The Conversation Hub

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 to life in a different way at Camp Up with People. This week we are in conversation with Camp Up with People's camp director, Tim Lane. If you are between the ages of 14 and 17 or have kids that age, I encourage you to check out Camp Up with People! Enjoy the conversation. About Camp Up with People Camp Up with People is a non-profit performing arts summer camp that brings together students from around the world to impact and inspire the community through service and song. Through outdoor activities, service projects and staging, campers will gain a sense of social responsibility, as well as the skills and appreciation of working cooperatively as part of a diverse group. Each session will culminate with an on-stage capstone performance. Camp Up with People is located in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, approximately two hours from Washington D.C. About Tim Lane, Camp Up With People Director Tim Lane has worked for Up with People, for nearly 25 years, serving in various management capacities. Tim has a passion for making a difference in young people’s lives, helping them to grow in confidence and realize that the best way to make a difference in your own life, is to make a difference in someone else’s life. During the school year he lives in Colorado with his wife, and enjoys time with his children and grandchildren. Note: Tim was the Cast Director of Cast B88 - my assigned cast when I traveled as a student with Up with People.  I returned to work for Up with People on their production staff from 1993-1995. Related episode: We interviewed the president and ceo of Up with People two years ago.  You can listen to our conversation with Alain Thiry by clicking here. The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt

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 her answer to our final question.  What she shares with us is priceless! PS - Special thanks to Teresa Weiland (Southdale YMCA in the Twin Cities) for connecting us with Cassandra. About Cassandra Silveira Cassandra Silveira is a registered dietician and education coordinator at Dream of Wild Health (DWH). DWH began in 1998 as a program of Peta Wakan Tipi, a St. Paul based non-profit that provides transitional housing for American Indian people in recovery. At the heart of Dream of Wild Health is a collection of more than 300 rare heirloom seeds that have been donated by tribes and families from around the country. In addition to growing out a select number of heirloom seeds each year, they raise organic vegetables for sale at Farmers Markets in the Twin Cities, and provide educational programs for Native youth and families. They also partner with urban organizations on programs that work to restore the mental, physical, and emotional health of our community. If you enjoyed this episode you might consider listening to the following conversations: Episode 5 with Jodi Rohe Episode 24 with Dr. David Katz Episode 93 with marathoner Jim Lynch Episode 95 with organic farmer Dan Moe The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt

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 ever since! Our guest, Roman Mars, is the producer and host of this great podcast!  I was delighted when he accepted my invitation to be on the "other side" of the microphone. Enjoy the conversation! About Roman Mars Roman Mars is the host, producer and program director of Public Radio Remix from PRX. He is also the host and producer of KALW’s 99% Invisible, a short radio show about design and architecture. The 99% Invisible podcast recently peaked at #8 in the iTunes rankings for all podcasts, as well as #1 in both the Arts and Design categories. His reported and documentary work has most recently aired on Snap Judgment, Morning Edition, Weekend America, KALW’s Crosscurrents and WBEZ’s Re:sound. Before going rogue, Mars spent over three years at WBEZ’s Third Coast International Audio Festival as the project senior producer and sound designer, developing their weekly documentary radio program and producing the TCF national broadcast specials for Public Radio International. Mars started his radio career at KALW in San Francisco and was best known as host and executive producer of Invisible Ink, an independent literary audio zine. The show received numerous recognitions from the National Federation of Community Broadcasters and was named “Best of the Bay” by the San Francisco Bay Guardian. His work has been presented at the Peabody Award winning Transom.org and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. Hear more at romanmars.com or follow him on Twitter @romanmars.   The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt

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 in the early 1980's. Get more information on CSA's by visiting this link. Enjoy the conversation! About Dan Moe Dan Moe's life at The Farm goes all the way back to the late 1960's, when it was owned by his grandfather.  After spending one summer by his grandfather's side working on the farm he was hooked!  He left Minnesota to attend college in California, and after coming to the decision that I was not engineering-minded, he opted to buy a cactus and succulent nursery.  He later transitioned to running an avocado ranch. In 1980 Dan had an opportunity to come back to the family farm when his grandfather retired.  He was to busy and involved with the avocados and could not take advantage of this opportunity to migrate back to Minnesota.  That opportunity came again 20 years later. Dan, along with his wife Donna, came back to Minnesota in 2000 and slowly began taking over a few acres of the family farm while leasing out the remainder to help cover costs.  After a number of years experimenting and getting used to farming in Minnesota (different weather you know), they came across something new to them - Community Supported Agriculture. This model seemed to fit perfectly with Dan's absolute passion to bring highly nutritional food to the world. Fina out more about The Farm of Minnesota and Dan Moe by visit their website at www.thefarmofmn.com.  You can also find them on Facebook.   The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt

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 accepted my invitation to join me for a longer conversation. About Dr. Troy Payne Specialty: Sleep Medicine Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY Residency: Neurology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA Fellowship: Clinical Neurophysiology, Epilepsy and Sleep Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Board Certified: Neurology, Sleep Medicine, Clinical Neurophysiology Member: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Epilepsy Society, Epilepsy Foundation of America, President of the Minnesota Sleep Society Special Clinical Interests: Sleep medicine and epilepsy Link to book on insomnia recommended by Dr. Payne:  "Say Good Night to Insomnia" (affiliate link)   Image courtesy of CentraCare Health System. © All rights reserved. Used with permission. The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt

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 our guest's website and was immediately captivated by his story. Jim Lynch has run 87 marathons and he's in the process of writing his memoir!  I made a point to reach out to him that same evening — I love the power of social media! — and booked him for the podcast! Enjoy our conversation! READ THE FIRST CHAPTER of Jim's upcoming book 'One Foot in Front of the Other': Download it here (link to PDF)! About Jim Lynch Jim Lynch made his debut on a cold, wintery day in March of 1957, in Erie, Pennsylvania.  The youngest of five siblings, his father was a salesman; his mother a nurse. His world was rocked when his father died suddenly when he was ten; and shattered when his mother died right after he graduated from high school.  Jim Lynch was literally on his own. Life has not always been as easy for Jim.  After a series of devastating personal and professional low points, Jim’s friends, family, and what Jim feels was divine guidance, got him back on his feet.  He vowed to never get to that low point again in his life.  From that time on, things changed tremendously. Since his first marathon in 1989, he has completed a marathon in all 50 states, and now has a total of 87 marathons under his belt.  He is actively involved in his running group and a member of the Colorado Runners Association.  Many have been inspired by Jim’s running accomplishments, and he continues to be inspired by the accomplishments of others. He is now sharing his life stories and how running defined him in his upcoming and anticipated book, One Foot in Front of the Other, which will be published in early 2012.  His hope is that this book will inspire and motivate, and allow others to reflect a little and become a champion in their own life. You can connect with Jim online on the following social networks: On Twitter: @AuthorJimLynch On Facebook: Author Jim Lynch Fan Page   Image courtesy of Jim Lynch & Running Shoe Press. © All rights reserved. Used with permission. The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt

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! Also, as noted in the brief message prior to the episode, I hope you'll consider supporting The Conversation Hub podcast (click for details). About Jeff Gau Since he was young, Jeff Gau has proven that success is not dependent on being the brightest, but rather a leader who produces more leaders than followers. “I’m a B student who was not good at math or science. Yet, I am running a successful technology company.” A destined leader, Jeff joined the U.S. Air Force out of high school. While focused on gaining money to go to college, Jeff received a series of prestigious promotions – well before his time. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in three years and immediately took his charismatic leadership and relentless work ethic to his first sales position. Since taking the helm at Marco in 2005, Jeff has led the company through aggressive growth and opportunities. Jeff has transformed what started as a small typewriter dealer in 1973 into a rapidly growing technology and office equipment company with offices throughout the Upper Midwest. We highly recommend you check out Jeff's Leadership Culture Blog! Learn more about Marco by visiting their website at www.marconet.com. Image courtesy of Jeff Gau and Marco. © All rights reserved. Used with permission. The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt

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 Montessori school and my wife is one assignment away for receiving her Montessori Certification. That being said, the idea of Montessori is still foreign to me.  I found my conversation with Syneva very enlightening. Enjoy! About Syneva Barrett Syneva Barrett is a Montessori professional with over 13 years experience teaching students, teachers, faculty and even strangers in the supermarket. She is a 1999 graduate (Bachelor's Degree) of the University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) - Major in Elementary Education.  Minnesota licensed grades 1-6.  Minor in Theatre Arts. In 2003, she obtained her Master of Arts in Education degree, College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, MN. She is also Montessori certified, a certification she received from the American Montessori Society. You can connect with Syneva and follow her online by visiting her company's website at www.montessorimomentum.com. Other Montessori Resources American Montessori Society We are Montessori Project on Facebook - documenting Montessori alums and how a Montessori education impacted them. MariaMontessori.com - another great source of information. Images courtesy of Syneva Barrett and Montessori Momentum. © All rights reserved. Used with permission. The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt

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 can find it here. Enjoy the conversation! About David Hunt David Hunt is a sought-after national speaker on issues of racial and ethnic disparities in health care and the legal aspects of providing culturally and linguistically appropriate care, David recently published a chapter on The Law of Language Access in Immigrant Medicine, the first international medical textbook on refugee medicine. Together with physician partners from the Harvard Medical School, David helped create, market and sell the nation’s first e-learning program on cross-cultural medicine. See David's full bio by visit Critical Measures' website. About Critical Measures, LLC Critical Measures is a corporate training and management consulting firm that assists employers in harnessing the power of diversity to create more productive, profitable and inclusive organizations. We specialize in cross-cultural health care, diversity and global business issues and anti-harassment training and coaching. We provide our clients with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to manage differences, and work effectively across cultures.   Images courtesy of David Hunt and Critical Measures, LLC. © All rights reserved. Used with permission. The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt

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 back on Thursday, February 23rd with part two! Enjoy the conversation. Note:  You can hear part two of our conversation with David by visiting this link. About David Hunt & Critical Measures David Hunt is one of the nation’s leading experts on cultural competence in healthcare and diversity-related issues in law and business. Prior to entering the diversity field, David worked for national public policy think-tanks on health policy matters and practiced law as an employment law and civil rights attorney. A sought-after national speaker on issues of racial and ethnic disparities in health care and the legal aspects of providing culturally and linguistically appropriate care, David recently published a chapter on The Law of Language Access in Immigrant Medicine, the first international medical textbook on refugee medicine. Together with physician partners from the Harvard Medical School, David helped create, market and sell the nation’s first e-learning program on cross-cultural medicine. (This product has since become the nation’s leading software program for training doctors and nurses on cultural competence in health care.) More recently, David created a new e-learning program on The Law of Language Access in healthcare to assist physicians, hospitals and health plans to comply with federal and state language access laws. Critical Measures is a corporate training and management consulting firm that assists employers in harnessing the power of diversity to create more productive, profitable and inclusive organizations. We specialize in cross-cultural health care, diversity and global business issues and anti-harassment training and coaching. We provide our clients with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to manage differences, and work effectively across cultures. Founded in 2001, Critical Measures quickly gained a national reputation in the diversity and inclusion field with prestigious national clients in business, banking, health care, K-12 and Post-Secondary Education, law, government and the non-profit sector. Signature clients have included: Aetna, the NCAA, the Minnesota Supreme Court, Microsoft, Manpower, the Mayo Clinic, the Kohler Company, HealthPartners and the American Medical Association. Images courtesy of David Hunt and Critical Measures, LLC. © All rights reserved. Used with permission. The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt

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 friend Robert Caruso (aka @Fondalo) for connecting us! About Brandon Lee Brandon Lee is seasoned entrepreneur who's been on the leading edge of web-based applications since his first company (est. 1998). He has a passion for creative products designed for the user in mind. His goal is to build services that help others build their companies, offer value, and become proud of their accomplishments. Brandon is also the founder and CEO at Social Stage, a company that provides Facebook solutions that empower organizations and brands to attract, engage and convert users into fans. You can follow Brandon on the following social platforms: On Twitter at @Brandon1ee and @SocialStage. On LinkedIn and on Facebook (Social Stage page). Images courtesy of Brandon Lee and Social Stage. © Used with permission. The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt

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 Man in the Children's Theatre Company's production of 'Wizard of Oz.' We caught up with him just before a rehearsal for his latest project - the role of Christopher Wren in Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap - a production put on by Shadow Play Theatre. Enjoy the conversation! About Max Wojtanowicz Max Wojtanowicz is originally from the small town of Rice, Minnesota. Some of his first theater work took place in his best friend's basement where he played Captain Hook and ran the fly rail. A couple of years later he played a lost boy in a real theater, and he was never the same. He graduated from St. Olaf College in 2006 with a degree in theater and a concentration in media studies. Since graduating, Max has been thrilled to work with several theaters throughout the Twin Cities and around Minnesota. Max spent two seasons as a performing apprentice at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, the largest theater for children and families in North America and the only theater for young people to win the Regional Theatre Tony Award. Credits at CTC include their recent best-selling production of The Wizard of Oz as well as Dr. Seuss' The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, Mr. McGee and the Biting Flea, Cinderella, Ramona Quimby, Romeo & Juliet (2009 Ivey Award winner), The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Madeline and the Gypsies, The Magic Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Bud Not Buddy and Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day. He also understudied productions of Average Family, A Year with Frog and Toad, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and both characters in the world premiere of Bert and Ernie, Goodnight! You can follow Max online by visiting his website! Images courtesy of Max Wojtanowicz. © Used with permission. The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt

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 more conversation like the one you'll hear today! Thanks for listening. About Sara Carlson Sara Carlson, a resident of Willmar, MN has more than 17 years of experience in the early care and education field.  She is currently serving as a Program Officer with the Southwest Initiative Foundation based in Hutchinson, leading their Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) program. She is a key leader in the Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative, a grassroots community organizing effort to focus on children birth-five years, seeding 16 ECI coalitions in southwest MN. Carlson serves on the Governor’s Early Learning Council for Minnesota, the Start Early Funders Coalition and on numerous other groups that advance early care and education interests statewide.  She has special expertise in infant and early childhood mental health, community organizing and leadership development.  She is a graduate of the College of Saint Benedict in St Joseph, MN. She is a graduate of the Blandin Community Leadership Program(2006) and Institute for Conservation Leadership “Leading from Within” (2010). Early Childhood Learning Resources The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Lessons Learned: A Report by Wilder Research, 2007 Impacts & Insights: A Report by Wilder Research, 2010 The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis - Special Studies (as referred to by Sara Carlson during the interview) Image courtesy of Sara Carlson and Southwest Initiative Foundation. Used with permission.  The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt

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 words and how they apply to life and work. Enjoy the conversation! About Chris Brogan and Human Business Works Chris Brogan is president of Human Business Works, a media and education company dedicated to helping companies improve customer acquisition and community nurturing. He is the New York Times Bestselling author of Google+ For Business: How Google’s Social Network Changes Everything (affiliate link), and he blogs at chrisbrogan.com, a blog in the Top 5 of Advertising Age’s Power150. Chris consults and speaks with companies like Disney, SAS, Citrix Online, Microsoft, Pepsico, Ford and many others. Human Business Works is a media and education company that helps (mostly larger) companies understand how business, technology and media can be leveraged to improve customer acquisition and community nurturing via the human digital channel. You can also follow Chris on: Twitter: @chrisbrogan Google Plus: +Chris Brogan Images courtesy of Chris Brogan. © Used with permission. The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt

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 business that builds handcrafted, vintage, wooden boats! With just two weeks before the delivery of his first boat - The Lexington - Rob and his partner Jeannette Jones were kind enough to join me in conversation! Enjoy! About Rob Sheppard and Minncraft Rob Sheppard is a jack-of-all trades who's carving out a niche in the boat-building business.  He's been working with his hands for as long as he can remember. Before creating Minncraft, a company that hand-builds vintage-style wooden boats in the tradition of 1930s and ‘40s classics, Rob worked in roofing and siding and formerly owned a custom cabinetry business (Centennial Woodcraft in White Bear Lake). Minncraft Boats is a builder of handcrafted custom wooden boats using modern techniques and materials. With 26 years experience in the woodworking and boat building industry, we produce “new” classic wooden boats that are easy to maintain, yet have the beauty and quality of the original classics. Each boat is hand-built one at a time allowing complete customization. The Lexington - the first boat built by Rob - will be featured at the Minneapolis Boat Show from January 19-22, 2012. Follow Rob and the Minncraft Boats story online at the following locations: Twitter: @minncraftboats Facebook: Minncraft Boats You Tube: Lexington Preview/Minneapolis Boat Show Promo   The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt