Recorded June 25, 2025, this milestone episode celebrates The AV Life’s 300th recording with a perfect blend of old-school chaos and heartfelt reflection. Host Tim Van Woeart brings together the crew — Renee Benson, Murphy Daley, Nancy Blanchard, and Joe Way — alongside special guests Brandy Johnson, Aaron Peterson, and the always unpredictable Harry Mead.

The episode pays tribute to Corey Moss, the show’s late founder, and reflects on how his original vision — unpredictable, inclusive, debate-filled, and human — still anchors the podcast today. There’s plenty of AV nostalgia, HETMA shoutouts, and off-topic hilarity, including a heated Firing Range debate on AI’s impact on the AV industry, Taylor Swift engagement theories, Krispy Kreme conspiracies, and a callback to the infamous Impossible Burger taste test challenge. It’s funny, reflective, awkward, and exactly what the 300th episode should be.

Topics Discussed

• Reflecting on 300 episodes and the legacy of Corey Moss
• Debut of guest Brandy Johnson and return of familiar voices
• InfoComm memories and changes in booth culture
• Evolution of dress codes and gender norms in AV
• Harry Mead’s city council adventures and water treatment talk
• Murphy’s water certification exam and AV-adjacent career detours
• The return of the Firing Range: AI’s impact on AV
• CTS-D war stories and the trauma of old-school testing
• Costumes, fog guns, inflatable suits, and Halloween memories
• Spence Graham impersonations and honoring past crew members

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

Recorded: August 19, 2025
Crew: Host Tim Van Woeart, with Murphy Daley and Nancy Blanchard

As the show lines up its 300th milestone, Tim throws out an open invite for listeners to jump into the next recording by DM’ing for the link. He’s capping the virtual studio at around a dozen at a time, so expect some rotation if the crowd floods in. Consider this the pre-party: a quick check-in on summer rhythms, back-to-school ramp-ups, and how the show’s evolved since the 200th.

The crew also hits industry beats and life stuff: Commercial Integrator’s Forty Under Forty shout-out (congrats, Lex Evans), Disney travel tactics, Halloween in August, riptide-closed Jersey beaches, and a PM Minute on “precision of words” in AV project communication. There’s movie-house nostalgia too: TMNT ’90, CLUE’s rotating endings, The Breakfast Club, and why a slow release calendar means more classics on the big screen. Murphy teases her almost-ready, under-100-page project-management book, aiming to launch before year’s end.

Topics Discussed

1. Open invite for the 300th recording: DM for the studio link; ~12 on at a time with rotation
2. Looking back from 200 to 299: evolving format and rotating crew
3. Commercial Integrator Forty Under Forty; Lex Evans props and bringing Dan back to explain the process
4. Disney logistics: booking when schedules drop, Halloween decor in August, overnight flip to Christmas
5. Summer wrap: Hershey Park, Wildwood beach baseball, family time, work reset
6. Safety PSA: riptides shutting down NJ beaches as storms churn offshore
7. Cinema lull = classics return: TMNT ’90, CLUE with different endings, The Breakfast Club, Cat Video Fest
8. AI takes: helpful tool, not a human replacement; skepticism about “AI teachers”
9. PM Minute: precision of words across stakeholders; translating fuzzy requests into install-ready directions
10. Murphy’s book update: concise, practical AV PM guide targeted for release this year

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

Recorded March 25, 2025

Host Tim Van Woeart and co-host Murphy Daley catch up on life and AV. Murphy shares a health update and why she’s diving into a water-management certification that’s heavy on geometry, conversions, and real-world stakes at city scale. Tim offers practical CTS study tactics (including how mentors and a pre-written formula sheet can help), and they point listeners to the HETMA Prism Scholarship pathway. The duo preview InfoComm week: the HETMA Education Summit via AVIXA registration, panel and small-group formats, and the 12 RU haul for CTS renewal. They also tease the Camp HETMA theme, booth plans, sponsor activation, and the Higher Ed AV Awards on Monday night, where wardrobe changes and showmanship are basically guaranteed.

Along the way they compare “math you thought you’d never use” with the math you can’t avoid, talk capacity and margins using an Excel-to-the-edges cautionary tale, and detour into Princess Bride lore (Billy Crystal chaos, Mandy Patinkin’s bruised ribs, the whole thing). Parenting notes pop up too: Minecraft’s “never dig straight down,” Roblox targeting grown-ups, and basic online safety. It’s a breezy reset episode that still packs in useful pointers for higher-ed AV pros ramping toward InfoComm.

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at https://higheredav.com

Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

Topics Discussed

• Murphy’s health update and why she’s pursuing a water-management certification (geometry, dosing, unit conversions, real-world scale)
• CTS study tactics and mentorship; shout to Britt Yenser and community support paths
• HETMA Prism Scholarship as an on-ramp to CTS, AVIXA membership, and mentoring
• InfoComm prep: HETMA Education Summit format, registration via AVIXA, and 12 RUs toward CTS renewal
• Camp HETMA theme: booth plans, t-shirts, and a revived sponsor-tied activity teased
• Higher Ed AV Awards on Monday night; multiple outfits and stagecraft from the hosts
• AV Life considering additional responsibilities at InfoComm (coverage possibilities)
• Excel “no margins left” analogy for energy/capacity during treatment and recovery
• Pop-culture detour: Princess Bride behind-the-scenes laughs and cast anecdotes
• Parenting/online safety: Minecraft/Roblox, driving permits, and sensible guardrails

Recorded April 1, 2025

In this catch-up episode, Tim Van Woeart and Nancy Blanchard (now with PPDS Professional Display Solutions) reconnect to share updates, swap stories, and dive into Nancy’s on-the-ground review of the recent HETMA Roadshow in Toronto. From wild weather shifts to standout campus tours, they explore what made this stop unique — including the impressive sustainable “Timberlost” building project at George Brown College and how the event drew strong local higher ed participation.

The conversation blends personal updates with professional insights, covering how roadshows meet a critical need for local vendor–campus connections, the value of competitive two-minute vendor pitches, and what makes certain campus locations and builds truly memorable. Tim and Nancy also veer into Disney trip planning, conference travel quirks, and what’s next for HETMA Roadshows. Whether you’re in higher ed tech, AV, or just love hearing about industry events with a human touch, this is a fun, wide-ranging catch-up with plenty of nuggets for event planners and tech managers alike.

Topics Discussed

• Nancy’s Canada travels, family updates, and weather extremes
• The HETMA Roadshow Toronto: turnout, vendor list, and local higher ed engagement
• Highlights from the “Timberlost” sustainable building tour at George Brown College
• Competitive vendor “speed pitch” format and why it works
• Why roadshows meet an important regional need for AV/IT engagement
• Comparing campus design choices: concrete vs carpet from an acoustic perspective
• Disney World trip overlaps and conference travel stories
• Travel limitations for Canadian attendees due to exchange rates and current events
• Volunteer-driven nature of HETMA and how to get involved
• Upcoming HETMA Roadshow dates and InfoComm 2025 plans

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at https://higheredav.com.

Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

Recorded in August 5, 2025, the crew reunites to catch up on summer adventures before diving into a full recap of InfoComm Asia. Host Tim Van Woeart is joined by Joe Way and Nancy Blanchard, bringing listeners into a lively conversation about vacations, baseball on the beach, Disneyland anniversaries, and the “tourist” spots that locals love to avoid. Joe shares his recent experience representing HETMA at InfoComm Asia in Bangkok, offering insights into the show’s unique size, focus, and energy compared to its North American and European counterparts.

Joe’s recap paints a vivid picture of the event’s intimate feel, diverse range of smaller exhibitors, and a heavy emphasis on innovation — from paper-thin rollable LED to AI-driven solutions. He also reflects on meaningful conversations with attendees, the region’s approach to technology in education, and the opportunities for HETMA to expand its advocacy in APAC. The crew compares notes on other events like the Utah Integrated Audiovisual Expo, Northwestern’s HETMA Roadshow, and upcoming stops in Nashville and beyond. Between the travel tales and trade show talk, the episode delivers both a personal and professional look at AV life in 2025.

Topics Discussed

• Summer highlights from the crew, including beach baseball and Disneyland trips
• Joe’s full recap of InfoComm Asia in Bangkok
• Differences in scale, exhibitors, and atmosphere compared to InfoComm and ISE
• Notable tech trends and innovative products spotted on the show floor
• The role of smaller companies and startups in the APAC AV market
• Education technology adoption in the region, especially at the high school level
• Opportunities for HETMA’s advocacy and networking in APAC
• Attendance stats and growth potential for InfoComm Asia
• Updates from recent and upcoming HETMA Roadshows
• Other AV events on the horizon, including Nashville and potential new locations

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at https://higheredav.com.

Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

Recorded May 6, 2025

This crew episode features Tim Van Woeart and Murphy Daley catching up on life, career moves, travel mishaps, and what it means to hit the reset button. Tim talks about his new role at Rutgers Newark, his experiences with classroom technology, and how it’s changing his day-to-day approach. Murphy shares her own updates, from local government projects to family trips that include Weird Al, Annapolis, and even Germany.

The conversation dives into everything from air traffic control meltdowns and cross-country road trips to learning the “language” of new teams and navigating big transitions. This episode embodies what The AV Life does best—authentic dialogue about life and AV, infused with humor and personal insight, reminding us why sometimes a reset is exactly what’s needed.

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at https://higheredav.com.

Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

This episode dives into the human side of AV life—mistakes that teach us lessons, networks that support us, and how professional growth often happens in the most unexpected ways. Tim Van Woeart leads the conversation with crew members Nancy and James as they welcome guest Aaron Peterson to share his experiences navigating challenges, finding mentors, and embracing the power of connection.

The team explores the role of vulnerability and authenticity in professional networks, how learning from failures can strengthen relationships, and why having a strong community of peers is critical in the AV industry. Whether you’ve been in the field for decades or are just starting out, this episode offers valuable perspectives on turning missteps into opportunities and building a network that lifts everyone higher.

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

Topics Discussed

• Aaron Peterson’s background and career journey
• Why mistakes are valuable learning opportunities
• The role of professional networks in overcoming challenges
• How vulnerability builds stronger professional relationships
• Memorable stories of career missteps and recovery
• The difference between “networking” and “building networks”
• Peer support in the AV industry and beyond
• Lessons learned from both success and failure
• Advice for those starting out in AV or IT fields
• Reflections on growth and the human side of technology work

Recorded July 22, 2025
Tim Van Woeart and Renee Benson welcome Brittney Grant, AV professional at Aims Community College and Chair of HETMA’s Approved Program, for a conversation themed around “True North.” They discuss professional growth, mentorship, and how to navigate an evolving AV industry while staying grounded in purpose and values.

Brittney shares her journey from student to AV leader, her passion for creating excellent experiences, and the mentors who shaped her career. The group reflects on lessons learned from recent HETMA Roadshows, the importance of quality over quantity in industry relationships, and how AV professionals can guide the next generation. Whether you’re seeking your own professional direction or looking to mentor others, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and a little humor.

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

Topics Discussed

• Brittney Grant’s path from student to AV professional at Aims Community College
• Her role as HETMA’s Approved Program Chair and what it entails
• Lessons learned from the Chicago HETMA Roadshow and the value of quality over quantity
• Finding a personal “True North” in technology leadership and career development
• The power of mentorship and how AV professionals can guide future talent
• The influence of early AV experiences, from churches to theaters to higher education
• Why mentorship and passing knowledge forward is vital for the industry’s future
• The importance of community involvement and professional collaboration
• Staying engaged and continually learning in an evolving AV landscape
• How to ask for help, accept support, and keep moving forward

Recorded May 13, 2025

This “lost” episode of The AV Life goes back to a recording that didn’t post when originally captured but remains as relevant as ever. Host Tim Van Woeart is joined by Joe Way and Renee Benson for an unfiltered conversation that blends industry insight with personal updates and plenty of laughs.
The crew talks about Tim’s career transition to Rutgers Newark, the frantic run-up to InfoComm, and how tariffs, supply chain quirks, and travel shifts are changing the conversation in higher ed AV. It’s part industry talk, part after-hours planning session (yes, party invites included), and all classic AV Life.

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production.

More at higheredav.com.
Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/
TheAVLifePodYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

Topics Discussed

• Tim’s move to Rutgers Newark and what drove the change
• The crew’s take on InfoComm 2025 planning and party invites
• Tariff shifts and whether manufacturers will adjust pricing
• Travel restrictions and what they mean for end-user attendance
• Regional roadshows as a response to travel cutbacks
• The debate over product announcements and interoperability trends
• How higher ed AV users respond (or fail to respond) to supply chain disruptions
• The value of keeping projects moving despite funding uncertainty
• Booth highlights, swag, and DJ Carbon keeping the HETMA booth energized

In this reflective and heartfelt episode of The AV Life, host Tim Van Woeart is joined by crew members Murphy Daley, James King, and Nancy Blanchard for a meaningful conversation with special guest Tammy Fuqua. Together, they explore the idea of discovering and living your “true north”—that internal compass that guides how you lead, grow, and show up for others.
Tammy shares her journey with vulnerability and strength, opening up about the importance of clarity, personal alignment, and staying grounded in your values, even in the face of challenges. The crew brings their own perspectives to the table, making for a rich discussion on empathy, trust, reflection, and purpose in both life and AV. Whether you’re a leader, a teammate, or just trying to figure things out—this episode is an invitation to pause and realign.

• Defining your “true north” and what it looks like in action
• How reflection fuels personal and leadership growth
• Leading with empathy, clarity, and consistency
• Balancing vulnerability with resilience
• Staying aligned to values in fast-moving environments
• What it means to “show up” for others and yourself
• The importance of trust in teams and communities
• Intentionality in leadership and life
• Lessons from career pivots and personal challenges
• Advice for finding clarity when you feel off course

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com


Connect with Tim:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart

Connect with The AV Life:
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337