The Speaker Lab Podcast

Brittany Hodak, a sought-after speaker and author of 'Creating Super Fans,' shares her journey from marketing for music icons to inspiring businesses to foster loyalty. She highlights the importance of understanding customer experience and intentionally curating a speaking career that aligns with personal values. Brittany stresses learning to say no to distractions while balancing her family life with a demanding schedule. Her insights on building authentic connections and refining a distinct message make for an engaging discussion on successful speaking.

Tiran Jackson, a resilient speaker, shares his inspiring journey from a promising engineering career to overcoming tragic loss. He emphasizes the power of a resilient mindset, teaching that every challenge can foster growth. Tiran's story highlights his transition from grief to purpose, detailing his determination to serve others through his experiences. He discusses the importance of consistent effort and meaningful connection with audiences, encouraging aspiring speakers to embrace their unique narratives and recognize the potential for transformation in adversity.

Jason Raitz, a speaker and communication expert, founded Speak With People to help leaders communicate effectively. He shares his journey from a pastor to a full-time speaker, revealing the struggles of imposter syndrome and income instability. Jason emphasizes the importance of niching down and truly listening to an audience, particularly in the financial sector. He encourages perseverance in public speaking and stresses that real impact comes from meaningful communication and understanding others, not just delivering a message.

“Ultimately, you don’t need to have any certification. You need to have some level of experience where you can speak authentically and congruent. It’s gotta be congruent with how you feel about your knowledge.”Clinton Young knows what it’s like to hit rock bottom—and how to turn that experience into fuel for an inspiring speaking career. After losing his business and confidence during the 2008 financial crisis, everything shifted thanks to a tough-love moment at a seminar and a game-changing podcast episode. Now, as a sought-after speaker and coach, Clinton helps others build clarity, confidence, and the systems they need to get booked and paid to speak.Clinton’s secret sauce? It’s all about systems—the thing that separates hobby speakers from true professionals. Instead of trying to talk to everyone about everything, he challenges speakers to focus on what they’re great at (credibility), what fires them up (excitability), and where the real opportunities are (profitability). The biggest thing that holds most people back? Imposter syndrome. Clinton’s quick to remind us that even the best feel uncertain sometimes, but the key is taking action anyway—and shifting the focus from your own nerves to the people you’re there to serve.Success in speaking isn’t about waiting for gigs to magically appear—you’ve got to have a clear system, a focused message, and the drive to keep showing up. Clinton’s story is proof that when you ditch the “someday” mindset and get serious about building the right framework, you can turn speaking into a real, thriving career—no matter where you’re starting from.You’ll learn:The importance of systems in speakingOvercoming limiting beliefs and imposter syndromeManaging nerves and the psychological side of speakingHow to identify audiences and topicsA framework for finding your nicheUnderstanding and establishing credibilityBuilding relationships with event organizersHow to stand out among other speakersAnd much, much more!“And by far, in my opinion, the biggest thing that stops people is ourselves. It’s our own limiting beliefs around, “Can we get paid?”Episode ResourcesClinton’s Website2 Day Booked & Paid BootcampGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amy Burton, a former high school Spanish and theater teacher from Alaska, has transformed her passion for education into a thriving speaking career. She discusses the importance of intentionality in pursuing dreams and how she navigated the shift from teaching to speaking. Amy shares her insights on coaching educators to reduce stress in the classroom and the value of understanding neurodiversity. She emphasizes embracing personal challenges, building mentorships, and starting small to see significant impacts, inspiring listeners to follow their own journeys.

Travel Hacks Every Speaker Should Know with Chris Hutchins“If you don’t want to play the sign up bonus game, optimize where you’re spending but always be getting more than 2x on everything.”Navigating the world of travel optimization can feel overwhelming, but our guest this week, Chris Hutchins, is here to break it all down. Chris, host of the All the Hacks podcast, is a master of the travel hacking world and joins us to share his insights on making the most of your travel experiences, especially as a frequent speaker. Chris dives into the importance of loyalty when it comes to earning coveted airline miles and hotel upgrades. By picking a favorite and sticking with it, you can unlock perks that make travel more enjoyable and often less expensive. Additionally, he discusses the evolution of earning points through credit card spend and how it's shifted the landscape of travel rewards, making it more accessible for those who play the game strategically.Whether it’s snagging an elusive flight upgrade or scoring a better hotel room, Chris shares practical tips and personal anecdotes on optimizing travel through smart credit card use and award booking strategies. He breaks down the value of different loyalty programs, encouraging you to think about where you fly most often and aligning your strategy accordingly. In this episode, Chris also explores the world of airport lounges and rental cars, offering hacks on how to gain access without necessarily spending a fortune. Plus, his unique perspective on balancing the allure of points with the practicality of cashback offers valuable insights for anyone looking to travel smarter. Listen in and discover how small shifts in your travel planning can lead to big rewards both personally and professionally!You’ll learn:The importance of travel optimization for speakersWhy loyalty matters for gaining travel rewardsHow to adapt to changes in loyalty programsStrategies for maximizing loyalty programsPoints and miles optimizationPsychological impact of using points versus cashMethods for securing upgraded flights and hotel staysThe best ways to get access to airport loungesChris’ travel tips and hacksAnd much, much more!“You could have top tier status with every hotel and every airline without ever spending one night in any of them.”Episode ResourcesChris’ WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Knowing who you are as an individual on the spiritual side of life helps guide you to who you are created to be.”One of the coolest parts of TSL is watching our coaches work 1:1 with students and helping them find the clarity and confidence they need to take their speaking businesses to the next level. And today, you’re going to get to see that process in action.We're back with another live coaching episode with Erick Rheam! This week, Erick is helping two former TSL students, Bryan Marvel and Jill Christensen, work through real problems they're facing in their speaking businesses.Bryan, a pastor and faith-based speaker, discusses his journey of balancing pastoral duties with speaking engagements. Embarking on a speaking career can often feel challenging, especially when you're trying to find your unique voice amidst diverse audience expectations. Bryan's focus on spiritual identity has led him to explore innovative ways to expand his reach, such as targeting midweek speaking opportunities and tapping into personal connections to open new doors.Jill offers a compelling story of reinvention and persistence. Specializing in workplace culture and HR, Jill demonstrates the importance of a structured approach to client communication. Her commitment to building relationships and consistently engaging with past clients highlights the need for adaptability and fresh content.Both speakers tackle challenges like burnout and refining their processes, offering insights into the power of systematic approaches and networking. Whether you're a newbie or a veteran, this episode is packed with practical lessons on adaptability, innovation, and leveraging connections to build a flourishing speaking career!You’ll learn:Bryan’s background and his target audienceStrategies for expanding weekday speaking opportunitiesAbout Jill’s eight-year speaking careerHow to overcome communication barriersThe importance of having a system in place for speaking successAnd much, much more!“You might think I should be speaking to CEOs and leaders because they own how we do things, but I was smart enough to recognize that they outsource to human resources in ninety-five percent of organizations.”Episode ResourcesBryan’s WebsiteJill’s WebsiteJoin A Future Live Coaching EpisodeGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“The speaking industry is one that has been around for generations…And it has survived wars, depressions, recessions, 9/11, pandemics, and it’s not going anywhere.”Navigating the speaking industry can seem daunting with its ever-shifting trends and economic uncertainties. So this week, drawing from his extensive experience in the field, Shawn Hanks offers his seasoned perspective on how speakers can thrive amidst these changes.Shawn discusses the current optimism in the event market despite past economic caution as a result of the pandemic. Event planners are investing wisely in speakers who offer real strategic solutions, not just entertainment. This reinforces the importance of aligning speaking content with what organizations seek. The episode also highlights the enduring value of live events. While virtual events gained traction, they haven't supplanted the critical face-to-face human interaction that live gatherings offer.Additionally, Shawn advises speakers to balance staying current with trends like AI, without losing sight of timeless topics such as leadership or innovation. Authenticity remains crucial—chasing trends for the sake of visibility may backfire, but sticking to your core passions ensures long-term success. This adaptability while staying true to your message is key to maintaining a successful speaking career. For speakers, whether new or seasoned, Shawn's insights offer guidance on crafting a fulfilling and enduring career in the speaking industry!You’ll learn:The nature of public speakingThe state of the speaking industryGrowth and trends in the speaking industry for 2025How economic considerations impact speakersThe future of the speaking industryContent evolution for speakersAnd much, much more!“Event planners aren’t booking a speaker, they are solving a problem and the speaker is the avenue to solve that problem.”Episode ResourcesShawn’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jenny Wood, a former Google executive turned public speaker and author of "Wild Courage," shares her remarkable journey of transformation. She discusses the emotional challenges of leaving a secure job to embrace entrepreneurship. Jenny highlights the importance of persistent self-improvement and the battle against imposter syndrome. She also emphasizes using her book as a tool for engagement and meaningful connections. Listeners gain insights into personal branding, pricing strategies, and the power of authenticity in both speaking and writing.

“We use visual tools and common language, so we share tools as if they’re mirrors so that the mirror does the heavy lifting and you get self awareness through looking at the mirror.”Navigating the world of speaking and building a unique brand can be daunting in the early stages of your career. So this week on The Speaker Lab Podcast, Jeremie Kubicek joins Grant Baldwin to shed light on the strategic integration of speaking into a broader mission. Jeremie's journey into the content space began with a strong focus on vision, aiming not just for individual fame, but for a transformative impact on leadership culture worldwide.Throughout the episode, Jeremie highlights the importance of aligning speaking with your overarching vision and mission. He discusses the unique business model he's built, which involves seven hundred coaches and consultants speaking on his content, enabling a scalable impact without the sole reliance on his personal speaking engagements. This model fosters long-term partnerships and creates sustainable revenue streams beyond the traditional cycle of publishing and promoting books. However, being at the forefront of this innovative model comes with its own set of challenges, prompting Jeremie to share insights into the balance between content creation and personal engagement.Jeremie and Grant’s conversation offers invaluable lessons in creating content that transcends individual endeavors. By focusing on building a lasting enterprise, speakers can find a path that aligns with both personal and professional goals. With a new book on the horizon, Jeremie exemplifies how to harness speaking as a pivotal component of a larger, mission-driven business strategy. This episode is packed with guidance for those looking to innovate and grow their speaking careers, whether they are just starting out or seeking the next level of impact!You’ll learn:Strategies for leadership cultureRole of speaking in spreading contentModel of licensing contentDifferentiating personal vision from competitionJeremie’s personal journey into speakingBuilding and managing major eventsBest practices for speakersUsing AI in content creationAnd much, much more!“I want to take more time on the front end to really, really know and understand what [speakers] are trying to accomplish.”Episode ResourcesJeremie’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.