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
216 episodes
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...
•
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...
•
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...
•
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...
•
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...
•
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'
•
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 ...
•
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 ...
•
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. ...
•
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...
•
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...
•
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...
•
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...
•
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,...
•
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'
•
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.
•
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...
•
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...
•
14:02
Season 4 Episode 2: Jesse Thistle
Today’s guest is Jesse Thistle, who is a dedicated father and swimming cheerleader to his daughter Rose, a skilled pancake chef, and an avid writer. Jesse is also the author of “From the Ashes,” the winner of the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize for ...
•
24:36
Season 4 Episode 1: MacKenzie 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...
•
12:14
Assumptions Free: Speaking Across Generations
In this episode of Third Fork, Ryan and Tansley break down what it truly takes to connect across generations at work. From legacy systems that challenge even the most tech-savvy new hires to the courage it takes to admit when you do...
•
19:25
Making the Last Mile Count: Strategic Execution at its Finest
Making the Last Mile Count: Strategic Execution at its Finest To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns'
•
10:19
Rewind Episode: Dr. Aimee Daily
Today’s guest is Dr. Aimee Daily. Aimee is committed to helping ensure that kids get the care they need to reach their full potential. Aimee is also the president and chief executive officer at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals where she foc...
•
29:58
