin with simply listening? Charlie Euchner, author of Rules of Activism, explores the power of grassroots organizing, one-on-one conversations, focused agendas, and turning public gatherings into sustained action. He shares lessons from figures including Martin Luther King Jr., Bayard Rustin, Ella Baker, and Fannie Lou Hamer, along with the story of Marian Dixon, an unlikely activist who became a powerful community leader. Charlie also explains why social media can amplify a movement but cannot replace the human connections that make organizing work. This conversation offers...

What does it really mean to become “robot-proof” in an age when AI can outperform us at so many traditional skills? Theoretical neuroscientist, AI pioneer, entrepreneur, and author Vivienne Ming argues that the answer isn't to compete with machines, but to use them to become more capable, creative, curious, and distinctly human. Drawing from her new book, Robot-Proof, Vivienne explains why curiosity, intellectual humility, perspective-taking, and resilience may matter more than memorizing the right answers. She also shares her “nemesis prompt,” makes the case for a “failure resume,” and explains why the most powerful people may be those who know how to...

We’re revisiting our conversation with Jocelyn Benson, whose commitment to public service has made her one of the most recognizable election officials in America.

Since this episode first aired, Jocelyn has continued serving as Michigan’s Secretary of State and is now the Democratic candidate for governor. It’s the perfect time to revisit our discussion about leadership, democracy, resilience, and navigating difficult decisions under intense public scrutiny.

Throughout our conversation, Jocelyn shares lessons from her career protecting elections, standing firm in the face of challenges, and leading with integrity when the stakes couldn’t be hig...

What does it really take to write a great story—and to create anything worth making? Bestselling author Harlan Coben joins Guy Kawasaki to talk about the messy reality of writing, from finding ideas everywhere to turning inspiration into actual pages. Coben shares why he believes in “incremental ambition,” why research can become an excuse not to write, and how knowing the ending gives him the freedom to discover the story along the way. He also explains why emotion is the fuel behind every great thriller and why creators should chase hearts, not dollars. Along the way, Coben discusses his ne...

Jimmy Wales created Wikipedia, one of the most important knowledge resources in the world, and now he’s confronting a new challenge: what happens to trust in the age of AI? In this episode, Jimmy explores how Wikipedia is adapting to generative AI, why human judgment still matters, and how AI can both strengthen and undermine our relationship with information. He also shares the ideas behind his new book, The Seven Rules of Trust, including why empathy, logic, and authenticity form the foundation of trust. Jimmy and Guy discuss misinformation, the future of Wikipedia, freedom of expression, and why di...

What happens when we stop gathering? Bruce Feiler, seven-time New York Times bestselling author, explores why humans need rituals, especially during the uncertain moments that shape our lives. In his new book, A Time to Gather, he looks at everything from weddings and funerals to forest bathing, organ donation, divorce parties, and the everyday “bites of passage” that bring us back to one another. Bruce argues that rituals can help counter loneliness, polarization, and the ways technology has pulled us away from real-world connection. He and Guy Kawasaki also explore why the next generation of rituals may come from the...

What happens when language reaches beyond what we think we can say? David Whyte—poet, philosopher, and performer—joins Guy Kawasaki for a wide-ranging conversation about poetry, vulnerability, creativity, and the words that shape our lives. Whyte traces his unlikely journey from marine zoology in the Galápagos back to the poetry he began writing as a child, and explains why good poetry isn't something to understand so much as an experience to enter. He also shares the stories behind his poems and the provocative ideas in his new book, Consolations II. Along the way, he offers a powerful remin...

Why do smart, well-intentioned people still struggle to connect across differences? This week, Guy Kawasaki sits down with renowned social psychologist Claude M. Steele to explore the hidden tension he calls "churn"—the quiet anxiety that shapes how we think, perform, and relate to one another. Drawing from decades of groundbreaking research and his new book, Churn: The Tension That Divides Us and How to Overcome It, Claude explains why building trust matters more than eliminating prejudice, and how small changes can transform schools, workplaces, and everyday relationships. Along the way, he shares practical insights for reducing uncertainty, recognizing pe...

We spend so much time thinking with our brains that we forget our bodies are part of the equation. In this episode, Guy sits down with award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and TED Radio Hour host Manoush Zomorodi to explore why small movement breaks can dramatically improve our creativity, focus, and long-term health. Drawing from the research behind her new book, Body Electric, Manoush explains why sitting for hours is costing us more than we realize—and how just five minutes of movement can change the way we work and think. She also shares practical strategies for building healthier digital ha...

What if the biggest breakthrough in education isn't better curriculum, but a better way of understanding kids? In this episode, Ross Greene explains why struggling students aren't choosing to fail—they're facing obstacles adults often overlook. He shares why punishment rarely solves the real problem, how schools can create environments where every child has the opportunity to succeed, and what "meeting kids where they're at" actually looks like in practice. Along the way, we discuss his newest book, The Kids Who Aren't Okay, and why rethinking expectations could transform classrooms, families, and workplaces alike. Whether you're a parent, educator, le...

Why do some people instantly put us at ease while others leave us feeling unheard? Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg joins Guy to explain the science behind meaningful conversations and why communication is a skill anyone can learn. Drawing from his bestselling book, Supercommunicators, Charles shares practical strategies for asking better questions, recognizing what people really need, and building deeper connections at work and in life. Along the way, he reveals surprising lessons from NASA astronauts, marriage counselors, CIA operatives, and groundbreaking psychological research. If you've ever wanted to become a better listener—or simply have be...

What if resilience isn't about grit at all? Dr. Suzan Song—psychiatrist, anthropologist, and author of Why We Suffer and How We Heal—has spent decades studying survivors of war, trafficking, displacement, and personal loss to understand why some people flourish despite unimaginable adversity. In this episode, she shares her framework for healing through narrative, ritual, and purpose—the "Three Friends of Winter." Guy and Suzan explore the stories we tell ourselves, the rituals that ground us, and why healing happens through belonging, not isolation. This conversation will change the way you think about suffering, resilience, and what it means...

What if success isn’t the goal—and flourishing is? Daniel Coyle, bestselling author of The Talent Code, The Culture Code, and his newest book Flourish, joins Guy to explore why joyful, meaningful growth can only happen in community. Together they unpack the hidden power of connection, why great leaders create “beautiful messes,” and how asking better questions matters more than chasing answers. Daniel shares lessons from Navy SEALs, professional sports teams, the Chilean miners, and other extraordinary groups that thrive under pressure. If you're looking for a richer, more connected way to live and lead, this conversation is for you...

What happens when AI starts raising our kids? In this episode of Remarkable People, Dana Suskind joins Guy Kawasaki to explore the future of parenting, human connection, and childhood in the age of artificial intelligence. Dana shares lessons from her new book, Human Raised, explaining why conversation, friction, and imperfect human relationships are essential for healthy brain development. She breaks down where technology can help families flourish—and where it risks replacing what children need most. This conversation will change how you think about parenting, screens, and what it means to be human.

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With the men’s FIFA World Cup capturing fans around the globe, we’re revisiting our conversation with Brandi Chastain—a pioneer whose impact on soccer extends far beyond one unforgettable penalty kick.

Best known for scoring the winning penalty in the 1999 Women’s World Cup Final, Brandi shares the experiences that shaped her career—from being cut from the national team and fighting her way back to becoming one of the most influential figures in the sport. Along the way, she reflects on leadership, resilience, teamwork, and why the greatest achievements are always shared.

The conver...

Zeke Emanuel has spent decades studying medicine, healthcare policy, and human behavior. In this conversation, he challenges popular wellness trends and argues that living well depends less on hacks and supplements and more on relationships, exercise, sleep, mental sharpness, and avoiding unnecessary risks. Drawing from his new book, Eat Your Ice Cream, Zeke offers a practical framework for making better health decisions while also reflecting on aging, healthcare reform, and what gives life meaning.

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Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to make you remarkable. His Remarkable People podcast features interviews with remarkable people such...

Behavioral scientist Julia Minson joins Guy Kawasaki to unpack why most arguments fail and how we can disagree without destroying relationships. They explore the psychology behind conflict, the surprising limits of body language, and the communication habits that make people feel heard. Julia also shares the HEAR framework from her new book, How to Disagree Better, offering practical ways to handle difficult conversations at work, at home, and online. If you’ve ever walked away from an argument wishing it had gone differently, this episode will change the way you communicate.

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What does it take to move from survival mode to a life of genuine thriving? In this conversation, Jon Rosemberg shares how his family’s history of displacement, his high-pressure corporate career, and a personal breaking point led him to rethink success entirely. Guy and Jon unpack the hidden costs of ambition, the difference between achievement and fulfillment, and the practical framework Jon developed to help people reclaim agency in their lives. They also explore mindfulness, resilience, neuroplasticity, and why so many high achievers still feel stuck. Jon’s new book, A Guide to Thriving, offers a roadmap for buil...

As we celebrate Pride Month, it felt like the right time to return to this meaningful conversation with Raquel Willis.

In this episode, Raquel reflects on her journey as a Black transgender woman, sharing lessons on identity, belonging, allyship, and the courage to live authentically. She discusses the power of community, the importance of being seen, and why creating a more inclusive world benefits everyone.

Whether you're celebrating Pride or navigating your own path of growth and self-discovery, this conversation offers wisdom, empathy, and hope.

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What drives someone to rebuild their life from a refugee camp—and then rethink everything we believe about entrepreneurship? In this episode of Remarkable People, Neri Karra Sillaman joins Guy Kawasaki to unpack the hidden strengths behind immigrant entrepreneurship, resilience, and long-term business success. Drawing from her new book Pioneers, Neri explains why the world’s most enduring companies often grow slowly, stay deeply connected to community, and “fry in their own oil.” From refugee camps to Oxford to building a global leather goods company, her story challenges the Silicon Valley obsession with speed and scale. This conversation will change t...

In this episode, Judd Kessler breaks down the hidden rules behind everyday competition, from school admissions to Taylor Swift tickets. He reveals how “hidden markets” quietly shape who gets what—and how understanding them gives you an edge. Drawing from his new book Lucky By Design, Judd shows that success isn’t luck—it’s strategy. If you’ve ever wondered how to get picked, this conversation will change how you play the game.

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Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to make you remarkable. His Remarkable People podcast features interviews with remarkable people such as Jane Goodal...

What happens when you look at the economy through the lens of Taylor Swift—and realize it was never built with women in mind? In this episode, economist Misty Heggeness unpacks how women are reshaping economic systems by opting out, redesigning, and building their own paths to power. From invisible labor to masterminding careers around barriers, she explains why traditional economics misses half the story. We also touch on her new book Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy and the lessons it offers beyond fandom. If you’ve ever wondered who really drives growth—and why it’s been o...

What happens when the author of The Lean Startup starts questioning the very system that built Silicon Valley? In this episode of Remarkable People, Eric Ries joins Guy Kawasaki to unpack the ideas behind his new book, Incorruptible, and explain why so many great companies lose their soul as they grow. Eric explores corruption in modern business, the dangers of shareholder primacy, and why companies like Costco and Novo Nordisk have resisted the pressures that break other organizations. He also shares how founders can build structures that protect trust, mission, and long-term thinking from the start. If you’ve ev...

This spring, we’re revisiting a transformative conversation with Julia Cameron, the bestselling author who helped millions reconnect with their creativity.

In this episode, Julia shares her approach to creative renewal—from morning pages and artist dates to overcoming perfectionism and quieting the inner critic she calls “Nigel.” She explains why listening is at the heart of creativity, how small daily practices can unlock momentum, and why creative recovery begins with letting go of the need to get everything right.

Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, writer, or simply feeling stuck, this conversation is a timely rem...

Why do we avoid talking to strangers when it could actually make our lives better? Nicholas Epley, behavioral scientist at the University of Chicago, explains why we consistently underestimate how positive social interactions will be—and how that mistake quietly limits our happiness. Drawing from decades of research and stories from his new book A Little More Social, he shows how small moments of connection can transform ordinary days. This episode challenges your assumptions about awkwardness, rejection, and what people really think of you. It may just change how you walk into your next coffee shop.

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Inside the Lens of a White House Photographer with Pete Souza

What does it really look like when history unfolds a few feet in front of you? Pete Souza spent years inside the White House capturing presidents Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama—not as symbols, but as human beings making impossible decisions. In this episode, he shares how trust, timing, and restraint shape the images we remember most. From the story behind iconic photographs to the quiet discipline of waiting for a single perfect frame, Souza reveals what it takes to document power without distorting it. You’ll come away seeing leadership—and photography—through a sharper, more honest lens.

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What if you’re chasing the wrong kind of meaning? Dave Evans—Stanford educator, Apple pioneer, and co-author of How to Live a Meaningful Life—returns to challenge how we think about purpose. Instead of answering the abstract “meaning of life,” he focuses on a better question: how to experience more meaning in life right now. He breaks down why impact and fulfillment often fall short, and introduces a more grounded path rooted in flow, presence, and everyday aliveness. This episode is a sharp, honest rethink of what actually makes life feel meaningful.

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What if you’ve been listening wrong your entire life? Haru Yamada, social linguist and author of Kiku: The Japanese Art of Good Listening, reveals why listening is far more complex—and powerful—than we think. From losing part of her hearing to studying cultures across seven countries, she unpacks how meaning is co-created between people. This conversation challenges the idea that communication is about talking, showing instead that real connection happens in the space between. If you want better conversations, better relationships, and better decisions, start here.

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Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to mak...

This Earth Day, we revisit a remarkable conversation with Jane Goodall—both a timely call to action and a reflection on a life that reshaped how we see animals, nature, and ourselves.

From her groundbreaking discoveries with chimpanzees to her decades of environmental advocacy, Jane shares why hope is something we choose—and why our everyday decisions matter more than we think.

It’s a powerful reminder of her legacy, and of the responsibility we all share to protect the only home we have.

Because the window to change isn’t closed—but it is clos...

What does it really take to see the future before it arrives?

Guy Kawasaki sits down with Brian Solis, author of Mindshift, to unpack how leaders can stop reacting and start shaping what’s next. They explore the difference between automation and augmentation, why most organizations fail to realize AI’s potential, and how storytelling fuels real transformation. Brian shares practical frameworks for breaking out of “business as usual” and building movements that create change. If you want to stop playing catch-up with the future, this conversation is your wake-up call.

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What happens when a group of grandmothers challenges a brutal dictatorship—and wins? In this episode, Haley Cohen Gilliland, journalist and director of the Yale Journalism Initiative, recounts the extraordinary true story behind her book A Flower Traveled in My Blood. She reveals how Argentina’s “Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo” used courage, persistence, and groundbreaking DNA science to find grandchildren stolen during the country’s military dictatorship. We explore the moral courage behind their movement, the role of genetics in restoring identity, and the lasting impact of their fight for truth. It’s a powerful reminder that even those w...

Brad Meltzer joins Guy Kawasaki to discuss his latest thriller, The Viper, and the real-world research behind it—from America’s most secretive funeral home to the hidden realities of witness protection. They dive into the meaning of pentimento, why rough drafts shape masterpieces, and how grief, morality, and second chances influence Brad’s storytelling. The conversation spans conspiracies, character creation, reinvention, and the discipline required to write across genres. It’s a candid look at how one of today’s most versatile authors blends heart, history, and suspense.

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Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to...

Disruption expert Scott Anthony explains why innovation alone isn’t enough—and why the real work of disruption is making things simpler, cheaper, and more accessible. Drawing on decades of research and stories from companies like Procter & Gamble and Apple, he breaks down why success so often becomes the enemy of reinvention.

We also explore ideas from his new book, Epic Disruptions, including why disruption is a team sport, why data often arrives too late, and how leaders can cultivate “optimistic paranoia” to survive—and thrive—through change.

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Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to...

Jennifer Welch joins Remarkable People with her signature candor, sharp humor, and unapologetic edge. As co-host of I’ve Had It and author of the new book Life Is a Lazy Susan of Sh*t Sandwiches, she’s built a platform by betting on herself—and refusing to tone it down.

We talk about moral clarity in a divided country, loving someone through addiction, admitting when you’re wrong, and why outrage is a tool—not a lifestyle. Beneath the fire is a woman guided by gratitude, resilience, and the freedom of no longer needing anyone’s approval but...

We first released this episode with Dolly Chugh more than a year ago, but it feels even more relevant today.

Dolly is a social psychologist at NYU who studies how well-intentioned people deal with bias, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves about the world. Her work challenges a deeply held belief: that being a “good person” is enough.

In this conversation, Dolly explains why that mindset can actually hold us back, and why striving to be “good-ish” leads to real growth. She breaks down how unconscious bias works, why our understanding of history is often in...

What really happened inside Apple’s first fifty years? David Pogue joins Guy Kawasaki to unpack the myths, the meltdowns, and the moments that built the world’s most influential tech company. From near-misses aboard OceanGate to tense interviews with Elon Musk, Pogue shares stories only a veteran reporter could collect—and why writing Apple: The First 50 Years changed how he sees Silicon Valley. They revisit Steve Jobs’s legend, and the decisions that still ripple through culture and politics. If you think you know Apple, this conversation will surprise you.

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Guy Kawasaki is on a mis...