<![CDATA[The Wisdom Behind the Words]]>The words we use shape how we think, lead, decide, and connect with others, yet we rarely stop to examine what the truly mean or the practical application.

Wisdom Behind the Words helps you look beyond familiar language, challenge automatic assumptions, and discover fresh perspectives that you can apply to your work, relationships, and everyday decisions. Each conversation explores an important word or idea through two different lenses, combining Dee Dee’s experience in nonprofit fundraising with Kursten’s background in corporate consulting, leadership, and human behavior.

The topic is chosen with a spin of the wheel, which creates conversations that are spontaneous, honest, and grounded in real experience. In about twenty minutes, each episode will leave you with a new way to think about a word you may have been using your entire life.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 11 Sep 2026 03:14:16 GMTFri, 14 Aug 2026 19:32:59 GMT60Dee Dee Kiesow & Kursten Faller<p>The words we use shape how we think, lead, decide, and connect with others, yet we rarely stop to examine what the truly mean or the practical application.</p><p></p><p>Wisdom Behind the Words helps you look beyond familiar language, challenge automatic assumptions, and discover fresh perspectives that you can apply to your work, relationships, and everyday decisions. Each conversation explores an important word or idea through two different lenses, combining Dee Dee’s experience in nonprofit fundraising with Kursten’s background in corporate consulting, leadership, and human behavior.</p><p></p><p>The topic is chosen with a spin of the wheel, which creates conversations that are spontaneous, honest, and grounded in real experience. In about twenty minutes, each episode will leave you with a new way to think about a word you may have been using your entire life.</p>episodicDee Dee Kiesow & Kursten Fallerkurstendfaller@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Episode 1-4 Why Mastery Comes From Imperfect Practice, Not Perfection]]>What separates simply repeating something from truly mastering it?

In this episode of Wisdom Behind the Words, Kursten Faller and DeeDee Kiesow explore how intentional practice develops real capability. They discuss why repetition alone isn’t enough—and how feedback, reflection, adjustment, and the willingness to remain uncomfortable help us move from basic competence toward mastery.

Whether you’re developing a new skill, leading others, or working to perform at a higher level, this conversation will change how you think about practice and progress.

]]>8444a9c7-cd19-46ce-95d3-c240f3832c7eMon, 07 Sep 2026 18:56:12 GMT<p>What separates simply repeating something from truly mastering it?</p><p></p><p>In this episode of <i>Wisdom Behind the Words</i>, Kursten Faller and DeeDee Kiesow explore how intentional practice develops real capability. They discuss why repetition alone isn’t enough—and how feedback, reflection, adjustment, and the willingness to remain uncomfortable help us move from basic competence toward mastery.</p><p></p><p>Whether you’re developing a new skill, leading others, or working to perform at a higher level, this conversation will change how you think about practice and progress.</p>no00:17:1414Episode 1-4 Why Mastery Comes From Imperfect Practice, Not Perfectionfull<![CDATA[Episode 1-3 Strategy and Why Your Five-Year Plan Is Already Obsolete]]>If your strategy sits untouched on a shelf, it has already failed.

Kursten and Dee Dee challenge the traditional idea that strategy is a detailed, long-term plan. They explore why effective strategy must be flexible, how fear and “best practices” keep organizations stuck, and why thinking differently matters more than having the most money or resources.

From the Wright brothers to a fundraising event that grew from $30,000 to more than $200,000, this episode shows what becomes possible when you stop planning for certainty and start moving with purpose

]]>b79d3b14-232c-4b01-aa55-db328d98f61bFri, 28 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>If your strategy sits untouched on a shelf, it has already failed.</p><p></p><p>Kursten and Dee Dee challenge the traditional idea that strategy is a detailed, long-term plan. They explore why effective strategy must be flexible, how fear and “best practices” keep organizations stuck, and why thinking differently matters more than having the most money or resources.</p><p></p><p>From the Wright brothers to a fundraising event that grew from $30,000 to more than $200,000, this episode shows what becomes possible when you stop planning for certainty and start moving with purpose</p>no00:20:3513Episode 1-3 Strategy and Why Your Five-Year Plan Is Already Obsoletefull<![CDATA[Episode 1-2: Empathy Isn’t Being Nice, The Courage to Truly Help]]>Empathy is often mistaken for pity, kindness or simply being a good listener. But real empathy means understanding someone well enough to act in their best interests, even when that requires saying something they may not want to hear.

Kursten and Dee Dee explore the emotional, experiential and intellectual dimensions of empathy, the difference between empathy and manipulation, and why genuinely caring for others also requires boundaries, courage and a willingness to accept value in return.

]]>9d2a1442-fa79-4ef7-8b54-6598de85a381Fri, 21 Aug 2026 21:04:27 GMT<p>Empathy is often mistaken for pity, kindness or simply being a good listener. But real empathy means understanding someone well enough to act in their best interests, even when that requires saying something they may not want to hear.</p><p></p><p>Kursten and Dee Dee explore the emotional, experiential and intellectual dimensions of empathy, the difference between empathy and manipulation, and why genuinely caring for others also requires boundaries, courage and a willingness to accept value in return.</p>no00:19:4612Episode 1-2: Empathy Isn’t Being Nice, The Courage to Truly Helpfull<![CDATA[Episode 1-1: Two Brains, Fast Instinct Slow Wisdom]]>What opportunities are you missing because your brain is trying to protect you? Hosts Kursten Faller and Dee Dee Kiesow explore how fear, assumptions, and emotional reactions can quietly shape our decisions in leadership, fundraising, sales, and relationships. Through real stories and practical techniques, they reveal how slowing down your thinking can help you remain present during conflict, reframe perceived threats, recognize opportunities, and make wiser decisions when the stakes feel high. If you have ever avoided an important conversation or opportunity because you feared what might go wrong, this episode will help you take back control of your thinking.

]]>ef3916ae-df15-4786-b701-447e3d4cd7ffFri, 14 Aug 2026 20:06:57 GMT<p>What opportunities are you missing because your brain is trying to protect you? Hosts Kursten Faller and Dee Dee Kiesow explore how fear, assumptions, and emotional reactions can quietly shape our decisions in leadership, fundraising, sales, and relationships. Through real stories and practical techniques, they reveal how slowing down your thinking can help you remain present during conflict, reframe perceived threats, recognize opportunities, and make wiser decisions when the stakes feel high. If you have ever avoided an important conversation or opportunity because you feared what might go wrong, this episode will help you take back control of your thinking.</p>no00:27:0111Episode 1-1: Two Brains, Fast Instinct Slow Wisdomfull