95. Emergency Resilience - Alex Jabr
Speak with Presence
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, . She turned her own experiences from her mother’s passing and her career in emergency medicine into a life mission to teach others how to empathetically and effectively deliver what may be the hardest words an individual may hear in their lifetime. She pulls back...
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94. Empathy in Action - Alan Verrill, MD
Speak with Presence
In Episode 94, Empathy in Action, we speak with Dr. Alan Verrill, President and CEO of . 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 prominent leader after his military appointment, the changes he’s seen in medicine in recent years, and a heart-warming story about a patient who had a tremendous impact on him. Warning: The Jens cry in this episode. Jen Vellenga and Jennifer Rettele-Thomas are the...
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93. Confidence is Situational - Jen V & JRT
Speak with Presence
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 they’ve experienced with clients/lifelong business associates. Jen Vellenga and Jennifer Rettele-Thomas are the co-founders of Voice First World®, a communication and leadership coaching company. They train executives...
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92. House Flip to Leadership - Tamara Day
Speak with Presence
In Episode 92, House Flip to Leadership, we had the pleasure of connecting with Tamara Day, host and designer of 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 Vellenga and Jennifer Rettele-Thomas are the co-founders of Voice First World®, a communication and leadership coaching company. They train executives and leaders on the Presence Paradigm™, a communication technique created from Jen V's decades of training actors to...
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91. Passport to Peace - Kathy Sudeikis
Speak with Presence
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 , she’s a travel expert, and a leader in the benefitting Children’s Mercy Hospital. Kathy shares some of her many stories collected throughout her career in the travel industry, including a surprise plunge into Arctic waters and her start in booking travel for celebrities. Hear her involvement in the incredibly impactful Big Slick event in Kansas City and how they’ve grown to donate nearly $22 million in 15 years. Jen...
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90. Zoo Stories - Sean Putney
Speak with Presence
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, and he highlights how the conservation and education efforts of the zoo work to promote understanding and appreciation with all who visit. Hear his tales of how presence can matter, even with other species. ...
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89. Be a Light Post for People - Michelle Robin
Speak with Presence
In Episode 89, Be a Light Post for People, we sit down with , 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 her. She highlights the importance of having a more vibrant, healthy lifestyle so you can show up for those around you. Jen Vellenga and Jennifer Rettele-Thomas are the co-founders of Voice First World®, a communication and executive coaching...
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88. Start Where You Are - Lindsey Roy
Speak with Presence
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 “” Lindsey bestows some of this incredible wisdom on us, detailing how she takes gratitude to another level. She breaks down her hardships and how they completely shifted her perspective on life. She shares mindset challenges that anyone–regardless of their own life’s story–can try. Jen Vellenga and Jennifer Rettele-Thomas are the co-founders of Voice First World®, a communication and executive...
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87. Divine Femininity - Lindsay Sudeikis
Speak with Presence
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 are thrilled to share a tiny glimpse into the mystical labyrinth of knowledge that Lindsay inhabits through the human–and spiritual–connection. Learn more at Jen Vellenga and Jennifer Rettele-Thomas are the co-founders of Voice...
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86. Mind the Gap - Ebony Reed
Speak with Presence
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 ‘,’ which is available for pre-order now. Hear how Ebony’s impressive career in journalism and dedication to her community has improved Kansas City for the better. Jen Vellenga and Jennifer Rettele-Thomas are the co-founders of Voice First World®, a...
info_outlineHalfway 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 about being kind.
"If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. If you can't make it in Chicago, you can't make it anywhere. If you make it in Kansas City, you are Halfway to Anywhere."
Heartland Arts KC trains performing artists to become advocates of social justice. They aim to position Kansas City as a hub for arts advocacy, making public policy accessible for all.
Jen Vellenga and Jennifer Rettele-Thomas are the co-founders of Voice First World®, a communication and executive coaching company. They train executives and leaders on the Presence Paradigm™, a communication technique created from Jen V's decades of training actors to perform authentically, with presence, on stages, on audio, and video. If you want to learn more about how to speak confidently, book a discovery call at www.voicefirstworld.com/chat.