Chris Voss's Blog, page 112
May 17, 2023
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Never Say Whatever: How Small Decisions Make a Big Difference by Richard A. Moran
Never Say Whatever: How Small Decisions Make a Big Difference by Richard A. Moran
Life Is Choices. Make Them.
Calling in late to a Zoom meeting with kids playing in the background. Avoiding optional meetings. Dodging low-profile assignments. Giving H.R. lunch-and-learns a hard pass. There are countless ways we’ve become the apathetic version of our corporate selves―dismissing what seems unimportant with a big shrug emoji. Whatever. Who cares?
In Never Say Whatever, veteran author, radio host, and former college president Dr. Richard Moran reveals with stunning clarity why you should care: The W-word is a career killer. In fact, he likens it to the similarly NSFW F-bomb. It can be a whole sentence, an attitude, an “OK,” or nothing at all. It’s a word that comes in handy and can be habit forming, but the consequences of using it as your fallback response can have drastically negative results over time.
The numerous daily decisions we make, both at work and in life, are small chances to make big impact. Understanding this―and banishing that “meh” attitude―is key to success.
Written with unflinching honesty, humor, and interviews with corporate decision makers, Never Say Whatever offers a blueprint to help everyone understand why and how the choices we make, even the minor ones, are in fact pivotal to professional development and career trajectory. For young graduates just starting out to seasoned professionals seeking ways to reenergize their careers, it’s a timely call to get on track, and stay on track, with boosted productivity, an impressive personal brand, and a fortified gameplan for a supercharged career.
NETGEAR XR1000 Nighthawk Pro Gaming WiFi 6 Router Review
I’ve been reviewing the NETGEAR XR1000 for a couple months. Its been a massive upgrade to the older routers we had in the home. As a gamer and live podcast streamer I need lots of power and bandwidth with no interupptions in signals. Having the latest AT&T Samsung phones that we review make so we can run WiFi 6 on them and around the house for the best results. Its very easy to setup and use with plenty of customizable features. Its elegent to look at so it looks good no matter where you put it in the house, even on display. It will help you take your gaming online to the next level or enjoy better streaming of videos and the internet. Even great for those business zoom calls that hog up bandwidth.
The NETGEAR XR1000 is a robust and efficient Wi-Fi 6 router geared towards enhancing the online gaming experience, which it accomplishes remarkably well. Offering a plethora of features, this router can be the critical link in your gaming setup, ensuring low latency, high-speed data transmission, and stable connection.
Beginning with its design, the XR1000 stands out with its modern aesthetic appeal. The sharp, angular appearance, with a matte black finish, makes it a perfect fit in any gaming or high-tech environment. The front panel displays a line of useful LED indicators that inform you about the device’s status.
One of the most impressive features of this router is its Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) capability. Compared to Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 offers more significant speed improvements, better network efficiency, and a larger client capacity. This leads to less congestion, even with multiple devices connected to the network, which is essential for any gamer who doesn’t want to be interrupted during an intense gaming session.
The router runs on a 1.5GHz triple-core processor, offering strong, efficient performance that can easily handle the high bandwidth requirements of gaming, video streaming, and even virtual reality applications. Coupled with this is the 4-stream architecture that provides speeds up to 5.4Gbps, making it an excellent choice for high-speed internet service plans.
In terms of gaming features, the XR1000 boasts DumaOS 3.0, which is a highly customizable and powerful operating system designed specifically for gamers. It includes geo-fencing, bandwidth allocation (QoS), and ping heatmap features that provide an in-depth look into your network’s performance, allowing for fine-tuning to get the most out of your online gaming sessions.
With regards to connectivity, the XR1000 offers four 1G Ethernet ports and one 1G/2.5G Multi-Gig Ethernet port, providing ample options for wired connections. This can be a significant boon for competitive gamers who prefer a wired connection for its stability and reduced latency.
However, the XR1000 is not just for gamers. Its capabilities make it ideal for large households with multiple devices connected to the network. The Beamforming+ and OFDMA features ensure that all connected devices receive a strong, reliable signal, which can handle simultaneous high-bandwidth activities like 4K/8K video streaming, video conferencing, and more.
On the downside, the XR1000 is quite an investment, considering its relatively high price tag. The advanced features it offers may not be necessary for casual users, who might find more value in a less expensive, yet still reliable router.
In summary, the NETGEAR XR1000 is a powerhouse of a router that delivers on its promises. Its high-speed performance, enhanced features, and gaming-centric design make it a top contender for anyone looking to optimize their online gaming experience. The high price tag may be a barrier for some, but for serious gamers and tech-savvy individuals looking for the best network performance, the investment is well worth it.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra on AT&T Review
For nearly 14 years, we’ve reviewed mobile phones, many with AT&T and the Samsung Galaxy’s and Note’s have been my routinely my favorite phones. I must admit I do tend to prefer the Note flagship but in recent years the Galaxy base version has been built on the Note frame work of a large powerful screens, internals and the pen that used to only be exlcusive to the Note. This has given the Galaxy base even more added value with many of the great features of the Note for a Galaxy base price. I’ve been testing out the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, and I must say that it is an exceptional phone that is impressive in performance and features even giving older Notes a run for their money. The device is available for purchase on AT&T’s website at the link above.
Starting with the design, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra showcases a sleek and premium aesthetic. The device features a large, vibrant display with slim bezels, offering an immersive viewing experience. The build quality is excellent, with a sturdy frame and glass back that feels premium in hand. The device is also water and dust resistant, providing an added layer of durability.
One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is its display. The smartphone boasts a stunning Dynamic AMOLED panel with a high resolution, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Whether you’re watching videos, browsing the web, or playing games, the display truly enhances the overall experience.
In terms of performance, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a powerhouse. It is equipped with a cutting-edge processor, ample RAM, and plenty of storage space. The device handles multitasking with ease and runs demanding apps and games smoothly. Whether you’re a heavy user or a casual smartphone enthusiast, the S23 Ultra offers a seamless and lag-free experience.
The camera system on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is truly remarkable. It features a quad-camera setup, including a primary sensor, an ultra-wide-angle lens, a telephoto lens, and a depth sensor. These cameras work in harmony to capture stunning photos with incredible detail, vibrant colors, and excellent dynamic range. The device also excels in low-light photography, producing clear and well-lit shots even in challenging conditions. The front-facing camera is equally impressive, allowing for high-quality selfies and video calls.
Another notable feature of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is its battery life. The device houses a large battery capacity that easily lasts through a full day of heavy usage. Additionally, it supports fast charging, enabling you to quickly recharge the device when needed. The smartphone also offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which allows you to wirelessly charge other compatible devices using the S23 Ultra as a charging pad.
In terms of software, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra runs on the latest version of Android with Samsung’s custom user interface on top. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with useful features. Samsung continues to improve its software experience, offering regular updates and optimizations to enhance the overall user experience.
Connectivity-wise, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra supports AT&T’s 5G connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable internet speeds where available. It also offers various connectivity options, including NFC, Bluetooth, and USB-C, providing versatility for connecting to other devices and accessories.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is an exceptional smartphone that delivers on all fronts. It boasts a stunning design, a gorgeous display, impressive performance, a versatile camera system, long-lasting battery life, and a feature-packed software experience. If you’re in the market for a top-of-the-line flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is definitely worth considering.
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Murder for Liar by Verlin Darrow
Murder for Liar by Verlin Darrow
Tom is dangerously close to discovering where his threshold is-the point of no return for his sanity. His encounter with the killer represents one more bizarre hot potato he’s forced to juggle instead of filing away neatly. It’s not one too many, but what if the next one is? And could all the coincidences that keep happening to Tom be nothing more than that? Could a young woman named Zig-Zag really be an angel? How could a dog lead Tom to one of the most important clues? The questions pile up, much as the murders do.
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom by Sharon Salzberg
Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom by Sharon Salzberg
Merging the insights of inspiring voices with her own understanding of mindfulness, New York Times bestselling author Sharon Salzberg shows us how we can recover from the emotional effects of crisis.
When confronted with pain and obstacles, we often shrink back and contract out of fear and disappointment. That can become a way of life.
In Real Life, Sharon Salzberg lets us know it doesn’t have to be that way.
When we feel alone, cut off, or trapped, we can let those difficulties steer us onto a path toward an authentic, flourishing life―living in a way that allows us to find the wholeness that lies within. Even when we’re alone, a sense of community can accompany us through the stormy times. Our words, hearts, and actions can line up with a larger vision, rather than the smaller views our anxious, fearful thoughts arouse in us.
To live in a less constricted way―with a more spacious, open sense of possibility, creativity, connection, and joy―Salzberg says we need to get real about what’s most important, to ask ourselves, “What do I most deeply yearn for?” “What would I benefit from letting go of?” “What do I believe is possible for me?”
We accomplish the journey to expansive freedom (Real Life) through developing tools like mindful awareness, friendship, and a greater sense of purpose/aspiration. We learn to:
• take some risks with what we dare to imagine
• take an interest in internal states we might normally try to avoid
• take an interest in people we might normally try to avoid
Real Life is about the journey we make when we decide to live the life that speaks to our innermost longing to live free.
About the Author
Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her forthcoming release, Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom, is set for release in April of 2023 from Flatiron Books. Her podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed six million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond. Learn more at www.sharonsalzberg.com
May 16, 2023
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Crooked: The Roaring ’20s Tale of a Corrupt Attorney General, a Crusading Senator, and the Birth of the American Political Scandal by Nathan Masters
Crooked: The Roaring ’20s Tale of a Corrupt Attorney General, a Crusading Senator, and the Birth of the American Political Scandal by Nathan Masters
The riveting, forgotten narrative of the most corrupt attorney general in American history and the maverick senator who stopped at nothing to take him down
Many tales from the Jazz Age reek of crime and corruption. But perhaps the era’s greatest political fiasco—one that resulted in a nationwide scandal, a public reckoning at the Department of Justice, the rise of J. Edgar Hoover, and an Oscar-winning film—has long been lost to the annals of history. In Crooked, Nathan Masters restores this story of murderers, con artists, secret lovers, spies, bootleggers, and corrupt politicians to its full, page-turning glory.
Newly elected to the Senate on a promise to root out corruption, Burton “Boxcar Burt” Wheeler sets his sights on ousting Attorney General Harry Daugherty, puppet-master behind President Harding’s unlikely rise to power. Daugherty is famous for doing whatever it takes to keep his boss in power, and his cozy relations with bootleggers and other scofflaws have long spawned rumors of impropriety. But when his constant companion and trusted fixer, Jess Smith, is found dead of a gunshot wound in the apartment the two men share, Daugherty is suddenly thrust into the spotlight, exposing the rot consuming the Harding administration to a shocked public.
Determined to uncover the truth in the ensuing investigation, Wheeler takes the prosecutorial reins and subpoenas a rogue’s gallery of witnesses—convicted felons, shady detectives, disgraced officials—to expose the attorney general’s treachery and solve the riddle of Jess Smith’s suspicious death. With the muckraking senator hot on his trail, Daugherty turns to his greatest weapon, the nascent Federal Bureau of Investigation, whose eager second-in-command, J. Edgar Hoover, sees opportunity amidst the chaos.
Packed with political intrigue, salacious scandal, and no shortage of lessons for our modern era of political discord, Nathan Masters’ thrilling historical narrative shows how this intricate web of inconceivable crookedness set the stage for the next century of American political scandals.
About the Author
Nathan Masters has hosted and produced the Emmy Award-winning public television series Lost LA since 2016. He’s the author of hundreds of articles about Los Angeles history, and his true-life, longform story about America’s first policewoman is currently under development at Amazon Studios as a feature film. He works at the USC Libraries and lives in the mountains of Southern California with his wife, the author and television writer Kseniya Melnik, and their two children. Crooked is his first book.
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Maksymizing Life: Turn self doubt into self confidence! by Valerie Maksym
Maksymizing Life: Turn self doubt into self confidence! by Valerie Maksym
At the age of 44, I found myself facing the challenges of divorce for the second time and, for the first time in my life, I would be living on my own. This newfound solitude became an opportunity for transformation as I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Over the course of seven years, I undertook the process of healing and understanding the person I had become. As a mother of four and a grandmother of two, I strived to overcome the emotional turmoil and emerge as a stronger individual, with a newfound sense of self-confidence. This determination led me to discover my passion for fitness, and I am now a nationally qualified NPC figure bodybuilder competitor. Alongside my physical achievements, I channeled my experiences into becoming a high-performance life coach and authoring a book entitled “Maksymizing Life.” Today, at the age of 51, I am proud to say that I am in the best shape of my life, and I am a firm believer that age is just a number. By breaking free from limiting beliefs and embracing our inner superhero, we all have the potential to create the life we were meant to live.
Empowering individuals to break free from their current circumstances and embrace their true potential has become an innate ability of mine – a gift that I cherish and utilize to its maximum to enhance the lives of those around me. Through leveraging my diverse life experiences and transforming the valuable lessons I have learned into relatable, practical guidance, I have discovered an unparalleled joy in not only my own journey, but also in witnessing the incredible growth and happiness of others. As a beacon of encouragement and a catalyst for change, my mission is to inspire individuals to escape the confines of their limitations and fearlessly soar into the life they have always dreamt of living. This beautiful synergy between personal growth and helping others manifest their dreams truly creates a powerful and purposeful existence for all involved.
May 14, 2023
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Justice at Trial: Courtroom Battles and Groundbreaking Cases by James J. Brosnahan
Justice at Trial: Courtroom Battles and Groundbreaking Cases by James J. Brosnahan
Follow a trial lawyer’s career through the demanding, often controversial, and suspenseful world of jury trials, tension-filled appeals and the different worlds of courtrooms, jail cells, corporate boardrooms, and law firms. Each of the cases in the nineteen chapters were selected from a total of his 150 jury trials to reflect issues of current importance, including refugees on the Mexican border, gargantuan gender battles inside one of the largest corporations in the world, sexual taboos on national television, accusations of terrorism, government agents who cheat, innocent prisoners in our jails, the constitutional right to speak and print the truth, bringing law to a war zone, poverty and murder on Native American Reservations, current problems of hunger in America, and more.
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Making It Home: Life Lessons from a Season of Little League by Teresa Strasser
Making It Home: Life Lessons from a Season of Little League by Teresa Strasser
An achingly heartfelt and surprisingly funny memoir about family, grief, and moving forward by an award-winning writer and TV personality.
When her brother dies from cancer, and then her mother just four months later, Teresa Strasser has no one to mourn with but her irresponsible, cantankerous, trailerpark-dwelling father. He claims not to remember her chaotic childhood, but he’s a devoted grandpa, so as her son embarks on his first season pitching in Little League, Teresa and Nelson form a grief group of two in beach chairs lined up behind the first base line.
There are no therapeutically trained facilitators and no rules other than those dictated by the Little League of America, and the human heart. For Teresa and her father, the stages of grief are the draft, the regular season, and the playoffs. One season of baseball becomes the framework for a memoir about family, loss, and the fundamentals of baseball and life. They cheer, talk smack about other teams, scream at each other in the parking lot, and care way too much about Little League.
Making It Home is a bracingly honest journey through grief, self-doubt, and anxiety armed with humor and optimism. After all, America’s pastime may be just a game, but it always leaves room for redemption, even at the bottom of the lineup.
May 12, 2023
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – E. Jean Carroll Trial of Trump Commentary and All the President’s Women: Donald Trump and the Making of a Predator by Barry Levine and Monique El-Faizy
E. Jean Carroll Trial of Trump Commentary and All the President’s Women: Donald Trump and the Making of a Predator by Barry Levine and Monique El-Faizy
With groundbreaking interviews, behind-the-scenes reporting, and never-before-seen photos, All the President’s Women records 43 new allegations of sexual misconduct against President Trump, including that of E. Jean Carroll, the woman at the center of the civil trial that found Trump liable for sexual abuse in 2023.
During his 2016 presidential run, the revelation of the Access Hollywood tape and subsequent allegations of sexual misconduct lodged against Donald Trump looked like they might doom his candidacy. Trump survived, and the first two years of the real estate scion’s presidency were marked not by controversy over his behavior around women but by the Mueller investigation.
Outside of being found liable for sexual abuse in a 2023 civil trial that awarded E. Jean Carroll $5 million in damages, Trump has widely dodged the #MeToo bullet that has taken down so many once-powerful men. But despite the decades of tabloid fascination with his personal life, the story of Trump’s relationship with women has never been fully told. Considering his bully pulpit in the White House, the reckoning is overdue.
All the President’s Women offers the most detailed account yet of Trump’s history with women, dating back to his childhood and high school days through his rise in real estate, reality TV, and politics. This book will show that Trump’s behavior goes far beyond occasional “locker-room talk” and unwanted advances.
Barry Levine and Monique El-Faizy detail more than a dozen new allegations against Trump, including a disturbing attack on a woman at Mar-a-Lago, an incident at a private Manhattan sex club involving a teenage girl, as well as Trump’s behavior at fashion shows and beauty pageants–events that gave the future president a hunting ground to harass young women.
Veteran journalists Levine and El-Faizy tell the story of Trump from the point of view of the women in his orbit–wives, mistresses, playmates, and those whom the president has dated, kissed, groped, or lusted after.
