Despite Impossible
I am Tansley Stearns, and this is Despite Impossible. I am a long-time credit union executive leading Community Financial as president & ceo. I have always admired and been inspired by people whose passion is boundless and who don't comprehend the word impossible. This show focuses on their stories.
Episodes
223 episodes
Season 4 Episode 14: Tunde Wey
Today’s guest is Tunde Wey. Tunde is a kind human, he is curious, a chef, an artist, and a social activist. He is also a social practice artist who uses food, finance, and investment capital to address economic disparities across geography and ...
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24:10
What Should We Leave Behind in 2025
Say hello to 2026. Tansley and Ryan kick off the new year by sharing what they’re leaving behind in 2025—from habits and social media trends to workout apps that started to sap the joy from movement (sorry, Apple 👀). While fitness stays ...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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10:35
Season 4 Episode 13: Danny Goldberg
Today’s guest is Danny Goldberg. Danny is a gifted storyteller, he is warm and welcoming, and someone who leaps to get started and take the first step. He is also a Workplace Culture & Leadership Keynote Speaker who has spoken to 10,000+ le...
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17:54
Flexing and Stretching into New Opportunities
In this episode of Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan explore what it means to be adaptive in both work and home life—and how flexibility can open the door to meaningful growth and new opportunities. They also unpack the potential pitfalls of m...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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15:12
From So Long, Farewell to Hello, Hello: Moving Beyond Succession Planning to Leadership Renewal
From So Long, Farewell to Hello, Hello: Moving Beyond Succession Planning to Leadership RenewalTo access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns'
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8:44
Season 4 Episode 12: Rashmi Airan
Today’s guest is Rashmi Airan. Rashmi is known to be courageous, kind, loyal, vulnerable, and loving. She is also a celebrated motivational speaker, cultural consultant, and former attorney whose journey from corporate law to overcoming a feder...
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18:29
Rewind Episode: Michael Randall
Today’s guest is Michael Randall. Mike is passionate about community development. He is an independent filmmaker, someone who enjoys a walk around the block, and crafting small cities out of cardboard. He is also the Executive Director at Grand...
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26:07
Rewind Episode: MacKenzie Isabelle Stearns
Today’s guest is MacKenzie Isabelle Stearns. MacKenzie is an adventurer, a dedicated athlete, someone who deeply enjoys music, she is full of energy, and her friends describe her as someone incredibly fun to be around. MacKenzie is a first-year...
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12:14
A Third Fork Q&A
Today’s episode of Third Fork centers on audience questions they’ve never seen before. No prep. No scripts. Just real talk.Tansley and Ryan dig into the messy middle of career growth. How to build skills when you’re not sure whe...
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21:46
Season 4 Episode 11: Dr. Missy Stults
Today’s guest is Dr. Missy Stults. Missy exudes high energy; she is a mom, a relentless problem-solver, an avid puzzler, and an upcoming speaker at HERd 2026 on February 20th. She is also the Director of the City of Ann Arbor’s Office of Sustai...
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15:23
Season 4 Episode 10: Dr. Gretchen Moran Marsh
Today’s guest is Dr. Gretchen Moran Marsh. She is driven, loves Michigan summers and dancing, and is ensuring mental health has the attention it deserves and that we reduce stigma to support people fully. She is also a is a clinical psychologis...
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23:29
Career Myths: The Ones Worth Busting (and Keeping)
This week, Tansley and Ryan unpack the biggest career myths we’ve all been told. From “follow your passion” to “climb the ladder.” Ryan shares why chasing passion might actually lead you in circles and diminish the joy you find in a hobby you a...
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14:20
Of Diet Coke and Falling Asleep to Bad Television: Building New Habits at Work and at Home
Of Diet Coke and Falling Asleep to Bad Television: Building New Habits at Work and at HomeTo access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns'
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11:16
Season 4 Episode 9: Jerry Paffendorf
Today’s guest is Jerry Paffendorf. Jerry is an artist, a Yooper, a skateboarder, and someone who enjoys a sauna. He is also the Co-Founder & CEO at Regrid with a mission to map out how the world is subdivided, owned, inhabited, and used in ...
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27:04
Worth the Ask: Negotiations 101
Negotiating pay can feel like walking a tightrope in dress shoes. Ryan’s been on both sides of the table, coaching candidates and now extending offers, and he’s seen how the script changes depending on your role, your leverage, and ...
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18:46
Season 4 Episode 8: Vince Paul
Today’s guest is Vince Paul. Vince is an artist, a Detroiter, and boasts an alter ego, Tenacious V, who makes an appearance once a decade. He is also the President and Artistic Director of the Detroit Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts. ...
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25:34
Buzzword Bingo
In this episode of Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan take a playful jab at the language of work. Those buzzwords and phrases that fill meetings, memos, and Teams/Zoom chats everywhere. From “innovation” to “synergy,” they unpack how jarg...
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15:24
Season 4 Episode 7: Michael Randall
Today’s guest is Michael Randall. Mike is passionate about community development. He is an independent filmmaker, someone who enjoys a walk around the block, and crafting small cities out of cardboard. He is also the Executive Director at Grand...
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26:07
Season 4 Episode 6: Maddie Farris
Today’s guest is Maddie Farris. Maddie is outgoing, empathetic, and someone who enjoys keeping up with her little sister. Maddie also plays forward and defense for the University of Michigan Women's Ice Hockey team. Maddie is from Northville, M...
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9:04
Season 4 Episode 5: Mariana Ceballos
Today’s guest is Mariana Ceballos. Mariana is an adventurer, a hiker, and someone who puts effort in everything she does. She also plays defense for the University of Michigan Women's Ice Hockey team. Mariana will be representing the Wolverines...
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10:48
On Being Human at Work: Leading When It’s Heavy
Some days hit different. You wake up and something’s off, maybe it’s you, maybe it’s the air. The inbox feels louder, the faces in meetings blur together, and your usual spark is just… missing. We all have experienced them. Sometimes it’s work,...
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13:55
Removing Spinach from Our Teeth: From Potential to Human Impact
Removing Spinach from Our Teeth: From Potential to Human ImpactTo access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns'
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12:41
Season 4 Episode 4: Julia Lindahl
Today’s guest is Julia Lindahl. Julia is driven, passionate, and empathetic. She is also a forward for the University of Michigan Women's Ice Hockey team. She’ll be graduating as an architect as part of the 2026 class. This is Julia’s story.
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9:03
Season 4 Episode 3: Lauren Hood
Today’s guest is Lauren Hood. Lauren is an expander of boundaries, someone who elevates what’s possible, and is always trying to maximize her potential. She is also an educator, a writer, a city planner, and a community developer with a focus o...
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18:32
Butterflies on Day One: Welcoming Leaders with Intention
Behind the title and the resume is a human being stepping into new territory.Behind the title and the resume is a human being stepping into new territory. Culture is felt in the little things: an intentional lunch invite, a personal stor...
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14:02
