Advertise on podcast: brAVe [space]

What do you do when the budget keeps shrinking, the technology keeps aging, and everyone still expects you to make it work? In this episode of brAVe [space], host Britt Yenser sits down with Steve Borho to talk about making tough upgrade decisions, navigating career changes, finding connection in the workplace, and remembering that the people behind the technology matter just as much as the technology itself. Connect with Steve Borho LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-borho-06aa8911/ Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/

In this episode of brAVe [space], host Britt Yenser sits down with the “Lost Soul at Geekazine,” Jeffrey Powers, to talk about what it really means to be an “influencer,” the responsibility that comes with having an audience, and how to balance authenticity with the very real need to make a living. They dig into:The responsibility that comes with an audienceStaying authentic while making a living onlineNavigating algorithms, platforms, and shifting expectationsFinding technology that actually solves problemsWhat higher ed can learn from independent creatorsKnowing your value — and when to ask for help…and more! And because this is brAVe [space], there’s a little side questing along the way. Technology may keep changing, but knowing your value, staying curious, and being honest about what works never go out of style. Connect with Jeffrey Powers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geekazine/ Geekazine: https://geekazine.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4XoshjWqK1f-01xLpDrHI90snaoiOnTfIupUTi-tBm8MMC00_Ig Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/

What happens when you're the only AV person on campus? Michael Gunderson joins host Britt Yenser to talk about life as a team of one: triaging endless requests, learning the power of saying no, and finding calm in the chaos. He also opens up about managing a chronic illness while thriving in a demanding career, sharing hard-won lessons on advocacy, boundaries, and communication. It's a candid, generous conversation about doing meaningful work without losing yourself in it. Connect with Michael Gunderson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gunderson-cts/ Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/

In this episode of brAVe [space], host Britt Yenser talks with Daniel Wray about finding community in higher ed AV, the power of representation, his experience as a HETMA PRISM Scholar, and the journey toward earning his CTS. They dig into what it means to keep going when you don’t get it right the first time and how the people around us can make all the difference. Because AV may be about technology, but the real connection has always been human. Connect with Daniel Wray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamdanieldanielwray/ Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/

Is technology moving too fast? In this episode of brAVe [space], host Britt Yenser sits down with Matthew O’Reilly for a candid conversation about AI, the human experience, and what it means to put people, not technology, at the center of AV. Matt shares his perspective on navigating simultaneous projects, finding work-life balance, the value of therapy and even the surprisingly powerful act of writing things down. The conversation takes an unexpected turn into AI: ownership and intellectual property, “vibe coding,” privacy, bias, and the lack of clear guardrails surrounding rapidly evolving technology. Britt and Matt also explore what classrooms might look like in the next decade, why more technology isn't always better, and how AV professionals can design spaces that prioritize accessibility, equity, usability, and the human experience. Connect with Matthew O'Reilly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-oreilly-cts-d/ Connect with Britt Yenser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/ X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

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_

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/

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_

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_

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_

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_

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_

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 departmentThe challenges of being “behind the scenes” in higher educationNavigating career growth in a niche technical fieldRepresentation, 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_

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_

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