In Episode 96, We’re Turning 3 Years Old!, JRT and Jen V. reminisce about their strangers-to-business partners origin story, their pride and reflections on Voice First World’s mission over the past three years, and the hilarious hijinks they’ve been up to along the way. Hear the “opposites” and co-founders reveal their own “What on Earth” moments a…

In Episode 95, Emergency Resilience, Alex Jabr sits down with Jen V and JRT to discuss the heavy–but invaluable–topic of death communication and staying present during extremely uncomfortable end-of-life discussions. Alex has experience as a paramedic, public speaker, and online course designer for her company, Emergency Resilience. She turned her …

In Episode 94, Empathy in Action, we speak with Dr. Alan Verrill, President and CEO of AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. Alan has led multiple award-winning hospitals after working for 25 years as a trusted and compassionate physician. Dr. Verrill shares triumphs and obstacles experienced throughout his professional career; how he unexpectedly became a…

In Episode 93, Confidence is Situational, Jen V sits down with JRT to laugh, tease, and answer a few listener questions about Speaking with Presence and Voice First World. ‘Why do we do what we do?’ and ‘What are some of our success stories?’ Hear about Jen V & JRT’s own struggles with confidence and leadership, as well as the many, many successes …

In Episode 92, House Flip to Leadership, we had the pleasure of connecting with Tamara Day, host and designer of Magnolia Network's "Bargain Mansions." Tamara is an expert home renovator both on-camera and off. Hear about her incredible leadership growth and the vital lessons she’s learned as star and lead designer of a multi-season TV show. Jen Ve…

In Episode 91, Passport to Peace, we host our second Sudeikis and the matriarch of her family, Kathy Sudeikis. Kathy is VP of Corporate Relations at ACENDAS TRAVEL, she’s a travel expert, and a leader in the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend benefitting Children’s Mercy Hospital. Kathy shares some of her many stories collected throughout her career in th…

In Episode 90, Zoo Stories, we chat with Sean Putney–CEO of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. March 2024 was the zoo’s best month in its history (dating back to 1909), and Sean expounds on how the zoo’s ecosystem of animals and humans alike serve the Kansas City community. Sean’s leadership has overseen the completion of $75 million-dollar projects, …

In Episode 89, Be a Light Post for People, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Robin, executive well-being coach, corporate well-being speaker, chiropractic physician, author, and advocate for generational & community well-being. Michelle shares how she stays curious with life as she leads her community and gives guidance and connections to those around …

In Episode 88, we had the delight of speaking with Lindsey Roy, Senior Vice President - Strategy and Brand at Hallmark. She’s a global digital leader, public speaker, and author of “The Gift of Perspective: Wisdom I Gained from Losing a Leg and Two Lungs.” Lindsey bestows some of this incredible wisdom on us, detailing how she takes gratitude to an…

In this episode 87, we were literally blessed when speaking with Lindsay Sudeikis–educator, ancestral healer, and spiritual counselor. Lindsay shares her incredible and surprising journey from studying math, then philosophy, then becoming a nun. She's no longer physically in the convent, yet she embodies presence in her full and faithful life. We a…

In this episode, E86, we sit down with Ebony Reed, seasoned journalist, editorial leader, news strategist, author and executive. Ebony tackles some difficult subjects with us as we wrap our heads around the recent tragedy after the Super Bowl victory parade in Kansas City. We also focus on her incredibly important book ‘Fifteen Cents on the Dollar:…

In this episode 85, Jen V. dives into her method for gaining speaking presence through the Presence Paradigm™ - Confidence, Focus, and Influence. If you have communication topics you want to hear about, email Jen at JenV@VoiceFirstWorld.comPar Jen Vellenga

In this episode, Stand-Up Presence, we sit down with Olivia Carter, KC native now NYC-based stand up comedian, writer, and actress. Olivia gives us a sneak-peak into the comedy scene, starting from the very beginning of her comedic development in college–featuring professor Jen Vellenga! Hear how Olivia has developed her stage persona and how she f…

In this episode, Jen V. goes solo in response to requests from listeners for communication tips and tools to speak...with presence. If you have communication topics you want to hear about, email Jen at JenV@VoiceFirstWorld.com. Jen Vellenga and Jennifer Rettele-Thomas are the co-founders of Voice First World®, a communication and leadership coachin…

In this episode, Focus On Your Audience, we sit down with Sidonie Garrett, Executive Artistic Director at Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. Sidonie dives into how preparation and presence go hand-in-hand, highlighting how she finds success in honing her story when captivating an audience. Be inspired by her mission, vision, and hard work in he…

In this episode, Living in Mama Kelce’s World, we sit down with LeAnne Stowe, owner of Annie’s Barn. LeAnne talks about how she turned an online Facebook auction into a shop that operates in 12 different cities and online at https://anniesbarn.com/. From her viral products to her personal connection with national hero “Mama Kelce” - the mother of N…

On E80, Jen V. hosts a special guest to learn about the impact her work/life choices had on her family. Go back in time with us to 2007 and hear about a unique Christmas in Cincinnati! Jen V. & JRT will be back in January for more interviews with powerful leaders in the Kansas City area and with Kansas City natives. We wish you all a very happy hol…

In this episode, Trust Your Partners, we are back on stage with Angela Gieras, Executive Director/Co-CEO at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Angela is a performing arts leader, executive coach, strategist, fundraiser, and leadership development expert. She breaks down how recognizing and embracing her core values make her powerful presence known in t…

In this episode, Don’t Miss Your Opportunity, we interviewed Brenda VanLengen, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, play-by-play announcer, women's basketball analyst, studio host and telestrator producer. She speaks on her journey to document women’s basketball in her role as producer of the series ‘If Not for Them.’ Experience Brenda’s contagious pass…

In this episode 77, Lead with Love, we spoke with Christine Kemper, Marketing Professional, Board Member, and Founder of Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy, a school that teaches young women to use their voices, succeed in college and lead impactful, meaningful lives. It's giving Tuesday! This is where to give: Education - KCGPA Arts - Heartland…

In this episode, Giving Deeply, we spoke with Claire Costello, Managing Director, Senior Philanthropic Strategist for Philanthropic Solutions at Bank of America Private Bank. Claire takes us on an exploration of what data says about how we—especially women—interact with philanthropy. Listen in on her insights into giving versus receiving and how we…

In this episode 75, Spectrum of Authenticity, we interviewed Lindsey Rood-Clifford, President and CEO of Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, MO. We met with her on location at Starlight in her office overlooking the audience seating. Lindsey shares her experience being unanimously voted to be the new—and first female—CEO at Starlight, and how she cre…

E74: In this episode, Tell the Truth, we interviewed Kiona Sinks, Community Engagement Manager for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. We met with her on location in the heart of the museum in Kansas City, MO. Kiona explains how she earned her spot as a prominent change-maker and storyteller in Kansas City, giving a behind-the-scenes look at what go…

We interviewed Nancy Whitworth, the Chief People Officer at McCownGordon Construction. We met with her on location at her office in downtown Kansas City, MO. In this episode, Nancy explains how shifting her mindset completely changed her leadership game and the three words that inspired her epiphany. Learn about the enormous impact Nancy has on her…

In this episode, Have You Made It?, we share a compilation episode from the 2020-2021 podcast, Ditch Your Backup Plan: Stories of rewarding careers between starving artist and celebrity. This was Jen V.'s first podcast, where she interviewed guests in the performing arts on what it means for them to follow a risky career path. In this episode, each…

On this episode, Take a Risk, we share a compilation episode from the 2020-2021 podcast, Ditch Your Backup Plan. This was Jen V.'s first podcast where she interviewed guests in the performing arts on what it means for them to follow a risky career path. In this episode, each guest answers the question, "What has been your biggest risk?" Some of the…

We interviewed Matt Linski, the President of Bank of America - Kansas City, on location at his office in downtown KCMO. Matt loves supporting local organizations and takes pride in the Bank of America innovative volunteerism and workplace giving programs. Associates are consistently incentivized to give back in their own neighborhoods. He talks abo…

Halfway to Anywhere with Logan Stacer, Executive Artistic Director of Heartland Arts KC and a Youth Pastor at Awaken Church KC. In this episode, Logan shares where he finds confidence and joy. You'll learn how he advocates for multiple social justice challenges in Kansas City and you'll hear the story of a kitchen accident that led to his epiphany …

Master the Mundane with Deb Richard (pronounced ri-SHARD) will inspire listeners to trust their instincts and value integrity. Deb played on the LPGA Tour for twenty years (1986–2005), during which she won five Tour events and finished in the top-10 in over seventy events. Her best finishes in the LPGA majors included a tie for tenth place in the 1…

Talk Nicely to Yourself features actor/singer, Shon Ruffin, a Kansas City-based performer. Jen V. & JRT spoke with Shon on location at the New Theatre and Restaurant in Overland Park, KS before she prepared for her nightly performance of Effie in the musical DREAMGIRLS. The show closed on Sept, 10, 2023 after a sold out run. You can find Shon singi…

Dani Welniak is the Vice President of Communications for the KC Current, the Kansas City soccer team for the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Dani has an impressive career as an on-air reporter for the Kansas City Chiefs and as a superbowl champion with the Dallas Diamondz - Women's Professional Full-Contact NFL Rules Football. Dani is a conf…

Beatrice Williamson is a distinguished leader known for her warmth, humor and commitment to learning. She was born January 19, 1976 in Kisumu, the third largest city in Kenya. From the age of nine years old until her second year of college, Beatrice received a scholarship for education from Swedish missionary Anna Lanson. Education was what Beatric…

Allison Howard was named the first-ever President of KC Current on May 24, 2022. Howard joined the club after a ten-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. She spent the previous five years serving as Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, where she was instrumental in closing the Lakers’ most successful partnerships and led the organization’s …

Sandra Bargman is a creative soul, intuitive communicator, and energetic servant. It started when she was three years old, marched into her family kitchen, hands on her hips and announced that she was here on “a mission!" Every career choice she has made has ultimately rested on the ancient Greek maxim of “Know Thyself," the directive that is at th…

Through decades of impacting experiences, Alison sees the world with a global perspective and with the straight up honesty and spirit of a Brooklyn-native, combined with California wellness-cool. She has a unique ability to see big picture opportunities very quickly. With over 26-years in global tech enterprise Sales and Product Marketing Leadershi…

Dr. Novak has over 25 years of experience working in the fields of optical and wireless communications. She has a successful track record of R&D leadership and product development in the industrial and academic sectors. Prior to co-founding Pharad/Octane Wireless, Dr. Novak was a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering …

On April 2, 2021, the OSU/A&M Board of Regents selected Dr. Kayse Shrum as the 19th president of Oklahoma State University. A native Oklahoman, President Shrum earned her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and has completed executive leadership and management training programs at Harvard University an…

Konnie Metaxa (@kmetaxa on the socials) is an actor, singer, TV host and influencer living in Greece. She made her TV debut as an actress in 2014, participating in the MEGA series, "Modern Family", where she played the daughter of Costas Kokla and Zeta Douka. In 2015, she released her first song "Feel The Music" with the record company Heaven Music…

Jen Vellenga continues to fill the story bank with a story about singing in Shen Zhen, China in 1993. This episode begins our celebration of International Women on the Speak with Presence podcast by Voice First World. Jen Vellenga's "word" for 2023 is CONSISTENCY. Co-host Jennifer Rettele-Thomas challenged her to tell a story on the Speak with Pres…

Robert has been a passionate supporter of gender equality throughout his 40 plus year consulting career. He helped set up the women’s network in Mercer UK and was the first man to join the Board of leading global women’s network, PWN Global. He has mentored and sponsored many women globally and is mentored himself by a number of women. Today Robert…

Jen Vellenga continues to fill the story bank with a story about William's award. This episode is ripped from the files of group coaching for the Speak with Presence program by Voice First World. Jen Vellenga's "word" for 2023 is CONSISTENCY. Co-host Jennifer Rettele-Thomas challenged her to tell a story on the Speak with Presence podcast every day…

Ushi’s mission and expertise is helping generous, trailblazing women know their value so they can build magnetic brands of positive influence and wealth. She is a globally recognized brand strategist, creative consultant and designer with an MBA. Her work has a collective reach of millions, including the visual direction of campaigns for the empowe…

The nuance and why of the dress code. Jen Vellenga's "word" for 2023 is CONSISTENCY. Co-host Jennifer Rettele-Thomas challenged her to tell a story on the Speak with Presence podcast every day of 2023 starting on January 19, 2023. Can Jen V. do it? JRT doubts it. Even if she's not perfect...how many stories can she tell and what structures will she…

We all want it our way. But are we listening? If we aren't, artificial intelligence is! In this episode, Jen V. talks about Kevin Roose's book, "Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation" and shares his advice on what to do in an increasingly automated world. Jen Vellenga's "word" for 2023 is CONSISTENCY. Co-host Jennifer Rettele-Tho…

What's the difference? Jen demonstrates sharing an actual story vs. only telling the facts about a story. Jen Vellenga's "word" for 2023 is CONSISTENCY. Co-host Jennifer Rettele-Thomas challenged her to tell a story on the Speak with Presence podcast every day of 2023 starting on January 19, 2023. Can Jen V. do it? JRT doubts it. Even if she's not …

"Manny" (not his real name) has an odd request. This episode is about learning to be grateful, even in surprising circumstances. Jen Vellenga's "word" for 2023 is CONSISTENCY. Jennifer Rettele-Thomas challenged her to tell a story on the Speak with Presence podcast every day of 2023 starting on January 19, 2023. Can Jen V. do it? JRT doubts it. Eve…

"Sally" (not her real name) calls out professionalism in the classroom. Triangulation lessons are learned the hard way. Jen Vellenga's "word" for 2023 is CONSISTENCY. Jennifer Rettele-Thomas challenged her to tell a story on the Speak with Presence podcast every day of 2023 starting on January 19, 2023. Can Jen V. do it? JRT doubts it. Even if she'…

Jen Vellenga's "word" for 2023 is CONSISTENCY. Jennifer Rettele-Thomas challenged her to tell a story on the Speak with Presence podcast every day of 2023 starting on January 19, 2023. Can Jen V. do it? JRT doubts it. Even if she's not perfect...how many stories can she tell and what structures will she use?…

Jen Vellenga's "word" for 2023 is CONSISTENCY. Jennifer Rettele-Thomas challenged her to tell a story on the Speak with Presence podcast every day of 2023 starting on January 19, 2023. Can Jen V. do it? JRT doubts it. Even if she's not perfect...how many stories can she tell and what structures will she use?…

Maria Borges is the Vice President of the Global Consumer Products – Optimization Economics at Mastercard and has 20+ years of global experience within the finance and payments industries. In her current role, Maria leads a unique team that drives global pricing initiatives for existing and new consumer solutions. Maria holds a Bachelor of Arts and…