Unlocked is a show all about opening possibilities so that, when you are hit with the unexpected, you have options from which to choose.
September 2026
The Journey That Finds You
On this episode of Unlocked, I sit down with my longtime friend Dr. Ed Hoffman, former Chief Knowledge Officer of NASA, to trace a lifetime of unexpected turns — from a farm, to a research mathematician’s desk, to a division chief’s office at the World Bank.
We talk about the three things every garden needs — water, sunlight, and food — and how those same three things, trust, resources, and knowledge, are what make a team, a board, or a career actually grow.
I also share several stories where I learned lessons that keep teaching more and more including that no matter how others treat me — they are worthy of respect.
It’s a conversation about the moments we can’t control, the ones we can, and what it means to stay resilient through every leg of the journey.
The show with Ed and me is on September 3. The rest of the month I will be posting brand new Grounds for Thought in a new 10 minute version. That means that is always something new from me each week. Here’s the new thumbnail for the very first publication of G4T001 on Friendship.
Thursday at noon & 8pm Eastern on e360tv
On e360tv, they can’t handle short videos, so I’ll be showing you replays that seemed to resonate with you and with today’s rampant issues.
Grounds for Thought will publish on Wednesdays (or sooner when I can) on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcast.
Send me questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future show. Send your ideas to: madelyn@madelynblair.com. Thanks!
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Rebecca C.
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T. J. Eliott
“[Madelyn’s] deep and insightful questions allowed me to discuss topics in a multidimensional manner. As a result, we had a rich, interesting and very dynamic conversation. At the same time, Madelyn was kind, respectful, made me feel comfortable and welcomed.”
Miriam Zylberglait, MD
“It was such a delight to be in conversation with Madelyn. Her genuine interest in my work and the benefits it can bring, shows her to be utterly open to all possibilities in real terms and not just as a theory. She brought out the total best in me.”
Angie Wakeman, Clown Facilitator
“Madelyn’s questions shook off cobwebs in my mind on topics that were critical to my life successes that I haven’t thought about in years – topics that are still applicable today. I hope one day for a return invitation. In the meantime, she can count me as a new listener to her show!”
Michael Hillman, Executive Director Emmitsburg News Journal
Dr Kelly Cresap – August 27
Balance, support and comfort to take the next move begins in your core – and not the one you think it is.
Dr MIchelle Borba – August 20
Seven human strengths that parents, teachers, and leaders can intentionally develop that matter more than ever in an AI-driven world.
Barbara Bitondo – August 13
What if creativity isn’t a talent but a way of paying attention? Professional and avocational Artist Barbara Bitondo shows how curiosity, observation, and reflection can transform not only art, but leadership, learning, and the way we live.
Suzanne Langley – August 6
Behind every graceful performance is a story of extraordinary endurance. Former Houston Ballet ballerina Suzanne Longley reveals what resilience really looks like when an entire identity must change.
Beth Leasure-Hudson
Why functional fitness, not athletic performance, is one of the most important investments for resilience, independence, and quality of life.
Ambassador Susan Stevenson
How diplomacy’s quiet presence can shape lives, communities, and even the course of nations along with ordinary Americans.
by Cynthia Kurtz
The surprising relationship between intention and emergence—and why understanding both may be one of the most important leadership skills of our time.
Jolie Rocke
What it means to devote your life to a voice that exists only in the moment it is shared with Dr. Jolie Rocke.
Angela Skurtu
What if the conversations we avoid most are the very ones that determine the quality of our relationships, leadership, and confidence?
Agatha Award–nominated author K.L. Borges talks about reinvention, mystery writing, dog rescue, and the unexpected journey from mathematics teacher to bestselling novelist. Also, check out the 7 minute video of Kathy talking about how she helps her students really learn math
Dr. Oliver Schlake
In a world obsessed with control and predictability, Dr. Oliver Schlake reveals why creativity is the real strategic advantage even as AI begins to reshape how ideas are generated.
Chris Palmer and Kelly Edmondson
The final steps of death and what it takes to achieve a good life so that our death can be dignified, peaceful, and gentle.
Ariana Friedlander
Advocate with clarity and courage—without damaging relationships—by shifting from reactivity to responsiveness and balancing conviction with genuine inquiry.
Susan Riva
What if your own story could become your compass in uncertain times?
Madelaine Weiss
A powerful conversation on why we cry, why we resist it, and how reclaiming our emotional lives—especially in turbulent times—can restore agency, clarity, and resilience.