Dying Out Loud Podcast

Mandi Botic: Two Decades, One Wild Ride, and a Christmas Reunion

In this special holiday release of Dying Out Loud, Kristopher reunites with Mandi Botic, a friend whose loyalty has spanned nearly 20 years and multiple zip codes, from Kansas City to New York and LA.
For the first time in three years, Kristopher and Mandi see each other face-to-face. Together, they take a trip down memory lane, revisiting the "trauma bond" that started it all, wild nights at Missy B’s, and the infamous taxi ride they’ll never forget.
Listen in as Kristopher reads a moving letter to Mandi, thanking her for being a steady presence through life’s biggest transitions. With a real-life reunion planned for this Christmas, this episode is a beautiful reminder that true friendship defies distance.
Key Takeaway: The holidays are the perfect time to reach out. Don't let time or distance stop you from reconnecting.

Inseparable: How a Work Bestie Became a Lifeline with Nickie Gibbs

Kris welcomes his longtime friend Nickie Gibbs to discuss how a workplace friendship turned into a decade-long bond that helped him survive his first cancer diagnosis. They discuss:
The "Platform" Days: How high-stress jobs forged a family-like bond.
Servant Leadership: Lessons on leading with heart in business and life.
Showing Up: Why effort is the secret ingredient to long-distance friendship.
The Letter: Kris reads a personal letter of gratitude to Nickie.
Challenge: After listening, text that friend you haven't spoken to in a while and tell them you love them.

Collaboration, Friendship, and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Rebecca Lee

Host Kris sits down with Dr. Rebecca Lee for an open conversation about creative partnership, friendship, and overcoming imposter syndrome in the workplace. They share their journey from colleagues to close collaborators, offering insights on mutual coaching, the importance of connection, and the courage it takes to grow both personally and professionally.

Invisible Impact: How a Forgotten Conversation Changed My Life with Deano Sutter

In this deeply personal episode of Dying Out Loud, Kris sits down with men’s coach and speaker Deano Sutter for a conversation about the profound, often invisible impact we have on one another. Kris reveals a moment from years ago—a simple one-hour consultation regarding a men's coaching group—that Deano doesn't even remember, but which fundamentally altered the trajectory of Kris’s life and career.
 
Together, they explore the concept of the "ripple effect," discussing how brief interactions can plant seeds that grow into life-changing purpose. Deano shares his own journey of self-discovery, moving from a youth pastor struggling with self-worth and sexuality to a coach who helps others rewrite their "outdated programs" for survival. They also dive into a powerful reframing of mortality, with Deano sharing the beautiful lessons he learned while caring for his mother during her final days, viewing death not as a tragedy, but as a meaningful transition.

Leadership, Friendship, and the Letters that Cant Wait with Tracy Kreikemeier

In this episode of Dying Out Loud, host Kristopher Saim sits down with Tracy Kreikemeier, a woman who has played the dual roles of cherished friend and professional mentor in his life. Their story began through mutual friends, Fritz and Holly, but deepened during their time working together at Platform Advertising, where Tracy served as Kris's supervisor.
 
Kris and Tracy take a nostalgic walk down memory lane, revisiting the "work hard, play hard" era of their friendship—from wine and charcuterie nights to dancing in the basement of the Brookside. Beyond the laughter, they dive deep into the lessons Tracy imparted regarding executive presence, the importance of vulnerability, and the art of building genuine relationships.

Human-First Leadership: Thriving Through Adversity with Luana Pereira

This episode of "Dying Out Loud" celebrates a "human first type of leadership" that transcends titles. Host Kris is joined by Luana Pereira, a leader he has been fortunate to work with for several years.
When Kris was navigating his stage four cancer diagnosis , he was in an incredibly "vulnerable state". Luana's "steady presence" , advocacy, and commitment to him as a person created the space and support for him to thrive in the midst of his diagnosis—something he "never thought was possible".
Luana shares her own powerful journey of moving from Brazil to the U.S. without speaking English and how it shaped her leadership philosophy. She discusses why she believes the separation between your work self and your personal self is a "big lie" and why leaders must connect with their people's "why" to unlock their potential.
Kris and Luana discuss the importance of showing up authentically , the "Working with Cancer" initiative they helped champion , and how the support he received at work has been the "best medicine" and, in his view, "extended my life".
The conversation culminates in a powerful moment as Kris reads a letter of gratitude he wrote to Luana during his treatment , thanking her for making him feel "like I still belong".
This episode is a masterclass in authentic leadership and a moving testament to the impact one person can have on another's life.

More Than a CEO: Michael Platt on People, Culture, and Gratitude

In this reflective and empowering episode , Kris Saim connects with Michael Platt, founder and former CEO of Platform Advertising and a prolific voice in higher education advertising. This conversation dives deep into the profound influence Michael had on Kris’s career, shaping his view of leadership, business growth, and balance in life.
Michael shares his motivation for starting Platform: creating impact by developing people, not just serving clients. He reveals the success of the company's robust mentoring program, which fostered a culture where everyone was a mentee, and three-quarters were mentors.
Kris shares his gratitude for Michael's consistency, wisdom, and generosity , reminding listeners to reach out to their own mentors to say thank you and share the impact they've had.

Invest in Your People: Trust, Growth, and Leading with Compassion with Kevin Doyle

This incredibly personal and strategic episode features Kris Saim and former manager Kevin Doyle, exploring the journey from coach to team member and the transformational power of leadership grounded in trust and profound investment. Kris shares how Kevin and his team not only adapted his role following a Stage IV diagnosis but actively fueled his professional evolution, giving him the space and resources to master new skills.
This story is a powerful testament to human-centered leadership, featuring the exceptional investment Kevin made by taking Kris through a university-level class in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Kevin offers advice to other leaders, emphasizing the need to focus on helping people find their motivation by identifying and building upon their "superpower," like Kris's expertise in relationship building.
Listen in to discover how focusing on joy and growth at work became "medicinal" for Kris, proving that the most powerful leaders walk beside you, investing in you even before you can believe in yourself.

From Colleagues to Kindred Spirits: The Power of an Authentic Connection with Celina Goddard

From Coaching Session to Core Connection: Investing Deeply in One Another’s Growth
This episode highlights a powerful truth: sometimes, the most sacred connections sneak up on you and change everything. Kris Saim welcomes Celina Goddard to explore their journey from a routine professional coaching session into a deep and reciprocal friendship.
This conversation is a masterclass in how leadership principles transform into genuine human connection. Kris discusses how Celina’s consistent encouragement and strategic wisdom provided powerful support through his cancer journey and inspired him to lean fully into his purpose. Celina shares her perspective on the relationship, describing Kris as someone who "exuded potential" and helped her realize the importance of operating from a place of "overflow"—giving from a full cup, not from scarcity.
Listen in to discover:
How to harness time and live with intention in your daily life.
The power of showing up as your "whole self" at work, blurring the lines between professional and personal life in a healthy, meaningful way.
Why authenticity is the foundation of professional success and effortless flow.
As Celina beautifully advises, "Lead with love. If you get that shot in the dark moment... send the damn letter". This episode is an encouraging reminder that your people are out there and true connection is a gift.

The Enduring Roots of Family: Love, Loss, and the Oncologist-Cousin with Dr. Jeff Edenfield

Family, Medicine, and the Power of Unconditional Support with Dr. Jeff Edenfield
In one of the most personal episodes of Dying Out Loud, Kris Saim welcomes his cousin and oncologist, Dr. Jeff Edenfield, for a reflective stroll down memory lane that progresses from childhood pool days to the present reality of a Stage IV cancer journey. This conversation explores the enduring strength of family connections, the profound impact of shared history, and the unique dynamic of having a loved one also serve as a medical professional. Dr. Edenfield shares his perspective on the human element of oncology—how he strives to be a support, not an intruder, in his patients' lives, and how his personal connection to Kris has influenced his approach to patient care. Kris opens up about the solitude of his initial diagnosis and how he overcame his fear of death by leaning into the love and support of his family, choosing to live the last three years with purposeful joy. Dr. Edenfield offers powerful, empathetic advice for anyone supporting a loved one with cancer: "Just acknowledge the powerful aspect of silence... Try not to make the topic of every conversation with someone you love who has cancer about the cancer." This episode is a beautiful reminder that family roots shape us across a lifetime, and love is a power that can transcend illness.