The Conversation Hub: Recent Episodes
Marc Vaillancourt
Since 2010, The Conversation Hub serves as the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between. From best selling authors to public radio personalities; recording artists to philanthropists, more than 195 guests have joined host Marc Vaillancourt for intimate, memorable and educational conversations.
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt online at www.marcvaillancourt.com
The Conversation Hub with Marc Vaillancourt - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
* Subscribe on iTunes and never miss an episode!
** Leave us a rating or review today!
This week, episode #205 - a conversation with author Kelly Radi on her new book titled "Out to Sea: A Parents' Survival Guide to the Freshman Voyage."
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
* Subscribe on iTunes and never miss an episode!
** Leave us a rating or review today!
This week, episode #203 - a special "in-between" season episode - featuring a conversation with Matches Bollmus and John Schlick, founders of Napkin Innovations and creators of the SwitchID product.
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Email: theconversationhub@gmail.com
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
* Subscribe on iTunes and never miss an episode!
** Leave us a rating or review today!
This week, Season 2, Episode 9: We wrap up Season 2 with our final conversation on the theme of "living an expat life." This week, from Denmark to China: "A conversation with Pernille Leschly Halle."
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Email: theconversationhub@gmail.com
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
* Subscribe on iTunes and never miss an episode!
** Leave us a rating or review today!
This week, Season 2, Episode 8: We continue our conversations on the theme of "living an expat life." This week, from America to The Netherlands: "A conversation with Ty Jernstedt."
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Email: theconversationhub@gmail.com
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
* Subscribe on iTunes and never miss an episode!
** Leave us a rating or review today!
This week, Season 2, Episode 7: We continue our conversations on the theme of "living an expat life." This week, from Costa Rica to America: "A conversation with Adalberto Villalobos."
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Email: theconversationhub@gmail.com
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
* Subscribe on iTunes and never miss an episode!
** Leave us a rating or review today!
This week, Season 2, Episode 6: We continue our conversations on the theme of "living an expat life." This week, from America to Spain: "A conversation with Damon Robinson."
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Email: theconversationhub@gmail.com
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
* Subscribe on iTunes and never miss an episode!
** Leave us a rating or review today!
This week, Season 2, Episode 5: We continue our conversations on the theme of "living an expat life." This week, from Norway to Minnesota - we're delighted to present "A conversation with Bettine Hermanson."
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Email: theconversationhub@gmail.com
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
* Subscribe on iTunes and never miss an episode!
** Leave us a rating or review today!
This week, Season 2, Episode 4: We continue our conversations on the theme of "living an expat life." From British Columbia, Canada to Brisbane, Australia - we're delighted to present "A conversation with Andrew Morrison."
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
* Subscribe on iTunes and never miss an episode!
** Leave us a rating or review today!
This week, Season 2, Episode 3: We continue our conversations on the theme of "living an expat life." To that end, we're delighted to present "A conversation with Prachee Deshpande."
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
* Subscribe on iTunes and never miss an episode!
** Leave us a rating or review today!
This week, Season 2, Episode 2: We continue our conversations on the theme of "living an expat life." To that end, we're delighted to present "A conversation with Ann-Michelle Burton."
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
* Subscribe on iTunes and never miss an episode!
** Leave us a rating or review today!
This week, Season 2, Episode 1: For the first episode of this new season, we're delighted to present "A conversation with Avinash Chandarana" on living an expat life. You find and follow Avinash online on Twitter and Instagram at @avo_globalnomad.
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
I'm in between seasons of The Conversation Hub so this week I'm dipping into the archives and bringing you a replay of my conversation with Noureen Sajid on the subject of Ramadan.
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
I'm in between seasons of The Conversation Hub so this week I'm dipping into the archives and bringing you a replay of my conversation with Bob Edwards, host of The Bob Edwards Show on Siruis XM Satelite Radio.
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
This week, Season 1, Episode 7: For the final episode of this season, we're delighted to present "A conversation with Katrina Pierson" on living a life in session. Katrina is a wife, mother, community leader and entrepreneur. She is a partner and principal at www.velastrategy.com
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
This week, Season 1, Episode 5 we're delighted to present "A conversation with Jessica Sweet" on living a life in session. Jessica is a licensed social worker and life coach and the driving force behind Wishingwell Life Coaching.
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
This week, "Season 1, Episode 4" we're delighted to present "A conversation with Bekah and Jeff Metzdorff" on living a life in session. Bekah & Jeff are the husband and wife team behind the successful specialty running store Mill City Running (@MillCityRunning)
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
This week, "Season 1, Episode 3" we're delighted to present "A conversation with Jean-François Claude" (@dysthymicdad) on living a life in session.
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub - the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
This week, "Season 1, Episode 2" we're delighted to present "A conversation with Timothy Foss" (@timothyfoss) on living a life in session.
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt on Twitter at @convohubguy.
Welcome to a brand new season of The Conversation Hub podcast.
Since 2010, The Conversation Hub podcast has served as the gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business and everything in between.
This week for "Season 1, Episode 1" we delighted to present "A conversation with Erica Hanna" (@meeterica) on living a life in session.
Find us online at www.theconversationhub.com.
Follow host Marc Vaillancourt at @convohubguy.
The Conversation Hub: The gathering place for meaningful conversations on life, business & everything in between. This week we talk politics with Todd Zwillich, Washington Correspondent for WNYC/PRI's The Takeaway.
The Extreme Leadership Summit promises to be an event like no other! Over two years in the planning, the Summit is not a pitch fest or a series of commercials. Neither is it a parade of talking heads, to mix a metaphor, where you passively sit, watch the show, take notes, go home — and [...]
I am intrigued and inspired by people who follow their dream and monetize their passion. Stevie Ray, our guest this week, did just that. From his first “show” at the age of 9 he knew what he wanted to do when he grew up! He’s turned his passion for laughter and improv into a successful [...]
At my home church, summertime means youth mission trip time. Like many churches across this country, mission work is an important part of the work the church does. For this week’s conversation, I connected with Pastor Paul Knudson who recently returned from a mission trip to Ethiopia. We talked about his journey as a pastor, the [...]
Welcome to the inaugural episode of No Passport Required: Discover the World Around You, a new monthly segment here on The Conversation Hub podcast. For our first segment, we head to the city of roses, Portland, Oregon. To help us learn more about this community we are joined by two Portland residents: Robert Caruso is [...]
Genuine and authentic. Two words that describe my guest this week. Guy Raz was on my bucket list of people I wanted to interview. I was so excited when he responded to my request on Twitter and took time from his busy schedule to join me in conversation! If you haven’t listen to his show, [...]
I am so grateful for the amazing people I’ve been in conversation with on this podcast. This week is no different. Jenna Edwards is an amazing woman. She survived a tragic, freak accident in July 2003 and could have let that event dictate the rest of her life. During her recovery she realized that scrapbooking [...]
I originally posted this episode in July of 2011. With summer weather now upon us here in Minnesota, I was reminded that great conversations are often share over a drink. I hope you enjoy re-listening to this episode! If you’re a first time visitor, this should give you a good taste (pardon the pun) of [...]
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had an interest in current events. We all know that the past few years have been extremely challenging on the economic front. More recently, the focus has moved to Europe. Leading the charge for what has been labeled “austerity measures” is Germany. I wanted to get [...]
I’m delighted to share another great conversation with you! Our guest, Rick Kupchella, has been a broadcast journalist for more than 30 years. Three years ago, he left his role to launch BringMeTheNews.com. BringMeTheNews delivers the most relevant stories around the state of Minnesota. They filter through hundreds of news stories every day and link [...]
I am delighted to bring you another great conversation – this time with author Paige Stirling Fox. Paige and I were colleagues some 20+ years ago when we traveled with Up with People. I had no idea at the time that being a published author was a dream of hers. It was great to reconnect [...]
Episode #100 has been 2 years in the making. I am so excited to have Chris Guillebeau as my guest for this milestone episode. This project started as a small idea, a way for me to explore the possibilities, to see what else was out there, to pursue a passion. What better way to mark [...]
There’s nothing better than sharing a meaningful conversation with friends or family and doing so with a great bottle of wine. I’m revisiting my conversation with wine expert Leslee Miller. Episode #100 comes your way next week! About Leslee Miller and Amusée Wines Leslee Miller is a certified Sommelier and owner of Amusée; a wine [...]
We all have the power and opportunity to make a difference! This week, we’re in conversation with Erica Hanna. I was inspired by her story and I know you will be too! Enjoy the conversation. About Erica Hanna Erica Hanna believes in making a difference. Inspired by her grandmother’s suggestion that everyone in the family [...]
Today – April 25, 2012 – is World Malaria Day and you have an opportunity to make a difference and help save lives. Last year, I had the opportunity to interview author Michael Bungay Stanier. Michael is one of the driving forces behind the book titled End Malaria. Released last year, the book is a collection of [...]
Twenty-four years ago my parents provided me with an opportunity of a lifetime. Following high school, I traveled the world with the international group Up with People. The program continues to make a difference in the lives of young people and communities all over the world. Last year, the mission of Up with People came [...]
As you know, I am training for my first marathon and over the past few weeks, the topic of nutrition as be top of mind for me. I reached out to my network on Facebook and a friend connected me with registered dietician Cassandra Silveira. Enjoy the conversation and listen all the way through for [...]
I am a fan of public radio. I’ve been fortunate enough to have hosted conversations with both Dick Gordon and Bob Edwards – two of my favorite public radio interviewers – for this podcast. Earlier this year, I discovered the 99% Invisible podcast thanks to a recommendation made by my Stitcher app. I’ve been hooked [...]
Our guest this week, Dan Moe, is the owner of The Farm of Minnesota, a CSA just north of Hutchinson, MN. Community-supported agriculture (CSA) began in the early 1960s in Germany, Switzerland and Japan as a response to concerns about food safety and the urbanization of agricultural land. The idea took root in the US [...]
This conversation on sleep comes as an opportune time – but more on that later! Sleep is one thing we all have in common – we all need it. I had the opportunity to hear our guest, Dr. Troy Payne, speak a few weeks ago and was captivated by his presentation. I was delighted when he [...]
You’ve heard me talk (or read) about the fact that I’m training for my first marathon in May – I’ll be running the Fargo Marathon! As a result, I am reading as much as I can about running and training for such an event. A few weeks ago, while searching for something, I came across [...]
I love being in conversation with interesting people. Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Jeff Gau. He is a passionate leader and someone I put on my “people we’ll be following in 2012″. I was delighted when he accepted my invitation to join me for a conversation on leadership! [...]
We certainly didn’t plan it to be this way but this week, February 26 – March 2, happens to be Montessori Education week! For our conversation this week, we continue our conversation on the broad topic of education and explore the subject of the Montessori education model with Syneva Barrett. My youngest daughter attends a [...]
Part two of our conversation with David Hunt focuses on the new science of unconscious bias. During our conversation, David refers to Harvard University’s Project Implicit and encouraged us to take the implicit association test. You can take this free test by clicking here. If you missed part one of our conversation with David, you [...]
Diversity. Cultural competency. We live in a diverse world and with that comes challenge and opportunity. This week, we bring you a two-part conversation on the broad topic of diversity. Our guest, David Hunt, is a leading expert on the subject of diversity. Part one of our conversation focuses on diversity and cultural competency. We’re [...]
Entrepreneurs are fascinating people! They follow their passion; build organizations and businesses; and are not afraid of taking risks. Brandon Lee, our guest this week, is an entrepreneur through and through. He took time from his busy schedule to talk to us about entrepreneurship! Enjoy the conversation! PS – A big thank you to my [...]
How would you like to “pretend” for a living? My guest this week, Max Wojtanowicz, does just that! It’s tongue-in-cheek, but in a way it makes a lot of sense. As a stage actor, Wojtanowicz takes on various roles and for a brief moment becomes that individual. Most recently, Max played the role of Tin [...]
The state of education in our country is always a hot topic. This week we are joined by early childhood education specialist Sara Carlson to discuss the important role early childhood education plays in our communities and in our country. As we move through the next several months, it is our hope to bring you [...]
In January 2011, I took a cue from our guest this week and selected three words to serve as guideposts for the year. I thought the practice served me well and opted to do the same again for 2012. In our episode this week, we talk with Chris Brogan about the power of choosing three [...]
I first got word of Minncraft Boats thanks to my friend Ryan Ott and his IamMNnice.com project. I couldn’t help but find Rob Sheppard’s story fascinating. After all, he left what was a successful business and, in the midst of our country’s worse economic times, started a new business. Not just any business – a [...]
The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) wraps up later today (Friday, January 13, 2012)and we wanted to share this extra conversation with you this week and provide you with a ‘first person account’ of the show. Our guest, Mike Rynchek, spent a few days amidst the more than 48,000 exhibitors and experienced, first hand, everything that is [...]
When was the last time you left a meeting and said “wow, that was a great meeting!” Chances are you can’t remember ever saying that. I’ve been to my fair share of bad meetings and, in the spirit of full disclosure, I’ve hosted and led my share of bad meetings! There is hope for better [...]
I could never be a doctor! The schooling alone was enough to send me in a different direction … to be honest, biology was not one of my subjects in high school! I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Dr. Don Jurgens over the past two-year and was delighted when he accepted my invitation [...]
The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship. Since that [...]
I was delighted when Jason Gray’s publicist responded with a “yes” to my request for an interview. I knew that Jason was on tour and that finding time for a 30 minutes conversation would be a challenge but together they made it happen! Deep in the heart of Texas is where I caught up with [...]
My “regular job” provides me with an incredible opportunity to meet and be in conversation with some incredible individuals. It is through my work at the CentraCare Health Foundation & Coborn Cancer Center that I met our guest Katie Kinzer. The work she does with cancer survivors is amazing and very inspiring. Enjoy the conversation! [...]
We’ve talked social media in a few episodes in the past and this week, we re-engage the conversation with Nigel Allan – the content and social media manager for the World Wide Fund for Nature (World Wildlife Fund in Canada & US). It was good to reconnect with Nigel after more than 18 years! Enjoy the [...]
What’s on your bucket list? Well, when I started this project in May 2010, Bob Edwards was someone I hoped I’d have the opportunity to be in conversation with at some point when we made it! Not sure we’ve made it yet, but he’s my guest this week! Check off one more thing off the [...]
Happy Saturday and welcome to this week’s TCH Replay! From the Archives: Episode 41: Our conversation with sommelier Leslee Miller. We thought it was appropriate for this holiday weekend! You can view the original post by clicking here! Be well and make it a great weekend!
Thanks for joining us for our 2nd annual Thanksgiving episode – Giving Thanks 2011! “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger [...]
Since 2008, millions of Americans have been faced with the reality of foreclosure. In 2010 alone, more than 1 millions were repossessed. Stephanie Alison Walker – our guest this week – knows first hand what the foreclosure process is all about. Her first book, Love in the Time of Foreclosure is a frontline story of [...]
Happy Saturday and welcome to this week’s TCH Replay! From the Archives: Episode 36: Our conversation with Vivid Image’s Steve Gasser. Every day we have an opportunity to be remarkable! You can view the original post by clicking here! One More Thing: There’s still time for you to call our comment line and share with [...]
At some point or another, we’ve all had to ask for something. Whether we are asking for help, for money, for someone’s hand in marriage, we all have an asking style. Our guest this week, Andrea Kihlstedt, has spent the better part of the past 28 years thinking about “asking” and, through her research, she’s [...]
I love this “job” because I get to be in conversation with some great people! This week is no different. A while back, we had a few request to be in conversation with people who make a living in the world of social media – and I couldn’t think of a better person than Robert [...]
One of the great things about hosting this podcast is the fact that I have had the privilege and honor of being in conversation with some amazing people. This week is no different! Our guest, Tom Warth, is the founder of Books For Africa, a not-for-profit organization that has shipped more than 25 million books [...]
It was such a pleasure to reconnect with Kesra Hoffman after more that 17 years! She is an accomplished fine art landscape painter and during our conversation we explored the creative process and her life as an full time artist! Enjoy the conversation! About Kesra Hoffman Kesra Hoffman, a native of Middletown, Maryland, has been [...]
Great food is often the catalyst for building community. Think of the meaningful conversations you shared with family and friends around the dinner table – great food was most likely a cornerstone to the experience you had. Tiffany Haag, our guest this week, is one half of the dynamic duo behind one of my favorite [...]
With more than 800 million users (as of July 2011), Facebook is part of the fabric of our lives. It’s a way for us to connect with friends, communicate with customers and share our personal story via daily (sometimes more frequently then that!) updates and a great way for people to share pictures. Facebook is [...]
Entrepreneurs are inspiring people. Our guest this week is both an entrepreneur and an inspiring individual. Ryan Ott, founder of IamMNnice.com, got the idea for his project in 2003 during a visit to New York City. To date he’s captured more than 60 videos that “share the best of Minnesota”, the place we both call [...]
We’re back next week with a brand new episode. :::: This episode originally aired on November 15, 2010 :::: It was 1994 when I first met our guest for this week’s episode. As the show manager for Up With People’s Cast E94, I had the opportunity to travel with Alastair Cameron during our stay/tour of [...]
We’ll be back in two weeks with brand new episodes. :::: This episode originally aired on March 29, 2011 :::: I am delighted to bring you my conversation with Michael Hyatt for episode #45. I’ve been following Michael’s blog for the past few years and was delighted that he accepted my invitation to be in [...]
::: This episode originally aired on January 18, 2011 ::: Michael Bungay Stanier is one of the driving forces behind the new book titled End Malaria. The book, released last week is a collection of essays by 62 of America’s favorite business authors, including Tom Peters, Nicholas Carr, Pam Slim, and Sir Ken Robinson. Organized [...]
For an entire nation, the date of September 11, 2001, will be known as the day the world changed. All of us, in one way or another, were affected by the events of that day. We wanted to mark the anniversary of this day by bringing you a conversation with someone who was there that [...]
Economics is not one of my strengths … actually it’s a subject that completely passes me by. In fact, in the fall of 1989, during my first year of college at the University of Ottawa, I dropped my Economics 101 class after just two hours. In the past month alone, the stock market has taken [...]
::: The following episode was originally posted on February 21, 2011 ::: During my college years and my time living outside of Toronto, I was an avid listener of the Canadian Broadcast Corporation – Radio One‘s service. One of my favorite reporter and fill-in host was Dick Gordon. When I moved to Minnesota in 2000, [...]
Have you ever wondered what your life would be if someone had invested and poured their life into yours? Our guest this week, Randy Bronkema, is doing exactly that through his project called The Timothy Project. My little project – The Conversation Hub – continues to provide me a glimpse in the life and times [...]
Three years ago, the restaurant landscape in my home community of Hutchinson, MN changed when our guest – Greg Jodzio – set up Red’s Hot Doctor’d Dogs. It’s been a pleasure to watch “community and conversation” happen as people gather around Greg’s cart and enjoy one of his amazing Vienna Beef dogs! This episode marked [...]
When I launched this podcast series more than a year ago, it was in part to bring life to something I firmly believe in – that through conversations, knowledge is shared. Our conversation this week is all about sharing knowledge. Our guest, Laurent Soucie, is a beekeeper and as you’ll hear during our conversation, he [...]
When it comes to customer service, I think it’s fair to say that we have our stories – both good and bad! This week, we’re in conversation with customer service expert Micah Solomon. I was impressed with the service his company, Oasis Disc Manufacturing, provided as I prepared to release my new CD and was delighted [...]
Through conversation, knowledge is shared! I’ve know our guest this week for the past 10 years and I’ve always been fascinated by the work he does for living. Jim Fahey is an auctioneer – and to say he’s one of the few left might not be too much of a stretch. It’s not that auctioneers [...]
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity – along with my wife and some good friends – to go to a Sam Adams Beer Dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Minneapolis. We had such a great time! The food, the conversation and the BEER was great. The Sam Adams rep was so [...]
Some projects are worth talking about. Some people are worth talking with. Our guest this week, John Oren, is the idea guy being this great project called Coffee4Good.org. Right from the beginning of our conversation I felt a deep connection with John and found myself wishing I lived closer to him so we could share [...]
Our guest this week, Redwood Valley High School graduate Betsy Thompson. We first heard of Betsy during our conversation with her parents, Kristin and Kurt Thompson during episode #31, who talked to us about experiencing the “year of lasts”. Betsy has now graduated from high school – with honors – and is now preparing for [...]
We’re taking a break this week in advance of the holiday weekend in both Canada and the USA. We’ll be back next week (Tuesday, July 5th) with a new episode and more great conversations. Happy Canada Day and Independence Day! ::: The following episode was originally posted on December 28, 2010 ::: About Sam Whittingham [...]
I could spend hours in conversation with our guest this week. Pastor Randy Freund has been my pastor for the past 10 years and I continue to be inspired by his approach to ministry. In the years that I have know him, he has always found a way to be the leader our church needs [...]
Our guest this week, Keith Abraham, is passionate about helping people to live a passionate life. For more than 15 years, he’s been speaking and writing on the subject and was kind enough to take a few moments away from his busy schedule to join us in conversation. He is one of Australia’s top author [...]
During my travels in Up With People, I had the opportunity to visit two concentration camps in Germany: Auschwitz and Buchenwald. What I remember the most fro these visits are the images and stories on display and how incredibly sick to my stomach I felt about just a few minutes in these camp. A month [...]
At The Conversation Hub, we believe that: Through conversation … relationships are formed; Through conversation … knowledge is shared; and, Through conversation … life happens and finds meaning. This week we focus our episode on the premise that through conversation, knowledge is shared. Our guest, Tara Baklund, is a wellness practitioner, author and teacher. During [...]
Our guest this week – Mike Simons – is doing incredible things for kids and he’s doing it using music! The Intonation Music Workshop, based out of Chicago, is after-school program that is making an incredible difference in the lives of young people in the Chicago area. I was inspired by our conversation and I [...]
It’s Small Business Week in the USA this week and we are delighted to be in conversation with small business owner and entrepreneur John Jantsch. Over the past 25 years, John has built quite a following and has become a sought after consultant and expert on all things marketing for small business. Enjoy the conversation! [...]
Our guest this week, Jerrid Sebesta, is a meteorologist a Minnesota’s NBC affiliate KARE 11 News. He’s passionate about his family, the weather and living a debt free life. If you live in Minnesota or in the Phoenix, AZ television market, you’ve had an opportunity to see him in action as a meteorologist. During our [...]
Consequential strangers matter. When we look at the fabric of our lives and the numerous relationships we have, we often prioritize those relationships we consider as intimates. Our guest this week, author Melinda Blau, has been writing for years on the subject of relationships. Her book Consequential Strangers: Turning Everyday Encounters Into Life-Changing Moments (affiliate [...]
Benjamin Fingerhut, director and producer of the documentary Breaking and Entering, is our guest this week and I must confess, this episode will certainly make my top 10 list for the year. As is often the case with all of our episodes, the time passes to quickly and I find myself having to wrap up [...]
Photographers play a special role in our lives. We invite them to capture the special moments of our lives. Our guest this week, Master Photographer Lisa Crayford, has been capturing moments on film for most of her life. For her, life behind the lens equals joy ad happiness. As you’ll hear during our conversation, Lisa [...]
Many of us have dreams of living abroad and immersing ourselves in another culture. Our guest this week is doing more than just dreaming about it — he’s living the dream. Brian Crawford recently relocated his family from South Carolina to Paris, France. As you’ll quickly find out, Brian has a thirst for knowledge and [...]
We’re taking a well deserved hiatus this week and digging into the archives. We’ll be back next week with some more great conversations. ::: The following episode was originally posted on September 20, 2010 ::: Maybe it’s a guy thing, but I find trains fascinating. Whether it’s a freight train making its way through the [...]
“There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” ~ W. Clement Stone Think about this … you’ve just had an amazing year. Life is good; you enjoy your work; your two kids are following [...]
I am delighted to bring you my conversation with Michael Hyatt for episode #45. I’ve been following Michael’s blog for the past few years and was delighted that he accepted my invitation to be in conversation. During our conversation, Michael talks about leadership and life planning and does so in a way that is inspirational. [...]
Have you ever wanted to work naked? Seriously … have you ever envied people who worked from home? This week, we are in conversation with one of the country’s leading home office experts, Lisa Kanarek. Lisa makes a living helping people make a living and have a productive home office. During our conversation she shared [...]
Today, we bring you a special episode we are calling Dispatches From The Middle East. As we all know, unrest is sweeping the middle east and there are rumblings that what started in Tunisia and continued in Egypt, Yemen and now Libya is just the beginning. Already we are seeing some unprecedented action by people [...]
Coffee is big business! I love coffee, especially organic, shade grown coffee. My wife Heather, a former independent coffee shop owner, has always had an interest in international development (she graduated from the University of Guelph) with a degree in that field. When she got involved in the coffee shop, she made it a point [...]
Six months ago my wife and I started running. I am no expert at the sport but have been training hard for my first half-marathon next month. When it came time to invest in a good pair of running shoes, our research took us to the oldest running store in Minneapolis – GEAR Running Store. [...]
One of my favorite things to do is to engage in a meaningful conversation with friends or loved one over a glass of a great wine. My wife and I – joined by some great friends – have traveled to California’s wine country a few times and since our first trip, we’ve been enamored by [...]
During my college years and my time living outside of Toronto, I was an avid listener of the Canadian Broadcast Corporation – Radio One‘s service. One of my favorite reporter and fill-in host was Dick Gordon. When I moved to Minnesota in 2000, I quickly became a fan of Minnesota Public Radio/National Public Radio. In [...]
For our conversation this week, we welcome NCAA Football Official Mike Cannon. For more than 30 years, he’s been patrolling the football field as a Field Judge. Just recently, he was selected to be on the officiating crew for the 2010 BCS National Championship featuring the Oregon Ducks and the Auburn Tigers game in Phoenix, [...]
For this week’s episode, we are joined by StoryCorps’ mobile team member, Jenna Weiss-Berman. As noted in an earlier post, we are very big fans of StoryCorps. After you listen to the conversation, we invited you to join our Facebook Community – once we reach 300 fans, we’ll give them $100. To find out how [...]
We all need a support system. When you are in business for yourself, it’s even more important. Our guest this week is business consultant Rochelle Shirk. Leveraging years of corporate experience, she’s now making a difference by helping and supporting entrepreneurs. I was especially intrigued by The Alternative Board program she offers. Enjoy the conversation! [...]
I first introduced you to Steve Gasser during our second episode. This week, we re-engage the conversation with Steve on the topic of “being remarkable.” Like me, Steve took a cue from Chris Brogan this year and chose three words to guide his work. Our conversation today is on one of these words: Remarkable. I [...]
Do more great work! It seems like an easy task, but at times it can be challenging, especially with all of the distraction and the “must-do” and “have to-do” items on our lists. Enter Michael Bungay Stanier – our guest for episode #35. I think the words of David Allen (the GTD guy!) say it [...]
As we commemorate the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, we thought it would be interesting to engage in a conversation with the leader of an NGO that has been doing work there since the early 1990′s. “For Haiti to be a developed country”, that is what drives the work of Dale [...]
I first heard Steve Farber speak at an event in Minneapolis in August of 2004. My good friend Steve Gasser and I were deeply move by Steve’s message and quickly became fans of his work. I am especially fond of his first book, The Radical Leap and his most recent, Greater Than Yourself. I was [...]
Some people are just plain interesting. Some professions are just plain fascinating. That is the case with our guest this week and what he does for a living. Sam Whittingham is a custom bicycle builder. For more than 15 years now, he has hand-crafted bicycles for people across Canada and United States. It all started [...]
This year, like every year, parents all across America are preparing for the day their son or daughter goes of to college. It’s an annual ritual many families have already experiences and many more will in the years to come. This week, we’re in conversation Kristin and Kurt Thompson, parents who are experiencing the last [...]
Our guest for this week’s conversation with Dr. Eddie Thompson, founder and CEO of Thompson & Associates, a values-based estate planning firm. We connected during his recent visit to St. Cloud, Minnesota. Our conversation covered several topics, but focused primarily on the crossroads we now find ourselves at as a nation. As you’ll hear from [...]
Throughout the past 28 episodes you’ve heard me refer to – in one way or another – Up with People. My parents were generous enough to provide me with the opportunity to travel with them in 1988. I owe a lot to that organization. My experiences in Up with People, both as a student and [...]
Through conversation, knowledge is shared. This week’s episode (#28) aligns perfectly with that statement. Earlier this fall my daughter Cecilia joined the local 4-H group and absolutely loves every minute of it. I was not familiar with the 4-H program and honestly only associated it with county fairs and state fairs and the showing of [...]
Welcome to episode 27, our Thanksgiving episode. Unlike our other episodes, there is no specific guests on this one. Earlier this month, we encouraged people to call our comment line and answer the following question: “What are you thankful for this year?” We’ve received several calls and write-in submissions via our Facebook fan page. So, [...]
It was 1994 when I first met our guest for this week’s episode. As the show manager for Up With People’s Cast E94, I had the opportunity to travel with Alastair Cameron during our stay/tour of Australia. As you’ll quickly find out during our conversation, he’s the type of guy you want to have a [...]
Welcome to episode #25 – a milestone episode for this little project. Twenty-five episodes and more that 14.5 hours of inspirational, meaningful and informative conversations. Thanks for coming on this journey with me. We launched our project with my good friend Ian McDonald and a conversation we called The Power of a Life Plan. During [...]
It’s not everyday you are presented with an opportunity to be in conversation with an internationally renowned expert. We were very pleased when we were given an opportunity to be in conversation with Dr. David Katz during his recent visit to central Minnesota. Our conversation focused entirely on the NuVal Nutrition Scoring System. The Conversation [...]
It takes a lot of courage to leave the comfort and security of a full time job and go out on your own. Moving from a W2 (employee status) to a W9 (independent contractor/self-employed) can be a scary thing. It can be an even scarier thing when the work you are passionate about involves social [...]
Start with hello. Yes, it’s that simple, start your interaction with “Hello, my name is…” and see what comes of it. Our guest for this week’s conversation is Jason Simon. A self-proclaimed coffee aficionado and principle voice of caffeinatedconversations.com , Jason believes in creating opportunities for conversations. As you’ll hear during our conversation, Jason is [...]
What’s your dream? What are you doing today to get you closer to making it a reality? Our guest for this week is aspiring author Beth Christopher. As you’ll hear during our conversation, she’s taking the “bull by the horns” and working hard to make her dream of becoming a published author a reality. Enjoy [...]
For the past 15 years, I have had the privilege and honor of interacting with one incredible lady. This great individual happens to be my wife’s grandmother. Gladys Hayes, our guest for this week’s conversation, was born in 1921. She will be entering her 9th decade, but her joy and zest for life has not [...]
Some projects are just worth talking about! An idea that catches on; a project that sparks involvement and makes a difference, that is something to celebrate. This week, we are in conversation with Dana Nelson, the executive director of GiveMN.org. GiveMN will be celebrating it’s first birthday in just a few weeks and we thought [...]
Maybe it’s a guy thing, but I find trains fascinating. Whether it’s a freight train making its way through the Rockies or a passenger train transporting travelers at speeds in excess of 100 mph across the Channel Tunnel in Europe, trains are impressive machines. When my colleague shared that her husband was going back to [...]
My good friend, Ian McDonald (guest on Episode 1) introduced me to the work of Carolyn Herfurth late last year. Ever since my first visit to her website, I’ve been hooked by her video blog. Carolyn is doing some amazing work with solo entrepreneurs. She has made it her mission to help people. Like so [...]
Back in the late 90′s when my wife and I lived just outside of Toronto, Canada, we used to watch the Eco-Challenge on the Discovery Channel. We were addicted to the show and amazed by the people who did these races. For this week’s episode, we are in conversation with Jan Burley, a participant in [...]
For this week’s episode, we are in conversation with youth pastor Dave Wollan. For more than 10 years, Dave has served as director of youth and family ministries at Faith Lutheran Church, my home congregation. I have always been fascinated and inspired by Dave’s work. Several years ago, my wife and I joined Dave on [...]
We live in tough economic times. The unemployment rate (as of July 31, 2010) stands at 9.5%. We all know people who have been affected by the contraction of the economy. You can’t escape the story, it’s all around us. For this week conversation, we wanted to talk with an expert recruiter – someone who’s [...]
Over the past year, as a result of the downturn in our economy and several other factors, several large US based and international newspapers have seen a reduction in newsroom staff and advertising staff. In some cases, some newspapers have ceased publication altogether. With the advent of the Internet, mobile and tablet devices, more and [...]
For this week’s episode we are in conversation with Tommy Spaulding, president of the Spaulding Companies, LLC and author of “It’s Not Just Who You Know“ (Random House/Broadway Books) and world-renowned speaker on leadership. I have know Tommy for more than 15 years. We shared a common experience in 1993 as staff members for Up [...]
For this week’s episode, we are in conversation with the founder and principal voice of the Confessions of a Mom, Beth Gasser. What started out as a project to learn more about how blogs and other social media tools could benefit her clients, Beth’s website has become an online community where other moms gather to [...]
Four guys, two canoes … memories to last a lifetime! For Episode 10, we come to you from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota. I spent the last four days on a canoe trip with three good friends – Kurt Thompson (our leader), Steve Gasser and Josh Gehlen. Together, we paddled more than [...]
As you have probably figured out by now, I love a good conversation. For this week’s episode I am pleased to welcome Tom Wirt. We gathered in Tom’s studio – he was sitting at his potter’s wheel during our conversation – for a conversation we titled From Corporate America to Handmade in America. During the [...]
For this week’s episode, we engage in a conversation about mixed-martial arts fighting! For most people this sport is simply called cage-fighting. Our guest, Jeremy “The Landlord” Lang, has been involved in the sport since 2006. As you’ll hear in during our conversation, his debut as a cage-fighter came after he was urged by a [...]
Losing a loved one is never an easy thing. Losing your father after he’s battled and suffered through kidney cancer, is no walk in the park. Our guest for Episode 7, Jesse Godzala, experienced just that and now, with all the drive and passion you can imagine, he’s taken that difficult, personal experience and using [...]
We live in challenging times. Our struggling economy is not picking sides – we are all affected in some way or another. Our national discourse has never been so polarized. Is there any hope for the future? According to our guest this week, there is much to be hopeful for. Steve Joul is the president [...]
In most cases, the power of people coming together is amazing. When community members unite around a common goal, incredible things can happen – policies can be changed, a new story can come to life. For this week’s episode, we are in conversation with Jodi Rohe, BLEND Project Coordinator for the CentraCare Health Foundation located [...]
Many of us spend years working at a job that brings us no life. We fret about what we’d do next. We worry about how the bills would get paid. Are you that person? Have you wanted to follow your passion, but don’t have the courage to do so? For our fourth episode, we are [...]
For our third episode, we’re in conversation with Eric Anderson, a self-described international education professional and devoted Bronco’s fan! I’ve known Eric for more than 17 years and am always energized by the time we spend together. We connected during a recent trip I made to Colorado and spent part of our time together talking [...]
For our second episode, we are in conversation with Steve Gasser; a self described social media evangelist who has built a business on two simple principles: Inspire Possibilities and Take Small Steps. Steve is the president, CEO and chief evangelist at Vivid Image – a web and marketing firm based out of Hutchinson, Minnesota. Steve [...]
We are delighted to launch The Conversation Hub podcast series with a conversation with Ian McDonald. Ian is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, father and husband and someone who is committed to helping others. During a trade conference in San Diego in the spring of 2000, Ian was captivated by a speaker on the topic of a [...]