Expect Chaos

About Expect Chaos

Join Molly Magarik and Matt Krayton on the Expect Chaos Podcast, where they explore life, leadership, and building resiliency through a variety of lenses. A little more about Molly & Matt: Molly is an accomplished executive and consultant with proven success across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Appointed by Governor John Carney as Cabinet Secretary of Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services, she led 4,000 employees in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, while transforming service delivery and improving efficiencies. Drawing on her expertise in change management, leadership development, strategic communications, and budgeting, Molly now empowers leaders to drive meaningful change. A certified immersive meditation facilitator, she also holds a Master’s degree from Dartmouth College. Matt is co-founder M2Aspire. He founded a national public affairs, strategic communications and political consulting firm, Publitics, 14 years ago. He has provided counsel to campaigns, candidates, elected officials, executives, founders, organizations, and brands for over a decade. He worked with Biden for President in 2020 on special projects including creating collateral for celebrity and influencer endorsements including NBA star Ben Simmons. His work on the campaign was recognized with a Campaigns and Elections Magazine Stanley F. Reed Award. Matt is an innovator focused on keeping clients on the cutting edge. In 2022, under his leadership, Publitics launched InfluenceIQ™, a suite of tools for identifying and reaching nodes of influence with key messages, testing creative, modeling and building audiences and developing effective messaging. In 2024, he launched InfluenceIQ Labs™, a strategic investment arm of Publitics with a focus on supporting startups in communications, media, and AI, while providing clients with access to the latest technologies. m2aspire.substack.com (https://m2aspire.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Molly Magarik and Matt Krayton

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

18 Dec 2025

Latest episode

31 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   31 Mar 2026

   Radical Responsibility with Julie Cyvonne (Ep. 10)

   Here are the finalized show notes: Radical Responsibility with Julie Cyvonne | Ep. 10 Julie Cyvonne has a resume that looks like a highlight reel from the outside: three-year college grad, full ride to law school, barred in multiple states. And she was quietly falling apart. What followed wasn't a clean narrative arc. It was years of sitting with something she was too afraid to name, and a moment clerking for a judge that broke something open in her. Her non-linear road eventually led to psychedelic facilitation for business owners and burned out people who have tried everything else. She's not here to sell you a framework or tell you what your path should be. She's a few steps ahead of you and she's keeping it real about everything it took to get there. In this episode: Why the clean pivot story is a myth Sunk cost, identity loss, and what it actually feels like to change careers after you've already "made it" Labels vs. tools: your attachment style, MBTI, human design chart, and Enneagram number will never do the work for you What radical responsibility actually looks like in practice and why it's not the same as being hard on yourself And yes… we admitted our studio lights have been sitting unused this whole time because perfectionism can be a form of self sabotage. There's no predetermined path. No one is marionetting you toward the right answer. You are the artist and the creator of your own life and this episode is about what it actually takes to own that. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Julie's Journey 03:04 The First Big Pivot: From Law to Coaching 05:48 The Impact of Values on Career Choices 09:06 The Importance of Transparency in Business 11:57 Navigating the Messiness of Life 14:52 Finding Your Own Path in Business 18:02 Building a Business Around Core Values 21:00 The Process of Self-Trust and Authenticity 23:54 Taking Small Steps Towards Change 26:53 Embracing the Beginner's Mindset 29:55 Reframing Past Experiences 33:12 Choosing Empowering Narratives 34:47 The Illusion of a Predetermined Path 36:59 Radical Responsibility and Life Creation 40:20 Self-Sabotage and Limiting Beliefs 43:49 Awareness and Moving Forward 45:56 The Power of Labels and Identity 49:31 Navigating Feedback and Authenticity 52:57 Courage to Change and Self-Alignment Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliecyvonne Website: juliecyvonne.com (http://juliecyvonne.com) Podcast: The Inner Trip This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit m2aspire.substack.com (https://m2aspire.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

2. 

   24 Mar 2026

   Who's Writing Your Story?

   Who's Writing Your Story? Molly Magarik & Matt Krayton  ·  Expect Chaos, Ep. 9 There's a belief most leaders carry (quietly, usually without examining it) that good work speaks for itself. If only. In this episode, Molly and Matt dig into something they both wrestle with personally and see constantly in their clients and conversations with friends and peers: the gap between the story you think you're telling and the story everyone else is actually receiving. That gap is where trust breaks down, where teams lose direction, and where all the work you've done quietly disappears into a vacuum. They explore three places that gap lives: the space between your stated values and what your actions actually show, the pressure to sand the edges off a messy nonlinear journey, and the background scripts running silently that shape everything you do without your awareness. Silence isn't humility. It's just absence. And someone else always fills that space. Usually with a story that's less generous than yours. The aspiration vs. action gap The story your behavior tells, whether you authored it or not. Most leaders are shocked when they look at the distance between what they say they value and what their week actually reflects. A client story about a founder whose team couldn't sell a product they didn't understand, because the founder never narrated his own iteration process. Why we sand the edges The pressure to package a messy, nonlinear journey into a clean A-to-B story, and what gets lost when we do. When leaders hide the process from their teams, they don't just create a communications gap. They create a strategic vacuum that people fill with uncharitable assumptions. "If you leave narrative gaps, your audience will fill them in. It's not an 'if.' They will. And probably not the way you'd want." Silence isn't humility Why the belief that good work should speak for itself actively undermines trust. The Biden administration's infrastructure gap as a case study. The difference between tooting your own horn and showing people you did what you said you'd do, and why the latter is a leadership responsibility, not a performance. The stories we tell ourselves The background scripts ("people don't take me seriously," "I'm not the kind of leader who asks for help") that shape how we show up without our awareness. Molly on Dr. Rich Callahan's advice from the Milbank Memorial Fund Emerging Leaders Program: your ability to succeed as a leader is in direct proportion to what you're willing to let go of from your previous role. The theater of showing up Why repetition matters more than most leaders want to believe. The cost of never celebrating the team's work, not just to external trust but to the people who sacrificed to get it done. Timestamps 0:00Welcome back + shoutout to Andy Emsler (Ep. 8) 3:30Introducing the concept: showing the receipts and authorship 7:00Gap 1: aspiration vs. action and the story your behavior tells 13:00Client story: the founder who never narrated his iterations 19:00Why we sand the edges and the pressure for a clean narrative 26:00Silence isn't humility: the Biden infrastructure example 34:00Nauseating repetition: why trust requires saying it again and again 40:00The theater of celebration and what leaders owe their teams 46:00Gap 3: the stories we tell ourselves and Dr. Callahan's advice 53:00Closing curiosity questions + Emmy crashes the mic Links & references Ep. 8: Andy Amsler on getting strategically unstuck and authentic communication in politics: https://m2aspire.substack.com/p/getting-unstuck-with-andy-amsler (https://m2aspire.substack.com/p/getting-unstuck-with-andy-amsler) Milbank Memorial Fund Emerging Leaders Program: milbank.org (http://milbank.org) Dr. Rich Callahan — leadership consultant and faculty supporting Milbank cohorts: https://www.usfca.edu/faculty/richard-callahan (https://www.usfca.edu/faculty/richard-callahan) The "showing the receipts" framing: Speaker and Advisor, Amanda Sabreah, @amandasabreah, https://linktr.ee/amandasabreah Subscribe to the full conversation: m2aspire.substack.com (http://m2aspire.substack.com) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit m2aspire.substack.com (https://m2aspire.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

3. 

   17 Mar 2026

   Getting Unstuck with Andy Amsler

   Much has changed since we worked on our first campaigns, particularly in how voters are consuming the media and messages campaigns are putting out. It is this shifting landscape that remains the driver of various “autopsies” that are conducted now after seemingly every election cycle. “Here’s what worked, “here’s what didn’t,” and all of the attendant finger pointing. Our working theory, however, is that in established systems (political parties and committees for one), there is often a tendency to either learn the wrong lessons, or over-index on “the one big thing” that delivered victory. That’s why we’re thrilled to have been able to talk to Andy Amsler on this week’s Expect Chaos Podcast. Andy Amsler is a seasoned political strategist and advertising expert with more than 16 years of political and public affairs experience. He has built and led award-winning advertising and digital marketing teams, executed over $140 million in paid advertising for public affairs, elections and issue advocacy campaigns, and become a trusted advisor to some of the biggest brands in politics. Andy works regularly with major brands like Intel, IBM, CVS, Visa, T-Mobile and Humana — and the associations that represent them — to engage with D.C. stakeholders and decision makers in state capitols across the country, build brand reputation, and wage influence campaigns that have an impact. Andy has also built a name in the nonprofit space, leading audience growth, activation and profile-raising advertising campaigns for some of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations, including the Gates Foundation, EarthJustice, March for Our Lives and Feeding America. And over the last four election cycles, Andy has helped elect hundreds of Democrats up and down the ballot, from the U.S. Senate to the local school board. He has also run paid media programs registering hundreds of thousands of new voters, and he’s raised $150 million online via paid advertising. Andy provides a refreshing look at how the best campaigns are approaching communications and media while also diving into what can keep organizations and systems strategically stuck. His insights are not just applicable in the political arena, but also in the boardroom, where flexibility, innovation, and curiosity are equally as important. We offer a big thank you to Andy for joining us. If you want to hear more from Andy, you can find him at: https://mantramediagroup.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyamsler/ And check him out on Substack (https://andyamsler.substack.com) where he’s now writing about his journey in moving with his family from Washington, D.C. to Malta. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit m2aspire.substack.com (https://m2aspire.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

4. 

   11 Mar 2026

   The Shadow Side of Being "The Strong One"

   We’re back after a short break, because life…We did warn you with the title, and apparently that also extends to our show schedule. But we digress… Today we have a solo episode that wrestles with what happens when your professional identity is build around being “the strong one,” “the reliable one,” the one who no one ever has to worry about because you always figure it out. More and more we’re having conversation with clients, friends, and family around the price of building a life that looks good on the outside. A life that checks the boxes and maybe was even the top goal in your five year plan. But now that you’re here, what looks great on the outside doesn’t always feel so good on the inside. If you’re here along with us, you’re not alone. And the good news is, if you’ve started to realize the insides aren’t matching the outside, that awareness is an amazing first step. You don’t have to do anything else beyond this awareness right now (or ever if you so choose). If you decide to move beyond awareness, know that you don’t have to go from A to Z. You can experiment with what a pivot could look like, you can find small ways to do things that feel more like the you that you are now versus the person who made the plans that you’ve now outgrown. Perhaps most importantly, we hope you know that you deserve a life that feels like you and that you’re allowed to reinvent yourself as many times as you need. You’re more than what you do now or have done in the past. We’d love to hear how this episode resonated and if you think it could help someone else, we’d appreciate you sharing! Thanks for listening and enjoy the spring weather! Matt + Molly Thanks for reading M2Aspire! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit m2aspire.substack.com (https://m2aspire.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

5. 

   3 Feb 2026

   On Grace, Curiosity and Getting Things Done With Congresswoman Sarah McBride

   In this episode of Expect Chaos, we sit down with Congresswoman Sarah McBride, Delaware’s at-large representative, for a conversation that’s equal parts real talk and roadmap for making change when the world feels chaotic and change seems impossible. Sarah walks us through the moments that brought her into public service—finding hope in the story of progress, navigating grief, and choosing to step into the arena even when personal safety was a real concern. We talk about what it actually takes to govern: showing up, listening, doing the unglamorous work, and building coalitions without losing your values. Along the way, we dig into the attention economy, why outrage is a trap, and why “be curious, not judgmental” (we share a mutual love of Ted Lasso) might be one of the most practical pieces of advice for anyone trying to lead, persuade, or just survive this moment with their humanity intact. If you’re enjoying Expect Chaos, subscribe to get episodes straight to your inbox! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit m2aspire.substack.com (https://m2aspire.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

6. 

   20 Jan 2026

   The Power of Words with Margaret Aitken

   In this episode we welcome Margaret Aitken, a seasoned communicator with a rich background in politics and writing. Margaret shares her insights on the power of words and how they can connect people, especially in the realm of politics where clarity and empathy are crucial. She reflects on her journey from childhood to becoming a press secretary for then Senator Joe Biden, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in communication. As the discussion unfolds, Margaret opens up about her recent foray into personal writing following the loss of her mother. She describes how grief has inspired her to explore her own voice and connect with others through her writing. The episode highlights the vulnerability of sharing personal stories and the profound impact it can have on building community and understanding. Margaret’s journey illustrates the transformative power of writing, both for herself and for those who resonate with her words, making this episode a heartfelt exploration of connection, loss, and the art of communication. You can read and subscribe to Margaret’s writings here at: Margaret Aitken (https://substack.com/profile/53276150-margaret-aitken) If you’re enjoying the podcast, please help us out by leaving a review, sharing, and subscribing! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit m2aspire.substack.com (https://m2aspire.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

7. 

   13 Jan 2026

   On Simplicity

   In this episode of the Expect Chaos podcast, hosts Molly and Matt explore the themes of simplicity and intention in navigating life’s challenges. They discuss the burdens of clutter, both physical and mental, and how complexity often complicates decision-making. Through personal anecdotes, they emphasize the importance of keeping things simple and focusing on what truly matters, whether in daily life or communication strategies. The conversation highlights the need to avoid overcomplicating solutions and to prioritize clarity and effectiveness in both personal and professional contexts. Takeaways * Simplicity is key to reducing clutter and chaos in life. * Intention is more important than adhering to cultural resolutions. * Physical clutter often reflects mental clutter. * Complex solutions can lead to decision paralysis. * Simplicity in communication is often more effective than complexity. * Personal anecdotes illustrate the burden of unnecessary complexity. * The hosts emphasize the importance of focusing on the main goal. * Good and done is better than perfect in execution. * Simplicity can enhance productivity and clarity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit m2aspire.substack.com (https://m2aspire.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

8. 

   6 Jan 2026

   Meditation

   Update: The audio was cut off in the previous version. Here is the full episode! This week's episode of Expect Chaos is out now! In this episode, hosts Molly and Matt explore the theme of meditation, discussing their personal journeys and the misconceptions surrounding the practice. They emphasize the importance of finding a meditation style that works for the individual, especially for those with neurodivergence. The conversation highlights how meditation can serve as a tool for self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and professional development, while also addressing the challenges of modern life that make meditation feel inaccessible. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to create space for meditation in their daily lives, regardless of how it looks. Takeaways * Meditation can help manage chaos and stress. * Personal journeys into meditation can vary widely. * Myths about meditation often make it feel inaccessible. * Guided meditation can be beneficial for those with ADHD. * Meditation doesn’t have to be silent or traditional. * Creating space for meditation is essential in modern life. * Meditation can enhance emotional intelligence and self-awareness. * Different forms of meditation work for different people. * Regular meditation practice can lead to greater clarity. * It’s important to let go of expectations around meditation. Subscribe to get Expect Chaos in your inbox every Tuesday! If you’re enjoying the podcast, help spread the word! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit m2aspire.substack.com (https://m2aspire.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

9. 

   30 Dec 2025

   The Tyranny of Expectations

   In this episode of Expect Chaos, hosts Molly and Matt explore the concept of expectations and how they can impact our lives. They discuss the importance of flexibility in managing expectations, the challenges of navigating life's ups and downs, and the pressures that come with the holiday season. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they emphasize the need to hold expectations lightly and remain open to the unexpected, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace the chaos of life. If you’re enjoying the podcast and insights, help spread the word! Key Themes * Changing the name of the podcast after one episode. * The tyranny of expectations can lead to disappointment. * Life is a roller coaster; enjoy the ups and downs. * Flexibility is key in managing expectations. * Expectations can block personal growth and opportunities. * Holidays often come with unrealistic expectations. * Awareness is crucial in managing our expectations. * Don’t let a single setback derail your progress. * It’s important to observe rather than judge expectations. * Embrace the chaos and enjoy the journey. Thanks for listening! Subscribe for more episodes and insights straight to your inbox! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit m2aspire.substack.com (https://m2aspire.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

10. 

    18 Dec 2025

    Lessons from the Magic of the Season

    In the inaugural episode of M2 Chats, hosts Molly and Matt introduce their new venture, M2 Aspire, which focuses on leadership development and personal growth. They explore the concept of ‘magic’ in everyday life, emphasizing the importance of presence and finding joy in the small moments. The conversation weaves through personal anecdotes, the challenges of leadership, and the significance of embracing imperfection and incremental progress. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to believe in the magic of life and the potential for growth and resilience. Takeaways * M2 Chats is an exploration of leadership and personal growth. * M2Aspire was born from the need for foundational work in leadership. * Magic can be found in everyday life and experiences. * Presence is crucial for experiencing joy and beauty in life. * Children exemplify the ability to find joy in the moment. * Leadership requires addressing the whole person, not just work. * Embracing imperfection is key to personal and professional growth. * Incremental progress is more sustainable than seeking perfection. * Clarity often comes from taking breaks and being present. * Believing in magic and possibility can lead to greater fulfillment. Titles Discovering Magic in Everyday Life The Journey of M2 Aspire Sound bites “Welcome to our podcast.” “Let’s talk about magic.” “It’s not about perfection.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to M2 Chats 05:10 The Birth of M2 Aspire 07:38 Exploring the Concept of Magic 10:48 The Importance of Presence 19:45 Finding Joy in Everyday Life 22:59 Connecting Presence to Leadership 24:53 Embracing Imperfection 28:32 The Journey of Incremental Progress 37:41 The Power of Belief and Focus This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit m2aspire.substack.com (https://m2aspire.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.