The Agile For Agilists Podcast is a side project for hosts Drew Podwal and Brad Nelson. They hold open discussions, share anecdotes, and provide guidance from their own personal experiences. Listeners can expect soap box moments, thinking out loud, and guest speakers, but most of all, listeners will leave with a better understanding of the complex world of Agile Software Development.
Your Brain on Agile: Practical Neuroscience with Alex Korb, PhD
On this episode of The Agile for Agilists Podcast, Drew Podwal and Brad Nelson sit down with Dr. Alex Korb, PhD—neuroscientist, coach, and author of The Upward Spiral—to explore how your brain is wired, and how understanding that wiring can unlock better focus, performance, and well-being.
We dive into how autonomy, motivation, and neurotransmitters (like dopamine and serotonin) shape the way we work and lead. Dr. Korb explains why accepting how your brain naturally operates is essential to getting the most out of it—especially in high-stakes, fast-moving environments like Agile teams.
Whether you’re a coach, leader, or just a curious human, this conversation offers practical neuroscience insights that can help you work with your brain, not against it.
🧠 Learn more about Dr. Korb’s work at alexkorbphd.com (http://alexkorbphd.com)
27 May 2025
An Agile Retrospective: Culture, Control, and Purpose with Todd Hallowell
Todd Hallowell discusses the current state of Agile, exploring the tension between traditional project management and true Agile thinking with hosts Drew Podwal and Brad Nelson in an interview.
22 Apr 2025
Of Bears, Brains, and Building Trust with Mike Bowler
In this episode of The Agile for Agilists Podcast, hosts Drew Podwal and Brad Nelson welcome seasoned Agile coach and trainer Mike Bowler to talk about psychological safety—through the fascinating lens of brain science, leadership, hypnosis, and LEGO.
Mike explains why our brains are wired to react to uncertainty like it’s a bear attack—and what leaders can do to create environments that feel safe rather than threatening. We also explore the power of play, including Mike’s training in LEGO Serious Play and how it unlocks new thinking in teams.
From primal instincts to psychological insights, this conversation is a journey into what makes us human at work—and how we can lead with more understanding, trust, and creativity.
Mike's follow-up page: https://gargoylesoftware.com/mike_bowler/followup/ (https://gargoylesoftware.com/mike_bowler/followup/)
Specific topics we discussed:
Polyvagal theory (https://unconsciousagile.com/2024/01/14/polyvagal-theory.html)
SAFETY model (https://unconsciousagile.com/2023/05/13/safety-model.html)
Six Thinking Hats (https://unconsciousagile.com/2024/02/17/six-thinking-hats-retrospective.html)
The Bear and the Brain (https://unconsciousagile.com/2024/07/18/bear.html)
The anti-anxiety toolkit (https://unconsciousagile.com/2019/06/21/anti-anxiety.html)
What really is hypnosis? (https://unconsciousagile.com/2024/01/04/world-hypnosis-day.html)
Bonus Links:
Tips and tricks from neuroscience to improve your retros (https://unconsciousagile.com/2021/01/18/retrospective-magic.html)
Mike's Reading List (https://unconsciousagile.com/2021/06/13/recommended-reading.html)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
61
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
4.3 / 5
10 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
39
Social presence
0
YouTube
63
Engagement
75
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