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. The Hidden Cost of Success: Dr. Larry Freeney on Leadership, Loneliness, and Family Alignment

    2d ago

    The Hidden Cost of Success: Dr. Larry Freeney on Leadership, Loneliness, and Family Alignment

    General Loneliness: A landmark Harvard Business Review survey found that more than 61% of CEOs and senior executives report feeling isolated in their roles and family lives, while nearly 50% openly acknowledge feelings of loneliness due to the constant demands on their time and attention. If you’re a father, high-level executive, entrepreneur, or simply someone striving for deeper connection at home while balancing professional responsibilities, today’s conversation is for you. Dr. Larry Freeney is a counselor educator, LPC-Supervisor, and creator of the Fully Alive Personal Mastery System. He has delivered thousands of clinical sessions, earned four black belts, was selected as 1 of 300 participants from over 88,000 applicants for the Spartan Project 300, and is currently raising five children under the age of six. His work focuses on helping high-performing individuals who may appear successful externally but internally feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck, guiding them toward alignment between who they are today and who they are capable of becoming. As the Director of Education and Assessment at Rejoice Counseling Apostolate, Dr. Freeney helps bridge professional counseling with the Catholic faith tradition. His organization works with individuals, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief, parenting challenges, marital healing, and personal growth. With nearly a decade of experience as a mental health professional, Dr. Freeney’s philosophy is grounded in four key principles: Metamorphic Growth, Schema-Altering Experiences, Genuine Human Connection, and Radical Generosity. His passion for helping people maximize their potential is reflected in both his professional work and personal pursuit of continuous growth, discipline, and excellence. This week, he joined me for a powerful conversation about what it truly takes to create alignment between the pressures of work and the responsibilities of family life, while avoiding the emotional isolation so many leaders silently experience. We discussed: You won’t want to miss an insightful and deeply human conversation about leadership, family, mental health, and becoming fully alive in every area of life.   For more information: https://laetarehealth.com/fullyalive/ Email: freeneylg@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr
  2. 2d ago

    Reigniting Life After Gray Divorce with: Dr . Heather Theisen Gándara

    While divorce rates among younger adults have declined in recent decades, one demographic is experiencing a dramatic rise in separation: adults over 45. According to research from Bowling Green State University, roughly one-third of all U.S. divorces now occur among couples in midlife and beyond—a phenomenon often referred to as “gray divorce.” The American Psychological Association notes that these life transitions can bring major emotional, financial, and identity-related challenges, while also opening the door to profound resilience, reinvention, and personal growth. In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Heather Theisen-Gándara, founder of Reignite Collective, to explore what it truly means to rebuild life after divorce—and why women over 40 are discovering that their next chapter can become their most powerful one yet. Dr. Theisen-Gándara shares her remarkable journey from rural Wisconsin to becoming an internationally experienced leader, educator, and mentor. As the first person in her family to hold a passport, her life expanded through extensive work and travel across Latin America, where she developed fluency in Spanish and a deep passion for cross-cultural connection. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master’s in Counseling, and more than two decades of experience in international diplomacy and large-scale organizational leadership, she has partnered with global organizations including the United States Department of State, ExxonMobil, and Baker Hughes. But behind the impressive résumé was a deeply personal reinvention story. After the end of a 24-year marriage, Dr. Theisen-Gándara faced the emotional and financial realities that many women experience after divorce. Instead of allowing that season to define her, she rebuilt from the ground up—reclaiming financial independence, prioritizing wellness, losing nearly 100 pounds, and rediscovering her confidence, identity, and purpose. Through Reignite Collective, she now helps women navigate holistic recovery after divorce by focusing on emotional healing, wellness, financial empowerment, self-confidence, and personal style. Her message is both compassionate and transformational: divorce is not the end of a woman’s story—it can be the beginning of her most empowered chapter. In this conversation, we discuss: This episode is a powerful reminder that healing and reinvention are possible at any stage of life—and that sometimes the most beautiful chapters begin after everything changes.     For more information: https://www.reignitecollective.com/ Follow: @HeatherGlowsAgain   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 3m
  3. 2d ago

    Breaking Barriers to Employment: Mental Health, Inclusion & the Power of Purpose with Julie Henshaw

    According to the Canadian Mental Health Association in Ontario, up to 90% of Canadians living with serious mental illnesses are unemployed, while individuals with a mental health-related disability face an employment rate of just 46%. Stigma, discrimination, limited workplace accommodations, and a lack of support continue to create significant barriers to meaningful employment and long-term career success. On this episode of Let’s Have This Conversation, we sit down with Julie Henshaw, MSW, RSW, Executive Director of Stride, to explore how inclusive employment practices can transform lives, strengthen communities, and create healthier workplaces for everyone. With more than 20 years of experience in the community mental health and addictions sector, Julie brings a compassionate and deeply relational approach to leadership. Her work across residential, community, and hospital settings has given her a comprehensive understanding of Ontario’s mental healthcare system and the complex realities facing individuals navigating mental health and addiction challenges. Stride is helping change the conversation around employment by supporting youth (16+) and adults struggling with mental health or addictions as they pursue meaningful work. Through job readiness training, employment coaching, accommodation planning, peer mentoring, workshops, job matching, and employer partnerships, Stride connects often-overlooked candidates with inclusive employers who recognize the value of diverse lived experiences. In this conversation, Julie discusses: Julie also shares insights from her leadership journey, her passion for healthcare design and social policy, and why collaboration, empathy, and encouragement remain at the center of meaningful community impact. This is a powerful conversation about hope, opportunity, inclusion, and the life-changing impact of being seen for your potential instead of your diagnosis For more information: https://stride.on.ca/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 min
  4. 2d ago

    Why Traditional Media Still Matters for Small Business Visibility with: Mickie Kennedy

    Fewer than 1% of small businesses use press releases as a regular marketing or public relations strategy, even as major corporations continue to rely heavily on media relations to shape public perception and build authority. Meanwhile, approximately 92% of businesses are using social media platforms to increase visibility and brand awareness, according to Entrepreneur. But in a crowded digital marketplace where everyone has a website, LinkedIn page, Facebook profile, and online reviews, the real question becomes: what actually makes your business memorable? On this episode of Let’s Have This Conversation, we sit down with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, one of the leading press release distribution services helping small businesses, startups, and authors secure national media exposure. With more than 25 years of experience in public relations and media outreach, Mickie has dedicated his career to helping entrepreneurs bridge the gap between their business and the journalists, reporters, and publications that can elevate their credibility. In a world where trust drives buying decisions, Mickie explains why earned media still matters and why being featured in trusted publications can separate your business from competitors who rely solely on social media algorithms. He shares practical insights into how entrepreneurs can use press releases strategically, what journalists are actually looking for, and how authentic storytelling can create long-term authority online. The conversation also explores the changing landscape of public relations, why visibility alone is no longer enough, and how small businesses can leverage media coverage to strengthen trust, improve search presence, and create opportunities that traditional advertising often cannot deliver. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, author, speaker, or business owner looking to increase your visibility and credibility, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how effective PR can help you stand out in a marketplace saturated with noise.   For more Information: https://www.ereleases.com/ Discover More: https://www.ereleases.com/plan-2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 3m
  5. 3d ago

    How to Close the Gap Between Ideas & Implementation with: Dre Baldwin

    Why do so many organizations struggle to execute even the best strategies? According to research highlighted by the Project Management Institute, more than 60% of corporate boards now consider strategy execution their top oversight priority, while companies with weak execution lose nearly 40% of their strategy’s potential value. Meanwhile, research referenced by Harvard Business School shows that only approximately 10% of executives successfully implement the majority of their strategic initiatives each year. (CJPI) In this episode, we sit down with Dre Baldwin, keynote speaker, former professional basketball player, and founder of Work On Your Game Inc., to explore why execution — not strategy — is often the real differentiator between success and failure. Known for his expertise in discipline, confidence, mental toughness, and personal initiative, Dre has built a global brand around helping professionals and organizations eliminate inconsistency and perform at a higher level. Through his “Work On Your Game” framework and his Execution Reliability Index (ERI), Dre teaches leaders how to close the gap between ideas and implementation by creating systems that drive accountability, structure, and repeatable results. Dre’s story is just as compelling as his message. From being overlooked as a high school basketball player to building a nine-year professional basketball career and becoming a globally recognized speaker and author of 35 books, he has turned resilience into a blueprint for high performance. His content has been consumed more than 103 million times, and his daily MasterClass has generated over 7.3 million downloads. Throughout this conversation, Dre shares practical insights on: From boardrooms to entrepreneurs to high-performing teams, this episode delivers actionable lessons for anyone looking to execute at a higher level and create sustainable results.     For more information: https://www.workonyourgame.com/work-on-your-game-is-the-operating-system-for-top-2-performers Follow: @drebaldwin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min
  6. Perilous Ascent: Redefining Resilience Through Chronic Pain with Nancy Deyo

    3d ago

    Perilous Ascent: Redefining Resilience Through Chronic Pain with Nancy Deyo

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 25% of U.S. adults—roughly 60 million Americans—live with chronic pain, while approximately 8.5% experience high-impact chronic pain that significantly limits their daily life or ability to work. Chronic pain is one of the most misunderstood health challenges in modern society, often forcing people to navigate invisible suffering, medical uncertainty, and profound personal transformation. In this deeply honest and inspiring episode, former Silicon Valley CEO and Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute Fellow Nancy Deyo shares her extraordinary story of survival, identity loss, and rebuilding after a medical crisis on Mount Kilimanjaro changed the course of her life. What began as an ambitious climb turned into a fifteen-year journey marked by misdiagnosis, persistent pain, opioid dependence, and the collapse of the high-performance mindset that once fueled her success. Nancy opens up about the emotional and psychological realities of chronic illness, including what happens when discipline, endurance, and “pushing through” are no longer enough. Unable to sit because of debilitating pain, she attended graduate school lying on an army cot, later traveled across the world stretched across three airplane seats, and eventually found her way back into professional life—all while learning how to adapt to a body and future she could no longer control. Drawing from the experiences detailed in her forthcoming memoir, Perilous Ascent, Nancy offers people a powerful conversation about resilience that goes beyond motivational clichés. This episode explores the hidden costs of achievement culture, the loneliness of invisible illness, navigating flawed healthcare systems, and how to reconstruct identity when life no longer responds to effort in the same way it once did. Whether you are facing chronic pain, burnout, major life disruption, or simply searching for a more sustainable understanding of success and resilience, this conversation delivers practical wisdom, emotional honesty, and a compelling reminder that adaptation—not perfection—can become the path forward.   For more information: https://nancydeyo.com/ Discover More: https://nancydeyo.substack.com/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min
  7. 4d ago

    Liane Davey: Building High-Performing Teams In A World of Perpetual Change, Conflict, & Burnout

    Burnout in Canadian workplaces is reaching critical levels. As of early 2026, nearly 62% of workers report feeling burned out—up sharply from 47% in 2024—putting both retention and productivity at risk. At the same time, while 68% of employees say their workplace feels psychologically safe, nearly a quarter disagree, and 70% express concern about their overall psychological well-being on the job, according to Mental Health Research Canada. In this episode, we explore the hidden weight behind these numbers—the part of work that isn’t captured in job descriptions or performance metrics. Because the hardest part of work isn’t the work itself—it’s the conversations people avoid, the assumptions they carry, and the cognitive and emotional strain that makes even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Joining us is Dr. Liane Davey, New York Times bestselling author of The Good Fight and You First, organizational psychologist, and co-founder of 3COze Inc. Known as “The Teamwork Doctor,” Liane works with leaders and teams across industries—from Amazon and Walmart to TD Bank and Sony PlayStation—helping them navigate what she calls “thoughtload”: the mental and emotional burden that often exhausts people more than the work itself. Together, we unpack how thoughtload contributes to burnout, why productive conflict is essential for healthy teams, and how leaders can balance accountability with empathy in an era of constant change. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to build stronger, more resilient teams while protecting their well-being in today’s demanding work environment. For more information: www.lianedavey.com LinkedIn @Liane Davey  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min
  8. 6d ago

    How Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Build Trust, Clarity, and Connection with: Sandy Gerber

    According to the 2025 National Conversations in the Workplace Study, 85% of working Americans believe leaders should be held to a higher standard for communication and preparation. In today’s workplace, leadership is no longer just about strategy or authority. It’s about clarity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to create trust before pressure-filled moments arrive. People follow leaders who communicate with intention, empathy, and authenticity. On this episode, I’m joined by Sandy Gerber, an award-winning Certified Communication Coach, Emotional Intelligence Trainer, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and host of the Magnetic Communication Podcast. With more than 25 years of experience helping leaders and organizations transform the way they communicate, Sandy has become one of North America’s leading voices on emotionally intelligent leadership and human connection. Sandy is the creator of Emotional Magnetism, a groundbreaking communication framework now taught in academic programs, implemented in leadership development initiatives, and published in three languages. Her internationally acclaimed book, Emotional Magnetism, has earned 24 international awards and continues to help readers strengthen relationships, deepen self-awareness, and communicate with more confidence and compassion. In this conversation, Sandy shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her work, including rebuilding her life after two failed marriages, raising two children as a single mother, and scaling NEXT Marketing Agency from her bedroom into one of British Columbia’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies. She explains how the same emotional intelligence and communication principles that transformed her personal life also became the foundation for her professional success in high-pressure industries like finance, technology, and construction. Throughout her career, Sandy has worked with globally recognized brands including A&W Food Services of Canada, Molson Coors Beverage Company, TELUS, British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Grand Marnier, Raymond James, and St. John Ambulance, helping organizations improve engagement, collaboration, workplace culture, and retention through emotionally intelligent communication strategies. Sandy also discusses the leadership lessons behind her proprietary frameworks including The EQ Switch, Connection Cues, Honest Questions, and Connected Conversations, and why emotional awareness has become one of the most valuable skills in modern leadership. Her insights reveal how leaders can navigate conflict more effectively, foster psychological safety, and create environments where people genuinely feel seen, heard, and understood. Recognized with honors including the 2025 Women of Influence Creative Innovator Award, the Fast Company World-Changing Ideas Award, the Women of Worth Award, the Real Leaders Impact Award, and the Transform Global Marketing Award, Sandy continues to inspire audiences through her coaching, speaking, podcast, and live experiences designed to help people communicate with more truth, compassion, and connection. This episode is a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, emotional intelligence, and the life-changing impact of learning how to truly connect with others. And yes, you’ll also hear why Sandy still considers winning a limbo contest at age 14 one of her proudest accomplishments.   For more information: https://sandygerber.com/ Discover More https://sandygerber.com/drift-quiz/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min
5
out of 5
62 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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