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Conversations with Chief Mark Corona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chief Mark Corona.

Chief Mark Corona

Hi Chief Mark, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Of course! My story is one of transitions, goal-setting, and embracing the unexpected. I began my career in radio, working with stations like KRQ and HOT98 during the golden days of the industry. It was a thrilling time, filled with energy and connection. But as the landscape of radio shifted, I found myself seeking something more dynamic and personal.

That’s when trivia entered my life. What started as a fun side project turned into a passion for engaging audiences in a whole new way. I co-created the world’s only TV-style trivia show for bars, restaurants, and corporate events, combining my love for entertainment with the ability to retain and engage audiences. Over the past 10 years, I’ve hosted thousands of trivia events, both live and virtual, captivating audiences with high-energy shows tailored to their needs.

Along the way, I co-founded Slowjamastan, a satirical nation that has gained international attention for its quirky laws (like banning Crocs!) and its emphasis on unity through laughter and shared experiences. As the Chief Border Agent of Slowjamastan, my role is all about retaining and entertaining, whether it’s citizens of our nation or audiences at corporate events.

Today, I use my 30+ years of hosting experience to inspire others as a keynote speaker. My talks focus on the power of goal setting, customer and employee retention, and building connections through creativity and engagement. Whether through trivia, video messaging, or interactive presentations, my mission is to bring energy, entertainment, and value to every event I touch.

What keeps me going is knowing that I’m helping people—whether it’s inspiring a business to rethink its retention strategy or bringing a smile to someone’s face. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited for what’s next!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Haha! It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges have shaped who I am today. Transitioning from radio to trivia hosting and motivational speaking was one of the biggest shifts in my life. Radio was my identity for so long—spending years on air, connecting with audiences, and loving the energy of the industry. But as the industry changed, opportunities dwindled, and I realized I had to pivot.

The early days of building my trivia hosting business were tough. Convincing corporate clients that trivia could be more than just fun—that it could drive engagement, retention, and even revenue—was a challenge. I faced skepticism and the occasional “Thanks, but no thanks.” I had to prove the value of what I was offering, often through sheer determination and creativity.

Co-founding Slowjamastan was another adventure filled with unique hurdles. Creating a satirical nation sounds fun (and it is), but building a community of over 20,000 citizens required constant innovation, engagement, and an ability to connect with people on a meaningful level. It wasn’t just about humor; it was about crafting something that inspired and united people.

On a personal level, there were moments of doubt—times when I questioned if I was on the right path. Financial instability in the early days was a reality, and leaving the comfort of a steady paycheck for the uncertainty of entrepreneurship was daunting. I also had to overcome setbacks, like living on my sister’s couch at one point, and learn to see them as part of the journey.

But through it all, I discovered the power of goal setting and resilience. Every setback taught me a lesson and made me more determined. Whether it was honing my trivia hosting skills, building a nation, or stepping into the role of a motivational speaker, the road was full of twists and turns—but those are the very things that make the destination worthwhile.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in high-energy engagement, whether it’s through hosting trivia events, delivering motivational speeches, or fostering retention and loyalty for businesses. My work is rooted in entertainment, connection, and helping organizations achieve their goals while making the experience unforgettable.

What I Do
I’m a national trivia game show host, keynote speaker, and retention expert. I combine interactive trivia games with business insights to create events that are as educational and engaging as they are fun. My specialties include:

Employee and Customer Retention: Using trivia and other engagement strategies to foster loyalty and connection.
Goal-Setting Motivation: Inspiring audiences to set ambitious goals and achieve them through actionable steps.
Custom Video Messaging: Creating personalized video content that strengthens connections with customers or employees.
What I’m Known For
I’m known for my dynamic energy, creativity, and ability to connect with diverse audiences. From my 30+ years of radio and TV experience to co-founding Slowjamastan—a satirical nation that has gained global recognition—I’ve built a reputation for turning seemingly unconventional ideas into impactful solutions.

One unique aspect of my work is co-creating the world’s only TV-style trivia show, which combines entertainment with retention strategies for corporate events. Additionally, my role as the Chief Border Agent of Slowjamastan, complete with quirky laws and a satirical approach, has made me a memorable figure in both business and entertainment circles.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of the community I’ve built—both in the professional world and in Slowjamastan. Helping organizations improve retention through fun and creative strategies is fulfilling, but seeing people genuinely enjoy themselves while they learn and grow is the greatest reward.

Another highlight is the global recognition Slowjamastan has received. What started as a humorous idea has brought people together and inspired unity, proving that creativity and connection can bridge divides.

What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is my ability to blend entertainment with strategy. I’m not your typical speaker or trivia host—I bring a unique energy and approach to every event. Whether I’m showing up as the Chief Border Agent of Slowjamastan in a shiny red uniform and gold shoes or delivering a motivational speech about the power of setting goals, my presentations are memorable, impactful, and fun.

Above all, I focus on engagement that lasts. My clients don’t just walk away entertained—they leave with actionable insights, stronger connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. That’s what makes my work special, and it’s why I love what I do.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m focused on the present. The future us yet to be created

Pricing:

  • $8,500
  • $10,000
  • $15,000
  • $25,000

Contact Info:

Image Credits
MARK CORONA

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