The Spark Konnect

Kassy LaBorie
  • 5.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 1D AGO

    Ep. 015 | Learning in Harmony w/ Steven Patterson

    In this conversation, Kassy LaBorie and Steven Patterson explore the intersection of vocal performance and learning and development. They discuss the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and emotional connection in both singing and training. Steven shares his journey as a vocal performer and how it informs his work, emphasizing the need for trust, preparedness, and the power of silence and breathing.  Mentioned In This Episode: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni Talk on Water, Attaining the Mindset for Powerhouse Presentations, Stephanie Scotti Chase Cashman helping his young son stand on his own:   https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1nP2FlRnYMo Steven’s Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sp184/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/do.more.have.less/  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 Steven Patterson 03:49 Connecting Singing and Learning 09:41 The Art of Evoking Emotion 12:00 Authenticity in Storytelling 14:32 Can Anyone Sing? 18:25 The Foundation of Learning and Performance 24:26 Understanding Different Learning Styles 29:29 Mindset and Preparedness for Performance 35:09 The Power of Silence in Communication 37:49 Creating Remarkable Learning Experiences Takeaways: Trust yourself, you've done the work. Every great piece of music has conflict. Fail to plan, plan to fail. Allow for silence, it helps the audience process. You can't rock and roll until you know the notes. Learning is about making connections. Not everyone is a soloist, and that's okay. learning and development, vocal performance, storytelling, public speaking, authenticity, trust, engagement, collaboration, training, emotional connection

    40 min

  2. TRAILER

    Introducing The Spark Konnect with Kassy LaBorie

    Let's ignite your spark!

    1 min

  3. FEB 4

    Ep. 014 | Creating Connection w/ Taylor Kaschke

    In this episode, host Kassy LaBorie interviews Taylor Kaschke,  the Communications and Experiences Manager at Crawford Murphy & Tilly. They discuss how theatre and performance have shaped their communication skills and confidence, and how storytelling can be integrated into learning to enhance employee engagement. Taylor shares her view of feedback as data points and how her growth mindset has helped her in professional development.  Mentioned In This Episode: The 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity: https://franklincovey.ca/the-5-choices/  Taylor’s Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorbkaschke/  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 Taylor Kaschke 06:59 The Role of Communication in Civil Infrastructure 11:39 Experiential Learning and Employee Onboarding 16:27 Talent Development at the St. Louis Zoo 21:19 Engaging Participants in Learning 23:00 The Importance of Storytelling in Training 25:40 Building Confidence Through Preparation 28:06 Strategies for Developing Confidence 30:02 Encouraging Rehearsal in High-Stakes Situations 32:18 Receiving and Utilizing Feedback Effectively Takeaways: Feedback should be viewed as data points for growth. Structured learning experiences foster engagement. Confidence builds through preparation and practice. Storytelling is crucial in training and development. Creating a supportive environment encourages participation. Navigating feedback requires empathy and understanding. Bringing artistry into the workplace enhances joy and connection. communication, talent development, feedback, learning experiences, theatre, confidence, storytelling, hybrid work, structured learning, employee engagement

    38 min

  4. JAN 28

    Ep. 013 | Unlocking Your Voice w/ Hilary Blair

    In this engaging conversation, Kassy LaBorie and Hilary Blair explore the transformative power of theatre in communication and training. Hilary shares her unique approach to “degunking” individuals, helping them shed the layers that inhibit their authentic voices. They discuss the importance of friction in conversations, distinguishing it from conflict, and how to facilitate productive discussions in teams.  Hilary’s Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbarticulate/  Website: https://www.articulate.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 Hilary Blair 03:53 Degunking and Finding Your Voice 07:37 The Transformative Power of Theater 09:31 Articulate: The Intersection of Art and Communication 11:35 Understanding Executive Presence and Friction 17:04 Friction vs. Conflict: A New Perspective 23:05 Reframing Soft Skills 26:03 Navigating the Messy Middle of Communication 30:52 Understanding Walls vs. Boundaries 35:42 The Importance of Technique in Learning Takeaways: Friction in conversations can lead to innovation and growth, while conflict often results in a dead end. Establishing boundaries is crucial for effective communication and maintaining a safe space. Theatre techniques can enhance business training by fostering creativity and engagement. Effective communication is a blend of tools, skills, and individual techniques. Friction can create opportunities for deeper understanding and collaboration. communication, theatre, executive presence, friction, conflict resolution, training, coaching, personal development, public speaking, storytelling

    43 min

  5. JAN 21

    Ep. 012 | Gladiolus Moments w/ Skyler Westergard

    In this episode, host Kassy LaBorie is joined by Skyler Westergard, a landscape designer and L&D professional. Together, they explore the fascinating intersection of landscape architecture with art and learning. Skyler shares his journey from childhood fascination with plants to becoming a learning and development manager in a national landscape management company. The conversation emphasizes the intentionality behind design and the beauty that can be found in both landscapes and learning environments. Skyler’s Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skylerwestergard  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dapperlandscaper/  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 Skyler Westergard 04:17 Skyler's Career Journey 07:09 The Role of Learning and Development in Landscaping 09:46 Japanese Garden Aesthetics and Design Principles 13:59 The Intersection of Landscape Design and Learning 18:19 Artistry in Landscape Architecture 25:23 The Design Process 29:26 The Role of Observation in L&D 31:56 The Importance of Observation Takeaways: The concept of 'gladiola moments' represents pivotal learning experiences. Japanese gardens emphasize intentional design and natural beauty. Observation is crucial in both landscape architecture and learning development. Training materials should be aesthetically pleasing and functional. Understanding the audience's needs is key to effective training. landscape architecture, horticulture, learning and development, design principles, Japanese gardens, observation, applied art, training, beauty in design, professional journey

    37 min

  6. JAN 14

    Ep. 011 | Going Full Idiot w/ Rick Lozano

    In this episode, Kassy LaBorie interviews Rick Lozano, a keynote speaker and musician, who shares his journey of integrating music into his business presentations. Rick discusses the importance of vulnerability, creativity, and finding one's unique voice in both personal and professional settings. He emphasizes the need to engage different audiences and the balance between seriousness and fun in presentations. Rick even shares a few of his original songs with the audience so you can learn to be like him! Rick’s Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-lozano/ The Airplane Ballad: https://youtu.be/zZ2ZXWtplRQ  The PowerPoint Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0JJALB6Q10  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 Rick Lozano 07:35 Bringing Music into Business 12:14 Rick Shares a Song 16:05 The Creation Process 18:50 Vulnerability & Knowing Your Audience 24:52 Understanding Audience Engagement 28:35 The Power of Collaboration in Creativity Takeaways: Vulnerability is key when engaging with an audience. Creativity is a discipline that requires practice. Silence from an audience doesn't mean disengagement. Finding your unique voice can inspire others. It's important to balance seriousness with fun in presentations. Engaging different audiences requires understanding cultural differences. Letting go of ego can enhance collaboration and creativity. keynote speaker, creativity, music in business, vulnerability, audience engagement, personal development, innovation, training, unique voice

    39 min

  7. JAN 7

    Ep. 010 | A Moment of Wonder w/ Ryan Swigert

    In this engaging conversation, Kassy interviews Ryan Swigert, a magician and learning and development professional. He shares his journey from performing magic tricks as a child to creating impactful training experiences. He discusses the parallels between magic and training, emphasizing the importance of creativity, authenticity in both fields. Ryan also highlights the significance of creating magical moments for learners and the role of performance in effective training delivery.  Ryan’s Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanswigert  Kassy’s Links: Website: https://kassylaborie.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/  Chapters: 00:00 Introducing Ryan Swigert 10:16 The Intersection of Magic and Learning 17:32 Creating Magical Moments in Training 22:48 The Art of Effortless Performance 26:09 The Performance of Training 28:57 Authenticity in Facilitation 32:30 The Balance of Structure and Creativity 34:02 Perfectionism in Magic and Training 38:01 Learning from Magicians 38:25 A Creative Exercise for Trainers Takeaways: Creating magical moments for learners is a key goal in training. Authenticity in delivery enhances the impact of training sessions. Memory techniques can significantly improve learning retention. Perfectionism is common among magicians due to respect for the craft. Training should focus on making leaders shine in front of their teams. magic, learning and development, training, creativity, performance, storytelling, memory techniques, professional development, magician

    48 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    Ep. 009 | Cultivating Creativity w/ Kevin Thorn

    In this episode, Kassy LaBorie interviews Kevin Thorn, a multifaceted artist and instructional designer, exploring his journey from a young artist to a creative consultant. They discuss the intersection of art and training, the importance of creativity as a skill, and the impact of AI on artistic expression. Kevin shares insights on his transition from military life to corporate training, the evolution of his business, Nugget Head Studios, and the significance of community initiatives like Drink and Draw. The conversation emphasizes the value of creativity in learning and the future possibilities of art in a tech-driven world. Kevin’s Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinthorn  Website: http://nuggethead.net  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 Kevin Thorn  03:02 The Intersection of Creativity and Training 05:11 Understanding Talent vs. Skill  07:34 The Role of Practice in Developing Creativity 10:16 Kevin's Career Journey 18:30 Creating Engaging Learning Experiences 22:37 The Power of Sketching in Learning 29:24 You Can Draw 31:53 The Intersection of AI and Artistic Expression 38:40 Relaunching Drink and Draw Sessions Takeaways: Creativity can be taught and is not solely an innate talent. AI is a tool that can enhance creativity but cannot replace human expression. Artistic expression is deeply personal and unique to each individual. The act of drawing can enhance focus and retention in learning environments. Trust can be represented through creative models. The future of work will involve new roles that we cannot yet imagine. artistry, creativity, instructional design, e-learning, talent vs skill, military transition, Nugget Head Studios, AI in art, LEGO Serious Play, Drink and Draw

    45 min
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Trailer

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
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kassy LaBorie
  • Show Website
    The Spark Konnect