In this episode of the Truth Be Told Podcast, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with singer-songwriter Cami Clune (as see on NBC's The Voice) to explore communication, storytelling, and songwriting—and how artists say what others struggle to express.

Cami shares her journey through the music industry, from early performances to her breakout moment on The Voice, along with the mindset needed to handle rejection, performance anxiety, and creative pressure.

Follow Cami on Instagram!

This episode covers:

• The songwriting process and turning emotions into lyrics
• How music becomes a powerful form of communication and storytelling
• Overcoming stage fright, anxiety, and self-doubt
• Building confidence and finding your authentic voice
• The role of vulnerability and authenticity in connecting with an audience
• Lessons in personal branding, creativity, and resilience

You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes insights on content creation, social media for artists, and growing a personal brand in today’s digital world.

If you’re interested in communication skills, storytelling, public speaking, music, or personal development, this episode will give you practical insights and a new perspective on how to share your message.

Your story matters—and the way you communicate it can change everything.

The loudest voice in the room isn’t always the most effective—but the silent one can cost you everything. In this episode, Khris Hamlin, Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Technology at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) breaks down what it really takes to lead when you don’t have direct authority, and why communication—not control—is the defining skill of modern leadership.

Check out the upcoming RILA Conference!

From his journey as a practitioner to becoming a voice for the entire retail industry, Khris shares how understanding perspectives is the key to aligning competing priorities. He dives into the evolution of asset protection, revealing why the role is now centered on people, safety, and enterprise risk—not just theft. You’ll hear powerful insights on decision-making, including why making the wrong call is often better than making no call at all. Khris also gets candid about imposter syndrome, finding your voice, and the moments he wishes he had spoken up sooner. If you lead teams, influence stakeholders, or navigate complex conversations—this episode will challenge how you show up.

Connect with our host, Dave Thompson, CFI!

Truths:

• Silence can cost you credibility. Leaders don’t lose trust by making the wrong decision—they lose it by making no decision at all.
• Communication is the real leadership differentiator. Technical skills can be taught, but the ability to deliver a clear, concise, and adaptable message is what sets leaders apart.
• Perspective drives alignment. The more you understand where others are coming from, the easier it is to bring competing priorities to a common ground.
• Influence without authority is the ultimate test. True leadership isn’t about title—it’s about getting people aligned who don’t report to you.
• Asset protection has evolved into enterprise risk leadership. Today’s leaders are responsible for people, safety, operations, and brand—not just theft.
• You don’t have to win every argument to move things forward. Effective leaders focus on progress, not perfection or ego.
• Find your voice sooner. Waiting too long to speak up can limit your impact—growth often comes from stepping into discomfort and being heard

What happens when the psychology of communication meets one of reality TV’s most fascinating relationship experiments?

In this episode of the podcast, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Ashley Carpenter and her father, Paul Carpenter, for a candid conversation about truth, trust, and what we can really learn from the experience of Love Is Blind.

Ashley takes us behind the scenes of the pods—where connections are built without ever seeing the other person—and shares what it’s like to navigate vulnerability, communication, and high-stakes relationships with cameras rolling. We talk about the challenge of reading people when you can’t rely on body language, the red flags that emerge through conversation alone, and how honesty (or the lack of it) shapes relationships.

Then Ashley's dad, Paul with more than 40 years of experience in the field of law joins the discussion to break down the now-viral dinner scene where he questions Ashley’s fiancé. Together, we explore the communication tactics behind that moment: asking better questions, spotting evasive answers, and why integrity matters more than any perfect response.

Whether you’re a fan of reality TV or simply interested in how people communicate under pressure, this conversation reveals what happens when love is blind—but the truth still finds a way to show itself.

Truths:

Communication reveals character. When you remove physical appearance—like in the pods on Love Is Blind—what people say and how they say it becomes even more important.

Red flags often show up in conversation first. Listening closely to inconsistencies, vagueness, or avoidance can tell you a lot about someone’s intentions.

The power of good questions. Paul Carpenter explains how thoughtful, direct questions can quickly reveal how someone thinks and whether they’re being honest.

Reality TV vs. real relationships. Ashley Carpenter shares what it’s actually like to build a connection under the pressure of cameras and public scrutiny.

Trust is built through transparency. Authentic communication—and the willingness to answer difficult questions—plays a critical role in relationships.

Integrity shows up under pressure. The viral dinner conversation demonstrates how people respond when they’re asked tough questions in real time.

Why listening matters more than talking. The most revealing moments often come when you let someone keep speaking.