Building Thinkers: Accessible Blueprints for Learning & Life Podcast By Tracy Clark cover art

Building Thinkers: Accessible Blueprints for Learning & Life

Building Thinkers: Accessible Blueprints for Learning & Life

By: Tracy Clark
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Building Thinkers is based on the realization that there is exponential potential in the things we build, from mindsets and behaviors, to resumes and meal-plans, but sometimes insights and impact seem out of reach or overly complex. In the Building Thinkers podcast we will explore a wide range of topics (business, education, organization, habits, therapy, finances, research to name a few) unpacking the design, strategy, and details behind the things we build to create accessible blueprints for you to explore and apply to your own learning and life. There is no limit to what you can learn.Tracy Clark
Episodes
  • Simple Shifts That Level Up Your Podcast Game
    Jun 20 2025

    Podcast growth and longevity don’t happen by accident, they happen by design.


    I’m especially excited about this episode because I’m introducing you to someone who’s been behind the scenes of this show, our podcast manager, Alexis Archuleta.


    If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast, or want to make yours feel more aligned, you’re going to love this conversation. Alexis shares how she went from TV news to building a business helping entrepreneurs and creatives launch and manage sustainable, intentional podcasts.


    We talk about what really goes into making a podcast work long-term: asking the right questions upfront, building systems that support creativity, and letting go of perfectionism. Alexis gives great insights on starting with what you have and how podcasting evolves with you.


    Plus, she shares simple, actionable strategies that helped her clients grow and how small changes can lead to big results.


    Key Takeaways:


    Follow your curiosity; it keeps your spark alive.


    Recognizing the right time to hire a podcast manager is crucial.


    Perfectionism can hold you back from sharing your voice.


    There's room for your unique experiences in the podcasting space.


    Having a structured plan can ease the content creation process.


    Small changes can lead to significant improvements in engagement.


    Consistency and care in podcasting lead to success.


    Resources Mentioned:


    Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1594634726


    Connect with Alexis:


    Website: https://alexisarchuleta.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/archuletavirtual/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archuletavirtual/


    More About Building Thinkers:


    I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.


    And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.


    If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

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    40 mins
  • Think You’re Off Track? This Might Be the Sign You’re Not
    Jun 6 2025
    Ever feel like your story needs a rewrite? In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Kristin Hiemstra, and wow, what a conversation. Kristin's career journey is anything but linear, and she brings such a refreshing perspective on self-leadership and embracing the full spectrum of who we are. We talked about rewriting the stories we tell ourselves, moving through imposter syndrome, and owning our unique strengths, especially for those of us who consider ourselves multi-potentialites.What I loved most about our conversation is how honest and empowering it was. Kristin dives into how trial and error is not just okay but essential in discovering what truly lights us up. We also explored big, meaningful themes like creativity, regret, and parenting, how our childhoods shape the way we express ourselves, and how we, as adults, can help the next generation build agency and emotional intelligence.Kristin is working on an exciting initiative focused on personal power in education, and I think you’re going to be inspired by her vision. Key Takeaways:The stories you tell yourself elicit emotions.Nothing is a failure unless you fail to learn from it.You need to lean into your unique value proposition.Creativity from childhood influences learning experiences.Regret can serve as a valuable teacher.Empowering children fosters independence and decision-making skills.Teaching emotional management is crucial for student success.Agency in learning leads to higher motivation and success.Resources Mentioned:How Children Succeed by Paul ToughThe Case for Emotional Intelligence Education | TEDx TalkThe Happiness Advantage by Shawn AchorThe Power of the Myth by Bill Moyers and Joseph CampbellThink and Grow Rich by Dale CarnegieLetters of a Scattered BrotherhoodThank and Grow Rich Pam GroutE2 (energy squared) by Pam Grout Connect with Kristin:Website: https://www.kristinhiemstra.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinhiemstra/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachkristinh/ More About Building Thinkers: I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.
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    44 mins
  • The Myth of Limitless Potential
    May 23 2025
    I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Mario Varvoglis, whose journey from Greece to becoming a thought leader in creativity and innovation is anything but ordinary. What really stood out to me, and what I think will speak to you, is Mario’s belief that creativity isn’t just this magical, spontaneous thing. It actually requires structure. That might sound counterintuitive, but trust me, the way he explains it will make you rethink how you approach your own creative process.We also dug into some big, personal questions about potential, timing, and the stories we tell ourselves. Mario shares why potential isn’t limitless and why that’s not a bad thing. There’s urgency to how we use our time, and embracing our limits can actually lead to more clarity and deeper transformation.We talked about perfectionism (hello, recovering perfectionists), the value of intentional pauses, and how to keep showing up creatively, even when life feels chaotic and AI is changing the landscape faster than we can keep up. Key TakeawaysCreativity requires both divergent and convergent thinking.Structure is essential for implementing creative ideas.Potential can grow but is also limited by time and biology.Accepting limits can lead to greater clarity and urgency.It's important to balance ambition with an understanding of our limits. There's an optimal timing for actions in life.Introspection is key to understanding personal direction.Resources Mentioned:Flourish by Martin SeligmanOut of Our Minds by Sir Ken RobinsonHow to Change Your Mind by Michael PollanReal Magic by Dean RadinWhy You Should Define Your Fears Instead of Your Goals by Tim Ferriss | TEDDo Schools Kill Creativity by Sir Ken Robinson | TEDConnect with Mario:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-varvoglis-3885853 Website: https://mariovarvoglis.com/ , https://designdevie-dyl.fr/en/b2b/ More About Building Thinkers: I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.
    Show more Show less
    46 mins
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Love the variety of topics & action items that help empower others! It is engaging & not boring all the way through & a great way to spend a long commute or road trip!

great advice

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