Laugh With

Game On Nation
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Building connection and professional skills through moments of authentic joy. For almost 30 years, Game On Nation has been recognized as one of the most respected firms in teamwork and communication training, working with high-performance corporations, organizations, military groups, leagues, and teams. Game On's proven, improv-based curriculum is designed to amplify connection, communication, and collaboration skills through tangible, interactive exercises and techniques.

Episodes

  1. Laugh with...the Game On Crew!

    JAN 21

    Laugh with...the Game On Crew!

    This week, we’re laughing (and learning) with the Game On crew! Steve Shenbaum is joined by Director of Curriculum Chris Friday and Director of Programs Erin Watson for a conversation inspired by Erin’s blog, “Lessons from the Linen Closet.” What starts as a lighthearted debate about towel-folding quickly becomes a mirror for how we lead ourselves and others—when preferences turn into rigid rules, micromanagement hides behind “standards,” and innovation gets shut down because it doesn’t look polished. The takeaway? Strong leadership—and strong partnerships—require flexibility, clarity over control, and a willingness to honor effort, even when the towel comes out shaped like nothing you’ve ever seen before. 🎙️ Listen to the full conversation for practical insights on finding your flex, honoring the try, and why embracing variety beats enforcing uniformity—at home, at work, and everywhere leadership shows up.

    42 min
  2. Laugh with...Bryce Tone

    12/05/2025

    Laugh with...Bryce Tone

    Join us this week as we Laugh With Bryce Tone of Tone Media — a creative force who’s usually behind the camera bringing interesting people and stunning spaces to life. But this week, we’re flipping the script and putting him in the spotlight. Steve Shenbaum kicks back with Bryce for a conversation full of insight, authenticity, and plenty of laughs. Together, they explore how Bryce’s unique perspective as a videographer shapes the way he sees the world — and how embracing who you are is the real secret to showing up confidently on camera. Bryce pulls back the curtain on the tips, tricks, and small mindset shifts that help anyone own their brand, speak with passion, and share their story with conviction. Whether you’re building a personal brand, sharing your company's/organization's story, or simply looking to be more you on camera, this episode is packed with tangible strategies to own your presence on camera. Tune in, lean in, and get ready to see your story through a new lens.

    49 min
  3. Laugh with...Mike Gonzalez

    11/18/2025

    Laugh with...Mike Gonzalez

    This week we welcome the amazing Mike Gonzalez to Laugh With Us—and trust us, this conversation is packed with insight, heart, and a beautiful perspective on humor. Mike and Steve dive into how culture shapes the way we laugh, the subtle cues we pick up from our environments, and why humor lands differently depending on our lived experiences. They also explore the power of authenticity in high-performance spaces, unpacking how the pressure to impress others can quietly drain the joy out of both work and life. Mike shares how choosing authenticity over approval can transform relationships, performance, and even your sense of self. Finally, the two dig into the importance of permission and “earning the right” in humor—why the best laughs come from trust, shared understanding, and genuine connection. Mike is a community leader in youth development, outreach, and culture change. Raised in Puerto Rico and Tampa, FL, he spent 10 years guiding diverse teams and community groups toward transformational change. Mike currently serves as the Special Assistant to the General Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, overseeing all Spanish language translation and culture diversity training for the major league team. Mike resides in Palmetto, FL with his wife and two sons.

    49 min
  4. Laugh with...Dr. Caroline Walsh

    11/03/2025

    Laugh with...Dr. Caroline Walsh

    This week, we’re laughing and learning with Dr. Caroline Walsh! Steve and Caroline explore how humor and improv can elevate leadership—bringing more human connection to the workplace, empowering people through positive comedy, and building trust through clear boundaries and genuine support.   Caroline is an ICF-certified leadership coach, standup comedian, and veteran of both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Central Intelligence Agency. She holds a PhD in Leadership Studies, where she examined ethical leadership perspectives at the highest levels of the intelligence community. She also performs comedy coast-to-coast, develops community-friendly open mics, and facilitates workshops that help leaders and teams connect with humility, find their voices, and practice key communication skills. Watch Laugh With on YouTube!

    33 min
  5. Laugh with...Mike Kontio

    10/20/2025

    Laugh with...Mike Kontio

    This week on Laugh With, Game On Facilitator Mike Kontio joins host Steve Shenbaum (in matching shoes we might add...) for an engaging conversation about how Game On’s Rules of the Game—laugh with, have each other’s back, and celebrate small wins—show up authentically in complex situations and conversations. Together, they unpack how genuine engagement can help teams navigate challenges at every level of an organization—operational, administrative, personal, and professional. And remember: always read the second part of the quote (you’ll see why). Mike brings a unique sound and insight to the Pod, sharing perspective from 22+ years of proven leadership and communications experience within Special Operations. Mike’s ability to build cohesive teams capable of delivering extraordinary results in volatile, complex, and high-stakes situations, has created heightened demand for his expertise among senior executives and leadership within the Department of Defense. Mike is an intentional leader and dynamic speaker with a passion for people, culture transformation, and resolving challenges to create lasting impact and value. Mike resides in Tampa, FL with his wife and has three sons. Watch the Episode on YouTube!

    40 min
  6. Laugh with...Kyle Stark

    10/06/2025

    Laugh with...Kyle Stark

    Welcome to Season 2 of Laugh With! On this week's episode, we're laughing with Kyle Stark, one of our incredible Game On facilitators. Kyle and Steve explore the power of humor, humanity, and connection in everyday life. They dive into the art of overplay and underplay—how we show up, when we dial it up, and when we pull it back. Along the way, they unpack what it really means to be human, to lean into joy even when things get messy, and to find comfort in discomfort—those moments that stretch us, teach us, and remind us we’re all still learning. About Kyle Stark Kyle helps leaders drive great cultures - alignment, selection, development, execution - in sport, business, and military environments. Kyle has spent over 20 years coaching and leading with 15+ at the highest level of professional baseball, including his role as the Vice President of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Coordinator of Baseball Operations for the Cleveland Guardians. Previously, Kyle helped St. Bonaventure University win its only conference championship in school history. Prior to engaging on his professional journey, he earned his MBA from St. Bonaventure University and is Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo.  More importantly, Kyle is a husband to Heather and has two sons.

    46 min
  7. Laugh With...Delaney Dehaan

    09/08/2025

    Laugh With...Delaney Dehaan

    Join Game On President and Founder as he Laughs With: Delaney Dehaan!  Delaney was our 2025 Summer Intern...and so much more! She brought incredible optimism, joy, creative and critical thinking, and fun to our team in her time with Game On. As a rising Junior Division I Gymnast at The George Washington University studying Business Administration, Marketing Strategy, and Law, she leveraged her talents to bring Game On's social media to life...and we hope to do her proud as she returns to school this fall! Delaney's joy and optimism are truly contagious, and she brings it into every space she enters. Delaney and Steve chat through the value of competition, the importance of being ready in the line up, moving through challenge to find new strengths (find your uneven bars!), and finding the things/people that ground you so you can bring your best (...to name a few).   Jump in, and laugh with us! Connect with Delaney!  https://www.linkedin.com/in/delaneydehaan/

    39 min
  8. Laugh With...Rachel Goff

    07/14/2025

    Laugh With...Rachel Goff

    Join us this week as we Laugh With: Rachel Goff! Rachel is our amazing Client Experience Specialist and the newest official member of the Game On team. Rachel sits down with Steve to share about building relationships across generations and the opportunities to learn and grow from each other.

    39 min
  9. Laugh with...Chris Friday

    06/30/2025

    Laugh with...Chris Friday

    This week, we’re diving into the power of storytelling with our Director of Curriculum, Chris Friday! Chris and Steve explore how authentic stories and positive humor can break down barriers, build connection, and bring people together—core elements of what makes Game On who we are. Get ready to laugh, reflect, and be inspired by this lively conversation!

    45 min
  10. Laugh With...Erin Watson

    06/16/2025

    Laugh With...Erin Watson

    This week on Laugh With, we are laughing with Erin Watson, Game On's Director of Programs and Content. In this episode Erin and Steve chop up navigating change, setting and upholding boundaries, and how joy plays a critical role in moments of challenge. Watch the episode on YouTube!

    37 min
  11. Laugh with...Jake Higginbotham

    06/02/2025

    Laugh with...Jake Higginbotham

    On episode 2 of "Laugh With", join Steve as he sits down with Jake Higginbotham - Game On COO, retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, and the mustache behind the Game On muscle.  With 28 years of service and numerous deployments, Jake possesses a refined ability to develop, nurture, and motivate diverse workforces. His strengths lie in overcoming adversity, fostering cohesion, and elevating teamwork.  Jake and Steve discuss parenthood, service, and the challenges - and opportunities - that can exist in major life transitions. Jake shares what it looks like to make the move from a life of military service to the civilian world, and how his skills translated to elevating the Game On team.  Love listening? Check out the video on YouTube!

    39 min
  12. Laugh With...Steve Shenbaum

    05/16/2025

    Laugh With...Steve Shenbaum

    For almost 30 years, Game On Nation has been recognized as one of the most respected firms in teamwork and communication training, working with some of the most high-performance corporations, organizations, military groups, leagues, and teams. Game On's proven, improv-based curriculum is designed to amplify connection, communication, and collaboration skills through tangible, interactive exercises and techniques. In this episode, Game On President and Founder, Steve Shenbaum, takes us back to the start of Game On and shares about the people and purpose along the way!

    43 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Building connection and professional skills through moments of authentic joy. For almost 30 years, Game On Nation has been recognized as one of the most respected firms in teamwork and communication training, working with high-performance corporations, organizations, military groups, leagues, and teams. Game On's proven, improv-based curriculum is designed to amplify connection, communication, and collaboration skills through tangible, interactive exercises and techniques.

Information

  • Creator
    Game On Nation
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Laugh With