The Speaker Lab Podcast

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.

“I knew it was important for me as I built my business to develop markers of credibility, and that would make everything easier. Like the wind is at your back when you have enough credentials that people can say, ‘I'll listen to her.’”In this episode of The Speaker Lab Podcast, host Grant Baldwin is joined by Dorie Clark to talk about an important topic for every speaker — establishing yourself as a thought leader. Dorie breaks down how she manages the tension between choosing a niche and maintaining her broader interests, as well as her primary strategy of letting the market decide for her.The episode also explores the three pillars of thought leadership, as outlined by Dorie: content creation, social proof, and networking. Dorie shares her experiences with building social proof, including the rigorous process of cold pitching to prestigious business schools and publications, a key step on her journey to gaining credibility and establishing authority.Grant and Dorie also discuss the importance of balancing immediate financial needs with long-term strategic goals. They emphasize the necessity of dedicating time to long-term projects while managing day-to-day responsibilities, drawing on principles like the manager and maker day framework to optimize productivity.Throughout the conversation, Dorie provides actionable insights into the practice of thought leadership, such as the importance of nurturing influential connections and choosing a content medium that aligns with personal strengths and interests. This episode is packed with valuable advice for speakers and entrepreneurs looking to elevate their careers through strategic thought leadership and effective brand positioning.You’ll learn:Why you should create intellectual propertyThe importance of building multiple revenue streamsThe concept and components of thought leadershipStrategies on niching and market choicesCold pitching and building social proofHow to balance immediate revenue needs with long-term planningAnd much, much more!“The upshot of all these situations where people said send me some stuff and then didn’t respond, meant that I had this reservoir of pitch ideas.”Episode ResourcesDorie’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.

Jon Acuff, a renowned speaker and author, dives into the intricacies of excelling in the speaking industry. He shares insights on transitioning from a solopreneur to a business owner, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and community engagement. Jon discusses his successful speaking model, the balance between keynote speeches and longer training sessions, and how pushing beyond comfort zones fosters growth. He also addresses the challenges of honest self-assessment and shares strategies for creating engaging content, including live events that enhance audience interaction.

Taylorr Payne, co-founder of SpeakerFlow, is an expert in simplifying business strategies for speakers and entrepreneurs. He discusses the power of simplicity in crafting a successful speaking business, focusing on mastering one core product and resisting distractions from new technologies. Taylorr highlights the importance of aligning business ventures with personal passions and the necessity of adapting to challenges. Listeners are encouraged to embrace simplicity, prioritize their goals, and build a business that fits their lifestyle, avoiding the endless chase for growth.

“It’s your vision that influences which way you go. Because you’ve already thought about it ahead of time.”In this episode of The Speaker Lab podcast, Erick Rheam joins us to talk about what it takes to navigate the chaotic and often overwhelming journey of being a speaker and entrepreneur. You've probably heard Erick on the show before, but today he's sharing a different side of things with candid advice drawn from his own rock-bottom moment and the life-changing principles he discovered to rise above the chaos.Erick's journey is a compelling blend of personal and professional growth, underscored by moments of introspection and dramatic change. From his early struggles in 2005—marked by personal and professional setbacks—to discovering his 'why' and taming the inner beast, Erick provides a riveting narrative that is both inspiring and practical for anyone looking to succeed in the speaking industry. He touches on the importance of living with clarity, leveraging encouragement, and mastering human dynamics, all essential tools for rising above life's challenges.Through Erick's story, listeners gain valuable lessons on embracing their spiritual journey, managing their energy and priorities, and building meaningful connections. Erick underscores the idea that significance and peace come not from a lack of chaos but from rising above it with intention and purpose.Whether you're a new speaker or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt anecdotes that encourage you to chart your path to significance. So tune in, and equip yourself with the wisdom to rise above the chaos and live a life of meaning and influence!You’ll learn:Erick's rise above chaos frameworkEmbracing your spiritual journeyTaming your inner criticHow to leverage encouragementIgniting your influenceMastering communication and human dynamicsAnd much, much more!“Ask yourself what makes you come alive and do that.”Episode ResourcesErick’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.