Making art is one thing.Making it sustainable is another.In this episode of Real Work, Geoff Anderson shares the honest reality of turning poetry into a business—without hollowing out the heart of the work itself.This is a grounded conversation about craft, discipline, and the often invisible labor behind creative careers. We talk about what it really takes to let art pay the bills while protecting meaning, voice, and integrity.In this episode, we explore:The tension between creative freedom and financial survivalWhat poets and artists misunderstand about “monetizing” their workHow discipline supports creativity instead of killing itWhy the business side of art doesn’t have to erase the soulIf you’re a creative trying to make your work last—not just launch—this episode is for you.This isn’t about shortcuts.It’s about doing the real work.🎙️ Part of the Real Work series📺 Listen or watch wherever you get your podcastsLearn more / connect with GeoffGeoff Anderson is the founder of Fluent American and the author of 4 Step American Accent, focused on improving communication for speakers of all languages, especially in English. He is also the founder of diVERSES, guiding poets and artists toward creative and financial independence, and runs The Stanza, Columbus, Ohio’s first and only poetry-dedicated venue.His essay collection, Meditations for the Independent Poet, explores the intersection of poetry, art, and business.🌐 Websites➡️ https://fluentamerican.com➡️ https://diversespoetry.com▶️ YouTube Channels➡️ Fluent American — @fluentamerican➡️ Fluent American Shadowing — @fluentamericanshadowing➡️ Schwa Mill — @schwamill➡️ Geoff Anderson — @geoffanderson➡️ diVERSES Poetry — @diversespoetry

Improv isn’t just about being funny—it’s about listening, adaptability, and showing up prepared.

In this episode of Real Work, Vince Ricci, founder of City Stages, breaks down what real improv training looks like and why it matters for performers, professionals, and anyone building confidence under pressure.

Vince shares how structured improv training develops presence, collaboration, and decision-making skills that transfer far beyond the stage. Whether you’re an actor, speaker, or working professional, this conversation focuses on using improv as a practical tool—not a party trick.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What separates real improv training from casual performance

• How improv builds confidence, focus, and adaptability

• Why listening is the most important improv skill

• Preparing for industry work, not just the classroom

• How improv strengthens communication in everyday life

This is not about shortcuts or hype.
It’s about doing the real work that makes growth visible—on stage and off.

🎙️ Part of the Real Work podcast
📺 Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts

Vince Ricci is the founder of City Stages.
📅 His upcoming class takes place on February 19.

➡️ Sign up & learn more: https://www.citystages.com
📩 Questions or details about the attached audio file: citystages@gmail.com

🎭 Training & Industry Resources

The real work of MBA admissions coaching extends far beyond the application! In this session, John Couke, MBA Coach for top-tier US universities, reveals how he supports high-achieving professionals get into a top-tier MBA program like HBS, Stanford GSB, or Wharton. John works after successful acceptance preparing clients for the complex career transitions and post-MBA success.

➡️ Book a consultation with John Couke here: https://johncouke.com/

➡️ Subscribe for more elite MBA and Leadership content!

#MBAAdmissions #AdmissionsCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerTransition #TopTierMBA #JohnCouke

Learn more/contact John:
➡️ https://johncouke.com/
➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncouke/
➡️ john.couke@gmail.com

What happens when your unique voice holds you back? Communication Coach Jennifer Tarl shares her journey from a Western PA local with a distinct Pittsburghese accent to a global communications expert.

Growing up, Jennifer was told she needed to change her accent to be professional. She shares the hilarious and frustrating linguistic traits of Pittsburghese (yes, we're talking yinz and redd up!), and the intense work it took to refine her speech.

The key takeaway? It was never about getting rid of her accent; it was about achieving clarity. Learn the practical techniques—including the powerful SLOPE speaking method [22:36]—Jennifer uses to coach C-suite executives, and discover how to speak with confidence and be clearly understood while fiercely holding onto your authentic self.

Listen now to turn your voice into your superpower.

In this special solo episode, I interview myself to share the unscripted journey of how I transitioned from a traditional role as a certified Speech Therapist to becoming a successful Global Communication Coach and full-time entrepreneur. This is The Real Work—the dedication, the pivots, and the strategic risks that turned a side gig into a global business.

Discover the key decisions that fueled my transition, including my early interest in accents, the critical shift from in-person teaching to online coaching, and how I embraced digital media years before it was common.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The spark: How my passion for accents led to my first coaching clients.
• Scaling up: Moving from local, in-person lessons to coaching globally via Skype.
• Early Content Pioneer: Why I decided to self-publish books, DVDs, and CDs.
• The 2007 Leap: My experience as an early adopter of YouTube and how it changed my business forever.
• Mastering Media: The evolution from hiring video production to shooting and editing my own digital courses.
• The Real Work: The ‘Say Yes’ Strategy and the continuous evolution that made the full-time pivot inevitable.

▶️ Subscribe for more communication tips https://www.youtube.com/@tarlespeech

In this episode of the Real Work Ideas podcast, we sit down with Tom Pruss, the owner of Northcoast PMM LLC, Northwest Ohio's trusted leader in print and marketing solutions.

Tom shares his journey in building a company recognized for both quality and reliability, specializing in community-focused branding and high-volume print management for regional banks, nonprofits, and local organizations. Discover how his work has supported major cultural, civic, and fundraising initiatives, actively strengthening Northwest Ohio's business and cultural landscape.

But that’s not all! Tom also reveals the story behind his unique secondary venture, 419Santa.com, and how he successfully combines entrepreneurial leadership with a commitment to local engagement—from print delivery to delivering holiday cheer.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
-The foundation of Northcoast PMM: Building a reliable print and marketing partner.
-The strategy behind strengthening Northwest Ohio through business and civic support.
-The surprising intersection of entrepreneurship and the unique 419Santa project.

Connect with Tom Pruss:
Northcoast PMM (Print & Marketing): http://northcoastprintmail.com

The Santa Venture: http://419Santa.com

Subscribe to Real Work Ideas for more stories on business, entrepreneurship, and community impact!

Welcome to The Real Work Podcast!

In this episode, we tackle The Real Work of AI Education with expert and visionary founder, Anu Hoysniemi.

In a world rapidly being reshaped by Artificial Intelligence, how do we equip our kids to explore this technology safely, responsibly, and smartly? Join Anu, the founder of AI Adventure LLC, a fast-growing company dedicated to helping children navigate the world of AI.

With over 15 years of experience in analytics, AI, strategy, and management consulting, Anu brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. She shares why she launched AI Adventure: to help kids build essential future-ready skills like curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking while engaging with AI. Learn about the success of her pilot programs and the expansion to 9 new locations this January!

In this episode, we dive into the core Myth Buster:

The AI "Blockade" Myth: Why blocking access to AI (like ChatGPT) in schools and homes is often an ineffective strategy against the 86% of kids already using it.

The Danger of Unsupervised Exploration: The risks kids face when experimenting with powerful AI tools without proper guidance on safety, ethics, and responsibility.

The Guide, Not Gatekeeper Approach: How parents and educators can shift from trying to restrict AI to actively teaching kids to use it safely, responsibly, and smartly.

Building the Future-Ready Mindset: Practical tips on leveraging AI to develop essential skills like critical thinking, digital citizenship, and problem-solving, rather than hindering them.

🔗 Links and Resources
Bring AI Adventure to Your Community or Download FREE Resources (like SAFE AI Rules and a word search): https://aiadventure.co/

Follow AI Adventure on Instagram for FREE Tips to Explore AI Safely and Responsibly: https://www.instagram.com/aiadventurefamily

Connect with Anu and Follow the AI Adventure Journey on LinkedIn (Open Roles Available!): Anu Höysniemi | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anu-hoysniemi/

What does it take to lead when the situation demands something completely new?
In this episode of Real Work, we sit down with executive Rob Pakulski to break down his long and varied business career, focusing on the defining moments that shaped his leadership style. This isn't theoretical advice; this is the real work behind high-level management.
Rob pulls back the curtain on:
-The pivotal difference between being a leader and being the leader needed for a specific situation.

-How to successfully seek out and leverage mentorship at every stage of your career growth.
-The toughest decision he had to make that ultimately unlocked his biggest career pivot.
If you're ready to stop reading management books and start doing the work, this is your next step in mastering executive leadership.
Links/CTA
🔔 Subscribe for more Real Work:
/ @realworkideas
🔗 Connect with Rob Pakulski:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertpakulski/

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