The Human Connection Podcast

Is your business’s growth stalled? Employee churn eating into your profits? Struggling with customer retention? 

You need stronger connections.

Every Tuesday, connect with an expert who’s sharing actionable advice for building stronger relationships with your customers, clients, and stakeholders. Hosted by Karl Pontau, a storytelling super-connector, content system strategist, and survivor of two childhood brain tumors, this podcast’s mission is to fix the underlying cause of workplace and societal dysfunction: the lack of human connection.

Learn more at www.thehumanconnectionpodcast.com

Podcast Host

Squash and Stretch Productions

My heroic mission involves guiding teams to bring visionary Content Systems and strategies to life. By fostering a creative environment where complex ideas transform into compelling visual stories, I've helped clients achieve remarkable results. What drives me is connecting clients' missions with audiences through visually striking content that sparks action. By nurturing talent and overseeing seamless workflows, I ensure our work not only captivates but also delivers on strategic goals.

▶️Led Enovix’s team to clearly and concisely explain the value of their innovative battery tech - taking them from a 45 minute explanation to a 2 minute video – supporting their $1.13B SPAC event and their $250 million contract with the US Army. Optimized creative strategy and message to grab and hold viewer’s attention. Navigated around two major holidays and an unexpected scope change to deliver on time and under budget.

▶️Recruited and managed the team, budget, and timeline for a collaborative animation project that convinced the San Jose City Council to require life-saving firefighting tech in high-rises, catalyzed adoption in 18 other cities, and contributed to a $100M IP sale for my client. 

▶️Designed flexible content system for La Familia's anti-Fentanyl campaign, enabling rapid pivot when major challenge arose; directed production and content adaptation while production team saved two lives through Narcan administration during new on-site shoot; final campaign successfully deployed regionwide.

Freelance Art Director / Senior Digital Creative Producer

SAE Expression College

As a Brand Story Coach, I've helped entrepreneurs translate their knowledge into actionable ideas for their ideal consumer. Additionally, in the classroom, I've had the joy of shaping future creatives. Through developing curricula and adapting to diverse learning styles, I created supportive environments where innovation thrives and students discover their creative potential.

▶️Advised a local coach on connecting client challenges to his solutions, boosting referrals and sales through improved value communication.

▶️Mentored college students at SAE Expressions in advanced motion graphics, editing, and branding, guiding them through complex software challenges to enhance their technical proficiency and creative output. 

▶️Inspired young minds aged 9-17 at iD Tech Camps, fostering creativity and teamwork while leading students through courses including web design, animation, and robotics.

Storytelling Coach / Teacher / Mentor

GuideSpark

My leadership journey began as a production team member, where I discovered my passion for contributing toward a shared vision. I learned that great leadership creates harmony in both team dynamics and the final product. I also learned that my favorite projects are socially impactful and profitable. Each project laid the foundation for my skills in leading cross-functional teams, managing end-to-end production, and turning creative challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. 

▶️Fostered open communication between animators and VFX coordinators and ensured director feedback was thoughtfully implemented as Animation Coordinator for The Glass Butterfly.

▶️Created intricate 3D facial animations for a confidential project, honing my ability to deliver exceptional work on time and under budget while honoring client trust at FlickerLab.

▶️Collaborated with a remote team to explain organizational change strategies and processes that help companies be more agile at Fire Tribe, Inc. 

▶️Contributed to a local team that created 1,700+ accurate employee benefit animations in 3 months at GuideSpark.

▶️Championed i-GATE's vision for a thriving Tri-Valley startup community that now brings new tech from local labs to the marketplace.

Contract Motion Designer

Health/Med Tech companies and nonprofits have vital - yet difficult - stories to tell. 

So, they struggle to explain their value and attract their best clients.

What makes a story difficult?

Stories that…

😨Cover emotionally triggering subjects... (Cancer, Overdoses, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)
😵Focus on complex or abstract ideas... (Battery tech, Air Tank Refill Systems)
😳Reveal deeply personal experiences... (Founder Stories, Mental Health, Loss)

...are all difficult to effectively tell.

But, I am uniquely equipped to solve these challenges because I:

💗 Show empathy and compassion for clients, team members, and audiences via active listening
🧠 Bring a deep understanding of human decision making and behavior to every project
🚀 Employ an entrepreneurial mindset honed from running my small production agency

I was inspired to focus on these skills after overcoming two malignant brain tumors when I was 15, and am forever grateful for my family, friends, and medical team for showing me what can be accomplished when people care for each other, clearly communicate, and work towards a common goal. 

Once you optimize your story, you’ll need to get it in front of your audience.

That takes a Content System.

These:

💡 Starts with a comprehensive Content Strategy
📚 Delivers a custom asset library for your brand
📲 Generates adaptive content for multiple platforms
💰 Results in greater cost savings and ROI over time

For example:

🎉 Led Enovix’s team to clearly and concisely explain the value of their innovative battery tech - taking them from a 45 minute explanation to a 2 minute video – supporting their $1.13B SPAC event and their $250 million contract with the US Army. Optimized creative strategy and message to grab and hold viewer’s attention. Navigated around two major holidays and an unexpected scope change to deliver on time and under budget.

🥂 Recruited and managed the team, budget, and timeline for a collaborative animation project that convinced the San Jose City Council to require life-saving firefighting tech in high-rises, catalyzed adoption in 18 other cities, and contributed to a $100M IP sale for my client.

If you are interested in discussing how I can add value to your team and accelerate your company's growth, please email me at kpontau@gmail.com or send a DM.

Let's talk!

(I’m open to contract or full time employment.)

Karl Pontau

I work directly with individuals and groups to create greater body awareness and emotional flexibility in the face of mental, emotional, and physical upset - both internal and external - causing outward ripples of the same in their relationships, communities, and beyond.

Distance Mind Body Integration™ (DMBI™) sessions are individually tailored somatic awareness and guided meditations to address what's weighing you down and stopping you from living into your full self. We will address physical, mental, and emotional concerns all as one thing... (any separation of all that is purely  artificial anyway) ...and we will help you write a big enough story to live in, no matter what comes. 

 This work is informed by Traditional East Asian Medicinal principles, Five Element theory, SOPHIA skills, Somatic Touch, Reiki, guided meditation, aromatherapy, sound therapy, storytelling, energetic coaching, herbal medicine, group heart, and my own nonlinear brain.

There will be a lot of "audience participation". You will be involved. This is not something I will do to you. 
More info: https://drjanicecampbell.com/dmbi.html

Distance Mind Body integration Specialist™

Dr. Janice Campbell private practice

My practice is centered around transforming the impact of life's ups and downs and how they play out in our bodies, minds and hearts. These can been seen in both acute and chronic conditions that impact how we move in the world. I have a direct care membership practice in Baltimore City. Have questions about what that means? Message me.

Acupuncturist

Herbal medicine addresses multiple layers simultaneously, often clearing old physical and emotional traumas while also addressing more recent & acute concerns. And, really, who doesn't want their very own magical herb formula designed just for them?

Chinese Herbalist

Our bodies carry emotions and stories that, over time, can cause pain and disfunction. Somatic Touch, an offshoot of Somatic Experiencing, can help release these traumatic memories and strengthen resilience, allowing for a more vibrant life. Patients are fully clothed, active participants in this process.

Somatic Touch Practitioner

Five Seasons Learning, LLC

An online learning platform for practitioners and the general public.

OUR MISSION: To weave the magic of the five seasons into the modern world through community classes and practitioner continuing education.

OUR VISION: To deepen humanity’s integration within the cycles of nature and courageously embrace clarity, wisdom, creativity, passion, and community.

Co-Founder / Owner

Maryland University of Integrative Health

My job was to oversee and implement structure and policies affecting the master's level student clinic, the doctoral clinic & externships, and the Community Health Initiative sites. 
Management and design of the telehealth, case study, and on campus clinics, insuring that all clinics are a living expression of the curriculum, and helping the medicine come alive for students in a real world, practical, and integrative setting.

AHM Director of Clinical Education

Passing on this ancient medicine to the next generation is very rewarding and I believe it makes me a better practitioner in my private practice.

Adjunct Faculty

Tai Sophia Institute

In charge of the cataloging and organization of the extensive periodicals collections as well as the lateral reference files.

Library Assistant for cataloging periodicals

alumni

League of Regional Theatres

Freelance Equity Union Stage Manager (AEA)

Milwaukee Repertory Theater

Stage Management Apprentice

Are you feeling boxed in by how little time you have to connect with those around you at work? Do you daydream about being more authentic in your interactions? Do you feel drained by the end of the day, as well as being physically tired?

Just imagine if it could be more about curiosity than just monetary exchange and collecting data. What if work interactions and self care could be the same thing? How would that change the world?

While I was working on my doctorate in acupuncture and herbs, I had a case discussion with the Chief of Staff of a large, community medical center. While talking about treatment styles, he felt compelled to tell me the following story that he’d just read.

A younger doctor took over an older doctor’s practice when he retired. The patients had a lot of skepticism and distrust, and the new doctor was met with a lot of resistance, which left him exhausted and frustrated. Then one day, when he was getting nowhere with a particularly opinionated older woman, he reached into his pocket and took out a fountain pen. As it turned out, the woman collected fountain pens and suddenly, they had something in common and the ice was broken. As she relaxed and opened up, so did he. That moment of authentic rapport rippled out into his interactions with other patients, and he fell in love with his work again.

After a pause, the Chief of Staff said to me, “That’s what they don’t teach us in med school. I want to learn how to take out the right pen.”

This is exactly what I have taught acupuncture students, continue to use in my own practice for nearly 2 decades, and now teach in my DMBI work. It’s what allows me to feel as though I’ve had a treatment by the end of the day, even if I’m physically tired.

I want to teach this to YOU - in a simple, authentic, and easy to master way.

You were born with these skills. You’ve just forgotten them. Let me help you remember.

The way we carry our bodies, hold our spirits, and use our words can change the world for ourselves and others in an instant.

In my decades of work as a healthcare provider, an academic clinic director, a theatrical stage manager, and a homeschooling parent, my goal is always to bring the human(e) to the forefront and help people fill their lives with ease and curiosity, regardless of any pain or fatigue present. 

The process of getting there should always be as rewarding as the final product, or I haven't done my job.

Let me show you how self care and work can go hand in hand.

Come, learn how to take out the right pen.

taplio

The Battle

Karl Pontau

Dr. Janice Campbell DOM, LAc, DMBI 🦜

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?