“Just breathe” is one of the most common pieces of advice given to speakers and performers who feel anxious about stepping onto the stage (be that online or in person) — but what if the way you’re breathing is actually making things worse?

Breathing might seem like an automatic function, but the truth is, most of us are doing it wrong… and it’s costing us calm, clarity, and confidence.

My guest, Manny Rodriguez, learned this the hard way.

After enlisting in the Army at 28, Manny suffered a back injury that led to years of heavy-duty prescription drugs, a near-death experience, and an 18-year journey to reclaim his health and peace of mind.

His key turning point? Breathing.

Manny’s recovery introduced him to tactical breathing — a practice originally used by special forces to stay calm under pressure — and he’s now teaching it to first responders, senior citizens, corporate leaders, and speakers who want to master their nervous system and show up with power and presence.

In this episode, Manny shares his extraordinary story, why breathwork is the real foundation of public speaking, and the practical tools he uses to help people go from panicked to present.

If you've ever felt like nerves are running the show when you speak — or you just want to feel more in control of your mind and body — this conversation is a must-listen.

What You’ll Discover:

• Why healing his nervous system was the real key to Manny finding his voice
• How trauma affects your breath — and why that matters for speakers
• What ‘tactical breathing’ is and how it helps you stay calm in chaos
• The surprising reason ‘box breathing’ might actually backfire, rather than help you and what you can do about it
• Manny’s AIRSPEND model to create a breathing foundation that supports speaking, performance, and calm
• How simply breathing through your nose can change your sleep, focus, and energy
• The link between posture, breath, and vocal power
• How reconnecting with your body improves your presence on stage
• The difference between reacting and responding — and how breathwork shifts the balance

Enjoy!

If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here:

All things Manny:

Email: [email protected]  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-rodz-tactical-calm/ 

Books & Resources*:

Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto

 

Speaking Resources:

Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk

Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge

 

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