The Engaging Life

Sally Vandeberghe is a lifetime reader and book lover. She's been part of the Roughreaders Book Club for over 24 years.A former marketing copywriter, then stay-home mom, Sally currently works for Integrated Windows as a Hunter Douglas window covering designer. She's always got at least a dozen books on her nightstand and a stack of sticky-flags to mark her favorite passages.  My favorite book is Life of Pi by Yann Martel How she connects through books:  Our mish-mash group of ladies has formed strong friendships through the monthly discussion of books. While the book club started with a group of friends, the Roughreaders quickly added co-workers, neighbors and other book lovers to the mix. You quickly get to know people on a deeper level when you discuss how a book moved your heart or how you identified with a courageous or broken character. We've discussed everything from faith to friendship through the years, by way of books. I also frequently connect with clients through books. While visiting in their home, I'll notice a book on a side table or bookshelf that I've read and it's an instant topic of conversation. Books simply bring people together!

Theodore Wheeler is the author of three novels, including the USA Today bestseller The War Begins in Paris (Little Brown, 2023) and the Amazon bestseller Kings of Broken Things (Little A, 2017). He has won fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, Nebraska Arts Council, and Akademie Schloss Solitude in Stuttgart, Germany. For fourteen years Theodore worked as a journalist who covered law and politics, including the last two presidential elections, and he now teaches creative writing in the English Department at Creighton University. He is also director of Omaha Lit Fest and, with his wife, operates Dundee Book Company, an independent neighborhood bookshop. Learn more about him at theodore-wheeler.com. My favorite book is Speculations About Jakob by Uwe Johnson. How he connects through books: For the last three summers my bookshop has hosted readings in the backyard behind our shop. It's a great time to hear other writers in the area read their work, but also has a social function. We started in May 2021, after a big Covid surge. For many people, it was their first time out in public, which gave the series a lot of meaning from the start.

Jacqelle Lane, M. Ed., a certified DEIB specialist, is a dedicated educator with endorsements in English and English as a Second Language. As the author of "From Bully to Bestie" and "Every Child Matters!", she guides students and educators on navigating bullying and fostering resilience. Jacqelle hosts "Education with an Edge," a podcast on youth and suicide prevention. Formerly a fellow at the Nebraska State Education Association, she advocates for diversity and inclusion. Jacqelle currently serves as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity & Continuous Quality Improvement at the Omaha Children's Museum. What is your favorite book? One of my favorite books is "To Kill a Mockingbird". Can you give an example or two of times you've connected with others through books? Absolutely! When I introduced my sixth-grade students to "The Giver," the story's themes sparked thoughtful conversations and reflections. Exploring the dystopian world of the book together created a shared experience that deepened our classroom connections and allowed us to explore complex ideas and perspectives. Books have this incredible ability to bring people together and foster meaningful discussions.

Grace Newton works as a commercial real estate broker. She connected with Angela & her husband when they bought an industrial building last year. Over a couple wine nights, Grace and Angela discovered their shared passion for books. Her love of stories started as a kid and now she enjoys reading historical fiction and non-fiction, thrillers, and novels that can leave a lasting impact! Her favorite place to read is on the front porch, sipping a tea with her dogs cuddled up. Favorite book: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah Favorite memory of connecting with someone via a book: doing a book podcast might be my new favorite memory! I love how discussing and sharing books with family and friends can connect across generations and interests.

Angela and Brandon bring the Season of Fun to a close in the finale. They discuss everything they learned and how they will keep bringing new experiences and focus on the present to their future endeavors.

Ashley Quade joins Brandon and Angela to talk about getting involved in the glassblowing class, trying a new coffee drink, and everything else she experienced during this season.

In this episode, Angela and Brandon discuss the fine line between ensuring everyone has fun and being a burden on others who think they always need to have fun. Learn where they fall in the spectrum and how to strike the perfect balance.

Brandon and Angela welcome Fanatic of Fun Bette Case to the show! Listen or watch to learn how Bette's introversion has transformed over the years and everything she learned while completing the challenges.

Brandon and Angela continue to discuss the Fun challenges in this episode. Tune in to hear about Brandon's stint as The Great Brandoni and Angela talks about her baking masterpiece (or immense fail?).

The Engaging Life welcomes its second guest of the season, Fanatic of Fun Chris Bober. Listen to Chris talk about his time as an NFL football player, why fun is so important to him, and the challenge that has altered how he views our tech-heavy society.

It's all about fun challenges in episode 6! Tune in to hear about Pixel Fire's client trivia night, their Wine'D Up potluck drink extravaganza, and why it's crucial to understand that fine line between being fun and being a burden on others.

Angela and Brandon welcome their VERY FIRST guest to the show! Listen to our podcast exclusive with Fanatic of Fun Dave Swearingen and hear how completing some of the challenges has changed his perspective.

Angela talks about studies that prove that having fun and being connected in the workplace is not just good for your mental health–it's also crucial for your physical well-being. The co-hosts also talk about more challenges!

In this episode, Angela talks about crafting your fun around your highest needs (such as connection or significance). Angela and Brandon also talk about some of the challenges that have been performed by them and their Fanatics of Fun!

Brandon and Angela announce the local community members who will be on the Fanatics of Fun squad this season and will talk about the challenges they and their squad will be completing to have more FUN!

In this episode, Angela and Brandon will introduce the new season that's all about having more fun in your networking, meetings, and offices and why it's crucial to your company culture as well as your overall well-being.

In the final episode of the season, Brandon and Angela discuss the importance of testimonials in a hard networking group and go through tips of how and HOW NOT to give a great one.

Angela and Brandon wrap up The Customer Value Journey by dissecting steps 7 and 8: Advocate and Promote. Learn how to take your clients to this final level and all the benefits that come as a result.

In this week's episode, Brandon talks about the differences between power teams and spheres of influence in hard contact networking groups. Learn about which is more powerful and how to make both work for you. 

Continue on the CVJ as Angela and Brandon talk about step six, ascend. Learn about how to make your new client or prospect buy your core product and the importance of continuing to give them value and treat them according to the platinum rule.

The goal of a hard referral group is always to give (and receive) fantastic referrals. But do you really know what that means and what it takes? Tune into this week's episode to hear more from Brandon and Angela about the prep, delivery, and follow-through components of the ideal referral.

Are you ready to learn how to really get your customers excited about working with you? Tune into this week's podcast, where Brandon and Angela talk about the fifth step of the CVJ!

Taking your networking groups to the next level isn't about what you do in the meeting–it's what you do outside of it. In this episode, Brandon and Angela will talk about why one to ones are so important and how you can make the most of them.

Ready to take that next step and get your prospects or new customers on board with committing to your business? In this episode, Angela and Brandon will discuss the fourth step in the Customer Value Journey–Convert!

In this episode, Brandon and Angela conclude the VCP process with profitability. Learn how to keep your networking groups working for YOU while building deep and lasting relationships.

Do you know how to get your prospects more involved in your content? In this episode, Angela and Brandon will discuss the third step in the Customer Value Journey and talk about ways you can get prospects to subscribe to your content and take the next step to working with you.

The second stage of the VCP process is Credibility! In this episode, Brandon and Angela talk about what you need to do to increase your credibility in closed networking groups and why this is a crucial part of getting quality referrals.

Angela and Brandon continue on the Customer Value Journey in this episode by discussing step 2: engage. Learn tips and tricks on how to give value to your ideal customers and clients to help advance the journey and eventually turn your prospects into raving fans of your business.

Brandon and Angela return to the concept of VCP in networking and how to get the most out of regular closed networking groups. In this episode, the duo talk more about the V in the concept: visibility.

The Customer Value Journey is a multi-step process to turn your prospects into fans and promoters of your company. In this episode, Angela and Brandon introduce the journey and go in depth to explain Step 1.

You can't market to your prospects (or talk to your spouse) if you don't KNOW them. In this episode, Angela and Brandon will talk about how to identify and get to know your target market and how to read the room!

What can personality tests tell you about yourself? In this episode, Brandon and Angela will talk about the various types of tests out there and how they can help you engage!

There's a fine line between being authentic and tactless, just as there's one between being vulnerable and oversharing. In this week's episode, Angela and Brandon talk about how you can get on the right side as a leader and a person.

While you can't control what others think of you, you do need to be aware that their perception is their reality. In this week's episode, Brandon and Angela talk about how your actions contribute to others' perception and how you can make a positive impact.

Did you listen to Part 1 about the dangers and signs of disengagement? Then it's time to listen to part 2 to find out how you can become more engaged and get your employees more engaged! Listen to this week's episode for some helpful tips.

Do you know someone who works in the service industry? The rules have seemingly changed since COVID...but Brandon and Angela have some tips to help everyone have a good experience when serving or dining out.

What's the opposite of Engagement Equity? Being disengaged, of course! In this part 1 of 2 episodes on disengagement, Angela and Brandon will talk about why we tend to disengage and the danger of disengagement as a leader and in your personal life.

We've all done it: cursed during a presentation or work meeting. But is it really worth it? And what does it say about you and your professionalism? In this episode, Brandon and Angela talk about cursing and when it is and is not appropriate.

There's a difference between getting results for your clients and having your clients like you. In this episode, Angela and Brandon will talk about being liked vs being respected and how you can use this concept to improve your professional and personal lives.

In this episode, Brandon and Angela have more tips on how to get and give the perfect referral to strengthen your network and get more results!

Hearing is sometimes confused for listening. To truly listen, you have to be open to what the other person is saying. In this episode, Angela and Brandon talk about the vulnerability necessary for open listening and how you can use it in your work and personal life.

Though you may have started out with the best of intentions, it's easy to lose the culture you've started your business out with. In this episode, Brandon and Angela will talk about how to make sure your positive culture endures.

Did you listen to part one of the show on curiosity? Now that you know why it's important, Angela and Brandon will tell you how to best utilize it to push yourself to new levels of success and engagement.

Are you following the rules of VCP? In this week's episode, Brandon and Angela give you hints and tricks on how to start on the road to profitability!

Are you curious? Not just attracted to the next shiny thing, but REALLY curious? In this week's episode, Angela and Brandon will explain the different types of curiosity and why it should matter to you.

Do you think you're doing all the right things when it comes to networking and you're STILL not getting referrals? In this week's episode, Brandon and Angela will talk about why...and what to do about it!

Do you NOT give people what they want just...because? It's human nature, but it hurts our relationships. In this week's podcast, Angela and Brandon talk about how to get over our hangups so we can just MAKE THE COOKIES for those important to us.

Are you in a networking group? Want to invite guests? There's a right and wrong way to do it! Tune into this week's show for some tips.

Inspired by Angela's recent bout of COVID, this week's episode is about how to give value to others while still taking care of yourself (and maybe even learning a thing or two) when you're sick and as you recover.

Knowing the difference between a networking group and event will help you choose which to give your valuable time and energy to. In this episode, Brandon and Angela talk about the key differences and how to give value in each.

To make Engagement Equity work, you have to craft the right Ask!! In this episode, Angela and Brandon discuss why the Ask is important and how to make a SMART Ask to get the best results.