The Spark Konnect

Kassy LaBorie

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. 2D AGO

    Ep. 019 | A Sudden Burst of Gravity w/ Russ Powell

    In this engaging conversation, Kassy LaBorie interviews Russ Powell, a multifaceted artist and leadership trainer. They explore the connections between juggling, music, and effective leadership, discussing how artistic expression can enhance facilitation and training. Russ shares his journey from street performing in New Orleans to becoming an executive coach, emphasizing the importance of practice, improvisation, and managing nerves in both performance and leadership roles. The discussion also touches on networking strategies and the value of allowing participants to take charge in learning environments. Here are a few links and articles related to and supportive of our conversation:  How to Play Thirty-Five — A terrific game for helping teams brainstorm and prioritize ideas. Leadership and the Middle Path — My foundational leadership program used by 150+ startups and Fortune 100 teams.  Good Performer vs. Bad System — Blog post on why systems matter more than training alone.  Six Rules of Training Every Manager Should Know — Blog post on practical ways to reinforce training efforts.  A Juggler’s Guide to ISD — A fun talk I gave a few years back on the intersection of juggling and instructional design. Includes more on Thiagi’s “let the inmates run the asylum” principle, and a little juggling.  Russ’s Links: Website: https://www.russpowell.com/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russpowell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russpowellconsulting BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/fruvous2.bsky.social 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 Russ Powell 05:39 ISD vs. ID 10:14 Exploring the World of Juggling 15:26 Juggling as a Learning Tool 18:20 Applying Music & Juggling to Facilitation 19:32 Practice & Rehearsal 24:48 Managing Nerves 28:31 Russ Teaches Us A New Skill 33:50 How Improv Helps Facilitation 36:17 Drop Lines Takeaways Juggling serves as a metaphor for managing multiple responsibilities. Artistic backgrounds can enhance leadership training. Street performing teaches valuable lessons in audience engagement. Music can create a welcoming atmosphere in workshops. Nervousness is a natural part of performing and can be channeled positively. Improv skills are beneficial for facilitators and leaders. Participants should be empowered to contribute in workshops. Drop lines can help recover from mistakes in performances. Practice and rehearsal are crucial for success in any performance. juggling, leadership, street performing, instructional design, music, improv, training, coaching, executive leadership

    41 min

  2. FEB 25

    Ep. 018 | Bridging the Creative and Corporate w/ Amy Chapman

    In this episode, Amy Chapman, a professional in talent development, shares her journey from theater to corporate training. She emphasizes the importance of creativity in learning and how the arts can transform thinking and problem-solving. Amy discusses her innovative approaches to training, the significance of emotional intelligence, and the need for engaging learning experiences. She also provides practical tips for boosting confidence and explores the concept of pantomime as a form of creative expression. Amy’s Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amychapman-cptd  Website: amychapman.org  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyinanticipation/  Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HqGI3pBOAWbkwUTe6AwBL?si=ca36264b9de14011  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 Amy Chapman and Her Journey 05:29 Creative Approaches to Corporate Training 08:59 Engaging Learning Experiences: Beyond Traditional Methods 13:42 The Impact of Arts on Thinking and Problem Solving 18:53 Creative Solutions in Learning and Development 24:28 Exploring Pantomime and Creative Expression 27:27 Leveraging Technology for Creative Learning Takeaways Training should be engaging and enjoyable for participants. Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in effective learning. The arts can significantly influence problem-solving and thinking processes. Building relationships in learning and development is essential for success. Pantomime is a valuable tool for creative expression and storytelling. Innovative training strategies can lead to improved business outcomes. Technology can enhance creativity and problem-solving in training.  corporate training, creative learning, emotional intelligence, pantomime, arts in education, innovative training, SOPs, problem solving, confidence building

    33 min

  3. FEB 18

    Ep. 017 | The Rhythm of Learning w/ Gordon Lam

    In this episode, Kassy LaBorie and guest Gordon Lam explore the intersection of music and facilitation, emphasizing the importance of learning through experience, the transition to virtual training, and the role of authenticity in engaging audiences. They discuss how preparation and the ability to embrace mistakes can enhance the training experience, as well as the nuances of using humor in a corporate setting. The conversation highlights the value of creativity and adaptability in delivering effective training sessions. Gordon’s Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonlam/   Website: www.onthelam.com  Kassy’s Links: Website: https://kassylaborie.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/  Chapters: 00:00 The Art of Learning Jazz and Blues 15:26 Transitioning to Virtual Training 18:23 The Importance of Preparation 20:19 Embracing Mistakes in Performance 23:49 Authenticity in Facilitation 26:40 Understanding Audience Dynamics 29:09 Balancing Creativity and Professionalism Takeaways: The best way to learn is by doing and teaching. Preparation is key to managing nerves during presentations. Mistakes in performance often go unnoticed by the audience. Authenticity helps in connecting with the audience. Humor should be used carefully in corporate training. Learning should be internalized, not just memorized. Adapting to the audience's needs is crucial for engagement. Creativity can enhance the training experience. jazz, blues, virtual training, facilitation, authenticity, mistakes, humor, creativity, corporate training, audience engagement

    35 min

  4. FEB 14

    Pop-Up Ep. 016 | Practicing For Life w/ Alex Dumas

    In this special pop up Sports & Facilitation episode, Kassy LaBorie and guest, Alex Dumas explore how athletic experiences shape personal growth, confidence, and public speaking skills. Alex shares his journey from feeling insecure to finding confidence through football, emphasizing the importance of practice and preparation. They delve into the mindset required for effective performance and introduce the WIN framework, which focuses on self-worth, intentions, and networking.  Mentioned In This Episode: Warm Up Songs: I Want It All by The Arctic Monkeys & Dearest Alfred by Khruangbin Book about Alex's ancestral history: The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo by Tom Reiss Alex’s Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexdumas  Website: speakeralexdumas.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 Alex Dumas 08:43 How Sports Influence Facilitation 14:01 The Freedom That Sports Unleash 17:15 Connecting with the Audience 19:49 Embracing Athleticism and Personal Growth 22:37 The Importance of Preparation  25:23 The WIN Framework: Worth, Intentions, and Network 31:17 Practical Tips for Speakers and Trainers 33:51 This History of the Dumas Name Takeaways: Sports can be a significant confidence booster. Preparation and practice are essential for success. Mindset plays a crucial role in performance. Public speaking fears can be overcome with practice. Athletes often rehearse scenarios to prepare for performance. Embracing vulnerability can help you connect with your audience. sports, facilitation, personal growth, public speaking, preparation, mindset, WIN framework, performance, confidence, athletes

    36 min

  5. TRAILER

    Announcement: Sports & Facilitation Pop-Up Series

    Surprise!𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 podcast is launching a 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗽-𝘂𝗽 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀.Every once in a while, an episode will drop exploring how 𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸, 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲r 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲.

    1 min

  6. FEB 11

    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

  7. TRAILER

    Introducing The Spark Konnect with Kassy LaBorie

    Let's ignite your spark!

    1 min

  8. 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
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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
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kassy LaBorie
  • Show Website
    The Spark Konnect