Episode Overview
Title: Frying Your Inner Chickens — Phil Barth on Turning Fear into Fuel and Fun on Stage
Host: Mitch Carson
Guest: Phil Barth, International Keynote Speaker & Author
Date: November 3, 2025
In this lively episode, Mitch Carson interviews Phil Barth, a keynote speaker famous for using rubber chickens as an unforgettable metaphor for confronting fear, self-doubt, and regret. Phil unpacks how he transformed a technical background into a thriving speaking career, why “frying your inner chickens” is more than a gimmick, and how injecting playfulness (and props) can supercharge both impact and income as an authority figure.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The “Chicken” Metaphor—Naming Your Fears
[00:30 - 02:05]
- Phil explains that fears, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome are the "little chickens" inside us that hold us back from achievement.
- Quote:
“These little chickens inside of you...these are the things you have to fry. Is those little chickens inside of you that are holding you back from what you were meant to do...just take them and fry them.” – Phil Barth [01:16]
- Quote:
- By giving fear a voice and a “shape” (a rubber chicken), Phil encourages people to deal with and “fry” their internal resistance.
From IT Manager to Full-Time Keynote Authority
[02:55 - 04:41]
- Phil’s journey began in IT as a business analyst, but his real joy came from communicating with people, not just technology.
- Speaking invitations led him to discover his passion for presenting.
- Quote:
“I really enjoyed that conversation...which then led to, within the company and outside of the company, some presentation and speaking opportunities. And...I found I was really in my element...” – Phil Barth [03:00]
- Quote:
- Demand for his unique take and fun approach (rubber chickens included) skyrocketed in 2023, eventually prompting his retirement from corporate life to pursue speaking full-time.
No Regrets (Except Not Starting Sooner)
[04:44 - 06:44]
- Phil regrets only not following his passion earlier, echoing how few people at the end of their lives wish they'd played it even safer.
- Quote:
“I wish I would have done it before...not that I didn’t love what I was doing, but this was the path I was meant to be on.” – Phil Barth [05:28]
- Quote:
- Discusses acceptance of past choices while focusing on being “where you’re meant to be.”
Navigating Uncertainty (The Pandemic Effect)
[06:44 - 07:53]
- During COVID, Phil was still employed in IT but shifted to virtual events.
- He notes that virtual presentations can still work—even with props—if they’re conversational and audience-focused rather than presentational.
- Quote:
“...if I’m doing a virtual event, it’s just like you and I are having a conversation, once only there is, you know, 300 of you, but it’s structured as a one-on-one conversation.” – Phil Barth [07:50]
- Quote:
The Red Rooster of Regret
[10:13 - 11:55]
- Of all psychological “chickens,” Phil warns there's only one really scary one—the “Red Rooster of Regret.”
- He uses a loud, rubber chicken in presentations as a metaphor for how terrible the feeling of regret can be compared to temporary fear or embarrassment.
- Quote:
“That sound was terrible. But that sound was nothing compared to not chasing your dream, not going for your big, bold, brilliant idea and living with the regret.” – Phil Barth [11:43]
- Quote:
- Story of a woman who, inspired by Phil, acted on her big idea after a previous keynote.
Passion & Giving Value (Even for Free)
[12:00 - 14:58]
- Phil would still speak for free (and occasionally does) because his mission is connecting, inspiring, and making a difference.
- Quote:
“Would you do this if you weren’t paid?”
“Yes.”
– [12:07]
- Quote:
- Giving out labeled rubber chickens with QR codes creates a fun, memorable follow-up for audiences and prospective clients.
Selling Without Selling
[13:25 - 14:58]
- Phil positions every talk as “selling”—not products but ideas, transformation, himself, and future work.
- Success story: a free symposium in Boston led to dozens of paid events in the U.S. and Europe, highlighting the power of generosity and delivering value first.
The Power of Props & Playfulness
[16:01 - 21:30]
- Both Mitch and Phil share personal stories about using rubber chickens to break stage anxiety and engage audiences—even in high-pressure TV settings.
- Memorable Moment: Mitch tells of helping a frozen guest “thaw out” with the chicken (“If you cannot talk after squeezing my chicken, I have failed you.” – Mitch Carson [19:02])
- Props, metaphors, and music (Phil’s “heavy metal chicken dance,” composed by his son) can disrupt monotony, anchor learning, and foster audience kinship.
- Quote:
“If you’ve got a group and you want everybody to stand up and do a chicken dance, the heavy metal chicken dance, I’m your guy. If you don’t like that, that’s okay.” – Phil Barth [16:02]
- Quote:
Ideal Audiences & Where to Find Phil
[21:32 - 22:28]
- Most suitable audiences: business analyst conferences, tech events, corporate functions—any group wanting fun, lower stress, and inspiration.
- Quote:
“...the ideal client is somebody who would love to play with rubber chickens, do the chicken dance, and just have one hell of a good time.” – Phil Barth [22:19]
- Quote:
- Where to watch:
- YouTube: PhilBarthSpeaks ([16:44], [20:13])
- Website: PhilBarth.com ([20:47])
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “You name that chicken. Okay, this is an imposter syndrome chicken...then you reframe it...and then you take action. It’s not that easy. Right. But it’s that simple.” – Phil Barth [02:14]
- “There is only one chicken that you really need to be afraid of. And I call him the Red Rooster of regret.” – Phil Barth [10:14]
- [On passion]
“Would you do this if you weren’t paid?” – Mitch Carson
“Yes.” – Phil Barth [12:07] - “Every time I’m there speaking, I’m selling. I’m just selling...the concept that this is what will make your life better. This is what will lower your stress.” – Phil Barth [13:25]
- “Props disrupt monotony, anchor learning, and foster audience kinship.” – Paraphrased theme from both Mitch and Phil [16:01–20:13]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment | |-------------|--------------------------------------------------| | 00:30-02:05 | Chicken as a metaphor for limiting beliefs | | 02:55-04:41 | Phil’s switching from IT career to speaking | | 04:44-06:44 | Regrets and following passion | | 06:44-07:53 | Speaking through the pandemic (virtual events) | | 10:13-11:55 | The Red Rooster of Regret anecdote | | 13:25-14:58 | Selling from the stage and success loop | | 16:01-21:30 | Props in action; chicken dance and heavy metal | | 21:32-22:28 | Ideal audiences and where to contact Phil |
Tone and Style
The episode is upbeat, humorous, and full of vivid imagery (rubber chickens, dances, prop stories). Both host and guest share a spirit of generosity, seriousness of purpose, and a love for bringing fun into professional life.
Summary Takeaways
- Name, reframe, and act on your fears—turn your inner "chickens" into fried fuel.
- Props and playful engagement can dramatically increase your impact and memorability on stage.
- Real authority comes from following your passion—even if that means giving things away at first.
- The loudest, most haunting "chicken" is the regret of not chasing your dream.
- Phil Barth’s approach is ideal for groups seeking genuine transformation, lowered stress, and a healthy dose of laughter.
Find Phil Barth:
Contact Mitch Carson: