Lets Have This Conversation

By Kevin McShanNews Daily News

Lets Have This Conversation episodes

June 26 Building Tomorrow's Workforce: Advancing STEM, Career and Technical Education
In America today, STEM and Career and Technical Education
(CTE) have become two of the fastest-growing and most important pathways to
economic mobility. As employers face increasing workforce shortages in
healthcare, technology, advanced manufacturing, and the skilled trades, schools
are playing a critical role in preparing students for high-demand careers.
According to workforce experts, millions of skilled positions will need to be
filled over the coming decade, making career-connected learning more essential
than ever.
This week, I am joined by Dr. Heather Handler, Program
Coordinator for Career and Technical Education, STEM, and Youth Apprenticeships
for Cecil County Public Schools. With 18 years of experience as an educator and
instructional leader, Dr. Handler has dedicated her career to helping students
discover their passions while developing the skills necessary to succeed in an
ever-changing workforce.
Beginning her career as a classroom teacher in science,
biology, technology, and engineering, Dr. Handler gained firsthand insight into
how students learn best through engagement, exploration, and real-world
application. Today, she leads initiatives that connect education to industry
through innovative STEM programming, robotics education, curriculum
development, and youth apprenticeship opportunities.
During our conversation, we discuss:
• The growing importance of STEM and CTE programs in today's
economy
• How youth apprenticeships bridge the gap between classroom learning and
workforce readiness
• Building partnerships between schools, businesses, and community
organizations
• Emerging trends shaping the future of education and employment
• Expanding access to hands-on learning experiences for all students
• Preparing the next generation for careers that may not yet exist
Dr. Handler shares valuable insights into how educators can
inspire curiosity, foster innovation, and create meaningful pathways that
empower students to thrive in both higher education and the workforce.
Join us for an engaging discussion about the future of
learning, workforce development, and the transformative impact of STEM and
Career and Technical Education on students, communities, and the economy.

Get the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Educators-Guide-Youth-Apprenticeships/dp/1041254105/ref=zg_bsnr_g_69830_d_sccl_18/000-0000000-0000000?psc=1
LinkedIn: @HeatherHandlerEd.D

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40 min
June 25 What Does True Equity in Early Childhood Education Look Like, and How Do We Get There?
Early childhood education is one of the most important
investments we can make in our future. Across America, more than 9.7
million children from birth to age five are supported by a workforce
of approximately 2.2 million early childhood educators, yet access,
affordability, and equity remain significant challenges. State-funded preschool
programs currently serve only about 37% of 4-year-olds and 9% of
3-year-olds, while the average annual cost of center-based care for two
children can approach $28,000, placing tremendous pressure on
working families. According to the Center for the Study of Child Care
Employment (CSCCE) and the National Institute for Early Education Research
(NIEER), 2025 State of Preschool Yearbook – preschool
enrollment statistics.
This week, I sit down with Michele Asher,
Senior Education Advisor for Centers of Excellence at Primrose Schools,
to discuss how we can create a more equitable and inclusive early learning
system for every child.
Drawing on decades of experience in educational leadership,
special education, behavioral guidance, and staff development, Michele shares a
powerful perspective: what happens when we intentionally view the world
through the eyes of a child? Together, we explore the role of
high-quality early education, the importance of supporting educators,
strategies for advancing inclusion, and why equity in the earliest years can
shape outcomes for a lifetime.
Join us for a thoughtful conversation about building
stronger foundations for children, empowering families, and creating
opportunities that allow every learner to thrive from the very start.
Listen
now and join the conversation: What does true equity in early
childhood education look like, and how do we get there?

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

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53 min
June 24 From Burnout to Better Health: How Busy Professionals Can Build Fitness That Lasts
In today's fast-paced world, nearly half of American workers
(48%) struggle to prioritize fitness because of demanding work schedules, while
61% report being too exhausted after work to exercise. More than half say their
desk jobs leave them mentally and physically drained, even when they have the
time to work out, according to One Poll.
These statistics reveal a growing challenge facing
professionals everywhere: how do you maintain your health when your career
demands so much of your energy?
In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation, host Kevin
McShan sits down with Matt Myers, General Manager and Lead Coach at Nerd
Fitness, to discuss practical, sustainable strategies for overcoming workplace
fatigue and building a fitness routine that works in the real world.
Founded in 2009, Nerd Fitness has grown from a niche fitness
blog into a global health and wellness community with more than 300,000 monthly
visitors, over 50,000 satisfied customers, and a team of credentialed coaches
helping busy individuals achieve lasting results through personalized fitness
and nutrition programs.
Matt shares his personal journey from being an intimidated
high school student in the weight room to becoming a respected coach who helps
people maximize their health despite packed schedules, family responsibilities,
and demanding careers. As a father of five, certified coach, and former
American Ninja Warrior competitor, he understands firsthand the importance of
efficiency, consistency, and mindset when it comes to fitness success.
Throughout the conversation, Matt explores:
• Why traditional fitness advice often fails busy professionals
• How to overcome exhaustion and build exercise habits that stick
• The importance of making every workout count
• Strategies for improving mobility, strength, and overall wellness
• How mindset influences long-term health outcomes
• Why community and accountability are critical for success
Whether you're struggling to find time for exercise, looking
to regain your energy, or searching for a sustainable approach to health and
wellness, this conversation delivers actionable insights that can help you take
control of your fitness journey.
This episode offers a powerful reminder that fitness doesn't
require perfection—it requires a plan that fits your life. Tune in and discover
how small, consistent actions can create extraordinary results.

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

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1 hr 4 min
June 24 Mastering Your Mindset and Growing Your Voice with: Nick McGowan
According to industry data from Apple Podcasts,
approximately 74% of podcasters still use downloads as their primary measure of
success. Yet, as the podcasting landscape evolves, many creators are
discovering that true growth comes from deeper audience engagement, retention,
and meaningful connection. At the same time, between 75% and 85% of podcasters
identify marketing and audience growth as their biggest challenge.
This week on Let's Have This Conversation,
I sit down with Nick McGowan—entrepreneur, podcaster, mindset mentor,
and passionate advocate for personal growth.
For more than 20 years, Nick has been dedicated to mastering
his mindset, emotional awareness, and personal development. Today, he helps
ambitious individuals live more authentic and fulfilling lives by teaching them
how to better understand themselves, communicate effectively, and align their
actions with their values.
As the host of The Mindset and Self-Mastery Show,
Nick has spent countless hours exploring the stories, lessons, and
breakthroughs that shape who we become. His work spans podcasting, marketing,
SEO, business strategy, team leadership, and personal transformation, giving
him a unique perspective on what it takes to grow both personally and
professionally.
In our conversation, we explore:
• The connection between mindset and long-term success
• Why self-mastery begins with self-awareness
• How authentic communication strengthens relationships and leadership
• The realities of podcast growth in today's crowded landscape
• Common barriers that prevent people from sharing their message with
confidence
• Practical strategies for showing up more authentically in life and business
Nick shares valuable insights from his own journey, offering
listeners actionable lessons on overcoming hesitation, embracing growth, and
creating meaningful impact through intentional conversations.
If you've ever wondered how your mindset influences your
success, your relationships, or your ability to grow your platform, this
conversation is one you won't want to miss.
Tune in for an inspiring discussion about personal
development, authentic living, and the power of mastering your mind to create
the life you truly want.

For more information: https://nickmcgowan.com/
Discover More: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/
Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089

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1 hr 9 min
June 23 Dr. Chris DeArmitt: The Truth About Plastics, Microplastics, and Environmental Myths
What if much of what you've been told about plastics,
microplastics, and recycling isn't the complete story?
In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Dr.
Chris DeArmitt, internationally recognized scientist, author, materials
expert, and founder of the Plastics Research Council, to explore one of the
most controversial environmental topics of our time.
Current research suggests that Americans may ingest and
inhale between 74,000 and 121,000 microplastic particles annually,
with exposure coming from the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we
breathe. Researchers note that these estimates are likely conservative because
many common food sources have yet to be fully studied. Harvard Medical
School's Harvard Medicine Magazine has also highlighted
growing concern about microplastics in the human body and the need for further
research into their potential health impacts. According to Harvard
Medicine Magazine (2023; Environmental Science & Technology, 2019.)
At the same time, the United States generates
approximately 35.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, while
studies have estimated that only about 5% of plastic waste is
effectively recycled, raising important questions about waste management,
public policy, and environmental stewardship. (as noted by the: U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency; Beyond Plastics/The Last Beach Cleanup, 2022.)
Drawing upon decades of research and his review of more than
5,000 scientific studies, Dr. DeArmitt challenges conventional narratives
surrounding plastics and the environment. As the author of The Plastics
Paradox and Shattering the Plastics Illusion, he has built
a reputation for separating evidence-based science from popular misconceptions,
helping policymakers, businesses, and consumers better understand the realities
of plastics, recycling, sustainability, and environmental impact.
During our conversation, we discuss:
• The science behind microplastics and what researchers
actually know today
• Common myths surrounding plastics and recycling
• Why public perception often differs from scientific evidence
• The environmental trade-offs associated with alternative materials
• How misinformation can shape policy decisions
• What an evidence-based approach to sustainability should look like
Whether you're an environmental advocate, policymaker,
business leader, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of the
plastics debate, this episode offers a fascinating look at the data, the
science, and the stories driving one of today's most important global
conversations.

For more information: https://plasticsresearchcouncil.com/
LinkedIn: @ChrisDeArmitt

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50 min
June 19 When Love Isn't Enough: Using the Law to Save Families from Addiction and Mental Illness
Substance use and mental health disorders are not isolated
problems—they are family crises. Today, nearly 19 million American
children—approximately 1 in 4—live with a parent or caregiver who has a
substance use disorder, and more than 6 million of those children live with a
parent struggling with both addiction and mental illness. Research shows that
addiction and mental health challenges impact millions of families across the
United States, leaving loved ones searching for answers, resources, and hope.
According to the National Institutes of Health; JAMA Pediatrics) (National
Institutes of Health (NIH))
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mark Astor,
partner at Astor Simovitch Law, whose mission goes far beyond practicing law.
As Mark puts it, "I didn't set out to build a law firm. I set out to save
families."
Drawing on his experience as a former prosecutor and now one
of the nation's leading attorneys working at the intersection of law,
addiction, and mental health, Mark shares what he witnessed inside the criminal
justice system: people suffering from untreated addiction and mental illness
often don't receive healing—they get processed, punished, and traumatized,
while their families are left feeling powerless and alone.
Today, Mark and his team help families navigate some of the
most difficult moments imaginable. From emergency guardianships and involuntary
treatment proceedings under laws such as Florida's Baker Act and Marchman Act,
to coordinating with clinicians and treatment providers, they use the legal
system as a pathway toward recovery, safety, and long-term stability.
In this conversation, you'll discover:
• Why families often wait too long to seek legal
intervention
• The critical difference between protecting a loved one and enabling
destructive behavior
• How legal tools can become life-saving interventions during mental health and
addiction crises
• What every family should know when a loved one refuses treatment
• Why compassion, boundaries, and action must work together in the recovery
process
Whether you've personally experienced addiction in your
family or know someone who has, this episode offers practical guidance, hope,
and a new perspective on how law can be used not merely as a shield—but as a
tool for healing.
Because sometimes the most loving thing a family can do is
take action before it's too late.

For more information: https://mentalhealthaddictionlawfirm.com/
YouTube: @astorsimovitchlaw

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59 min
June 19 The Neuroscience of Trust, Connection, and Conversational Leadership with: Keith Greer
According to researchers at the University of Texas at
Austin, employees at high-trust organizations are 50% more productive and
report 106% more energy at work compared to those in low-trust workplaces.
• Meanwhile, the science of human connection continues to reveal how deeply our
conversations shape our biology. Researchers at the Pacific Neuroscience
Institute explain that love, trust, attachment, and social bonding are driven
by intricate interactions between neurotransmitters, hormones, and neural pathways
that influence how we think, feel, collaborate, and lead.
Today’s guest, Keith Greer, has spent more than four decades
helping individuals, families, leaders, and organizations better understand the
power of conversation and connection. As an Executive Coach, Family Therapist,
Trainer, Speaker, and Podcast Host, Keith brings together neuroscience,
emotional intelligence, and leadership development to help organizations create
cultures rooted in trust, safety, inclusion, and authentic communication.
Holding a Professional Certified Coach (P.C.C.) designation
through the International Coach Federation, Keith works across corporate,
nonprofit, and family-owned business sectors, helping leaders develop
conversational strategies that strengthen relationships, increase engagement,
and inspire meaningful performance.
His “Conversationally Intelligent Leadership Process”
integrates evidence-based practices from Conversational Intelligence®,
Psychological Safety, Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, and
Family Systems Theory. The result is a leadership framework that empowers
individuals and teams to communicate with greater empathy, clarity, trust, and
authenticity.
Keith’s work focuses on helping leaders understand that
conversations are not simply exchanges of information. They are biological and
emotional experiences that can either trigger fear and defensiveness or create
safety, collaboration, creativity, and human connection. Through intentional
communication practices, organizations can unlock deeper loyalty, stronger
cultures, healthier teams, and higher productivity.
As the host of The Helping Conversation podcast,
Keith continues to share practical tools and neuroscience-based insights
designed to help people create safer and more trusting relationships, one
conversation at a time.

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

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1 hr 7 min
June 13 Maximizing the Way Your Money Works for You
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way businesses create,
distribute, and consume content. From marketing campaigns and customer
communications to research, reporting, and creative storytelling, tools like
ChatGPT are changing how organizations operate and compete in an increasingly
digital world.
In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation,
I sit down with Edward M. Pereira, CEO of Financial Intelligence 4U, to explore
the growing impact of AI on content creation and business productivity. As an
accomplished financial and operational leader, Edward has built a career around
driving organizational growth, implementing strategic transformations, and
helping individuals and businesses make smarter decisions through education and
innovation.
We’re also Joined by Attila Hevesy the co-CEO of Financial
Intelligence 4U. Nothing beats experience as long as one learns, grows, and
benefits from the time spent with the endeavor!

Most of my life has been that of an Entrepreneur either starting, buying or
taking over various businesses. That included a Specialty Trade Show
Publication business (sold in 2005), several Direct Sales Companies as an
Independent 1099 contractor and as a Corporate Recruiter and Trainer for said
Companies.

However, nothing matches the intrigue and fascination of the new Digital Money
Revolution with Blockchain & Crypto! DEFI (Decentralized Finance), has
ushered in a new era that levels the playing file so that the average
"small guy" can get a shot at above average yields! A better world is
coming within which to do commerce, safekeep critical information, and own a
fraction or token of virtually any asset worldwide with the concept of
tokenization & fractionalization! It is already here - you just may not
know about it!!

I now assist individuals on how to discover and take advantage of alternative investment
strategies that the masses don't even know exist yet!
Financial Intelligence 4U was founded on a simple but
powerful question: You've worked hard for your money your whole
life—has your money worked hard for you? Through financial education
and practical intelligence, Edward and his team help people improve their
financial literacy and develop customized strategies to pursue their long-term
goals.
During our conversation, we discuss how AI tools
such as ChatGPT are reshaping content creation, improving efficiency, and
creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, marketers, educators, and
business leaders. We also examine the challenges that come with AI adoption,
including maintaining authenticity, ensuring accuracy, and balancing automation
with human creativity.
Additionally, we explore the evolving relationship between
technology and finance, including the rise of digital assets and
cryptocurrency. While cryptocurrency use for everyday transactions remains
relatively low among banked adults, adoption is notably higher among unbanked
individuals seeking alternatives to traditional financial systems.
Join us for an insightful discussion on innovation,
financial intelligence, artificial intelligence, and how emerging technologies
are shaping the future of business and communication.
For more information: https://financialintelligence4u.com/
Mobile connect: FI4U.AI

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58 min
June 10 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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44 min
June 10 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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59 min

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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…

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