Refreshing conversations with inspiring people.
Welcome to Planting Seeds. I'm Jeff Hilimire, a husband, father, entrepreneur, and author. I created this podcast to talk to people that inspire me, either because they've accomplished great things or done a lot of good in the world - or more likely, a combination of both. My goal is to learn people's origin stories, really dig into what makes them tick, and understand their secrets to success.
In this episode of the Planting Seeds podcast, hosts Jeff Hilimire, Adam Walker (48in48 and Edgewise), and Mickey Mellen (GreenMellen) discuss the concept of AI-driven leadership, the 48in48 Good Host project (reach out to adam@48in48.org to get involved) and their personal experiences with AI tools. They explore how AI can serve as a thought partner, the importance of effective prompting, and the tools they use in their daily lives. The conversation also touches on humorous anecdotes involving AI, their wishlist for future AI capabilities, and a review of the book 'The AI-Driven Leader.'Takeaways:- AI should be treated as a thought partner, not a replacement.- Effective prompting is crucial for maximizing AI's potential.- The CRIT framework helps in crafting better AI prompts.- Daily interactions with AI can enhance productivity.- AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude are popular among users.- Humor can be found in everyday AI interactions.- AI can assist in strategic decision-making and project management. The importance of context in AI responses cannot be overstated. AI's memory and understanding improve with consistent use. - The book 'The AI-Driven Leader' offers valuable insights, but could delve deeper. (https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-ai-driven-leader-harnessing-ai-to-make-faster-smarter-decisions-geoff-woods/f7175c11e4bcb6c8?ean=9798990904002&next=t)Sound bites"AI can help clarify your thinking.""AI systems are like savants.""Ask me one question at a time."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Hosts and Their Backgrounds01:18 Exploring the Good Host Project02:39 Understanding AI as a Thought Partner04:47 The CRIT Framework for Effective AI Prompts06:47 AI Tools in Daily Use10:12 AI in Everyday Life and Humor12:54 Daily Interactions with AI18:27 Implementing Insights from 'The AI-Driven Leader'20:58 Future AI Wishlist and Expectations23:11 Book Review and Final Thoughts
27 Oct 2025
"We are the ones we've been waiting for." - From Dropout to Doctorate (with Dr. Terence Lester)
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Terence Lester, author of From Dropout to Doctorate: Breaking the Chains of Educational Injustice. In this episode, Dr. Lester shares his powerful journey from high school dropout to earning a PhD, overcoming homelessness, trauma, and systemic barriers. We dive into the realities of educational injustice, the impact of poverty on Black families, and the urgent need to reform systems that perpetuate inequality.Dr. Lester addresses the school-to-prison pipeline, equitable access to education, and what community involvement and mentorship mean for creating real change. His story is both a challenge and a roadmap for educators, nonprofit leaders, and anyone who believes in justice and opportunity for marginalized communities.Whether you’re an advocate, educator, policymaker, or simply seeking inspiration, you’ll be moved by Dr. Lester’s raw honesty and scholarly insight. Tune in and discover how one person’s resilience and purpose can ignite transformation for millions.Dr. Lester discusses:- The school-to-prison pipeline- Equitable access to education- The importance of mentorship and community involvement for creating lasting change- How one person’s resilience and purpose can ignite transformation for millions📚 Pick up your copy of From Dropout to Doctorate today and join the fight for educational equity.Other books mentioned:When We Stand (https://tertulia.com/book/when-we-stand-the-power-of-seeking-justice-together-terence-lester/9780830831784?utm_source=share_copy&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=share) – Dr. Terence LesterEvicted (https://tertulia.com/book/evicted-poverty-and-profit-in-the-american-city-matthew-desmond/9780553447453?utm_source=share_copy&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=share) – Matthew DesmondPoverty, by America (https://tertulia.com/book/poverty-by-america-matthew-desmond/9780593678541?utm_source=share_copy&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=share) – Matthew DesmondNickel and Dimed (https://tertulia.com/book/nickel-and-dimed-on-not-getting-by-in-america-20th-anniversary-edition-barbara-ehrenreich/9781250808318?utm_source=share_copy&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=share) – Barbara EhrenreichThe 1619 Project (https://tertulia.com/book/the-1619-project-a-new-origin-story-nikole-hannah-jones/9780593230596?utm_source=share_copy&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=share) – Nikole Hannah-Jones and contributorsCaste: The Origins of Our Discontents (https://tertulia.com/book/caste-the-origins-of-our-discontents-isabel-wilkerson/9780593230275?utm_source=share_copy&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=share) – Isabel WilkersonThe Pool is Closed (https://tertulia.com/book/the-pool-is-closed-segregation-summertime-and-the-search-for-a-place-to-swim-hannah-s-palmer/9780807181898?utm_source=share_copy&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=share) – Hannah PalmerJust Mercy (https://tertulia.com/book/just-mercy-a-story-of-justice-and-redemption-bryan-stevenson/9780812984965?utm_source=share_copy&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=share) – Bryan Stevenson#EducationalJustice #Podcast #TerenceLester #FromDropoutToDoctorate #SocialChange #Equity #Resilience #Inspiration
30 Sept 2025
When weak is ok (with Joel Conwell)
Join me for an inspiring conversation with Joel Conwell, author of the powerful children's book "The Boy in the Tree: When Weak is Okay." In this episode, we dive deep into Joel's beautifully crafted story about a young boy who gets stuck in a tree and discovers that vulnerability isn't a weakness—it's actually a superpower.
Buy the book! https://littleripples.media/books/the-boy-in-the-tree🌟 **What We Discuss:**- The real-life inspiration behind "The Boy in the Tree"- Why teaching emotional intelligence to kids aged 4-9 is crucial- How parents can create safe spaces for children to express vulnerability- The surprising strength it takes to ask for help- Joel's unique background combining pastoral care, counseling, and tech- Practical tips for families navigating conversations about feelings and fear🎯 **Perfect for:** Parents, educators, counselors, and anyone who wants to help children build emotional resilience and understand that needing support is part of being human.Joel's message is simple yet profound: sometimes the bravest thing we can do is let others help us down from our tree. This conversation will change how you think about strength, weakness, and the beautiful courage found in vulnerability.📚 **About the Book:** "The Boy in the Tree: When Weak is Okay" (released September 23, 2025) is an 8x8 picture book that shows children asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness—perfect for sparking meaningful family conversations about emotional wellness, published by Ripples Media.
https://littleripples.media/books/the-boy-in-the-tree#ChildrensBooks #EmotionalIntelligence #Parenting #Vulnerability #SocialEmotionalLearning
Who has been a guest on Begin the Begin Podcast by Jeff Hilimire
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Kate T Parker
Fred Castellucci
Bonnie Wan
Mita Mallick
Ricky Steele
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