As someone for whom the mere thought of speaking to others—let alone speaking in public—provoked visceral dread, today's special guest Marcus Bales' journey from socially anxious child to award-winning professional speaker is testament to the effectiveness of the techniques he’s learned and perfected and now shares with others as a professional speaker and coach. He’s conquered his anxiety so thoroughly, he even once won a rap battle judged by Flava Flav and Kevin from The Office.

His upcoming book, DON’T SHUT UP: A Collection of Stories and Advice on How to Overcome Social Anxiety [May 3, 2022], is a compilation of Marcus’ own experience growing up with—and eventually overcoming—debilitating social anxiety, as well as tried and true tips and techniques for anyone struggling with this incredibly common disorder.