“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 psychologist
• Gaining confidence through repeated experience
• How to cope with self-doubt and feelings of failure
• To reframe setbacks and regain momentum
• Learning and implementing a booking pipeline
• How speaking is largely driven by business process
• Expanding your offerings beyond just speaking
• And 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 Resources

• Marcy’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.

“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 charisma
• The misconception that income must come from speaking alone
• Avoiding “shiny object syndrome”
• Building offers sequentially versus all at once
• Examples of different revenue pie charts
• Variables that influence your income model
• Why merch should come second in your sequence
• Utilizing other platforms like newsletters, podcasts, etc.
• The role of authoring a book as a speaker
• When to maximize a current offering or make a new one
• And 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 Resources

• Josh’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.

“Once you have your go-to framework, your go-to model, and then as you innovate, few come up with new ideas, and instead of just doing away with the old one, it becomes a tool in your pocket. And you can keep building that toolbox as you go.”

This week, host Grant Baldwin reconnects with his good friend, renowned speaker, author, and content strategist Melanie Deziel. If you've ever struggled to organize your ideas, wanted to stand out in the crowded speaking market, or wondered how successful speakers build frameworks that turn concepts into intellectual property, you're in the right place.

Grant and Melanie explore the crucial role frameworks play in building a memorable and scalable speaking business. Melanie breaks down why frameworks matter, what separates a strong framework from a pile of raw ideas, and how you can start developing your own signature process or model. Using relatable analogies, the discussion centers around how having a clear structure not only makes your message more memorable but also acts as a powerful tool for marketing, referral, and content creation.

Listeners will gain practical strategies with Melanie’s “IRON” method—Information, Relationship, Operation, and Name—for building frameworks step-by-step. She discusses the risks of trying to cram too much into one model, why a unique name or catchy acronym isn’t the first thing you should focus on, and how to make sure your framework truly represents your expertise.

Whether you’re a new speaker refining your message or a seasoned professional reimagining your brand, you’ll find plenty of guidance on how to take your ideas from abstract to impactful!

You’ll learn:

• How frameworks offer structure, scalability, and memorability
• Building intellectual property (IP)
• Overcoming the fear of narrowing your expertise
• The IRON Method: Information, Relationship, Operation, Name
• When to innovate an existing framework vs. introducing a new one
• Leveraging AI for brainstorming, organization, and naming
• And much, much more!

“The real challenge is having so many ideas, but they are not in a usable structure to be able to share those ideas effectively.”

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.

“I started pursuing meaning instead of money. And I made way more money focusing on meaning and not thinking about money as much as I did when I was laser focused on making more money but living a life that was absent of meaning.”

Welcome back to The Speaker Lab podcast! In today’s episode, host Grant Baldwin sits down with Harris III, an award-winning illusionist, speaker, author, and entrepreneur known for his unique blend of magic and impactful storytelling. Harris shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a career that’s not just about entertainment but inspiring meaningful change.

Together, Grant and Harris dig deep into the art of connecting with audiences, the challenge of moving beyond labels like “Christian magician” or “entertainer,” and how Harris transitions his skills from performing magic to cultivating transformational experiences for organizations across the globe. They talk candidly about entrepreneurship, building a personal brand, and the difference between energizing a crowd and genuinely impacting lives.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out as a speaker, the role of storytelling in corporate culture, or how to balance personal fulfillment with business growth, this episode is packed with insights, honest reflections, and practical advice. Plus, Harris opens up about the powerful moments that shaped his career, the challenges of identity in the public eye, and his commitment to helping others unlock their own potential.

Tune in for a conversation that goes behind the scenes of the speaking business and offers inspiration for anyone seeking to make a lasting difference both on and off the stage!

You’ll learn:

• How to transform from a performer to a communicator
• Seeing entrepreneurship as a vehicle for impact
• The limitations of live events
• How price point affects perceptions of speakers
• Industry trends and frustrations with “infotainment”
• The challenges of religious categorization
• Balancing personal satisfaction vs. financial stability
• And much, much more!

“You can have anything you want in life if you just help enough other people get what they want.”

Episode Resources

• Harris’ 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.

"All those little intangibles that are so nuanced, the great storytellers can put themselves physically and emotionally back in the story and bring you with them, and then somehow bring it back to you.”

If you’ve ever felt like your life isn’t interesting enough for the stage, Katie Quesada is here to change your mind. On this episode of The Speaker Lab, Katie and Grant Baldwin unpack what really makes stories memorable. Instead of rehashing a list of personal events, Katie encourages speakers to choose moments that spark connection. For example, she doesn’t just share about living in an RV; she asks audiences, “Have you ever craved simplicity?” Suddenly, everyone relates.

Her simple storytelling framework uses the Three Cs:

• Context: Set the scene, but skip the extra details. Give just enough info so listeners can picture what’s happening.
• Conflict: Don’t shy away from what was hard or scary. This is where real connection happens.
• Conclusion: Don’t just wrap up with your own win. End on shared values, so the audience sees themselves in the story.

Katie’s practical advice is to test stories at dinner parties, coffee shops, or wherever you chat with friends. Notice what gets a reaction, and refine as you go. She recommends keeping a running note of story ideas and even using AI tools like ChatGPT to help organize and edit your thoughts. And when it comes to humor, focus on levity. You don’t need punchlines; just offer moments for your audience to breathe and relate. You don’t need a dramatic life event. Look for everyday moments that mean something, keep your stories concise, and always connect back to your listener!

You’ll learn:

• Creating shared meaning with the audience
• Differences between personal stories, borrowed anecdotes, and historical narratives
• Cutting unnecessary details from your speaking
• Balancing struggles with authenticity
• Moving from moments to meaning
• Emotional resonance as the driver of behavioral change
• Practicing energy, expressiveness, and nuanced delivery
• And much, much more!

“Authenticity is going to be what cuts the noise of becoming a stereotype, especially in the speaking space.”

Episode Resources

• Katie’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.

“When downselling, it’s really good to say, ‘Who is above me, and who is below me?’ And then also find out, looking laterally, who do you compete against? Who is within a similar fee range?...Who can I refer that might fit along that axis.”

In this episode, Grant Baldwin teams up with industry insider Brian Lord of Premier Speakers Bureau for a conversation about what it takes to succeed as a speaker. Brian’s insight is simple: know your place in the market, nurture real relationships, and don’t underestimate the power of referrals.

Brian shares his “speakers matrix” concept, challenging every speaker to map out who’s above, below, and alongside them in terms of fees and content. Why? Because networking up and down this axis isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Those connections bring in gigs you’d otherwise miss and make sure you’re not flying solo in the business.

Brian’s biggest reminder is to not get lost in the latest trends. AI may be hot, but your authentic message and consistently fresh content are what keep you booked and relevant. And always, always deliver value offstage because event planners love a speaker who’s great to work with, not just to watch.

Moreover, if you’re an independent speaker, these strategies matter even more. The takeaway from this episode is to focus on building your network, referring others, and adapting as the industry evolves. Impact and bookings come from meaningful relationships, not complicated tactics, because it’s human connection that grows your career, one conversation and one referral at a time!

You’ll learn:

• The role of a speaker as a message bearer
• Understanding down-sells and up-sells
• Effective networking and referral strategies
• Creating variations of your core service
• Emotional separation from your “product”
• The “Free market” effect: your booking successes as feedback
• How off-stage behavior matters as much as on-stage behavior
• How to fold hot topics like AI into core expertise
• And much, much more!

“If you get the thought into your head that you are somebody who goes around helping people get better for having met you than if they hadn’t, then that’s your goal as a speaker.”

Episode Resources

• Brian’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• 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.

“You have to make sure you don’t lose the vision of what you started, because the team could begin and can take on a personality of its own. And if you don’t manage it, you can get off the vision of what brought you here.”

What does it really take to build a thriving speaking business? In this week’s thought-provoking episode, Grant Baldwin sits down with Erick Rheam to explore the practical strategies and mindset shifts needed for true longevity in this industry.

Erick, an established speaker with years of experience under his belt, opens up about his own journey: the early hustle, the inevitable challenges, and, most importantly, how he’s learned to balance ambition with sustainability. He and Grant get real about the myth of constant grind, explaining that putting in the hard work is necessary at the start, but staying stuck in overdrive isn’t the secret to lasting impact or happiness.

Instead, this conversation dives deep into the habits and boundaries that separate career burnout from long-term success. Erick shares how intentional routines, clear priorities, and strategic rest have shaped his evolution, not just as a speaker, but as a leader, husband, and friend.

If you’re dreaming about building a speaking business with staying power, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. Tune in for a refreshing look at what it takes to sustain your passion and make an impact for years to come. Whether you’re just getting started or already established, Erick and Grant’s discussion is a must-listen for any speaker ready to play the long game. Don’t miss it!

You’ll learn:

• The defining characteristics, obstacles, and recommended advancements for the five levels of a professional speaking career
• Level 1: The Aspiring Speaker
• Level 2: The Amateur Speaker
• Level 3: The Professional Speaker
• Level 4: The Career Speaker
• Level 5: The Legacy Speaker
• Not taking the speaking journey for granted
• The importance of being coached at every level
• And much, much more!

“It’s fun when you do something that you’re really passionate about and aligned with, it’s amazing how every other part of your life starts to align once you figure out what that looks like.”

Episode Resources

• Erick’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• 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.

“My job is to make [event planners] look like a rock star when I get off stage…I stand beside them so I can also have them hear the lovely things people are saying in line when people want to hug you and take their photo with you. And so what they need to see is [that I] was a good investment.”

In this episode, Grant Baldwin connects with Neen James for an honest, energetic conversation on what it truly means to make an impact as a public speaker. Neen’s journey shines a spotlight on the power of intentional focus, where knowing exactly who you serve, and why, can transform not only your business but your ability to connect from the stage.

As Neen shares, growing your speaking business is less about flashy tactics and more about consistent, meaningful action. She and Grant unravel the myth that you need a massive following or viral content to succeed. Instead, it’s about doubling down on the basics: nurturing authentic relationships within your network, following up with event planners, and always delivering value tailored to your audience’s needs.

The episode also digs into the art of strategic outreach. It’s not ideal to sit back and hope your inbox fills up. Take ownership of your calendar by making outreach a daily habit, revisiting those half-finished conversations, and gently reminding people how you can help. Overall, landing more speaking gigs comes down to intentional action, relationship-building, and refusing to overcomplicate the process.

You’ll learn:

• How to stand out in a crowded field
• Turning clients and audiences into advocates
• Importance of preparation before stepping on stage
• The BDA Framework: Before, During, After
• Discovering and leveraging your intellectual property
• Building early relationships with event staff
• Customizing content for specific audiences
• Acknowledging and celebrating the audience’s culture
• Outsourcing non-core tasks to increase focus
• And much, much more!

“Every speaker needs to think about how they can be exceptional? Because there’s plenty of average out there, but it’s exceptional that gets attention.”

Episode Resources

• Neen’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• 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.