brAVe [space]

Hosted by Britt Yenser

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Episodes

103

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

brAVe [space] with host Britt Yenser creates a space for the AV industry to have hard conversations and to invest in personal and professional growth.

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60 recent

August 13, 2026Episode 8532 min

Ep 85: Jamison Vandenberg Joins the brAVe [space]

What does it take to build the next generation of AV professionals? Jamison Vandenberg joins host Britt Yenser in the brAVe [space] to talk about bringing students into AV, discovering their strengths, and giving them the hands-on experience they need to grow. From finance majors learning AV installation to students taking on independent troubleshooting and programming, Jamison shares how he tailors training to each student's interests, builds confidence through real-world projects, and helps students see AV as more than just “the AV guy” at a university. They also talk about why customer service and a willingness to learn can matter more than technical experience, the value of letting students be uncomfortable, and how getting their hands on the gear can make everything click. If you've ever wondered how to spark the love of AV in the next generation, or how to make student workers valuable members of your team, than this episode is for you! Come for the inspiration, stay for the side quest. Connect with Jamison Vandenberg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamison-vandenberg-04068430a/ Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/ X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

July 30, 2026Episode 8448 min

Ep 84: Kevin Hardin Joins the brAVe [space]

In this episode of brAVe [space], host Britt sits down with Kevin Hardin for a conversation about the people behind higher education AV. From managing classrooms to navigating burnout, budget cuts, and career transitions, Kevin shares the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership and the importance of building genuine relationships. Together, they explore why technical expertise alone isn't enough, how trust and communication can transform a team, and why some of the most meaningful moments in higher education happen outside the classroom. Kevin also reflects on balancing ambition with well-being, embracing unexpected career changes, and the simple piece of advice that continues to guide him: listen first. Whether you're leading an AV team, supporting faculty, or finding your own path through the industry, this episode is a reminder that our greatest impact often comes not from the technology we install, but from the people we invest in. Connect with Kevin Hardin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinseanhardin/ Website: https://www.kevinxhardin.com/ Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/ X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_ Article referenced in this episode: https://higheredav.com/well-come-back-and-fix-it-later-av-under-the-hood/

July 16, 2026Episode 8345 min

Ep 83: Elias Puurunen Joins the brAVe [space]

In this episode of brAVe [space], host Britt Yenser sits down with Elias Puurunen for a conversation about the future of AV, higher education, and the people at the center of it all. Together, they explore why hybrid experiences continue to evolve and what it takes to create technology that strengthens, rather than replaces, human connection. They also discuss the challenges facing higher education, from supporting increasingly complex learning environments with limited resources to ensuring AV professionals have a seat at the table when learning spaces are designed. Whether you're passionate about AV, higher education, or leadership, this episode is a thoughtful look at where our industry is headed and how we can build a future that puts people first. Connect with Elias Puurunen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliaspuurunen/ Company Website: https://www.tractusevents.com/ Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/ X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

July 2, 2026Episode 8238 min

Ep 82: Haley Lind Tuohy Joins the brAVe [space]

In this episode of brAVe [space], host Britt Yenser sits down with Haley Lind Tuohy for a candid conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AV/IT industry. Haley shares her "triangle theory" of DE&I, which weaves together recruiting diverse talent, closing pay equity gaps, and building a genuine culture of respect. She also opens up about navigating harassment early in her career, the power of empathy in changing minds, and why intersectionality drives her work leading a growing women's council in New York City. The two also swap thoughts on anxiety as a hidden strength, meditation for beginners, and what real rest and relaxation looks like. It's an honest, generous conversation about showing up imperfectly and still doing the work. Connect with Haley Lind Tuohy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleylindtuohy/ Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/ X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

June 18, 2026Episode 1836 min

brAVe [skills] Ep 18: Out of the Box

Feeling stuck on a problem? In this episode of brAVe [skills], Britt Yenser and Leon Prather explore the art of creative problem-solving and share a practical technique called “forced connection” to help spark fresh ideas. Through real-world examples, plenty of laughs, and an unexpected spring, they show how thinking outside the box can lead to innovative solutions—even when resources are limited. Connect with Leon Prather LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-prather-cts/ Website: https://www.leonprather.com/ Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/ X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

June 4, 2026Episode 8149 min

Ep 81: Justin Dawson Joins the brAVe [space]

In this episode of brAVe [space], host Britt Yenser sits down with Justin Dawson for a candid (and tangent filled) conversation about neurodiversity, advocacy, and finding your coping systems. Justin shares his family's journey following his son's autism diagnosis, his own discovery of being neurodivergent, and how those experiences transformed him into a passionate advocate for inclusion and understanding. Together, they explore resilience, identity, the power of community, and what it means to create a world where people can thrive as their authentic selves. Connect with Justin Dawson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirjustindawson/ Website: https://allthingstech.ie/ Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/ X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

May 21, 2026Episode 1733 min

brAVe [skills] Ep 17: Set It and Forget It?

In this episode of brAVe [skills], hosts Britt Yenser and Leon Prather explore the idea that we “rise and fall to the level of our systems,” both the technical systems we build in AV and the personal systems we create in leadership and daily work. Through relatable stories, AV analogies, and plenty of candid moments, they unpack how small weaknesses, maintenance habits, and workflow decisions can shape the success (or failure) of teams and technology alike. Connect with Leon Prather LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-prather-cts/ Website: https://www.leonprather.com/ Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/ X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

May 7, 2026Episode 8031 min

Ep 80: Neesha Sookoo Joins the brAVe [space]

In this episode of brAVe [space], host Britt Yenser sits down with Neesha Sookoo. Neesha shares what it’s like building and advocating for AV in a small but essential department, and why visibility and communication matter more than ever in higher ed technology. In this episode, we explore: What it means to grow AV services in a developing department The challenges of being “behind the scenes” in higher education Navigating career growth in a niche technical field Representation, perspective, and finding your voice Neesha brings a thoughtful, grounded perspective on persistence, purpose, and the evolving role of AV professionals. This conversation is a reminder that even in smaller spaces, the impact of this work is anything but small. Connect with Neesha Sookoo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neeshasookoo/ Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/ X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

April 23, 2026Episode 1630 min

brAVe [skills] Ep 16: Do Your Goodest

Britt Yenser and Leon Prather are back together (in the same studio and everything!) for a conversation that's deceptively simple on the surface: what's the difference between best and right? Whether you're spec'ing out AV equipment, hiring for your team, or navigating your own career, the "best" option isn't always the one that actually fits. They dig into real stories, a few laughs, and some genuinely useful takeaways. Come for the skills, stay for the chaos. Connect with Leon Prather LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-prather-cts/ Website: https://www.leonprather.com/ Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/ X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

April 9, 2026Episode 7933 min

Ep 79: Brandy Clay-Johnson Joins the brAVe [space]

Recorded on March 19, 2026 What happens when a difficult boss, a LinkedIn notification, and a phone call in the shower collide? You get Brandy Clay-Johnson's unexpected entry into the AV industry, and she hasn't looked back since. In this episode of brave [space], host Britt Yenser welcomes Brandy Clay-Johnson for a candid, high-energy conversation about career pivots, self-worth, and the power of doing things scared. Brandy opens up about growing up feeling like she was never enough, how relationships and her mother's death ultimately catalyzed her transformation, and why it took years to finally, unapologetically, find her voice. She also gets real about working for a company that lets her be exactly who she is, and why that changes everything. Tune in for valuable insights about self-worth, allyship, and more! Connect with Brandy Clay-Johnson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-clay-johnson-0597245/ Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/ X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bravebritt.bsky.social