Podcast
The Speaker Lab Podcast
Hosted by The Speaker Lab · EN
Want to learn how to get booked and paid to speak — consistently? The Speaker Lab podcast features business tactics, speaking tips, and insider strategies from TSL CEO Dan Irvin, The Speaker Lab coaches, and some of the world's most successful speakers.
You'll learn how to find speaking gigs, build relationships in your industry, negotiate higher speaker fees, and grow your speaking business. Every week, this podcast will give you key insights and practical advice from speakers who have been there and done that and can help you take the next step in your speaking journey. Whether you’re just getting started as a paid speaker or you’re a veteran speaker looking to build and grow your business, The Speaker Lab Podcast is here for you!
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Avoiding Burnout in Speaking and Life with Arthur James
Dec 3000:37:51Tap to summarize“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.
Transcribe →Turning Fear into Fuel on Your Speaking Path with Melanie Curtis
Dec 2300:39:35Tap to summarize“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 businessOvercoming resistance, anxiety, and limiting beliefsThe importance of high-level coaching and support systemsHow to practice speaking via Facebook/Instagram livesGradual desensitization to rejection, visibility, and performance pressureTo rely on support networks during discouraging timesDesigning personal boundaries for travel and gigsDistinguishing between type one and type two funAnd 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 ResourcesMelanie’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.
Transcribe →Why Accountability Is the Key to Building Consistent Habits with Adam Gilbert
Dec 1600:38:21Tap to summarize“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.
Transcribe →How Speakers Can Book Association Opportunities with Erick Rheam
Dec 900:40:38Tap to summarize“When you go to these associations’ websites, they don’t have robust staff…it’s not hard to find them. You can directly engage with them and talk to them about an event that’s coming up. You can identify, ‘You have a fall conference coming up. I’d love to chat with you and see how I can best support you on that.’” This week on The Speaker Lab podcast, host Grant Baldwin sits down with industry expert and regular guest Erick Rheam for a deep dive into one of the most powerful avenues for speakers: associations. If you've ever wondered what an association is, why they matter to your speaking business, or how to break into these lucrative networks, this episode is your roadmap.Throughout their conversation, Erick and Grant peel back the layers, starting with a clear definition of associations and moving into the different types. You’ll hear why associations can be the “low-hanging fruit” for both new and seasoned speakers, offering paid opportunities and exposure to hundreds of decision makers at a time.Additionally, the episode covers practical strategies for researching associations in your area, using both Google and ChatGPT to quickly uncover dozens of opportunities—plus tips on who to contact inside these organizations. You’ll also learn about Association Management Companies (AMCs) and Societies of Association Executives (SAEs), two insider gateways to getting in front of hundreds of associations through one well-placed showcase or breakout session.If you’re nervous about reaching out or unsure about timing and how to build relationships, Erick shares actionable advice for playing the long game, planting seeds, and earning your way onto bigger stages. This episode is packed with simple tactics and inspiring stories that will help you get past the overwhelm, start building momentum, and unlock the massive potential of speaking for associations!You’ll learn:Directories and resources for discovering associationsBasic definition & purpose of an associationKey characteristics of an associationThe types of associations: trade, professional, cause or mission-based, state & regionalThe benefits of being hired by associationsMatching your speaking topic to association opportunitiesWhen and how to approach associationsUsing technology to identify relevant associationsAnd much, much more!“[Showcase events for speakers] are a great way in a forty-five minute to one hour talk to get in front of one hundred one one hundred and fifty decision makers that could potentially hire you.”Episode ResourcesErick’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.
Transcribe →From Free Gigs to Paid Speaking with Dr. Yvette E. Pearson
Dec 200:43:05Tap to summarize“Everything [The Speaker Lab] does is very intentional drive, step driven, process driven, and it can fit whatever time that you can give it…So time is less relevant. Consistency is more relevant.”Welcome back to The Speaker Lab podcast! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the realities of building a thriving speaking business while balancing a busy professional life. Our host, Erick Rheam, brings on Dr. Yvette E. Pearson, an engineer, executive in higher education, and passionate advocate for people-centered STEM organizations.Dr. Pearson opens up about the unique challenges she faces as she transitions from speaking for free at conferences within her industry to establishing herself as a paid, professional speaker. She discusses the struggle of carving out time for business-building activities—like prospecting for speaking gigs—while balancing the demands of a full-time job and a consulting business. Throughout the conversation, Erick offers practical advice on how to break out of the “industry speaker” mold, set and negotiate fees with confidence, and implement consistent power hours. You’ll hear actionable strategies for navigating awkward money conversations, leveraging free speaking gigs for future opportunities, and building momentum that can transform your speaking business. Whether you’re just starting, looking to move from free to paid gigs, or searching for ways to fit speaking into an already busy life, the insights and encouragement in this episode are for you!You’ll learn:How to break the cycle of free speaking gigsWhat defines an industry versus a professional speakerStrategies for handling payment conversationsHow to utilize contracts and exit interviews to set expectationsWhen to refer other colleagues for a gigFollowing up with free clients for testimonials, referrals, etc.Tracking daily prospecting as a motivational toolAnd much, much more!“...that’s your walkaway price. That’s number one. You have to have that in your mind, and you have to be prepared to actually walk away.”Episode ResourcesDr. Yvette’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.
Transcribe →Finding Your Message and Your Why with Marcy Grossman
Nov 2500:38:39Tap to summarize“I’ve been a caterpillar. You know, what do caterpillars do? They collect, they eat, they stock up, they build up until they get a calling that says build yourself a chrysalis. And that [chrysalis], for me, was leaving public service.”Welcome back to The Speaker Lab podcast! Today’s episode features Marcy Grossman, whose career path took her from criminal psychologist, working in federal prisons, to Canadian ambassador in the United Arab Emirates, and now to the world of professional speaking. Host Grant Baldwin guides us through Marcy Grossman’s candid journey, revealing the authentic highs and lows behind building a business as a speaker.Less than a year ago, Marcy found herself in what she describes as the “dark valley of despair”—overwhelmed by anxiety, negative self-talk, and the fear that her stories wouldn’t matter. But instead of giving up, Marcy turned to The Speaker Lab podcast and program, discovering a supportive community, actionable frameworks, and the structure she needed to move forward. Grant and Marcy dig deep into what it really takes to pivot into the speaking industry. You’ll hear how Marcy leveraged her hard-earned experience, learned to embrace the nerves and adrenaline of being on stage, and realized the key to success is trusting the process.Additionally, the episode covers how speaking can fit into a broader consulting or coaching business, the challenges behind the scenes that most speakers face, and practical tips for building momentum, managing self-doubt, and packaging your unique story. If you’re a speaker in the making, this conversation will remind you that setbacks are part of the journey, and that the stage can be a place for anyone willing to put in the work!You’ll learn:About Marcy’s career as a criminal psychologistGaining confidence through repeated experienceHow to cope with self-doubt and feelings of failureTo reframe setbacks and regain momentumLearning and implementing a booking pipelineHow speaking is largely driven by business processExpanding your offerings beyond just speakingAnd much, much more!“Many of the speakers I have met are people that have messages in their heart, and that’s why they’re unstoppable.”Episode ResourcesMarcy’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.
Transcribe →The Six-Step Roadmap to Growing Your Speaking Career with Josh Shipp
Nov 1801:02:21Tap to summarize“Within an in demand topic, how are you going to differentiate? There are only X number of categories of movies out there, right? And so it’s not like you’re suddenly going to invent a new category of movie, but you do want, within that well trenched category, to be distinct.”Welcome back to The Speaker Lab podcast! In today’s episode, host Grant Baldwin is joined once again by youth speaker and entrepreneur, Josh Shipp, for a masterclass on how to build a seven-figure speaking business. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to reach and sustain that elusive seven-figure mark in the speaking industry, this conversation is for you!Drawing inspiration from his own career and his work as the founder of a successful speakers bureau for the youth and education space, Josh pulls back the curtain on the practical, often overlooked strategies that lead to lasting success. He and Grant dive deep into the six core offerings every speaker should consider—starting with the foundational work of perfecting your speech, and then thoughtfully layering on merchandise, building an engaged online platform, writing a book, developing a course, and scaling through licensing.You’ll hear candid reflections on why speaking alone can be both lucrative and limiting, the importance of focusing on quality before quantity, and how to know when it’s time to pursue additional streams of revenue. Josh offers clear benchmarks, practical income thresholds, and valuable insights into everything from setting realistic goals, leveraging audience feedback, and understanding the true costs and opportunities of each new offering.Whether you’re trying to book more gigs, looking to expand with digital products, or simply want to avoid burnout while building a business you love, this episode outlines the unfiltered roadmap to becoming a seven-figure speaker!You’ll learn:Focusing on substance over charismaThe misconception that income must come from speaking aloneAvoiding “shiny object syndrome”Building offers sequentially versus all at onceExamples of different revenue pie chartsVariables that influence your income modelWhy merch should come second in your sequenceUtilizing other platforms like newsletters, podcasts, etc.The role of authoring a book as a speakerWhen to maximize a current offering or make a new oneAnd much, much more!“What I would advocate for, looking back on it with a bit of pattern recognition, is building these [avenues] deliberately step by step. That’s what’s going to help you get to a [seven-figure speaking business].”Episode ResourcesJosh’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.
Transcribe →Live Coaching with Erick Rheam: Turning Conference Connections Into Booked Gigs
Jul 29, 2025Tap to summarize“The act of you and I exchanging contact information raises the standard that there is going to be a follow up…You want to make that connection and set the expectation right then and there.”Ever left a conference buzzing, only to watch that excitement fizzle when it comes to follow-up? This live coaching session from The Speaker Lab pulls back the curtain on how pros turn event momentum into real speaking business.Facilitator Erick Rheam teams up with speakers Bridget Quigg and Shannon GaNun for a candid conversation about what works and what doesn’t in post-event follow-up. Bridget shares her frustration when promising leads go silent, and Erick offers simple, practical advice: always exchange contact info in person, set clear expectations for next steps, and don’t rely on LinkedIn or mass attendee lists. Real business starts with real, personal connections.Shannon’s question on breaking into corporate gigs leads to another golden nugget: you don’t need a hard pitch. Just mention that you’re available for future engagements. Those off-the-cuff invitations can turn warm applause into future bookings.Above all, this episode is a reminder that success as a speaker lies in small tweaks, human conversations, and showing up consistently. Don’t overcomplicate it, be approachable, follow up promptly, and seize opportunities. Listen in and learn how to make every gig and every follow-up count.You’ll learn:Using a consistent methodology various length talksAuthentic, conversational human interactions on stageOvercoming fear of forgetting points during live presentationsLeaning into your professional background and network for focus areasEffective follow-up strategies after eventsTurning custom items into repeatable assetsOn-stage call-to-action practicesThe SPARK framework (Statistic, Picture, Anecdote, Real-life story)The importance of practicingAnd much, much more!"I believe everybody was created for a unique purpose. And until we learn how to communicate clearly, concisely and confidently, we’ll never be able to fulfill that purpose.”Episode ResourcesErick’s WebsiteBridget’s WebsiteShannon’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet 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.
Transcribe →