Smart Meetings’ podcasts covered a lot in 2025. So much so it was hard to settle on the objectively “best podcast episodes” of the year. But, after some thought, we selected the episodes we thought sparked further thought and discussion.
From redefining ambition, owning your spark, allyship, AI in events, tips for trip packing and neuroinclusivity, our top picks from 2025 offer a range of information from all areas of our industry.
Whether it is from What One Thing? or Smart Start Radio, we’re confident you’ll take something away from either of these shows.
Stay tuned and subscribe for our new episodes coming to you in 2026!
What One Thing?—Walking Through the Door: Real Talk on Allyship, Mentorship and Sponsorship
On this episode of What One Thing? we spotlight the Smart Allies cohort with candid insights on real-world allyship. Leonard Hoops (Visit Indy), David Stevens (Olympian Meeting) and Mike May (Brightspot Incentives & Events) join host JT Long to explore how leaders open doors through action, whether by championing accessibility, elevating mental health conversations or advancing emerging talent. Through honest stories and practical takeaways, the episode offers clear guidance for anyone seeking to be a stronger mentor, sponsor or advocate.
Smart Start Radio—From Vision to Venue: How AI Is Transforming Event Planning
In this episode of Smart Start Radio, co-hosts Eming Piansay and Sara Robertson are joined by Prismm CEO Yaron Lipshitz, who breaks down how photorealistic 3D venue visualization is saving planners time, money and emissions. Later in the episode, Katie Moser of GoGather offers practical examples of how AI supports marketers and planners through faster content creation, video editing and data analysis. Together, both guests paint a clear picture of how technology is reshaping events with more efficiency, sustainability and collaboration.
What One Thing?—Stop Shrinking: The Power of Owning Your Spark
Host JT Long sits down with emcee and event strategist Devon Montgomery Pasha for a conversation about authenticity, impact and the moment she chose to stop shrinking. JT also announces on this episode that Pasha has joined What One Thing as the new co-host.
Devon reflects on stage presence, motherhood, the mentors who shaped her path and the practices that keep her centered. The episode honors courage, belonging and the choice to show up as your full self.
Packing Like a Pro: Coffee Chat on FAM Trip Essentials
In this Coffee Chat episode of Smart Start Radio, host Eming Piansay is joined by Digital Content Manager Malik Anderson and new Senior Editor David Lytle for a lively look at how they pack for FAM trips. From David’s lifelong list-making habits to Malik’s commitment to traveling light, the team trades stories, mishaps and favorite packing hacks. They cover gadgets, shoes, style choices and prep for major events like IMEX. Whether you overpack or keep it minimal, the episode offers practical tips and relatable moments to ease your next business trip.
What One Thing?—Tough as a Mother: Redefining Ambition in Events
In this episode of What One Thing? JT Long talks with Justine Sterling Converse and April Zorsky, co-founders of Brigade Events, a woman-led agency known for producing experiences for presidents, world leaders, Fortune 500 executives and top-tier talent.
They reveal how they built a people-first culture that supports flexibility, maternity leave and true work-life balance, showing that ambition and family can coexist. Their journey spans resilience through the pandemic, deep teamwork and lessons carried from their White House and Bush Center careers into leading their own firm.
Their one thing: Motherhood is a strength that fuels exceptional leadership.
Designing Events for Everyone: Neuroinclusivity with Megan Henshall
This episode of Smart Start Radio features Megan Henshall, a visionary leader in neuroinclusivity and former strategic lead at Google. She discusses her work designing environments that honor neurodiverse needs, from sensory-friendly spaces to building rest and predictability into events. Henshall also highlights the NEU Project, an initiative pushing inclusivity beyond buzzwords and into real practice. The conversation offers practical guidance for planners committed to creating spaces where every brain can thrive.
