🎙️ AfterWords Podcast: Embracing Authenticity with Jamie Cutino

Join us for an inspiring conversation with former TEDx speaker Jamie Cutino as they share their journey of self-discovery, redefining success, and embracing imperfection. Jamie opens up about their work empowering underrepresented groups, overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding joy by releasing self-imposed rules.

💡 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why success doesn’t guarantee happiness and how to find peace in the journey
• The importance of empowering LGBTQ+, women, and individuals with invisible disabilities
• How to take risks, embrace imperfection, and pursue "impossible" dreams
• Practical tips for future TEDx speakers, including why authenticity always wins

✨ Jamie’s story is a powerful reminder to prioritize growth, authenticity, and self-compassion in your journey.

🎙️ AfterWords Podcast: Innovating for Impact with Paul Hylenski

Dive into an inspiring conversation with Paul Hylenski, a TEDx Manitou Springs alum and the visionary behind Vet Mentor AI and Quantum Leap Academy. In this episode, Paul shares how he’s leveraging AI to revolutionize veteran support systems and empower individuals and businesses through leadership and innovation.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• How Vet Mentor AI is transforming the claims process for veterans
• The role of AI in enhancing productivity and innovation for businesses
• How Paul’s TEDx talk catalyzed his projects and high-impact collaborations
• His advice for future TEDx speakers: authenticity and creating lasting impact

✨ Paul’s journey highlights the power of resilience, innovation, and service in making a meaningful difference.

🎙️ AfterWords Podcast: Igniting Change with Shelli Brunswick

In this inspiring episode, we connect with Shelli Brunswick, former TEDx Manitou Springs speaker, global advocate, and founder of SB Global LLC. Shelli shares how her TEDx talk became a launchpad for bold initiatives, from leveraging space technology for real-world solutions to empowering underrepresented communities.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• How space innovation can tackle global challenges
• Lessons from Shelli's 35-year aerospace career that apply to all industries
• The power of storytelling to ignite change
• How Shelli is championing women entrepreneurs through global collaboration

✨ This episode is a deep dive into bold leadership, authentic storytelling, and the transformative potential of a single TEDx talk.

🎙️ AfterWords Podcast: Exploring Passion and Connection with Ryan Johnson

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Johnson, TEDx speaker, award-winning educator, and chemistry innovator, to unpack his journey since stepping onto the TEDx stage. From reshaping chemistry education with experiential learning at the U.S. Air Force Academy to being named "Chemistry Teacher of the Year," Ryan shares how his passion for teaching and connection has fueled his career.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• How Ryan is transforming chemistry education with real-world applications
• The power of passion in delivering a compelling TEDx talk
• Why listening and connecting with others is crucial for personal and professional growth
• Behind-the-scenes insights into the global impact of his TEDx experience

Tune in for a conversation that celebrates the power of passion, education, and human connection to inspire meaningful change.

🎙️ AfterWords Podcast: Breaking Free with TEDxManitouSprings ✨

Join us as we unpack the incredible themes and insights from the "Break Free" TEDxManitouSprings event, where bold speakers and transformative ideas take center stage. From tackling imposter syndrome and trauma recovery to embracing authenticity and creating lasting impact, this episode dives into the heart of personal growth, mental health, and meaningful transformation.

💡 In This Episode:

✔️ How speakers like Patrick Casale and Angela Giles Klocke inspire action and healing

✔️ The rise of neurodiversity and authenticity in entrepreneurship and personal growth

✔️ Breaking down the importance of legacy, purpose, and reclaiming personal narratives

✔️ Behind-the-scenes on why this event is a must for changemakers

🎶 Featuring highlights from speaker Sara Van Hecke’s grounded yet dreamlike original music and the raw, unfiltered wisdom of changemakers paving the way to empowerment.

🗣️ Whether you're navigating life, building a business, or healing from the past, this episode will leave you inspired to break free from limitations and live authentically.

Work doesn’t have to be dull, stressful, or draining. In this episode of After Words, we sit down with Acey Holmes, a Playful Work Design Consultant and founder of BoredLess, to explore how play can transform the workplace.

Acey shares her journey from speech-language pathology and neuroscience to becoming a thought leader in corporate culture. Through her IGN!Te Framework, she helps teams build inclusive cultures, foster psychological safety, and tap into the power of play and flow to drive innovation and well-being.

We’ll uncover:

🎯 Why play isn’t frivolous—it’s strategic.

🧠 The neuroscience behind creativity, collaboration, and flow.

🌟 How psychological safety and inclusion are the foundations for thriving teams.

💡 Practical tips to bring more play, purpose, and flexibility into your workday.

Plus, learn about her game-changing "Playful Strategies Deck" and the lessons she’s learned as a TEDx and DisruptHR speaker. Whether you’re a leader, team member, or entrepreneur, this episode will inspire you to rethink how you work, lead, and connect.

🔗 Tune in to discover actionable insights to make work more meaningful, engaging, and yes—fun.

Podcast Highlight Quote:

“Play isn’t just for kids—it’s a powerful tool for creativity, connection, and solving tough challenges at work. When teams play together, they thrive together.” – Acey Holmes

A podcast focused on expanding the big ideas and experiences from speaker events such as TEDx and other speaker events.

A source for speakers and influencers to reach a new audience and go deep into their experiences as a speaker and the ideas and messages they are trying to share with the world.

Show Description

What happens before and after a TEDx speaker stands on the red dot to deliver their talk? Afterwords takes you behind the scenes of a TEDx event, as seen through the eyes of the speakers themselves — the challenges, the highs and lows, and the lessons learned. Brought to you by the team at TEDxManitouSprings, Afterwords gives you insight into how to best share your ideas with the world.

Vivian Cobb

Vivian Cobb delivered her TEDx Talk, "How Being a Secret Keeper Can Make You Sick," at the TEDxManitouSprings A New Era event on April 30, 2022. Vivian details the emotionally challenging side of creating and delivering a talk that is deeply personal and vulnerable, as so many TEDx speakers experience.

Watch Vivian's talk: https://www.tedxmanitousprings.com/talks/v/y6ss64xha425jnscnx5p2mx2elr8ja?categoryId=634774f53debab3ad701a355

A podcast focused on expanding the big ideas and experiences from speaker events such as TEDx and other speaker events.

A source for speakers and influencers to reach a new audience and go deep into their experiences as a speaker and the ideas and messages they are trying to share with the world.

Show Description

What happens before and after a TEDx speaker stands on the red dot to deliver their talk? Afterwords takes you behind the scenes of a TEDx event, as seen through the eyes of the speakers themselves — the challenges, the highs and lows, and the lessons learned. Brought to you by the team at TEDxManitouSprings, Afterwords gives you insight into how to best share your ideas with the world.

Meredith Masse

Meredith Masse delivered her TEDx Talk, "Don't Like What You Do? Stop Shoulding!" at the TEDxManitouSprings Women event on Dec. 3, 2021. Meredith describes her motivation behind wanting to deliver a talk aimed specifically for women that feel stuck in their careers, and shares what it was like to have to start her talk all over again thanks to some tech difficulties!

Watch Meredith's talk: https://www.tedxmanitousprings.com/talks/v/wj582x9mkgmnp5s6k5gbwrtshskehc?categoryId=6347747e3debab3ad701a32d