Fault Lines

In this personal solo episode, host Richard Roman steps away from the interview format to share the story behind the podcast and the lived experiences that shaped its mission. From growing up as a queer kid in Southern Virginia to working inside higher education, policy, and institutional leadership, Richard reflects on how trust is built, broken, and rebuilt in real life.
This episode explores the core questions driving the show:
Why do people lose faith in institutions?
What does it take to repair trust after betrayal?
How do leaders, communities, and individuals create spaces where trust can actually grow?
Richard also shares the five biggest lessons he’s learned so far from conversations with guests across education, politics, business, and advocacy:
Trust is a muscle.
Authenticity matters more than performative statements.
Trust looks different from the margins.
Control can get in the way of connection.
Self-trust is the first trust of all.
As the podcast enters a new chapter, Richard opens up about what’s staying the same, what’s evolving, and how this work is becoming a platform for bigger conversations, deeper reflection, and community dialogue.
If you care about leadership, institutional change, and the human side of trust, this episode offers a compelling mix of insight, vulnerability, and vision for what comes next.

In this episode, Richard Roman sits down with Jo Newell, founder and CEO of Monday Strategies, for a powerful conversation about trust, leadership, representation, and communication. Jo shares how she built her career across nonprofit, startup, and corporate spaces, what it means to lead with integrity, and why trust is never static. Trust must be earned, protected, and rebuilt every day.
Together, they unpack the real meaning of executive presence, the pressure of being “the first,” and the challenge of navigating imposter syndrome in leadership. Jo also explains how mentors and sponsors can shape a career, why communication is at the heart of every strong team, and how speaking with authenticity can build trust in any room.
If you care about courageous leadership, workplace culture, public speaking, or the future of inclusive leadership, this conversation offers practical insight and honest reflection.
Tune in for a masterclass in showing up with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Keywords: trust and leadership, executive presence, imposter syndrome, inclusive leadership, communication skills, workplace culture, women in leadership, public speaking, leadership development
 

We sit down with Kyle Hagge, Chief of Staff to the CEO at Morning Brew Inc., to explore how one of the most influential modern media brands builds trust, loyalty, and engagement at scale. Kyle shares his perspective on the evolution of Morning Brew, why consistency and transparency are essential to audience trust, and how the company balances human creativity with the rise of AI-generated content.
We also dig into the difference between audience and community, what young professionals often misunderstand about career growth, and why learning to focus on the highest-leverage work can transform your career trajectory. Kyle reflects on lessons from his time at Morning Brew, his work in civic media with Bridge the City, and why local news and community engagement still matter more than ever.
If you’re interested in digital media, audience building, leadership, AI in content creation, or career development, this conversation is full of practical insights and big-picture thinking.
Listen now to learn how trust, clarity, and intentionality shape the future of media and professional growth.
Keywords: Morning Brew, digital media, audience growth, community building, AI in media, trust in journalism, career growth, leadership, business news, local news, content strategy

Unlock the secret to transforming your organization through trust and leadership in this eye-opening episode with Michelle Magnetti, founder of Magneaux and wellness podcast co-host. She reveals how trust is the linchpin in recruitment, team engagement, and company culture; she shares practical strategies to rebuild and leverage trust in today's evolving workplace landscape.
Delving into her impressive 20-year background in talent acquisition and HR, Michelle highlights how recent shifts, like AI automation, remote work, and hybrid models, are reshaping how organizations attract, engage, and retain top talent. Learn why traditional hiring tactics no longer suffice and discover innovative approaches that prioritize authenticity, soft skills, and human connection instead of just resumes and keywords.
You’ll discover:
How the pandemic humanized workplace relationships, making vulnerability and authenticity essential for trust-building
The critical role of transparent communication during organizational changes and layoffs
Why nurturing leadership that’s adaptable, collaborative, and emotionally intelligent creates a resilient, high-trust culture
How to balance recruitment automation with a human-centered approach, maintaining genuine relationships with candidates and employees
The importance of personal branding and authenticity on platforms like LinkedIn for job seekers and leaders alike
Whether you’re a recruiter, HR leader, CEO, or just navigating career growth, missing out on these insights could cost you top talent, employee engagement, and organizational success. Michelle emphasizes that trust isn’t a one-time fix; instead, it’s an ongoing commitment rooted in openness, consistency, and genuine care. For anyone eager to foster a workplace where trust drives performance and happiness, this episode offers the blueprint to lead with authenticity and transform your organizational culture.
Perfect for leaders committed to humane, strategic growth or HR professionals seeking to modernize their talent strategies, this conversation is your guide to navigating the new era of trust in organizations. Dive in to gain tangible frameworks and mindset shifts that will elevate your leadership and your team’s potential.
Michelle Magnetti is the founder of Magneaux, an expert in innovative talent acquisition and organizational trust. With her rich background in HR, she helps companies implement human-centered, scalable hiring frameworks that build lasting trust and engagement. Her insights are shaped by real-world experience across high-stakes government and corporate environments, making this a must-listen for forward-thinking leaders ready to embrace change.
Don’t miss out on this essential episode. Transform your approach to trust, leadership, and talent today.
 

Richard Roman sits down with higher education leader and accreditation expert Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Founder of Accreditation Insights, to unpack one of the most misunderstood forces shaping colleges and universities today: accreditation. From the Trump administration’s latest executive order targeting accreditors to the future of quality assurance, institutional trust, and student protection, this conversation explores why accreditation matters far beyond bureaucracy.
Dr. Shanderson explains how accreditation works, why it can be a powerful tool for improvement, and how institutions can use data, transparency, and leadership to strengthen trust with students and the public.
They also discuss the future of higher education in a changing political landscape, the rise of online and for-profit programs, the role of innovation in accreditation, and what students should really look for when evaluating a degree.
If you are interested in higher education, leadership, public trust, or the future of learning, this episode offers a sharp, timely look at what quality really means.
Listen now to hear how accreditation, accountability, and trust intersect in higher education, and why the conversation matters more than ever.
 

In this episode, we focus once more on higher education policy. Ben Cecil of Third Way shares his perspective about accountability in higher education, public trust in colleges, student success, and the future impact of federal student aid. Ben explains why transparency, completion rates, and return on investment matter more than ever as institutions face growing pressure to prove their value to students, families, and taxpayers.
We explore core higher ed topics including Title IV funding, Pell Grant expansion, student debt, affordability, equity gaps, first-generation student support, and the challenge of helping students not just enroll, but graduate. Ben also shares why colleges should focus less on prestige and more on outcomes that improve economic mobility and long-term student success.
If you are interested in higher education reform, college affordability, student outcomes, education policy, or how institutions can rebuild public confidence, this episode offers a thoughtful and data-driven conversation about what needs to change in higher ed.

We sit down with Dr. Bridget Burns to explore how higher education can better serve students by redesigning institutions around trust, collaboration, and real outcomes. Bridget shares the personal experiences that shaped her commitment to higher ed, from growing up in rural Montana to discovering the transformative power of college and student leadership.
She explains how the University Innovation Alliance has helped increase low-income graduates by 43% and graduates of color by 100%, and why those gains came from building a high-trust network of campuses willing to learn from one another. The conversation also dives into predictive analytics, student success, public trust in higher ed, and why career readiness must start in the classroom, not at graduation.
If you care at all about the future of higher education, student mobility, and the leadership needed to create lasting change, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical look at what it really takes to move the sector forward.

Most brands are losing consumer trust because of inauthentic content, and they don’t even realize it. Christine Wilson is the founder of M2M Consulting. In this conversation, she reveals the counterintuitive approach that’s helping brands build genuine credibility and connect with younger audiences. If you’re tired of feeling like your marketing is just noise, this episode is your game-changer.
Dive into Christine’s journey from a mom-focused marketing consultant to a full-service digital agency leader, and discover how authenticity became the secret weapon in a world overwhelmed by misinformation. She breaks down how influencer marketing evolved from mom bloggers to TikTok stars, and why real stories (and real vulnerability) are the keys to winning trust today.You’ll discover:
The true power of authenticity in social media and why Gen Z and millennials crave real connections over polished ads
How trustworthy influencers grow their communities and how brands can borrow that trust ethically
The emerging impact of AI on content creation and why transparency around AI-generated content is vital for credibility
Practical tactics for crafting messaging that feels genuine, from creative briefs to storytelling that highlights authentic user experiences
Future trends like live streaming, AI ethics, and the importance of emotional connections in video content
In a landscape riddled with skepticism, those who master transparency and authenticity unlock unprecedented opportunities. Ignoring these shifts risks falling behind, but embracing them can propel your brand into true consumer loyalty.
Perfect for digital marketers, small business owners, and brand strategists, this episode arms you with the insights to navigate trust in the digital age. If you’re ready to build credibility that lasts (and turn browsers into loyal fans) hit play now.
Christine Wilson is the founder of M2M Consulting, a digital marketing agency celebrating over 13 years of helping brands forge authentic connections with their audiences. She’s a trusted voice on influencer marketing, trust-building, and the future of content, especially in a world where digital authenticity is king.

Trust is under pressure across higher education, public policy, and emerging technology, and Katie Steen-James has spent her career working right in the middle of it. In this episode, Katie joins Richard Roman, Ph.D. to share what she’s learned from years of policy advocacy, student lobbying, and institutional strategy, and why so many organizations struggle to connect with the people they serve.
Katie reflects on how early experiences at the University of Missouri shaped her understanding of trust, why transparency matters more than polished messaging, and how personal stories can often move people more effectively than data alone.
The conversation also turns to her new role at the Open Source Initiative, where she’s helping shape the future of open source AI at a time when definitions, standards, and incentives are all in flux.
If you care about higher education, public trust, policy influence, or the future of AI, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at what it takes to build credibility in a divided world.
 

Most leadership advice focuses on charisma or titles, but the real secret to inspiring trust and authentic influence lies in simple, powerful habits you can start today. Erin Seheult, Ph.D. of WITH Leadership uncovers the four foundational habits of genuine leadership and how they enable you to lead with authenticity, confidence, and compassion, no matter your personality or position.
Discover the moment that transformed Erin's understanding of leadership at age eight, and how a small act of kindness shaped her lifelong approach. She shares her journey through transformational and authentic leadership theories, revealing that true influence isn’t about being the loudest or most charismatic, but about cultivating self-awareness, core values, relational transparency, and balanced decision-making. These habits, which anyone can develop, create leadership that is sustainable, trustworthy, and deeply impactful.
In this episode, you’ll learn practical strategies to:
Build trust through small, intentional actions rooted in authentic care
Cultivate self-awareness and set personal values that guide your decisions
Practice relational transparency to foster genuine connections
Make balanced decisions under pressure, even when mistakes happen
Shift from “I don’t know” as a weakness to a powerful leadership tool
Erin shares stories from her experience as a college RA, highlighting how embracing vulnerability and asking questions built trust and transformed teams. She challenges common misconceptions like leadership being reserved for extroverts or those with titles, emphasizing that leadership is a behavior, not a position.
Her insights reveal why authenticity is the highest frequency you can operate on and how it sustains your ability to meet high expectations without sacrificing integrity. Understanding leadership as a community-builder, Erin advocates for teaching young people about the power of genuine connection, especially in a culture obsessed with individual achievement.
Her perspective on trust, community, and authentic influence offers a refreshing, no-nonsense blueprint for anyone serious about becoming a more effective, compassionate leader.
Perfect for aspiring leaders, managers, educators, and anyone committed to leading with purpose and greater integrity. This episode is your roadmap to cultivating trust, authenticity, and resilience in every relationship.