Today we talk to Peter Katz — award-winning singer-songwriter, speaker, and creator of the “keynote concert.” Now, if that term caught your ear like it did mine, you’re about to see why.

Peter just released his new album, and while that’s exciting on its own, what really struck me was how it came to be — through friendship, nature, first takes, and a complete letting go of outcome. It's a lesson in creativity, trust, and showing up without overthinking it.

We talk about how Peter’s work as a speaker and facilitator has changed how he creates music, and how building his career as an artist and speaker has never been a straight line — but always guided by purpose. He also shares how collapsing at 19 and facing a cancer scare changed the way he lives his life and makes decisions, and why songwriting retreats and keynote concerts aren’t just about music — they’re about connection, vulnerability, and remembering what matters.

This one was honest, beautiful, and inspiring in all the best ways.

Please enjoy, Peter Katz.

Key Takeaways

• Creating without overthinking: Peter’s latest album came from a place of play and presence — no plan, no pressure, just following what felt true in the moment.
• From solo artist to speaker: His work in organizations through keynote concerts has shaped how he creates — shifting the focus from “me” to “we.”
• Music as medicine: Whether performing or facilitating, Peter’s aim is to remind people of who they are and help them reconnect — with themselves and each other.
• The power of holding things lightly: From letting songs be imperfect to trusting his voice on the first take, Peter shares how creating space for imperfection often leads to deeper connection.
• Songwriting as a gateway to self-discovery: His retreat helps people write their first song — but more than that, it reminds them what’s possible when they give themselves permission to play.
• Leading with heart in business: Through appreciative inquiry and storytelling, Peter helps organizations celebrate what’s working — because we become what we celebrate.
• Meetings that matter: He encourages leaders to “start with heart” — not with the agenda — because relationships are what make great work possible.
• Balance is always a moving target: Even with a successful career, Peter shares how he’s still recalibrating to stay connected to his artist self and the work that lights him up.

Connect with Bob Mathers

Website

LinkedIn

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The Restless Leader Newsletter on Substack: https://bobmathers.substack.com/

Links & Resources

https://www.peterkatz.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-katz-1368bb6

https://www.instagram.com/peterkatzmusic

Today we talk to Greg Bennick—writer, speaker, punk rocker, coin collector, juggler, and the first ever returning guest on the podcast.

Greg is one of those people whose passion is contagious. He can make anything interesting—coins, kindness, counterstamped nickels from 1860—and somehow ties it all back to living a life that actually means something. Our first conversation was the episode I recommended most when people asked what this podcast is all about, and this one might be even better.

We talk about the terrifying beauty of taking creative risks, the unexpected power of noodles in a hotel lobby, and why staying in the game—whatever your game is—might be the most important decision you ever make. He also shares what it’s been like to release his first book into the world, and why the chapter he almost left out might be the one that changes everything.

This conversation is about passion, purpose, and possibility.

Please enjoy, Greg Bennick.

Key Takeaways

• “Do it your way.” Greg shares how skipping the networking events at a major speaker conference—and eating Pad Thai alone in the hotel lobby—led to the most authentic connections of his career.
• Writing his first book taught him that vulnerability is part of the process—and that success often starts with just staying in the game.
• The chapter he almost didn’t include—on kindness—became the one readers connected with most. Sometimes others see the heart of your work more clearly than you do.
• Creativity isn’t magic—it’s a muscle. The breakthrough moments come after you’ve put in the reps, not before.
• Greg’s obsession with rare coins isn’t really about the coins—it’s about history, relationships, and finding connection in unlikely places.
• Comparison will kill you. We all assume everyone else has it figured out, but the truth is most of us are just doing our best to stay curious and keep going.
• Greg’s advice for anyone looking to start something new: Leap into the dark—not to fear failure, but to embrace the possibility of success.
• Purpose doesn’t have to be some grand external mission. Sometimes it’s sitting quietly in the lobby with a bowl of noodles, choosing to live a life that’s yours.

Connect with Bob Mathers

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

The Restless Leader Newsletter on Substack: https://bobmathers.substack.com/

Greg’s website: https://www.gregbennick.com/

Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregbennick

Greg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregbennick

Today we talk to Lacey Heels —writer, creative strategist, and the author of The Rebirth Rituals.

This wasn’t a planned conversation. In fact, a few short weeks ago, we’d never even met. But after a few chance encounters (and some beautifully-timed serendipity at a retreat in the woods), Lacey’s book landed in my hands—and I couldn’t put it down.

We talk about that strange, messy, powerful space in between who we’ve been and who we’re becoming. Lacey opens up about the collapse that led her to start over, the fears that come with shedding an old identity, and how journaling and creativity helped her find clarity, healing, and direction.

If you’re sitting in the “what’s next” part of your life or career, this conversation is for you. It’s about rediscovering the parts of yourself you’ve left behind, honoring the discomfort of not knowing, and trusting that the through line will appear—if you just keep going.

Please enjoy, Lacey Heels.

Key Takeaways

The magic of in-between moments: Lacey describes the “liminal space” we all find ourselves in when one chapter ends and the next hasn't fully begun—and why learning to sit with the discomfort is essential.

Being known for one thing... and craving something else: Many of us reach a point in our lives or careers where we feel the urge to reinvent ourselves, even when we’re unsure what comes next.

The collapse before the rebirth: Lacey shares her experience of burnout after shutting down her business, and how letting go of what no longer fit made space for something new to emerge.

Start messy and trust the process: Whether it's journaling, creating, or starting a new path, Lacey encourages us to begin before we have it all figured out—the clarity comes in the doing.

Journaling is self-leadership: For high performers who are used to intellectualizing everything, journaling can be a powerful tool for self-awareness, emotional regulation, and reconnecting with purpose.

Run small experiments: Instead of waiting for “the answer” to appear, Lacey suggests taking small, low-stakes steps toward the life you want. Try something. See how it feels. Adjust.

You’re allowed to start over: Sometimes we need to be reminded that it’s not only okay to pivot, it’s necessary. Reinvention isn’t a failure—it’s part of being human.

Creativity as a healing force: Whether it’s writing, gardening, painting, or music, making space for creative expression helps us integrate our experiences and find meaning in them.

Connect with Bob Mathers

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

The Restless Leader Newsletter on Substack: https://bobmathers.substack.com/

Links & Resources

Lacey on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceyjheels/

Lacey on Substack: https://www.awildhoney.com/

Lacey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awildhoney/

The Rebirth Rituals: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0F931KTTQ