“Stump the Band”... or “Stump the MSL”? Part 1

One of the earliest and longest running late night shows, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, had a regular feature where the host would go out into the audience and solicit songs to see if the Tonight Show Band could play them. The band leader Doc Severson and Johnny’s sidekick Ed McMahon would then join the band in trying to know the music and lyrics… and were usually unable to since the songs were so arcane or particular to one high school football team!

This game can certainly be adapted to fit any scenario: “Stump Your CEO/MSL/manager/etc.” There’s even a church in the Midwest that hosts a fundraiser called “Stump the Priest”!

Do you ever worry that you’ll be stumped by the physician you are visiting? Whether a real question or a set-up to see how you’ll do, it’s unnerving to even the best of us.

Next week, I’ll share a few practical tips for how to navigate these “stumped” moments with confidence and connection—because it’s not about knowing everything. It’s about how you engage.

Stay tuned for Part 2!