"The only time that we have is right now." - Shauna-kaye Brown, transformation speaker, coach, and trainer. In this episode, Marc and Cathey help Shauna-kaye transform her keynote message into her unique idea for a TED Talk. They go from setting goals for the future to manifesting greatness in the moment. This idea conversation explores how to package an idea for people who are not ready yet to receive your message by looking at the strategic placement of your stories and diversifying the evidence you use to support your idea. By the end of this episode, you may have your answer to the question: “What is my great now?”

"The idea [for better education] is simple and right in front of your face: take a risk." - Dave Graber, educator and character of characters. In this episode, Marc and Cathey help Dave explore how to convince educators to take creative risks so that they can assess children authentically. They discuss why ideas that  might be simple and obvious are sometimes tough to implement, and how to get around that implementation-obstacle. During the conversation, they even solve a real-world math problem to show how interactive tasks are a great learning tool for getting your point across to an audience. After this episode, you may think twice about how you can take risks with your own teaching and learning.

"Happiness is a lifestyle. "There's a lot you cannot laugh at but you can still make humor out of it." - Cozy Stone, HumorVational speaker and pickleball fanatic. In this episode, Marc and Cathey help Cozy unveil concepts related to her topic of the Happiness Bandwagon. They discuss the marketing power of the right title for a talk, the act of sensationalizing a positive idea, the unconventional association of different words, the use of a polarizing question, and the impact of closing with a responsibility statement, all in the effort to get an audience to remember you and your message. After this episode, you will cozy up, pay attention, and might be able to find humor in just about anything. Learn more about Cozy Stone at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-zimmerman/

"Painting [green] solutions as if there are solutions is the most dangerous thing we can do to our youth." - Brittany Zimmerman, space industry expert who is working on how to habitat on Earth and other planets.In this episode, Marc and Cathey help Brittany communicate her expert knowledge about decarbonization in a way that makes a general audience understand and care. Together, they explore how to incorporate an action item and a “right now” effect to get people to implement your idea. After this episode, you might consider putting the word “climate” in front of your job title and then asking yourself two important questions that Brittany reveals at the end. Learn more about Brittany Zimmerman at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-zimmerman/

"Anybody can be a role model but can you be a real-model?" - Corey Pegues, law enforcement expert, community leader, and real model. In this episode, Marc and Cathey help Corey build a bridge between two ideas: the need for everyone to go through an extreme transformation and the concept of finding/becoming a real role model. Together, they explore how to create a quadrant from your idea to resemble the stages of transformation your audience can experience when they implement your idea. After this episode, you might consider who unintentionally helped you to become better. Learn more about Corey Pegues at www.coreypegues.com

"We're more powerful and impactful as a group than we are as individuals, but we all have our individual work to do." - Alexis Braly James, EDI consultant/leader and founder of Construct the Present. In this episode, Marc and Cathey help Alexis find a different and unique way to frame her idea of how to help people find the joy in anti-racism. It turns out that the answer was found in her use of one word, one question, and a combination of two interests. The conversation explores what works and what does not work in professional development trainings and uses that discovery to engage audiences in a much more creative way. After this episode, you may think about how you connected with someone you never thought you would.

"For every single little action that we make, there is a ripple effect that goes far beyond the initial act." - Rick Ornelas, founder of iSpark Change and best selling success author. In this episode, Marc and Cathey help Rick come up with a name for his idea that will connect with audiences. The conversation addresses how to compel audiences to put your idea into practice. They exchange stories and play three idea games to build on the thought that every person can do something to impact a positive change on others. After this episode, you may start tracking the ripple effect on your portion of the planet.

“Get out there and figure out what you don’t want to do before you figure out what you do want to do.” - from Season 4 of It's About to Go Down. So what happens when a pair of idea creators get together to exchange thoughts and ambitions? In this "rap-up" episode, Marc and Cathey catch up with two members of the Season #4 community: Reland Logan and Dr. Rukiya Ware Jeffers. They discuss how to speak on bigger stages, how to figure out if you want to be a keynoter or trainer, and how to partner up with other speakers. After this conversation, you will discover how to combine your “it’s not too late to be great” with the “power of your smile”. Stay tuned for details about an event that Reland and Rukiya will co-host on August 20th, 2022.

"I felt so young looking at the future." - Dr. Rukiya Jeffers Ware, world-class runner, educator, and speaker. In this episode, Marc and Cathey talk with Rukiya about the idea of how not to be too late to be great at the things you wanted to do when you were younger. In the process, they explore how to reframe the impact of your idea with just one word and how to use your vulnerability strategically to break the invisible wall between you and your audience. By the end, you may ditch your retirement plan for something entirely new and reinvigorating.

"When we have faith, there is a security inside of us that no one can take away from us." - Fleriser Bello, creative events and marketing strategist from BelloFashinistas. In this episode, Marc and Cathey talk with Fleriser  about how to become your authentic self in order to bring out your natural spark. In the process, they explore how to tower your idea by starting with something that no one is used to hearing. By the end, you may discover how to use your faith, create your own four pillars, and become untouchable.