Most business presentations are packed with data no one remembers. Stories are what actually stick.

Karin Reed is joined by senior communication coach Andrea Brody for a conversation that redefines what storytelling looks like in a business setting. What makes someone pause, lean in, and actually remember what you said? Well, it’s probably not your bullet points.

Andrea shares insights from her Inspiring Through Storytelling workshop, including the science behind why our brains respond so strongly to stories, and why even simple, everyday moments can leave a lasting impression. She breaks down common misconceptions about what counts as a “real” story and explains how value stories, founder stories, and customer stories can all be used strategically, depending on your audience.

For anyone who’s tired of being forgettable in meetings, pitches, or presentations, Karin and Andrea’s conversation offers a smarter way to connect, and a clearer reason to start sharing stories that actually mean something.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Business Storytelling and Why It Matters

02:51 Inside the “Inspiring Through Storytelling” Workshop

05:04 The Science Behind Why Stories Stick

07:59 What Makes a Story Effective

10:54 “I’m Not a Storyteller” and Other Common Myths

11:18 How to Find Meaningful Stories in Everyday Life

13:35 Participant Breakthroughs and Story Wins

19:40 NFL Combine Example: Quiet Leadership Through Story

22:07 Leading Through Storytelling in Tough Times

Links

Connect with Karin Reed:

Website: www.speakerdynamics.com

Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/

Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/

Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Becoming a go-to media expert doesn’t happen by chance. There are multiple factors that make you the guest who is on speed dial. But what are those factors?

Karin Reed talks with Paula Rizzo, an Emmy-winning producer, author and media trainer, about what it really takes to get booked by the media and asked back. Why do some experts become regulars while others never hear a word? What makes a producer stop scrolling and actually open your pitch?

Paula shares what she looked for when booking guests during her years in TV news and how she used those same strategies to build her own media presence. She explains the importance of showing up online, pitching with a clear hook and takeaway, and creating content that reflects your expertise. She also unpacks what it means to be “good on camera” and why clarity always matters more than charisma.

This episode offers guidance for authors, entrepreneurs and subject-matter experts who want to raise their visibility and be taken seriously by the media. If you’re ready to be seen as the expert, this is where to begin.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Becoming a Media Expert

01:13 Paula Rizzo’s Media Journey

03:20 How to Start: Blogging, Pitching, and Visibility

05:00 What Makes a Great Media Guest

06:10 Why Availability Matters

08:19 How to Pitch the Media Effectively

10:54 Follow-Up and Relationship Building

13:11 Understanding What Producers Actually Need

14:55 Being Good on Camera

19:11 Speaking in Soundbites

21:23 Where to Begin as an Aspiring Expert

23:57 Common Misconceptions About Media

26:04 When to Start Media Training

27:50 Be Visible to Be Found

Links

Connect with Paula Rizzo:

For listeners – anyone who is interested in applying for a free strategy session with me can go to SpeakWithPaula.com to apply. There are limited spots available.

For anyone interested in lists and productivity, here’s a list-making starter kit at paularizzo.com/lists

To connect via LinkedIn please go here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paularizzo1/

Connect with Karin Reed:

Website: www.speakerdynamics.com

Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/

Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/

Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Controlling a room full of senior leaders starts with knowing your mission and refusing to let interruptions derail it. So what happens when you walk into a meeting ready to present and the executives start cutting you off before you even reach slide two? Karin Reed knows the feeling, and she offers a smarter way to handle it without losing control or losing your nerve.

In this episode, Karin breaks down five practical strategies for staying in charge when senior leaders steer the conversation off course. She shares why setting expectations early can help you hold the room, how trimming your content down to what matters most can work in your favor, and why you should never make a busy executive wait for the point you’re trying to make. Would your presentation land differently if you led with the ‘ask’ instead of saving it for the end? Karin explains why it would and how it changes the way people listen. You’ll also hear smart ways to handle interruptions without giving away control and how to design your slides to flex with the conversation instead of boxing you in.

Karin drives home a simple truth: your voice matters, no matter where you sit on the org chart. When you stay intentional, respectful, and focused, you help leaders make better decisions. And that is exactly why you are in the room.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

01:04 Mission and Importance of Presentation

02:32 Understanding Senior Leaders’ Intent

04:51 Five Strategies Overview

05:03 Strategy 1: Setting Expectations

07:10 Strategy 2: Be Realistic with Content

10:18 Strategy 3: Don’t Bury the Lead

14:00 Strategy 4: Handling Questions

18:46 Strategy 5: Be Flexible

Links

Connect with Karin Reed:

Website: www.speakerdynamics.com

Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/

Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/

Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm