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The Creative Chat

The Creative Chat

By The DI Alumni Council

In each episode of this new podcast, we’ll talk with alumni of the Destination Imagination challenge experience about how they use creativity and problem solving in their every day life and career. We’ll also explore how Destination Imagination helped shape their lives into what they are today.
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Joey DiFranco

The Creative ChatFeb 02, 2022

00:00
29:55
Conversation with OM Alumni and Elementary School Principal, Katie Rexford

Conversation with OM Alumni and Elementary School Principal, Katie Rexford

Welcome to Season 5 of the Creative Chat! On this episode of the Creative Chat we're thrilled to once again join Katie Vaughn, one of our esteemed Alumni Council members in an engaging conversation with a fellow Odyssey of the Mind alum and elementary school principal, Katie Rexford. During this special episode we hear about what it is like to incorporate DI into a public elementary school curriculum, how having DI on your resume can give you an edge in any career field and what it takes to get a team started at your local school! If you would like to get in contact with Katie Rexford you can send her an email at Krexford@wpsdk12.org

If you are a Destination Imagination Alumni and are interested in being interviewed for the podcast, getting connected to fellow alumni or involved in volunteer opportunities within DI, please e-mail: alumnicouncil@dihq.org You can find us at: www.facebook.com/groups/dialumni Instagram: @DIalumni X (Twitter): @DI_Alumni Destination Imagination is a global educational nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators, leaders and creative problem solvers. Through the Challenge Experience, students solve one of six different open-ended STEAM based challenges that build upon the skills they learn in the classroom.
Feb 27, 202434:06
A Conversation with DI Alum, Engineer Isaac Anthony

A Conversation with DI Alum, Engineer Isaac Anthony

Welcome to Season 5 of the Creative Chat! On this episode of the Creative Chat we're thrilled to welcome Katie Vaughn, one of our esteemed Alumni Council members, and Isaac Anthony, a distinguished Destination Imagination Alumnus hailing from Colorado. During this engaging session we'll delve into Isaac's remarkable journey, discovering how Destination Imagination not only equipped him with technical prowess of an accomplished professional engineer but also honed his exceptional communication skills for a successful career. Take a listen to hear the conversation between Katie and Isaac and learn how DI translated career skills into his professional field.

If you are a Destination Imagination Alumni and are interested in getting connected to fellow alumni or involved in volunteer opportunities within DI, please e-mail: alumnicouncil@dihq.org You can find us at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dialumni Instagram: @DIalumni X (Twitter): @DI_Alumni Destination Imagination is a global educational nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators, leaders and creative problem solvers. Through the Challenge Experience, students solve one of six different open-ended STEAM based challenges that build upon the skills they learn in the classroom.

Jan 08, 202424:40
Thanksgiving Episode: Talking DI Friendship with Sarah Bridge and Host Katie Vaughn
Nov 23, 202349:37
Lesson Learned from DI
Sep 09, 202350:58
LIVE at DI Global Finals 2023
May 28, 202313:50
DI in the Summer

DI in the Summer

What happens after the DI season and over, and the kids and volunteers have nothing to do all summer? They go to camp! NHICC's Camp Gottalikachallenge has been providing a place for creative kids to have a summer camp experience, along with a whole DI-like season, in just a week or two. Alum and Camp Director Lou McKenna chats with the Council's Jake Oudheusden about what why Camp is so unique and special, what led her to Camp, and how she views creativity and problem solving.

Apr 23, 202335:44
Favorite Tournament Memories
Mar 26, 202337:43
DI Love Stories

DI Love Stories

With Valentine's Day, February is the "Season of Love." Many DI-ers end up falling in love and spending their lives together, and two couples come on the podcast to share their stories. First, co-host Michael chats with Anneke and Carlos from Texas who share how they met as participants and are now planning their wedding for the end of the year. Then, co-host Dan chats with co-host Michael and his wife Abbey, who share how they found each other as volunteers, and how they incorporated DI into their wedding back in 2017.



Feb 27, 202344:32
Behind the Curtain of Instant Challenge

Behind the Curtain of Instant Challenge

Instant Challenge is an integral part of Destination Imagination, and alumni have fond (or not) memories. Host Dan Grueber chats with former teammate Kevin Ponziani about competing together, what it's now like to volunteer with DI, and Kevin shares memories of writing and testing Instant Challenges, including doing 200 of them in one weekend.

Jan 22, 202337:33
Joey DiFranco
Feb 02, 202229:55
Alyssa Macaluso

Alyssa Macaluso

Alyssa Macaluso, a New York DI Alumni, is an IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) stage hand who chats this month with host David Rousseau about working in theatre and television, on cruise ships, and how being a volunteer head appraiser helped her learn how to become a better leader and team player.

Dec 01, 202140:29
Amanda Tipton
Oct 01, 202133:15
Ian Yue
Sep 01, 202135:24
Ed Song

Ed Song

This month, host Michael Russell chats with Ed Song. Song, an 8 year alumnus from Ontario, Canada, shares his career as a financial advisory, and his stories of learning from failure.

Jul 01, 202132:20
Max Diamond

Max Diamond

As a former New York alumni, and current conductor on the New York City Subway, Max Diamond shares with host David Rousseau his interest with trains and subways, and how he uses his creativity and collaboration skills daily for the Metropolitan Transit Authority.

Jun 01, 202148:36
Tim Sentz

Tim Sentz

This month, host David Russou chats with Tech Sargent Tim Sentz of the US Air Force on how his years in New York Destination Imagination have helped him be successful working in the IT world in a military setting.

May 01, 202127:28
Crystal Burke

Crystal Burke

The month, Michael chatted with Georgia Alumnus Crystal Burke, a Clinical Research Coordinator in Atlanta, GA. Burke shares what it means to be a Clinical Research Coordinator, and what it was like to work on some trials to help patients suffering with COVID-19.

Apr 01, 202126:28
Jake Levin

Jake Levin

This month, Michael chats with New Hampshire alum Jake Levin. Levin, the Director of Partnerships at MICRO, helps bring the company's tiny bespoke museums into public spaces, including hospital lobbies and DMV waiting rooms. Levin shares how he came to work at MICRO, and how important it is to him to bring art and science to people in areas where they may otherwise not thinking of finding it.

MICRO also just launched a new DIY program, which you can learn more about here: micro.ooo/diy

You can find Jake Levin on Instagram here: instagram.com/jakeblevin

You can find the Alumni Council on Facebook (facebook.com/destinationimaginationaap), Instagram (instagram.com/dialumni), and Twitter (twitter.com/di_alumni). Find Destination Imagination here: destinationimagination.org

Nov 13, 202033:33
Laura Theobald
Oct 01, 202029:37
Yasmine Ebeed

Yasmine Ebeed

Yasmine Ebeed, a nine year alumni from New Hampshire, joins the podcast this month to talk about her journey to becoming a Production Assistant on Nickelodeon's "Spongebob Squarepants." Along the way we'll learn how her resiliency led her to opportunities and internships at PBS's "Arthur" and Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," and how she's performing her role remotely during the pandemic.

Sep 01, 202019:36
Josh Jasper

Josh Jasper

Have you ever wondered what all those orange and red painted lines and flags on the ground are for around homes and construction sites? Well, Damage Prevention Specialist Josh Jasper, a 10 year alum from Arkansas, shares what they are and how he marks them in this month's episode.

Aug 01, 202019:53
Jason Levine

Jason Levine

Rabbi Jason Levine, a 7 year alum and 20 year volunteer from Washington, joins Michael to talk about what it’s like to be a faith leader. He also discusses some of the many challenges facing Judaism and other religions during the ongoing pandemic, and what he is doing at his temple to overcome them.

Jul 05, 202029:45
Episode 4: Wren Hayes

Episode 4: Wren Hayes

Michael chats with 12 year alumni Wren Hayes, Owner and Director of Building Blocks Commons, a project-based school in Exeter, NH.

Jun 01, 202026:11
Episode 3: Devin Shuman

Episode 3: Devin Shuman

This month, Michael chats with Devin Shuman, a genetic counselor and rare and chronic disease advocate.

May 01, 202022:23
Episode 2: Ayan Gupta

Episode 2: Ayan Gupta

In our second episode of The Creative Chat, Michael talks with Ayan Gupta from Washington state, founder and CEO of STEMZ Education and 425 Magazine's youngest individual named to their 2019 30 Under 30 list.
Apr 01, 202021:32
Episode 1: Kim Holman

Episode 1: Kim Holman

On this brand new podcast by the Destination Imagination Alumni Council, we talk with DI alumni on how they use creativity and problem solving in their every day life and career. This week, Michael chats with the Creative Director of Luminarium Dance Company, Kim Holman.

Mar 02, 202020:58