Branded | Correspondence | Hosting | Guest Appearances
Branded | Correspondence | Hosting | Guest Appearances
![Balancing the System | brAVe [skills] Ep15](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LbXqfpx19_c/hqdefault.jpg)
How do we keep the system stable? What signals matter? Tech leaders know all too well that system maintenance cannot be overlooked.
![The LAW of Listening | brAVe [skills] Ep14](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8GuyHQch9O4/hqdefault.jpg)
Tune in to hear additional insights from Leon about why its worth revisiting the skill of effective listening. As AV professionals, we know the importance of audio. It's in our name! Just like there is no substitute for great audio, there is no substitute for effective listening as a leadership skill. Listen up!
![Leading and Living On | brAVe [skills] Ep 13](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PC_F9PrHodM/hqdefault.jpg)
Returning to work after parenthood or loss raises hard questions about identity, value, and leadership.
What happens when personal life changes but professional life continues?
In this episode, Leon Prather reflects on how life’s biggest changes reshape empathy, priorities, and the way we show up at work.
![Joy Reloaded | brAVe [skills] Ep 12](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pTq0ZFI9AyM/hqdefault.jpg)
In this episode of brAVe [skills], hosts Britt Yenser and Leon Prather revisit the very first episode of the show, hearkening back to a unique connection and an even more unique show premise. Finding inspiration in the most unlikely of places, Britt and Leon uncover why being joyful in leadership and dispelling negativity are actually competitive advantages.
![Hurkle-Durkle Your Way to Better Leadership | brAVe [skills] Ep11](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SsRxQ0btxIQ/hqdefault.jpg)
Britt Yenser and Leon Prather explore the overlooked leadership skill of rest. Tired of hustle culture and “grind harder” mantras? So are they. With humor, honesty, and a few hot takes, they unpack why proactive rest is more sustainable than waiting for burnout to strike.
![Why Leaders Should Ask for Help | brAVe [skills] Ep10](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gePIBLwo-Wk/hqdefault.jpg)
Hosts Britt Yenser and Leon Prather explore the underrated leadership skill of asking for help at work. They discuss why it’s so challenging, the difference between delegation and collaboration, and how leaders can build cultures where no one has to “suffer in silence.”
✨ If you’ve ever struggled to ask for help—or to make it easier for your team to ask you—this episode is for you.
![Believing You’re Enough | brAVe [skills] ep09](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4-8ezHj2mys/hqdefault.jpg)
In this episode of brAVe [skills], Britt Yenser and Leon Prather explore the powerful theme of believing you’re enough—both in leadership and in life. They frame leadership not just as a title but as a daily practice that begins with self-belief and resilience.
Britt approaches the topic through the lens of grit and growth mindset—developing the confidence to step up when called, even without a formal title. Leon shares from a mental health angle, highlighting the common struggles of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the importance of confronting the inner voice that says, “I’m not enough.”
They discuss how feelings of being “othered” in professional spaces can deepen this struggle, and Leon offers personal stories about choosing to step forward, speak up, and trust that his voice matters. Both hosts emphasize that confidence is not innate but a skill built over time through action, grace, and persistence.
The conversation also touches on personal journeys—parenthood, changing roles, and moments of vulnerability—illustrating how believing you’re enough applies beyond the workplace. Practical takeaways include:
Just start—don’t wait for the “perfect” moment to act.
Confront self-doubt by naming and challenging the thoughts that fuel it.
Extend grace to yourself and others, recognizing everyone wrestles with these feelings.
Seek support when needed—therapy can be a valuable tool.
Ultimately, they remind listeners that showing up fully as yourself is always enough—and often the most powerful leadership act you can offer.

In this episode of Ask the Programmer, hosts Steve Greenblat and James King welcome back Leon Prather, AV industry veteran and co-host of the Brave Skills podcast. Building on his previous discussion about simplicity in AV, Leon dives into the importance of soft skills for programmers and technicians.
Leon emphasizes that while technical expertise is vital, success often comes down to how professionals interact with people, build trust, and solve real problems. Decision-makers in AV today are less likely to be technicians, so programmers must learn to communicate solutions in human terms, not just technical ones.
Key takeaways include:
Empathy matters: Programmers must put themselves in clients’ shoes and focus on outcomes that meet human needs, not just technical specs.
Soft skills vs. hard skills: In hiring, strong interpersonal skills often outweigh perfect technical resumes. Leon shares a story of hiring a candidate with fewer technical skills but far better communication and problem-solving abilities.
Practical growth tips: Learn from mentors, watch how professionals handle challenges, seek feedback, read widely, and ask better questions.
Volunteer and take initiative: Step forward to shadow, learn, and contribute before being asked. This builds visibility, trust, and opportunities for leadership.
Leadership without titles: True leaders influence and support others regardless of their job title. Programmers should see themselves as problem solvers and catalysts for success.
Recognition and trust: Build a reputation as the reliable professional who delivers, communicates clearly, and helps clients feel confident in their technology.
The conversation highlights how soft skills, teamwork, and initiative are crucial for advancing in AV programming and technology careers.

Had a great time talking about human-centered problem-solving in tech with Steve and James
![Walking Away from Comfort – Rethinking Risk & Fear | brAVe [skills] Ep08](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_hzFtxWHVTo/hqdefault.jpg)
In this candid comeback episode of brAVe [skills], Britt Yenser and Leon Prather dive into the uncomfortable but essential topic of risk aversion. From job changes to leadership decisions, they unpack the real and perceived fears that keep us stuck—and the personal and professional growth that happens when we push past them.

Technology solutions need to be “simple” for their users. But is actually possible? One person thinks it may not be, and seeks to unpack the word “simple” to get to the human heart of the matter

Take a walk on the digital side of sports as Alfa5 XR Sports invents games like Flatball where there is no ball and reimagines soccer in a moving kaleidoscope of a venue

I chat with Jack Drury about what makes for a great podcast sound, and the answers might surprise you.

In this episode, I chat with Ryan Haberman, CEO of Forecast Consoles, about some missteps and pro tips for technicians and artists wanting to build and design a studio at home.
![Boundaries: It's About Time | brAVe [skills] Ep 7](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5Go5QLWqHZQ/hqdefault.jpg)
Hear Britt and Leon discuss some practical tips for how to protect and manage your time as a leader (and human).
![Clear is Kind: Boundaries Series | brAVe [skills] Ep 06](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wiOspUsbW6w/hqdefault.jpg)
Britt and Leon share their own experiences with boundary-setting, discuss effective methods for establishing and maintaining them, and offer insight on how to recognize when it’s time to adjust.
Throughout the conversation, they provide practical, doable strategies to help you create healthier communication habits in both personal and professional settings.
![Burnout: Empty Tank, Full Stop | brAVe [skills] Ep 05](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/55ZWXSbNYMY/hqdefault.jpg)
What is burnout? Why does it happen? How do we navigate it? We explore three causes of burnout: -Weight of the World Syndrome - Taking on everything, often for others, with a fear of failure and a need to prove yourself. -Fear of Falling - Striving for perfection and tying success to self-worth. -Dead Battery/Totaled Engine - Running on empty and relying on temporary jumpstarts to keep going.
![The Great Balancing Act | brAVe [skills] Ep04](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jYdUiEZKe8s/hqdefault.jpg)
In this episode of brAVe [skills], hosts Britt Yenser and Leon Prather dive into the ever-elusive concept of work-life balance. What does it really mean? And is balance even the goal—or should we aim for integration instead?

Sanj Surati and Leon Prather stop by the AVIXA TV Studio for a discussion with Sam and Ben about how you can continue to connect with colleagues in the pro AV industry after the show floor closes.


Leon Prather takes you on a tour of Cines Filmax Theater in Barcelona that uses 4DX technology to engage visitors senses as they watch a movie. From a 270-degree screen, the haptics in the seats – even smells! You have to see experience it for yourself!

Leon Prather II takes you inside the America's Cup Experience in Barcelona to check out Europe's second largest movie screen, a hall with 100 TV displays, interactive features and more ahead of the big America's Cup race.

In this episode of AV Reacts, the AV pros take a look at the Las Vegas phenomenon known as the Sphere. Leon Prather is joined by UCLA's Joe Way, Genevieve Cleary of Sound Connective, and AVIXA's Gibran Nassif. Tune in for more: https://avixa.tv
0:00 Intro
2:45 Personal experiences at the Sphere
10:35 "That's Some Sphere-ious Tech"
15:00 How would you utilize the venue?
28:45 Around the Interwebs
31:02 Outro

The Las Vegas Strip is one of the noisiest and busiest attractions in the United States, but one location offers visitors a break from the chaos: Arte Museum. By leveraging LED displays, projection mapping, and immersive audio, the AV in this location provides a calm and reflective mood amid the hustle and bustle of Vegas. It even provided our host, Leon, with a chance to add to add to the beauty of the experience with a surprise at the end.

AREA15 is unlike anything in Las Vegas.
Leon Prather meets with JD Bouck, Director of Production to take a tour and get a sense of what makes this facility unique.

Have you ever been to a place and thought "wow, that is some great AV!" Well... this podcast episode will contain none of that. In this AV Reacts Haloween-special, host Leon Prather is joined by AVIXA's Elizabeth Burnham, as well as Jerrold Stevens, the founder of the AV Install Nightmares Facebook group and group admin Ivan Schwartz. Grab some popcorn and be prepared to get spooked by some truly scary AV stories.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
3:28 The beginning of the Facebook group
7:38 Spooky campfire stories
38:22 "Around the Interwebs" awards
52:48 Outro
![Listen Up! Effective Listening | brAVe [skills] Ep03](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dmNXflwO1do/hqdefault.jpg)
In this episode of brAVe [skills], hosts Britt Yenser and Leon Prather dive into the topic of "Effective Listening," breaking down how to truly listen rather than just waiting for your turn to talk. They explore the concept of active listening and share actionable tactics. They also tackle how to define effective listening and why it matters, and draw connections to theater with the acronym “THeLAW,” which emphasizes the active choice to listen by preparing both mind and will.

In this episode, Britt and Leon discuss the balancing act required when dealing with giving and taking credit in business, for both successes and failures. They chat about when to take credit, how much to take, and also how to give it effectively as a leader. A listener question is also addressed related to negotiating expectations on salary and benefits when applying for a new job and accepting an offer.
![When Things Seem Inside Out | brAVe [skills] Ep01](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LCNYfD3kR0U/hqdefault.jpg)
In this debut episode of brAVe [skills], a series within brAVe [space], hosts Britt Yenser and Leon Prather delve into the nuances of joy, happiness, and toxic positivity. They explore how to cultivate a culture of joy within organizations and discuss why joy can be a significant competitive advantage. The conversation highlights the importance of maintaining focus on long-term goals while also recognizing and celebrating small wins along the way. Additionally, they address a listener's question about managing negativity during AV strategic planning, offering practical advice on how to stay positive and keep the team aligned with the overall vision. As always, be sure to listen to the end to hear our action items!
Submit a Topic or Question

We're all sad that AVIXA TV live from ISE is coming to the end of the road. But we definitely ended on a high note. See you at InfoComm!

The emergence of virtual production tech has elevated the filming process of your favorite blockbusters to the next level. But how far back can we trace these techniques through history? Leon is joined by Hope Roth of QSC, Mark Mims of Home Studios, and Charles Heureaux of AVIXA to break down some movie-making magic.

Every year, the Super Bowl brings a sports and entertainment spectacle like no other. But where does audiovisual technology come into play? Joining Leon from the inaugural episode of AV Reacts is Rebecca Sullins, Frank Padikkala, and Narin Nara to break down all things AV from the 58th Super Bowl.

To many, AI brings a feeling of uneasiness when it comes to it's abilities and how we do our work. However, as a content creator, it becomes another piece of the production arsenal. Leon sits down with AVIXA's own Paula Lamkins to discuss the power of AI as a tool for creation.

At InfoComm 2024, I had the opportunity to chat more with Britt Yenser and Iulia Popescu .

From the grandeur of the Paris Olympics broadcast to cutting-edge innovations in the NBA and NHL, AV is at the forefront of making events more immersive and engaging. Join us as we jump into groundbreaking projects like the Intuit Dome Halo Board and LED floors, redefining how fans interact with the game. We'll also feature the dynamic WNBA live experience. Whether you're an AV enthusiast or a sports fan, this episode is a must-listen for insights into the future of live sports entertainment.

In the sixth episode of TECH TANGLE, Team AVIXA enters the ring, and only two team members will get to represent Team AVIXA in March Madness. See this electrifying episode as there are VERY CLOSE CALLS!!! This is an episode you don't want to miss!!!!