In this Best Bits episode of The Curiosity Current, hosts Matt and Stephanie bring together 10 of the boldest hot takes from past conversations with researchers, strategists, and leaders who aren’t afraid to challenge convention. Each guest answers one provocative question:

“What’s the boldest hot take you have about leadership, research, or human connection?”

Rand Fishkin pulls no punches in exposing the myth of the all-knowing CEO and opens up about the tension between money, ego, and staying grounded. Leyla Doany explains why storytelling, not statistics, is what breaks through executive overload, while Ashley Hopkins draws creative parallels between shoes and mattresses to unlock new ways of thinking about user experience.

Jeff Dahms argues that paper surveys are making a comeback as digital channels erode trust, and Roddy Knowles highlights how poor study design can drive participants away before insights are even collected. Raina Rusnak underscores the role of empathy in building loyalty and trust within teams, while Louisea Hudson champions researchers as the true voice of the customer. Subhasish Nanda reframes telecom as a relationship business, not just a commodity, and Dave Ritter cautions that AI is only as valuable as the humans who validate and guide it. Finally, Ben Valenta turns “sports hate” on its head, showing how rivalries actually foster deeper community and connection.

This episode is a curated collection of the sharpest, funniest, and most thought-provoking moments from The Curiosity Current, a practical guide to rethinking leadership, research, and the human connections that shape them.

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