Authenticity isn’t a buzzword—it’s a strategy, a mindset, and sometimes a survival skill.In this episode of Real Work, Jennifer Tarle sits down with Teacher Will (Ask Teacher Will), an educator, mentor, and community builder whose journey spans business development, international teaching, and leadership in adult education.From getting laid off on his birthday during the 2008 financial crisis, to earning his TESOL certification, to spending 2011–2022 teaching and training in Saudi Arabia, Will explains how discipline, curiosity, and service shaped his path. Then, how five students (“the core”) pushed him onto social media in 2016, where he built a global “family,” not just followers.This conversation goes beyond “tips and tricks.” It’s about pronunciation vs. accent, training your ear, cultural humility, and claiming your voice without chasing someone else’s definition of “proper English.”

In this episode, we discuss:

Reinvention after setbacks

What it means to teach naturally (not “sound like a native”)

Accent bias, native-speakerism

“Faces of English” perspective

How to be better understood: ear training, pronunciation, and confidence

Building a network that changes your life and paying it forward.

🎙️ Part of the Real Work series

📺 Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts

📌 Find Teacher Will:Instagram / YouTube / Snapchat: @ask_teacherwill (Ask Teacher Will)

Faith isn’t meant to stay inside a building.In this episode of Real Work, Paul Sanftner reflects on the real work of ministry and fellowship—not only within church walls, but in everyday life and professional environments. He shares how service, encouragement, and intentional community shape both personal growth and workplace culture.Paul discusses what it means to live out your faith consistently, how fellowship strengthens leadership, and why helping others is not a side activity—but central to a meaningful life.

This conversation explores:

Fellowship inside and outside of work

Serving others through everyday leadership

Faith as a lived practice, not just a beliefBuilding authentic community in professional spaces

This isn’t about titles or positions.It’s about showing up for others, living with integrity, and doing the real work of service wherever you are.

🎙️ Part of the Real Work podcast

📺 Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts

What if the most powerful speech therapy doesn’t happen in a clinic but at home, during everyday life?In this episode of Real Work, Jennifer Tarle sits down with Michael Neary, a speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience and the founder of Chattertots, LLC. Together, they explore early communication, parent coaching, and why early intervention is less about “fixing” children and more about empowering families.Michael shares his journey through public schools, hospitals, early intervention, and private practice. Then discusses why he chose to step away from traditional therapy models to focus on caregiver coaching. Drawing on his background in theater and music, he brings creativity, flexibility, and joy into communication work with young children and their families.In this conversation, we discuss:-What Birth-to-Three and early intervention really look like-Early communication red flags parents shouldn’t ignore-Why parent coaching creates better outcomes than weekly therapy alone-How play, music, and following a child’s lead support language growth-Navigating waitlists, burnout, and broken systems in healthcare and education-Why asking questions early is not panic—it’s powerThis episode is for parents, educators, clinicians, and anyone interested in meaningful work that supports children, families, and real connection.🔗 Learn more / connect with Michael🌐 Website: https://www.chattertotsllc.com📸 Instagram: @chattertotsllc📘 Facebook: Chattertots, LLC💼 LinkedIn: Chattertots, LLC

What does inclusion really look like inside today’s school systems—and what kind of leadership does it demand?In this episode of Real Work, host Jennifer Tarle sits down with Mitch Atkin, Senior Director of Specialized Services at Regeneron Schools, to talk candidly about disability advocacy, special education leadership, and what it takes to build systems where students truly belong.With over two decades of experience across Chicago, New Orleans, and San Antonio, Mitch has led large-scale special education systems serving nearly 60 schools across multiple states. His work spans IDEA, Section 504 compliance, dyslexia and tiered supports, restorative practices, and measurable outcomes—including literacy gains and reduced disciplinary actions.In this conversation, we explore:What “disability” really means in schools—and why many disabilities are invisibleThe difference between public, charter, and private schools (and the myths around charter schools)How compliance, IEPs, and service tracking connect directly to student successWhy inclusive mindsets matter as much as instructional strategiesLeadership lessons from working across cultures and statesHow trust, presence, and saying “I don’t know” make stronger teamsThe human side of leadership—music, mentorship, and sustaining purpose over timeMitch also shares insight into his doctoral research on professional development and inclusive mindsets, examining how changing adult beliefs is essential for real inclusion to work.This episode is for educators, leaders, parents, and anyone interested in meaningful work that blends policy, people, and purpose—without losing the humanity at the center.🔗 Learn more / connect with Mitch➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchelatkin/

Reinvention doesn’t happen overnight—and it doesn’t happen by accident.In this episode of Real Work, Lieutenant Colonel Ryan “Beans” Benes shares what it really looks like to move from a decades-long military career into an entirely new identity. A Marine Corps Osprey pilot with five deployments, including missions in support of two U.S. presidents, Ryan reflects on leadership, responsibility, and the long road toward transition.As he approaches retirement, Ryan is applying the same discipline, self-awareness, and storytelling instinct that defined his military service to a second career as a professional voice actor. This conversation is about service, adaptability, and the courage it takes to start again—without pretending the past doesn’t matter.In this episode, we discuss:What military leadership teaches you about decision-making under pressureThe hidden challenges of transitioning out of uniformHow storytelling connects aviation, service, and voice actingWhy reinvention requires humility, patience, and honest self-assessmentThis isn’t a highlight reel of achievements.It’s a conversation about identity, growth, and doing the real work between chapters.🎙️ Part of the Real Work series📺 Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts🔗 Learn more / connect with Ryan➡️ Website: https://www.CallsignVO.com➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-benes-76913765/

Making art is one thing.Making it sustainable is another.In this episode of Real Work, Geoff Anderson shares the honest reality of turning poetry into a business—without hollowing out the heart of the work itself.This is a grounded conversation about craft, discipline, and the often invisible labor behind creative careers. We talk about what it really takes to let art pay the bills while protecting meaning, voice, and integrity.In this episode, we explore:The tension between creative freedom and financial survivalWhat poets and artists misunderstand about “monetizing” their workHow discipline supports creativity instead of killing itWhy the business side of art doesn’t have to erase the soulIf you’re a creative trying to make your work last—not just launch—this episode is for you.This isn’t about shortcuts.It’s about doing the real work.🎙️ Part of the Real Work series📺 Listen or watch wherever you get your podcastsLearn more / connect with GeoffGeoff Anderson is the founder of Fluent American and the author of 4 Step American Accent, focused on improving communication for speakers of all languages, especially in English. He is also the founder of diVERSES, guiding poets and artists toward creative and financial independence, and runs The Stanza, Columbus, Ohio’s first and only poetry-dedicated venue.His essay collection, Meditations for the Independent Poet, explores the intersection of poetry, art, and business.🌐 Websites➡️ https://fluentamerican.com➡️ https://diversespoetry.com▶️ YouTube Channels➡️ Fluent American — @fluentamerican➡️ Fluent American Shadowing — @fluentamericanshadowing➡️ Schwa Mill — @schwamill➡️ Geoff Anderson — @geoffanderson➡️ diVERSES Poetry — @diversespoetry

Improv isn’t just about being funny—it’s about listening, adaptability, and showing up prepared.

In this episode of Real Work, Vince Ricci, founder of City Stages, breaks down what real improv training looks like and why it matters for performers, professionals, and anyone building confidence under pressure.

Vince shares how structured improv training develops presence, collaboration, and decision-making skills that transfer far beyond the stage. Whether you’re an actor, speaker, or working professional, this conversation focuses on using improv as a practical tool—not a party trick.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What separates real improv training from casual performance

• How improv builds confidence, focus, and adaptability

• Why listening is the most important improv skill

• Preparing for industry work, not just the classroom

• How improv strengthens communication in everyday life

This is not about shortcuts or hype.
It’s about doing the real work that makes growth visible—on stage and off.

🎙️ Part of the Real Work podcast
📺 Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts

Vince Ricci is the founder of City Stages.
📅 His upcoming class takes place on February 19.

➡️ Sign up & learn more: https://www.citystages.com
📩 Questions or details about the attached audio file: [email protected]

🎭 Training & Industry Resources

The real work of MBA admissions coaching extends far beyond the application! In this session, John Couke, MBA Coach for top-tier US universities, reveals how he supports high-achieving professionals  get into a top-tier MBA program like HBS, Stanford GSB, or Wharton.  John works after successful acceptance preparing clients for the complex career transitions and post-MBA success.

➡️ Book a consultation with John Couke here: https://johncouke.com/ 

➡️ Subscribe for more elite MBA and Leadership content!

#MBAAdmissions #AdmissionsCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerTransition #TopTierMBA #JohnCouke

Learn more/contact John:
➡️ https://johncouke.com/
➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncouke/
➡️ [email protected]

What happens when your unique voice holds you back? Communication Coach Jennifer Tarl shares her journey from a Western PA local with a distinct Pittsburghese accent to a global communications expert.

Growing up, Jennifer was told she needed to change her accent to be professional. She shares the hilarious and frustrating linguistic traits of Pittsburghese (yes, we're talking yinz and redd up!), and the intense work it took to refine her speech.

The key takeaway? It was never about getting rid of her accent; it was about achieving clarity. Learn the practical techniques—including the powerful SLOPE speaking method [22:36]—Jennifer uses to coach C-suite executives, and discover how to speak with confidence and be clearly understood while fiercely holding onto your authentic self.

Listen now to turn your voice into your superpower.

In this special solo episode, I interview myself to share the unscripted journey of how I transitioned from a traditional role as a certified Speech Therapist to becoming a successful Global Communication Coach and full-time entrepreneur. This is The Real Work—the dedication, the pivots, and the strategic risks that turned a side gig into a global business.

Discover the key decisions that fueled my transition, including my early interest in accents, the critical shift from in-person teaching to online coaching, and how I embraced digital media years before it was common.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The spark: How my passion for accents led to my first coaching clients.
• Scaling up: Moving from local, in-person lessons to coaching globally via Skype.
• Early Content Pioneer: Why I decided to self-publish books, DVDs, and CDs.
• The 2007 Leap: My experience as an early adopter of YouTube and how it changed my business forever.
• Mastering Media: The evolution from hiring video production to shooting and editing my own digital courses.
• The Real Work: The ‘Say Yes’ Strategy and the continuous evolution that made the full-time pivot inevitable.

▶️ Subscribe for more communication tips   https://www.youtube.com/@tarlespeech