The Speaker Lab Podcast

"So you can speak to it from a very professional level of here's what I'm seeing right now, grassroots, I'm in it, I'm doing the thing. And that's what makes this transition of you taking over and leading TSL really, really exciting. Because again, you're on the front lines, you're doing the thing."WE'RE BACK.Welcome to a very special episode of The Speaker Lab podcast! Today, Grant Baldwin is here to share a massive update about the future of TSL and talk about the future of the speaking industry.After more than a decade building The Speaker Lab into one of the most trusted resources for aspiring professional speakers, Grant is passing the baton — and today, he's here to talk about it with the person taking the reins: Dan Irvin.Dan isn't new to the TSL world. He's been with the company for over five years, has hosted hundreds of webinars, and personally enrolled nearly 500 students into the program. But more than that, he's a full time professional speaker himself (who is right now in a stretch of doing ten paid gigs in ten weeks!). He knows this world from the inside out, both as a coach and as someone actively speaking to dozens of audiences every year.But what's important isn't just the future of TSL — it's also the future of the speaking industry as a whole. Dan and Grant believe that right now is an incredible opportunity for paid speakers, and they're here to tell you why — and how you can take advantage.In this conversation, Grant and Dan get candid about the transition, reflect on what's made The Speaker Lab work, and tackle the question many speakers are asking right now: what does AI actually mean for this industry?You’ll learn:Why Grant Baldwin is passing the reins of The Speaker Lab after 10+ years — and who's taking overHow Dan Irvin went from corporate COO to full-time speakerWhy Dan believes speaking is AI-proof — and the 3 reasons human speakers can't be replacedHow AI is changing the speaking business (efficiency tools, not stage replacement)Why information alone won't grow your speaking career — and what actually willHow to design your speaking business around your own life and goalsA sneak peek at a $900,000 speaking partnership story coming in the next episodeAnd much, much more!"The Speaker Lab honestly changed my life. It changed my family's life. We want to continue to be that impact for other individuals and other families. And we know that when we really serve speakers well, they can go out and have a massive impact on audiences all over the place."Episode ResourcesCalculate Your Speaking Fee (And Join The Email List)Join The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Velera Wilson, a former corporate executive turned full-time speaker, shares her inspiring journey and practical insights. She discusses the importance of building an 'off ramp' for transitioning careers and why a book isn't necessary for speaking success. Velera emphasizes leveraging existing skills, the power of community, and the need for resilience during slow seasons. She candidly reflects on the balance of corporate expectations and pursuing passions, offering listeners actionable strategies to navigate their own transitions.

Shannon GaNun, a communications pro and former professor turned full-time speaker, shares her inspiring journey from small-town roots to empowering leaders with confident communication. She emphasizes the importance of pitching yourself and taking imperfect action. Overcoming imposter syndrome, Shannon talks about the transition to a speaking career later in life and her lesson-filled experience with The Speaker Lab. She advocates for reframing sales as serving clients and encourages aspiring speakers to package their life experiences into valuable offerings.

In this enlightening discussion, Connor Wentling, an emerging speaker who blends humor and philosophy to tackle uncertainty, shares his journey from free gigs to paid opportunities within the municipal association market. He candidly addresses the anxiety of slower seasons and how referrals boost his pipeline. Joined by Michael Hidalgo, who navigates communication with C-level executives, they explore the key to persistent follow-ups and the importance of consistency. Erick Rheam offers practical strategies like 'Power Hours' and leveraging feedback to keep their speaking careers thriving.

“One of the things that has helped me stay in ministry, and one of my keys that I share in my talk about burnout, is doing something new to refuel you. I’m still doing ministry thirty years later, but I find new ways to do it and that helps increase the fuel and the fire for me to do it.”Welcome back to The Speaker Lab podcast! On today’s episode, host Grant Baldwin is joined by Arthur James, a seasoned pastor, educator, and speaker who’s been making a difference from the pulpit and the podium for nearly three decades.In this conversation, Arthur opens up about his unique journey as a bivocational pastor, juggling roles in ministry, education, and business, while building his speaking career from the ground up. He reflects on crucial turning points, including the shift from viewing public speaking as a side hustle to embracing it as a purposeful business.Together, Grant and Arthur dive into the realities of transitioning from full-time work in education and hospitality to full-time ministry and professional speaking, highlighting the challenges of balancing financial responsibility with a heart for serving others. Arthur reveals how discovering The Speaker Lab framework helped him gain clarity, structure, and momentum in growing his speaking business.Whether you’re a pastor with a message to share, a speaker ready to make an impact, or simply someone searching for practical wisdom about building a business around your calling, you’ll find valuable lessons and encouragement in this episode. Listen in for a look at what it truly takes to turn your gifts as a communicator into a sustainable career!You’ll learn:Definition and explanation of “bivocational pastor”Mental shift required to approach speaking as a businessTailoring messages for different contextsResearch and outreach methods for finding speaking engagementsThe importance of personal relevance and passion for the topicStaying current and relevant in chosen speaking areasAdapting communication style based on audience familiarityTechniques for building trust and engagement with new groupsAnd much, much more!“One of the things that’s very critical that is taught in The Speaker Lab program is to look at your speaking as a business and not just as getting on a stage to do a speech.”Episode ResourcesArthur’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this engaging conversation, Melanie Curtis, a professional skydiver and keynote speaker, discusses her thrilling career transition from finance to making over 12,000 skydives and embracing public speaking. She shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of community support. Melanie emphasizes 'type two fun' in the challenging yet rewarding journey of speaking. She also offers tips on leveraging storytelling, building connections in diverse industries, and the power of persistence to turn fears into fuel for success.

“Make sure you actually believe you can follow your plan. Because if you don’t feel hopeful, then you’re never going to feel motivated, you’re never going to feel committed, and you’re never going to follow through.”Welcome back to another episode of The Speaker Lab Podcast! Today, Grant Baldwin is joined by Adam Gilbert, the mastermind behind MyBodyTutor.com and DoneDaily.com, to discuss insights for anyone looking to build a thriving speaking business or simply create lasting change in their personal and professional life.Adam opens up about the profound impact his father's health struggles had on his mission to help others transform their lives through nutrition, fitness, and productivity. With over eighteen years of experience and over ten thousand clients served, he’s learned that while most people know what they should do, there’s often a huge gap between knowledge and action. This episode breaks down the importance of “MPH”—mindset, psychology, and habits—and highlights practical frameworks anyone can use to move from dreaming to doing. You’ll learn why accountability is a game-changer, how starting small can build the momentum you need, and what it really takes to keep promises to yourself. Additionally, Adam explains how discomfort can be a compass for growth, why surrounding yourself with supportive people matters, and how to challenge assumptions that keep you stuck.Whether you’re just starting and struggling to book your first gig or you’re a veteran looking to scale up, this conversation is loaded with implementable advice and motivating stories!You’ll learn:Why consistency is hard for entrepreneurs and speakersThe role and importance of accountabilityThe parallels between health/fitness and entrepreneurship/speakingWhy motivation is critical for sustained effortBreaking down MPH: Mindset, Psychology, HabitsReconciling assumptions about successPractical steps to develop self-confidenceCPA: Clear objective, Plan, Actual belief in follow-throughBuilding momentum through small winsAnd much, much more!“There’s fear of failure, but there’s also fear of success, which is surprisingly very common but not often spoken about.”Episode ResourcesAdam’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Erick Rheam, an expert in the speaking industry, shares invaluable insights on how speakers can tap into association opportunities. He highlights why associations are a goldmine for speakers seeking revenue and exposure. Erick provides practical strategies for researching associations and identifying key contacts. He discusses the role of Association Management Companies and Societies of Association Executives, detailing how they can open doors to numerous speaking engagements. Listeners will learn actionable tips to start building their speaking careers in this lucrative arena.

Dr. Yvette E. Pearson, a seasoned engineer and higher education executive, shares her journey from giving free talks to becoming a paid speaker. She highlights the challenges of balancing her busy career with speaking commitments and the importance of carving out time for prospecting. Yvette explores strategies for transforming free gigs into paid opportunities and the nuances of setting fees. With practical advice on negotiating and establishing consistent habits, she encourages listeners to build momentum in their speaking pursuits.

In this engaging conversation, Marcy Grossman, a former criminal psychologist and Canadian ambassador turned professional speaker, shares her transformative journey. She discusses overcoming the 'dark valley of despair' and how vital it is to differentiate nerves from anxiety when stepping on stage. Marcy reveals how she built her speaking brand, faced setbacks, and the importance of finding support systems like The Speaker Lab. Her insights into evolving into consulting and overcoming self-doubt will resonate with aspiring speakers.