Welcome Our New Host: Yohanna Baez

Welcome Yohanna Baez: A Different Vision for The Buzz

In this special episode of The Buzz, new host Yohanna Baez introduces herself and outlines her vision for the podcast's future. She pays tribute to previous host, Colin Larsen, and discusses her plans to explore broader perspectives, amplify diverse voices, and provide actionable insights. Yohanna also shares her excitement about upcoming episodes focusing on new technologies and leadership through change. Listeners are encouraged to offer feedback and suggestions, as Yohanna aims to bring her background in storytelling, creativity, and advocacy to The Buzz.

00:00 Welcome to The Buzz!

00:43 Honoring the Past Host

01:03 Vision for the Future

01:22 What to Expect

01:38 Diverse Voices and Actionable Insights

02:06 New Style and Fun

02:24 Upcoming Episodes

02:50 Meet Your New Host

03:13 Closing Remarks

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.

Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join.
Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.

Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells
Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

Transcript

Welcome New Host

Yohanna: [00:00:00] Hello and welcome back to The Buzz! If you’re a longtime listener, it’s great to have you here again. If you’re new, welcome to the community. My name is Joanna Bias, and I’m excited to be stepping into the role of host for this podcast.

Yohanna: For those of you unfamiliar with The Buzz, let me give you a quick refresher. This is the podcast from ACT-IAC—the acronym for American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council—where we explore the intersection of government, technology, and innovation. We tackle big questions about public service, technology modernization, and the partnerships that make it all happen. Essentially, we’re here to connect the dots between people, ideas, and opportunities that are transforming government and industry.

Yohanna: First, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the previous host of The Buzz. Colin Larsen. They’ve left behind a fantastic legacy of insightful conversations and meaningful dialogue. If you’re listening, thank you for your hard work and dedication—you’ve built something truly [00:01:00] special here, and I’m honored to carry it forward.

Yohanna: Now, let’s talk about the future. Under my. Creativity, I suppose. The Buzz will stay true to its roots: it will remain a platform for thought leaders, change-makers, and experts to share their knowledge and experiences. But I also see this as an opportunity to evolve.

Yohanna: Here’s what you can expect. Broader Perspectives. We’re going to dig deeper into how technology impacts not just government operations but also the everyday lives of citizens. Expect conversations about innovation, equity, and the future of public services. You can also expect. More Voices. I want this podcast to amplify diverse perspectives, especially from those sectors we rarely hear about. We’ll feature leaders from all corners of government, industry, and beyond. I also want to create. Actionable Insights. It’s one thing to talk about challenges and opportunities; it’s another to provide takeaways that you, our listeners, can use [00:02:00] in your own work. Every episode will aim to leave you with something practical or thought-provoking to carry forward.

Yohanna: And finally, we’ll bring a different style to the show. I've already changed the welcoming music. It's kinda funky. Because public service and technology can be serious topics, but they can also. Be exciting and inspiring. We’re here to celebrate that. And have some fun along the way.

Yohanna: To kick things off, the next few episodes will focus on new technologies, and how to best lead through big changes. With so many transitions happening in government and private industries, we’ll explore what leadership looks like in times of uncertainty and transformation. 

Yohanna: I’ve got some incredible guests lined up, including leaders from different government agencies, who will share how they’re tackling change head-on. You won’t want to miss it.

Yohanna: Before I sign off, let me tell you a little about myself. I come from a background that blends, storytelling, creativity and advocacy. Whether it’s driving social [00:03:00] change, or exploring the intersection of tech and art, I’m passionate about bringing people together to create something meaningful. I’m also a firm believer that every voice matters, and that’s exactly the kind of energy I’m bringing to The Buzz.

Yohanna: So, to all our listeners—thank you for being here. This podcast is for you. If you have ideas, feedback, or topics you’d like us to cover, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re all in this together, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

Yohanna: Thanks for tuning in to this special episode of The Buzz. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss what’s coming next. I’ll see you soon, right here on The Buzz. Take care!