World of Speakers

Ryan Foland speaks with Max Branstetter and Eric Sim, the former is the founder and producer of MaxPodcasting whilst the latter is a managing director at UBS Investments Bank, turned speaker with over 2 million followers on LinkedIn. In this episode of our series, Ryan, Max and Eric talk about the ten steps that are required to start your own podcast and what’s the best way to go about starting off a potential hit podcast. One of the key messages in this interview is that before kicking off your podcast, you need to ask yourself ‘why you want to start a podcast?’. The answer to this question will set the target audience for you as well as help you figure out important podcast details. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and advice on how to start your own podcast.

Creating experiences through empathy. Ryan Foland speaks with Laura Gallaher. Laura is an organizational psychologist, speaker, facilitator, and executive coach. She is the founder and CEO of Gallaher Edge, which she started in 2013. Laura’s key topics are self-awareness, accountability, trust-building, and team cohesion. In this insightful podcast, Ryan and Laura explore the connections between psychology, acting, professional speaking, and audience engagement. Laura also shares an innovative marketing idea which has helped her make meaningful connections and build her business. Listen to this podcast to find out: -How empathy can help you frame your talks to the specific needs of event organizers, which will help you get hired. -How creating experiences for your audiences can lead them to deeper insights, and why this is becoming essential. -How to get more speaking engagements by using social media to find commonalities, then asking for opportunities. -How to make rewarding connections by thinking outside (or in Laura’s case, inside) the box. -Dynamic, online-offline networking: Laura shares an idea on how to use customized videos to stand out from the crowd. -Some simple comedy acting tips on how to be funny on stage.

Don’t be afraid to muss it up. Ryan Foland speaks with Sally Zimney, a professional speaking coach, podcaster and trainer. Sally’s expertise lies in helping speakers connect on a deeper, more human level with their audience. In this fun and fast-moving talk, Sally and Ryan explore what to do when things go wrong on stage—and how it can ultimately work to your benefit when they do. Listen to this podcast to find out: - The 3 things you need to do when things go wrong. - Why being perfect and polished is actually a turn-off for audiences, and stands between you building a connection with them. - How to tell stories that will really resonate. - How to find the right balance of authenticity that won’t repel your audience. - The three boxes you need to check before you can transition into paid speaking.

Building credibility through podcasting. Ryan Foland speaks with Mary Drumond, a fellow podcaster who hosts the show The Voices of Customer Experience. In her podcast she interviews CX thought-leaders, executives, researchers, academia and Customer Experience front-liners. She is also editor-in-chief of the Voices of CX Blog. Ryan and Mary talk about how speakers can use podcasting as another stage, helping to build your credibility as a speaker while acting as a showreel for both your speaking style and expertise. Listen to this podcast to find out: 1. How to get started creating your own podcast. 2. Whether or not you should pay for platforms and tools right from the start 3. Why it is essential to stay on top of marketing trends, even as they change rapidly. 4. How to use podcasts to build your credibility and brand

-Storytelling and mindset. Ryan Foland speaks with Darren LaCroix, a Toastmasters World Champion, and expert professional speaking coach. Darren has taught hundreds of speakers how to hone their craft and build their businesses through storytelling and practice. Ryan and Darren talk about what it takes to make it as a speaker, and how practice and feedback are the two key elements to become a better speaker. From how to get paid more, to truly connecting with your audience, it all comes down to getting on as many stages as you can and then finding out from your audience what resonated. Listen to this podcast to find out: - Why practicing, meaning getting on stage, is one of the most important things you can do if you want to get into the big leagues. - How your mindset and intentions can make a difference on your audience and career. - What makes some speakers soar to success, and other stay at the bottom. - How to tell a great story in 17 seconds. - The best speaking advice Darren has received in the 25 years he’s been a keynote speaker.