The Spark Konnect

Kassy LaBorie
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Welcome to The Spark Konnect Podcast, hosted by Kassy LaBorie — The Trainer’s Trainer and Original Virtual Training Hero. This is the place where we explore the many sparks that ignite powerful facilitation — creativity, performance, leadership, play, and beyond. Each series dives into a new lens on facilitation, revealing the unique ways people connect, inspire, and lead. From artistry to athletics (and everything in between), we uncover how different passions and disciplines fuel unforgettable learning experiences. Because facilitation isn’t just a profession — it’s a human art.

  1. APR 29

    Ep. 027 | Where Creativity Teaches w/ David Kolmer

    Summary Join Kassy LaBorie in a deep and engaging conversation with David Kolmer, an instructional designer with a rich background in theater, opera, and education. They explore creativity, learning, cultural experiences, and the intersection of art and instructional design. David brings his experience working and living in Thailand to the show, and his happy-go-lucky approach to all aspects of his life. Be sure to tune into this inspiring and uplifting episode of The Spark Konnect! David’s Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolmer/ Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/gamelayer/ https://open.spotify.com/show/2BPCMbVCqtoBuEhL8zG0KNBlog: https://improvementdave.com/ Website: https://www.davidkolmer.com/ Instagram: @kolmer5 @gamelayer.fm Kassy’s Links: Website: https://kassylaborie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Colmer's Journey 04:27 The Intersection of Art and Education 07:12 Theater as Therapy and Personal Growth 10:03 Cultural Immersion and Language Learning 12:55 Empathy and Human Connection 15:56 E-Learning and Instructional Design 19:38 Theater's Influence on Learning and Development 22:33 Philosophy and Aesthetics in Learning 29:21 Navigating Focus and Creativity 33:01 Embracing Imperfection in Learning Takeaways - Creativity is foundational for David and influences all aspects of his work. - Theater training enhances listening and emotional awareness in learning. - Immersive experiences are key to language acquisition and cultural understanding. - Authenticity and genuine aesthetics resonate more than manufactured appearances (but we still love some kitsch!) Instructional Design, Creativity, Theater, Opera, Learning, Cultural Experience, Educational Technology, Personal Growth

    36 min

  2. APR 22

    Ep. 026 | Confidence You Can See w/ Traci L. Brown

    Summary In this brand new episode of the Spark Konnect, body language expert and former professional cyclist Traci L.  Brown shares insights on how to read what people are saying subliminally, the mental side of sports, confidence, and how athletic discipline translates into effective communication and personal growth. Tune in for an engaging discussion that challenges our perspective on self-confidence and growth. Traci’s Links: Website: https://storymatterscompany.com/ Newsletter Sign-up: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/o1s37fe/lying Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BodyLanguageSpeaker  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bodylanguageexpert1/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bodylanguagetraci  Kassy’s Links: Website: https://kassylaborie.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tracy L. Brown 03:59 The Intersection of Body Language and Cycling 06:49 Hypnosis and Mental Training in Sports 09:32 The Power of Confidence and Public Speaking 12:15 Understanding and Detecting Lies 15:10 The Importance of Authenticity in Communication 17:54 Confidence: A Personal Journey 19:59 Embracing Vulnerability and Choice 21:58 Understanding Body Language and Deception 24:15 The Journey of Learning and Music 27:32 Translating Athletic Confidence to Life 32:12 Exciting Future Announcements 33:25 Outro Takeaways Reading body language and detecting deception is an important skill for leaders There is a strong connection between athletic discipline and mental toughness Hypnosis and neuro-linguistic programming can be effectively used for personal development Confidence comes from within body language, behavior analysis, cycling, confidence, mental toughness, hypnosis, communication, leadership, stress, deception

    34 min

  3. APR 15

    Ep. 025 | Directing Learning Like a Story w/ Bridget K. Brown

    Summary Join this week’s conversation between Kassy LaBorie and Bridget K. Brown as they delve into the importance of storytelling in facilitation and instructional design. This conversation is all about emotional honesty, and finding exciting and genuine ways of connecting with people - whether it be an audience of 2 or 200. Bridget brings her 15 years of expertise as an actress, writer, and instructional designer to this episode. Take a listen to learn how her unique approach to storytelling and improvisation can transform your facilitation, training, and leadership skills. Bridget’s Links: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bridgetkbrown Instagram: https://instagram.com/storymattersllc Website: https://storymatterscompany.com/ Kassy’s Links: Website: https://kassylaborie.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Story Matters and Storytelling in Learning 02:39 Theater Background and Acting Journey 05:26 Teaching and Learning from Bill Esper 08:08 The Importance of Honest Emotion in Acting 10:51 Applying Storytelling in Learning and Development 13:29 Writing The Secrets of Brown and White 16:03 Uncovering Family Secrets and Identity 21:38 The Journey of Storytelling 26:51 Learning and Development: A New Path 31:31 The Art of Storytelling in Training 36:05 Improv Techniques for Effective Communication 44:27 Connecting and Continuing the Conversation Takeaways Storytelling can be a central part of designing an effective training program Applying improvisation tools in facilitation makes it more engaging Personal storytelling and authenticity is key to relating to your audience The role of emotion in effective training can’t be overstated storytelling, improvisation, learning design, facilitation, theater, personal stories, professional development, emotional honesty, training techniques

    47 min

  4. APR 8

    Ep. 024 | Owning Your Expertise w/ Dr. Keith Keating

    Summary In this heartfelt and personal interview, Dr. Keith Keating shares his journey from a dancer and actor to a learning development expert. Dr. Keating shares how overcoming adversity can lead you to places you never thought you’d go. His endless optimism will inspire you, and help explain how artistry influences facilitation. Dr. Keating emphasizes the importance of authentic presence, and practical tips for engaging audiences effectively. Dr. Keating’s Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-keith-keating-1976963a/ Kassy’s Links: Website: https://kassylaborie.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ Other links: Dr. Keating’s book, The Trusted Learning Advisor: https://a.co/d/01CVmgXV Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forgetting_curve Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Keith Keating's Journey 03:08 The Intersection of Artistry and Learning 06:43 Performing vs. Authenticity in Training 10:28 The Craft of Comedy and Engagement 14:07 Vulnerability in Performance and Personal Growth 21:26 Embracing Imperfection and Vulnerability 22:57 Overcoming Adversity: A Journey from Dropout to Doctorate 24:56 The Power of Performance: Engaging Your Audience 30:55 Crafting Impactful Presentations: The Art of Facilitation 37:16 Building Connections: Engaging with Your Audience 38:51 Outro Takeaways Learn your core message thoroughly and internalize it. Practice scenario planning for audience disruptions. Design content around the key 10% you want the audience to remember. Create space for audience participation to increase engagement. Own your expertise and embrace vulnerability to connect authentically. Learning Development, Performance, Facilitation, Audience Engagement, Artistry, Public Speaking, Personal Growth

    39 min

  5. APR 1

    Ep. 023 | Embracing Your Voice w/ Tina BE

    In today’s conversation Kassy LaBorie interviews Tina BE, an intuitive communication expert who shares her journey of embracing creativity and the power of presence in communication. Tina BE discusses the importance of listening, grounding oneself, and the role of curiosity in effective communication. She also explains her unique approach of using freestyle rap to engage audiences and navigate criticism. Together, Kassy and Tina BE highlight the significance of self-awareness, personal expression, and the transformative power of music in connecting with others. Tina BE’s links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinabakehouse/ Website: www.tinabe.com Kassy’s Links: Website: https://kassylaborie.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tina B and Her Artistry 03:16 The Power of Names and Identity 05:58 Listening with the Body 08:40 Grounding and Presence in Communication 11:30 The Role of Creativity in Leadership 14:28 Improv and Freestyle Rap as Communication Tools 17:14 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity 19:39 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Judgment 22:21 The Power of Music and Nostalgia 26:25 Creative Expression and Audience Reception 30:07 Navigating Discomfort in Creative Spaces 33:51 Improvisation and Adaptability in Communication 39:05 Grounding Techniques for Presenters 41:09 Outro Takeaways Tina BE emphasizes the importance of being fully present when listening to others. Setting intentions before engaging in communication can enhance the experience. Mistakes in creative expression can lead to golden opportunities for growth. Curiosity allows for deeper connections and more engaging conversations. Freestyle rap can be a powerful tool for audience engagement and connection. It's essential to embrace one's unique voice and creative expression. Criticism often reflects the critic's own insecurities rather than the quality of the work. Grounding techniques can help manage anxiety and enhance communication effectiveness. The breath is a powerful tool for calming the nervous system before speaking. The journey of self-discovery often leads to a more authentic expression of oneself. intuitive communication, creative expression, listening skills, audience engagement, freestyle rap, personal growth, self-awareness, music, improvisation, leadership

    42 min

  6. MAR 25

    Ep. 022 | Humming Along w/ Jordon Taylor

    In this engaging conversation, Kassy LaBorie interviews Jordan Taylor, a corporate trainer and musician, exploring the intersection of music, performance, and effective training techniques. They discuss the importance of audience engagement, the role of creativity in training, and how personal experiences can enhance the learning environment. Jordan shares insights from his time at GoDaddy, the development of a train-the-trainer program, and the use of music as inspiration for training activities. The conversation emphasizes the need for trainers to connect with their audience and adapt their delivery to create impactful learning experiences. Jordon’s Links: Website: https://corporatetrainingcompanion.com/about-jordon-taylor-corporate-training-expert/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/corporatetrainingcompanion TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@corptrainingcompanion LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordontaylor/ Kassy’s Links: Website: https://kassylaborie.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jordan Taylor and His Journey 03:16 The Transition from Music to Corporate Training 06:04 The Role of Performance in Training 08:42 The Importance of Group Dynamics in Training 11:30 GoDaddy's Effective Training Approach 14:08 Building a Train the Trainer Program 16:42 The Magic of Engagement in Training 19:30 Using Music as Inspiration for Training 22:13 Creative Techniques in Training Delivery 24:39 The Power of Covering Songs in Training 27:25 Conclusion and Resources for Trainers Takeaways Jordon Taylor is the owner of Corporate Training Companion. Jordon has a background in music, playing guitar and trombone. He emphasizes the importance of performance skills in training. Jordon’s experience with GoDaddy's onboarding process was well-structured and engaging. Jordan built a train-the-trainer program for GoDaddy's expansion. He uses creative techniques to engage trainees, like magic tricks.. Music serves as a source of inspiration for training content. Trainers should focus on audience feelings and engagement. Jordon offers courses for new trainers on corporate training and interview preparation. corporate training, music, performance, engagement, training techniques, GoDaddy, train the trainer, audience connection, creativity, instructional design

    34 min

  7. MAR 18

    Ep. 021 | Everbody's a Singer w/ Vanessa Hoffman

    In this exciting conversation, Kassy LaBorie and Vanessa Hoffman explore the intersection of vocal performance and professional development. Vanessa shares her journey as a singer and trainer, discussing how her musical background informs her approach to training and engagement. They delve into the challenges of vocal performance, the importance of breath control, and the need for vocal care among trainers. The conversation highlights the significance of authenticity in performance and the role of facial expressions in effective communication. Vanessa offers valuable insights and tips for trainers to enhance their delivery and connect with their audience. Vanessa’s Links: LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-hoffman-b401b023 Kassy’s Links: Website: https://kassylaborie.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Vanessa's Artistry 02:47 The Intersection of Music and Professional Development 05:14 The Challenges of Vocal Performance 08:07 The Art of Engagement in Training 10:51 Performance Anxiety and Authenticity 13:37 Vocal Care for Trainers 16:33 Breath Control and Speaking 19:22 The Importance of Facial Expressions 21:53 Final Thoughts and Connection Takeaways Everybody's a singer. Singing is a big part of Vanessa's life. The challenges of vocal performance are significant. Engagement in training is crucial for effective learning. Performance anxiety can hinder authentic communication. Vocal care is essential for trainers and speakers. Breath control is vital for effective speaking. Facial expressions enhance communication and engagement. Going big in performance can help find the right delivery. Authenticity in performance resonates with audiences. Vanessa Hoffman, vocal performance, professional development, training, engagement, public speaking, vocal care, breath control, authenticity, music

    30 min

  8. MAR 11

    Ep. 020 | The Power of Play w/ Kirsten Anderson

    In this brand new episode, Kassy LaBorie and Kirsten Anderson explore the transformative power of play in adult life, particularly in the workplace. Kirsten shares her journey from the toy industry to becoming a playologist, emphasizing the importance of play for creativity, team building, and psychological safety. They discuss practical techniques for integrating play into professional settings, the significance of creating a playful environment, and how play can enhance communication and collaboration. Kirsten also provides actionable activities for facilitators to foster engagement and connection among participants. Kirsten’s Links: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/KirstenPlaying Website: https://integrateplay.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenplaying/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KirstenPlaying Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstenplaying/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kirstenplaying Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6bxmODDjJWtik8oFZ5sOhU?si=b98caf6c3cf3429f eSpeakers:  https://www.espeakers.com/marketplace/profile/46499/kirsten-anderson Kassy’s Links: Website: https://kassylaborie.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Play and Art 02:58 The Importance of Play in Adult Life 05:52 Play as a Tool for Team Building and Resilience 08:35 Pillars of a Playful Mindset 11:34 Transformative Moments in Play Facilitation 14:13 Applying Play in Personal and Professional Life 16:55 Exploring Creativity and Playfulness in Work 19:15 The Power of Play in Learning 21:08 Overcoming Resistance in Corporate Settings 23:02 Creating Psychological Safety through Play 25:31 The Art of Noticing and Naming 28:29 Engaging Introductions: Who's Who Activity 32:41 Integrating Play into Everyday Work Takeaways Emphasizes the need for adults to engage in play. Play should not be limited to evenings and weekends; it can be integrated into daily life. Creativity is closely linked to play; without play, creativity suffers. Facilitators should create psychological safety to encourage openness. Physical actions can enhance memory and engagement during activities. Naming what is happening in the room can enhance group dynamics. Play can help teams build resilience and adaptability. Using playful methods can increase creative solutions by over 15%. Facilitators should invite participation rather than force it.  play, creativity, team building, adult play, psychological safety, facilitation, playfulness, workplace culture, resilience, innovation

    39 min
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About

Welcome to The Spark Konnect Podcast, hosted by Kassy LaBorie — The Trainer’s Trainer and Original Virtual Training Hero. This is the place where we explore the many sparks that ignite powerful facilitation — creativity, performance, leadership, play, and beyond. Each series dives into a new lens on facilitation, revealing the unique ways people connect, inspire, and lead. From artistry to athletics (and everything in between), we uncover how different passions and disciplines fuel unforgettable learning experiences. Because facilitation isn’t just a profession — it’s a human art.

Information

  • Creator
    Kassy LaBorie
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kassy LaBorie
  • Show Website
    The Spark Konnect