EP 776 - Inside “The Stability Trap” – Todd Conklin on Safety, AI, and the Illusion of Control
In this episode, Jay sits down with Dr. Todd Conklin for a deep dive into his newest book, The Stability Trap: How Safe and Stable Organizations Still Find Ways to Fail and What To Do About This Problem. Together, they break down why even the most mature, stable safety systems are far more fragile than they appear—and how organizations unintentionally squeeze out the very capacity they rely on to prevent failure.Todd shares how a conversation with David Woods sparked the initial idea, how the economy and pressure for shareholder value are influencing safety margins, and why organizations must rethink what “stability” actually means. They also explore how AI unexpectedly shaped the book’s ending, why AI won’t replace safety professionals, and how tools like NotebookLM can reorganize our thinking and reveal blind spots we didn’t know we had.The two dive into the pitfalls of “Drive to Zero,” middle-management pressure, worker complacency narratives, brittle systems, pandemic lessons, wearables, and the paradox of calling a safety program “mature.” If you’re in safety, operations, leadership, or you simply care about how real work gets done, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at where the field is heading next.A thoughtful, honest, and wide-ranging conversation you won’t want to miss.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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28:01
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28:01
EP 775 - Mini - Crossroads
In this episode of Safety FM Mini, host Jay Allen explores the moments in our careers and lives when we arrive at a crossroads — those pivotal points that demand a decision about where we go next. Jay challenges listeners to think about how they choose their direction: what drives their decisions, what influences them, and how they evaluate whether the path they’re taking is the right one.It’s a short but powerful reflection on awareness, intention, and growth — a reminder that every choice shapes the journey ahead.🎙️ Safety FM Mini — because sometimes, all it takes is a few minutes to spark a change in perspective.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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2:57
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2:57
EP 774 - The Mirage of Progress
In this episode of Safety FM with Jay Allen, we explore the illusion of progress that often hides beneath corporate slogans and safety rebrands. Jay dives into why many organizations confuse change with true transformation — trading new posters and buzzwords for the hard, humble work of learning, listening, and leading differently.From AI and hybrid work to shifting definitions of safety itself, this episode challenges you to ask: Are we really moving forward, or just painting over the same cracked wall? Real progress isn’t found in dashboards or TRIRs — it’s in trust, humility, and the uncomfortable questions that remind us we’re still alive and still learning.🎧 Press play and rethink what “moving forward” really means.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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6:08
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6:08
EP 773 - Mini - Pain Points
In this episode of Safety FM Mini, Jay Allen dives into the often-overlooked pain points within organizations — those persistent issues that seem to linger without resolution. Jay challenges leaders and teams alike to pause and truly listen to the people doing the work, as they often hold the insights needed to identify and solve recurring challenges. Whether it’s communication gaps, process breakdowns, or cultural barriers, this episode encourages a reflective look at how collaborative listening and feedback can lead to meaningful improvement.Because sometimes, resolving pain points starts with one simple act — listening.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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EP 772 - Surveillance, Safety, and the Illusion of Trust
In this repurposed segment from The Rated-R Safety Show, Dr. Jay Allen explores how technology designed to “keep us safe” has evolved into systems that monitor, measure, and manage every move we make.From AI-driven productivity trackers to digital safety dashboards, organizations are chasing data at the expense of trust — confusing control with care. Jay examines what happens when observation replaces connection, and when the illusion of safety becomes more important than the experience of being safe.This conversation challenges leaders to rethink what safety really means in a world obsessed with measurement — and reminds us that while systems can track behavior, only people can build trust.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Safety FM with Jay Allen is a twice-weekly podcast exploring the evolving world of safety culture, human and organizational performance (HOP), and systems thinking—plus the occasional detour into topics that deserve a little disruption.Each week, you'll hear two distinct formats:A full-length episode featuring in-depth conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and unconventional voices from the world of safety, leadership, and work.A shorter, focused mini-episode offering insight, perspective, or commentary directly from host Dr. Jay Allen.Whether you're rethinking how systems function or questioning the status quo, this show invites you to engage with the complexity behind modern safety and performance.
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