Project Pundits Unplugged Pod

About Project Pundits Unplugged Pod

A bi-weekly entertaining journey into the world of Project Management. Hosts Braden and Jim discuss all things project management and frankly anything else they find funny navigating the corporate world. Each 30 minute episode is (intended to be) packed with real world advice with a focus on principles more than process. This show has something for everyone from those in a project management career path, to those considering a switch to project management, to folks who manage project managers, to anyone who works in the corporate world and wants a cathartic release.

Publisher

Wicked Epic Media, LLC

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Oct 2023

Latest episode

3 Mar 2025

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Mar 2025

   It's 2025, Buckle Up

   In this Season 3 opener, "It's 2025, Buckle Up," Jim and Braden return with their signature mix of irreverent humor and sharp insight as they tackle a new era of chaos and change. They catch up on wild California fires, government shake-ups (yes, even those baffling buyout memos), and the relentless march of technological and economic disruption. Expect candid debates on remote work versus the return-to-office mandate, predictions on a potential housing market correction, and even offbeat forecasts ranging from a breakthrough cure to the first irrefutable proof of extraterrestrial intelligence. Strap in and join the ride—2025 is here, and it's one heck of a journey, Project Pundits style! Show Timeline: 00:00:02 Cold Open 00:02:20 Season 3 Kickoff & Fresh Start Announcement 00:03:51 California Fires & Santa Ana Winds 00:13:12 Inauguration Reactions & Executive Orders 00:16:52 Government Workforce Shifts & Buyout Memo 00:22:21 Remote Work Debate & Return-to-Office Trends 00:29:06 Economic Outlook: Fed Moves, Tariffs & Housing Trends 00:42:31 Bold Predictions: AI, Health Breakthroughs & Extraterrestrial Intelligence 00:59:01 Job Market Advice & Networking Tips 01:03:18 Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits

2. 

   23 Feb 2025

   The Aftermath

   In "The Aftermath," Jim and Braden tackle the wild fallout from a shockingly one-sided election—where even the so-called experts got it all wrong. The guys scratch a post-election itch with a fast-paced, no-holds-barred chat that weaves together unexpected Trump twists, corporate cash conundrums, and even a quirky nod to nuclear power (yep, Microsoft’s eyeing Three Mile Island!). With their signature blend of irreverent humor and sharp insight, they dissect everything from healthcare, immigration, and the tech revolution to the unpredictable ripple effects on everyday business. Buckle up for a candid ride through political pandemonium and the ever-accelerating pace of modern life—Project Pundits style!

3. 

   30 Sept 2024

   Bottom's Up

   Top-Down or Bottom-Up thinking, designing, and planning? Yes. In this episode the guys chat about the importance of both Top-Down and Bottom-Up thinking in project management. If you're not already consciously thinking about this concept, you definitely should be. In addition there is some current event chat and talk about hemorrhoids. Show Timeline: 00:00:00 Cold Open 00:01:06 Introduction 00:05:58 Hemorrhoid Cream 00:07:04 The 2nd 1st 2024 Presidential Debate 00:13:37 Trump's Amazing Press Conference on Name Calling 00:15:28 Tulsi Gabbard and The Quiet Skies Program 00:18:02 Interest Rates Discussion 00:20:11 Ray Dalio and the End of the World 00:21:22 Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up in the World of Project Management 00:22:51 Some Challenges with Bottoms-Up Thinking 00:27:26 Episode Closing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits

4. 

   5 Aug 2024

   Everything is a Problem

   Everything is a Problem in the latest episode of the Project Pundits Pod. The guys talk about current events (well… current at the time of recording!) and then get into the importance of problem solving, first principles thinking, critical thinking, awareness and more. They also talk about Presidential politics, demo food at Costco, talking in and bringing toddlers to movies, Jack Black, the actor, flat Earth, moon landing, 9/11, Hawk Tuah, Ozempic, Bill Belichick, Connecticut drivers, and more!

5. 

   2 Jul 2024

   The Healthcare Episode

   And the guys are back tackling Canadian Pre-crime Laws, Free Speech, Compelled Speech, Hate Speech, Braden's Cranial Scan, and of course the topic of Healthcare and the role of Insurers (and employers) in how the whole darn thing works. You'll also get talk on Ozempic, South Park, Star Trek Tricorders, Childhood Bullying, Obamacare, MLR, Government Run Healthcare, Bernie Sanders, Single Payer, even more AI talk, Pharmacy Rebate Programs. Religion, Politics, Nationalism - what more could you want in one episode?? Show Timeline: 00:00:00 Cold Open 00:01:06 Introduction 00:04:19 Canada - Pre-Crime - Minority Report 00:07:50 Free Speech 00:13:18 Twitter and the Public Square 00:21:14 All About the Flag, Upside-down, Flag Burning 00:24:01 Healthcare Topic Intro 00:24:24 South Park Navigating the American Healthcare System 00:29:26 State of the American Healthcare System 00:30:26 Jim's Opinion on the Least Worst Healthcare Solution 00:31:46 Braden's Rebuttal to Jim's Opinion 00:35:57 Jim's Premise on Solving the Healthcare Problem 00:43:20 Braden's Cranial Scan and Eyeballs 00:45:43 Numb Tongue 00:47:06 Healthcare Insurance is not Insurance 00:54:25 Healthcare Insurers Administer Policies, Employers Define Them 01:00:21 Pharmacy Benefits - Rebate Programs 01:01:40 Obamacare Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) 01:05:33 Healthcare Technology at Insurers Trails 10+ Years 01:06:51 Why Does Tech Adoption Trail in Healthcare Insurance? 01:15:20 Episode Closing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod (https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits (https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ (https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/) X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits (https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits (https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits) Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits (https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits)

6. 

   1 Jun 2024

   The Consulting Episode

   In this episode the guys cover some critical current events regarding the FTC's push to ban Non-Compete Agreements and Congress passing a bill, that President Biden signed into law, that bans TikTok. The rest of the episode is all about consulting. There is a very high level discussion of what consulting is (and is not), how organizations leverage consultants, and some other topics that set the stage for future deeper dive discussions (with more Braden eye rolls!)! Show Timeline: 0:00 Cold Open 01:02 Introduction n 03:50 Braden Calls Jim Stupid + Current Events Talk! 03:56 Inflation Updates 07:40 FTC Banning Non-Compete Agreements 16:00 Foreign Aid Spending Bill 16:35 TikTok Ban 29:57 Intro to Consulting Topic 33:37 What is Consulting? 37:50 Consulting vs. Staff Augmentation or Contracting 40:40 Consultants Should be able to Wear Multiple Hats 43:00 How do Organizations Leverage Consultants? 46:55 Consulting Firms, Generally Speaking, aren't Built for Execution 49:55 The Importance of Managing Your Consultants and Consulting Topic Wrap-up 52:30 Reminiscing About the Internet Boom 53:13 Jim Admits to Using Agile 54:30 Episode Closing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod (https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits (https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ (https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/) X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits (https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits (https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits) Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits (https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits)

7. 

   9 Apr 2024

   We Need to Talk (more) About AI...

   Artificial Intelligence. AI. Large Language Models. LLMs. Transformers. Virtual Boyfriends. Virtual Girlfriends. Self-driving cars. Automated machines of war. Jim Carrey, Matthew McConaughey, and Ryan Reynolds. Where's my thumb? This episode is chock full of greatness. Don't believe it? Just listen! The guys cover AI in a little more depth superficially. That's right. Don't understand that statement? Blame AI… Show Timeline: 0:00 Cold Open 01:40 Introduction 03:58 AI in Healthcare - Primary Care Physician 07:21 The Pace of AI Advancements 09:24 AI in Healthcare - Easier Interaction with Medical Records 10:14 Interactive AI in Customer Service 13:13 AI in Care Management 14:40 AI Voice Cloning 15:53 Moving Toward Individualized Medicine 17:43 AI in Transportation 25:00 Senior Citizens or the Baby? 26:19 AI Arms Race (AI in the military) 31:23 AI in Air Transportation 36:21 Token Ring - yes - Token Ring 38:23 Realtime Language Translation 44:00 AI and Relationships 51:23 OpenAI AI Robot - Figure 1 54:00 AI Interaction to Combat Loneliness 55:36 AI Gold Rush 56:15 AI Regulation 59:22 Closing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod (https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits (https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ (https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/) X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits (https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits (https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits) Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits (https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits)

8. 

   25 Mar 2024

   Oh My... Meetings

   Meetings. Everyone has stories but not everyone has stories about exploding birds and exploding pockets of pus… In this episode Braden and Jim recount some of the weird and funny things that have happened in meetings. And these stories are just the tip of the iceberg… Show Timeline: 0:00 Cold Open 01:09 Introduction 02:52 Exploding Pidgeon 08:38 Turkey Smash 12:45 Scathing Opinions, Not on Mute 17:27 Financial Systems are Vastly Different than Healthcare Systems 20:10 More Explaining why an Claim Transaction is INFINITELY more Complex than an ATM Transaction 24:23 PMs Should Run Interference 25:53 The Time when Braden Almost Sent Jim to the Hospital… 33:28 The 6-Pack of Coke and a Half Dozen Donuts Exec 36:03 Unspoken Languages in Meeting 37:59 Closing Join us, socially: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod (https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits (https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ (https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/) X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits (https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits (https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits) Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits (https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits)

9. 

   5 Mar 2024

   1 Job, 6 Days, 1,014 Resumes!

   In the first episode of the second season of the extremely engaging, highly recommended, overwhelmingly entertaining, very close to award-winning Project Pundits Unplugged Pod Braden and Jim talk about jobs. Yes, jobs. Jim talks about a recent experience posting 1 Job and getting over 1,000 applicants in just 6 days… And how weird the job market is as compared to the health of the overall economy. The guys cover refreshers on applying for jobs on LinkedIn, resume dos and don'ts, and why, unfortunately, even if you get it all right it may not matter. They get into what you really need to do to find and land your next position. Show Timeline: 0:00 Cold Open 1:08 Introduction 5:56 1 Job, 6 Days, 1,000 Applicants Story 13:42 Be Conscious of Oversharing & Over-selling 17:22 Tune/Flavor Your Resume for What You Seek 20:27 Remove Outdated or Irrelevant Experience 23:36 Be 100% Sure Your Resume has no Mistakes 25:39 Resume Length 29:13 Be sure Your Resume & LinkedIn Match 30:28 Have Peers Objectively Review Your Resume 32:58 Men vs. Women - Don't Oversell or Undersell Yourself 36:00 Submitting Resumes is Like Playing the Lottery 36:52 Use Your Network 38:28 Your Network is Everyone in Your World 41:24 Consider Broadening Roles You'd Consider 43:43 Consider Joining a Cult (Get Education & Certifications in Downtime) 45:29 Closing Join us, socially: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod (https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits (https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ (https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/) X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits (https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits (https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits) Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits (https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits)

10. 

    14 Feb 2024

    The League of Lamentable Stakeholders!

    In the Season 1 Finale of the Project Pundits Unplugged Pod the guys put on their detective gear and investigate The League of Lamentable Stakeholders. That's right, Braden and Jim discuss how to mitigate the disruptive superpowers of 4 key lamentable stakeholders that all project managers (and really anyone who works in corporate America) face in their daily duties. They discuss The Naysayer, The Whatabouter, The Punching Bag, and of course The MBA. Watch for the visuals (and amazing AI generated graphics and audio), listen for in-depth knowledge (and humor), and send donations in case they get cancelled... It's all riding on this episode, the team is banking on your support going into Season 2 of the PPU Pod to battle another set of party pooping serially sucky stakeholders - will you put on your fedoras, join the battle, and forward this episode to your all your colleagues, friends, frenemies, and family? Or will you enable the Lamentables to continue to wreak havoc? The choice is yours… Join us, socially: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod (https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits (https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ (https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/) X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits (https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits (https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits) Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits (https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits)

11. 

    29 Jan 2024

    2024 Predictions!

    In this episode the guys cover a range of topics and put some predictions on the record. Politics, economics, war, Artificial Intelligence (AI), healthcare, nukes, and weight loss are all on the table! We didn’t cover all ‘third rail’ issues though, you’ll find no discussion of religion for instance! After you watch/listen let us know if you’re in agreement with the prognostications or if you think we’re way off. AND apologies on Jim’s audio in this episode, it’s subpar and there wasn’t much more that could be done without re-recording. We won’t point fingers as to who was at fault, but we can say it wasn’t Jim… Join us, socially: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod (https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits (https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ (https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/) X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits (https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits (https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits) Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits (https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits)

12. 

    8 Jan 2024

    Steering Without the Wheel

    Braden and Jim talk about the stark reality that every project manager comes to understand at some point in their career - that you really have zero direct control over the people and activities that you must orchestrate in order to successfully deliver your projects. Hence the title "Steering Without the Wheel". The guys talk about various techniques Project Managers can use to bend people to their will. There are references to carrots and sticks, the mob and The Godfather movie, how to improve your personal relationships, PMs as therapists, Power, Influence, book recommendations and much more... Links to Book Recommendations: Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray: https://a.co/d/9RY7lYG (https://a.co/d/9RY7lYG) 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey: https://a.co/d/fevnixZ (https://a.co/d/fevnixZ) 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene: https://a.co/d/dNb0Btc (https://a.co/d/dNb0Btc) How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: https://a.co/d/ezkiq3V (https://a.co/d/ezkiq3V) Join us, socially: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod (https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits (https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ (https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/) X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits (https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits (https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits) Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits (https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits)

13. 

    17 Dec 2023

    Make Yourself Pretty

    Braden and Jim discuss what it takes to set yourself apart as a Project Manager and as a professional. There are a million things you can do, videos you can watch, and books you can read about self improvement in the professional world, however, the hosts cover some specific experiences and recommendations that can really make a difference. Are there other things that have helped you get ahead? Please share in the comments! Join us, socially: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits

14. 

    27 Nov 2023

    Mostly Unfiltered Career Advice

    Braden and Jim discuss all things Project Management - as a career. Learn about the upsides and downsides of choosing a career in project management, what personality traits align well with such roles, and what sort of earning expectations one should have! Join us, socially: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits

15. 

    13 Nov 2023

    The F’ing PMO

    There was no way around it, the topic of PMOs had to be discussed... In this episode Braden and Jim talk about Project Management Offices, what they are, how they are structured, what makes them successful, and what sometimes makes them become black holes sucking the life, and the money, out of organizations. Follow us, socially: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits

16. 

    30 Oct 2023

    The Circle of Life(Cycle)

    Follow Jim and Braden's extensive wisdom and guidance and they guarantee you'll be the best project manager, ever. Totally. In this episode your hosts continue their discussion around project management and they keys to success. This episode covers the key principles and steps of setting a project up for success - more about the principles, less about the process. Also covered in this episode: cults, mob-adjacent, houses on Martha's Vineyard, toolbelts, unbuttoning shirts, and straight cash. Follow us, socially: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits

17. 

    15 Oct 2023

    Teaser Trailer - 2023 Project Pundits Unplugged Pod

    Teaser Trailer for the new Project Pundits Unplugged Pod.

18. 

    2 Oct 2023

    Project Management is Broken

    Pilot episode! In this inaugural episode of the Project Pundits Unplugged Pod Jim and Braden discuss their views on why they think Project Management is broken, the intent of the podcast, and their views on what project management actually is. And they laugh at themselves along the way... Follow us, socially: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpunditspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectpundits Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpundits/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ProjectPundits TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projectpundits Threads: https://www.threads.net/@projectpundits

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

1,527

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.5 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 60 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

50

Social presence

90

YouTube

68

Engagement

60

Contact Project Pundits Unplugged Pod

Guest appearances

Books guests

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