Lets Have This Conversation

By Kevin McShan

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 ... more

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The podcast currently has 1,203 episodes available.

Lets Have This Conversation episodes:

June 10, 2026 Bridging the Gap in Special Education Building More Inclusive and Effective Schools with Mitch Elatk
For the more than 7.5 million students in the United States
who receive special education services, access to a quality education is not
just an aspiration—it is a legal right. Yet despite federal protections through
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees
students a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), significant disparities in
access, quality, and outcomes continue to exist across the country. Today,
approximately 15% of all public school students—more than one in every seven
children—receive special education services, making this one of the most
important issues facing public education today.
In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation,
I sit down with Mitch Elatkin, Senior Director of Specialized
Services for ReGeneration Schools, a nonprofit organization
dedicated to ensuring every child has access to a high-quality,
college-preparatory education. ReGeneration Schools currently serves students
through a network of schools in Chicago and Cincinnati, with a mission of
developing values-driven leaders while preparing young people to lead free and
fulfilling lives.
Mitch oversees special education, Section 504 services, and
related supports across multiple schools. Drawing on nearly two decades of
experience in special education leadership—including roles with KIPP Public
Schools and the Noble Network of Charter Schools—he brings a unique perspective
on what schools are doing well, where they are falling short, and what
meaningful improvements are needed to better serve students with disabilities.
During our conversation, Mitch discusses the realities
facing educators, students, and families navigating special education today. We
explore the importance of inclusive learning environments, the role of
co-teaching models, how administrators' mindsets impact student outcomes, and
why creating systems that focus on both academic achievement and student
belonging is critical for long-term success.
We also examine the persistent challenges facing special
education nationwide. Research shows that access to services and educational
quality can vary significantly based on factors such as geography,
socioeconomic status, race, and disability category. These inequities often
create barriers that prevent students from receiving the support they need to
thrive.
Whether you're an educator, school leader, parent, advocate,
or policymaker, this conversation offers valuable insights into how schools can
move beyond compliance and toward truly inclusive educational practices that
empower every student.
If we believe every child deserves the opportunity to
succeed, then conversations like this are essential. Mitch Elatkin shares a
thoughtful and practical vision for creating schools where all students—not
just some—have the support they need to reach their full potential.

For more information: https://regenerationschools.org/
LinkedIn: @Mitch Elatkin, Ed.D.

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44min
June 10, 2026 Democracy, Declining Exceptionalism, and What We Can Learn from the Global South
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its
founding, a new AP-NORC poll reveals a nation wrestling with its identity, its
democratic institutions, and its place in the world. Only about 25% of
Americans now believe the United States stands above all other countries, while
nearly 30% say there are better countries elsewhere—a significant increase from
19% in 2016. Meanwhile, confidence in democracy as a defining feature of
American identity has declined, with only about two-thirds of Americans viewing
a democratically elected government as highly important to the nation's
identity, down from 80% in 2021. Younger Americans are especially skeptical,
with 44% of adults under 30 believing other countries are better than the
United States. (AP
News)
In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation,
we welcome Dr. Bernd Reiter, Professor of Comparative Politics and Latin
American Studies at Texas Tech University and an internationally recognized
expert on democracy, race, decolonization, and social change. With a career
that began in activism across Germany, Colombia, and Brazil, Bernd brings a
truly global perspective to some of the most pressing challenges facing
democracies today.
Drawing from his latest books, Status: Honor and
White Privilege in Brazil and Beyond and The African Origins
of Democracy, Bernd challenges conventional assumptions about democracy,
governance, and progress. He argues that many of the solutions to today's
democratic crises cannot come exclusively from Western nations and that
valuable lessons can be found in Africa, Latin America, and other regions often
overlooked in mainstream political discourse.
During our conversation, we explore the growing concerns
about democratic backsliding and authoritarianism, the impact of economic
inequality on civic participation, and how innovative democratic models from
the Global South may offer practical solutions for rebuilding trust and
representation. We also discuss the importance of decolonizing knowledge,
questioning Eurocentric narratives, and creating more inclusive approaches to
understanding history, power, and governance.
As political polarization, economic uncertainty, and
declining faith in institutions continue to shape public opinion, this
conversation offers a timely examination of what democracy can become when we
are willing to learn from a broader range of voices and experiences. Rather
than focusing solely on what's broken, Dr. Reiter invites us to imagine new
possibilities for democratic renewal in an increasingly interconnected world.
Whether you're concerned about the future of democracy,
interested in global political innovation, or seeking fresh perspectives on
America's role in the world, this episode challenges assumptions and expands
the conversation about where meaningful change may come from next.

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

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59min
June 09, 2026 Educational Equity, Literacy, & the Future of Learning with: Justin Hassan
According to the National Literacy Institute, nearly 40% of
American students are not reading at a basic proficiency level, while more than
one in four adults possess literacy skills at or below a basic level. Combined
with post-pandemic learning loss, these statistics highlight the urgent need
for innovative, evidence-based approaches to education.
Recent results from the National Assessment of Educational
Progress (NAEP), often referred to as The Nation's Report Card, show that
reading achievement continues to decline nationwide, with average reading
scores for both 4th and 8th-grade students falling between 2022 and 2024. These
trends have educators, families, and policymakers searching for solutions that
can help students succeed in an increasingly complex world.
My guest today is Justin Hassan, Director of Curriculum and
Instruction for Uplift Education, the largest free public charter school
network in North Texas. Serving more than 23,000 students across 20 campuses in
the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Uplift Education has built a reputation for
academic excellence, with 100% of its graduates earning acceptance to college.
Justin is passionate about improving student outcomes and
ensuring access to high-quality education for all learners. Throughout his
career, he has helped increase the percentage of students performing at grade
level by 18% and improved student performance on nationally normed literacy
assessments by 9% year over year. His work is grounded in research-based
instructional practices and a commitment to educational equity.
In this conversation, Justin and I discuss the state of
literacy in America, the challenges facing today's students and educators, the
role of curriculum and instruction in improving outcomes, and what it truly
means to provide every child with a modern, meaningful, and equitable
education. We also explore how schools can foster a lifelong love of learning
while preparing students for success in college, careers, and an ever-changing
global marketplace.

For more information: https://uplifteducation.org/
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: @JustinHassan

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1h 8min
June 08, 2026 Kim Costa: Beyond Homeownership: Finding Alignment, Purpose, and Potential Through Where You Live
Only 10% of Americans say homeownership is easy to achieve,
according to a Wall Street Journal/NORC survey. Yet despite rising costs and
increasing challenges, nearly 89% still view owning a home as an essential part
of their future.
What if the conversation about homeownership is about more
than mortgages, square footage, and market conditions? What if the right home
could become a catalyst for greater clarity, purpose, and fulfillment in every
area of your life?
This week, I am joined by Kim Costa, a Top 5% Realtor® with
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty and creator of The Wheel
House Method. After spending more than 27 years in residential design and
construction—and navigating her own journey of personal transformation—Kim
discovered that where we live often has a profound impact on how we live.
Through her innovative framework, Kim helps people evaluate
their homes, habits, and choices across eight dimensions of life alignment. Her
philosophy is simple yet powerful: your perfect home lies at the intersection
of elevating your living environment and maximizing your personal potential.
During our conversation, Kim shares why homeownership should
be viewed as more than a financial transaction. We discuss how our homes
influence our relationships, routines, well-being, goals, and sense of
identity. She explains how buyers and sellers can avoid costly mistakes by
looking beyond aesthetics and focusing on alignment with their values and
aspirations.
Whether you're considering a move, feeling stuck in your
current environment, or simply looking for greater purpose and fulfillment,
this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the connection between where
you live and the life you're creating.
Join us as we explore how an aligned home can become the
foundation for an authentic life—and why seeing potential everywhere may be the
first step toward building the future you envision.

For more information: https://lifestylefoundations.com/

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51min
June 05, 2026 401k Exposed: What Employers, HR Leaders, and Employees Need to Know About Retirement Plan Liability
Employee benefits continue to be a critical component of
attracting and retaining talent. According to the Society for Human Resource
Management (SHRM), 81% of employers consider both retirement savings and
planning benefits and leave benefits to be either "very important" or
"extremely important" offerings for their workforce. As organizations
compete for talent, retirement plans remain one of the most valued benefits
employers provide.
In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation,
I sit down with Alex Langan, ERISA attorney, Chief Investment Officer, author
of the #1 bestselling book 401(k) Exposed, and founder of Langan
Financial Group.
Alex has built a reputation for challenging conventional
wisdom surrounding employer-sponsored retirement plans. After serving as a
Pennsylvania Supreme Court clerk and practicing ERISA law, he discovered what
he believes is one of the most overlooked issues in corporate America: many
employers unknowingly expose themselves to legal and fiduciary risks through
the administration of their 401(k) plans.
During our conversation, Alex explains why retirement plan
providers may not always have incentives aligned with employers and employees,
the fiduciary responsibilities many business owners and HR professionals
inherit without formal training, and the steps organizations can take to better
protect both themselves and their workforce.
We also discuss:
• Why retirement plans remain one of the most important
employee benefits organizations offer
• Common misconceptions employers have about fiduciary responsibility
• The hidden costs and risks embedded in many 401(k) plans
• How employees can become more informed retirement savers
• What business owners, CFOs, and HR leaders should be asking their retirement
plan providers
• Why transparency and education are critical to improving retirement outcomes
Alex also shares the philosophy behind Langan Financial
Group, an independent financial planning firm focused on personalized guidance
rather than product sales or quotas. Their approach centers on understanding
each client's goals, challenges, and long-term financial objectives while
delivering customized financial planning solutions supported by a dedicated
team.
Whether you're an HR professional, business owner,
executive, or employee participating in a workplace retirement plan, this
conversation offers valuable insights into a system that affects millions of
Americans every day.

For more information: https://langanfinancialgroup.com/
Email: [email protected]

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41min
June 04, 2026 Building Scalable Organizations in the AI Era Through Smarter Organizational Architecture
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it
has become a fundamental business tool that is reshaping how organizations
operate, innovate, and compete. According to McKinsey's 2025 State of AI
report, 78% of organizations now use AI in at least one business function, a
significant increase from 55% just a year earlier. Yet while adoption is
accelerating, many organizations still struggle to move beyond experimentation
and create measurable business value from their AI investments. (McKinsey
& Company)
In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation,
we sit down with Danny Carpio, an organizational architect, systems builder,
attorney, and partner at Veri.
For more than 13 years, Danny has been designing the governance structures,
operating systems, and coordination frameworks that allow organizations to
scale effectively in complex and rapidly changing environments.
Throughout his career, Danny has worked across decentralized
organizations, venture-backed startups, and multi-entity networks, helping
teams raise and manage eight-figure capital pools, incubate businesses, and
build operating models that others could successfully replicate. His expertise
lies at the intersection of organizational design, operational excellence, and
emerging technology—particularly the AI infrastructure that enables businesses
to compound growth rather than simply automate tasks.
During our conversation, Danny explores why so many
companies are rushing to adopt AI without first building the operational
foundations necessary for long-term success. We discuss the difference between
using AI as a productivity tool and integrating it as a true organizational
operating layer, the challenges leaders face when scaling AI initiatives, and
why governance, systems thinking, and human coordination remain critical in an
increasingly automated world.
Danny also shares insights into Veri, a platform designed to
solve one of the biggest challenges facing content creators today: disconnected
tools. By combining analytics, research, scripting, packaging, and strategy
into a single system that remembers a creator's channel and workflow, Veri
helps creators leverage AI while maintaining full control over their content
and decision-making.
Whether you're a founder, executive, creator, or business
leader trying to understand how AI can create sustainable competitive
advantages, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for building
organizations that are designed not just to survive technological change—but to
thrive because of it.

LinkedIn: @dannycarpio
X: @augmentedthings
Get the Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GZF9FLCR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24E185I27CCSX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1KHg6ckcNIEGepPkdaVe5w.zGaVEwfi2QTeTncLdgAgTAXbo1tuJc4xHOQC-bT6Dzc&dib_tag=se&keywords=%2C+The+Unfirm%3A+The+New+Unit+of+Scale+Is+You%2C&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1780601244&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+unfirm+the+new+unit+of+scale+is+you%2C+%2Cdigital-text%2C146&sr=1-1

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1h 11min
June 03, 2026Transforming Conflict into Connection with Katherine Winter Sellery
What if the biggest barrier to stronger relationships,
better leadership, and healthier workplaces isn't a lack of skill—but the way
we communicate?
Research from the University of Massachusetts Global found
that more than 74% of workers and leaders want to develop new professional and
personal skills to improve engagement and communication both at work and at
home. At the same time, workforce research from Visier shows that 67% of
professionals rank spending meaningful time with family and friends among their
most important life ambitions. Yet many people struggle to build the trust,
understanding, and connection needed to make those ambitions a reality.
This week on Let's Have This Conversation,
I sit down with Katherine Winter-Sellery, a three-time TEDx speaker,
leadership communication expert, entrepreneur, and founder of the Conscious
Parenting Revolution and BalanceWork-Life.
Katherine's journey spans international business,
entrepreneurship, mediation, and the study of human behavior. From negotiating
complex global business deals in Hong Kong and China to helping leaders
navigate difficult workplace conversations, she has spent decades exploring
what causes communication to break down—and what it takes to restore trust and
collaboration.
Drawing on her groundbreaking 3Rs framework—Retaliation,
Rebellion, and Resistance—Katherine explains why people react defensively when
they feel unheard, misunderstood, or controlled. She shares practical
strategies leaders, parents, and professionals can use to transform conflict
into productive dialogue, create psychological safety, and foster stronger
relationships.
During our conversation, we discuss:
If you're looking to become a more effective leader, build
stronger relationships, or communicate with greater clarity and confidence,
this conversation offers practical tools you can start using immediately.
Join us as Katherine Winter-Sellery shares how changing the
way we communicate can transform the way we lead, connect, and live.

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1h 2min
June 03, 2026 How Harley Green Helps Leaders Save Time, Build Wealth, and Focus on What Matters
Artificial intelligence is changing the way executives
work—but not in the way many people think. According to discussions across
LinkedIn and the executive assistant community, the most effective approach is
often a hybrid one: using AI to handle repetitive administrative and data-heavy
tasks while allowing Executive Assistants to focus on strategic organization,
judgment, communication, and relationship management. The goal isn't replacing
people—it's helping them operate at a higher level. (LinkedIn)
This week, I sat down with Harley Green, CEO of InvestAway
and Workergenix, to explore how business owners, investors, and executives can
use leverage—both technological and financial—to create more freedom and better
results.
Harley brings a unique perspective because he's lived every
side of the investment journey. A former computer engineer turned real estate
entrepreneur, he built his experience through house flipping, BRRRR strategies,
private lending, and creative capital deployment. From utilizing HELOCs and
infinite banking concepts to strategically selling properties and redeploying
capital into lending opportunities, Harley understands how money can be put to
work efficiently and effectively.
Today, through InvestAway, he helps investors generate
returns through short-term, real estate-backed lending opportunities. At the
same time, through Workergenix, he helps overwhelmed business owners reclaim
between 15 and 30 hours each week by pairing them with AI-powered Executive
Assistants who manage inboxes, scheduling, reporting, follow-ups, coordination,
and other critical operational tasks.
As Harley explains, many executives don't suffer from a lack
of ambition—they suffer from a lack of bandwidth. Too often, leaders spend
their days trapped in execution rather than focused on vision, growth, and
leadership. Workergenix was built to solve that problem by providing dedicated
support that operates inside existing business systems while ensuring
accountability and follow-through.
During our conversation, we discuss:
• Why AI works best as an enhancement rather than a
replacement for human judgment
• How Executive Assistants are evolving into strategic business partners
• The biggest operational bottlenecks holding leaders back
• Creative strategies for raising and deploying capital
• Lessons learned from real estate investing, private lending, and
entrepreneurship
• How delegation creates freedom, scalability, and growth
• What it takes to successfully run multiple businesses while traveling
internationally and raising a family
Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to buy back your
time, an executive searching for operational efficiency, or an investor seeking
new ways to grow your capital, this conversation offers practical insights on
building systems that create both income and freedom.
Join us for an engaging discussion on the intersection of
AI, organizational efficiency, real estate investing, leadership, and wealth
creation with Harley Green.

For more information: https://www.investaway.co/
Discover More: https://workergenix.com/
LinkedIn: @HarleyGreen
Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scale-smart-grow-fast/id1770366237

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53min
May 30, 2026The Hidden Cost of Success: Dr. Larry Freeney on Leadership, Loneliness, and Family Alignment
General Loneliness: A landmark Harvard Business
Review survey found that more than 61% of CEOs and senior executives report
feeling isolated in their roles and family lives, while nearly 50% openly
acknowledge feelings of loneliness due to the constant demands on their time
and attention.
If you’re a father, high-level executive, entrepreneur, or
simply someone striving for deeper connection at home while balancing
professional responsibilities, today’s conversation is for you.
Dr. Larry Freeney is a counselor educator, LPC-Supervisor,
and creator of the Fully Alive Personal Mastery System. He has delivered
thousands of clinical sessions, earned four black belts, was selected as 1 of
300 participants from over 88,000 applicants for the Spartan Project 300, and
is currently raising five children under the age of six. His work focuses on
helping high-performing individuals who may appear successful externally but
internally feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck, guiding them toward
alignment between who they are today and who they are capable of becoming.
As the Director of Education and Assessment at Rejoice
Counseling Apostolate, Dr. Freeney helps bridge professional counseling with
the Catholic faith tradition. His organization works with individuals, couples,
and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief,
parenting challenges, marital healing, and personal growth.
With nearly a decade of experience as a mental health
professional, Dr. Freeney’s philosophy is grounded in four key principles:
Metamorphic Growth, Schema-Altering Experiences, Genuine Human Connection, and
Radical Generosity. His passion for helping people maximize their potential is
reflected in both his professional work and personal pursuit of continuous
growth, discipline, and excellence.
This week, he joined me for a powerful conversation about
what it truly takes to create alignment between the pressures of work and the
responsibilities of family life, while avoiding the emotional isolation so many
leaders silently experience.
We discussed:
You won’t want to miss an insightful and deeply human
conversation about leadership, family, mental health, and becoming fully alive
in every area of life.

For more information: https://laetarehealth.com/fullyalive/
Email: [email protected]

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1h 1min
May 30, 2026Reigniting Life After Gray Divorce with: Dr . Heather Theisen Gándara
While divorce rates among younger adults have declined in
recent decades, one demographic is experiencing a dramatic rise in separation:
adults over 45. According to research from Bowling Green State University,
roughly one-third of all U.S. divorces now occur among couples in midlife and
beyond—a phenomenon often referred to as “gray divorce.” The American
Psychological Association notes that these life transitions can bring major
emotional, financial, and identity-related challenges, while also opening the
door to profound resilience, reinvention, and personal growth.
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Heather
Theisen-Gándara, founder of Reignite Collective, to explore what it truly means
to rebuild life after divorce—and why women over 40 are discovering that their
next chapter can become their most powerful one yet.
Dr. Theisen-Gándara shares her remarkable journey from rural
Wisconsin to becoming an internationally experienced leader, educator, and
mentor. As the first person in her family to hold a passport, her life expanded
through extensive work and travel across Latin America, where she developed
fluency in Spanish and a deep passion for cross-cultural connection. With a
Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master’s in Counseling, and more than
two decades of experience in international diplomacy and large-scale
organizational leadership, she has partnered with global organizations
including the United States Department of State, ExxonMobil, and Baker Hughes.
But behind the impressive résumé was a deeply personal
reinvention story.
After the end of a 24-year marriage, Dr. Theisen-Gándara
faced the emotional and financial realities that many women experience after
divorce. Instead of allowing that season to define her, she rebuilt from the
ground up—reclaiming financial independence, prioritizing wellness, losing
nearly 100 pounds, and rediscovering her confidence, identity, and purpose.
Through Reignite Collective, she now helps women navigate
holistic recovery after divorce by focusing on emotional healing, wellness,
financial empowerment, self-confidence, and personal style. Her message is both
compassionate and transformational: divorce is not the end of a woman’s
story—it can be the beginning of her most empowered chapter.
In this conversation, we discuss:
This episode is a powerful reminder that healing and
reinvention are possible at any stage of life—and that sometimes the most
beautiful chapters begin after everything changes.

For more information: https://www.reignitecollective.com/
Follow: @HeatherGlowsAgain

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1h 3min

FAQs about Lets Have This Conversation:

How many episodes does Lets Have This Conversation have?

The podcast currently has 1,203 episodes available.