The Story that Drives Your Life

End of Watch

In this episode, retired Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman Bill Malone shares his journey from first responder to author, discussing his experiences in Afghanistan, the importance of storytelling for first responders, and insights into mental health and community trust. You can listen on the Substack App [https://substack.com/app?utm_campaign=app-marketing&utm_content=email-footer-button], and all episodes are also available on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/page-stage/id1735915535] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3MIRTGD3BoSQiFUTXmpSOm]. Or, if you want to put faces with voices, you can watch the video version of this podcast over on YouTube [https://youtu.be/ffNEGi7ts6E]. Bill’s Links * Visit Bill at Linkedin [https://ca.linkedin.com/in/wmalone] * Pre-order Bill’s second book (dropping July 24!): END OF WATCH [https://www.indigo.ca/products/end-of-watch-a-mountie-s-true-story-of-war-kidnappings-and-the-breaking-point?variant=46827812880594] * Check out Bill’s first book: COPS IN KABUL [https://flankerpress.com/product/cops-in-kabul] Bill’s Bio Superintendent (Retired) Bill Malone is a native Newfoundlander and former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), where he served in New Brunswick, Ontario, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Over his distinguished career, he also represented Canada with the United Nations and NATO in Haiti, Afghanistan, Niger, and Kenya. Bill specialized in Drug Enforcement, Organized Crime, National Security, Counterterrorism, and Anti-Corruption, and served as a Canadian law enforcement expert with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Asia/Pacific Group (APG), Caribbean FATF, and the World Bank. As an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and financial crime expert with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), he trained and advised agencies across Southern Africa. Following his retirement from the RCMP, Bill worked with Nasdaq Verafin as an AML, Financial Crime, and Risk Management Expert until 2024. He now operates as a Public Safety and Security Advisor. A dedicated community leader, Bill served as Vice-Chair of the Board, Chair of Governance, and member of the Finance and Audit Committee with the St. John’s International Airport Authority (2018–2023). He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC), chairs the Hockey Helps the Homeless Newfoundland & Labrador organizing committee, and is a proud member of Team Rubicon Canada—a veteran-led humanitarian organization that assists communities before, during, and after disasters. Bill holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from St. Francis Xavier University and professional designations in Canadian Risk Management (CRM), the Director’s Education Program (ICD.D), and as a Boardroom Certified Qualified Technology Expert (QTE). He also earned a certificate in Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age from Harvard VPAL. Bill is the author of Cops in Kabul – A Newfoundland Peacekeeper in Afghanistan (Flanker Press, 2018) and the soon-to-be-released End of Watch – A Mountie’s True Story of War, Kidnappings and the Breaking Point (Flanker Press, 2026). If you enjoy or find value in this podcast, I’d like to ask a quick favor. Leaving a short review or comment helps me out a ton. It tells the algorithmic overlords that people are listening, and it helps other folks discover the show. So if you can post a review—just click the button below to open Apple Podcasts and scroll down to Ratings and Reviews—or leave a comment on this episode here on Substack or over on YouTube, wherever you happen to be listening or watching, I would be incredibly grateful. If you enjoyed Page & Stage, please share this episode with just one other person. And look—a handy-dandy “share” button! I use an incredible online app, Riverside.fm [https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=jason-cannon], to produce this podcast. If you’re interested in producing your own podcast, creating other audio or video content, or hosting a livestream, I cannot recommend them highly enough. Here’s a link so you can check ‘em out! (Full disclosure, this is an affiliate link, but I wouldn’t put it here if I didn’t believe in and use Riverside.fm [https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=jason-cannon] myself!) Get full access to The Cannon Story Company Dispatch at jasoncannonstorycoach.substack.com/subscribe [https://jasoncannonstorycoach.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The Story that Drives Your Life

In a skeptical and distracted world, how do you get people to trust your message, remember your ideas, and take action? Today’s guest, Michael Davis, is a recovering terrified speaker who now works with leaders, sales professionals, and speakers to do exactly that. He’s a storytelling coach, speaker, author, and founder of Speaking CPR. After spending the first 31 years of his life terrified of public speaking, he went on to coach TEDx speakers and leadership teams whose videos have generated more than seven million views. Today you’ll pick up insights into his storytelling frameworks that enable you to communicate with more confidence, influence, and impact. You can listen on the Substack App [https://substack.com/app?utm_campaign=app-marketing&utm_content=email-footer-button], and all episodes are also available on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/page-stage/id1735915535] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3MIRTGD3BoSQiFUTXmpSOm]. Or, if you want to put faces with voices, you can watch the video version of this podcast over on YouTube [https://youtu.be/Dl_PKlDOPPs]. Michael’s Links * Michael’s website: SpeakingCPR [https://speakingcpr.com/] * Michael’s book: STORY POWER TRIO [https://store.braughlerbooks.com/books/story-power-trio/] * Want to be coached on your story by Jason and Michael? Check out TAKE THE MIC [https://takethemicprogram.com/application?am_id=jason2703] * Meet Michael’s TedX coach: Kymberlee Weil, The Speaking Strategist [https://thespeakingstrategist.com] The episode that started it all! Here’s my podcast conversation with Michael from October, 2024. Michael’s Bio Being heard in boardrooms, online, or onstage is harder than ever because attention is scarce and trust is at an all-time low. Michael Davis is driven to help leaders, speakers, and salespeople overcome this problem. He’s a presentation skills coach, professional speaker, author, and the founder of SpeakingCPR. He’s coached TEDx speakers and leadership teams to turn smart ideas into messages people act on. His clients’ videos have been viewed over six million times. His coaching works because he cuts through the “sound polished” advice and teaches what will quickly earn you trust. His Storytelling ABS and Story Power Trio frameworks help you craft narratives that deliver a memorable message, persuade skeptical listeners, and inspire action using your real voice. If you enjoy or find value in this podcast, I’d like to ask a quick favor. Leaving a short review or comment helps me out a ton. It tells the algorithmic overlords that people are listening, and it helps other folks discover the show. So if you can post a review—just click the button below to open Apple Podcasts and scroll down to Ratings and Reviews—or leave a comment on this episode here on Substack or over on YouTube, wherever you happen to be listening or watching, I would be incredibly grateful. If you enjoyed Page & Stage, please share this episode with just one other person. And look—a handy-dandy “share” button! I use an incredible online app, Riverside.fm [https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=jason-cannon], to produce this podcast. If you’re interested in producing your own podcast, creating other audio or video content, or hosting a livestream, I cannot recommend them highly enough. Here’s a link so you can check ‘em out! (Full disclosure, this is an affiliate link, but I wouldn’t put it here if I didn’t believe in and use Riverside.fm [https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=jason-cannon] myself!) Get full access to The Cannon Story Company Dispatch at jasoncannonstorycoach.substack.com/subscribe [https://jasoncannonstorycoach.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The Dawn of Emotions

Actor, playwright, and Alba Method Master Teacher Elizabeth Townsend reflects on her journey through the theater, discussing her experiences in St. Louis, her passion for acting, and the unique Alba Method she practices. She shares her origin story, the emotional challenges of acting, and the importance of storytelling, particularly through her one-person show about Patricia Prewitt, a woman wrongfully imprisoned. Townsend emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence in both acting and everyday life, offering insights into how the Alba Method can empower individuals to navigate their emotions effectively. You can listen on the Substack App [https://substack.com/app?utm_campaign=app-marketing&utm_content=email-footer-button], and all episodes are also available on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/page-stage/id1735915535] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3MIRTGD3BoSQiFUTXmpSOm]. Or, if you want to put faces with voices, you can watch the video version of this podcast over on YouTube [https://youtu.be/nftg_CFeS-c]. Elizabeth’s Links * Elizabeth’s website [https://elizabethanntownsend.com] * Patricia Prewitt’s book: TRYING TO CATCH LIGHTNING IN A JAR [https://www.somepeoplepress.com/patty] * Email Elizabeth at AlbaMethod.ElizabethTownsend@gmail.com [AlbaMethod.ElizabethTownsend@gmail.com] Elizabeth’s Bio Elizabeth has been a professional actress for over 30 years and is a proud union member of SAG/AFTRA and Actor’s Equity. Recently she enjoyed playing a New York National Weather Service Tour Guide in the film TWISTERS. She played principal roles in numerous National Commercials in NYC. She was on Law & Order a few times and The Sopranos to name a few projects while working and living in New York City during the 1980’s and 1990’s. She continues to perform on stage across the country and in film. Currently she resides in Norman, Oklahoma with her husband, Seth Gordon. She teaches acting at Oklahoma City University and The University of Oklahoma. Elizabeth is the Co-President of the Alba Method Association International. She is a Master Teacher of the Alba Method and absolutely loves teaching this technique. One of her most special projects was creating and performing her one-woman show COUNT TIME! THE LIFE AND TIMES OF PATRICIA PREWITT. She received the “Best Play Award” at the St. Louis Fringe Festival in 2016. She was commissioned by friends of Patty Prewitt to bring attention to her unjust incarceration in women’s prisons in Missouri from 1986 to her recent release in 2024. Elizabeth is beyond grateful to have played a part in bringing Patty home to her family and friends! If you enjoy or find value in this podcast, I’d like to ask a quick favor. Leaving a short review or comment helps me out a ton. It tells the algorithmic overlords that people are listening, and it helps other folks discover the show. So if you can post a review—just click the button below to open Apple Podcasts and scroll down to Ratings and Reviews—or leave a comment on this episode here on Substack or over on YouTube, wherever you happen to be listening or watching, I would be incredibly grateful. If you enjoyed Page&Stage, please share this episode with just one other person. And look—a handy-dandy “share” button! I use an incredible online app, Riverside.fm [https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=jason-cannon], to produce this podcast. If you’re interested in producing your own podcast, creating other audio or video content, or hosting a livestream, I cannot recommend them highly enough. Here’s a link so you can check ‘em out! (Full disclosure, this is an affiliate link, but I wouldn’t put it here if I didn’t believe in and use Riverside.fm [https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=jason-cannon] myself!) Get full access to The Cannon Story Company Dispatch at jasoncannonstorycoach.substack.com/subscribe [https://jasoncannonstorycoach.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Predictor

In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Blackmer and Meg Crane to discuss the fascinating story behind the invention of the home pregnancy test. Meg shares her journey from working as a graphic designer and illustrator to developing a prototype that would empower women with the ability to test for pregnancy at home. Despite initial resistance and skepticism from (all male) executives, Meg’s determination and innovative thinking led to a groundbreaking product that changed the landscape of women’s health. Jennifer, the playwright of PREDICTOR, adds depth to the conversation by exploring how she adapted Meg’s story into a stage production, highlighting the intersection of art and science. You can listen on the Substack App [https://substack.com/app?utm_campaign=app-marketing&utm_content=email-footer-button], and all episodes are also available on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/page-stage-podcast/id1735915535] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3MIRTGD3BoSQiFUTXmpSOm]. Or, if you want to put faces with voices, you can watch the video version of this podcast over on YouTube [https://youtu.be/DPsLPG727j8]. Meg and Jen’s Links Check out Jen’s website: jenniferblackmer.com [https://www.jenniferblackmer.com] Visit Meg Crane on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/meg.crane1]. Get tix to PREDICTOR [https://www.predictorplay.com]! Here’s the original article that inspired the play [https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/31/opinion/sunday/could-women-be-trusted-with-their-own-pregnancy-tests.html]. Meg and Jen’s Bios Jennifer Blackmer’s award-winning plays include Predictor, I Carry Your Heart with Me, Margaret Atwood’s Alias Grace, Borrowed Babies, Delicate Particle Logic, Human Terrain, and Unraveled. She was recently honored with the 2024 Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust/ATCA Citation, which recognizes the best new plays produced outside of New York, the PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation for Theatre Award for Emerging American Playwright, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Tribeca Film Institute prize, the Indiana Authors Award, the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Adaptation, the David Mark Cohen Playwriting Award, and the Gold Medallion from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Jennifer is a Professor of Theatre at Ball State University, where she teaches classes in playwriting, storytelling, science on stage, feminist theatre and directing. Meg Crane founded Ponzi & Weill Inc. advertising and design company in 1968 with her late partner, Ira Sturtevant. Prior to that, she was Creative Director at Intec Laboratories (Organon) where she coordinated projects with four advertising agencies assigned to Intec’s new cosmetic’s department. Before joining Intec, she worked at Harpers Bazaar Magazine and at Gene Murray Advertising. Meg is the inventor of the first home pregnancy diagnostic test, 1967, for which she holds two patents: 3,579,306 and DES.215.774. In June, 2015, her prototype for the test was acquired by The Smithsonian Museum along with one of the original marketed products. Now retired, Meg participates in panels and conferences, and consults on upcoming films, stage plays, and book projects about her work on the original home pregnancy test. At this moment in time, she is most concerned about the state of reproductive rights in the United States. If you enjoy or find value in this podcast, I’d like to ask you a quick favor. Leaving a short review or comment helps me out a ton. It tells the algorithmic overlords that people are listening, and it helps other folks discover the show. So if you can post a review—just click the purple button below to open Apple Podcasts and scroll down to Ratings and Reviews—or leave a comment on this episode here on Substack or over on YouTube, wherever you happen to be listening or watching, I would be incredibly grateful. And if you know someone who might also enjoy Page&Stage, here’s a handy “share” button. Thank you! I use an incredible online app, Riverside.fm [https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=jason-cannon], to produce this podcast. If you’re interested in producing your own podcast, creating other audio or video content, or hosting a livestream, I cannot recommend them highly enough. Here’s a link so you can check ‘em out! (Full disclosure, this is an affiliate link, but I wouldn’t put it here if I didn’t believe in and use Riverside.fm [https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=jason-cannon] myself!) A quick shout out to Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/users/hitslab-47305729/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=278389] for the musical underscoring! Get full access to The Cannon Story Company Dispatch at jasoncannonstorycoach.substack.com/subscribe [https://jasoncannonstorycoach.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The Funny Voice Guy

In this episode, I interview Jim Sorensen, exploring his diverse journey through theater, boxing, and a new career in financial services. Jim shares his experiences in acting, the challenges of portraying complex characters, and the importance of storytelling in both theater and life. He discusses his love for radio theater and his unique adaptation of A Christmas Carol. He also reflects on the lessons learned throughout his career, emphasizing the need for financial literacy among artists. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of creativity and practicality in the arts. You can listen on the Substack App [https://substack.com/app?utm_campaign=app-marketing&utm_content=email-footer-button], and all episodes are also available on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/page-stage-podcast/id1735915535] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3MIRTGD3BoSQiFUTXmpSOm]. Or, if you want to put faces with voices, you can watch the video version of this podcast over on YouTube [https://youtu.be/bSZtwmaUFFg]. CORRECTION After recording, Jim emailed saying he had misspoken. While talking about his work in the boxing industry—and that’s pugilism, not cardboard—Jim mentioned a recent bout that his buddy Paulie Malignaggi had fought in. In our interview, Jim mistakenly implied that Paulie had lost, but in fact, Paulie won! So if you run into Paulie, be sure to congratulate him. And if you run into Jim, forgive him. Jim’s Links * Learn all about Jim and his work at his website: jimsoren.com [https://www.jimsoren.com] * Info and tix for A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A LIVE RADIO PLAY [https://thestudioat620.org] * Learn more about Tampa Repertory Theatre [https://thestudioat620.org] * Visit Jim at Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jimsoren?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/jimsoren] Jim’s Bio Jim Sorensen has been an actor, singer, administrator, designer, director, and all-around theatre practitioner for over 30 years. Onstage credits include: Off-Broadway/New York: THE BODY BEAUTIFUL, PLAIN & FANCY (York), MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (Engeman), PLAGUED: A LOVE STORY (NYMF). Regional: BEAUTIFUL (Reagle Music Theatre), THE 39 STEPS, A FEW GOOD MEN (Flat Rock Playhouse), INTO THE WOODS, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Fulton), LES MISERABLES (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina). Florida: BAKERSFIELD MIST (The Off-Central), NEXT TO NORMAL, STRAIGHT WHITE MEN (TampaRep), MAMMA MIA!, THE PRODUCERS, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (American Stage), WEBB’S CITY (Palladium), BUTLER (Florida Studio), SOUTH PACIFIC, 1776 (Asolo), TIME STANDS STILL (Banyan), THE BUFFALO KINGS, CABARET, THE NORMAL HEART, BECKY SHAW, THE BURNT PART BOYS (freeFall), THE BLUE ROOM (Stageworks). A multiple award-winning actor, Jim was also founding Managing Director of freeFall Theatre, served as Managing Director at American Stage, and is currently the Managing Artistic Producer at Tampa Repertory Theatre. After three years with ProBox TV, producing live boxing events - and occasionally appearing as Ring Announcer - Jim is on the setting out on his next big adventure: serving as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. If you enjoy or find value in this podcast, I’d like to ask you a quick favor. Leaving a short review or comment helps me out a ton. It tells the algorithmic overlords that people are listening, and it helps other folks discover the show. So if you can post a review—just click the purple button below to open Apple Podcasts and scroll down to Ratings and Reviews—or leave a comment on this episode here on Substack or over on YouTube, wherever you happen to be listening or watching, I would be incredibly grateful. And if you know someone who might also enjoy Page&Stage, here’s a handy “share” button. Thank you! I use an incredible online app, Riverside.fm [https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=jason-cannon], to produce this podcast. If you’re interested in producing your own podcast, creating other audio or video content, or hosting a livestream, I cannot recommend them highly enough. Here’s a link so you can check ‘em out! (Full disclosure, this is an affiliate link, but I wouldn’t put it here if I didn’t believe in and use Riverside.fm [https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=jason-cannon] myself!) A quick shout out to Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/users/hitslab-47305729/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=278389] for the musical underscoring! Get full access to The Cannon Story Company Dispatch at jasoncannonstorycoach.substack.com/subscribe [https://jasoncannonstorycoach.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]