This week, I'm deconstructing the Netflix film 'Sunday Best,' which explores the legacy of Ed Sullivan—a legendary TV host and cultural trailblazer who used his massive platform to advance racial equality during one of America's most challenging eras.

Discover how Sullivan used his platform during one of America's most challenging eras to champion racial equality, featuring groundbreaking performances by artists like Nat King Cole, Harry Belafonte, Diana Ross & The Supremes, and Stevie Wonder.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• The responsibility that comes with having a platform or a voice

• How Ed Sullivan's decisions advanced social justice and broke barriers

• The importance of embracing discomfort to create real change

• Why your authentic, courageous voice matters more than ever

Plus, hear a personal story from the community about stepping up to lead, and get inspired to share your own message—even if it feels uncomfortable.

Go from idea to stage-ready inside The Big Talk Academy

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This week, you'll hear a big talk from Davon Williams at the Speaker Salon Showcase.

Davon is a two-time Anthem Award winner, an international performer, NYCLU Artist Ambassador, and a TED Talk alum.

He authored the Black Theatre Matters Bill—the landmark legislation that passed at the Actors' Equity Association's First National Convention. His work has been covered in Deadline, Forbes, CBS, Playbill, The Daily Beast, BroadwayWorld, 60 Minutes, and numerous other platforms and publications.

In his powerful talk, "Embracing Disruption: A Call to Fortune 500 CEOs," he explores:

• The dangers of clinging to tradition and resisting change

• Why solving present problems drives fiscal growth

• How protest signals engagement rather than opposition

• The ripple effect of leadership choices on the world

Website: https://www.davonwilliams.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DayWilling#

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daywilling

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCby_daXzNXlBjWcUWXLGo7g

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Today, I'm joined by Gracia Sotomayor, an inspiring speaker, author, artistic cyclist, and graduate of The Big Talk Academy.

Born in Lima, Peru, Gracia discovered artistic cycling through a magazine photo and was captivated by the concentration and control required. With no resources available in Spanish, she taught herself and eventually moved to Germany to master the sport. She has competed in the UCI Cycling World Championships and became the first person to translate the official rulebook into Spanish.

As an ambassador for artistic cycling, Gracia has promoted the sport across Latin America and been featured in international media. Through her speaking, she shares how embracing inner power, taking unconventional paths, and helping others can lead to personal transformation and lasting impact.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• Why allowing yourself to feel your emotions fully builds self-trust

• The importance of sharing your story and how it opens doors for others

• Building genuine connections through being authentically yourself

• How to trust that you're capable of doing something rather than playing the underdog or diminishing yourself

• Her current favorites: Book: What's Your Dream, Speaker: Coach Stormy, and Podcast: A Bit of Optimism

Her talk on The Big Talk Academy Stage in NYC

Website: https://www.graciasotomayor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graciasotomayor/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracia-sotomayor-v/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracia.sotomayor/

Publish your book with The Big Talk Press

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This week on The Big Talk Podcast, I'm deconstructing a powerful interview between Katie Couric and Laverne Cox that demonstrates what it means to be a truly influential voice when addressing difficult topics. This conversation is a masterclass in handling sensitive subjects with grace, authenticity, and purpose.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• Why having a platform means having a responsibility to address challenging topics, not just easy ones

• The difference between performative vulnerability and vulnerability in service of something larger

• How to prepare for and navigate difficult conversations with respect, dignity, and educational intent

• The reason brave voices matter more than safe voices, and how addressing controversial topics can strengthen rather than hurt your speaking career

Transform your expertise into a speaking legacy inside The Big Talk Academy

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In today's special bonus episode, I am taking you behind the scenes of The Art of The Big Talk, my live two-day virtual masterclass.

During these done-with-you days, I support speakers and thought leaders in becoming laser-focused on their desires and ideas. I equip them with comprehensive systems to skyrocket their impact and open doors to coveted stages. And that's what you'll hear in today's episode.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• How to use storytelling to get people to lean in and take action

• Feeling confident in your keynote and understanding who needs it

• Streamlining and shortening your title talk so it is clear and powerful

• Finding your specific message and landing on your big idea

Unlock your potential and grow your speaking business during The Art of The Big Talk, my LIVE Two-Day Virtual Masterclass

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Today's guest, Riley Tejcek, is an Active Duty Marine Corps Captain. When she's not commanding troops, she competes as a pilot for Team USA Bobsled, with the goal of becoming the first female Marine in the Olympics.

In addition to being the author of the new children's book If You Can Dream It, Be It!, Riley was named Ms. Military 2024 and is a game show winner.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• How grit, determination, and being allowed to fail build great leaders

• Building trust through being predictable, consistent, and genuinely yourself

• The important distinction between being kind and being nice, and why this matters when leading other people

• The reason representation shapes what's possible and how this led to Riley writing her children's book

• Her current favorites: Book: The Bible, Speaker: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Podcast: Crime Junkie

Her book, If You Can Dream It, Be It!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riley.tejcek/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-tejcek-b264902b9/

Publish your book with The Big Talk Press

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This week on The Big Talk Podcast, we're exploring the inseparable relationship between leadership and speaking – and how combining inner wisdom with powerful communication creates truly transformational influence.

With my new book "Being Smart is Stupid" launching next week, this episode examines how it works together with "The Influential Voice" to provide a complete framework for influential leadership.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• Why great leadership requires both wisdom and communication skills – and how my two books address each side of this equation

• The difference between speaking from ego versus "Buddha nature" and why authentic service creates lasting influence

• A real transformation story of a speaker who integrated these principles to dramatically increase his impact

• How to continue developing both your inner wisdom and outer voice through The Big Talk Academy
  
  

Preorder by book, Being Smart is Stupid

Publish your book with The Big Talk Press

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This week, you'll hear a big talk from Stephanie Trager given at the Speaker Salon Showcase that will expand how you think about the world and inspire you to take the big stages you desire.

Stephanie is a speaker, futurist, and transformational coach who bridges ancient intelligence with modern wisdom to activate human potential. A former practicing attorney, she weaves multidimensional expertise and perception, supporting evolutionary change in individuals and organizations.

In her powerful talk, "What Ancient Trees Can Teach Us About Our Future Human Potential," she explores:

• Why we need to expand our perception beyond conventional reality, and the reason ancient wisdom still holds keys to modern solutions

• Her perspective on alternative approaches to natural resource use based on indigenous teachings

• How breakdowns can become breakthroughs when we're open to guidance

• Remembering our multidimensional capacities and stepping out of old programs and identities

Website: http://www.stephanietrager.com/

Podcast: http://catalysttalks.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanietragercatalysttalks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanietrager/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanietrager/

Go from idea to stage-ready inside The Big Talk Academy

Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop

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Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com