Lets Have This Conversation

Lets Have This Conversation

By Kevin McShanNewsDaily News
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Lets Have This Conversation episodes

  • Encouragement Comes with Urgency to End Veteran Homelessness with Jason Bennett

    As of January 2024, an estimated 32,882 veterans are

    experiencing homelessness in the United States. This figure represents nearly
    an 8% decrease from 2023 and is the lowest number recorded since tracking began
    in 2009. Despite an overall increase in general homelessness, targeted efforts
    have reduced veteran homelessness by over 55% since 2010. Veterans account for
    roughly 5% of all adults experiencing homelessness nationwide, according to
    Disabled American Veterans.

     

    Jason Bennett is dedicated to ensuring that those who served

    our country have a safe place to sleep. As the founder of Operation Homes for
    Heroes, he focuses on creating housing pathways for veterans experiencing
    homelessness. His approach combines real-world partnerships with a
    stability-first model, prioritizing safe housing, supportive services, and
    community accountability.

     

    Jason did not set out to start a nonprofit; he aimed to

    address a problem that he could not ignore. As a disabled Marine living in Los
    Angeles, he has witnessed too many fellow veterans struggle with the challenges
    of rising rents, complicated systems, and the emotional burdens they carry
    after service. In a city where homelessness is prevalent, it hits differently
    when the person on the sidewalk is someone who wore the same uniform, took the
    same oath, and returned home to a country that lacks a clear path back to
    stability.

     

    Jason understands that this issue transcends policy—it's a

    deeply personal, human concern. His life's mission is to help veterans in every
    way possible, beginning with the foundation that makes all other efforts
    viable: a safe place to live. He is committed to building a mission-driven
    nonprofit focused on housing solutions for homeless veterans, connecting
    individuals to resources, advocating for practical pathways to housing, and
    rallying community partners who strive for real outcomes, not just awareness.

     

    For more information, visit:

    operationhomesforheroes.org

    To make a donation: [Change

    Lives](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-7663)


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    47 min
  • Utilizing Courage to Eliminate Barriers Towards Inclusion with Bill Volkmann

    Inclusive perseverance is a collaborative and patient

    approach to overcoming obstacles. It involves individuals working together to
    bridge differences, embrace diverse perspectives, and ensure that no one is
    left behind in pursuit of a common goal. This concept combines a dedication to
    staying committed to a task despite challenges (perseverance) with a commitment
    to creating a respectful, equitable, and welcoming environment for everyone
    (inclusion).

     

    Bill Volkmann is the founder of Empower Your Courage, a

    social media and technology company dedicated to achieving full inclusion for
    people with disabilities. His goal is to bridge the gap between technology
    companies and the disability community. Bill was the first student with an
    intellectual or developmental disability to attend New Jersey public schools
    after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law. He has cerebral
    palsy, and his parents instilled in him the belief that, despite having a disability,
    he was no different from anyone else. Growing up, Bill was passionate about
    baseball. Playing and watching the sport connected him with his classmates who
    did not have disabilities, helping them see who he truly was. Bill will be
    publishing a book in the upcoming year about his incredible life story.

     

    I have overcome many challenges in my life, starting with

    being born with cerebral palsy due to a traumatic brain injury. I transitioned
    from a special needs school to becoming the first student with an intellectual
    or developmental disability to attend public school after the ADA was passed.
    Baseball has always been a significant part of my life; I have both played and
    watched it, and I love sports in general. My mother was a caregiver for me and
    for my father, who had multiple sclerosis. I have experienced the loss of my
    parents and my older sister, who played a significant role in taking care of
    me. Throughout my life, I have moved all over the country, and for the past few
    years, I have been living in San Diego. Initially, I didn't know anyone here,
    but now I have made many friends. I have not only founded my own company but am
    also becoming an advocate for disabilities at the state and federal levels.

     

    Follow me on Instagram: @william_volkmann

     

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    41 min
  • Security is Complex But It Shouldn't Be Complicated with: Ryan Quirk

    Cybersecurity threats are rising dramatically in America,

    with reported attacks against U.S. businesses surging by 150% over the past
    decade. Nearly 60% of organizations were hit by ransomware in 2024, costing
    billions, while families face increased phishing and identity theft risks.
    Smaller businesses are now primary targets due to limited defenses, according to
    National University. 

     

    Meanwhile, Financial Loss by Age: Younger

    Americans (18-29) are slightly more likely to lose money to online scams (about
    25%) compared to those 65 and older (15%), Pew
    Research Center reports. Diminishing Security Confidence: Over
    half (58%) of Americans aged 50 and older feel their personal information is
    less safe now than five years ago, according to Pew
    Research Center.

     

     Ryan Quirk is the Managing

    Director and founder of Sparrow Risk Group. He now focuses on cybersecurity and
    risk mitigation for Registered Investment Advisors and family offices, a sector
    facing rapidly evolving threats that most small firms underestimate. He brings
    20 years of security experience bridging both civilian and government work, and
    is a recognized authority in protective operations and risk management.   His clientele includes government agencies,
    professional athletes, foreign royalty, celebrities, and high-net-worth
    families.  He’s well-versed in
    identifying and mitigating security risks to maximize protection of human
    capital or assets within high-threat areas. Subject matter expert on physical
    security design, security design exploitation methods, and international
    protective security operations.

     

    For more information: https://www.sparrowrg.com/

     

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    52 min
  • Phil Ganz: If You Want to Fix the Home Affordability Problem, Build to the Moon

      Based on recent studies, a substantial majority of aspiring first-time

    homebuyers in America is up to 97% experience at least one significant
    barrier to homeownership, such as high home prices, rising mortgage rates, or
    difficulty saving for a down payment. These financial obstacles have pushed the
    share of first-time buyers to a record low of 21% of all home purchases as of
    late 2025, according to the National Association of REALTORS. ®

     

    Phil Ganz is the President of Next Wave Mortgage and a

    certified mortgage planning specialist. I’ve spent over two decades helping
    first-time buyers, families, and investors overcome barriers to homeownership.
    My focus is on building transparent, accessible mortgage solutions, especially
    for those affected by affordability challenges. I lead a multi-state team
    dedicated to bringing creative loan programs, down-payment assistance, and
    financial literacy initiatives to the communities we serve.

    As a certified mortgage planning specialist and a top 1%

    mortgage originator in America, I have over 24 years of experience in helping
    clients achieve their financial goals through homeownership. I have a degree in
    economics and a passion for creating personalized and transparent mortgage
    solutions.

     I believe in empowering people to change their lives

    through homeownership.

    For more information: https://www.nextwavemortgage.com/

    Call: (617) 529-9317

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    1 hr 5 min
  • Building Growth Rooted in Clarity, Psychology, and Human Behavior with: Debra Bowers

    Expectations for leaders have shifted, and the data proves
    it.
    According to the 2025 National Conversations in the Workplace Study, 85% of
    working Americans think leaders should be held to a higher standard for
    communication and preparation.

    Influence of Others: Roughly 87% of

    executives consider the impact of their choices on others when making
    decisions. Rationalization vs. Reality: Approximately 78% of
    business leaders admit that people often make decisions first and then look for
    data to justify them, according to CNBC and PR Newswire.

    Debra Bowers is a leadership, marketing, and sales culture

    strategist, the founder of Hexagon Media, and the host of the long-running
    podcast Deals with Heels. She works with business owners, executives, and
    revenue leaders to build growth rooted in clarity, psychology, and human
    behavior—without hype or hustle culture. Debra brings both corporate and
    entrepreneurial experience to conversations about leadership, sales, and
    decision-making.  Most businesses don’t
    stall because they lack effort.
    They stall because something is misaligned — the message, the strategy, the
    visibility, or the way sales and marketing work together.

    I work with business owners and leaders when growth feels stuck, scattered, or
    underwhelming — and they want clarity before making their next move.

    My role is diagnostic first.
    Before tactics, before ads, before “doing more,” we identify what’s actually
    holding growth back and where focus will create the greatest impact. Through
    this work, I’ve seen the same pattern repeat:
    When message, strategy, and visibility align, growth becomes simpler, more
    sustainable, and more human.

    I work best with:
    • Business owners and leaders
    • Consultants and service-based professionals
    • Brands ready for honest strategy, not surface-level tactics
    • Teams who want clarity before committing time or budget

    If your growth feels harder than it should — or you’re investing effort without
    seeing the return — a strategic conversation can often bring clarity faster
    than expected.

    You don’t need more noise.
    You need insight, alignment, and a clear path forward.

     

     

    For more information: https://hexagonmedia.net/

    Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deals-with-heels/id1708622990

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    1 hr 7 min
  • Consistency Breeds Results in Women’s Health and Fitness with: Melanie Levy

    Active Midlife Leaders: A study of 6,000 women found that 27% of women aged 40–59 exercise at least five times a week, compared to just 19% of women in their 20s. Shifting Priorities: As women enter their 30s and 40s, motivation shifts from aesthetic goals to long-term health, such as retaining muscle mass and managing menopause symptoms. The Center For Disease Control and Prevention reports. Melanie Levy is a personal trainer, the owner of Melanie Levy Fitness, and the creator of the EmpowHER Method, a fitness program designed for women 30+ to build strength while building community. Aging doesn't mean we get slower and weaker; we can be our strongest and most confident selves as we age, and inside The EmpowHER Method, you can do all this in a community of like-minded women. Making fitness something we look forward to doing and feeling supported. No cookie-cutter workouts here, we customize workouts that are fun, challenging, and get real results.For more information: https://melanielevyfitness.com/ Instagram: @melanielevyfitness

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    43 min
  • Effective Communication is Now More Crucial than Ever in Politics with Stuart Thomson

    Public Perception of Engagement: A 2024 Pew
    Research Center study across 24 countries found that a median
    of 74% of citizens believe elected officials do not care what
    people like them think, while only 26% believe they do. Studies on professional
    communications indicate a very high level of consensus—over 80%—among
    professionals (which includes political communications) regarding the
    importance of PR for their organizations.

     

    Dr. Stuart Thomson Chart.PR is a communications and public

    affairs consultant helping clients navigate politics, government, the media,
    and Brexit. He won 'Online Influencer of the Year, 2020' in the current affairs
    category by Vuelio. He advises clients on all elements of their public affairs
    strategies, including corporate communications and reputation management
    issues. His work has included legislative lobbying, profile-raising, planning
    communications, and he has also worked on several high-profile media relations
    and crisis communications programmes for clients across a range of sectors.
    Stuart has also dealt with health and safety incidents, high-profile corporate
    announcements, government reports, and consumer TV investigations. Stuart
    graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a degree in Economics and
    Politics before completing a Ph.D. from the same institution. His thesis, 'The
    Social Democratic Dilemma', went on to form the basis of a book published by
    Macmillan. His book, 'New Activism and the Corporate Response' was rated as one
    of the Top 100 management books of 2004 by the Australian Financial Review, and
    a book that "every aspiring business leader should read" according to
    MIS Asia. Stuart is an honorary research fellow in the Department of Politics
    and International Relations at the University of Aberdeen. He is a member of
    the practitioner panel for the Interest Groups and Advocacy journal, and is a
    former associate editor of Renewal: the Journal of Labour Politics. Stuart was
    listed as one of the Top 100 Public Affairs Consultants by Total Politics and
    has been a judge for the Public Affairs News Awards and PR Week awards. He was
    shortlisted for the prestigious IoD and CIPR Director of the Year award. Stuart
    has devised and runs several specialist courses on public affairs for the CIPR
    and PRCA.

    For More Information: https://stuartthomson.co.uk/

    LinkedIn: @StuartThomson

    Listen: https://stuartthomson.co.uk/podcast/

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    48 min
  • On a Mission to Help Engineers Be More Entrepreneurial with: Darren Flynn

    The entrepreneurial mindset (EM) is a problem-solving

    approach rooted in curiosity, connecting diverse information sources, and
    finding opportunities to create value.

    High

    Interest and Education: South Dakota State University reports
    over 70% of engineering students in America are interested in entrepreneurship
    to expand career options.

    Darren Flynn, Managing Director of Vinculum Advisory, believes engineering excellence integrates

    technical skill, relationship-building, and measurable results. Vinculum
    combines engineers, Water Servicing Coordinators, and project managers to
    streamline projects, reduce risks, and deliver cost-effective solutions.

    Flynn’s

    experience spans over $5B in infrastructure projects across Australia and
    Vietnam. A pivotal moment was recognizing that engineering focuses on value and
    execution, not just approvals. He once saved a client $1M with a quick drawing
    review. Now, as leader of Vinculum Advisory and Technical Director at Legacy
    Property, he specializes in engineering and delivery management, driving
    strategic outcomes throughout every phase. His commercial and engineering
    expertise ensures smart, efficient project results.

    For More Information: https://darrenflynn.com/

    LinkedIn: @DarrenFlynn

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    46 min
  • Helping Experts, Authors, & Professionals Position Themselves for Visibility with Jamie Maglietta

    Impact
    on Visibility: Studies show that 63% of individuals trust CEOs who
    actively participate in public discussions, while only 50% express trust in
    those who remain silent.

    The

    Communication Gap: Although 98% of CEOs acknowledge
    the importance of sustainability within their role, just 50% feel confident
    discussing their sustainability progress publicly.

    According

    to a 2024 Gartner survey of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Senior Business
    Executives, 69% of respondents consider sustainability a key contributor to
    business growth.

    Jamie

    Maglietta brings extensive experience from her decades working behind the
    camera at major networks including CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and BET. Her
    expertise encompasses editorial decision-making, show development, and talent
    selection, providing a comprehensive understanding of how visibility is
    achieved in competitive markets. Ms. Maglietta assists clients in establishing
    or enhancing their media presence to drive book sales, grow audiences, and
    attract press coverage.

    With over twenty years as a television news producer and

    media executive for prominent outlets such as CNN and FOX News, Jamie now
    serves as a media readiness strategist and executive producer. She supports
    experts, authors, and professionals in positioning themselves for increased
    visibility and opportunity in today’s evolving media landscape, where social
    platforms serve as informal auditions.

    Her background includes leadership in newsroom management,

    talent development, editorial strategy, and content production. Drawing upon a
    gatekeeper’s perspective, she educates clients on how producers, bookers, and
    editors assess credibility, communication skills, and on-camera presence.
    Through her company, (ON CAM) Ready Media, Jamie offers executive producing,
    media strategy, and content production services tailored for YouTube, podcasts,
    and social channels—helping professionals stand out, communicate effectively,
    and earn recognition from audiences and media outlets. She also hosts
    "Unknown to Known" and "Think Like a Producer," analyzing
    methods used by journalists, creators, and media professionals to build
    authority, foster trust, and elevate their profiles, and areas of expertise.

    For more information: https://www.oncamready.com/

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    50 min
  • Helping Couples Improve Communication, Heal from Infidelity, & Develop Conflict Resolution Skills

    Marriage compromise is a mutual, collaborative process

    where partners adjust their preferences, desires, or expectations to find a
    middle ground, ensuring both feel heard and valued. It involves both
    individuals sacrificing part of what they want to reach a favorable,
    shared outcome, rather than one person always giving in.  

     

      Approximately 63% to 71% of

    Americans in relationships consider compromise to be a key factor for a
    successful, long-term partnership.  According to a survey from YouGov.

    Kayla Crane, LMFT, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist,

    helping couples communicate, rebuild trust after infidelity, and feel connected
    again with research-backed approaches in Castle Rock, Colorado.

     

    I’m passionate about all things related to mental health,

    but I specialize in relationships and relational trauma. I work with couples to
    help them improve communication, heal from infidelity, and develop conflict
    resolution skills. I practice relational life therapy, EMDR therapy, solution-focused
    therapy, systematic affair recovery therapy, and attachment theory.

    Whether you’re navigating communication issues, trust

    concerns, or simply looking to deepen your connection, our experienced
    therapists are here to support you every step of the way. Through personalized
    sessions, we aim to understand the unique dynamics of your relationship,
    empowering both partners to express their needs and concerns in a safe and
    nurturing environment. By fostering open dialogue and teaching effective
    conflict-resolution strategies, we help couples navigate the complexities of
    their relationships, paving the way for a stronger, more resilient partnership.  If you're interested in getting your
    relationship back on track with Expert Couples and Marriage Counseling, you
    cannot miss out on this diverse conversation.

    For more information: https://www.southdenvertherapy.com/

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    49 min

About Lets Have This Conversation

From the publisher's feed

Multimedia Journalist and Motivational Speaker Kevin McShan brings you a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional YouTube Podcast called: “Let’s Have This Conversation. The intention is to provide a large…