The Speaker Lab Podcast

"All those little intangibles that are so nuanced, the great storytellers can put themselves physically and emotionally back in the story and bring you with them, and then somehow bring it back to you.” 

If you’ve ever felt like your life isn’t interesting enough for the stage, Katie Quesada is here to change your mind. On this episode of The Speaker Lab, Katie and Grant Baldwin unpack what really makes stories memorable. Instead of rehashing a list of personal events, Katie encourages speakers to choose moments that spark connection. For example, she doesn’t just share about living in an RV; she asks audiences, “Have you ever craved simplicity?” Suddenly, everyone relates.

Her simple storytelling framework uses the Three Cs:

• Context: Set the scene, but skip the extra details. Give just enough info so listeners can picture what’s happening.
• Conflict: Don’t shy away from what was hard or scary. This is where real connection happens.
• Conclusion: Don’t just wrap up with your own win. End on shared values, so the audience sees themselves in the story.

Katie’s practical advice is to test stories at dinner parties, coffee shops, or wherever you chat with friends. Notice what gets a reaction, and refine as you go. She recommends keeping a running note of story ideas and even using AI tools like ChatGPT to help organize and edit your thoughts. And when it comes to humor, focus on levity. You don’t need punchlines; just offer moments for your audience to breathe and relate. You don’t need a dramatic life event. Look for everyday moments that mean something, keep your stories concise, and always connect back to your listener!

You’ll learn:

• Creating shared meaning with the audience
• Differences between personal stories, borrowed anecdotes, and historical narratives
• Cutting unnecessary details from your speaking
• Balancing struggles with authenticity
• Moving from moments to meaning
• Emotional resonance as the driver of behavioral change
• Practicing energy, expressiveness, and nuanced delivery
• And much, much more!

“Authenticity is going to be what cuts the noise of becoming a stereotype, especially in the speaking space.”

Episode Resources

• Katie’s Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“When downselling, it’s really good to say, ‘Who is above me, and who is below me?’ And then also find out, looking laterally, who do you compete against? Who is within a similar fee range?...Who can I refer that might fit along that axis.”

In this episode, Grant Baldwin teams up with industry insider Brian Lord of Premier Speakers Bureau for a conversation about what it takes to succeed as a speaker. Brian’s insight is simple: know your place in the market, nurture real relationships, and don’t underestimate the power of referrals.

Brian shares his “speakers matrix” concept, challenging every speaker to map out who’s above, below, and alongside them in terms of fees and content. Why? Because networking up and down this axis isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Those connections bring in gigs you’d otherwise miss and make sure you’re not flying solo in the business.

Brian’s biggest reminder is to not get lost in the latest trends. AI may be hot, but your authentic message and consistently fresh content are what keep you booked and relevant. And always, always deliver value offstage because event planners love a speaker who’s great to work with, not just to watch.

Moreover, if you’re an independent speaker, these strategies matter even more. The takeaway from this episode is to focus on building your network, referring others, and adapting as the industry evolves. Impact and bookings come from meaningful relationships, not complicated tactics, because it’s human connection that grows your career, one conversation and one referral at a time!

You’ll learn:

• The role of a speaker as a message bearer
• Understanding down-sells and up-sells
• Effective networking and referral strategies
• Creating variations of your core service
• Emotional separation from your “product”
• The “Free market” effect: your booking successes as feedback
• How off-stage behavior matters as much as on-stage behavior
• How to fold hot topics like AI into core expertise
• And much, much more!

“If you get the thought into your head that you are somebody who goes around helping people get better for having met you than if they hadn’t, then that’s your goal as a speaker.”

Episode Resources

• Brian’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“You have to make sure you don’t lose the vision of what you started, because the team could begin and can take on a personality of its own. And if you don’t manage it, you can get off the vision of what brought you here.”

What does it really take to build a thriving speaking business? In this week’s thought-provoking episode, Grant Baldwin sits down with Erick Rheam to explore the practical strategies and mindset shifts needed for true longevity in this industry.

Erick, an established speaker with years of experience under his belt, opens up about his own journey: the early hustle, the inevitable challenges, and, most importantly, how he’s learned to balance ambition with sustainability. He and Grant get real about the myth of constant grind, explaining that putting in the hard work is necessary at the start, but staying stuck in overdrive isn’t the secret to lasting impact or happiness.

Instead, this conversation dives deep into the habits and boundaries that separate career burnout from long-term success. Erick shares how intentional routines, clear priorities, and strategic rest have shaped his evolution, not just as a speaker, but as a leader, husband, and friend.

If you’re dreaming about building a speaking business with staying power, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. Tune in for a refreshing look at what it takes to sustain your passion and make an impact for years to come. Whether you’re just getting started or already established, Erick and Grant’s discussion is a must-listen for any speaker ready to play the long game. Don’t miss it!

You’ll learn:

• The defining characteristics, obstacles, and recommended advancements for the five levels of a professional speaking career
• Level 1: The Aspiring Speaker
• Level 2: The Amateur Speaker
• Level 3: The Professional Speaker
• Level 4: The Career Speaker
• Level 5: The Legacy Speaker
• Not taking the speaking journey for granted
• The importance of being coached at every level
• And much, much more!

“It’s fun when you do something that you’re really passionate about and aligned with, it’s amazing how every other part of your life starts to align once you figure out what that looks like.”

Episode Resources

• Erick’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“My job is to make [event planners] look like a rock star when I get off stage…I stand beside them so I can also have them hear the lovely things people are saying in line when people want to hug you and take their photo with you. And so what they need to see is [that I] was a good investment.”

In this episode, Grant Baldwin connects with Neen James for an honest, energetic conversation on what it truly means to make an impact as a public speaker. Neen’s journey shines a spotlight on the power of intentional focus, where knowing exactly who you serve, and why, can transform not only your business but your ability to connect from the stage.

As Neen shares, growing your speaking business is less about flashy tactics and more about consistent, meaningful action. She and Grant unravel the myth that you need a massive following or viral content to succeed. Instead, it’s about doubling down on the basics: nurturing authentic relationships within your network, following up with event planners, and always delivering value tailored to your audience’s needs.

The episode also digs into the art of strategic outreach. It’s not ideal to sit back and hope your inbox fills up. Take ownership of your calendar by making outreach a daily habit, revisiting those half-finished conversations, and gently reminding people how you can help. Overall, landing more speaking gigs comes down to intentional action, relationship-building, and refusing to overcomplicate the process. 

You’ll learn:

• How to stand out in a crowded field
• Turning clients and audiences into advocates
• Importance of preparation before stepping on stage
• The BDA Framework: Before, During, After
• Discovering and leveraging your intellectual property
• Building early relationships with event staff
• Customizing content for specific audiences
• Acknowledging and celebrating the audience’s culture
• Outsourcing non-core tasks to increase focus
• And much, much more!

“Every speaker needs to think about how they can be exceptional? Because there’s plenty of average out there, but it’s exceptional that gets attention.”

Episode Resources

• Neen’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“[I’m trying] to use stories so the audience can find themselves in the story as it relates to their life, but then extract the lessons learned, the principles to help, to overcome, to move through the process that’s executed, to use adversity as fuel for purpose.”

This week, Grant Baldwin sits down with Lance Cibik, peeling back the curtain on what it really takes to build momentum and establish yourself in the world of public speaking. Lance’s background is a blend of experiences, not just as a speaker but as someone constantly evolving and adapting. Grant drives home the importance of clarity, knowing who you serve and how you help them, then communicating that message with confidence.

Moreover, focus in your messaging is non-negotiable, but it’s not just about what you say; it’s about who you say it to. Both Grant and Lance highlight the necessity of consistent outreach. You can have all the passion in the world, but if your calendar isn’t full, it’s time to revisit your prospecting strategy. Move beyond waiting for gigs to land in your inbox. Instead, get proactive by following up with past clients, checking in on leads, and never underestimate the value of your existing network.

Don’t make the process of getting booked more complicated than it needs to be. Simple shifts like asking for referrals, sending thoughtful follow-ups, and refreshing your pitch can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Ultimately, landing speaking gigs isn’t about luck; it’s about showing up, nurturing relationships, and remembering that every “no” gets you closer to the next “yes.”

You’ll learn:

• Speaking roles in corporate settings 
• Using adversity as motivation and keynote themes
• Translating personal experiences into audience-relevant lessons
• A four-step process for overcoming adversity
• Treating speaking as a business
• Taking messy action, gaining reps, and audience validation
• Redefining success and mentoring others
• And much, much more!

“If you find yourself in a situation where you’re looking around and saying how did I get here, I’m stuck, I don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. How are you going to respond to that? Number one, be the change. It’s a mindset shift.”

Episode Resources

• Lance’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“The whole purpose of the Speaker Lab is we’re here to help speakers, to give them confidence, to get them out there and to translate their experiences, their stories into something that they can take out and get booked and paid to speak.”

Building a thriving speaking business comes down to strategy, momentum, and the discipline to keep moving forward. In this episode of The Speaker Lab, Erick Rheam coaches Marcy Grossman and Michael Foreman through the real-life challenges all speakers face, whether it’s juggling multiple roles or breaking out of a booking rut.

For Marcy, who blends speaking, consulting, mentoring, and more, the key is clarity. Erick assures her that it’s fine to wear many hats, as long as she stays focused on filling her pipeline and marketing her core message. No matter how diverse your brand, consistency in outreach is critical. Meanwhile, Michael is reminded that the secret to more gigs is leveraging past relationships.

The bottom line in this episode is simple but powerful: keep prospecting, nurture your network, and never miss the chance to turn one gig into two. Even subtle tweaks in your approach can mean big results for your speaking business!

You’ll learn:

• The philosophy of booking multiple gigs
• The purpose of Speaker Lab’s coaching sessions
• Balancing and marketing a multidimensional brand as a speaker
• Structuring a website for speakers with multiple services
• Strategies for reigniting a stalled speaking pipeline
• And much, much more!

“Once you have clarity over this is where I want my business to go and this is the role speaking is going to play, then what you need to do is think about how many times you want to be on stage…you want to get the reps on the stage because the stage is what gives you the momentum. That fuels other things.”

Episode Resources

• Erick’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Michael’s Website
• Marcy’s Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I have a friend who used to call it putting the cookies on a lower shelf. And you want to say to the audience things that they can absolutely understand and they can take action on and that are not confusing.”

What really sets the best speakers apart? This week on The Speaker Lab, host Grant Baldwin chats with Donald Miller, author, entrepreneur, and creator of the StoryBrand framework, about how to become the kind of speaker event planners and audiences remember.

Donald’s golden rule? If you confuse, you lose. Rather than trying to sound smart or fancy, focus on making your message unmistakably clear. Simple, repeatable soundbites are the key to winning hearts and growing your impact. And instead of trying to be everything to everyone, Donald urges speakers to solve a specific problem. Dialing in on your area of expertise makes you the go-to choice and helps book more gigs, not fewer.

In regard to feelings of imposter syndrome, speakers don’t need to know everything, just more than their audience. Donald reminds speakers that they’re not the hero, they’re the guide, and if they can help their audience win, they’ll stand out for all the right reasons. Packed with wisdom you can put into action today, this episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to master both the art and business of getting booked—and remembered—as a speaker. Don’t miss it!

You’ll learn:

• Following proven communication principles over improvisation
• How the StoryBrand framework clarifies and structures messaging
• Defining your niche as a speaker
• Establishing authority by knowing your subject
• Positioning your audience as the hero
• Prioritizing clarity over cleverness in communication
• Using both speaking and writing to refine your content
• And much, much more!

“The more niched down you get, the more likely you are to be on stages.”

Episode Resources

• Donald’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“When speakers communicate directly with the clients and leave me out of the communication, it can get fuzzy. And there have been times when that’s happened and logistical details have not occurred and it has cost somebody money.”

Behind every outstanding speaking event is a world of logistics, relationships, and attention to detail that most audiences never see. On this week’s episode of The Speaker Lab, host Grant Baldwin chats with Lori Kennedy from Premier Speakers Bureau, an Advance Agent, who has mastered the art of making events run smoothly.

Lori unpacks the critical steps that set the best speakers apart, from executing contracts and managing travel to handling last-minute changes with calm professionalism. Her candid stories from the field highlight the importance of flexibility, communication, and always having a Plan B.

For speakers aiming to build strong, long-term relationships with event planners and bureaus, Lori emphasizes the power of simple habits like responding quickly to emails, keeping commitments, and always looping your team in on changes. She shares why being easy to work with is just as crucial as what you do on stage, and how thoughtful touches like thank-you notes or a quick text that you’ve arrived can make all the difference.

Packed with actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen whether you’re just starting or looking to elevate your reputation. From pre-event preparation to making a lasting impression after the applause, Lori’s wisdom will help you become the kind of speaker event planners can’t wait to work with again!

You’ll learn:

• The meaning and responsibilities of an advanced agent
• Risks associated with speakers handling logistics independently
• Best practices for booking travel
• Roles of agents in contract creation and execution
• Tips for making event logistics smoother for everyone involved
• The importance of personalized connection before, during, and after events
• And much, much more!

“I am doing logistics, or what we call advancing the event, and therefore the word advanced agent…and before you go to the venue, you have to have everything set up…and so advancing was always the part that happened before you arrived to make sure that they were ready when you arrived.”

Episode Resources

• Lori’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Content is still important, but content is much more of a commodity. So the premise has to be that we’ve got to create something…It has to include conversation, it has to include community, it has to include the idea that there’s going to be something that’s analog that happens.”

In this week’s episode of The Speaker Lab, Grant Baldwin chats with Brad Lomenick about what truly makes speakers memorable. Brad’s big takeaway is that being great to work with matters even more than being the most dynamic person on stage.

Brad shares that self-awareness is key: know your strengths, get feedback, and focus on the type of events where you shine. He also highlights the importance of personal touches like connecting with organizers, knowing your audience, and showing genuine kindness.

Ultimately, it’s the offstage moments and relationships you build that lead to lasting success. Want to get booked again and again? Prioritize being a good human, not just a good speaker!

You’ll learn:

• The value of feedback in improving as a communicator
• Pursuing growth without losing sight of strengths
• How to elicit helpful criticism
• The difference between different types of feedback
• Navigating the challenge of competing with digital content
• Building community and trust as a speaker
• Tips for making big rooms feel “smaller”
• The long-term effect of how speakers treat people off-stage
• And much, much more!

“Sometimes our own personal emotions are not the best indicator because we look at [our talk] and go, oh, I crushed it, and the audience looks at it and goes, good intentions.” 

Episode Resources

• Brad’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“...hustle and hard work might get you past a certain project or deadline, but then habits will help you last over the long haul, right? So build a business that doesn’t ultimately break you over time.”

What does it take to build a speaking business and a life that lasts? In this week’s episode of The Speaker Lab, host Grant Baldwin sits down with his longtime friend Chris Ducker, who just released his new book, The Long-Haul Leader. Together, they dig into the real strategies behind sustainable success, steering clear of the non-stop hustle that risks burnout.

Chris shares candid insights from his entrepreneurial journey and research, emphasizing that while hustle is required in the early days, you can’t stay in high gear forever. Instead, he champions the power of habits, boundaries, and honest self-care, arguing that protecting your energy is more important than squeezing every last minute from your calendar.

The episode is packed with valuable advice: how to recognize burnout before it hits, why recovery is a competitive edge, and how to make sure your business supports your life, not the other way around. If you’ve ever wondered how to chase big goals without losing yourself along the way, don’t miss this conversation, and check out Chris’s new book for even more practical wisdom on becoming a true long-haul leader!

You’ll learn:

• Building lasting habits over perpetual hustle
• Redefining success to include health, relationships, and joy
• Navigating the nature of starting a business
• Aligning business priorities to support personal well-being
• Big-picture thinking without neglecting current obligations
• About Chris’ new book The Long-Haul Leader
• Reframing self-care as strategic, not selfish
• Distinguishing between busy seasons and burnout
• The importance of adaptability
• And much, much more!

“What you have to understand is that success, even initially, should not cost you your health, it shouldn’t cost you your family, it shouldn’t cost you your relationships or your joy of the work that you’re doing.”

Episode Resources

• Chris’ Website
• The Long-Haul Leader Book
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.