Building Thinkers: Accessible Blueprints for Learning & Life Podcast By Tracy Clark cover art

Building Thinkers: Accessible Blueprints for Learning & Life

Building Thinkers: Accessible Blueprints for Learning & Life

By: Tracy Clark
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 Building Thinkers is based on the realization that there is exponential potential in the things we build, from mindsets and behaviors, to resumes and meal-plans, but sometimes insights and impact seem out of reach or overly complex. In the Building Thinkers podcast we will explore a wide range of topics (business, education, organization, habits, therapy, finances, research to name a few) unpacking the design, strategy, and details behind the things we build to create accessible blueprints for you to explore and apply to your own learning and life. There is no limit to what you can learn.Tracy Clark
Episodes
  • The Myth of Limitless Potential

    The Myth of Limitless Potential
    May 23 2025
    I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Mario Varvoglis, whose journey from Greece to becoming a thought leader in creativity and innovation is anything but ordinary. What really stood out to me, and what I think will speak to you, is Mario’s belief that creativity isn’t just this magical, spontaneous thing. It actually requires structure. That might sound counterintuitive, but trust me, the way he explains it will make you rethink how you approach your own creative process.We also dug into some big, personal questions about potential, timing, and the stories we tell ourselves. Mario shares why potential isn’t limitless and why that’s not a bad thing. There’s urgency to how we use our time, and embracing our limits can actually lead to more clarity and deeper transformation.We talked about perfectionism (hello, recovering perfectionists), the value of intentional pauses, and how to keep showing up creatively, even when life feels chaotic and AI is changing the landscape faster than we can keep up. Key TakeawaysCreativity requires both divergent and convergent thinking.Structure is essential for implementing creative ideas.Potential can grow but is also limited by time and biology.Accepting limits can lead to greater clarity and urgency.It's important to balance ambition with an understanding of our limits. There's an optimal timing for actions in life.Introspection is key to understanding personal direction.Resources Mentioned:Flourish by Martin SeligmanOut of Our Minds by Sir Ken RobinsonHow to Change Your Mind by Michael PollanReal Magic by Dean RadinWhy You Should Define Your Fears Instead of Your Goals by Tim Ferriss | TEDDo Schools Kill Creativity by Sir Ken Robinson | TEDConnect with Mario:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-varvoglis-3885853 Website: https://mariovarvoglis.com/ , https://designdevie-dyl.fr/en/b2b/ More About Building Thinkers: I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.
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    46 mins
  • Building Better Policy Starts with Questioning Your Bias

    Building Better Policy Starts with Questioning Your Bias
    May 9 2025

    If you're looking for an episode that challenges the way you think about leadership, personal growth, and the power of creating space for others, then you won’t want to miss this conversation.


    My guest this week is Emmanual Guillory, a passionate advocate for higher education and a leader in student affairs. We dive deep into his journey from higher education to advocating for meaningful change in the field, discussing how to build confidence, find purpose, and embrace the discomfort that leads to true growth.


    Emmanual shares his insights on the importance of compassion and curiosity when connecting with people across differences, and how faith and self-awareness play a crucial role in reshaping our personal narratives. We also touch on the power of therapy, overcoming imposter syndrome, and intentionally rewriting the stories we tell ourselves to create lasting change.


    Key Takeaways:


    Confidence and purpose often begin with key moments of personal growth.


    Embracing curiosity and compassion, without judgment, fosters authentic relationships and progress.


    Inner work through therapy can lead to significant emotional and intellectual growth.


    Personal beliefs should be regularly examined and challenged to ensure they still serve us.


    Self-awareness and rewriting our stories are crucial for personal growth and resilience.


    Resources Mentioned:


    Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

    Attached by Amir Levine & Rachel S.F. Heller

    The Birth Order by Kevin Leman

    The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman


    Connect with Emmanual:


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_eguillory/


    More About Building Thinkers:


    I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.


    And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.


    If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.
    Show more Show less
    45 mins
  • What Every Aspiring Author Needs to Know About Ghostwriting

    What Every Aspiring Author Needs to Know About Ghostwriting
    Apr 25 2025
    In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, I’m joined by Meghan Stevenson, a talented ghostwriter and collaborator in the publishing world. Meghan takes us through her journey, from being a passionate reader to launching her own ghostwriting and editing business. We dive deep into the world of prescriptive nonfiction, and I pick Meghan’s brain about the importance of finding the right fit in publishing and the challenge of narrowing down ideas and niches for aspiring authors.We also talk about the power of focus in entrepreneurship, how each author brings their unique perspective to their work, and the myth of originality in writing. We touch on the differences between influencers and thought leaders and discuss how society views modern content creation and value.Throughout the conversation, Meghan and I explore the multifaceted journey of authorship, the realities of influencer success, and the ins and outs of the publishing industry. We break down misconceptions around writing a book, talk about the fear of success versus the fear of failure, and highlight the crucial role an author’s platform plays in achieving publishing success.We also dig into the emotional side of writing, the connection between identity and the desire to write, and share some book and podcast recommendations that have resonated with us both. It’s a conversation packed with insights for anyone interested in writing, publishing, and finding their place in the industry.Key Takeaways:Finding the right fit in publishing is crucial for authors.Not all ideas are suitable for a book.Focus can be broad, allowing for creativity within a niche.Judgment around money and work ethics is prevalent in society. Influencer success often requires immense effort and dedication.Fear of success can be more paralyzing than fear of failure.An author's platform is crucial for book sales and visibility.Successful authors focus on serving their audience rather than personal validation.Resources Mentioned:Take the quiz here: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/quiz Worthy by Jamie Kern LimaBelieve It by Jamie Kern LimaRich AF by Vivian TuThe Briar Club by Kate QuinnMaintenance Phase Podcast by Aubrey Gordon and Michael HobbsConnect with Meghan:Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson/ Podcast: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/podcastMore About Building Thinkers: I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.
    Show more Show less
    49 mins
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Love the variety of topics & action items that help empower others! It is engaging & not boring all the way through & a great way to spend a long commute or road trip!

great advice

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