

The Big Talk with Tricia Brouk
Tricia Brouk
The art of public speaking with authentic and meaningful storytelling can change and even save a life. Learn how to get up on a big stage and share your important message through the lens of award winning director, Tricia Brouk. She shares her personal experience of being on big stages all over the world and interviews people who talk for a living and gets them to reveal their secrets on how to become a successful public speaker and have lasting legacy. Tricia has put thousands of speakers onto countless big stages. Guests of The Big Talk have included Stedman Graham, John Lee Dumas, Hap Klopp, Darieth Chisolm and Farnoosh Torabi among others.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 3, 2025 • 19min
Masterclass Hot Seat Coaching - #26
In today's special bonus episode, I am taking you behind the scenes of The Art of The Big Talk, my live two-day virtual masterclass. During these done-with-you days, I support speakers and thought leaders in becoming laser-focused on their desires and ideas. I equip them with comprehensive systems to skyrocket their impact and open doors to coveted stages. And that's what you'll hear in this episode. During this coaching, we explore: Determining who your audience is and where you can best serve people Doing the work that truly lights you up and following your passion Painting a picture for your audience that allows them to connect with what you're saying Being fully memorized so that you are also free to play when you speak More from Tricia Go from idea to stage-ready inside The Big Talk Academy Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Sep 30, 2025 • 40min
Finding Hope and Taking Action in Uncertain Times with Sharyl West
Today's guest, Sharyl West Loeung, is a TEDx speaker, award-winning author, event producer, and consultant. She equips leaders to navigate complexity with courage and connection. By reimagining belonging, Sharyl facilitates transformational experiences that help audiences and organizations embrace new possibilities. She is married with two children and a menagerie of animals. In this episode, we'll explore: How her early experiences of not fitting in became the foundation for creating authentic connections with others The question that shaped her life's mission, and how she discovered her answer through service to others What it really means to move beyond "thoughts and prayers" and why small acts of courage can plant seeds for democracy's future The unconventional techniques (including juggling) that help her deliver powerful talks, and how she recovers when everything goes blank on stage Her current favorites: Book: My Name Is Asher Lev, Speakers: Reverend Naomi Washington and Stacey Abrams, Podcast: Bendy Bodies More from Sharyl West Loeung Her previous appearances on the podcast in Episode 422, Episode 447, and Episode 477 Website: www.sharylwl.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharylwl/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharyl_wl More from Tricia Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Sep 23, 2025 • 17min
Unlocking Leadership Potential: Embrace Your Buddha Nature
Join me as we explore the most practical leadership tool you could possibly develop - accessing your Buddha nature. This isn't about religion or meditation cushions; it's about tapping into the wisest, most authentic part of yourself to become an unstoppable leader. What is Buddha nature? It's the part of you that already knows what to do in difficult situations, can stay present during chaos, and genuinely cares about others' wellbeing. In this episode, you'll discover: The difference between ego nature vs. Buddha nature Nine practical steps to access your Buddha nature Why meditation alone won't make you a wise leader, and what actually creates transformation How Buddha nature leadership transforms every area of your life More from Tricia Pre-order my new book, Being Smart Is Stupid Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Sep 19, 2025 • 14min
Take Back Your Power with Dr. Helena Rosengren (Speaker Salon Showcase)
In this episode, I'm super excited to share a big talk from my Speaker Salon Showcase. This talk was given by Dr. Helena Rosengren. With an ability to understand and translate complex scientific findings, Dr. Helena Rosengren brings a unique and dynamic perspective to the realm of holistic wellbeing. Her raw, real, and inspiring presentations blend scientific knowledge with practical insights, empowering participants to take action to improve their own wellbeing. In her eye-opening big talk, "Take Back Your Power," she explores: Why 40 years of increased melanoma detection hasn't saved more lives The hidden cost of early detection and routine screening by doctors When self-examination may be the best option for you How to make empowered decisions about your skin health rather than living in fear More from Dr. Helena Rosengren Website: https://drhelenarosengren.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticwellbeingwithdrhelena/ More from Tricia Go from idea to stage-ready inside The Big Talk Academy Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Sep 16, 2025 • 34min
Leadership Lessons from Shakespeare with Carol Brenner
Today's amazing guest, Carol Brenner applies the Bard's timeless wisdom to today's personal and business challenges. The plays are a roadmap for the soul's journey home, and they demonstrate how to successfully navigate workplace change, conflict and to lead effectively. Her talks entertain, educate and empower while inspiring deep thinking and transformation. Trained and experienced in Montessori, public and university education with a master's in teaching Shakespeare, Carol's expertise covers a broad spectrum. She created a curriculum for all ages teaching 12 key superpowers found in the Shakespeare plays, helping students develop creativity, confidence, mastery and moral strength as well as better language skills. Her teaching palette also includes university courses in business and writing while her work in corporate includes content strategy and onsite training. In this episode, we'll explore: The spiritual awakening that transformed her purpose in life and revealed Shakespeare's plays as a "code for living with honor" How she uses character analysis from Shakespeare's plays to teach modern leadership, team building, and conflict resolution The importance of intellectual curiosity and doing your own research rather than accepting information at face value Using your influential voice to build a legacy and carry on the legacy of others Her current favorites: Book: Angels in My Hair, Speakers: Nick Vujicic and Jack Canfield, and Podcasts: Mel Robbins and Pam Gregory More from Carol Brenner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShakespeareGuru/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ShakespeareGuru X: https://x.com/ShakespeareGuru More from Tricia Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Sep 9, 2025 • 14min
Wisdom Over Intelligence: Embracing Your Buddha Nature for Transformative Leadership
What if I told you that being smart gets you in the room, but wisdom keeps you there? Drawing from my experiences with high-achieving leaders across various fields—from cancer surgeons to CEOs to mayoral candidates—I share how wisdom trumps being smart in creating lasting impacts. In this episode, we'll explore: Why being smart can make you successful, but wisdom makes you significant The key differences between being smart and being wise What it means to lead from your Buddha nature (and why it's not about religion) Five practical steps to cultivate wisdom-based leadership How the most effective speakers step onto the stage to serve their audience, not to show how brilliant they are Plus, learn about my new book, "Being Smart is Stupid: Why Embracing Your Buddha Nature is the Secret to Great Leadership," and how to access a private Q&A with me. More from Tricia Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Sep 5, 2025 • 18min
Masterclass Hot Seat Coaching - #25
In this special bonus episode, I am taking you behind the scenes of The Art of The Big Talk, my live two-day virtual masterclass. During these done-with-you days, I support speakers and thought leaders in becoming laser-focused on their desires and ideas. I arm them with comprehensive systems to skyrocket their impact and open doors to coveted stages. And that's what you'll hear in today's episode. In this episode, we'll explore: How to keep your audience engaged and focused during an hour-long talk What happens at an event when there are too many speakers, and how to help your audience move past speaker fatigue Being humble while also sharing extraordinary facts and accomplishments Opening your talk with a powerful story that will immediately pull in your audience More from Tricia Publish your book with The Big Talk Press Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Sep 2, 2025 • 32min
The Power of Micro Courage with CB Bowman-Ottomanelli
his week's guest, CB Bowman-Ottomanelli, is a renowned leadership expert, author, and CEO of the Association of Corporate Executive Coaches. She was named among the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders in Leadership, and her transformative impact on organizational leadership is widely recognized. CB hosts the Courage to Leap & Lead Podcast. Her books include Courage to Leap & Lead: A Roadmap for Redefining Failure Into Success and Courage to Leap & Market: An Author's Roadmap to Self-Marketing Your Book. From facing racial discrimination in corporate America to becoming a voice for change, CB shares her powerful journey of turning adversity into influence. In this episode, we'll explore: How racial discrimination led to her finding her voice and what compelled her to speak up The power of micro courage and how to take small, daily steps toward your goals Why courage isn't about being fearless—it's about stepping out and trusting others will be there for you The personal cost of fighting systemic issues and the importance of caring for yourself Her current favorites: Books: The Courage to Leap & Lead and Blue Ocean Strategy, Speaker: Barack Obama, and Podcast: Leap & Lead Podcast More from CB Bowman-Ottomanelli Website: https://courage-consulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbbowman/ Substack: https://couragetoleapandlead.substack.com/t/courageous-leadership More from Tricia Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Aug 26, 2025 • 15min
Overcoming Fear: Lessons from Legendary Actresses in 'Nothing Like a Dame'
What if I told you that even legendary actresses, women who've been honored by the Queen, won Oscars, and are considered living legends, still talk about fear as a constant companion? In 2018, a documentary called "Nothing Like a Dame," featuring Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Eileen Atkins, and Dame Joan Plowright, revealed something profound: even the most accomplished performers in the world still grapple with fear, insecurity, and limiting beliefs. Today, I'm sharing what this film and these legendary women have to teach us about transforming fear into power and claiming the stages you're meant for. In this episode, we'll explore: Why fear doesn't disappear when you become successful, and why that's actually a good thing How these women's experiences relate to public speaking and leadership The difference between those who let fear stop them and those who transform fear into fuel Why there's no mold for what a speaker should be and how you can use your voice powerfully, not despite your imperfections, but because of your humanity More from Tricia Fast-track your path to big stages inside The Big Talk Accelerator Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Aug 22, 2025 • 10min
Choosing Life By Design with Nikki Nardizzi (Speaker Salon Showcase)
In this episode, I'm super excited to share a big talk from my Speaker Salon Showcase. This talk was given by Nikki Nardizzi. Nikki is the author of BADASS grATTITUDE: A memoir of finding forgiveness and strength. She is also a seasoned life and mindset coach. From being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 12 to becoming legally blind, losing both parents, and receiving a kidney/pancreas transplant, Nikki knows firsthand the profound impact mindset has on our lives. Her personal transformation is the driving force behind her coaching, where she guides her clients in making conscious choices that will lead to success. In her big talk, "Choosing Life By Design," she explores: Reframing the things that happen to you in your life as things that happen "for" you How to reconnect with the confident, capable person you were before life's challenges knocked you down Creating your personal "recipe" for transformation using gratitude, meditation, and other practices Accepting support and assistance when you can't do it all yourself More from Nikki Nardizzi Her book, BADASS grATTITUDE: A memoir of finding forgiveness and strength Website: https://www.nikkinardizzi.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikki.gilbert.nardizzi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikki.nardizzi/ More from Tricia Publish your book with The Big Talk Press Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com


