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. When Love Isn't Enough: Using the Law to Save Families from Addiction and Mental Illness

    3d ago

    When Love Isn't Enough: Using the Law to Save Families from Addiction and Mental Illness

    Substance use and mental health disorders are not isolated problems—they are family crises. Today, nearly 19 million American children—approximately 1 in 4—live with a parent or caregiver who has a substance use disorder, and more than 6 million of those children live with a parent struggling with both addiction and mental illness. Research shows that addiction and mental health challenges impact millions of families across the United States, leaving loved ones searching for answers, resources, and hope. According to the National Institutes of Health; JAMA Pediatrics) (National Institutes of Health (NIH)) In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mark Astor, partner at Astor Simovitch Law, whose mission goes far beyond practicing law. As Mark puts it, "I didn't set out to build a law firm. I set out to save families." Drawing on his experience as a former prosecutor and now one of the nation's leading attorneys working at the intersection of law, addiction, and mental health, Mark shares what he witnessed inside the criminal justice system: people suffering from untreated addiction and mental illness often don't receive healing—they get processed, punished, and traumatized, while their families are left feeling powerless and alone. Today, Mark and his team help families navigate some of the most difficult moments imaginable. From emergency guardianships and involuntary treatment proceedings under laws such as Florida's Baker Act and Marchman Act, to coordinating with clinicians and treatment providers, they use the legal system as a pathway toward recovery, safety, and long-term stability. In this conversation, you'll discover: • Why families often wait too long to seek legal intervention • The critical difference between protecting a loved one and enabling destructive behavior • How legal tools can become life-saving interventions during mental health and addiction crises • What every family should know when a loved one refuses treatment • Why compassion, boundaries, and action must work together in the recovery process Whether you've personally experienced addiction in your family or know someone who has, this episode offers practical guidance, hope, and a new perspective on how law can be used not merely as a shield—but as a tool for healing. Because sometimes the most loving thing a family can do is take action before it's too late.   For more information: https://mentalhealthaddictionlawfirm.com/ YouTube:  @astorsimovitchlaw   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min
  2. 3d ago

    The Neuroscience of Trust, Connection, and Conversational Leadership with: Keith Greer

    According to researchers at the University of Texas at Austin, employees at high-trust organizations are 50% more productive and report 106% more energy at work compared to those in low-trust workplaces. • Meanwhile, the science of human connection continues to reveal how deeply our conversations shape our biology. Researchers at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute explain that love, trust, attachment, and social bonding are driven by intricate interactions between neurotransmitters, hormones, and neural pathways that influence how we think, feel, collaborate, and lead. Today’s guest, Keith Greer, has spent more than four decades helping individuals, families, leaders, and organizations better understand the power of conversation and connection. As an Executive Coach, Family Therapist, Trainer, Speaker, and Podcast Host, Keith brings together neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and leadership development to help organizations create cultures rooted in trust, safety, inclusion, and authentic communication. Holding a Professional Certified Coach (P.C.C.) designation through the International Coach Federation, Keith works across corporate, nonprofit, and family-owned business sectors, helping leaders develop conversational strategies that strengthen relationships, increase engagement, and inspire meaningful performance. His “Conversationally Intelligent Leadership Process” integrates evidence-based practices from Conversational Intelligence®, Psychological Safety, Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems Theory. The result is a leadership framework that empowers individuals and teams to communicate with greater empathy, clarity, trust, and authenticity. Keith’s work focuses on helping leaders understand that conversations are not simply exchanges of information. They are biological and emotional experiences that can either trigger fear and defensiveness or create safety, collaboration, creativity, and human connection. Through intentional communication practices, organizations can unlock deeper loyalty, stronger cultures, healthier teams, and higher productivity. As the host of The Helping Conversation podcast, Keith continues to share practical tools and neuroscience-based insights designed to help people create safer and more trusting relationships, one conversation at a time.     For more information: https://www.keithgreercoaching.com/ Email: keith@keithgreercoaching.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 6m
  3. Jun 13

    Maximizing the Way Your Money Works for You

    Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way businesses create, distribute, and consume content. From marketing campaigns and customer communications to research, reporting, and creative storytelling, tools like ChatGPT are changing how organizations operate and compete in an increasingly digital world. In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation, I sit down with Edward M. Pereira, CEO of Financial Intelligence 4U, to explore the growing impact of AI on content creation and business productivity. As an accomplished financial and operational leader, Edward has built a career around driving organizational growth, implementing strategic transformations, and helping individuals and businesses make smarter decisions through education and innovation. We’re also Joined by Attila Hevesy the co-CEO of Financial Intelligence 4U. Nothing beats experience as long as one learns, grows, and benefits from the time spent with the endeavor! Most of my life has been that of an Entrepreneur either starting, buying or taking over various businesses. That included a Specialty Trade Show Publication business (sold in 2005), several Direct Sales Companies as an Independent 1099 contractor and as a Corporate Recruiter and Trainer for said Companies. However, nothing matches the intrigue and fascination of the new Digital Money Revolution with Blockchain & Crypto! DEFI (Decentralized Finance), has ushered in a new era that levels the playing file so that the average "small guy" can get a shot at above average yields! A better world is coming within which to do commerce, safekeep critical information, and own a fraction or token of virtually any asset worldwide with the concept of tokenization & fractionalization! It is already here - you just may not know about it!! I now assist individuals on how to discover and take advantage of alternative investment strategies that the masses don't even know exist yet! Financial Intelligence 4U was founded on a simple but powerful question: You've worked hard for your money your whole life—has your money worked hard for you? Through financial education and practical intelligence, Edward and his team help people improve their financial literacy and develop customized strategies to pursue their long-term goals. During our conversation, we discuss how AI tools such as ChatGPT are reshaping content creation, improving efficiency, and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, marketers, educators, and business leaders. We also examine the challenges that come with AI adoption, including maintaining authenticity, ensuring accuracy, and balancing automation with human creativity. Additionally, we explore the evolving relationship between technology and finance, including the rise of digital assets and cryptocurrency. While cryptocurrency use for everyday transactions remains relatively low among banked adults, adoption is notably higher among unbanked individuals seeking alternatives to traditional financial systems. Join us for an insightful discussion on innovation, financial intelligence, artificial intelligence, and how emerging technologies are shaping the future of business and communication. For more information: https://financialintelligence4u.com/ Mobile connect: FI4U.AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min
  4. Jun 10

    Bridging the Gap in Special Education Building More Inclusive and Effective Schools with Mitch Elatk

    For the more than 7.5 million students in the United States who receive special education services, access to a quality education is not just an aspiration—it is a legal right. Yet despite federal protections through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees students a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), significant disparities in access, quality, and outcomes continue to exist across the country. Today, approximately 15% of all public school students—more than one in every seven children—receive special education services, making this one of the most important issues facing public education today. In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation, I sit down with Mitch Elatkin, Senior Director of Specialized Services for ReGeneration Schools, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring every child has access to a high-quality, college-preparatory education. ReGeneration Schools currently serves students through a network of schools in Chicago and Cincinnati, with a mission of developing values-driven leaders while preparing young people to lead free and fulfilling lives. Mitch oversees special education, Section 504 services, and related supports across multiple schools. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in special education leadership—including roles with KIPP Public Schools and the Noble Network of Charter Schools—he brings a unique perspective on what schools are doing well, where they are falling short, and what meaningful improvements are needed to better serve students with disabilities. During our conversation, Mitch discusses the realities facing educators, students, and families navigating special education today. We explore the importance of inclusive learning environments, the role of co-teaching models, how administrators' mindsets impact student outcomes, and why creating systems that focus on both academic achievement and student belonging is critical for long-term success. We also examine the persistent challenges facing special education nationwide. Research shows that access to services and educational quality can vary significantly based on factors such as geography, socioeconomic status, race, and disability category. These inequities often create barriers that prevent students from receiving the support they need to thrive. Whether you're an educator, school leader, parent, advocate, or policymaker, this conversation offers valuable insights into how schools can move beyond compliance and toward truly inclusive educational practices that empower every student. If we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, then conversations like this are essential. Mitch Elatkin shares a thoughtful and practical vision for creating schools where all students—not just some—have the support they need to reach their full potential.     For more information: https://regenerationschools.org/ LinkedIn: @Mitch Elatkin, Ed.D.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min
  5. Jun 10

    Democracy, Declining Exceptionalism, and What We Can Learn from the Global South

    As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, a new AP-NORC poll reveals a nation wrestling with its identity, its democratic institutions, and its place in the world. Only about 25% of Americans now believe the United States stands above all other countries, while nearly 30% say there are better countries elsewhere—a significant increase from 19% in 2016. Meanwhile, confidence in democracy as a defining feature of American identity has declined, with only about two-thirds of Americans viewing a democratically elected government as highly important to the nation's identity, down from 80% in 2021. Younger Americans are especially skeptical, with 44% of adults under 30 believing other countries are better than the United States. (AP News) In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation, we welcome Dr. Bernd Reiter, Professor of Comparative Politics and Latin American Studies at Texas Tech University and an internationally recognized expert on democracy, race, decolonization, and social change. With a career that began in activism across Germany, Colombia, and Brazil, Bernd brings a truly global perspective to some of the most pressing challenges facing democracies today. Drawing from his latest books, Status: Honor and White Privilege in Brazil and Beyond and The African Origins of Democracy, Bernd challenges conventional assumptions about democracy, governance, and progress. He argues that many of the solutions to today's democratic crises cannot come exclusively from Western nations and that valuable lessons can be found in Africa, Latin America, and other regions often overlooked in mainstream political discourse. During our conversation, we explore the growing concerns about democratic backsliding and authoritarianism, the impact of economic inequality on civic participation, and how innovative democratic models from the Global South may offer practical solutions for rebuilding trust and representation. We also discuss the importance of decolonizing knowledge, questioning Eurocentric narratives, and creating more inclusive approaches to understanding history, power, and governance. As political polarization, economic uncertainty, and declining faith in institutions continue to shape public opinion, this conversation offers a timely examination of what democracy can become when we are willing to learn from a broader range of voices and experiences. Rather than focusing solely on what's broken, Dr. Reiter invites us to imagine new possibilities for democratic renewal in an increasingly interconnected world. Whether you're concerned about the future of democracy, interested in global political innovation, or seeking fresh perspectives on America's role in the world, this episode challenges assumptions and expands the conversation about where meaningful change may come from next.     For more information: https://www.berndreiterphd.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min
  6. Jun 9

    Educational Equity, Literacy, & the Future of Learning with: Justin Hassan

    According to the National Literacy Institute, nearly 40% of American students are not reading at a basic proficiency level, while more than one in four adults possess literacy skills at or below a basic level. Combined with post-pandemic learning loss, these statistics highlight the urgent need for innovative, evidence-based approaches to education. Recent results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often referred to as The Nation's Report Card, show that reading achievement continues to decline nationwide, with average reading scores for both 4th and 8th-grade students falling between 2022 and 2024. These trends have educators, families, and policymakers searching for solutions that can help students succeed in an increasingly complex world. My guest today is Justin Hassan, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Uplift Education, the largest free public charter school network in North Texas. Serving more than 23,000 students across 20 campuses in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Uplift Education has built a reputation for academic excellence, with 100% of its graduates earning acceptance to college. Justin is passionate about improving student outcomes and ensuring access to high-quality education for all learners. Throughout his career, he has helped increase the percentage of students performing at grade level by 18% and improved student performance on nationally normed literacy assessments by 9% year over year. His work is grounded in research-based instructional practices and a commitment to educational equity. In this conversation, Justin and I discuss the state of literacy in America, the challenges facing today's students and educators, the role of curriculum and instruction in improving outcomes, and what it truly means to provide every child with a modern, meaningful, and equitable education. We also explore how schools can foster a lifelong love of learning while preparing students for success in college, careers, and an ever-changing global marketplace.   For more information: https://uplifteducation.org/ Email: juhassan@uplifteducation.org LinkedIn: @JustinHassan   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 8m
  7. Jun 8

    Kim Costa: Beyond Homeownership: Finding Alignment, Purpose, and Potential Through Where You Live

    Only 10% of Americans say homeownership is easy to achieve, according to a Wall Street Journal/NORC survey. Yet despite rising costs and increasing challenges, nearly 89% still view owning a home as an essential part of their future. What if the conversation about homeownership is about more than mortgages, square footage, and market conditions? What if the right home could become a catalyst for greater clarity, purpose, and fulfillment in every area of your life? This week, I am joined by Kim Costa, a Top 5% Realtor® with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty and creator of The Wheel House Method. After spending more than 27 years in residential design and construction—and navigating her own journey of personal transformation—Kim discovered that where we live often has a profound impact on how we live. Through her innovative framework, Kim helps people evaluate their homes, habits, and choices across eight dimensions of life alignment. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: your perfect home lies at the intersection of elevating your living environment and maximizing your personal potential. During our conversation, Kim shares why homeownership should be viewed as more than a financial transaction. We discuss how our homes influence our relationships, routines, well-being, goals, and sense of identity. She explains how buyers and sellers can avoid costly mistakes by looking beyond aesthetics and focusing on alignment with their values and aspirations. Whether you're considering a move, feeling stuck in your current environment, or simply looking for greater purpose and fulfillment, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the connection between where you live and the life you're creating. Join us as we explore how an aligned home can become the foundation for an authentic life—and why seeing potential everywhere may be the first step toward building the future you envision.   For more information: https://lifestylefoundations.com/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  8. Jun 5

    401k Exposed: What Employers, HR Leaders, and Employees Need to Know About Retirement Plan Liability

    Employee benefits continue to be a critical component of attracting and retaining talent. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 81% of employers consider both retirement savings and planning benefits and leave benefits to be either "very important" or "extremely important" offerings for their workforce. As organizations compete for talent, retirement plans remain one of the most valued benefits employers provide. In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation, I sit down with Alex Langan, ERISA attorney, Chief Investment Officer, author of the #1 bestselling book 401(k) Exposed, and founder of Langan Financial Group. Alex has built a reputation for challenging conventional wisdom surrounding employer-sponsored retirement plans. After serving as a Pennsylvania Supreme Court clerk and practicing ERISA law, he discovered what he believes is one of the most overlooked issues in corporate America: many employers unknowingly expose themselves to legal and fiduciary risks through the administration of their 401(k) plans. During our conversation, Alex explains why retirement plan providers may not always have incentives aligned with employers and employees, the fiduciary responsibilities many business owners and HR professionals inherit without formal training, and the steps organizations can take to better protect both themselves and their workforce. We also discuss: • Why retirement plans remain one of the most important employee benefits organizations offer • Common misconceptions employers have about fiduciary responsibility • The hidden costs and risks embedded in many 401(k) plans • How employees can become more informed retirement savers • What business owners, CFOs, and HR leaders should be asking their retirement plan providers • Why transparency and education are critical to improving retirement outcomes Alex also shares the philosophy behind Langan Financial Group, an independent financial planning firm focused on personalized guidance rather than product sales or quotas. Their approach centers on understanding each client's goals, challenges, and long-term financial objectives while delivering customized financial planning solutions supported by a dedicated team. Whether you're an HR professional, business owner, executive, or employee participating in a workplace retirement plan, this conversation offers valuable insights into a system that affects millions of Americans every day.   For more information: https://langanfinancialgroup.com/ Email: alex@langanfinancial.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min
5
out of 5
63 Ratings

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.

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