My First Stage: How I Landed My First Speaking Gig (and What Happened Next)

Creating Your Speaker Website: Jessica Gruber on Building a Sticky Site and Conquering Her First Stage

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to another episode of My First Stage! I’m your host, Sara Lohse, and this is the show where public speakers get real about the nerves, the triumphs, and the truly unforgettable moments that shaped their journeys. This week, I sat down with the incredible Jessica Gruber—and trust me, her story is as relatable as it is inspiring, from white-knuckling her way through her early speaking experiences to owning main stages and shaping the way professionals approach networking.

Let me introduce you to Jessica Gruber. She’s not just the founder of Buzzworks—a website development company specializing in “sticky” websites that keep audiences engaged—but also the COO of Success Champion Networking, home to the famous Badass Business Summit. Jessica Gruber brings a wealth of wisdom when it comes to connecting, communicating, and building a personal brand both online and onstage.

What We Talked About

Here’s a quick look at our conversation and all the nuggets of real-world advice Jessica Gruber shared:

Her Reluctant First Stages: From an impromptu 60-second spot to a nerve-racking, script-reading debut that was live and national.
Facing the Fear: How terror and trembling turned into a drive to grow, and why every public speaker has to “rip off the Band-Aid” somewhere.
From Shaking to Success: The journey from anxious 30-second pitches in living rooms to commanding four sessions at a major summit.
Designing Engaging Experiences: Jessica Gruber’s unique approach—why moving audiences and creating experiences make speeches memorable and actionable.
The Power of Networking: How leveraging connections (especially in podcasts) can open doors to bigger stages and new opportunities.
Repurposing Speaking into Content Gold: How podcasts become potent social proof and powerful content for business growth.
Website Wisdom for Speakers: Immediate, actionable tips on what to put on your website to attract your ideal stages and showcase your expertise.

Inspired by Jessica Gruber’s journey, here’s what you can do next:

Share Your First Stage Story – I love hearing from listeners! Head to myfirststagepodcast.com and tell me about your own first (or funniest) speaking moment.
Connect with Jessica – Want to learn more about sticky websites, powerful networking, or upcoming speaking gigs? Find Jessica Gruber on LinkedIn, visit successchampionnetworking.com, or stop by buzzwks.com to schedule a chat.
Subscribe & Review – If this episode made you laugh, cringe, or feel braver, hit that subscribe button, leave a review, and let me know what you’d love to hear next!
Take the Stage (in Any Form) – Whether it’s a podcast, a panel, or your next Zoom meeting, say “yes” to the scary, new, or unexpected. Every stage is a place to grow.

Thank you so much for joining me and Jessica Gruber today. Keep showing up, learning, and embracing your firsts—and I’ll see you on the next My First Stage!

Timestamped Summaries

[00:00-01:12] – I introduce Jessica Gruber’s impressive roles with Buzzworks and Success Champion Networking, and she jumps right in, ready to talk about all things “stage fright” and professional growth.

[01:13-02:37] – Jessica Gruber shares her first BABS (Badass Business Summit) experience: a surprise one-minute stint on stage that turned her “white-knuckle” moment into a career milestone.

[02:39-04:04] – We rewind to her actual first-ever stage, a fundraising event gone awry, and why you sometimes have to admit those first experiences are rough.

[04:26-05:12] – We talk all things anxiety: shaky hands, supportive (and not-so-supportive) peers, and the universal dread of public speaking at any age.

[05:26-07:03] – Jessica Gruber opens up about her speaking quirks, swapping words (and calling her mom a “cheap ass” on stage!), embracing the mess-ups, and why nervousness never fully goes away.

[07:05-09:08] – From trembling at a 30-second pitch to facilitating a multi-session summit, Jessica Gruber tells us how she learned to lean into the discomfort to level up professionally.

[09:09-10:27] – We dive deep into audience engagement: why giving people a “why” and a goal leads to real transformation, and the three essential questions every speaker should pose.

[10:40-11:46] – Jessica Gruber lays out her playbook for upcoming summit sessions, built around shifting mindsets from “need” to “build” and creating richer, more strategic networking experiences.

[12:15-13:53] – We get down to “Networking 101”—how simply being willing to ask, “Who do you know with a podcast?” can open doors (like how she ended up on this very episode!).

[13:54-15:27] – We discuss how podcasts provide social proof, repurposable content, and big traffic boosts—along with stories of why getting your website right matters when the audience finds you.

[16:13-17:40] – Jessica Gruber wraps up her web wisdom by sharing what should always be in the first ten words of your site, plus whether or not you should split your speaker brand from your business site.

[18:03-18:23] – Where to find Jessica Gruber online, get in touch, and how you can connect for more sage advice.

Woman Plans, Horse Laughs: Cathy Reilly’s Message for Aspiring Speakers

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Welcome to another episode of My First Stage! Today’s conversation is a powerful, heartfelt, and often hilarious reminder of why vulnerability matters when we step onto any stage. We’re live at the NSA Influence Conference, and I’m thrilled to introduce someone whose first stage story is inspiring, real, and genuinely unforgettable. Meet the Guest: Cathy Reilly Cathy is an “accidental speaker” who spent 25 years as a litigation paralegal before a series of life-changing medical events catapulted her into the world of public speaking. She’s a resilience coach, founder of Sharing the Shine, and host of the Breaking Bad Communication podcast. Cathy’s mission is to help people own their voice, step out of their comfort zones, and shine by sharing both their hardest and happiest stories. Here’s a quick overview of what Cathy shared during our conversation: Cathy’s “Accidental” First Stage: The medical emergencies that pushed her to become her own advocate, ultimately inspiring her to help others do the same. Finding Your Why: How Cathy’s daughter motivated her to step up, speak out, and make a difference for others struggling to use their voice. Vulnerability and Impact: Why sharing your most personal, difficult stories is not just for you—it’s for those who need to hear they’re not alone. Owning the Good AND the Embarrassing: From “Woman Plans, Horse Laughs” to her most awkward moments, Cathy shows us why laughter and honesty are equally important on stage. Small Acts of Kindness: The ripple effect of sharing positivity—how complimenting a stranger or telling a silly story can literally change someone’s life. Advice for Speakers: Cathy’s biggest tip for getting on your first (or next!) stage—stop waiting for perfection, get courageous, and GO. If Cathy’s story inspired you to step out, here’s what you can do next: Share Your Story – I’d love to hear your own first stage moment or those embarrassing stories you’re willing to share! Visit myfirststagepodcast.com and connect. Connect with Cathy – Learn more about Cathy’s work and her podcast at sharingtheshine.com and breakingbadcommunication.com. You’ll find more lessons and lots of laughter! Subscribe & Review – If you enjoyed today’s conversation, subscribe to My First Stage, leave a review, and let me know what stories are resonating—or who you want to hear from next! Start Your Speaking Journey – Whether it’s your first stage or your next, remember Cathy’s advice: stop waiting to get ready, find your courage, and just do it. Thank you for being part of this episode. Can’t wait to bring you more REAL stories, actionable advice, and inspiration on next week’s My First Stage! [embed]https://youtu.be/Aw6s_-QCFcw[/embed] Timestamped Summaries [00:00-00:41] – I introduce Cathy at the NSA Influence Conference, and she shares her journey from courtroom paralegal to advocate for others [00:41-01:19] – Cathy explains how four surgeries in five months changed everything and why her silence during a medical crisis motivated her to finally find her voice [01:19-02:52] – Cathy talks about battling her “itty-bitty shitty committee,” not advocating for herself, and the turning point when her daughter cared for her as she recovered [02:52-04:14] – Cathy details how people started noticing her transformation and invited her to speak—even though the idea terrified her—and how that first stage led to a line of people telling her she’d helped them [04:14-05:53] – We discuss how Cathy’s “why” grew from her daughter to helping so many others, and why her company is called Sharing the Shine [05:55-07:33] – Cathy gets real about vulnerability—sharing your story is always uncomfortable, but it’s where lives are changed, and every speaker matters [07:33-08:45] – Why most people shrink themselves, why everyone matters, and what the world might look like if we all lifted each other up with positivity [08:46-09:48] – Sara and Cathy talk about the power of small compliments and positive thoughts, including a story about a simple act of kindness saving a life [09:48-12:45] – Cathy shares the importance of telling both hard and happy stories, the need for connection, and the infamous “Woman Plans, Horse Laughs” horse story [12:45-16:33] – We riff on embarrassing stories (including Sara’s “girl with the penis tattoo”), why sharing them gives others permission to be human, and the joy in embracing your own uniqueness [16:33-18:54] – Cathy’s best advice for speakers is to get off the fence, stop overthinking, and realize it’s about courage, not confidence [19:06-end] – Cathy shares ways to connect with her, her website, and podcast—and we wrap up with some much-needed laughter

Leveraging LinkedIn as a Speaker with Top Voice Melissa Cohen

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Welcome to another episode of My First Stage! I’m your host, Sara Lohse, and this is the podcast where I sit down with public speakers to get real about how they got started, how they landed their first stages, and how speaking helped transform their businesses and lives. This week, I had the delight of reconnecting with Melissa Cohen, a powerhouse in both the corporate and content creation worlds. If you’ve ever felt nervous about stepping onto a new stage—real or virtual—Melissa’s story of transformation and courage will light the way. From dreading childhood speech competitions to becoming a sought-after speaker, LinkedIn Top Voice, and business strategist, Melissa shares her wisdom on using both in-person and online platforms to build a brand, a business, and a community. Meet the Guest: Melissa Cohen Melissa Cohen is a LinkedIn and personal branding strategist who helps leaders, founders, executives, and their teams elevate their visibility, credibility, and business impact. Earlier in her career, Melissa held leadership roles in the fashion industry, contributing to the global growth of iconic American brands such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Nautica. That brand-building expertise continues to shape her strategic, high-touch approach today. She is the creator of The Caffeinated Chronicles, a widely read LinkedIn newsletter, and the co-author of the Amazon best-selling book Your Career Resilience Blueprint and the recently released Letters To Lilly. Here’s an overview of what Melissa and I explored during our conversation:

Facing the First Stage: How Melissa went from dreading public speaking as a kid to nailing her first panel at the Badass Business Summit (and how I was there to witness it!)
Being Visible—On Stage & Online: Why Melissa considers both the physical stage and platforms like LinkedIn as “stages,” and how each helps grow authority and community.
Building Your Brand on LinkedIn: The step-by-step of going from silent observer to highly engaged commenter to full-fledged LinkedIn content creator.
How to Launch Your Speaker Brand: When and how to call yourself a “speaker” on LinkedIn, and what you need on your profile before you make the leap.
Making Your First Post (Even If You’re Terrified): Melissa’s hilarious story about her less-than-perfect first LinkedIn post, and her advice for making your voice heard—even if you don’t know where to start.
Engaging with Intention: Why meaningful comments are key to growth, how to be strategic with tagging and visuals, and the secret to keeping conversations going on (or after) the stage.
What Actually Works on LinkedIn Now: Hashtags, content types, ideal video length, and the power of treating LinkedIn as free marketing for speakers.
Growing Through Speaking: How different audiences, from live summits to Podfest and beyond, shaped Melissa’s confidence, and how every rep on the stage creates momentum in business and life.

If Melissa’s story resonated, here’s how you can take action right now:

Level Up Your LinkedIn – Ready to take your first real “stage” online? Start by commenting meaningfully, sharing your story, and don’t be afraid to post a video—even if it’s 60 seconds or less. Your community is waiting!
Update Your Speaker Brand – Take a look at your LinkedIn profile—is it clear you speak? Add your speaker reel, update your headline, and start sharing your stage wins (big or small).
Connect with Melissa Cohen – Learn more about personal branding, LinkedIn growth, and becoming a voice in your field by following Melissa on LinkedIn or at melissabethcohen.com.
Share Your First Stage Story – Visit myfirststagepodcast.com and let me know about your first time on stage (virtual or in person). I’d love to hear and maybe even feature your story!
Subscribe & Review – If you loved this conversation, subscribe to My First Stage, leave a review, and let me know who else you want to hear from!

Thank you so much for joining me and Melissa for this inspiring episode. Don’t miss next week’s story, and remember—every conversation, every comment, every stage is a step toward your boldest self! [embed]https://youtu.be/QtNiOWLu1ec[/embed] Timestamped Summaries [00:00-00:35] – I introduce Melissa, highlighting her journey from fashion executive to LinkedIn Top Voice, and reminisce about witnessing her first-ever stage at the Badass Business Summit. [00:55-03:00] – Melissa shares her childhood fear of the stage, her “love-hate” relationship with public speaking, and the surprising relief of just “getting it over with.” [03:29-04:03] – We dive into how social platforms—especially LinkedIn—are different kinds of stages, and how “live” moments can’t be edited the way online posts can. [04:14-06:59] – Melissa’s journey into content: her first awkward post on LinkedIn, why she believes building a personal brand is essential, and how she discovered a whole new way to connect in 2020. [07:01-08:52] – The power of commenting: why it’s the ultimate LinkedIn “hack” for making real connections (and how great engagements started for Melissa). [08:53-10:16] – Melissa’s approach to posting now vs. her first post—how to summarize, add your point of view, use visuals, and what to do with links. [10:18-12:14] – Tips on meaningful commenting: how to quote, ask questions, and start genuine conversations instead of just “post and ghost.” [12:37-15:16] – The myth of instant influencer success! Why most of us need to build by engaging with mid-size creators (not just celebrities) and how reciprocity grows audiences and opportunities, including podcasting parallels. [16:14-17:39] – How her first stage created real business momentum: Melissa explains how confidence, positive feedback, and the support of friends helped her keep pursuing bigger, bolder stages. [17:54-20:37] – Behind the scenes at Podfest: getting booked as a non-podcaster, winning over skeptical audiences, and the surprises of huge events. [21:03-23:10] – Why being “the outlier” speaker on a topic makes you memorable—and how it helps create real value for the audience. [23:34-25:47] – Positioning yourself as a speaker on LinkedIn: when to add “Speaker” to your profile, the importance of social proof, and what makes a speaker profile truly powerful. [28:50-31:20] – Best practices for event recap posts: storytelling, authentic tagging, using visuals, and why you should avoid “tag spam.” [31:35-33:36] – The state of hashtags: are they still useful (and if so, how)? The truth about their limited impact on LinkedIn today. [33:45-34:23] – The value of LinkedIn for any speaker: it’s the world’s greatest free ad platform. Melissa urges us to share wins, clips, and keep our content digestible and engaging.

The Power of Referrals: Billy Sammons Shares Strategies for Getting Booked and Growing Your Brand

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Welcome to another episode of My First Stage—the show where I sit down with seasoned public speakers to uncover the origin stories behind their first speaking gigs and how they leveraged those moments to fuel their businesses. This week, I had the pleasure of welcoming Billy Sammons to the show. Billy’s journey is one of my favorites because it perfectly captures how the “stage” isn’t just a big conference venue—it can be anywhere you find yourself at the front, commanding attention. In his case, that first “stage” was a high school classroom, teaching English to teenagers who, as he puts it, are always ready to poke, prod, and test you. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by any audience, you’ll appreciate how his classroom battles prepped him for business, real estate, and beyond. Billy Sammons has built an impressive referral-based business—no cold calls, no door knocking. Instead, he teaches entrepreneurs how to create their own communities of referral partners using simple, human-centered strategies. His expertise hasn’t just grown his company, it’s opened doors to countless speaking opportunities, workshops, and collaborations. What We Talked About

Classroom to Conference: Billy’s “first stage” was a group of tough teenage students, and that experience gave him the agility and thick skin to face any audience.
The Ultimate Testing Ground: Why classroom teaching is a crash course in engagement, improvisation, and content mastery.
From Teachers to Realtors: The parallels between educating students and captivating a room full of real estate agents—and how both have limited attention spans!
The Art of the Hook: Billy’s step-by-step approach to opening with powerful storytelling and relatable tension points.
Relationship-Driven Speaking: How Billy gets booked on stages and fills his workshops without cold pitching—using authentic partnerships and generous “gives.”
Referral Marketing for Speakers: Building your own audience, booking stages organically, and becoming a trusted connector in your community.
The Rep Game: Making video content, webinars, and podcasts your own “virtual stages” to practice, learn, and build social proof—even if you’re just getting started.
Honest Advice: Why you should watch your own recordings (even if it’s uncomfortable!) and how to use feedback tools to keep improving.

If Billy’s story hit home for you, here’s how you can take action: Share Your First Stage Story – I want to hear how YOU first braved a room, virtual or live. Head to myfirststagepodcast.com to connect and share your wins, lessons, and memories. Connect with Billy Sammons – Interested in referral marketing or collaboration? Visit LiveLocalWarmMarketing.com (and don’t worry if you forget the third “W”) to find Billy’s workshops, resources, and community links. Start Building Your Own Stage – Don’t wait to be picked. Record a video tip, host a small webinar, or ask to share with a local group. Every practice rep gets you closer to the big stage! Thank you so much for joining me for Billy’s My First Stage story. I can’t wait to bring you more ideas, resources, and inspiration next week. Until then—keep speaking up, keep connecting, and keep building your audience, one stage at a time! [embed]https://youtu.be/Jxlg3F9xCxI?si=4wp71YdEx_Snw6Nl[/embed] Timestamped Summaries [00:00-01:59] – I introduce Billy Sammons, his business by referral, and his unconventional stage beginnings: teaching high school students! [02:00-03:56] – Billy explains how the relentless curiosity (and skepticism) of teenagers forced him to master his material and stay nimble as a speaker. [04:00-05:56] – We draw the connection between classrooms and business audiences—how both require energy, interactivity, and constant engagement. [06:01-07:56] – Billy describes his transition from the classroom to leading workshops for realtors, and what he carries over from teaching to training entrepreneurs. [08:01-09:52] – We talk through different ways to “hook” your audience—from storytelling and humor to relatable tension points and transformation arcs. [10:01-11:39] – Billy’s strategy for getting booked: finding partners with a shared audience and a genuine need, then co-creating workshops and events. [12:01-13:56] – We dive into referral marketing as a tool for speakers, including how to identify organizers’ pain points and be the giver who stands out. [15:32-16:56] – Billy’s top advice: Start creating videos and recordings, build your own practice environment, and don’t be afraid to reach out for small gigs to get your reps. [17:05-18:56] – Why reviewing your own footage is key to improving—and some (slightly uncomfortable) truths about building confidence through self-observation!

Scott Carson’s First Stage: Tips for New Speakers and Building Your Audience

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Welcome to another episode of My First Stage! I’m your host, Sara Lohse, and this is the podcast where I get up-close and honest with seasoned speakers about their very first moments on stage, how they navigated those early nerves, and the ways being in the spotlight transformed their lives and businesses. This week, I had an absolute blast talking with Scott Carson—aka “The Note Guy.” Scott is a real estate marketing pro who’s been speaking, teaching, and owning the stage for over 20 years. If you’ve ever felt that pit in your stomach at the thought of not filling your session or going live to crickets online, this episode will show you that everyone starts somewhere—and that sometimes, it’s the missteps that unlock your greatest growth. Meet the Guest: Scott Carson Scott Carson has been an active speaker, entrepreneur, and marketer for over 20 years, where he has carved out a niche in the real estate industry as "the Note Guy", where he is the real estate industry's premier expert on investing and buying distressed debt. He calls Austin, TX, home with his better half, Stephanie, and their cats. He loves helping new entrepreneurs with marketing and tactics to help them stand out from a noisy world! Here’s what Scott and I dove into in our conversation:

Bombing on Your First Stage – Scott’s hilarious and humbling story of running out of material just 20 minutes into a 60-minute slot…and why it was the best thing that could’ve happened.
Making Your Own Fan Club – How Scott uses humor, gadgets, and pattern breakers (sometimes inspired by Blue Man Group!) to warm up any audience—even when there isn’t one.
The Business of Speaking – He reveals the behind-the-scenes economics of real estate stages, where selling from the stage is the norm and promoters expect you to “convert” 25% of the room.
From Slides to Improv – Why learning to riff and roll with technical failures, bad audience fits, and “wrong room” moments is crucial—and why improv and comedy classes aren’t just for comics.
Virtual Stages & Podcasts – Scott shares his strategy for using podcasts, webinars, and livestreams as everyday “stages” that build authority and reach (even when the live audience is your mom).
Repurposing Content – His process for turning every talk or podcast into SEO-rich blogs, videos, and even a whole “Best of Scott Carson” podcast—plus how to help hosts see more downloads too!
Building Your Email List – Smart, actionable ways Scott never misses a chance to connect with stage audiences (think QR codes, text opt-ins, and irresistible offers).
Mindset Mastery – How to keep your energy high, your nerves in check, and why you shouldn’t worry about the “vanity metrics”—just focus on serving that one listener who needs your message.

If Scott’s journey resonated with you, here’s what to do next:

Share Your First Stage Story – I want to hear from you! Head to myfirststagepodcast.com and let’s connect.
Subscribe & Review – If this episode inspired you, be sure to subscribe to My First Stage and leave a 5-star review (it means the world to us speakers and helps even more new voices rise up).
Connect with Scott – Book a call or check out what Scott’s doing at talkwithscottcarson.com (but don’t you dare reach out without leaving me a review first)!
Start Your Own Speaking Journey – Go live on your favorite platform, guest on a podcast, or repurpose your talks—remember, even a one-person audience is worth it.

Thanks for tuning in to My First Stage. Catch you next week for more behind-the-scenes stories, practical tips, and all the inspiration you need to make your next stage your best one yet! [embed]https://youtu.be/5-ojHpKs4uY?si=DKF9X0_ZE5bUyJDP[/embed] Timestamped Summaries [00:00–02:41] – I introduce Scott Carson, and we immediately get into the power of a $10 Amazon fan club, sound boxes, and the art of not taking yourself too seriously on stage. [02:47–05:28] – Scott talks through the true story of his very first paid speaking opportunity: a real estate summit where he ran out of slides after 20 minutes, made one sale, and learned invaluable lessons about preparation (and bouncing back). [06:12–08:59] – How Scott developed the ability to riff, react, and keep audiences laughing—no matter what goes wrong. Improv classes, acting, and learning from stand-up comics made him a world-class improviser. [10:22–12:15] – The “shapes test” and other icebreakers Scott uses for “dry” audiences, plus tips for reading a room and breaking the ice when nothing’s going to plan. [13:26–16:18] – We share stage horror stories, including my own “wrong-room” moment, and Scott’s tales of speakers who simply walked out when they realized they weren’t right for the audience. [17:11–19:31] – Why speakers need podcasts as much as traditional stages; Scott’s formula for getting on 400+ podcasts, and how he leverages every appearance as a new business card (regardless of audience size). [20:52–24:06] – Tactical repurposing: How Scott recycles every appearance into new content, rewrites poor episode descriptions, and uses AI to create more reach from every single interview. [25:29–27:17] – Advice for “stage rookies”: Why you should start with lives, webinars, or guesting on small podcasts—and how even speaking to a few viewers can unlock new opportunities. [28:18–29:48] – Mindset for Going Live: How to show up with energy even if you’re speaking to crickets (“all it takes is one person” is the best mantra, courtesy of Gary Vee!). [31:03–32:23] – Why vanity metrics don’t matter—focus on real engagement, not just follower counts. [32:54–33:14] – Simple, effective ways to get your audience on your email list during live events (think QR codes and opt-in gifts) so you can keep nurturing those connections even after you leave the stage. [33:33–34:29] – Connect with Scott—and his parting advice for leaving five-star reviews (a win/win for every host and guest).

Why You’re Never Truly Ready for Your First Stage with Marianne Hickman

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 03:45:00 -0500

Welcome to another episode of My First Stage! This is the podcast where I sit down with public speakers to get real about how they got started, how they landed their first stages, and how speaking helped transform their businesses and lives. While attending the National Speakers Association's Influence Conference, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Marianne Hickman—and trust me, her “first stage” stories are wild, funny, and packed with inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or dreaming of your debut, Marianne’s journey will make you laugh, encourage you to embrace imperfection, and give you permission to just get out there and speak, no matter what. Meet the Guest: Marianne Hickman Marianne is on a mission to help good people become crazy wealthy through the power of stages. She’s a mom of six, an advocate for getting powerful messages to the microphone, and a master at prepping speakers for BIG opportunities. Marianne partners with eSpeakers—a platform connecting event coordinators and speakers—and is passionate about helping you grow from your living room stage to major conferences. She’s also hilarious, authentic, and totally unfiltered about the ups and downs of the speaking life. Here’s a quick overview of what Marianne and I covered during our conversation:

Instant Implementation: Why we set up this pop-up podcast studio at the NSA Influence Conference and how “just doing it” can be the best way to grow.
The Speaker Journey: How Marianne believes the key to speaker success is real prep, ongoing training, feedback loops, and the courage to get on stage—even if nobody shows up.
Embarrassing Moments: Marianne’s unforgettable story about literally peeing her pants on stage (yes, really!) and why it proves you can survive any mishap and still thrive.
Knowing When You’re Ready: Why most speakers never feel "perfectly ready," and why wanting to serve the audience is a better measure of readiness than personal perfection.
Getting Your Reps: Marianne’s advice on practicing anywhere—including Instagram Lives—and why her own first stage happened with zero audience in her living room.
Authenticity Over Polish: A discussion on the difference between being “polished” and being “real,” and how true connection comes from conversational, fun, and responsive presentations.
Audience Engagement: Marianne’s practice of starting every keynote by asking the audience what they want, pivoting on the spot, and making presentations about their needs—not her script.
Leaving a Mark: Why Marianne believes every speaker has the power to leave a lasting mark on their audience (and why you shouldn’t be afraid to share your own imperfect stories).
Connection & Growth: How Marianne and I bonded over our own speaking insecurities, Netflix cameos, and the ripple effect of great storytelling.

If Marianne’s story made you laugh, gave you courage, or inspired you to take the next step as a speaker, here’s what you can do next:

Share Your First Stage Moment – I’d LOVE to hear your beginner stories, embarrassing moments, and wins. Visit myfirststagepodcast.com and let’s connect!
Connect with Marianne – Want to work with Marianne or just find someone who gets it? Follow her on Instagram (@mariannehickman) or check out mariannehickman.com and say hello.
Subscribe & Review – If this conversation helped you, subscribe to My First Stage, leave a rating or review (it really helps!), and let me know what you want to hear next.
Get On Your Own “Stage” – Whether it’s a podcast, virtual summit, Instagram Live, or your living room, take Marianne’s advice—practice everywhere, and let every rep count.

Thanks so much for joining me for this episode. Can’t wait to bring you more honest stories, practical advice, and fresh inspiration on My First Stage! [embed]https://youtu.be/QuHLWmTuhx4[/embed] Timestamped Summaries [00:00-00:42] – I welcome Marianne to the podcast, introduce her mission, and we laugh about surviving Arizona’s sun without sunscreen. [00:01:06-00:02:26] – Marianne explains her partnership with eSpeakers, and why she’s dedicated to preparing speakers for big stages—never throwing them into the spotlight without development. [00:02:32-00:03:07] – We dive into what “being ready” looks like, and Marianne admits most speakers never truly feel ready—but practicing and wanting to help people is enough. [00:03:07-00:04:25] – Marianne shares the hilarious (and vulnerable) story of peeing her pants on stage, and how she coped by telling everyone (and ultimately laughing about it). [00:04:25-00:08:04] – We explore how embarrassing moments can make you stronger—and why the real lesson is showing up, having fun, and not letting mishaps stop you from speaking again. [00:08:17-00:10:02] – Marianne reveals her first stage was in her living room with nobody present, and how her mentor inspired her to deliver her talk anyway, for her own growth (and “standing ovation” in her mind!). [00:10:02-00:11:25] – We chat about sticking with it, practicing on every possible stage (even for no audience), and how persistence—not perfection—creates powerful speakers. [00:12:07-00:13:21] – I confess my own self-consciousness about being an unpolished, improvisational speaker, and Marianne reassures me (and listeners) that authentic connection matters more than flawless delivery. [00:14:11-00:15:57] – Marianne talks about the importance of listening to your audience, changing your content to meet their needs, and making every keynote a responsive conversation. [00:16:04-00:17:01] – We agree that asking your audience what they want (rather than guessing) is the best way to connect, and laugh about how relevant this advice is for relationships, too! [00:17:26-00:18:01] – Marianne shares that every testimonial is about personal impact—not presentation perfection—and encourages speakers to focus on speaking “to” people, not “at” audiences. [00:18:09-00:18:48] – I share my favorite compliment I ever received after speaking—and how Marianne’s perspective helped me see its deeper value. [00:19:08-00:22:29] – We geek out about documentaries, Netflix cameos, and leaving a real mark on everyone you encounter (as a speaker, parent, or friend). [00:23:04-00:23:17] – Marianne tells listeners how to connect with her on Instagram, her website, and invites everyone to be friends and join the journey.

Storytelling on Stage: Lessons From a Pastor Turned Marketing Pro

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0500

Meet the Guest: Dennis Meador

Let me introduce you to Dennis Meador. Dennis is a lifelong communicator and entrepreneur who now helps attorneys find their voices through the Legal Podcast Network. But before all that, Dennis was a pastor who cut his teeth speaking to packed church audiences—an experience that would set a foundation for everything that came after. Today, he’s an expert at turning spoken content into powerful marketing, and last year alone, he was a guest on 99 podcasts!

What We Talked About

Here’s a quick overview of what Dennis and I covered during our conversation:

Dennis’s Unbelievable First Stage: The wild story of how he was thrown on a church stage—completely unprepared—with an audience of hundreds.
From Pulpit to Podcast: How Dennis made the leap from church sermons to marketing, business, sales training, and large-scale content creation.
The Art of Audience Engagement: How he uses stories, visuals, spontaneous “crowd work,” and even playful banter to keep audiences glued to the message.
Finding Real Confidence (Without Faking It): Why Dennis believes true confidence comes from experience, not “faking it till you make it.”
Turning Speaking Into Content Gold: How Dennis records and repurposes his every spoken word into newsletters, social posts, and long-lasting brand assets.
Advice For Getting Onstage: The importance of getting your reps—taking EVERY opportunity you can, even when the audience is small or the show is brand new.
Making Every Room Matter: Why Dennis approaches every single opportunity the same way—whether he’s speaking to one person or a thousand.

If Dennis’s story struck a chord with you, here’s what you can do next:

Share Your Story– I’d love to hear about your own first stage moment! Visitmyfirststagepodcast.comand let’s connect.
Connect with Dennis– Want to learn about Dennis’s work with attorneys, marketing, and podcasting? Check outthelegalpodcastnetwork.comor find Dennis on LinkedIn.
Subscribe & Review– If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe toMy First Stage, leave a rating or review, and let me know what you’re loving (or who I should invite next!).
Start Your Own Speaking Journey– Host a webinar, join a podcast as a guest, or go live on your favorite platform. Every rep counts and every audience—big or small—matters.

Thank you so much for joining me for this episode. Can’t wait to bring you more stories, advice, and inspiration on the next My First Stage! [embed]https://youtu.be/J-hHZhtsnro[/embed]

Timestamped Summaries

[00:00-02:13]– I introduce Dennis and he shares his jaw-dropping first experience speaking in public: a five-minute slot that turned into a 45-minute, life-changing moment in front of 700 peers.
[02:13-06:06]– Dennis describes how he kept getting tapped to lead and speak, and what those early moments taught him about vulnerability and connection on stage.
[08:31-12:39]– We discuss solo speaking vs. conversational formats and Dennis shares actionable tips on engaging audiences and making your presentations interactive (yes, even if that means standing on a chair!).
[13:14-15:00]– We talk about stand-up comedy, crowd work, and why modern audiences crave authentic, real-time interaction more than ever before.
[17:21-19:13]– Dennis tells me what to do when audience participation goes off the rails, and how confidence is the secret weapon for handling surprises.
[20:08-23:49]– Dennis opens up about his background, the real roots of his confidence, and how he settles in before “getting into the zone” on stage.
[24:08-28:43]– We dig into how public speaking powers Dennis’s entire business—he shares his process for turning casual conversations into a mountain of content.
[30:29-33:51]– Dennis’s best advice for beginners: practice as much as you can, no matter the platform, and get comfortable watching your own “game tape” to continuously improve.
[35:27-38:21]– We wrap up with a discussion on why you should treat every stage—big or small—as a real opportunity, and how relationships and referrals can blossom from the most unexpected places.

Building Authority: Justin Peters’ Tips for Getting Booked and Growing Your Brand

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:30:00 -0500

This week, I had the pleasure of sharing the (virtual) stage with Justin Peters, one of my favorite competitors in the podcasting world and someone who always keeps me inspired. Justin is a podcast coach, co-founder of SimplePod, and the host of Podcast Playbook. Not only has Justin been podcasting since 2019—he’s helped countless business owners launch, edit, and manage podcasts that build authority and trust with their audiences. We’ve spoken at many events in our shared city, and I’m thrilled for you to hear his story. Meet the Guest: Justin Peters Let me introduce you to Justin Peters. Justin is driven by his passion for helping people communicate, from writing viral blog posts about careers in the insurance industry to building his podcasting business. He’s a Toastmasters alum, a prolific speaker at conferences like Podfest and FinCon, and an expert at leveraging stages—both big and small—to generate leads and connect with his tribe. If you want practical advice about public speaking, podcasting, or building a brand, Justin is your guy. What We Talked About Here’s a quick overview of what Justin and I discussed during our conversation:

Justin’s Unconventional First Stage: How saying “yes” to a viral opportunity landed him in front of 250 people as a 20-year-old.
Big Stages vs. Small Stages: Why smaller audiences can trigger bigger nerves—and why stage size impacts your engagement style.
Building Your Personal Brand: The role of content creation in getting noticed, “being qualified,” and landing speaking gigs.
Toastmasters & Skill Development: How Justin used Toastmasters to sharpen his ability and stay intentional about growing as a speaker.
Monetizing Your Stage Time: How Justin leverages presentations for lead generation, business growth, and long-term relationships.
Judging Success: The mix of metrics and gut feel that determines whether a speaking opportunity was worth it.
Repurposing Your Content: Strategies for turning speaking gigs into lasting assets—in newsletters, podcasts, and social posts.
Podcasting & Speaking: Why podcast hosts make great speakers, and how practicing content off-stage translates to confidence on-stage.
Authenticity vs. Polish: Our take on filler words, nervous ticks, and why being relatable matters (especially in the personal finance space!)
Maximizing Every Role: How moderating panels and volunteering can be stepping stones to bigger stages—and how to be strategic about it.
Advice For Aspiring Speakers: Justin’s best tip for beginners—start local, build your list, and don’t be the one to tell yourself “no.”

If Justin’s story lit a fire for you, here’s how you can turn inspiration into action:

Share Your Story! – I want to hear about your own first stage moment. Visit myfirststagepodcast.com and let’s connect.
Connect with Justin – Learn more about Justin’s work at SimplePod Studios or follow him on LinkedIn. And don’t miss his new Podcast Playbook show!
Subscribe & Review – If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to My First Stage. Leave a rating or review and let me know who you want to hear from next!
Take Your First Step – Apply for a local conference, volunteer as a moderator, or pitch yourself as a podcast guest. Your next stage could be just one ask away.

Thanks for joining me for this fantastic episode—can’t wait to bring you more stories, advice, and fresh inspiration on the next My First Stage! [embed]https://youtu.be/YO7zAx5KNxw[/embed] Timestamped Summaries [00:00-01:10] – I introduce Justin and we reminisce about sharing stages together; Justin shares how his first big speaking opportunity came from a viral blog post and led him onto a major industry stage. [01:10-02:16] – Justin describes “ripping the bandaid off” for his first 250-person talk—and getting help from a co-speaker. [02:16-03:21] – We discuss nerves, audience size, and the surprising impact of smaller, more intimate crowds. [03:32-04:30] – Justin explains why smaller rooms can be tougher—and how podcasting reps have calmed his nerves. [04:41-05:34] – Justin lays out his personal brand strategy for getting on stages: content, identity, and creating expertise that attracts opportunities. [05:49-06:31] – The meaning of “qualification” for speakers—Justin talks about guiding an audience through their problem and knowing your subject deeply. [07:43-08:52] – Justin’s practical advice: just apply for speaking slots, reach out to event organizers, and don’t wait for someone else’s invitation. [09:18-10:06] – The business impact of speaking: Justin shares how stage appearances drive direct leads, conversions, and long-tail followers. [10:33-11:18] – Quantitative vs. qualitative measures of success—metrics, gut feeling, and meaningful hallway conversations. [13:36-14:35] – Structuring talks for lead generation: tactical content, resource downloads, and real-time engagement strategies. [14:42-15:46] – How podcasting and speaking go hand-in-hand—practicing content, generating ideas, and building confidence behind the mic. [17:24-18:19] – Using podcast episodes and clips as speaker reels in applications (and why it gives you a strategic edge). [18:57-20:20] – Authenticity vs. polish—why you don’t have to be perfect, as long as your insight and storytelling land for your audience. [22:28-23:47] – Justin’s worst stage experience: disorganization, interruption, and lessons learned about MCs and panel moderation. [26:12-28:47] – Using panel moderation, volunteering, and smaller roles to grow your reputation and credibility for larger stages. [29:24-30:47] – Repurposing speaking gigs for social, podcast, and newsletters—why every moment on stage can turn into powerful marketing. [31:07-31:48] – Justin’s bonus tip for beginners: start local, build your conference/event master list, and aim for manageable, high-impact opportunities. [32:06-32:37] – Justin introduces Podcast Playbook, his brand-new show for business podcasters, and explains where you can find him.

Landing a TEDx Talk: Colette Fehr on Resilience, Rejection, and Speaking Success

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Welcome to another episode of My First Stage: the podcast where experienced public speakers share how they got booked on stages and how those moments shaped their business and impact. This week, I had the honor of sitting down with Colette Fehr—a licensed psychotherapist, nationally recognized relationship expert, author, podcast host, and, as of last year, an official TEDx speaker. Colette’s journey to the TEDx stage was anything but easy, and her story is packed with lessons every aspiring speaker needs to hear. Colette recently released her book, "The Cost of Quiet," which dives deep into the power of communication in relationships—a theme she brings to life on stage and in her TEDx talk. As someone who’s faced tough rejections, conquered nerves, and delivered a talk through unexpected tech disasters, Colette’s first stage story is the ultimate blueprint for perseverance, growth, and authentic connection. What We Talked About Colette’s Long Road to TEDx: How she researched, applied, and got rejected by multiple events—only to finally land her TEDx moment after countless setbacks. The Inside Scoop on TEDx Applications: Why every event operates differently, how to track applications, and the role connections play in your pitch (and how Colette made hers stand out). Handling Rejection and Failure: Colette gets real about how rejection hurts—even when you know it’s part of the growth process—and why talking about it is so important for speakers. Surviving Stage Nightmares: The story of getting yanked off stage, a broken mic, and completely out-of-sync slides (with a backstage intern moving them wildly out of order)—only to deliver a performance that became a TED Editor’s Pick. Collaboration and Feedback: How working with others—including myself, acting coaches, and trusted friends—helped Colette shape her talk and tell her story with more impact. The Real Impact of TEDx: Colette reveals how the TEDx credential is helping her book more paid gigs, boost her speaking fees, and build credibility—even if nothing “tangible” came immediately. Advice for New Speakers: Why you need to start speaking anywhere and everywhere, practice “exposure therapy,” seek mentorship, and always get outside feedback. [embed]https://youtu.be/LuwO11yzzec[/embed] If Colette’s journey inspired you, here’s what you can do next: Connect with Colette – Check out her book, "The Cost of Quiet," here or at bookstores everywhere. Dive into her weekly Substack for free advice on speaking, growth, and relationships at secretsfromatherapist.substack.com, and follow @colettejanefehr on Instagram. Watch Colette’s TEDx Talk – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tSUOB2yEd0 Reach Out – If you want to be featured or have your own first stage story, visit myfirststagepodcast.com and let’s connect! Thanks so much for listening. Can’t wait to bring you another behind-the-scenes first stage story next week on My First Stage! Timestamped Summaries [00:00-01:19] – I introduce Colette and her impressive credentials, including her new book and TEDx achievement. [01:19-02:57] – Colette shares the hard truth about TEDx applications: rejection, research, and why failure is part of the process (even for seasoned speakers). [04:05-06:25] – The nitty-gritty of TEDx applications: unique processes, tracking deadlines, leveraging connections, and customizing every pitch—for places like Tulane, New York, Kentucky, and Florida (and, yes, getting rejected by all). [07:16-13:14] – Colette recounts finally landing her TEDx talk after dozens of tries, preparing for the performance, working with collaborators, and the nightmare on stage: broken mic, failed slides, and a backstage rescue that nearly sabotaged her Editor’s Pick debut. [13:51-15:21] – What a TED Editor’s Pick is, how long it took for her talk to go live, and the surprising view count on YouTube. [15:21-17:39] – Using TEDx as a platform: how it’s helping Colette build her speaking business, raise her fees, and establish credibility, plus the importance of outside feedback and collaboration. [20:30-22:13] – Colette’s actionable advice for aspiring speakers: start anywhere, practice relentlessly, seek mentorship, and don’t work alone—collaboration is key. [22:13-24:40] – Exposure therapy, Toastmasters, mentorship, and critical feedback as the foundation for speaker growth. [24:48-25:47] – Where to find Colette: her book, website, Instagram, and her rapidly growing Substack (“Secrets from a Therapist”), plus her commitment to share free resources every week.

My First Stage: How I Landed My First Speaking Gig (and What Happened Next)

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Every speaker has a story. But before the standing ovations, the TEDx invitations, and the six-figure speaking fees, there was one gig—the first real stage—that started it all.

My First Stage is a podcast that goes behind the mic with professional speakers, authors, coaches, and entrepreneurs to uncover the stories of how they booked their very first speaking engagement and how that moment transformed their confidence, credibility, and career.

From kitchen table pitches and last-minute invites to breakout sessions that turned into full-blown keynotes, our guests take you back to the beginning. These aren’t just tales of stepping on stage—they’re raw, honest, and often surprising accounts of what it really took to land that first gig, what happened once they got on stage, and how it impacted the direction of their business from that moment on.

Whether you’re an emerging speaker, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to grow your brand, income, or impact through the power of speaking, My First Stage offers the inspiration, insights, and tactical takeaways to help you elevate your own platform.

What You’ll Hear:

Real stories from real speakers about the hustle, heart, and happy accidents that led to their first booked gig
Behind-the-scenes moments: awkward intros, standing ovations, tech fails, and everything in between
Lessons learned that helped shape the way they pitch, present, and position themselves today
Business impact: how a single stage turned into media coverage, new clients, product launches, or an entirely new path
Tips and advice for landing your first (or next) speaking opportunity, straight from those who’ve been there

Too often, we only see the highlight reel: the perfectly lit sizzle reel, the booked-out calendar, the standing-room-only audience. But every speaker, no matter how seasoned or successful, had a first time. A first pitch. A first yes. A first chance to prove themselves.

My First Stage is a celebration of that beginning. It’s a tribute to the courage it takes to speak—and the way one stage can change everything.

Whether you’re hoping to build your speaking business or just looking for the spark to finally step into the spotlight, this podcast is here to help you take that next step.

Because your story is powerful. And your first stage might just be the start of something even bigger.

Want to Be a Guest?

If you’re a speaker with a story to share about your first booked stage—how you got it, what it meant to you, and how it shaped your business—we want to hear it. Apply to be a guest at www.myfirststagepodcast.com or connect with us at @StickWithBranded on social.