Lets Have This Conversation

Kevin McShan

Multimedia Journalist and Motivational Speaker Kevin McShan brings you a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional YouTube Podcast called: “Let’s Have This Conversation. The intention is to provide a large assortment of diverse content in all facets of our news cycle. From news, sports, business technology, fitness, lifestyle, entertainment and politics. McShan hopes to bring the viewers an informative, thought-provoking experience. Stimulating careful consideration or attention on the issues making news today. Let’s Have This Conversation.

  1. 1 day ago

    Steve Hendershot: Why We Believe What We Believe | Investigative Journalism & Hidden Assumptions

    What happens when we challenge the assumptions we've accepted as truth? And how can investigative journalism help us uncover overlooked stories, question conventional wisdom, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around us? According to the Pew Research Center, 59% of Americans believe journalists are extremely or very important to society's well-being, highlighting the essential role journalism plays in informing the public, encouraging accountability, and fostering meaningful conversations. But in an increasingly complex media landscape, journalism must do more than simply report the facts. It must challenge established narratives, uncover hidden perspectives, and encourage audiences to reconsider what they think they know. This week on Let's Have This Conversation, host Kevin McShan welcomes Steve Hendershot, an award-winning investigative journalist, bestselling author, and creator and host of Uningrained, a documentary-style podcast dedicated to investigating blind spots, invisible ideas, and deeply rooted assumptions. With more than two decades of experience in journalism and storytelling, Steve has built a career exploring fascinating subjects and translating complex ideas into compelling narratives. His work includes authoring a bestselling book about the iconic Street Fighter video game franchise and hosting the Project Management Institute's podcast for many years. Now, through Uningrained, Steve is pursuing a journalistic vision 20 years in the making: examining the ideas society takes for granted and asking whether those assumptions withstand closer scrutiny. The podcast's inaugural season explores a deceptively simple question: Why is softball considered baseball for girls? Through investigative reporting and documentary storytelling, Steve examines the cultural assumptions, historical influences, and societal expectations surrounding two closely related sports. Throughout this engaging conversation, Kevin and Steve explore the importance of independent journalism, intellectual curiosity, challenging conventional wisdom, and creating compelling stories that inspire audiences to think critically. They also discuss the evolution of podcasting, the responsibilities of modern journalists, and why asking better questions can sometimes be more powerful than having all the answers. Because meaningful journalism isn't simply about telling people what to think. It's about giving them the information, context, and curiosity to think for themselves. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about investigative journalism, storytelling, media accountability, and the courage to question what we've always believed.     For more Information: https://www.uningrained.com/ Discover More: https://uningrained.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 1 day ago

    How Independent Creators Can Own Their Content and Build Sustainable Income [ Zack James]

    The independent creator economy is transforming how Americans consume media, entertainment, news, and digital content. As traditional publishing, entertainment, and social media business models continue to evolve, independent creators are searching for greater ownership, financial independence, and meaningful connections with their audiences. Research highlights the growing influence of creator-led communities. According to statistics published by Bizkol, 71% of consumers trust recommendations from creators they follow more than traditional brand advertisements. Meanwhile, Morning Consult research suggests that 26% of Americans say independent creator content has influenced their voting decisions. Additionally, Pew Research Center reports that 50% of U.S. social media users consider online platforms important for connecting with like-minded individuals. These findings raise an important question: If independent creators have the power to influence consumer behavior, shape public conversations, and build thriving digital communities, why do so many struggle to earn sustainable income from their creative work? This week on Let's Have This Conversation, host Kevin McShan welcomes Zack James, founder, CEO, and lead developer of StarScript, a Los Angeles-based self-publishing platform and creative network designed to empower independent content creators. Co-founded alongside his brother Matthew, StarScript combines elements of Netflix-style streaming, LinkedIn-style networking, social media engagement, and IMDb-style ratings into one integrated creative ecosystem. Launched in 2023, StarScript is challenging traditional entertainment industry models by giving creators opportunities to publish, promote, monetize, and build communities around their work. With the introduction of its Productions feature in spring 2026, the platform supports seven creative formats: books, comics, music, podcasts, film, television, and art. Today, StarScript reports a growing community of more than 2,800 creators, with approximately 125 new members joining each month. Its membership model allows creators to retain 95% of their membership revenue. But Zack believes the challenges facing independent creators extend far beyond monetization. In an increasingly saturated digital marketplace, creators are expected to be entrepreneurs, marketers, producers, publishers, and community builders simultaneously. Fragmented audiences, unpredictable algorithms, limited resources, and traditional industry gatekeepers make building a sustainable creative career increasingly complicated. Zack argues that the future of independent content creation depends on something more powerful than individual talent: an ecosystem built around collaboration, creative ownership, economic opportunity, and genuine community support. During this conversation, Kevin and Zack explore the evolving creator economy, the importance of self-publishing, the financial realities of independent content creation, the role of artificial intelligence in creative industries, and how stronger creator communities could redefine the future of entertainment. Can independent creators build sustainable businesses without sacrificing ownership of their work? How can digital platforms balance profitability with empowering the people responsible for creating their content? And could the next generation of successful media companies be built around collaboration rather than traditional industry gatekeeping? Join us for an insightful conversation about the future of the creator economy, digital entrepreneurship, independent publishing, creative freedom, and the power of community to transform how stories are created, shared, and monetized. Because the future of content creation may not simply depend on who produces the most content, but on who builds the strongest communities around it.   For More Information: https://starscript.com/ Email: contact@starscript.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 2 days ago

    How AI & Automation Are Transforming Small Business Growth | Ray Hodjat

    Can artificial intelligence and automation help businesses grow without sacrificing the human judgment, communication, and personal connections that drive long-term success? As artificial intelligence continues to transform the American business landscape, organizations of all sizes are discovering new opportunities to improve efficiency, increase revenue, and streamline daily operations. According to figures attributed to Zapier, AI and software integration among U.S. organizations reached 47% in the second quarter of 2026, while an estimated 57% of American work hours could technically be automated using existing technologies. Meanwhile, research attributed to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce suggests that 90% of small and medium-sized businesses using AI report improved operational efficiency, while 91% experience revenue benefits. Yet adoption remains uneven. Figures attributed to McKinsey & Company suggest that larger enterprises are integrating AI at significantly higher rates than businesses with four or fewer employees. With technological innovation accelerating, an important question emerges: How can business leaders embrace AI and automation while maintaining the accountability, human connection, and strategic decision-making necessary for sustainable growth? This week on Let's Have This Conversation, host Kevin McShan welcomes Ray Hodjat, Co-Founder of Pronto Solutions, for an insightful discussion about the intersection of artificial intelligence, business automation, digital marketing, customer engagement, and organizational growth. Built around the philosophy "Build. Attract. Convert. Grow.", Pronto Solutions helps businesses simplify their technology infrastructure by bringing AI-powered software, automation, marketing, customer relationship management, and business development tools into one coordinated ecosystem. Rather than forcing entrepreneurs and business leaders to navigate disconnected websites, applications, CRMs, marketing agencies, communication platforms, and automation services, Pronto Solutions focuses on creating integrated systems that allow organizations to operate more efficiently and scale with greater confidence. Throughout this conversation, Ray explores the challenges businesses encounter when adopting emerging technologies, the importance of connecting software systems, and how AI can empower organizations to work smarter without diminishing the value of human expertise. Together, we examine how entrepreneurs can leverage automation to reduce operational complexity, strengthen customer relationships, improve productivity, and create sustainable opportunities for business growth. Because ultimately, the future of business isn't simply about adopting more technology. It's about using technology intentionally to help people, teams, and organizations achieve more. Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, executive, marketing professional, or organizational leader navigating digital transformation, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building a more efficient, connected, and future-ready business. Join us as we explore how AI, automation, and human-centered leadership can work together to transform the future of business.   For more information: https://prontoappbuilder.com/ Email: rhodjat@aimgetsleads.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 4 days ago

    Breaking Hollywood's Barriers Disability, Dance & the Power of Inclusion

    Is Hollywood truly embracing diversity and inclusion, or are we witnessing a retreat from meaningful representation both on screen and behind the camera? Despite progress in recent years, significant disparities remain in the American film industry. According to the 2026 UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report, Hollywood has experienced what researchers describe as a “relapse into colorblind complacency,” raising important questions about the industry's commitment to authentic representation, equitable opportunities, and inclusive storytelling. But what happens when filmmakers intentionally challenge these barriers and create stories that celebrate the experiences, talents, and aspirations of people too often overlooked? Laurence Walsh-Hodson is a writer, director, and producer with 25 years of experience in film and television. She is also the founder of Acer Entertainment, a nonprofit production company dedicated to creating inclusive, uplifting stories that inspire audiences, challenge perceptions, and promote healing. Her latest feature film, Ballroom, brings that mission to life. The film follows a young wheelchair dancer pursuing her dream of becoming a professional performer. Through authentic casting of actors with disabilities, Ballroom explores perseverance, self-love, resilience, and the transformative power of dance. For Laurence, storytelling is about more than entertainment. It's about recognizing our shared humanity, celebrating possibilities, and reminding audiences that life's challenges do not have to define the limits of our potential. How can authentic representation in filmmaking challenge societal perceptions of disability and create greater opportunities for inclusion, both in front of and behind the camera? This week on Let's Have This Conversation, Laurence joins me for an inspiring discussion about inclusive filmmaking, the power of authentic storytelling, and why everyone deserves the opportunity to see their experiences represented on screen.     Instagram: @acer.entertainment For More information: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/ballroom/umc.cmc.3zlvtr08ntgn6h1wwe9o1384d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. 4 days ago

    Helping Families Make Informed Decisions about What They Eat with: Jordan Robinson

    55% of registered voters have little to no confidence in government food safety oversight, according to a Quinnipiac University poll. Meanwhile, 53% of Americans are worried about the safety of the food they eat or feed their families, according to Navigator Research. When trust in food safety is declining and families are increasingly concerned about what ends up on their plates, could artificial intelligence provide greater peace of mind? Jordan Robinson built the app your kitchen didn’t know it needed. Piece of Mind (Anxin) is an AI-powered food safety platform designed to help families make more informed decisions about what they buy, store, cook, and eat. By bringing food recalls, ingredient analysis, restaurant inspections, dietary considerations, and household inventory together in one platform, Anxin aims to replace uncertainty with accessible, personalized information. The platform can scan grocery receipts, track what is in your home, and alert you when something you have already purchased is affected by an FDA or USDA recall. It also offers ingredient and allergen analysis, dietary and pregnancy safety guidance, restaurant inspection information across multiple jurisdictions, AI-powered recipe suggestions, family health profiles, spending analytics, and reorder scheduling. Instead of discovering a food safety problem after it makes the headlines, Anxin is designed to help consumers identify potential concerns before they eat. In this episode of Let’s Have This Conversation, Jordan Robinson joins Kevin McShan to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, food safety, consumer trust, technology, and family health. They discuss why Jordan created Anxin, how AI can make complex food safety information more useful to everyday consumers, why Americans are increasingly concerned about the safety of their food, and whether technology can help close the information gap between government agencies, food producers, restaurants, and families. The conversation also explores an important question for the future of consumer health: What happens when families have the technology to understand potential food risks in real time rather than waiting to react after something goes wrong? If technology can give consumers better information before their next meal, food safety may increasingly become not only about responding to risk—but anticipating it.   For more Information: https://pieceofmind.fyi/ Discover More: https://pieceofmind.fyi/recalls Email: info@pieceofmind.fyi    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. 21 Oct

    History, Human Nature, and Moral Dilemmas: Trent Whippler on His Novel Resolver

    How do history, morality, and the influence of power shape the decisions we make—and what happens when our beliefs are challenged by circumstances beyond our control? Throughout history, humanity has wrestled with complex questions about morality, ethical responsibility, authority, and the consequences of human behavior. Research in moral psychology, including discussions published on the Effective Altruism Forum, explores how moral understanding evolves and how societies gradually expand their consideration of the rights and well-being of others. Historical examples of institutional wrongdoing, systemic obedience, and abuses of authority also reveal how social environments, cultural expectations, and power structures can influence individual decision-making. But can understanding the ethical failures of the past help us build a more compassionate, responsible, and inclusive future? This week on Let's Have This Conversation, host Kevin McShan welcomes Trent Whippler, educator, historian, storyteller, and author of the debut novel Resolver, for a thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of history, human psychology, morality, and the transformative power of storytelling. With degrees in Education and Arts and a Master's in Military History, Trent has dedicated much of his professional life to helping students understand the complexities of historical events, human behavior, and the moral dilemmas that have shaped civilizations. His fascination with history extends beyond dates, battles, and political movements. Trent is particularly interested in understanding why people make the decisions they do, how individuals respond to authority, and what happens when personal convictions collide with powerful institutions and competing beliefs. For Trent, creative writing became a natural extension of his passion for education and historical exploration. His debut novel, Resolver, represents the realization of a lifelong ambition to combine his historical knowledge, understanding of human psychology, and creative imagination into a compelling work of fiction. Through a narrative exploring the boundaries of belief, the consequences of power, and the complexities of human nature, Resolver invites readers to question their assumptions about morality, responsibility, and the forces that influence society. During our conversation, we explore how historical fiction and imaginative storytelling can challenge conventional thinking, encourage critical reflection, and create opportunities for meaningful discussions about difficult ethical questions. We also discuss the importance of education in developing independent thinkers, the relationship between history and contemporary society, and why understanding different perspectives is essential to navigating an increasingly complex world. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Trent lives in Regina, Saskatchewan, with his wife and their two beloved cats. His home provides a welcoming environment for reflection, creativity, and the continued pursuit of his passion for writing. In this episode, we explore: At its heart, this conversation is about more than a novel. It's an exploration of how our understanding of history influences our present decisions and how the stories we tell can inspire us to examine the future we want to create. Can we truly understand where humanity is going without first confronting the decisions, beliefs, and moral contradictions that shaped where we've been? Join Kevin McShan and Trent Whippler for an engaging discussion about history, ethical leadership, moral psychology, creative writing, and the power of literature to challenge perspectives and inspire meaningful conversations. Discover how Resolver brings history and imagination together to explore a future that is both unsettling and captivating. Listen to this episode of Let's Have This Conversation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.     For More Information: https://trentwhippler.ca/ Get the Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Resolver-Rebirth-Trent-Whippler/dp/1067862803 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. 21 Oct

    Joel Miller: Why Small Businesses Need Smarter Marketing, Not Bigger Teams

    Despite the uncertain nature of today’s economy and how it will perform Entrepreneurs are putting more resources towards their marketing budgets. Especially of the small business variety. Constant Contact’s survey found that 68% of respondents plan to increase their marketing budgets despite rising costs and uncertainty about the direction of the economy. Another 74% said they plan to invest more time in their messaging to reach larger audiences and break through a potential economic slowdown. Furthermore, 52% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) outsource their marketing efforts to an external agency, according to data from a study of U.S. SMBs conducted by vcita. But does successful small-business marketing require bigger teams, more employees and constant expansion? Joel Miller has spent 17 years proving there may be another way. Joel runs boutique marketing agency The Sky Floor alongside his identical twin brother, Alan. During nearly two decades in business, they have never hired a single employee—and that isn't a weakness in their business model. It's intentional. While entrepreneurs are frequently encouraged to scale faster, hire more people and continually chase growth, Joel and Alan have built their agency around a different philosophy: stay small on purpose, work with the right clients, create meaningful value and charge based on outcomes rather than hours. In this episode of Let’s Have This Conversation, Joel Miller joins Kevin McShan for an in-depth discussion about the future of small-business marketing, why some companies struggle to understand their own business model, and why clarity may be one of the most valuable competitive advantages an entrepreneur can possess. Joel explains why effective marketing isn't simply about producing more content or chasing the latest marketing trend. For organizations ranging from churches and ministries to retail brands and small businesses competing online, sustainable marketing begins with clarity of message, quality of execution and outcomes that matter. We also explore Joel's philosophy of identifying recurring problems in your target market and finding ways to add greater value. When businesses become exceptionally good at solving the problems their customers actually care about, they can strengthen their positioning, increase the value of their services and potentially move beyond competing primarily on price. The conversation also examines value-based pricing, boutique agency growth, marketing outsourcing, customer relationships, entrepreneurship, business-model clarity, sustainable growth and how small businesses can differentiate themselves in increasingly crowded markets. Joel also shares lessons from nearly two decades of working alongside his identical twin brother and explains why sometimes the smartest way to grow a business isn't to become bigger—it's to become clearer about who you serve, what problems you solve and why the outcomes you create matter.   For more information: https://www.theskyfloor.com/ Discover More: https://www.theskyfloor.com/AccidentallySuccessful/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. 14 Oct

    Dementia Caregiving: What Every Family Needs to Know | Nancy Treaster

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 9 people (11%) aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, and 74% of those affected are age 75 or older. The number of older adults living with Alzheimer’s is projected to grow to nearly 13.8 million by 2060. Behind those numbers are millions of families navigating the emotional, practical, and often overwhelming realities of caregiving. The Caregiver’s Journey is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Alzheimer’s and other dementia family caregivers with the knowledge, practical resources, and support they need to handle everyday caregiving challenges with greater confidence, patience, and peace of mind. Through podcasts, blogs, social media, guides, workbooks, professional speaking, and candid conversations about both the rewarding and difficult sides of caregiving, The Caregiver’s Journey provides direct, specific, and actionable guidance. Its goal is to help caregivers move from feeling frustrated and overwhelmed to feeling informed, prepared, and supported. Nancy Treaster, CSA, CCC™, co-founder of The Caregiver’s Journey, brings a unique combination of executive leadership experience, formal caregiving training, and deeply personal experience to this mission. Before dedicating her work to supporting caregivers, Nancy was a software industry executive and served as General Manager of Strategic Operations at Verint Systems. At the same time, she experienced the realities of family caregiving firsthand, supporting her father through Parkinson’s disease, her father-in-law through Alzheimer’s disease, and her husband through Frontotemporal Dementia. Today, as a Certified Caregiving Consultant and experienced speaker, Nancy uses those lessons to provide families with the frank, compassionate, and practical guidance she wishes she had received during her own caregiving journey. Nancy also serves on the board of directors of the Georgia Gerontology Society and the board of advisors for the Beyond Dementia Coalition. She contributes to the Community Advisory Boards of the NIH Open Measurement Network Initiative for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (OMNI ADRD) and Dr. Emily L. Mroz’s Frost Lab at Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. In this episode of Let’s Have This Conversation, we explore the realities families face when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, the difficult conversations caregivers need to have, and how families can make thoughtful decisions while preserving dignity, connection, and quality of life. We also discuss the emotional weight of caregiving, recognizing when living independently may no longer be safe, finding moments of joy throughout the journey, and why caregivers need support just as much as the people they care for. Because caregiving isn’t simply about managing a diagnosis. It’s about caring for a human being—and finding the knowledge, patience, compassion, and support necessary to navigate the journey together.     For more Information: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/   LinkedIn: @Nancy Treaster, CSA, CCC         Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About

Multimedia Journalist and Motivational Speaker Kevin McShan brings you a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional YouTube Podcast called: “Let’s Have This Conversation. The intention is to provide a large assortment of diverse content in all facets of our news cycle. From news, sports, business technology, fitness, lifestyle, entertainment and politics. McShan hopes to bring the viewers an informative, thought-provoking experience. Stimulating careful consideration or attention on the issues making news today. Let’s Have This Conversation.