The Speaker Lab Podcast

“The hardest thing about building a community is making sure that you’ve tapped into a transition that people have and are navigating so that they actually want to build relationships with each other.”

As a speaker, building your authority goes beyond what you say on stage, it’s all about how you connect with your audience afterward. This week, Gina Bianchini, founder and CEO of Mighty Networks, joins us to reveal why community-building is the next essential step in growing your influence and credibility. With a passion for transforming one-time talks into ongoing relationships, Gina shares practical ways to move your audience from passive listeners to active participants, showing that genuine engagement starts when you help people connect with each other and not just with your content.

Additionally, Gina gets real about the challenges of staying inspired in the middle of burnout and business setbacks, offering refreshing advice on reinventing your approach and leading with purpose. Gina believes that the true mark of a leader isn’t just expertise, it’s creating spaces where others can grow, learn, and thrive together. If you’re ready to expand your impact beyond the stage, you’ll want to hear Gina’s honest insight and proven strategies to turn your message into a movement!

You’ll learn:

• Supporting your business vs. representing yourself as a speaker
• Gina’s criteria for accepting speaking engagements
• The overload and overwhelm faced by today’s audiences
• Online vs. in-person community support
• Why speakers should build community
• The three primary values of communities
• Turning your audience into a community
• The current uses of AI by creators
• And much, much more!

“A community is the single most effective way to navigate a rapidly changing world.”

Episode Resources

• Gina’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.

“If you impact one leader and that leader shows up better, then that leader engages better with his or her team. And then if that’s a good experience and it’s consistent, then those teammates do the same for their team. And all of a sudden you’re cascading down.”

One of the best things about being a speaker? You get to write your own story—and Daniel Harkavy’s is proof that the path isn’t always smooth, but it’s definitely worth it. In this episode, Daniel opens up about his rocky first speaking gig, however instead of quitting, he uses that failure as fuel. As a result, speaking became the key to growing his coaching business—not just for applause, but to make real connections and lasting impact.

Daniel reminds us that success on stage isn’t about being perfect, it’s about leaning into your strengths, learning from the mess-ups, and using your unique voice to serve others. Speaking doesn’t have to be your end game—sometimes it’s the launchpad for something even bigger. His big takeaway is to embrace what makes you different, seek out opportunities to serve, and don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. There’s no single way to build a speaking business—so create one that excites you while opening doors for others, too.

You’ll learn:

• Overcoming imposter syndrome in speaking
• The role of speaking in business growth
• Speaking as a lead generation tool
• Balancing speaking and coaching
• How to determine the “right audience”
• Scaling a coaching/speaking business
• Modernizing speaking business structures
• And much, much more!

“Build a life plan and then a schedule that enables you to flourish and rejuvenate so that when you go out on the road, you are the best version of yourself.”

Episode Resources

• Daniel’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 goal is to become reassuringly expensive to some extent because what you’re able to charge as a speaker is directly correlated to the insurance policy that you can provide for that event.”

One of the best parts about being a speaker is that you get to decide what your speaking career looks like. Your story is unique—and only you can deliver the kind of value your audience needs. This week, Clint Pulver joins the show to remind us that success on stage is about more than a great keynote. Clint’s become an in-demand speaker by leaning into what makes him truly different—combining research, storytelling, and full-on showmanship to create real experiences for his audiences.

From hauling drum kits in a rental car as a young speaker to now orchestrating jaw-dropping interactive moments, Clint proves that your wild ideas are often your most valuable assets. He encourages speakers to go beyond the standard and design memorable experiences—think Broadway-level performance, not just another lecture. The big lesson? Embrace everything that makes you, you.

Whether it’s drumming, magic, humor, or a signature story, don’t be afraid to bring it to the stage. There’s no single path to a successful speaking career, so create one that fits your strengths and passions. Ready to take the next step? Let Clint’s story encourage you to get creative and build a speaking business on your terms. Your best work—and your audience—are waiting!

You’ll learn:

• Moving beyond standard keynote speeches
• Creating interactive experiences versus keynote speeches
• Establishing a brand around memorable experiences
• The four reasons speakers get booked: celebrity, expertise, entertainment, and inspiration
• Ensuring showmanship doesn’t overshadow content
• Balancing entertainment (40%) with content (60%)
• How marketing and positioning affect audience expectations
• And much, much more!

“It’s about great storytelling, but it’s about creating that ultimate wow factor at the end where people walk out of there going I have no idea how that happened.”

Episode Resources

• Clint’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.

“What does it feel like to be a customer of your business? How are you treating your customers? How are you making them want to not just come back, but tell their friends?”

Brittany Hodak’s story reminds us that a truly fulfilling speaking career comes from real clarity and intentionality, not chasing every gig or opportunity that comes along. She didn’t set out to become a speaker—her journey began with launching a marketing agency for some of music’s biggest names, which eventually led to media attention, a Shark Tank appearance, and eventually speaking invitations. Only after saying yes a few times did Brittany realize the demand—and value—for her insights on creating “superfans” through customer experience.

However, Brittany’s growth wasn’t from one big break. It stemmed from consistently refining her message, learning to say no (even to well-paid opportunities), and protecting her priorities—especially bedtime routines with her two young kids. Instead of chasing every opportunity, Brittany focused relentlessly on her message: helping organizations build loyal customers. By sticking to her lane, turning down distractions, and showing up with real, tested insights, she’s built a thriving speaking business on her own terms. What can we learn from Brittany? Success isn’t about being everywhere or everything. It’s about knowing who you serve, being consistent, and building your work around what matters most!

You’ll learn:

• Balancing a speaking career and family life
• Focusing on customer experience and creating superfans
• Determining the right number of speaking engagements
• Evolving your speaking niche and messaging
• Developing signature keynotes and customization
• Using humor and engagement in presentations
• Productizing knowledge
• And much, much more!

“You have to stay on one path if you want to be known for that.”

Episode Resources

• Brittany’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.

“One thing that will make you better suited towards being able to deal with that is if you have a resilient mindset to know that whatever you’re going through, what is the lesson I’m going to get out of it and how is it going to make me better? Where is the positive growth going to come from here?”

Tiran Jackson’s story is a masterclass in turning heartbreak into hope and challenge into fuel. If you think a speaking career is about big breaks or spotlight moments, Tiran is living proof that the real work happens in the trenches of adversity. What began as a thriving engineering career was turned upside down by a tragic accident that took his wife’s life and left Tiran fighting for his own. In the aftermath, he didn’t set out to be a speaker, but the realization that his journey through loss, resilience, and rebuilding could help others, sparked something new.

For months, Tiran focused on tiny, consistent steps: showing up for grueling physical therapy, supporting his son through grief, and speaking at small gatherings, but each moment, and every bit of hard-won progress, mattered. His breakthrough wasn’t about having the “best” story, but about building the discipline to show up, refine his message, and deeply serve his audience.

Today, Tiran speaks to leadership teams, NFL athletes, and faith communities on resilience and using adversity for growth. His business didn’t happen overnight—it grew as he learned to share his story with intention, listen to the needs of his audience, and put in the work of outreach and relationship-building. The lesson? Success as a speaker isn’t about being the loudest or most dramatic voice—it’s about being willing to show up, be real, adapt, and encourage others no matter how tough it gets.

You’ll learn:

• Using adversity for growth
• Resilience in challenging situations
• The role of a strong support system
• Growing confidence and recognition of potential
• The importance of process, audience outreach, and message refinement
• Customizing talks for various audiences
• The value of building long-term relationships
• Knowing one’s value
• The realities of building a business
• And much, much more!

“If you’re not good at something, the best thing you can do is have a process for improvement.”

Episode Resources

• Tiran’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.

“Client communication just doesn’t cut it anymore. In 2025 we have so many generations working together, we want to rush right to the product, but we have to learn how to use these people first communication skills.”

Jason Raitz is proof that success as a speaker isn’t about overnight wins or waiting for an opportunity to knock—it’s about grit, clarity, and a relentless focus on serving others. Starting from a childhood love of the stage (and a knack for bribing friends with cookies), Jason spent years speaking in churches and schools before finally stepping into the corporate world, but this pivot didn’t come easy.

For years, Jason juggled ministry with speaking gigs, sometimes feeling invisible and fighting off imposter syndrome—especially when the dream career didn’t materialize quickly. The breakthrough came when he stopped trying to speak to everyone and niched down, listening deeply to the needs of his new audience: financial professionals. That decision, plus hours of research and talking with industry leaders, turned Speak with People from an idea into a respected business.

Jason’s message is simple but necessary: real impact happens when you communicate with people, not at them. His journey is a masterclass in perseverance—reminding us it’s not about being the loudest voice in the room, but being the one willing to listen, adapt, and keep going even when it’s tough.

You’ll learn:

• Running a business with a nonprofit mindset
• Niching down and focusing on a specific market
• Differentiating companies from personal brands
• Difficulties in breaking into the church speaking circuit
• How financial necessity is a driving factor in career decisions
• The challenges of adapting messages and delivery
• The importance of being a health communicator
• Adapting content creation and sales approaches
• And much, much more!

“I want to teach people how to be a healthy communicator, to be able to speak from a place of health on the inside. Because if your inner world is chaos, what comes out of your mouth is not going to be great.”

Episode Resources

• Jason’s Website
• 2 Day Booked & 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.

“Ultimately, you don’t need to have any certification. You need to have some level of experience where you can speak authentically and congruent. It’s gotta be congruent with how you feel about your knowledge.”

Clinton Young knows what it’s like to hit rock bottom—and how to turn that experience into fuel for an inspiring speaking career. After losing his business and confidence during the 2008 financial crisis, everything shifted thanks to a tough-love moment at a seminar and a game-changing podcast episode. Now, as a sought-after speaker and coach, Clinton helps others build clarity, confidence, and the systems they need to get booked and paid to speak.

Clinton’s secret sauce? It’s all about systems—the thing that separates hobby speakers from true professionals. Instead of trying to talk to everyone about everything, he challenges speakers to focus on what they’re great at (credibility), what fires them up (excitability), and where the real opportunities are (profitability). The biggest thing that holds most people back? Imposter syndrome. Clinton’s quick to remind us that even the best feel uncertain sometimes, but the key is taking action anyway—and shifting the focus from your own nerves to the people you’re there to serve.

Success in speaking isn’t about waiting for gigs to magically appear—you’ve got to have a clear system, a focused message, and the drive to keep showing up. Clinton’s story is proof that when you ditch the “someday” mindset and get serious about building the right framework, you can turn speaking into a real, thriving career—no matter where you’re starting from.

You’ll learn:

• The importance of systems in speaking
• Overcoming limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome
• Managing nerves and the psychological side of speaking
• How to identify audiences and topics
• A framework for finding your niche
• Understanding and establishing credibility
• Building relationships with event organizers
• How to stand out among other speakers
• And much, much more!

“And by far, in my opinion, the biggest thing that stops people is ourselves. It’s our own limiting beliefs around, “Can we get paid?”

Episode Resources

• Clinton’s Website
• 2 Day Booked & 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 we’re intentional about pursuing our dreams, that’s when we can see things more clearly. Because most of the time we get so busy in the everyday that we don’t take time for those things. And those things are not just going to happen, right?”

Amy Burton, a once-high school Spanish and theater teacher turned powerhouse speaker, is redefining the classroom experience for educators everywhere. Broadcasting from the chilly terrains of Alaska, Amy is here to offer her inspirational journey from the classroom to the stage. 

Having successfully transitioned from homeschooling her neurodivergent children to running not one, but two impactful businesses, Amy shares how her inherent love for those "aha moments" in teaching guided her to a career in speaking. In this episode, Amy dives into the nitty-gritty of translating her passion into practical impact, highlighting how she uses her expertise to coach educators on reducing stress and conflict in classrooms through understanding the brain's workings.

Join us as Amy talks about the challenges and triumphs of embracing one's gifts, the raw truth about pursuing something bigger than yourself despite the fears, and why starting small can be powerful. Whether you're curious about breaking into the speaking world or looking for inspiration to take the next step in your own journey, Amy’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, intentional growth, and the courage to follow your passion. Tune in for practical insights, empowering moments, and a few chuckles as Amy shines a light on the path to pursuing your true calling!

You’ll learn:

• Coaching techniques to improve classroom environments
• Overcoming personal hurdles
• How to diversify speaking opportunities
• Utilizing virtual platforms due to geographic limitations
• The importance of mentorship and guidance
• About recognizing effort as a key driver of success
• And much, much more!

“Where I am now isn’t where I’m going to be, but where I am now is a benefit to where I want to be.”

Episode Resources

• Amy’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.

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 speakers
• Why loyalty matters for gaining travel rewards
• How to adapt to changes in loyalty programs
• Strategies for maximizing loyalty programs
• Points and miles optimization
• Psychological impact of using points versus cash
• Methods for securing upgraded flights and hotel stays
• The best ways to get access to airport lounges
• Chris’ travel tips and hacks
• And 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 Resources

• Chris’ 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.

“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 audience
• Strategies for expanding weekday speaking opportunities
• About Jill’s eight-year speaking career
• How to overcome communication barriers
• The importance of having a system in place for speaking success
• And 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 Resources

• Bryan’s Website
• Jill’s Website
• Join A Future Live Coaching Episode
• 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.