Walkabout Elevations Podcast

In this episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast, I sit down with Toby Johnson, Founder and Director of Education at USA English, whose work spans over 16 years building English learning systems across China and now Vietnam.But this conversation is about what actually happens when people try to learn.Toby spent over a decade in Beijing working inside one of the most competitive private education markets in the world. What he saw there (and what most people miss) is a fundamental gap in how reading is taught.We break down why so many students spend years studying English but never become confident readers… and what actually needs to change.We also explore:The reality of building an education business in China vs VietnamWhy “easy words” aren’t actually easy for most learnersThe phonics gap and what it means for second-language learnersThe Science of Reading movement and why it matters nowHow Toby built Phunics and why decodable books change everythingThe role of technology, data, and phoneme tracking in modern learningWhat parents should really look for when choosing English programs for their kidsThis is a conversation about systems, not shortcuts.If you’re a parent, educator, or someone interested in how people actually learn, this one will shift how you think.🎙️ Walkabout Elevations PodcastReal conversations about performance, mindset, and growth.

In this episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast, I sit down with my friend Scott Robinson and this conversation goes far deeper than cycling. Scott’s story is one of transformation, discipline, and raw reinvention. We talk about a period of his life that most people would rather forget; being arrested and spending time in jail in the United States . And how that experience became a turning point rather than an endingFrom there, Scott rebuilt himself. He rose to become one of the top spinning instructors in America, developing a reputation for intensity, focus, and presence that few could match. And then… he took things even further.Scott went on to set a Guinness World Record for the fastest human-powered crossing of Africa: pushing through extreme conditions, physical exhaustion, and mental limits that most people will never come close to experiencing.We explore:How discipline can reshape a lifeThe psychology of extreme challengeLeadership, pressure, and personal responsibilityWhat Scott learned crossing one of the toughest environments on EarthIf you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or in need of a reset… this conversation will stay with you.🎙️ Walkabout Elevations Podcast: Real conversations about performance, mindset, and growth.

Working across cultures sounds simple, until you actually do it.In this episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast, I sit down with Ibrahima Seck (Ibo), a cross-cultural communication and leadership expert who has worked in over 35 countries.We talk about:Why communication breaks down across culturesThe mistakes people make when working internationallyHow culture impacts leadership, sales, and trustReal stories of things going wrong (and what they teach us)How to adapt without losing yourselfIt’s a practical look beyond the theory at how people actually think, behave, and misunderstand each other across borders.If you'd like to get in touch with Ibrahima Seck, you can reach him here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibrahimaseckhttps://thestrideco.comRecorded at Walkabout Studio in Da Nang, Vietnam.What People Get Wrong About Culture | Ibrahima Seck

AI is moving fast, but most people still don’t understand what’s actually changing.In this episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast, I sit down with Taj Sarin—AI strategist, educator, and futurist—to explore what the next 5–10 years might really look like.We talk about:The difference between using AI… and becoming dependent on itThe Human-AI loop and how it changes the way we thinkWhat people are getting wrong about AI right nowRecorded at Walkabout Studio in Da Nang, Vietnam.

The first episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast… and we start at the source.In this conversation, I sit down with Payman Lorenzo, podcast host and coach, to explore what podcasting really does beyond content.We talk about presence, listening, and how meaningful conversations shape the way we think and communicate. It’s what happens when you actually pay attention.