Scars are like tattoos with better stories.

This is a heart-expanding statement from this week’s guest, who has transformed his scars from a tragic military accident into a powerful story of resilience.

Every business owner, changemaker and leader experiences struggles that feel much bigger than they can navigate at some point in their journey.

Often leaders believe they must be stoic and be above their personal challenges. But what if we could embrace more vulnerability and have a greater impact too?

In episode 388 of Amplify Your Success, host Melanie Benson and guest J.R. Martinez delve into the transformative power of vulnerability and connection in building unshakable leadership resilience. Drawing from his own harrowing experiences as a U.S. Army veteran and motivational speaker, Martinez shares a profound account of his troubled youth and a tragic accident that helped condition his mind and spirit for resilience, shedding light on the value of listening and being vulnerable to be a more powerful leader.

06:04 Our scars become part of our motivation and inspiration if we let them.

10:05 JR shares how his troubled teens and early experiences shaped his resilience.

12:14 The importance of what you focus on, especially when you’ve experienced a tragedy.

15:39 What JR learned to help him take a balanced approach to scheduling and avoiding burnout.

18:40 Shifting perspectives around failure and choosing different paths in life.

24:04 Life experiences with family, self identity and how it shapes your resourcefulness.

27:03 Yoga as a peace practice that can help you feel more grounded, no matter what’s happening around you.

31:57 Learning to listen and the power of being vulnerable.

37:37 Overcoming personal struggles by listening, not just hearing.

47:14 Encouraging diversity and JR’s concerns about terminology like “soft skills.”

52:05 Recognize, embrace and amplify the power of our own stories.

• Get JR’s book, Full of Heart

• Discover how to craft inspiring stories and be a guest expert on podcasts with GuestExpertSystem.com

With the rise in popularity of podcast guesting and booking services, my peers who host podcast hosts (and myself) experience a unique challenge – receiving hundreds of unqualified and unsolicited pitches to be on our show each week.

Standing out and capturing the attention of podcast hosts becomes a daunting challenge, not to mention actually getting booked! With the ratio of guests to popular shows being 17:1, and limited booking spots as most shows only publish once a week, there has never been a more important time to learn how to pitch the shows you want to be featured on.

Recently I invited several of my podcaster friends to a special pitch session for my Million-Dollar Authority Mastermind, and I kicked off the session with a panel discussion on what gets someone booked these days.

On Amplify Your Success Podcast 387, I share this conversation with five powerhouse podcasters as they reveal the key factors to securing an interview on their shows and making a lasting impression on your audience.

You’ll meet show hosts Tiphany Kane, Tanya Smith, Samantha Riley, Shay Wheat, and Tish Times. These podcasting women share invaluable expert advice on how to elevate your podcast appearance game. From the importance of authenticity, storytelling, and vulnerability to the significance of professional preparation and engaging storytelling, this episode offers a treasure trove of knowledge to help you unlock the secrets of securing top podcast appearances and making a powerful impact on your audience.

Don't miss out on this game-changing episode as these powerhouse podcasters unlock the secrets to getting booked (and be sure to binge their shows too!)

00:47 Melanie explains how this panel discussion sheds light on getting booked on top shows

04:55 Podcast hosts introduce themselves and what their podcast is about.

07:52 Sharing mistakes has the potential to become a bingeable, powerful episode.

13:19 Panelists explore what gets a guest booked, and what turns them off to a guest coming on their show.

15:35 Focus on audience first, compelling, clear framework.

17:12 What happens when a podcast episode gives you a burst of energy.

22:09 When video is also valuable in podcast interviews.

24:26 The group emphasized the power of personal connections in collaboration.

29:20 Why some of the best episodes are engaging with clear, concise stories.

31:04 Vulnerability and authenticity can be transformational when delivered on a show.

34:15 How to stand out and create magic through a unique framework and energy.

• Apply For The Million-Dollar Authority Mastermind

• Enroll In The $100k Authority Accelerator

• Download the guide and scorecard 17 Mistakes Guest Experts Make That Cost Them the Lead & Client

Do you find yourself struggling to land spots on the top podcasts in your industry? What if I told you that there's a way to elevate your visibility game and get invited to speak and be a guest on podcasts without having to pitch your way in?

In episode 386 of Amplify Your Success, I'll take you behind the scenes of my visibility strategy, where I've been consistently landing 3 to 5 podcast guest spots each month on high-profile podcasts. I'll share the secret sauce that has revolutionized the way I approach visibility and snag top podcast guest spots.

This strategy has shifted the way I approach getting booked, and allows me to stay in front of new audiences 24/7, 365 days a year.

Tune in as I decode the strategies that have helped me flip the script on pitching and receive countless invitations to feature on top shows. Plus, I'll reveal the five key insights I use to curate my guest lists, making it a must-listen for everyone who pitches my show or aims to make a big splash in the podcast guest space.

01:52 What top podcasters look for from a guest pitch.

04:20 The most important ingredient in your pitch (and why it can make or break your getting booked.)

07:18 A common complaint among hosts (and why many won’t consider a guest pitch, unless you do this one thing.)

09:16 The visibility advantage of building your social media presence when trying to land high profile shows.

11:54 Importance of social media credibility for pitching.

16:24 Show how to be a great guest.

18:58 Ask for referrals, stand out, be aligned.

• Tap into Million-Dollar visibility streams with my proven 7 step framework.

• Avoid the 17 biggest mistakes as a guest expert that costs you leads and clients with my Scorecard & Guide