Best Nation Elc Podcasts (2025)

1
Exploring the Integrated Value Network 47:33

2d ago47:33

47:33

The Integrated Value Network (IVN), a transformative tool for effective governance. Joined by guests Basil White, a senior informaticist, and Beth Martin, a user experience and digital services expert, the discussion highlights the significance of IVN in mapping complex government interactions. The conversation covers their experiences, the practic…

1
Facilitating Reflections | Thomas Lahnthaler 25:54

4d ago25:54

25:54

In this episode, Phil interviews Thomas Lahnthaler about his book 'Facilitating Reflections'. They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the role of facilitators, essential skills needed, and the concept of self-harming humility in facilitation. Thomas emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's contributions and the need for facilitators to …

1
Innovators Unite: ET&I Conference Highlights Part 2 23:31

9d ago23:31

23:31

We are still live at the Emerging Tech and Innovation Conference, talking with amazing folks, like, Elizabeth McNamara, Health IT Innovation Officer at Next Phase Solutions Services, Virginia Huth a 30-year civil servant who is now CEO of Vanalytix, and Basil White, Senior Informaticist. Discussions revolve around the importance of innovation in pu…

1
Innovators Unite: ET&I Conference Highlights Part 1 22:17

16d ago22:17

22:17

In this episode of The Buzz, we broadcast live from the 2025 Emerging Tech and Innovation Conference, featuring exclusive interviews with industry leaders like Destinie Harris from Maximus, Jeff Mercurio from OnPoint Consulting, and Ratima Katari from ICF. Destinie discusses Maximus' Total Experience Management (TXM) solution and her journey in tec…

1
ICYMI: Top Strategies from Leading Private Sector Contact Centers 41:57

23d ago41:57

41:57

*NEW EDIT* In this episode, panelists from industry share their strategies and experiences for improving contact center operations. The session is moderated by Crystal Philcox, a former federal executive at GSA and IRS. Topics discussed include the importance of customer feedback, leveraging AI and analytics for better customer interactions, proact…

1
"Can I Come Down?..YES!" 14:57

25d ago14:57

14:57

In this episode, Phil Brown discusses the importance of empowering participants in climbing activities by allowing them to make choices about their experience, particularly the choice to come down when they feel uncomfortable. He challenges traditional mindsets that prioritize reaching the top as the ultimate goal and emphasizes the need for facili…

1
ICYMI: Contact Center Case Studies - Governments Learn Best from Other Governments 37:08

1M ago37:08

37:08

In this episode, panelists from various government sectors discuss the critical importance of contact centers and share their experiences, challenges, and strategies for improving service delivery. The discussion includes insights into the role of technology, automation, and human factors in transforming contact centers. Key topics covered include …

1
Challenging the Accessibility of Outdoor Education | Devin Farkas 26:40

1M ago26:40

26:40

In this conversation, Phil Brown and Devin Farkas discuss the evolving landscape of outdoor education, focusing on accessibility, the importance of experiential learning, and the development of leadership skills in outdoor settings. They explore the core impacts of outdoor education, including confidence building and connection with nature, while a…

1
Live at the 2025 Contact Center Annual Summit 35:28

1M ago35:28

35:28

In this special live edition of The Buzz, Pete Tseronis interviews key industry leaders on the critical role of contact centers in delivering services, especially through digital and omni-channel strategies. Key speakers, including Martha Dorris of Dorris Consulting International; Amanda Chavez from Qualtrics; Mia Jordan from Salesforce; Marcellus …

1
Near Misses on the Challenge Course 14:33

1M ago14:33

14:33

In this conversation, Phil Brown discusses the nuances of training in challenge courses, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences and safety protocols. He recounts a near miss incident involving a participant and a helmet, highlighting the lessons learned and the need for vigilance among facilitators. The discussion encourages a culture of …

1
The Human Element in Tech and Mission with CIO, DOC Brian Epley 27:22

2M ago27:22

27:22

In this episode of the Buzz , Pete Tseronis interviews Brian Epley, Chief Information Officer at the United States Department of Commerce. They discuss the intersection of mission-driven technology and humanizing government initiatives. Brian reflects on his journey from the private sector to public service, emphasizing the importance of understand…

1
Voyager Voices: Stories of Growth and Impact 25:03

2M ago25:03

25:03

In this special live edition of The Buzz, hosted by Yohanna Baez from Jammin Java in Vienna, Virginia, the focus is on Voyager Talks, celebrating the achievements of the ACT-IAC Voyagers program. The event highlights the importance of collaboration between government and industry, featuring professionals from the program and supporting Canines for …

1
The Power of Play | Ken Weisner 20:49

2M ago20:49

20:49

In this conversation, Phil Brown and Ken Weisner explore the significance of play in learning and personal development. Ken shares his journey into the world of play, highlighting key moments that shaped his understanding of its importance. They discuss the barriers adults face in engaging with play, the marketing challenges within the industry, an…

1
The Power of Connection: Lessons from the Voyager Program 28:23

2M ago28:23

28:23

In this special live edition of The Buzz, host Yohanna Baez broadcasts from Jammin Java in Vienna, Virginia, hosting the signature Voyager Talks event. This episode highlights the ACT-IAC Voyagers program, a professional development program for rising leaders in government and industry. Yohanna interviews Andrew Powell, Chief Growth Officer of Stro…

1
The Experiential Learning Cycle (ELC) | Romy Alexandra 39:49

2M ago39:49

39:49

In this conversation, Romy Alexandra discusses the concept of experiential learning, sharing her personal journey and insights into how experiential education can transform traditional learning methods. She emphasizes the importance of engaging learners through experience, reflection, and action, and explores the experiential learning cycle and var…

1
The Buzz Live: Creativity and Collaboration at Voyager Talks 25:15

2M ago25:15

25:15

In this special live edition of The Buzz, host Yohanna Baez reports from Jamin Java in Vienna, Virginia, celebrating the ACT-IAC Voyagers program and its impact on government and industry leaders. The episode features an inspiring conversation with Colette Creech, Director of Growth Operations at Gunnison Consulting Group, discussing her team's pre…

1
Lighthouse Parenting | Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg 31:43

2M ago31:43

31:43

In this conversation, Phil and Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg discuss the concept of Lighthouse Parenting, a metaphor that emphasizes the importance of being a stable and guiding presence in a child's life. Dr. Ginsburg explains how this approach balances love and protection while allowing children to take healthy risks. They explore the role of adults in mo…

1
Empowering Communities: Christina Binhack and the ACT-IAC Gives Back Initiative 33:05

2M ago33:05

33:05

In this episode, we sit down with Christina Binhack, Director of Operations and HR at ACT-IAC, to dive into her background, experiences, and passion for nonprofit work. Christina shares her journey from the Midwest to the DMV area, her involvement with ACT-IAC, and her dedication to community service through the ACT-IAC Gives Back program. She disc…

1
Communication in the Classroom | Mike Anderson 37:44

2M ago37:44

37:44

In this episode, the conversation focuses on the importance of communication in education, featuring insights from Anne Louise Wagner, Ryan McCormick and Mike Anderson. They discuss the barriers to effective communication, the significance of modeling appropriate communication for students, and the creation of a safe learning environment. The speak…

1
From College to Career: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from IBM 18:12

3M ago18:12

18:12

In our final episode of the Associates graduate series, host Yohanna Baez interviews Lila Najmyar, a senior federal developer at IBM and a recent participant in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Lila shares her journey from college to IBM, the valuable experiences and lessons learned during the program, and how it has influen…

1
National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) | Dr. Travis Park 25:34

3M ago25:34

25:34

"Learning to do, doing to learn" Phil, alongside guest host Jamie Thibodeau, is joined by Dr. Travis Park to explore the National FFA Organization's mission and its connection to experiential education. Travis discusses the importance of agricultural education in developing leadership, personal growth, and career success among students. The discuss…

1
Building Networks and Skills: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from ABS Consulting 19:23

3M ago19:23

19:23

In this episode of The Buzz from ACT-IAC, host Yohanna Baez interviews Abby Cassell, a business development manager at ABS Consulting and an alumna of the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Abby discusses her career journey from graduating college in 2020, navigating business development during the COVID-19 pandemic, to joining AB…

1
Deliberate Creative Teams | Dr. Amy Climer 29:39

3M ago29:39

29:39

In this conversation, Phil Brown interviews Amy Climer about her new book, 'Deliberate Creative Teams.' They discuss the importance of creativity in teams, the misconceptions surrounding creativity, and the role of education in stifling creative potential. Amy shares insights on how to facilitate creativity within teams, the concept of creative abr…

1
From Nursing to Business Operations: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from Akiak Holdings 31:13

3M ago31:13

31:13

In this episode of The Buzz from ACT IAC, host Yohanna Baez dives into the career journey of Olivia Henry, an early career professional who participated in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Olivia discusses her transition from nursing to a leadership role in business operations, fueled by the support and skills gained from th…

1
Master of Education (MEd) in Adventure Education | Springfield College | Angie Veatch and Ted France 23:19

3M ago23:19

23:19

Phil Brown, Angie Veach, and Ted France discuss the newly launched Masters of Education in Adventure Education program at Springfield College. They explore the intent behind creating the program, the importance of legitimacy in the field, and the need for a curriculum that respects and incorporates experiential learning. The discussion also touches…

1
From Courtside to Capitol Hill: Dir. of Professional Development Sarah Hughes on Career Transformation 36:13

3M ago36:13

36:13

We have a different host for this special episode of The Buzz, Pete Tseronis, founder of Dots and Bridges. He interviews Sarah Hughes, Director of Professional Development at ACT-IAC. They discuss Sarah's diverse career across industries, networking, mentorship, and career growth. Sarah shares insights from her journey, including her work with spor…

1
Service Learning | Cathryn Berger Kaye 25:07

3M ago25:07

25:07

Phil and Cathryn Berger Kaye explore the transformative power of service learning in education. Cathy defines service learning as a pedagogical approach that connects students' learning to real-world community needs, emphasizing the importance of purpose and engagement in the learning process. They discuss the barriers educators face in implementin…

1
Building Confidence and Connections: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from CGI 22:27

4M ago22:27

22:27

On our next episode of The Buzz from ACT-IAC, host Yohanna Baez interviews Paige Kowahl, a senior consultant at CGI Federal, about her experiences in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Paige shares her educational and career journey, which began with a pivot from chemistry to computer information systems, leading her to CGI. S…

1
Positive Reinforcement in the Classroom | Eugene Banks 25:10

4M ago25:10

25:10

In this engaging conversation, Phil and Eugene Banks explore the profound impact of education, the journey of becoming an educator, and the art of teaching. They discuss the importance of connection, positive reinforcement, and authentic engagement in the classroom, emphasizing that teaching is not just about content but about the context and relat…

1
From Intern to AI Sales: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from IBM 22:59

4M ago22:59

22:59

In this episode, Yohanna Baez hosts Mackenzie (Kenzie) Downes, a data and AI seller at IBM, to discuss her journey through the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Kenzie shares her background, how she was inspired by her mother to pursue sales, and her experience working at IBM. She dives into her motivations for joining the ACT-IA…

1
Attribution Theory | Josh Fisher 24:58

4M ago24:58

24:58

Phil and Josh Fisher discuss attribution theory, a concept in social psychology that explains how individuals interpret the causes of events and behaviors. They explore its relevance in adventure education, emphasizing the importance of understanding internal and external attributions, common missteps participants make, and strategies for educators…

1
From Aviation to GovCon: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from Leidos 21:12

4M ago21:12

21:12

In this episode of The Buzz from ACT-IAC, host Yohanna Baez interviews Ryan Cloghessy, a capture manager at Leidos, about his journey through the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. They discuss Ryan's career trajectory, the impact of the program on his professional growth, and the valuable lessons and experiences he gained. Ryan s…

1
AEE APAC Conference 2025 Reflections 26:35

4M ago26:35

26:35

Phil (AEE Board President-Elect) and Sherry Bagley (AEE Executive Director) discuss their experiences at the AEE Conference in Hong Kong, focusing on the significance of the Asia Pacific region, lessons learned, the role of academia in experiential education, and the importance of engaging the next generation of educators. They share unique cultura…

1
Building Bridges in GovCon: A Talk with an Associates Graduate from the Wilco Group 29:19

4M ago29:19

29:19

In this episode of 'The Buzz from ACT-IAC,' host Yohanna Baez dives into the journeys of early career professionals in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Senior Digital Transformation Consultant John Rehm from the Wilco Group shares his story, from his communications background to his current role in federal contracting. John …

1
New V2X Technology at DOT with Grafton deButts and Brian Cronin 46:49

5M ago46:49

46:49

This week, The Buzz presents a conversation with Grafton deButts from Strongbridge LLC and the ACT-IAC Department of Transportation Federal Insights Exchange (FIE), as they sit down with Brian Cronin, the forward-thinking Director of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office at the U-S Department of Transportation. Together, they …

1
The History of Experiential Learning | Professor Colin Beard 33:04

5M ago33:04

33:04

"Education wasn't for certain people." In this conversation, Phil and Professor Colin Beard delve into the history and evolution of experiential learning, exploring its prehistory and the cognitive capacities that have shaped human learning. They discuss the limitations of traditional educational models and the importance of recognizing the contrib…

1
Welcome Our New Host: Yohanna Baez 5:48

5M ago5:48

5:48

Welcome Yohanna Baez: A Different Vision for The Buzz In this special episode of The Buzz, new host Yohanna Baez introduces herself and outlines her vision for the podcast's future. She pays tribute to previous host, Colin Larsen, and discusses her plans to explore broader perspectives, amplify diverse voices, and provide actionable insights. Yohan…

1
What Are Your Questions?..and more helpful phrases 13:33

5M ago13:33

13:33

Phil shares five key phrases that enhance his training and communication. He emphasizes the importance of preparation on the ground, reframing questions to encourage engagement, and fostering creativity through vague responses. He also discusses the value of embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and the significance of connecting through sha…

1
Understanding Rescue Plans | Loui McCurley 16:23

5M ago16:23

16:23

Phil is joined by Loui McCurley to discuss the essential components of effective rescue plans, emphasizing the importance of understanding the subject in distress, the need for timely response, and the implications of suspension trauma. Loui highlights the significance of training and preparedness in rescue scenarios, as well as the potential for g…

1
Navigating Fall Protection Standards | Loui McCurley 26:03

5M ago26:03

26:03

Phil is joined by Loui McCurley to discuss the intricacies of rope access and fall protection, emphasizing the importance of understanding various safety standards and the role they play in ensuring safety at heights. He highlights the differences between fall protection methods, the significance of training and competency, and the value of cross-i…

1
Brain Games and Who Smarted? Creating Engaging Learning Through Play | Jerry Kolber 22:06

5M ago22:06

22:06

Phil and Jerry Kolber (producer of the tv show Brain Games, and the podcast Who Smarted?) explore the intersection of play and education, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on how to make learning more engaging and relatable. They discuss the importance of memorable moments in life, the role of play in education, and the inspiration behind the…

1
The Reggio Emilia Approach and Adventure Education | Honor Woodrow 34:10

6M ago34:10

34:10

In this episode, guest host Anne Louise Wagner and Honor Woodrow (Winston Prouty Center) discuss the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of viewing children as capable and competent learners. They explore how the environment plays a crucial role in facilitating learning and how educators can create engagi…

1
Balancing Risk and Growth in Parkour | Toby Segar 35:46

6M ago35:46

35:46

In this engaging conversation, Phil and Toby Segar explore the themes of connection, passion, and the importance of experiential education. They discuss how sharing personal interests can foster deeper connections, the role of failure in learning, and the significance of vulnerability in adventure. The conversation also delves into the perception o…

1
Challenging Gender Roles In Outdoor Education | Dr. Steve Sassaman 29:12

6M ago29:12

29:12

* The conversation in this episode is focused on gender. We both acknowledge that gender identity exists on a spectrum but will be discussing gender specifically as the socialized binary of male and female. This conversation explores the challenges and dynamics of gender roles and expectations in outdoor education. Dr. Steve Sassaman shares persona…

1
Why Do Most Icebreakers Fail? | Mark Collard 32:53

6M ago32:53

32:53

In this conversation, Phil and Mark Collard (Playmeo) delve into the critical elements of effective icebreakers and team-building activities. They explore why many icebreakers fail, emphasizing the importance of fun, interaction, and creating a non-threatening environment. Mark shares his insights on the five key elements that contribute to success…

1
5 Tips to Ease Conference Presentation Nerves 13:03

7M ago13:03

13:03

In this episode, Phil reflects on his recent conference presentation experience, sharing five key strategies to ease anxiety and enhance effectiveness when presenting at workshops. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with attendees, choosing scalable activities, focusing on participants, planning effectively, and managing time during presentat…

1
High 5 Retreat 2024 | Guess the Staff 26:31

7M ago26:31

26:31

In this episode, Phil and Lisa engage in a fun guessing game where they explore memorable moments and guilty pleasures shared by the High 5 staff. This is an episode produced for our staff to listen to and play along while traveling to our annual retreat. Feel free to play along by downloading the scoresheet below. SCORESHEET - https://docs.google.…

1
The Experience of Learning | Professor Colin Beard 33:02

7M ago33:02

33:02

In this conversation, Phil and Professor Colin Beard delve into the evolving landscape of experiential learning, discussing its significance, challenges, and the role of educators. They explore the importance of understanding the learning experience, the impact of space and senses, and the necessity of bridging academic knowledge with practical app…

1
The Top 5 Props We Never Leave Home Without | Mark Collard 20:45

7M ago20:45

20:45

In this conversation, Phil and Mark Collard discuss the essential props that facilitators should carry to enhance their sessions. They explore the versatility and functionality of these tools, emphasizing the importance of emotional literacy and connection in group settings. The discussion highlights specific props, their uses, and the impact they …

1
Creative Confidence and Why Arts Matter in Schools | Jo Lee 36:25

8M ago36:25

36:25

In this conversation, Phil and Jo Lee explore the concept of creative confidence, its roots in drama education, and the importance of arts in fostering self-worth and community. Jo shares her journey from being a drama teacher to advocating for the arts, discussing the transformative power of drama in education and the challenges faced in integrati…

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