Diner Talks With James

This week in the diner I'm kickin' it with my friend, language enthusiast, and DEI speaker - Christina Parle. She hails from Kansas City, so you know we spent the opener expressing our love of BBQ. From there we jumped into learning about Christina's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work she does with organizations, and she takes the time to explain the language foundation that is necessary before diving into larger concepts within DEI. We then talked a lot about identity development, growing up biracial, and an early appreciation for language and the balance between intent and impact. Then we rounded things out with a conversation about accountability. This conversation was so dope and filled with so many nuggets of wisdom and insight.

About the Guest: 

Christina Parle is a speaker, consultant, and instructional designer in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Christina believes she has a social responsibility to educate others and create space for dialogue related to foundational DEI concepts. Much of her work is rooted in unlearning, conflict resolution, and effective communication skills. Christina's particular interest is on language and its impacts on humans. Christina designs and facilitates DEI curriculum for students, volunteers, and staff.

Christina is a Kansas City, Missouri native. She currently serves as the Director of Chapter Services and Conduct for Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, Inc. (ZBT). Prior to her work at ZBT, Christina served as the Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards at the University of Kansas (KU).

Christina earned her bachelor’s in criminal justice and political science at the University of Central Missouri where she was initiated into the Delta Eta chapter of Sigma Kappa Sorority. Christina then attended Penn State where she earned her master’s in higher education with an emphasis in student affairs.

Connect with Christina and learn more:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinaparle

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ christinaparle

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-parle-b724a81b7/

About the Host:

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

Dan Faill, educator, speaker, and great friend, joined me in the diner this episode. After the Top 3 Top 3 we reminisced about how Dan was my orientation leader in college and I was a homesick first year student. That jumped us into a conversation about friendship and the stories we tell ourselves when we long for connection and how do you learn who trust with your story. One of my biggest fears is being a burden to others and that impacts what we think we deserve. Dan and I bonded over how difficult it as men to let others in, share our feelings more freely, and admit when we need/want help. We then shared some random facts about ourselves, like the fact that Dan used to be a competitive mime! After the segment we discussed the difference between having a talent or hobby that you love and wanting to be paid for it. We ended by talking about that feeling like something is not quite right in your career/passion and rather than looking outside of it, you must find the courage to explore other possibilities inside of the passion area. 

About the Guest: 

Dan Faill has spoken to thousands of college students across the country. But rather than listing off a resume of jobs and accomplishments that most of you will tune out anyway, here are some fun facts: In high school, Dan was nominated for the senior superlative of class clown, but came in second. After his first semester in college he changed his major from Acting because his professor told him he’d never make it because his eyebrows were too expressive for the silver screen. After graduating from the University North Carolina at Wilmington, Dan knew he wanted to get a masters degree close to home, so he went to the University of the Pacific...on the exact opposite coast. Apparently following directions has never been his strong suit. Dan has been a facilitator of community building and social justice work for over a decade, and recently followed his passion to be a full time speaker, coach and consultant, helping audiences be brave enough to have the conversations that matter. He currently lives in Los Angeles where he can be close to his two adorable children, volunteering to help coach sports that he knows nothing about, all the while dreaming of North Carolina BBQ and sweet tea.

https://www.danfaill.com/

https://www.instagram.com/danfaill/

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

This week in the Diner, I’m joined by Isaac Addae – a proud Ghanaian-American, father, and business professor. Per usual, we kicked things off with discussion around late night eats and our love of chicken wings. After food, Isaac shared about his tribe in Ghana and the history and make up of African tribes. I have always been curious to learn more about tribes and appreciated having him teach me. Isaac then shared about his experience growing up in a bicultural environment and the friction and benefits that come with that. We then got into a conversation about his business philosophy and how he instills compassion and ethics in his students. He also spent some time talking about ethics in business in a time of COVID-19. We rounded out the conversation talking about the role that authenticity and vulnerability play in business and the importance of instilling self-confidence in our rising leaders. 

About the Guest: 

Isaac Addae is a first generation Ghanaian-American, father and fiancée. He grew up in the Southern United States and began his collegiate journey at Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. After completing bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering, Isaac began his career at IBM and eventually held roles at Raytheon, Booz Allen Hamilton and CACI. He is now a professor in the TSU College of Business where he teaches business strategy, entrepreneurship and leadership. Isaac is very involved in his community and has led many efforts and serves on numerous nonprofit boards. He's also an avid runner and cyclist and has biked 100+ miles on 4 separate occasions.

Connect with Isaac Addae and learn more:

Website: http://isaacaddae.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaoaddae

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/yaoaddae

About the Host: 

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

This episode, advocate, educator, and speaker Tara Fuller joined me in the diner. We jumped right in laughing and bonding over the joy of being accommodators. Tara has done some personal power work to try and shift that about herself and we learned about that by going down a delightfully random rabbit hole about chakras. As it turns out, I didn’t even know how to spell “chakras” let alone what they actually are! Through her internal work, Tara is trying to get better at advocating for herself. One place where they came up was when we discussed her veganism. We then got a little deeper into her past and Tara open up about being adopted and what it was like to reconnect with her biological parents and siblings. She also did some much needed educating about what people should know about individuals who are adopted. We wrapped up by talking about when do we share our story and how do we share our story because not everyone gets to hear our whole story, and that’s ok. 

About the Guest:

Tara Fuller has been passionate about understanding others who are different from her for as long as she can remember. Tara was adopted as an infant, has been challenged by mental illness, and identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community. She is grounded by her ability to build relationships and sees this as the foundation to making a big community impact.

Tara has worked in higher education and student affairs on a number of campuses for more than 10 years. Currently, she is a speaker with CAMPUSPEAK and she serves as the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey.

She believes all people are on lifelong journeys to belong. Her experiences continue to show her the importance of relying on the support of others.

Website: https://campuspeak.com/speaker/tara-fuller/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TaraMichGrams

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taramichspeaks

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/TaraMichTweets

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

This week, World Blind Golf Champion, Jeremy Poincenot stepped into the diner. Jeremy has an incredible story, he lost his site in his sophomore year in college and it was super powerful to hear him share the story about the mental stages he went through after becoming blind. When we experience trauma, those around us are often well-meaning but freqently say the wrong thing when trying to help. Jeremy shares a little about his experience with that and also shared one of the most powerful things that was said to him during that time: “You’re allow to visit the poor me house, but you’re not allowed to move in.”  I then asked him about who you let in when you’re struggling and when do let yourself be loved again?  Jeremy and I switched gears a little and talked about his road back to golf, how he learned about the United States Blind Golf Association, and what it felt like to compete at a high level in that arena. As a blind golfer, he has had to learn a lot about interdependence, so much so that he devotes a lot of his work to teaching it to others. We then dropped the bomb that Jeremy is weeks away from being a father! It was special to get to talk with a fellow-future father and talk about what raising children will be like both as a blind man and as a fully-sighted man. 

About the Guest: 

Jeremy Poincenot suddenly became legally blind as a 19-year-old sophomore in college. He competes in blind golf tournaments around the world, and with his Dad as his Guide they have won 3 World Blind Golf Championships & 8 National Blind Golf Championships. Jeremy is a professional Inspirational Speaker, providing perspective to groups in person when possible, and virtually when required. He's also a Coach, helping clients find their purpose and passion. He and his wonderful wife, Ellen, are expecting their first child, a baby boy, due on November 8th! One of the many things Jeremy's learned since suddenly losing his sight is that independence is overrated and that we need to embrace the power of interdependence in our lives. Jeremy is a sports-nut, he's a die-hard San Diego Padres fan, Green Bay Packers fan, and golf enthusiast. He has golfed with many interesting people on some of the best courses in the world and has even played a round of golf with James guiding him!

Connect with Jeremy Poincenot and learn more:

Website - https://www.jeremypoincenot.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeremypoincenot/

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/JeremyPoincenot

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JeremyPoincenot

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

My man, Antonio Neves joined me in the booth this week! He is an author, host of The Best Thing podcast, internationally recognized speaker, and a success coach. We jumped in by Antonio discussing his current relationship with food and then we dove into life path. He told me about how he traded in a comfortable corporate job at Kraft for couch surfing in NYC with a small amount of money to follow his dreams of being on television. He and I bonded over the beautiful yet addictive drug called validation. He told a great story about if a blue check mark next to your name on social media can actually verify you. We talked about vulnerability and how not everyone deserves to hear your story while I gleefully quoted Brene Brown. Then we dove into Antonio’s newest book, Stop Living Your Life on Auto-Pilot. He dropped a powerful visual on me when he said there should be 3 dates on everyone’s tombstone: the day you were born, the day you gave up, and the day that you die. WOOF! We finished up our time together talking about the always light topic of letting other people down. Needless to say, we got deep and I loved it. Thanks for joining me Antonio!!!

About the Guest: 

Antonio Neves is an author (Stop Living on Autopilot), host of The Best Thing podcast and internationally recognized speaker. A success coach, Antonio regularly delivers keynotes and trainings at top organizations worldwide. An award-winning journalist, for over 10 years Antonio worked as a business correspondent, host, and producer with top television networks. During his career he has spent hundreds of hours interviewing and profiling prominent CEOs, startup founders, politicians, entertainers, athletes, and beyond. Antonio earned his master's degree from Columbia University and he believes in always carrying a pocketknife.

Connect with Antonio and learn more:

www.theantonioneves.com

https://theantonioneves.com/the-best-thing-podcast-with-antonio-neves/

www.instagram.com/theantonioneves

 www.facebook.com/theantonioneves

www.twitter.com/theantonioneves

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

This week I am joined in the Diner by social media expert, Dr. Josie Ahlquist! We kicked it off by randomly talking about Josie’s high school dating life. We then discussed her huge transition moving from Wyoming and South Dakota to Los Angeles, what some of the values she missed were and new ones she appreciated. Josie and I then bonded over dealing with imposter syndrome when when writing a book and how much better she is at asking for help than I am. Speaking of books, we got to hear all about Josie’s new book: Digital Leadership in Higher Education: Purposeful Social Media in a Connected World. She taught me about self awareness and being intentional on social media as a leader. After a fun random facts segment, we dove back in and discussed Josie’s lack of connection with girls when she was younger and how that has changed in adulthood. We finished up by talking about whether or not social media connecting us or dividing us more, how to own your truth online, and whether or not #activism works. Having Dr. Josie Ahlquist was insightful, educational, and super fun. I hope you learn as much as I did!  

About the Guest: 

Dr. Josie Ahlquist is a digital engagement and leadership researcher, speaker, and consultant. She teaches teens, young adults, education professionals, and campus executives how to humanize technology tools and prioritize building online community. She is the author of the book: Digital Leadership in Higher Education: Purposeful Social Media in a Connected World.

Josie also serves as a research associate and instructor at Florida State University, creating curriculum to build digital literacy and leadership skills for undergraduates up to doctorate level students. She is extensively published and maintains an active blog and podcast (Josie & The Podcast), which have received accolades from EdTech Magazine, Inside Higher Ed and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Her book, Digital Leadership in Higher Education: Purposeful Social Media in a Connected World, comes out September 15th 2020!

Josie received her doctorate from California Lutheran University in Higher Education Leadership, Masters in Education from Northern Arizona University. She majored in sociology and human development at South Dakota State University. Josie resides in Los Angeles, CA with her husband Lloyd Ahlquist and their two rescue-fur babies. She is a proud auntie, underdog triathlete and recent peloton addict.

Connect with Josie and learn more:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.josieahlquist.com

Book: https://www.josieahlquist.com/digitalleadership/

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

Douglas Widick, hysterical actor, music producer and improviser, joins me in the diner this week! Fun fact, he created the theme song for Diner Talks with James and he and I are the co-owners of the internationally known hip-hop improv comedy team, North Coast. We kicked off our convo discussing the beginnings of our friendship, North Coast, and, naturally, Doug’s diner prowess. We then talked about the delicate dance that is being great friends who go into business together. I then switched gears and wanted to ask Doug about his impressive and unrelenting work ethic and what drives it. We touched on the societal responsibility of coming from more than enough and then got a little bit cerebral and discussed using humor as a defense and survival mechanism. Then we got deliciously deep when Doug Widick and I jumped into our deepest fears. We finished our hysterical chat with some wisdom. Doug discussed the importance of enjoying the journey on the way to your goals and the interplay between side hustles and the main dream. This episode had some gem’s y’all. Enjoy!

About the Guest: 

Douglas Widick is a founding member of Hip-Hop Improv group, North Coast, which was named one of Timeout NY’s Top 10 Comedy Shows of 2014. You can catch him performing around NYC with many other musical improv, improv, and sketch groups as well. He is a member of house Musical Improv teams at both the Magnet and PIT Theaters, and just finished sketch shows with Pop Roulette (PIT), The 2017 Tony Awards (UCB), Dead Dads Club (UCB).

He also performs with UCB Theater NY Maude Sketch Team Dangerous Woman. Doug teaches an 8-week Hip-Hop Improv class at the Magnet Theater, and was recently seen in the Off-Broadway musicals, F#%king Up Everything and Blank! The Musical. Lastly, Douglas owns and operates VeryOwnSong.com where, after sharing a few fun details about a loved one, he and his team will write and produce a brand new song for you to give them as a heart-warming gift.

Connect with Doug and learn more:

https://www.douglaswidick.com/

https://www.veryownsong.com/

https://www.northcoastnyc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/douglaswidick/

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

Sara Lowery hopped into the diner with me for this episode and it was enlightening, to say the least. Before we dove into deeper topics we first had to debate about the correct way to to order Waffle House hashbrowns and grits. Then we jumped in the deep end of the pool when I asked Sara, “As a Black women, how are you doing in 2020?” Sara tought me about how Black women have always been and still are invisible in society. We talked about how even this year George Floyd had to die so we even looked at Breonna Taylor. Sara talked about how exhausting it is and how she balances being a social justice educator AND needing time to process. She went off and told us all that we need to get past the table of contents of people who are different than us that we meet. At the end of the day intersectionality is great but labeling people is not. After a fun segment where we learned some fun facts about each other, Sara and I talked about the importance of, and how to, know your value. We talked about how you introduce yourself is how you show up in life. At the end, the episode closed out with an impromtu, fantastic, TED-like talk from Sara and you don’t want to miss it because she got me fired up and I know she’ll do the same for you. Thanks for coming to the diner, Ms. Lowery!

About the Guest: (Bio, Personal Links, Resource Links)

Sara Lowery is a professional speaker and Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Leadership & Learning at University of Delaware. She speaks to audiences about authentic leadership, mental health and promotes the idea of real love, as SELF LOVE. As a speaker, she is doing the two things she loves the most: encouraging individuals to think critically about their leadership journey and inspiring people to be their best; even if they think their walk is a mess! She has shared her messages with many colleges, conferences and institutions nationwide.

Connect with Sara and learn more:

https://www.instagram.com/saraspeakz/

https://www.twitter.com/saraspeakz/

About the Host: (Bio, Personal Links, Resource Links)

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

This week’s diner guest is my favorite human, because it’s my wife - Tina VanSteenbergen Robilotta!!! We kicked off the conversation learning about Tina’s love of bourbon and bubbly water then we dove off deep end. Tina told me about why being a mother is something she has always wanted to do. We discussed the way our parents influenced us in known and unknown ways. Tina and I then discussed our devastating experience with pregnancy loss in the second trimester. She then discussed dealing with loss while trying to grow a young business she was passionate about. Climbing out of that horrible time, we both chatted about the stress of trying to get pregnant again. Then…spoiler alert… it worked! So then we discussed about whether or not we are going to raise a good human.  Tina shared one thing she is excited to teach our child with a really powerful story. We lighted the mood debating “Duck, Duck, Grey Duck” vs. “Duck, Duck, Goose.” We wrapped up the conversation with Tina discussing the role other women have played in Tina’s pregnancy journey.

About the Guest:

“I believe in women. I love women. I love you, even if I don’t know you yet.

I learned too late in my life that women need women. To be successful in the workplace. To feel understood. To help us believe in ourselves. To feel less alone in the world. Women need women. Women deserve strong communities full of empathy, kindness, and empowerment at work, at home, and literally everywhere in their lives. That’s where I come in. 

Hi, my name is Tina VanSteenbergen and I help women tear down the walls built between us. My speaking style gives women permission to open up, have honest conversations, and connect. With a combination of authenticity, storytelling, and humor, I’ve been able to help hundreds of thousands of women build relationships with one another, believe in themselves, and take up space at companies, campuses, and organizations around North America. 

My work sets my soul on fire. So does a good nap. An excellent pour of bourbon. A beautiful snow. A peaceful and reflective sunset flight. An episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. A perfectly green avocado. The skyline of New York City. A warm and cheesy mac n’ cheese. A well-written West Wing quote. My husband – James Robilotta, my dog, and a Minnesotan accent, of course.”

Connect with Tina and learn more:

https://www.tinaraevan.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tinaraevan/

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.