http://theconversationhub.com Conversations on business, life and everything in between! Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:00:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://theconversationhub.com/feed/podcast/ Conversations on business, life and everything in between! Marc Vaillancourt clean Marc Vaillancourt marc@marcvaillancourt.com marc@marcvaillancourt.com (Marc Vaillancourt) The Conversation Hub/BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt Through conversations, life happens and finds meaning! The Conversation Hub, Marc Vaillancourt, Conversations, http://theconversationhub.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/conversation-hub.jpg http://theconversationhub.com Minnesota Weekly http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-melinda-blau/ http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-melinda-blau/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:00:11 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4509 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-melinda-blau/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/top-5-episodes-for-january-2012/ http://theconversationhub.com/top-5-episodes-for-january-2012/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4159 http://theconversationhub.com/top-5-episodes-for-january-2012/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/87-a-conversation-on-early-childhood-education-with-sara-carlson/ http://theconversationhub.com/87-a-conversation-on-early-childhood-education-with-sara-carlson/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4438 http://theconversationhub.com/87-a-conversation-on-early-childhood-education-with-sara-carlson/feed/ 0 audio interview,birth to five,critical years,Early Childhood Education,ECI,education,marc vaillancourt,podcast,Sara Carlson 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. - 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 Marc Vaillancourt clean 40:45 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-dare-to-think-big/ http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-dare-to-think-big/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:00:52 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4153 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-dare-to-think-big/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-dispatches-from-the-middle-east/ http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-dispatches-from-the-middle-east/#comments Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:00:38 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4478 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-dispatches-from-the-middle-east/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/the-problem-with-words/ http://theconversationhub.com/the-problem-with-words/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:47 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4452 http://theconversationhub.com/the-problem-with-words/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/86-chris-brogan-blogger-author-and-president-of-human-business-works/ http://theconversationhub.com/86-chris-brogan-blogger-author-and-president-of-human-business-works/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4158 http://theconversationhub.com/86-chris-brogan-blogger-author-and-president-of-human-business-works/feed/ 2 3 words,@chrisbrogan,author chris brogan,blogger,Chris Brogan,Goal setting,Google,google plus,human business works,life plan,my three words,Social Media Enthusiast 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, 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 Marc Vaillancourt clean 28:51 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-what-are-you-busy-about/ http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-what-are-you-busy-about/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4148 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-what-are-you-busy-about/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-mike-simons-of-intonation-music-workshop/ http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-mike-simons-of-intonation-music-workshop/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:00:37 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4430 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-mike-simons-of-intonation-music-workshop/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/reality-check-time-a-personal-reflection/ http://theconversationhub.com/reality-check-time-a-personal-reflection/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:00:25 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4410 http://theconversationhub.com/reality-check-time-a-personal-reflection/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/85-rob-sheppard-builder-of-handcrafted-vintage-wooden-boats/ http://theconversationhub.com/85-rob-sheppard-builder-of-handcrafted-vintage-wooden-boats/#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4157 http://theconversationhub.com/85-rob-sheppard-builder-of-handcrafted-vintage-wooden-boats/feed/ 0 @bassclefmusic,@conversationhub,boats,business success,custom boats,Entrepreneur,handcrafted wooden boats,Jeanette Jones,Leadership,marc vaillancourt,Minncraft,Minncraft Boats 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, 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 Marc Vaillancourt clean 36:16 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-will-you-find-a-way-or-an-excuse/ http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-will-you-find-a-way-or-an-excuse/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:00:08 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3929 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-will-you-find-a-way-or-an-excuse/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-sam-adams-brewerys-grant-wood/ http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-sam-adams-brewerys-grant-wood/#comments Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:00:09 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4340 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-sam-adams-brewerys-grant-wood/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/84-mike-rynchek-talks-about-2012-consumer-electronics-show-ces/ http://theconversationhub.com/84-mike-rynchek-talks-about-2012-consumer-electronics-show-ces/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:17:22 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4297 http://theconversationhub.com/84-mike-rynchek-talks-about-2012-consumer-electronics-show-ces/feed/ 1 @bassclefmusic,@conversationhub,@MikeRynchek,CES,CES 2102,Consumer Electronic Show,First Person Account,Health Care,marc vaillancourt,Mike Rynchek,minnesota,ONline Marketing 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, 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 CES.  We caught up with him on his first day back at his office in Minneapolis! Enjoy the conversation! About Mike Rynchek Mike Rynchek (@mikerynchek) is the President of Spyder Trap Online Marketing, a Minneapolis-based agency focused solely on the marketing strategies and tactics unique to the online world. His expertise includes search engine optimization, paid search, web site analytics, e-mail marketing and using social media in business contexts. Mike’s experience reaches back nearly to the genesis of online marketing and he continues as one of the industry’s pioneers. Most recently, his social media expertise proved critical to the success of the Vote Yes movement in Minnesota in November 2008. Using social media including Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and YouTube, Mike engineered the first social media campaign that directly led to the passage of a constitutional amendment anywhere in the United States. Mike has worked with a wide variety of clients including TCF, Smiths Medical, UnitedHealth Group, Ingenix, myOptumHealth, Smead, Nabbit, Nestle, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, HOM Furniture and Crave among others. Currently Mike is the Marketing Communications Chair for the American Diabetes Association Community Leadership Board. Mike holds Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the G. R. Herberger College of Business at St. Cloud State University. Connect with Mike and his firm online at the following places: Twitter: @mikerynchek On Facebook: Spyder Trap FB Page Subscribe to the Spyder Trap blog here. Images courtesy of Mike Rynchek and shot by Erica Mayer of Puke Rainbows Photography.  The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt   Marc Vaillancourt clean 28:01 http://theconversationhub.com/83-author-al-pittampalli/ http://theconversationhub.com/83-author-al-pittampalli/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:00:03 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4128 http://theconversationhub.com/83-author-al-pittampalli/feed/ 0 @conversationhub,@pittamplalli,Al Pittampalli,audio interview,author interview,Conversation,great conversations,manifesto on meetings,marc vaillancourt,meetings,modern meeting standard,podcast 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, 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 meetings at your organization!  Our guest this week - Al Pittampalli - is on a mission to change the world of meetings! Enjoy the conversation and be sure to check out his book (affiliate link)! About Al Pittampalli Al Pittampalli is a meeting culture warrior! He's on a mission to change the way organizations hold meetings, make decisions and coordinate actions. He is the founder of The Modern Meeting Company, a group that helps organizations transform meetings, make decisions, and coordinate complex teams. As an IT advisor at Ernst & Young LLP, Al witnessed the meeting problem firsthand at Fortune 500 companies all across the country. Now, Al is part of a new generation that brings fresh eyes to stuck business systems. Al is a speaker and blogger on making revolutionary change happen and is a graduate of the NYU Stern School of Business. Connect with Al online at the following locations: Website: www.ModernMeetingStandard.com Twitter: @Pittampalli Get his book: Read This Before Our Next Meeting (affiliate link)   The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Content © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt   Marc Vaillancourt clean 31:23 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-dont-stumble/ http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-dont-stumble/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:00:26 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3894 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-dont-stumble/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-greg-jodzio-the-hot-dog-guy/ http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-greg-jodzio-the-hot-dog-guy/#comments Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:00:30 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4267 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-greg-jodzio-the-hot-dog-guy/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/my-three-words-for-2012/ http://theconversationhub.com/my-three-words-for-2012/#comments Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:30:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3922 http://theconversationhub.com/my-three-words-for-2012/feed/ 2 http://theconversationhub.com/fight-your-way-through/ http://theconversationhub.com/fight-your-way-through/#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:45 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4199 http://theconversationhub.com/fight-your-way-through/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/82-dr-donald-j-jurgens-medical-oncologist/ http://theconversationhub.com/82-dr-donald-j-jurgens-medical-oncologist/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3924 http://theconversationhub.com/82-dr-donald-j-jurgens-medical-oncologist/feed/ 0 cancer,Don Jurgens,Donal J Jurgens MD,Dr. Jurgens,Hematology,medical doctor,Oncology,podcast,The Conversation Hub 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. 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 to join me in conversation.  As a medical oncologist, he connects with people at a very difficult time in their lives. I felt this way before our conversation but my time with him confirmed it ... If I am ever in need of a medical oncologist, I want him on my team! Enjoy the conversation! About Dr. Donald J. Jurgens Specialty: Medical Oncology and Oncology Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Rochester, MN Fellowship: Hematology/Oncology, Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Rochester, MN Board Certified: Internal Medicine, Oncology Member: American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, North Central Cancer Treatment Group, American Medical Association Dr. Jurgens is also the founder and principal voice of the newly launched website call www.drjurgens.com.  DrJurgens.com was created to assist cancer patients, and their loved ones, in taking ownership of their own well-being. Dr Jurgens will EDUCATE you with common sense explanations of the specific type of cancer you want to research. This information will EMPOWER you to take control of your own well-being, allowing you to ENRICH your future and live to your fullest potential. You can also find him on Twitter (@DrJurgenscom) or on Facebook. Images courtesy of Dr. Jurgens and www.dr.jurgens.com. Used with permission.   The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Contents © 2012 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt Marc Vaillancourt clean 35:46 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-importance-of-goals/ http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-importance-of-goals/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 10:00:12 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3878 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-importance-of-goals/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/top-five-episodes-for-december-2011/ http://theconversationhub.com/top-five-episodes-for-december-2011/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:55:33 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4131 http://theconversationhub.com/top-five-episodes-for-december-2011/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-up-with-peoples-alain-thiry/ http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-up-with-peoples-alain-thiry/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:00:32 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=4121 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-up-with-peoples-alain-thiry/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/81-dick-burgart-a-reflection-on-his-peace-corps-experience/ http://theconversationhub.com/81-dick-burgart-a-reflection-on-his-peace-corps-experience/#comments Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3923 http://theconversationhub.com/81-dick-burgart-a-reflection-on-his-peace-corps-experience/feed/ 0 50th Anniversay of Peace Corps,audio conversation,Dick Burgart,giving of yourself,John F. Kennedy,marc vaillancourt,Meaningful conversation,Peace Corps,podcast,service,The Conversation Hub,Time abroad 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. 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 time, 200,000+ Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 139 host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education to information technology and environmental preservation. In 1968, my in-laws, Dick and Suzanne Burgart, joined Peace Corps 13 and made their way to Ethiopia. For two-years, they gave of their life, their time and their skills to the people of Ethiopia. For this final episode of 2011, I chose to be in conversation with Dick Burgart. I've been a part of the Burgart family for more that 16 years and this episode marks the first time I've had an in-depth conversation with him about his (and my mother-in-law's) time in Ethiopia. Enjoy the conversation!     The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Contents © 2011 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt Marc Vaillancourt clean 26:52 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-making-more-opportunities/ http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-making-more-opportunities/#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:00:40 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3845 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-making-more-opportunities/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-benjamin-fingerhut/ http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-benjamin-fingerhut/#comments Sat, 24 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3926 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-benjamin-fingerhut/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/people-well-be-following-in-2012/ http://theconversationhub.com/people-well-be-following-in-2012/#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3925 http://theconversationhub.com/people-well-be-following-in-2012/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/so-long-farewell-auf-wiedersehen-adieu-to-2011/ http://theconversationhub.com/so-long-farewell-auf-wiedersehen-adieu-to-2011/#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:12:52 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3960 http://theconversationhub.com/so-long-farewell-auf-wiedersehen-adieu-to-2011/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/80-christian-recording-artist-jason-gray/ http://theconversationhub.com/80-christian-recording-artist-jason-gray/#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:00:08 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3853 http://theconversationhub.com/80-christian-recording-artist-jason-gray/feed/ 0 Centricity Artist,Centricity Music,christian artist,christian music,Christian recordning artist,Fade With our Voice,Jason Gray,Making a difference,Meaningful conversation,minnesota,music,podcast 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! - 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 Jason and my time with him was great!  I am grateful for the time he took - on a "performance day" to speak with me. I hope you enjoy the conversation - his message his powerful! If you are not familiar with Jason and his music, I encourage you to check him out on iTunes today!!! About Jason Gray Jason Gray is a contemporary Christian singer-songwriter born and raised in Minnesota who now lives near the Twin Cities area. He spent six years in youth ministry, before going into full-time music ministry in 1999 as an independent artist.  Jason has a speech handicap, and as a stutterer, his work emphasizes finding strength in weakness. Jason was honored as one of Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans in 2003 by the Minnesota Junior Chamber for his volunteerism, civic leadership, and humanitarian work with World Vision's Hope Initiative, which addresses the needs of children orphaned by AIDS in Africa and other third-world countries.  His passion for understanding service to the poor as a form of worship is expressed in his song "Fade With Our Voices" from his 2009 release Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue. While his work has garnered gushing critical accolades, it wasn't primarily the literate craftsmanship of his songs that drew the immediate respect of his peers and a solid fanbase to him. It was, rather, Jason's candor, his transparency, his willingness to expose his own weaknesses night after night that created an inexplicable bond with audiences and prompted Centricity Music to sign him in 2006. When a guy who grew up as a chronic stutterer in an abusive home takes the mic and obviously cares more about loving you than about what you think of him, you know something's up. Gray's discography over his career is a logical progression from his earlier indie efforts to his recent ambitious outings that find him skillfully marrying his trademark deft lyrical expressions to smooth pop melodies and a disarming passion in a way that places him somehow simultaneously in multiple camps, instantly begging comparisons to a Brandon Heath on the one hand, and a Mark Heard or a Rich Mullins on the other. For his part, Jason is content to leave the genre-parsing to others, in favor of his more pressing agendas. Follow Jason on Twitter at @jasongraymusic Images courtesy of Jason Gray and Centricity Music.  © All rights reserved. The Conversation Hub is produced by BassClef Productions. Contents © 2011 BassClef Productions/Marc Vaillancourt Marc Vaillancourt clean 36:12 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-do-you-know-where-you-are-going/ http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-do-you-know-where-you-are-going/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:00:29 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3831 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-do-you-know-where-you-are-going/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-jason-simon/ http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-jason-simon/#comments Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:00:35 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3912 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-jason-simon/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/coffee-conversation-perfect-companions/ http://theconversationhub.com/coffee-conversation-perfect-companions/#comments Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:10:22 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3898 http://theconversationhub.com/coffee-conversation-perfect-companions/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/79-art-therapist-katie-kinzer/ http://theconversationhub.com/79-art-therapist-katie-kinzer/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3790 http://theconversationhub.com/79-art-therapist-katie-kinzer/feed/ 0 art,art therapy,audio interview,cancer,cancer survivor,CentraCare Health System,Coborn Cancer Center,counseling with art,Kaite Kinzer Art Therapy,katie kinzer,marc vaillancourt,master's level art therapist 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. - 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! About Katie Kinzer Katie Kinzer's passion for two seemingly different subjects led her on a rather unusual journey. In wedding her love for art with her interest in psychology, Katie fulfilled her life's dream of becoming an art therapist. Since receiving her B.A. in psychology and studio art from Concordia College, Moorhead, and her M.A. in art therapy from the University of Wisconsin, Superior, Katie has gained extensive experience in art therapy work. Katie offers art therapy at the Coborn Cancer Center (St. Cloud, MN) as a part of the Survivorship Network Program. In working with adults, adolescents and children alike, Katie has become especially knowledgeable in implementing art as a tool to help clients move through trauma. One of her special talents is her ability to foster the healing process through providing a warm and non-threatening atmosphere, which allows clients to feel safe and contained. Clients of all ages have come to find comfort and place a deep trust in Katie's capacity to hold them through their journeys of inner healing. You can view some of the artwork created in Katie's program by visiting this website. Image source: Minnesota Public Radio and Granite City Counseling. The Conversation Hub is a production of BassClef Productions. Contents © 2011 BassClef Productions Marc Vaillancourt clean 27:04 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-what-do-you-measure/ http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-what-do-you-measure/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:00:24 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3719 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-what-do-you-measure/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-author-tommy-spaulding/ http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-author-tommy-spaulding/#comments Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:00:47 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3861 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-author-tommy-spaulding/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/going-deeper/ http://theconversationhub.com/going-deeper/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:17:02 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3857 http://theconversationhub.com/going-deeper/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/78_nigelallan_wwf/ http://theconversationhub.com/78_nigelallan_wwf/#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3788 http://theconversationhub.com/78_nigelallan_wwf/feed/ 0 audio interview,marc vaillancourt,nigel allan,panda.org,podcast,Social Media,The Conversation Hub,The Conversation Hub Podcast,whitehorse,world wildlife federation,wwf,yukon 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). - 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 conversation! About Nigel Allan and The World Wildlife Fund Nigel Allan is an Australian expat now living in Whitehorse, Canada. Nigel is responsible for the development and delivery of creative content for the WWF International website (www.panda.org) and social networking activity. For 50 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature. The world’s leading conservation organization, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. WWF's unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature. WWF's vision is to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature. WWF’s mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth. You can follow Nigel on Twitter at @nallan Get the latest information on the Word Wildlife Fund online at http://wwf.panda.org The Conversation Hub is a production of BassClef Productions. Contents © 2011 BassClef Productions Marc Vaillancourt clean 26:55 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-hows-your-energy/ http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-hows-your-energy/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:00:42 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3716 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-hows-your-energy/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-jeremy-the-landlord-lang/ http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-jeremy-the-landlord-lang/#comments Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:00:53 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3827 http://theconversationhub.com/tch-replay-with-jeremy-the-landlord-lang/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/top-five-episodes-for-november-2011/ http://theconversationhub.com/top-five-episodes-for-november-2011/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3569 http://theconversationhub.com/top-five-episodes-for-november-2011/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/77-bob-edwards-host-of-the-bob-edwards-show-on-siriusxm/ http://theconversationhub.com/77-bob-edwards-host-of-the-bob-edwards-show-on-siriusxm/#comments Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:00:05 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3735 http://theconversationhub.com/77-bob-edwards-host-of-the-bob-edwards-show-on-siriusxm/feed/ 0 @bobedwardsshow,A Voice in a Box,AFTRA,author,Bob Edwards,bucket list,Conversation,duPont-Columbia Award,Edward R. Murrow,Meaningful conversation,Morning Edition,National Public Radio 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! 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 list! What an honor and privilege it was to have him join me as a guest! Would you like to WIN a copy of his memoir - A Voice in the Box (affiliate link)? If so, visit our Facebook page and tell us who's on Bob's list of people he'd like to interview. Yes, you'll have to listen to the episode to find out!! Enjoy the conversation! About Bob Edwards Bob Edwards is the host of “The Bob Edwards Show” on Sirius XM Radio and “Bob Edwards Weekend,” distributed to public radio stations by Public Radio International (PRI). Both programs feature in-depth interviews with newsmakers, journalists, entertainers and other compelling figures. Before joining Sirius XM in 2004, Edwards hosted National Public Radio’s (NPR) “Morning Edition” for 24-and-a-half years, attracting more than 13 million listeners weekly. He joined NPR in 1974 and was co-host of NPR’s evening news magazine, “All Things Considered,” until 1979 when he helped launch “Morning Edition.” Edwards was born in Louisville, Kentucky and began his radio career there. He is the author of two books: “Fridays with Red,” which chronicled his radio friendship with legendary sportscaster Red Barber, and “Edward R. Murrow and the Birth of Broadcast Journalism.”  His latest book - his memoir - A Voice in the Box (affiliate link), was published in September, 2011. Bob Edwards has won the duPont-Columbia Award for radio journalism, a George Foster Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting, and the Edward R. Murrow Award for outstanding contributions to public radio. He serves as national first vice president of AFTRA, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. In November of 2004, Edwards was inducted into the national Radio Hall of Fame. You can follow Bob Edwards online at www.bobedwardsradio.com or on Twitter at @bobedwardsshow. Images courtesy of Bob Edwards and The Bob Edwards Show. Used with permission. The Conversation Hub is a production of BassClef Productions. Contents © 2011, BassClef Productions. Marc Vaillancourt clean 29:32 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-how-do-you-take-it/ http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-how-do-you-take-it/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:00:55 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3702 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-how-do-you-take-it/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/from-the-archives-tch-replay-with-sommelier-leslee-miller/ http://theconversationhub.com/from-the-archives-tch-replay-with-sommelier-leslee-miller/#comments Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3710 http://theconversationhub.com/from-the-archives-tch-replay-with-sommelier-leslee-miller/feed/ 0 @Amuseewine,@conversationhub,Amusée,Amusee Wine,Archery Summit Wines,Cabernet Sauvignon,great wine conversation,Leslee Miller,Oregon Pinot Noir,podcast,replay,Sommelier 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! 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! Marc Vaillancourt clean 39:33 http://theconversationhub.com/76-giving-thanks-2011-thanksgiving-day-episode/ http://theconversationhub.com/76-giving-thanks-2011-thanksgiving-day-episode/#comments Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:59:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3568 http://theconversationhub.com/76-giving-thanks-2011-thanksgiving-day-episode/feed/ 0 give,give thanks,Giving Thanks 2011 - Thanksgiving Day Episode,podcast,thanksgiving 2011,The Conversation Hub 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. 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 into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." -- Melody Beattie Thanks for joining us each week and for your continued support of The Conversation Hub podcast! Be well, make it a great day! Happy Thanksgiving! Marc Vaillancourt clean 12:46 http://theconversationhub.com/75-love-in-the-time-of-foreclosures-stephanie-walker/ http://theconversationhub.com/75-love-in-the-time-of-foreclosures-stephanie-walker/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3567 http://theconversationhub.com/75-love-in-the-time-of-foreclosures-stephanie-walker/feed/ 1 @bassclefmusic,@conversationhub,@littof,author,award-winning playwright,bankruptcy,blogger,Blue Ink Award for Playwriting,foreclosure,frontline account of the entire foreclosure process,housing market collapse,Love In The Time Of Foreclosure 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. 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 the foreclosure process. I encourage you to pick up her book ... It's a must read! Enjoy the conversation! About Stephanie Walker Stephanie Alison Walker is an award-winning playwright whose work has been produced across the United States from New York City to Los Angeles and internationally in Australia, Canada, Singapore, The Philippines and Japan. American Home – her play about the foreclosure crisis – won American Blues Theater Company’s Blue Ink Award for Playwriting in 2011. She won the 2008 South Florida Theatre Festival Audience Favorite Grand Prize for The Women’s Theatre Project production of her play Three Fittings, a finalist for the prestigious Princess Grace Playwriting Award 2008 for The Art of Disappearing, and a semi-finalist for the 2009 HotCity Greenhouse Festival of New Plays in St. Louis. Stephanie's book titled LOVE IN THE TIME OF FORECLOSURE (affiliate link) — and inspired by the blog of the same name — is a personal, frontline account of the entire foreclosure process, including the costs no one talks about - the gut-wrenched anxieties and a stress-tested marriage, along with endless support from family and friends. She narrates her and her husband's battle from their first foreclosure notice to the day they move out, complete with Kafka-esque lenders, last-ditch phone calls to the governor, realtors from hell and awkward looks across the office. She's sharing her story so others know what to expect - from lenders, from brokers, from the family across the street. You can follow Stephanie online at the following locations: Twitter: @stephawawa or @littof Blogs: Stephanie Alison Walker | Playwright and Love in the Time of Foreclosure. Images courtesy of Stephanie Alison Walker. Used with Permission. Marc Vaillancourt clean 39:02 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-visualize/ http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-visualize/#comments Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:00:26 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3671 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-visualize/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/from-the-archives-tch-replay-36-be-remarkable-with-steve-gasser/ http://theconversationhub.com/from-the-archives-tch-replay-36-be-remarkable-with-steve-gasser/#comments Sat, 19 Nov 2011 13:00:40 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3706 http://theconversationhub.com/from-the-archives-tch-replay-36-be-remarkable-with-steve-gasser/feed/ 0 Be Remarkable,Celebrating the remarkable,give thanks,giving thanks - 2011 edition,Inspiring Possibilities,Minnesota's premiere web design firm,podcast,replay,Saturday Sharing,Social Media,Steve Gasser,TCH Replay 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! - 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 us what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving.  Get all the details and get connected to our voice mail for free by clicking here! Be well and make it a great weekend! Marc Vaillancourt clean 25:40 http://theconversationhub.com/74-andrea-kihlstedt-co-founder-of-asking-matters/ http://theconversationhub.com/74-andrea-kihlstedt-co-founder-of-asking-matters/#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3566 http://theconversationhub.com/74-andrea-kihlstedt-co-founder-of-asking-matters/feed/ 0 @AndreaKihlstedt,@AskingMatters,@bassclefmusic,Andrea Kihlstedt,asking matters,asking styles,author,consultant,fund development,fundraising,go-getter,kindred spirit 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, 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 identified four asking styles! Do you know what you asking style is? I encourage you to listen to our conversation and then head over to her website and take her free assessment! Enjoy the conversation and happy asking! About Andrea Kihlstedt Andrea Kihlstedt is well-known as a consultant, writer and trainer in fundraising. Over the past 28 years, her clients have ranged from tiny start-up organizations to large national institutions. She has guided and goaded each of them to create the culture and context that will inspire people to ask. And in campaign after campaign, her clients have succeeded in raising more money than they had thought possible. Andrea has written two books on fundraising. The first, Capital Campaigns, Strategies that Work (affiliate link) is now in its third edition and has become a standard reference for organizations large and small. Her new book, How to Raise $1 Million (or More) in Ten Bite Size Steps (affiliate link) takes the lessons of the first book and boils them down into small nuggets punctuated by real-world stories. You can connect with Andrea online at www.askingmatters.com or on Twitter (@AndreaKihlstedt). Images courtesy of Andrea Kihlstedt. Used with permission. Marc Vaillancourt clean 35:38 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-what-really-matters/ http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-what-really-matters/#comments Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:30:16 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3610 http://theconversationhub.com/monday-morning-inspiration-what-really-matters/feed/ 0 http://theconversationhub.com/from-the-archives-tch-replay-19/ http://theconversationhub.com/from-the-archives-tch-replay-19/#comments Sat, 12 Nov 2011 13:00:49 +0000 The Conversation Hub http://theconversationhub.com/?p=3625 http://theconversationhub.com/from-the-archives-tch-replay-19/feed/ 0