Engaging Virtual Meetings Podcast with John Chen

Hosted by John Chen

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Episodes

174

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

😴Are you suffering from Zoom fatigue? 💍Is engagement your #1 problem on virtual? 👩🏾‍🏫Do you want to lead the most engaging virtual meetings? 👂🏽Then you want the Engaging Virtual Meetings Podcast, the sure-fire, latest podcast on how to thrive on virtual. 📖Hosted by the #1 Amazon Hot-New Release author of Engaging Virtual Meetings, John Chen.

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60 recent

August 26, 202619 min

Navigating COVID, Virtual Work, and A Run for Senate with Denny LaVe

Being guided by the divine hand with guardian angels for wingmen seems to be a way of life for Denny LaVé. His adventures include spending almost two years as a monk in monastery in France, free climbing the outside of a 500 ft radio tower, and attempting to summit Mt. Borah. He recently rode his Road Glide ST from N. Idaho to San Francisco to attend the SailGP grand finale. He’s faced death from many angles, from excessive heat exposure, falling objects, being the falling object, car crashes, and more. These wildly varied experiences coupled with his passion for learning and healing make him a dynamic and compassionate leader. His business career started in custom furniture crafting, then into marketing under the mentorship of Jay Abraham. In this episode, we discuss the following: 🏗️ Denny LaVe’s experience navigating the early days of COVID-19 in Idaho’s construction industry, including how his team stayed operational during shutdowns. 💻 The shift to virtual meetings and how his company upgraded their conference room to stay connected and efficient. 🇺🇸 What led Denny to run for U.S. Senate, including his long-standing sense of calling, prayerful reflection, and support from trusted mentors. Resources: https://ppe-llc.com/ Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it. For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com Support the show

August 19, 2026Episode 17529 min

How Speakers Can Use Short-Form Video to Book More Gigs with Vaibhav "Happy" Nahata

Vaibhav Nahata is Managing Director at Speakervideos, a video marketing company for speakers that has helped speakers generate 100M+ views in social media leading to hundreds of engagements. In this episode, we discuss the following: 🎥 Why short-form video is essential for speakers – Learn how vertical videos boost visibility, credibility, and speaking opportunities in today’s social media landscape. 🌍 Happy’s journey from Nepal to 100M+ views – Discover how he built a global business helping speakers grow using video, all from a small city in Nepal. 🧠 Pro tips for engaging virtual audiences – From lighting and mindset to interactive rituals and humor, find out what really works to connect with people online. Resources: https://speakervideos.com/ Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it. For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com Support the show

August 12, 2026Episode 17446 min

From Zoom Flops to Student Wins: Lessons in Virtual Teaching with Leila Kubesch

Leila Kubesch is a keynote speaker, consultant, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping HR leaders foster resilient, inclusive workplace cultures. Leila’s journey began in the airline industry, where she mastered communication, crisis management, and delivering exceptional service under pressure. She learned to build trust quickly, defuse tense situations, and create seamless experiences, all of which now serve as the foundation of her work in leadership and organizational development. Her transition into education deepened her understanding of resilience, engagement, and inclusion, working with diverse student populations and empowering them to advocate for their needs. Her impact was recognized nationally when she was named Ohio Teacher of the Year and later inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. In this episode, we discuss the following: 💡 How kindness, community, and creativity transformed challenges into impact—from Zen gardens to cooking shows 🎓 Lessons from pivoting to virtual teaching and building student connection online 🌐 The future of inclusive, tech-powered virtual meetings and real-time language translation Resources: https://leilakubesch.com/ Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it. For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com Support the show

August 5, 2026Episode 17344 min

Neuroscience, Uncertainty, and the Hidden Power of Purposeful Communication with Dr. Lynda Shaw

Lynda is an experienced entrepreneur, having owned 3 businesses. She holds a doctorate in cognitive neuroscience, specialising in unconscious processing of emotion and behavioural change. She is an author, a professional speaker, mentor and works with senior leaders and their teams to communicate ideas. This enables better business relationships, funding and investment opportunities, and spreading their genius to the outside world, something we badly need. She is Past President of the Professional Speaking Association UK&I and is the founder of Brain & Behaviour Ltd., the Neuroscience Professional Development Programme and the Consciousness Academy designed to debate the huge conundrum of consciousness. She is also an adventure traveler. Lynda is always informative, fun and extremely practical. In this episode, we discuss the following: 🧠 How neuroscience helps us understand and manage uncertainty in a rapidly changing world 🎤 Why speakers must shift from sharing what they want to say to what audiences need to hear 🔐 The growing concerns of CEOs around cybersecurity in remote and hybrid work environments Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndashaw/ Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it. For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com Support the show

July 29, 2026Episode 17242 min

The SPARK Behind Unforgettable Events with Devon Montgomery Pasha

Devon Montgomery Pasha, CMP, CED, is an empowering changemaker, Emcee, and Chief Experience Officer at DMP Creative LLC, a firm committed to transforming events into catalysts for growth and impact. Guided by her signature SPARK method, Devon merges event design strategy with dynamic on-stage engagement to create experiences that move audiences, foster connection, and deliver measurable results. In this episode, we discuss the following: 🎤 The power of authenticity over perfection in keynote speaking and audience connection. ⚙️ How Devon’s SPARK method brings strategy, energy, and storytelling into event design. 🎶 Why emotionally resonant experiences — like Brene Brown's keynote or a Gwen Stefani concert — create lasting impact at live events. Resources: https://dmpcreative.llc Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it. For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com Support the show

July 22, 2026Episode 17142 min

How to Make Virtual Meetings Work for Every Brain with Sarah Ohanesian

Sarah Ohanesian is a productivity expert, dynamic keynote speaker, and former Chief Marketing Officer. Through her company, SO Productive, she empowers individuals and organizations to defeat burnout, embrace purpose-driven productivity, and create thriving environments for neurodiverse teams. In this episode, we discuss the following: ✨ How to create compounding productivity by building momentum through the right, purpose-driven actions 🧠 Why clarity is 90% of the productivity equation—and how to get aligned with what truly matters ⚠️ The “quicksand conundrum”—how busy work traps us and fuels burnout without real progress Resources: https://sarahohanesian.com Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it. For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com Support the show

July 15, 2026Episode 17033 min

How the SQUID Method Transforms Emotions Into Mindful Action with Dr. Mel Ganus, the Squid Lady

Dr. Mel is on a lifelong quest to help people worldwide improve Quality of Life for ourselves and those we care for. She is recognized as an enthusiastic teacher and advisor wherever she goes. When asked "where do you teach?" she answers "Wherever I am! And right now I'm here with you..." Deeply committed to a life of service, she wants to help whomever she can. In 2006, while pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership, Dr Mel discovered a list of ADHD symptoms and realized an ADD diagnosis might explain a lot of the challenges she had had in her life. With that diagnosis and the new approaches to managing her challenges, she now uses her breadth of knowledge, experience and fast thinking to help people creatively solve whatever problems they are facing in their days and lives. In this episode, we discuss the following: 🦑 How the SQUID method empowers people to pause, reflect, and make thoughtful choices during emotionally charged moments. 📚 Why translating complex neuroscience into kid-friendly stories can help prevent future mistakes and support mental health early on. 🌍 How embracing creativity and virtual tools during the pandemic led Dr. Mel and John to deeper purpose and wider impact. Resources: https://linktr.ee/drmelganus Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it. For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com Support the show

July 8, 2026Episode 16942 min

The Key to Building Strong Teams in Virtual and Hybrid Environments with Brett Hoogeveen

Brett Hoogeveen (Hō’ gə vēēn) is a trained engineer, former healthcare executive, startup investor, and the co-founder of BetterCulture: a prominent leadership development and consulting firm with clients spanning from entrepreneurial startups to Fortune 500 companies. An international speaker and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP®), Brett focuses on providing practical and actionable advice on leadership, company culture, and the ‘not-so-secret’ secrets of becoming successful and happy. Brett lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his wife and three delightfully spunky children. He loves jumping on his trampoline with his kids, is a self-proclaimed personal finance nerd, and is purported to be one of the ‘Top 10 Airzooka Marksmen’ in the entire world (you’ll have to ask him about that😊) ]. In this episode, we discuss the following: 🌟 How genuinely caring about company culture and continuously improving it at all levels drives organizational success. 💬 Why psychological safety is essential for teams to thrive by allowing mistakes, help-seeking, and constructive challenges. 🌐 How intentional engagement in virtual and hybrid work environments fosters community and connection among remote teams. Resources: https://betterculture.com/ Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it. For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com Support the show

July 1, 2026Episode 16855 min

From Black Hawk Pilot to Virtual Engagement Leader with Elizabeth McCormick, CSP

A decorated US Army Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot, Elizabeth McCormick flew air assault, command and control, top-secret intelligence missions and transported high-level government VIP’s before transitioning from her military service to corporate management then to public speaking. Elizabeth is an in-demand Keynote Speaker named one of the Top 30 Motivational Speakers in the WORLD, and a Leadership expert, currently #4 on the list of “Leadership Experts to Follow Online.” In this episode, we discuss the following: ✈️ How taking control like a pilot helps you lead virtual meetings with confidence. 🎥 Why your visual and audio setup directly impacts your virtual presence. 💬 How intentional engagement keeps virtual audiences connected and responsive. Resources: https://www.PilotSpeaker.com Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it. For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com Support the show

June 24, 2026Episode 16742 min

Engagement in Real Life | The Engagement Show Hosted by Roger Haskett and John Chen

The Engagement Show is the latest tips and tricks from 2 masters of in-person and virtual engagement. Today's Theme: Engagement IRL In this episode, we discuss the following: ✈️ How a travel mishap turned into a powerful engagement moment—transforming embarrassment into connection. 🎁 The impact of Birthday Boxes and how CSR activities like these spark deep engagement and emotional connection. 🤖 Leveraging AI tools like Suno and Zoom’s AI Companion to boost creativity, productivity, and meeting engagement. 🧠 The power of masterminds, authentic relationships, and vulnerability in fostering meaningful, lasting engagement. 📅 Setting intentions for 2025 and declaring it the “Year of Engagement” to inspire deeper connections in work and life. Contact Roger at roger@engagementunlimited.ca http://www.engagementunlimited.ca Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it. For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com Support the show