The Speaker Lab with Grant Baldwin // Public Speak

"What if I didn't let it stop me? What if I just push past it?" Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this Alumni Spotlight episode, Dan Irvin sits down with Speaker Lab alumni Jennifer Ryan — a speaker who just hit a real turning point. She finished her book, Be the Donkey, Not the Jackass, she's ready to take it on the road, and she's built a talk that is unmistakably her own. Jennifer's message starts with fear — the greatest motivator and the greatest deterrent to everything. It began with a movie, sparked a "year of yes" where she said yes to literally everything, and led her to a horse and dog rescue where two donkeys handed her the metaphor that became her book. Along the way she learned what it takes to write something deeply vulnerable, rebuild a talk after rereading her own book exposed the gaps, and differentiate herself in a world where "a million people speak about yes." But this conversation doesn't stay in theory. Jennifer and Dan get honest about the hard stuff: the conference that suddenly had no space for her (and no explanation why), the self-doubt train that follows silence, and the moment she realized her talks were entertaining people without actually moving them to act. Her fix — be prescriptive, give your audience exactly what to do next Monday — is a masterclass in building talks that create change instead of just applause. You'll learn: Why fear is both the greatest motivator and the greatest deterrent How a "year of yes" can completely change your trajectory How to find your signature story in unexpected places Why writing a book is a "humbling" exercise in vulnerability How rereading your own book reveals the gaps in your talk How to differentiate yourself when your topic is "already taken" What to do when a reliable speaking avenue suddenly closes How to handle negative feedback (and why the 2% matters) The difference between entertaining an audience and moving them to act Why prescriptive next steps are what turn talks into transformation And much, much more! "A talk has done its job the moment one person decides to try something new." What's the question that flips the switch on your fear? Grab a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment at thespeakerlab.com/SBA and turn "what if" into your next step. Episode Resources: Get Your 15 Minute Speaker Business Assessment Jennifer Ryan's Website Calculate Your Speaking Fee 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 you're late, you tell people you don't care. I didn't agree with it at the moment. But then I started really just disciplining myself. And it is hard work for me every single day to be early." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this Alumni Spotlight episode, host Dan Irvin brings on Michael Hidalgo — a keynote speaker who helps teams actually talk to each other. His core idea is deceptively simple: words are vehicles, and what the receiver unpacks may not be what you loaded them up with. But what makes this episode fire is the business side of Michael's story — and the habits that are fueling a serious run right now. Start with the headline: Michael just landed his highest-paid gig yet off a single email. Except it wasn't really a single email. He did the homework — researched the organization, understood the need, sent a tailored pitch — and then heard nothing for two months. Instead of chasing with "did you get my email?", he followed up twice by adding value: an article relevant to their challenge, a lesson he learned from a client. Seventy-three days later, the planner wrote back with four words: "Are you still available?" Booked on the spot — and now they want his consulting, too. Then there's the keynote that produced six hot leads. Michael put a Calendly QR code on his final slide with a $50-value team assessment offer. By the time he walked off stage, four CEOs had already booked calls. He stayed for dinner with another contact who introduced him to two more executives. Two proposals went out that week. And every one of those consulting opportunities came from the speaking — the keynote was the tip of the spear. Whether you're figuring out how to follow up without being annoying or wondering what separates speakers who get rebooked from speakers who get forgotten, this one is a masterclass in the business behind the business! You'll learn: Why Michael's biggest booking came 73 days after his initial pitch — and what he did in the silence that made it happen How to follow up with event planners by adding value instead of asking "did you get my email?" The QR code + free assessment strategy that generated six hot leads from a single keynote Why speaking is the tip of the spear for consulting revenue — and how to build that pipeline from stage What "be fun and easy to work with" actually looks like in practice (hint: show up early and set up chairs) The pre-talk ritual Michael never skips: handwriting an abbreviated outline, connecting with the tech team, checking in with the planner, and glide-handing the room How to pivot mid-call when an event planner says "this isn't what we want" — without getting defensive or losing the gig Why the two magic phrases "tell me more about that" and "help me understand" buy you time and keep conversations alive The difference between value addition and value extraction — and why givers get remembered Why the gig is actually won before you ever send the first email And much, much more! "How can I leave someone with something that is going to make them either personally or professionally better? How can I give something to them? I promise you that will pay dividends." Give more than you take? That's the whole business plan. Grab a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment at thespeakerlab.com/SBA and build a system that turns generosity into bookings. Episode Resources: Get Your 15 Minute Speaker Business Assessment Michael Hidalgo's Website Calculate Your Speaking Fee  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 didn't get paid to go to Seattle, but I made a good connection there that I will be paid for." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this Alumni Spotlight episode, host Dan Irvin sits down with Dr. David Chastain, a speaker who works at an intersection most people are afraid to even name out loud: grief and addiction, and the way the two are wound together. Grief can delay recovery, and it can trigger relapse years into sobriety — and David speaks on it from both professional expertise and lived experience. David has been quietly stacking wins, and almost every one of them traces back to the same source: relationships. A paid webinar that came through a former colleague. A talk for an addiction professionals association in North Carolina where one conversation with the executive director — and one leader who happened to be in the room — turned a "our keynotes are full" into a three-hour pre-conference workshop. An unpaid conference in Seattle where he worked the empty expo hall and walked away with three or four potential webinars in the pipeline. He didn't chase the money. He tended the relationships, and the money followed. Dan also puts on his coaching hat for a candid working session: how to handle the conference that passed on your proposal (spoiler: "apply again next year" is an invitation, not a brush-off), why you should retitle your talk to match a conference theme without rebuilding it, and the insight from a local speakers association that unlocked a whole new pitch — framing grief and addiction as the employee-retention problem businesses are already paying to solve. Whether you're waiting on your first paid gig or wondering whether the free rooms are worth it, this episode will change how you measure a room! You'll learn: Why grief and addiction intersect — delaying recovery and triggering relapse even years into sobriety What landing a paid webinar meant after years of speaking for free ("it's okay for me to ask for money") Why your existing network beats cold outreach — and how to actually use it David's "tiny book" strategy: 40 portable pages designed to sell at conference tables How seeking out one executive director turned a filled keynote slate into a three-hour workshop The empty expo hall trick: working vendor rooms while everyone else is in sessions How to respond when a conference passes on your proposal — and why you should always reapply Retitling your talk to fit a conference theme without changing the talk itself The reframe that opened a corporate lane: grief and addiction as a turnover and retention problem Why David stopped saying "I'm not good at networking" — and what changed when he did And much, much more! "I've stopped saying I'm not good at networking, because the evidence says I am. It's not only the process of the events happening again — it's the process of believing that I can make this work." Measuring every room by what it pays you today? The unpaid room might be the seed. Grab a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment at thespeakerlab.com/SBA and build a system that turns connections into bookings. Episode Resources: Get Your 15 Minute Speaker Business Assessment Dr. Chastain's Website Calculate Your Speaking Fee  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.

"It's never gonna be right. It's gonna be good enough to get started. You have enough to get started — just get started." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this Alumni Spotlight episode, host Dan Irvin sits down with Chris Jackson — a speaker and consultant building his business from the foundation up, getting ready to land his first paid gig in this chapter of his career. And the message he's building on is one every listener needs to feel, not just nod along to: momentum, breaking the inertia of the start, and getting comfortable with an ugly start. Chris's favorite analogy says it all — spaceships burn most of their fuel breaking gravity, not cruising through space. He and Dan unpack how perfectionism keeps speakers grounded, how the Speaker Bureau intake (plus some smart AI brainstorming) finally gave Chris clarity on his niche — helping high-performing dentists shift from clinician to CEO — and the proposal he sat on for weeks despite knowing every single decision maker by name. He just wouldn't pick up the phone. If you've ever been the dog sitting on the nail, this one's for you. Then there's the story that gave both of them goosebumps: 19-year-old Chris bombing his first tour at Atlanta's Cyclorama, until an older gentleman shook his hand, told him to slow down, and gave him a five-dollar tip — his first paid speaking gig and the feedback that launched a lifelong study of the craft. It pairs with the harder lesson that came later: someone told Chris he sounded "too motivational," and he let it shrink him until speaking wasn't fun anymore. The takeaway? Take the feedback that serves your mission, and let the rest go. Whether you're frozen at the starting line or sanding down your voice to fit someone else's idea of you, this episode will get you off the nail and into motion! You'll learn: Why breaking gravity takes most of your fuel — and what that means for starting your speaking business How perfectionism disguises itself as preparation (and keeps your talk grounded) Get Your 15 Minute Speaker Business Assessment Find Chris Jackson on Instagram Calculate Your Speaking Fee  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify How the Speaker Bureau intake questions gave Chris real clarity on his clinician-to-CEO topic Using AI as a brainstorming partner, not a do-it-all machine — and why mastering one tool beats drinking from the tech fire hose What private equity did to dental service organizations, and the pain point Chris solves for dentists The "too motivational" feedback that almost cost Chris his voice — and what it taught him How to tell the difference between feedback worth taking and feedback worth letting go The Cyclorama story: a stranger's $5 tip that became a first paid gig and a turning point Why Chris knew every decision maker for his first proposal — and still wouldn't make the call Why momentum is a decision, not a feeling And much, much more! Episode Resources: Get Your 15 Minute Speaker Business Assessment Find Chris Jackson on Instagram Calculate Your Speaking Fee  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify "Do the thing that you fear the most. Make the phone call, send the proposal, show up. When you show up for yourself, that's when the magic happens." --- Sitting on your own nail right now? Stop waiting for perfect and take the first step. Grab a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment at thespeakerlab.com/SBA — a real look at where you are and what to do next. 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 have influence. That's the relational collateral that gets everything done. Think of it like a bank account — the more you put in, the more you can take out when you need to." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this episode, host Dan Irvin sits down with Kevin Sidebottom — a keynote speaker, sales trainer, and author who has spent two decades studying one question: why do people buy? And here's the fun part: the guy who teaches sales for a living is now out there selling himself, building his own speaking business. Oh, and he's a self-described introverted electrical engineer. As he puts it — he's not a unicorn. Kevin and Dan dig into why introversion is actually a speaking superpower (airports, Ubers, and hotel rooms are basically an introvert's training camp), what joining The Speaker Lab's Speaker Bureau unlocked in his positioning, and the warm-up system that took his outreach from crickets to three calls in one week: connect on LinkedIn first, publish consistently, and let your content make the deposit before the email ever lands. Then it gets tactical. Kevin breaks down why event buyers see speakers as commodities — and how influence is the only real tiebreaker. He shares his timeline for pitching January sales kickoffs six months out, why he refuses the shotgun approach in favor of the rifle scope, and the mindset he learned from a Navy SEAL mentor: follow a process, move forward, adapt, repeat. Whether you're hearing way more no's than yeses right now or you're ready to overhaul your outreach entirely, this episode is a sales education most speakers never get! You'll learn: Why introverts make exceptional speakers — and how Kevin recharges with JOMO (the joy of missing out) What the Speaker Bureau's gap report revealed about his positioning ("I was mortified — but gaps are opportunities") Kevin's LinkedIn warm-up system: weekly blog plus video before any cold email goes out Why buyers see speakers as commodities — and how influence breaks the tie The mentor wisdom that stuck: "If someone says yes too quickly, be scared" How "it doesn't have to be me" outreach to associations builds influence by the bucket Why making the customer the hero of their story is the key to word-of-mouth bookings The six-months-out timeline for pitching corporate sales kickoffs The rifle versus shotgun approach to outreach — fewer targets, deeper research Kevin's two signature talks: Sales Titans (Built, Not Born) and Magnetic Influence And much, much more! "You're a salesperson as a speaker, because you have a business. All business owners are selling. And if they're not selling, they're not in business very long." Episode Resources: Kevin's Website Get Your 15 Minute Speaker Business Assessment Calculate Your Speaking Fee  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify --- Hearing more no's than yeses? That's the job — but your system might be the problem. Grab a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment at thespeakerlab.com/SBA and get a real look at your positioning, pipeline, and outreach. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"I said to my wife literally yesterday: for the first time in 60 years — I just turned 60 — I feel like I've found my true calling." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this episode, host Dan Irvin kicks off a new format — sitting down with real speakers who are a step or two ahead of you, because the fastest way to figure out your next move is to connect with someone living it right now. First up: Danny Karon, a "lovable lawyer" who spent 35 years succeeding at traditional law before walking away from it to build something nobody else is building. Danny calls it legal wellness — the unaddressed fourth pillar alongside physical, emotional, and financial wellness. There's a Dr. Phil for your mind and a Suze Orman for your money, but nobody teaching everyday people how to stay out of legal trouble before it starts. Danny is betting his next chapter on that open lane: a new book, a TEDx talk written for the stage, and teaching gigs at Ohio State and the University of Michigan (yes, both — they can coexist). But this conversation doesn't sugarcoat the pivot. Danny is candid about the part nobody warned him about: he thought that because he could speak, the business side would slide right into place. Instead he got the cold-outreach runaround — bounced between university offices, told "the students organize their own events," hearing crickets. He and Dan get tactical about where the breakdown is, why recurring events like orientation week are a goldmine hiding in plain sight, and how to make people care about a topic they've never heard of. Whether you're sitting in a safe career feeling pulled toward a message you can't shake, or you're mid-pivot and hitting the same walls Danny is, this episode is a masterclass in committing to a new lane before the world understands it! You'll learn: What "legal wellness" actually is — and why the lane is wide open The two observations from 35 years of law practice that triggered Danny's pivot How playing the long game with relationships landed him teaching gigs at Columbia, Ohio State, and Michigan What writing a TEDx talk taught Danny about his real message (hint: it's not the law — it's agency, ownership, and control) The honest financial reality check you need before leaping from a stable career Why "men and women ages 18 to 65" is not an audience — and how Danny niched down to college students Where cold outreach to large institutions actually breaks down, and how to find the real decision maker Why a missed orientation week isn't a missed opportunity — it's next year's pitch How to frame a brand-new topic so prospects care about something they've never heard of The "Trojan horse" strategy: pitching where event planners already book speakers on adjacent themes And much, much more! "You never know what you're gonna find, but I do know that the only certainty is in doing nothing. And that means I have no choice but to succeed." Feeling pulled toward a message you can't shake? Don't spend another year sitting on it. Grab a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment at thespeakerlab.com/SBA and get a real look at how to turn your expertise into paid speaking. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"I finally realized I was not paying for a service. I was paying for hope. And hope is not a business strategy." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! Fair warning — host Dan Irvin is ruffling some feathers in this one. In this solo episode, he takes on one of the most common "shortcuts" speakers chase: the speaker bureau. Dan has personally signed up with about a dozen of them. Paid the fees, built the profiles, sent the demo reels, connected with the reps. Total paid gigs booked across all of them? Zero. Meanwhile, he's doing 40+ events a year using the exact process he teaches at The Speaker Lab. So either he's unbookable — or something about the bureau model is broken. In this episode, he breaks down exactly what bureaus are actually selling, who they actually work for, and what to do instead. You'll hear about: Why the bureau pitch is so appealing — and why it almost never delivers what it promises The difference between a booking machine and a listing service (most bureaus are the second one) The four things bureaus won't help you with: positioning, marketing assets, coaching, and actual speaking experience Why the speakers who get booked through bureaus are almost always speakers who were already booking themselves The bureau is an amplifier, not an engine — and why most speakers have the order completely backwards Dan's personal nine-month bureau experiment: paid the fee, sent everything, got zero leads — and a vague email when he finally asked what they'd done with his profile The story of a woman who signed with three bureaus, paid onboarding fees, and started wondering if she was even cut out for speaking (she was — the system was the problem) Why the bureau model quietly destroys speaker confidence by making you think you're the problem The three things that actually get speakers booked: owning your system, working with guides who are in the trenches, and building the wraparound infrastructure Why the talk is only 15% of the equation — and how bureaus won't touch the other 85% And much, much more! "Stop renting somebody else's process. Build your own. That is where the freedom is. That is where the income is. That is where the calendar full of gigs you actually want comes from." Tried a bureau and hit a wall? It's not you — it's the model. Grab a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment at thespeakerlab.com/SBA and talk with someone who's actively getting booked and paid right now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Preparation feels like progress. It's not." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! After thousands of calls with speakers at every stage, host Dan Irvin has noticed something: it stops sounding like thousands of different stories and starts sounding like the same three. The names change. The cities change. The topics change. But the place where people are stuck? Almost always one of three patterns. In this solo episode, Dan breaks down the three speaker archetypes he sees on repeat — the Two-Year Thinker, the One and Done, and the Plateaued Earner — and gives you the honest, direct truth about what's actually keeping each one stuck. If you hear yourself in one of these today, that's not a bad sign. That's the first move. You'll learn: Why studying, researching, and redesigning your logo for the third time is not the same as building a speaking business Why "I just need to figure out my topic first" is almost always code for something else What happens when a great talk goes nowhere — and why it's not because the moment was a fluke Why the relationship and the room were always the real asset (not the talk) How speakers who are already getting paid hit a wall — and why it's a strategy problem, not a skill problem Why the thing that got you a $1,000 fee will not get you a $10,000 fee How Dan went from a self-described two-year thinker to eventually buying the company that taught him The one thing all three archetypes have in common — and what actually breaks the pattern Why "my situation is different" might be the most expensive sentence in your speaking business What 17,000 speakers who've broken through all have in common And much, much more! "You are not lacking talent. You're not lacking passion. You're not lacking a message. You're lacking a system." -- Heard yourself in one of those patterns? That's exactly the conversation Dan has on every Speaker Business Assessment call. Grab a free 15 minutes at thespeakerlab.com/SBA — no pitch, just a real look at where you are and what to do next. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"A speaker with 200 followers and 30 conversations a month is going to out-earn a creator with tens of thousands of followers and zero conversations. Every single time." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this solo episode, host Dan Irvin calls out one of the most common — and costly — mistakes he sees on speaker calls every week: mistaking a content habit for a speaking business. Dan gets on the phone with speakers who have thousands of followers and zero paid gigs. He also gets on calls with speakers who have 200 followers and a packed calendar. The difference isn't the algorithm. It isn't the brand colors, the bio, or the reel that almost went viral. It's one thing: conversations. In this episode, he breaks down exactly why followers don't equal bookings, what event planners actually care about, and what you can do this week — not next month, not when your website is done — to stop building an audience and start building a pipeline. You'll learn: The content cycle that feels like progress but isn't — and how to recognize if you're stuck in it Why content builds awareness but conversations build a business (and why those are not the same thing) The real reason speakers hide behind posting instead of reaching out (hint: it's not strategy) What event planners actually check when they're considering booking you — and what they absolutely don't check Why "I don't have a big enough platform yet" is a story, not a reason Dan's "tab game" — the 10-tab outreach habit he used to build his speaking business from scratch How one speaker prioritized outreach over posting and booked three paid gigs in a few months What a good outreach message actually looks like: short, specific, and ending with a question Why the discomfort of sending that email is exactly the point — and why most speakers won't do it The assignment Dan is giving you this week: 10 orgs, 5 contacts, send the messages And much, much more! "Stop building an audience. Start building a pipeline." ---- Not sure who to reach out to or what to say? That's exactly what a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment is for. Grab a time at thespeakerlab.com/SBA — Dan and the team will help you get clear on your audience, pipeline, and next steps. No pitch, just a real conversation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Cold outreach is a great way to start — but it's not how you scale." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this solo episode, host Dan Irvin makes the case that the most efficient gig you'll ever book is the one you just finished. The problem? Most speakers walk off stage, shake a few hands, grab a photo, and move on — completely missing the two, three, maybe five opportunities that were already sitting in that room. Dan breaks down the exact post-event process he uses to turn every speaking gig into referrals, rebookings, and long-term relationships — including the story of a low-fee local event that turned into over $50,000 in workshops with a client he's still working with today. This isn't about doing more work. It's about doing the right work after the work most people think is the finish line. You'll learn: Why the stage is just the beginning — and what your job actually looks like in the 48 hours after you leave it How Dan's post-event process generates referrals, repeat bookings, and long-term clients on autopilot The handwritten thank you note habit Dan swears by (and why it still works in 2025) Why post-event calls are non-negotiable — and exactly what Dan covers in every single one The performance review section: how to ask for honest feedback without making it awkward The one question Dan always asks to surface referrals — and who you should (and shouldn't) be asking it to Why most event planners won't bring the same speaker back year over year — and why that's actually great news for your business How to stay top of mind without forcing the relationship The $50,000 follow-up: what happened when Dan showed up to a packed standing-room event he almost didn't take Why your next 10–15 gigs are probably already sitting in rooms you've spoken in And much, much more!   "Your next gigs are already sitting in the rooms you've spoken in — but only if you treat the relationship that way." Want help building a post-event system that actually works?Grab a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment at thespeakerlab.com/SBA — Dan and the team will look at your audience, pipeline, and revenue model and help you figure out exactly what to do next. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"If you don't know your number before the conversation, the buyer will pick the number for you." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this solo episode, host Dan Irvin tackles one of the most common — and most avoided — questions in the speaking business: what should I charge? Everyone asks it. Almost nobody answers it straight. You've probably heard "charge what you're worth" or "it depends" — which, while technically true, isn't much help when you're about to hop on a discovery call and you know the question is coming. Dan breaks it down with the three things that actually drive your speaker fee, shares the exact way he handles pricing conversations, and gets real about the moments he's had to decide whether to hold his number or adjust. Whether you're just figuring out your first fee or you've been leaving money on the table for years, this episode will help you walk into your next pricing conversation with clarity and confidence. You'll learn: The 3 things Dan always considers when setting his speaker fee: audience, budget, and outcome Why "charge what you're worth" isn't helpful — and what to think about instead The real reason most speakers underprice themselves (hint: it's not what you think) Why every discovery call should be on video — no exceptions How to bring up budget without it being awkward — and what to do when they won't give you a number Why Dan never sends a proposal the same day as the discovery call The factors that should move your price up or down: travel, sessions, repeat clients, and long-term opportunity The story of a $22K ask that became $15K — and why that decision led to three more events Why pricing to the outcome (not the talk) is the shift that changes everything What to do when your heart rate spikes the moment someone asks, "so what's your fee?"   And much, much more! "I want to walk away from that conversation with a number that actually excites me, that takes care of my family, and reflects the impact I know I'm going to have in that room." Not sure what to charge? Book a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment at thespeakerlab.com/SBA — Dan and the team will walk through your audience, pipeline, and revenue model to help you get clear on your number and confident in the conversation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Your story told honestly is your edge." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this solo episode, TSL CEO Dan Irvin opens with a story about a factory worker named Gary — a man who worked hard, gave everything, and still got left behind when the game changed. It's a story from 1975, but it's happening right now, and Dan thinks you need to hear it. Because the premium is shifting again. This time it's moving toward the things AI can't replicate: lived experience, presence, perspective, and trust. That's exactly where speaking lives. And if you've been sitting on the sidelines wondering whether now is the right time to build a speaking business — this is the episode for you. Dan walks through the full SPEAK Framework that The Speaker Lab has used to coach thousands of speakers — not as theory, but as what's actually working in this environment right now. He ties each step to what's changing in the world and why human speakers are more valuable than ever. You'll learn: The story of Gary — and why working harder inside a system that's already changed is the real risk Why Dan's own layoff in 2019 (and a hayride with his son) led to a decision that changed everything Why AI can generate a talk in seconds — but can never replace the speaker who's lived it S — How to select the right problem to solve (and why the thing you think disqualifies you is actually your advantage) P — How to prepare a signature talk that event planners actually want to book E — Why establishing your expertise isn't about convincing yourself — it's about translating your credibility to the people who hire speakers A — How Dan is acquiring paid gigs right now through direct, human, intentional outreach (not automation) K — When and how to scale: keynotes, workshops, books, consulting, and beyond Why "false positive" bookings can fool you into skipping the foundation — and how to build for real consistency Why the second best time to start building your speaking business is right now, this week And much, much more! "Never again will I build something for someone else without building something for me." Ready to stop waiting? Head to thespeakerlab.com/SBA for a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment with Dan — a real diagnostic review of your audience, pipeline, and revenue. No pitch, just clarity on exactly where to start. Episode Resources: Get Your 15 Minute Speaker Business Assessment 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.

"Clarity feels slower in the beginning until confusion costs you months." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this solo episode, host Dan Irvin gets candid about what it actually took to complete 10 paid speaking gigs in 10 weeks — and why none of it was accidental. This wasn't luck, and it wasn't a hot streak. It was the result of five specific mindset shifts that Dan applied deliberately to his speaking business — the same shifts he coaches Speaker Lab students on every day. From getting crystal clear on who he serves, to showing up in every client conversation as a partner rather than a performer, Dan walks you through the mental framework behind consistent, predictable bookings. Whether you're just getting started or you've been speaking for years but can't seem to find your rhythm, this episode will help you identify exactly where your business needs tightening — and what to do about it. You'll learn: Why clarity is your fastest path to speed — and what happens to your outreach when you skip it The difference between doing a lot of outreach and doing the right outreach (hint: you need volume AND targeting) Why gigs come from conversations, not content — and how to stop being a "tinkerer" How thinking like a partner instead of a speaker completely changed Dan's business What event planners are actually looking for — and why another generic speaker one sheet isn't it The 85/15 rule (and why Dan thinks it's actually closer to 95/5) How 90% of Dan's last 10 gigs came from referrals — and how to build toward that Why momentum is engineered, not accidental — and how to start building it from wherever you are right now How to give yourself grace during the slow stretches without losing your rhythm Why the gap in most speaking businesses isn't talent — it's structure And much, much more! "The gap wasn't the talent. It was the structure." Want Dan to look at your speaking business? Head to thespeakerlab.com/SBA for a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment — a real diagnostic review of your audience clarity, pipeline, and revenue. No pitch, just clarity. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"If you can get one paid gig, you can build an empire off that." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this episode, Dan Irvin (the newly minted TSL CEO and new host of the TSL podcast!) sits down with Erick Rheam — The Speaker Lab's own resident speaker and lead coach — to unpack one of the most remarkable client stories we've ever told: how Erick turned a single speaking relationship into a three-year, $900,000 contract. But here's the thing — the $900,000 didn't come from being the best speaker in the room. It came from being the most intentional. Erick breaks down a 12-year journey that started with a chance conversation at a vendor booth, a coaching nudge to lean into his niche, and a decision to consistently deliver more value than any client expected. His story is a masterclass in how speakers who think like business owners — not performers — build something that lasts. Whether you just landed your first $1,000 gig or you're wondering how to turn a great client relationship into something bigger, this episode is packed with practical wisdom you can use right now. You'll learn: How Erick stumbled into speaking from the utility industry — and why that "detour" made him millions Why leaning into your existing niche (instead of running from it) is one of the fastest paths to credibility The counterintuitive reason Erick gave away content rights early on — and how it paid off over a decade later How to build talks your audience actually wants by listening first and pitching second The role Speaker Lab coaching played as a critical inflection point in Erick's career How a simple exit interview after every gig opened the door to consulting, workshops, and eventually that $900K contract Why $900,000 had much less to do with what Erick did on stage — and everything to do with what he did around it The four things Erick would tell his younger self: niche, audience problem, system, and coaching How Erick closed $68,000 in gigs in a single week — prospecting just one hour a day What to focus on when you land your first $1K–$5K gig so you don't miss the opportunity right in front of you And much, much more! "I think I'm an average speaker at best, maybe above average. I do alright. However, I'm organized, and I follow a system. And the system is not that hard. It's duplicatable. It's scalable." -- Ready to build your own predictable speaking business? Click the link below to claim your free Speaker Business Assessment — a real diagnostic review of your audience, niche, pipeline, and revenue model. No pitch, just clarity. 👉 Get Your Free Speaker Business Assessment See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"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 over How Dan Irvin went from corporate COO to full-time speaker Why Dan believes speaking is AI-proof — and the 3 reasons human speakers can't be replaced How AI is changing the speaking business (efficiency tools, not stage replacement) Why information alone won't grow your speaking career — and what actually will How to design your speaking business around your own life and goals A sneak peek at a $900,000 speaking partnership story coming in the next episode And 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 Resources Calculate Your Speaking Fee (And Join The Email List) 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.

“Sometimes in today’s society, there’s a pressure to do entrepreneurship the right way. Others have the Instagram businesses that everybody makes look good, but I think everyone has their own particular situation and scenarios.” Welcome to another episode of The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this episode, host Grant Baldwin welcomes speaker and author Velera Wilson, a remarkable leader who candidly shares her journey from corporate executive to building a thriving full-time speaking business. Velera opens up about the pivotal moments that led her to pursue her passion, from years of speaking in executive roles and nonprofit associations, to leaping into an unexpected corporate layoff. She discusses the behind-the-scenes reality: building her “off ramp” while juggling executive responsibilities, the importance of being selective with dream-sharing, and developing the grit to keep moving forward despite doubts and dry spells. Through her story, Velera reveals practical strategies for anyone considering a similar path: how to parlay your existing skills and network into new opportunities, why having a book is helpful but not essential to get booked, and the necessity of treating speaking like a business. She also emphasizes the need for community, highlighting the crucial role The Speaker Lab played in providing mentorship, camaraderie, and real-world advice about the unpredictable cycles of this industry. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just contemplating your first paid gig, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom on marketing yourself, managing your mindset, and designing a transition that fits your life and goals! You’ll learn: Managing hesitation from financial insecurity Analyzing the value of writing a book versus focusing on speaking gigs Financial considerations of books versus paid speaking engagements How books are “nice to have” for credibility, but not a “must-have” Business development tactics: LinkedIn and email outreach The importance of daily effort versus waiting passively Being intentional with “chunking” time to balance demands Building a strategic off-ramp versus jumping into entrepreneurship And much, much more! “I work for a company, but I am my own brand. I’m an individual…I take that with me [when I leave].” Episode Resources Velera’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.

“There’s a huge amount of progress that comes from pitching yourself and putting information out there and having discovery calls and doing events and speaking at events and fielding questions and posting on social media and seeing what people want.” Welcome to another episode of The Speaker Lab Podcast! Today, host Grant Baldwin welcomes Shannon GaNun, a former communications professional, college professor, and now a thriving full-time speaker who’s built an inspiring business around helping others communicate with purpose and confidence. In this conversation, Shannon takes us through her remarkable journey, starting from her roots in a small Wisconsin town, through her early career on Capitol Hill, and onto the classroom at Georgia Southern University. She shares how her lifelong passion for effective communication eventually led her to pitch herself, land gigs, and build programs that empower leaders at corporations and associations to strengthen their impact through better speaking skills. This episode dives deep into the realities of launching a speaking business later in life, the challenges of making a mid-career pivot, and the process of turning decades of both work and life experience into a valuable, marketable service. Shannon gets candid about overcoming imposter syndrome, learning the business side of speaking through The Speaker Lab, and tackling the not-so-glamorous parts. If you’re someone who wonders if you’re “special enough” to be on stage, or if you’ve wrestled with questions of timing, self-doubt, or financial security in pursuing your passion, you’ll walk away with encouragement to start where you are, leverage your experience, and take that next step! You’ll learn: Starting before you’re 100% ready Transitioning from learning to pitching, discovery calls, and social media outreach Recognizing value in communication versus sharing it on stage Overcoming fears or doubts about speaking in front of groups The misconception that speakers need unique backgrounds Solving a specific problem for a specific audience Packaging expertise into a sellable product And much, much more! “Everybody, even though we’re all kind of ordinary, normal, what I consider middle class Americans, we all have a unique experience and so we can take what we have experienced and teach others.” Episode Resources Shannon’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.

“If you’re consistent, you may miss the event with that event planner this round, but you’re going to get it the next round, and you’re going to get the next round too because you’re going to stay on top.” In this episode of The Speaker Lab Podcast, Erick Rheam, professional speaker and author, opens the doors to a behind-the-scenes coaching session as Connor Wentling and Michael Hidalgo join him to unpack the realities of building a speaking career from the ground up. Connor shares his journey transitioning from free gigs to landing paid opportunities within the municipal association market. Despite finding traction, he’s faced with the anxiety and uncertainty that accompany a slower season, prompting a deep dive with Erick into sustaining momentum. They dig into the nitty-gritty of keeping the pipeline full, leveraging referrals, and making strategic tweaks based on feedback. Michael, meanwhile, discusses the challenge of prospecting habits and mastering the art of following up with potential clients. Together with Erick, he explores tangible ways to stay in the game, even when faced with delays and rejections. Erick also shares insights about the power of consistency, the importance of tracking your outreach, and why even a “not interested” is a positive sign. Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear actionable advice on everything from upgrading your presentation skills to maintaining discipline with prospecting “Power Hours,” and understanding why the speaking business takes patience and resilience. If you’re ready for some coaching wisdom and inspiring reminders to keep moving forward, this conversation is for you! You’ll learn: The idea of an inflection point in every speaker’s career Importance of leveraging each gig for referrals Following up and tracking email opens and responses Using event surveys to gauge authentic feedback Rule of Three: pipeline should have three times the number of desired gigs The Power Hour method How to communicate with prospects post-event And much, much more! “When it comes to speaking, there’s always an inflection point for every speaker’s journey. The problem is we don’t know what it is.” Episode Resources Erick’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.

“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 business Tailoring messages for different contexts Research and outreach methods for finding speaking engagements The importance of personal relevance and passion for the topic Staying current and relevant in chosen speaking areas Adapting communication style based on audience familiarity Techniques for building trust and engagement with new groups And 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 Resources Arthur’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’m a big believer in consuming what you sell and practicing what you preach…it’s a useful step on the path to understanding what’s possible and for growing in the skill set of standing on stage in front of any number of people that makes your body react and become nervous.” In this episode of The Speaker Lab Podcast, host Grant Baldwin sits down with Melanie Curtis, a world record-holding professional skydiver, seasoned coach, and sought-after keynote speaker. Their conversation explores Melanie’s unconventional career path, which began in the finance industry before she took the extraordinary leap into professional skydiving, amassing over twelve thousand jumps, and then eventually public speaking. Melanie opens up about the challenges she faced along the way, including imposter syndrome, persistent anxiety, and the internal doubts that can hold back even the most driven professionals. She reflects on why each stage of her journey was essential and shares the turning points that nudged her toward treating public speaking as a serious business, rather than a side endeavor. Throughout their discussion, you’ll hear advice on finding your target audience, building meaningful connections in both women-centric organizations and male-dominated industries, and leveraging storytelling to transform your message. Grant and Melanie also dig into the emotional side of entrepreneurship, the highs of big wins, the lows of self-doubt, and the importance of having a strong support network. Whether you’re contemplating your first speech or looking to scale your speaking business, Melanie’s story will inspire you to trust your intuition, stay persistent, and redefine what’s possible for your own speaking journey! You’ll learn: Using speaking for marketing a business Overcoming resistance, anxiety, and limiting beliefs The importance of high-level coaching and support systems How to practice speaking via Facebook/Instagram lives Gradual desensitization to rejection, visibility, and performance pressure To rely on support networks during discouraging times Designing personal boundaries for travel and gigs Distinguishing between type one and type two fun And much, much more! “If I didn’t learn how to manage my fears, how to work with my fears and anxieties, my insecurities, I imagine I would have lived a really small life.” Episode Resources Melanie’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.