The Rare Percent Podcast Mon, 07 Sep 2026 19:12:09 -0400 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-rare-percent en © 2026 The Rare Percent Podcast yes 40a5b021-aebf-501a-9b17-5a8a1ae9b631 Meg Iyer episodic false The Rare Percent Podcast is for people aspiring to become the best versions of themselves - through how they live, communicate, and lead. Episodes explore intentional lifestyle design, communication and leadership, financial growth, and the principles behind high standards - both personally and professionally. Through solo reflections and guest conversations, we unpack real stories of adversity, growth, and the lessons that help people move beyond limiting beliefs. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You’re already rare the moment you choose to begin.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Meg Iyer https://storage.buzzsprout.com/8k17pnxxgq8ww8o6uvty8lat5bwf?.jpg The Rare Percent Podcast https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-rare-percent Ken Shen: Identity, Perspective, and Discovery Ken Shen: Identity, Perspective, and Discovery In this episode of The Rare Percent Podcast, I sit down with Ken to talk about identity, perspective, and what happens when you step outside the world you know.

From growing up between cultures to studying and working across Singapore, Southeast Asia, and Denmark, Ken shares how traveling, engineering, and meeting people from completely different backgrounds reshaped the way he sees the world - and himself.

We dive into:

  • How growing up between cultures shaped Ken’s sense of identity and belonging
  • Why experiencing other countries can challenge the assumptions you don’t realize you have
  • How travel can change the way we think about engineering, sustainability, and the people we design for
  • What working with a truly international team taught him about collaboration and perspective
  • Why you shouldn’t hustle just to hustle - and how to define success on your own terms
  • How taking initiative can lead to opportunities that aren’t even posted
  • Why, at the end of the day, people are just people

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re on the “right” path, felt intimidated by someone’s title or experience, or simply wanted to see the world a little differently - this episode is for you.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
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New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> In this episode of The Rare Percent Podcast, I sit down with Ken to talk about identity, perspective, and what happens when you step outside the world you know.

From growing up between cultures to studying and working across Singapore, Southeast Asia, and Denmark, Ken shares how traveling, engineering, and meeting people from completely different backgrounds reshaped the way he sees the world - and himself.

We dive into:

  • How growing up between cultures shaped Ken’s sense of identity and belonging
  • Why experiencing other countries can challenge the assumptions you don’t realize you have
  • How travel can change the way we think about engineering, sustainability, and the people we design for
  • What working with a truly international team taught him about collaboration and perspective
  • Why you shouldn’t hustle just to hustle - and how to define success on your own terms
  • How taking initiative can lead to opportunities that aren’t even posted
  • Why, at the end of the day, people are just people

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re on the “right” path, felt intimidated by someone’s title or experience, or simply wanted to see the world a little differently - this episode is for you.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> Meg Iyer Buzzsprout-19769080 Mon, 07 Sep 2026 18:00:00 -0400 1884 2 2 full false I didn't come back with the lessons I expected I didn't come back with the lessons I expected A month solo in Europe - Munich, Zugspitze, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, Split, Lisbon - and I thought I knew what I'd be sharing: trust yourself, go with the flow, be the main character. Instead, I went back through a month of journal entries and found something quieter. A suitcase dragged up the tallest mountain in Germany. A new friend who let me stop performing for a day. A waiter who planned my last day better than I ever could have. Three stories about the difference between someone who edits your moment and someone who simply acknowledges it - and what it actually feels like to let go of the wheel.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> A month solo in Europe - Munich, Zugspitze, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, Split, Lisbon - and I thought I knew what I'd be sharing: trust yourself, go with the flow, be the main character. Instead, I went back through a month of journal entries and found something quieter. A suitcase dragged up the tallest mountain in Germany. A new friend who let me stop performing for a day. A waiter who planned my last day better than I ever could have. Three stories about the difference between someone who edits your moment and someone who simply acknowledges it - and what it actually feels like to let go of the wheel.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> Meg Iyer Buzzsprout-19683626 Fri, 21 Aug 2026 20:00:00 -0400 546 2 1 full false End of Season 1 - See You in August! End of Season 1 - See You in August! In this short episode, I’m wrapping up Season 1 of the podcast. I’m taking a step back to be fully present during my final weeks of college and to spend the summer traveling, reading, and reimagining what’s next.

Season 2 will return the week of August 17th with fresh ideas and deeper conversations. Thank you so much for all the support - it truly means everything. In the meantime, feel free to revisit and share any Season 1 episodes with anyone who might benefit!

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> In this short episode, I’m wrapping up Season 1 of the podcast. I’m taking a step back to be fully present during my final weeks of college and to spend the summer traveling, reading, and reimagining what’s next.

Season 2 will return the week of August 17th with fresh ideas and deeper conversations. Thank you so much for all the support - it truly means everything. In the meantime, feel free to revisit and share any Season 1 episodes with anyone who might benefit!

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> Meg Iyer Buzzsprout-19114168 Sat, 02 May 2026 20:00:00 -0400 57 1 11 full false Sensitivity is a Strength Sensitivity is a Strength In this episode of The Rare Percent Podcast, I reflect on my experience as a highly sensitive person and how it has shaped the way I think, work, and show up in my life.

I break down what it really means to have this trait and share how I’ve learned to embrace solitude, use deeper awareness to better understand people, and practice detachment to stay grounded and in control of my reactions. More importantly, I open this perspective to anyone looking to build self-awareness and navigate life with more intention.

This episode is about learning to work with your sensitivity - not against it - so you can show up more present, aligned, and powerful in your life and career.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> In this episode of The Rare Percent Podcast, I reflect on my experience as a highly sensitive person and how it has shaped the way I think, work, and show up in my life.

I break down what it really means to have this trait and share how I’ve learned to embrace solitude, use deeper awareness to better understand people, and practice detachment to stay grounded and in control of my reactions. More importantly, I open this perspective to anyone looking to build self-awareness and navigate life with more intention.

This episode is about learning to work with your sensitivity - not against it - so you can show up more present, aligned, and powerful in your life and career.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> Meg Iyer Buzzsprout-19037394 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0400 644 1 10 full false Your Strengths Are Your Strategy Your Strengths Are Your Strategy In this episode of The Rare Percent Podcast, I reflect on how understanding my CliftonStrengths has changed the way I think, work, and lead.

I break down my top five strengths - Futuristic, Learner, Arranger, Discipline, and Competition - and share how they show up in my daily life. More importantly, I explore the idea that every strength has a shadow side, and why learning to balance them is key to real growth.

This episode is about using self-awareness with intention - so you can build a life and career that actually align with who you are.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> In this episode of The Rare Percent Podcast, I reflect on how understanding my CliftonStrengths has changed the way I think, work, and lead.

I break down my top five strengths - Futuristic, Learner, Arranger, Discipline, and Competition - and share how they show up in my daily life. More importantly, I explore the idea that every strength has a shadow side, and why learning to balance them is key to real growth.

This episode is about using self-awareness with intention - so you can build a life and career that actually align with who you are.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> Meg Iyer Buzzsprout-18998814 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400 583 1 9 full false Karen Beachy: A Journey of Purpose, Detours, and Discovery Karen Beachy: A Journey of Purpose, Detours, and Discovery In this episode of The Rare Percent Podcast, I sit down with Karen Beachy, board director, former senior executive, and a true example of building a purpose-driven, non-linear career. From her early days navigating academics, discovering her passions, and embracing challenging detours, to leading operations and supply chain at major companies and ultimately stepping into the boardroom, Karen’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and growth.

We explore the defining moments that shaped her path - mentorship as a two-way street, navigating pivots and setbacks, discovering your strengths, and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Karen shares insights on cultivating a growth mindset, continuous learning, and redefining success on your own terms, no matter where you are in your career or life.

Whether you’re at the start of your journey, mid-career, or seeking inspiration to pivot toward purpose, this conversation offers lessons that will challenge how you think about leadership, career, and personal growth.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> In this episode of The Rare Percent Podcast, I sit down with Karen Beachy, board director, former senior executive, and a true example of building a purpose-driven, non-linear career. From her early days navigating academics, discovering her passions, and embracing challenging detours, to leading operations and supply chain at major companies and ultimately stepping into the boardroom, Karen’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and growth.

We explore the defining moments that shaped her path - mentorship as a two-way street, navigating pivots and setbacks, discovering your strengths, and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Karen shares insights on cultivating a growth mindset, continuous learning, and redefining success on your own terms, no matter where you are in your career or life.

Whether you’re at the start of your journey, mid-career, or seeking inspiration to pivot toward purpose, this conversation offers lessons that will challenge how you think about leadership, career, and personal growth.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> Meg Iyer Buzzsprout-18942571 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:00:00 -0400 2640 1 8 full false Following Your Spark: From Chef Dreams to Nutrition Science - ft. Jordan Hargraves Following Your Spark: From Chef Dreams to Nutrition Science - ft. Jordan Hargraves In this episode of The Rare Percent Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Hargraves to talk about growth, identity, and what it really means to follow your path - even when it changes.

From dreaming of becoming a chef to pursuing nutrition science and behavioral research, Jordan shares how his journey evolved - and why taking risks, embracing failure, and staying curious are essential to finding your purpose.

We dive into:

  •  Why most people never get past “chapter 6” of someone’s story 
  •  The mindset shift from playing catch-up to living in the moment 
  •  How behavioral nutrition shapes our habits, energy, and daily lives 
  •  Why your passion is a collection, not just one path 

If you’ve ever felt unsure about your direction or afraid to take the first step - this episode is for you.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> In this episode of The Rare Percent Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Hargraves to talk about growth, identity, and what it really means to follow your path - even when it changes.

From dreaming of becoming a chef to pursuing nutrition science and behavioral research, Jordan shares how his journey evolved - and why taking risks, embracing failure, and staying curious are essential to finding your purpose.

We dive into:

  •  Why most people never get past “chapter 6” of someone’s story 
  •  The mindset shift from playing catch-up to living in the moment 
  •  How behavioral nutrition shapes our habits, energy, and daily lives 
  •  Why your passion is a collection, not just one path 

If you’ve ever felt unsure about your direction or afraid to take the first step - this episode is for you.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> Meg Iyer Buzzsprout-18920521 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 20:00:00 -0400 1529 1 7 full false Emotional Intelligence Isn’t a Trait - It’s a Practice Emotional Intelligence Isn’t a Trait - It’s a Practice Emotional intelligence isn’t something you have - it’s something you practice. In this episode, I break down how to build EQ in real life through self-regulation, mindfulness, handling feedback, and showing up with intention in every room.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> Emotional intelligence isn’t something you have - it’s something you practice. In this episode, I break down how to build EQ in real life through self-regulation, mindfulness, handling feedback, and showing up with intention in every room.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> Meg Iyer Buzzsprout-18875565 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0400 538 1 6 full false You Are What You Eat - Part 2: What You Feed Your Mind You Are What You Eat - Part 2: What You Feed Your Mind In Part 2 of You Are What You Eat, I talk about something we rarely think about: the media we consume every day. I share the hobbies, learning journeys, and creative projects I’ve been using to replace mindless scrolling - from studying history and psychology to training in jump rope, dance, and music. My hope is that this episode inspires you to swap a little phone time for something that makes you more curious, creative, and alive.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> In Part 2 of You Are What You Eat, I talk about something we rarely think about: the media we consume every day. I share the hobbies, learning journeys, and creative projects I’ve been using to replace mindless scrolling - from studying history and psychology to training in jump rope, dance, and music. My hope is that this episode inspires you to swap a little phone time for something that makes you more curious, creative, and alive.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> Meg Iyer Buzzsprout-18836746 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400 723 1 5 full false Andrea Hatch: The Power of Communication Andrea Hatch: The Power of Communication In this episode of The Rare Percent Podcast, I sit down with Andrea Hatch, Director of Alumni Relations at Purdue’s Daniels School of Business, to talk about the power of intentional communication.

We discuss starting with your why, asking the question you actually want answered, communicating with clarity and kindness, and how young professionals can build stronger relationships in their careers. Andrea also shares advice on staying humble, learning continuously, and why reading more might be the most underrated way to become a better communicator.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> In this episode of The Rare Percent Podcast, I sit down with Andrea Hatch, Director of Alumni Relations at Purdue’s Daniels School of Business, to talk about the power of intentional communication.

We discuss starting with your why, asking the question you actually want answered, communicating with clarity and kindness, and how young professionals can build stronger relationships in their careers. Andrea also shares advice on staying humble, learning continuously, and why reading more might be the most underrated way to become a better communicator.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> Meg Iyer Buzzsprout-18797212 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0500 922 1 4 full false You Are What You Eat - Part 1: Nutrition You Are What You Eat - Part 1: Nutrition In this episode, I'm sharing my personal approach to nutrition and the habits I've built over time. From complementary proteins and gut health to eating the rainbow and the 80/20 rule, this is a real, no-fluff conversation about building a relationship with food that actually works for your life. Part 2 on media consumption drops March 13th. 

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> In this episode, I'm sharing my personal approach to nutrition and the habits I've built over time. From complementary proteins and gut health to eating the rainbow and the 80/20 rule, this is a real, no-fluff conversation about building a relationship with food that actually works for your life. Part 2 on media consumption drops March 13th. 

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> Meg Iyer Buzzsprout-18763822 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0500 737 1 3 full false The Art of Active Listening The Art of Active Listening In this episode of The Rare Percent Podcast, we explore the art of active listening and why it has become so rare in a fast-moving world. Active listening shapes the quality of our relationships, leadership, and everyday communication, yet it’s often overlooked. Whether you’re looking to be more present in your daily life or grow as a leader and communicator, this episode is a reminder that listening is not passive - it’s powerful.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> In this episode of The Rare Percent Podcast, we explore the art of active listening and why it has become so rare in a fast-moving world. Active listening shapes the quality of our relationships, leadership, and everyday communication, yet it’s often overlooked. Whether you’re looking to be more present in your daily life or grow as a leader and communicator, this episode is a reminder that listening is not passive - it’s powerful.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> Meg Iyer Buzzsprout-18708923 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0500 431 1 2 full false The Story Behind The Rare Percent The Story Behind The Rare Percent In this first episode, I share my personal growth journey and the experiences that inspired me to start The Rare Percent Podcast. We explore discipline, competitiveness, self-care, and what it really means to choose growth before you feel ready. You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin - you’re already rare the moment you choose to start.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> In this first episode, I share my personal growth journey and the experiences that inspired me to start The Rare Percent Podcast. We explore discipline, competitiveness, self-care, and what it really means to choose growth before you feel ready. You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin - you’re already rare the moment you choose to start.

Follow The Rare Percent Podcast
Available on all major podcast platforms.

New episodes weekly.
Remember - you’re within The Rare Percent, and act like it.

]]> Meg Iyer dd7f7627-6f1d-4ae1-acb8-2216e0d970fa Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:56:44 -0500 489 1 1 false