Four Inane Questions with executive coach/speaker Rich Bracken

Rich Bracken. // Courtesy photo

Fact: Rich Bracken could talk to anyone about anything for any length of time. Over the years, the media personality parlayed that gift of gab into a newfound career as a global keynote speaker and executive coach who prides himself “on combining education and empowerment with entertainment for an unforgettable engagement.” 

Interestingly enough, the KC-based Bracken only took his career leap of faith a few months ago after dabbling as a speaker for a few years. Now, the former corporate wonk is busy crisscrossing the U.S., living his best life and enlightening business-savvy audiences on topics such as “emotional intelligence, leadership, goal setting and achievement, sales/client service, and presentation skills.” (Let that be a lesson if you’re thinking of shaking things up in 2024, kids.)

When he’s not speaking in front of the masses, he finds solace in his downtime, which—naturally!—still involves being in front of people. It turns out he’s found a second calling as a nationally touring DJ and often incorporates music into his presentations. (Who knew?)

We caught up with the Renaissance man, dad, and husband over coffee… because coffee. “The stronger, the better,” he quips. We might suggest he switch to decaf next time… because decaf. Bless. 

The Pitch: What’s an Olympic sport that doesn’t exist, but if it did—you’d absolutely crush it?

Rich Bracken: I’d be unstoppable in Olympic Name That Tune. I can absolutely crush anyone in figuring out the song in a matter of seconds. My one weakness would be country and new hip-hop because it pretty much all sounds the same.

You’re replacing one of The Spice Girls. What’s your spice moniker—and how do you fit in the group?

“Hype Spice”—because I’d be the DJ of the group (naturally) and the one who brings the beats to the group and the world. Since my singing voice would be the weakest of the group, I would be the cheeky one behind the turntables, definitely involved in the choreography but likely adding in hype lines in-between verses.

Outfit-wise? I’d probably opt for a 90s-style tracksuit in some bright colors. Also, Travis Kelce has a fun style… collaboration incoming.

What’s a New Year’s Resolution that you’d totes fail by January 2? 

Why wait until January 2? If I swore off cheese at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, I would fail by noon that day—at the absolute latest. Singing in my car, too—that would be a quick fail. I tend to be that person on the highway or at stop lights who either delights or terrifies others who see me. I’m either bopping around putting on a pop-dance concert or screaming and headbanging. 

Ooh, I’m down to double up! I’d sing in the car on the way to buy more cheese and be an epic double fail by lunch on January 1!

What’s a parenting phrase you legit stole from your parents and/or can’t believe you use? 

“Because I said so!” It’s the dumbest logical explanation from a conversational standpoint, but it comes out when I’ve gotten to my wit’s end with negotiation and conversation and need action. I absolutely face-palmed the first time it came out of my mouth, and both my sons said, “What? That’s not a reason!”

I hated it when my parents would use it because I didn’t feel like I had a voice, but now I realize they used that when they tried to give me a voice and I would choose random, aggressive noises instead. 

Bonus 5th Question: What’s the weirdest thing a guest has ever done at your house?

I had some friends come into town to see me open for Avicii (RIP), and it was wintertime. It had been very cold for several days in a row. 

We came home from being out one night, and one of them shrieked in the front yard as we were walking in the house as they looked at my neighbor’s garden and shouted, “They left their dog outside, and now it’s frozen!”

It was a mini cow statue. 

Thank God they weren’t driving that night.