Laugh With

Our latest episode features a great conversation between Steve Shenbaum and Craig Warzecha, General Manager of the Bradenton Marauders. After 11 seasons with the organization, Craig brings a wealth of insight into creating a memorable fan experience at the ballpark. Listen in as they dive into the power of intentionality from start to finish, the importance of accessibility, the freedom found in preparation, and how small moments can make a big impact.

If you're in or near the Bradenton area, be sure to check out the Bradenton Marauders website and enjoy a great night at the ballpark!

In this episode, Chris Williams, President of Aginto, and Steve Shenbaum explore the topics of artificial intelligence, perseverance, responding to the unexpected punches life throws, and how our response to challenges shapes growth in both business and life. 

Chris and Steve also discuss leading by example, being fully present, and stewarding responsibilities well. Chris shares his journey from metal plating to real estate to digital marketing, highlighting the perseverance and self-awareness behind his success.

Listen to this week's episode to learn more about Chris’s journey and insights on discipline, leadership, and resilience!

This episode we’re laughing with Will Luera, Executive Director at Lifeline Productions in Sarasota, Florida. Will and Steve reflect on his humble beginnings playing the field mouse in The Wizard of Oz to now teaching others how to use improvisation to transform their lives. After missing a theater audition by just one day, he took a chance on an improv audition instead — a “miss” that turned into a life-changing “make.”

Through stories and insight, Will explores the power of improv, including his “Free Form” approach, the idea that every moment holds infinite possibilities. Discover how to truly capture an audience through presence, build trust without “punching down,” and ride the wave of your audience. Learn why the way we “set the table” as presenters matters, and how improvisation can help you find your voice and show up ready for whatever comes next.

Listen in to discover how embracing improvisation can open new possibilities, strengthen connection, and help you thrive in everyday life.

On this week's episode, we’re joined by Felipe Rojas, Head of Marketing for Sarasota Paradise, and former semi-pro player who scored the first goal in club history.

A Sarasota local and former team captain, Felipe’s journey to where he is today wasn’t linear. From playing club soccer in college to earning a spot on the semi-pro roster, to stepping off the field and into a leadership role with an Environmental Engineering degree in hand, Felipe embraced every twist and turn. That nontraditional path gave him a deep appreciation for the opportunity in front of him, and the perseverance to chase it fully.

Now, as the Paradise prepare to make history with their first-ever professional match on Saturday, March 7th at 7:30 PM at the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, FL, Felipe is all in on the bigger picture: bringing people together through the universal language of soccer. Whether he’s organizing a local run club, kicking a ball with strangers in another country, or building excitement across Sarasota, his mission aligns perfectly with Paradise’s goal, no pun intended, to unite the community.

We talk about perseverance, putting ego aside for something greater, the improv that exists even in sports (because sometimes the goal doesn’t unfold the way you practiced), and why anything is possible when you commit to the journey.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation, and don’t miss history in the making as Sarasota Paradise kicks off their inaugural pro season this weekend!

Grab your tickets for Sarasota Paradise’s first-ever pro match before they sell out!⚽🔥

This week, we’re laughing (and learning) with the Game On crew! Steve Shenbaum is joined by Director of Curriculum Chris Friday and Director of Programs Erin Watson for a conversation inspired by Erin’s blog, “Lessons from the Linen Closet.”

What starts as a lighthearted debate about towel-folding quickly becomes a mirror for how we lead ourselves and others—when preferences turn into rigid rules, micromanagement hides behind “standards,” and innovation gets shut down because it doesn’t look polished.

The takeaway? Strong leadership—and strong partnerships—require flexibility, clarity over control, and a willingness to honor effort, even when the towel comes out shaped like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

🎙️ Listen to the full conversation for practical insights on finding your flex, honoring the try, and why embracing variety beats enforcing uniformity—at home, at work, and everywhere leadership shows up.

Join us this week as we Laugh With Bryce Tone of Tone Media — a creative force who’s usually behind the camera bringing interesting people and stunning spaces to life. But this week, we’re flipping the script and putting him in the spotlight.

Steve Shenbaum kicks back with Bryce for a conversation full of insight, authenticity, and plenty of laughs. Together, they explore how Bryce’s unique perspective as a videographer shapes the way he sees the world — and how embracing who you are is the real secret to showing up confidently on camera. Bryce pulls back the curtain on the tips, tricks, and small mindset shifts that help anyone own their brand, speak with passion, and share their story with conviction.

Whether you’re building a personal brand, sharing your company's/organization's story, or simply looking to be more you on camera, this episode is packed with tangible strategies to own your presence on camera.

Tune in, lean in, and get ready to see your story through a new lens.

This week we welcome the amazing Mike Gonzalez to Laugh With Us—and trust us, this conversation is packed with insight, heart, and a beautiful perspective on humor. Mike and Steve dive into how culture shapes the way we laugh, the subtle cues we pick up from our environments, and why humor lands differently depending on our lived experiences.

They also explore the power of authenticity in high-performance spaces, unpacking how the pressure to impress others can quietly drain the joy out of both work and life. Mike shares how choosing authenticity over approval can transform relationships, performance, and even your sense of self.

Finally, the two dig into the importance of permission and “earning the right” in humor—why the best laughs come from trust, shared understanding, and genuine connection.

Mike is a community leader in youth development, outreach, and culture change. Raised in Puerto Rico and Tampa, FL, he spent 10 years guiding diverse teams and community groups toward transformational change. Mike currently serves as the Special Assistant to the General Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, overseeing all Spanish language translation and culture diversity training for the major league team. Mike resides in Palmetto, FL with his wife and two sons.

This week, we’re laughing and learning with Dr. Caroline Walsh! Steve and Caroline explore how humor and improv can elevate leadership—bringing more human connection to the workplace, empowering people through positive comedy, and building trust through clear boundaries and genuine support.

Caroline is an ICF-certified leadership coach, standup comedian, and veteran of both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Central Intelligence Agency. She holds a PhD in Leadership Studies, where she examined ethical leadership perspectives at the highest levels of the intelligence community. She also performs comedy coast-to-coast, develops community-friendly open mics, and facilitates workshops that help leaders and teams connect with humility, find their voices, and practice key communication skills.

Watch Laugh With on YouTube!

This week on Laugh With, Game On Facilitator Mike Kontio joins host Steve Shenbaum (in matching shoes we might add...) for an engaging conversation about how Game On’s Rules of the Game—laugh with, have each other’s back, and celebrate small wins—show up authentically in complex situations and conversations. Together, they unpack how genuine engagement can help teams navigate challenges at every level of an organization—operational, administrative, personal, and professional.

And remember: always read the second part of the quote (you’ll see why).

Mike brings a unique sound and insight to the Pod, sharing perspective from 22+ years of proven leadership and communications experience within Special Operations. Mike’s ability to build cohesive teams capable of delivering extraordinary results in volatile, complex, and high-stakes situations, has created heightened demand for his expertise among senior executives and leadership within the Department of Defense. Mike is an intentional leader and dynamic speaker with a passion for people, culture transformation, and resolving challenges to create lasting impact and value. Mike resides in Tampa, FL with his wife and has three sons.

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Welcome to Season 2 of Laugh With! On this week's episode, we're laughing with Kyle Stark, one of our incredible Game On facilitators. Kyle and Steve explore the power of humor, humanity, and connection in everyday life. They dive into the art of overplay and underplay—how we show up, when we dial it up, and when we pull it back. Along the way, they unpack what it really means to be human, to lean into joy even when things get messy, and to find comfort in discomfort—those moments that stretch us, teach us, and remind us we’re all still learning.

About Kyle Stark

Kyle helps leaders drive great cultures - alignment, selection, development, execution - in sport, business, and military environments. Kyle has spent over 20 years coaching and leading with 15+ at the highest level of professional baseball, including his role as the Vice President of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Coordinator of Baseball Operations for the Cleveland Guardians. Previously, Kyle helped St. Bonaventure University win its only conference championship in school history. Prior to engaging on his professional journey, he earned his MBA from St. Bonaventure University and is Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo.  More importantly, Kyle is a husband to Heather and has two sons.