Speak Like Your Wealth Depends On It

Chris McAuley

Join Chris on a transformative journey to overcome your speaking fears and embrace the spotlight. Amplify your confidence and transform into the speaker you aspire to be. Chris provides a safe space for beginners, offering a full spectrum of actionable tools and insights to confidently step into any speaking opportunity. Uncover the passion in your DNA and unleash your speaking potential for career advancement and personal growth. This podcast is your holistic guide to transforming into a dynamic performer, tailored for middle managers aiming for career advancement.

  1. 6D AGO

    Speak with Presence: Insights from Sonnet Simmons

    Send us Fan Mail Speak with Presence: Insights from Sonnet Simmons  Host and speaking coach Chris McAuley introduces his podcast on how confident communication shapes career, reputation, and opportunity, then interviews keynote speaker and vocal presence coach Sonnet Simmons. Simmons shares her background as a singer-songwriter with music licensed for ads and media, her work helping independent artists navigate music licensing, and how client demand led her into leadership communication and “true voice” coaching. She and McAuley discuss authenticity, speaking from the heart, building trust through vocal sound, and handling high-stakes spontaneous communication with structure and practice. Simmons outlines her keynote prep process (outline, recording, slides, video rehearsal), emphasizes audience connection, and recommends vocal warmups. They explore nerves as manageable through breath, the value of stories, and identifying protective vocal patterns (breathiness, vocal fry, uptalk) through awareness and recording.   00:00 Podcast Opening 00:47 Meet Sonnet Simmons 02:37 Music Career Origins 05:51 Finding True Voice 07:57 Authenticity From Heart 11:46 Sound of Trust Keynote 13:07 Handling High Stakes Moments 17:45 Preparation And Practice 25:13 Owning The Material 27:08 Speaking From The Heart 27:22 Storytelling That Connects 29:13 Managing Nerves With Breath 30:38 Breath Training And Performance 32:07 Breath Before You Speak 34:01 Finding Your True Voice 35:57 Vocal Patterns To Notice 37:55 Record Yourself For Feedback 40:58 Rapid Fire Favorites 43:53 Travel Dreams And Wrap Up

    47 min
  2. MAY 14

    Speaking Your Truth: Embodied Wellness with Robert Simms

    Send us Fan Mail Embodied Resilience: Neurodivergence, Mind–Body Care, and Speaking with Authentic Connection (with Robert Sims) Chris McAuley introduces his podcast on confident, clear communication and interviews Robert Sims, CEO/owner and therapist at Embodied Resilience Wellness Clinic in Ontario. Sims explains the clinic’s wraparound model integrating mental and physical care—psychotherapy for individuals and couples alongside physiotherapy and massage—grounded in connection, authenticity, lived experience, and a specialization in neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, and AuDHD). He shares his path from TV broadcasting and security work into social work, reconnecting with Indigenous community and worldview, completing his MSW/RSW, and later identifying as AuDHD, which informed the clinic’s focus on neurodivergence-related comorbidities. Sims describes future plans to add services like nurse practitioners and other modalities, discusses tailoring presentations to audiences, using interactive storytelling and purposeful self-disclosure to build community and reciprocity, and reframing speaking nerves as excitement. He recommends books on therapeutic role-playing and “Dungeon Crawler Carl,” streams “Person of Interest,” and shares how to find Embodied Resilience online and via a weekly YouTube live, “All Things Neurodivergence.” 00:00 Podcast Cold Open 00:56 Meet Robert Sims 02:02 Embodied Resilience Clinic 02:54 What Neurodivergence Means 04:23 Robert’s Career Journey 06:54 Late Diagnosis and Mission 09:23 Mind Body Speaking Connection 11:45 Growing the Clinic Vision 12:37 Medicine Wheel Worldview 14:03 Workshop Prep Process 16:49 Tailoring and Flexibility 18:20 Authenticity Over Scripts 22:30 Staying On Track 24:00 Purposeful Anecdotes 24:43 Stories Build Connection 26:31 Creating Community Live 27:55 Interactive Presenting 29:41 Pauses And Questions 31:46 Turning Nerves Excitement 35:31 Rapid Fire Questions 39:19 Where To Find Robert 40:40 Closing Thanks And Outro

    42 min
  3. MAY 7

    Speaking Strategies with Security Risk Expert and Keynote Speaker Dean Correia

    Send us Fan Mail Reporting Warning Signs: Chris McCauley with Security Risk Consultant and Keynote Speaker Dean Correa Chris McCauley introduces his podcast on how confident communication shapes professional opportunity, then interviews Toronto-based security risk consultant and keynote speaker Dean Correa. Dean recounts moving from retail management at Gap and Starbucks into security after shadowing Starbucks’ security manager, later leading security programs in Canada and Latin America, helping launch Walmart Canada’s security program, and starting a consultancy to provide risk assessments, investigations, business continuity planning, workplace violence avoidance training, and outsourced security support. He describes supporting Walmart’s Olympic sponsorship planning for Vancouver 2010, including coordination with law enforcement and supply-chain and traffic risks. Motivated by workplace murders he experienced, Dean’s keynote message urges reporting incidents that cause fear or concern. The conversation also covers effective speaking tactics: using stories, pauses, audience interaction, flexible Q&A, simple language, and preparation routines. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:47 Meet Dean Correa 02:56 Dean Career Journey 04:47 Consulting Focus Areas 05:55 Vancouver Olympics Security 07:41 Narrowing Your Niche 08:52 Violence Stories And Mission 10:46 Keynote Craft And Engagement 16:08 Interactive Speaking Techniques 19:59 Audience Driven Q And A 22:37 Pauses Movement And Clarity 23:50 Ditch the Jargon 24:24 Read the Room 25:05 Keep Them Engaged 25:45 When References Miss 26:17 Slides Videos and Stickiness 26:43 No Notes Needed 28:37 Freedom Within Framework 31:39 Recover From Mistakes 34:22 Embrace the Nerves 35:19 Pre Talk Routine 36:30 Memorize One Key Line 39:02 Power Questions and Wrap Up

    44 min
  4. 12/18/2025

    Engaging Audiences through Storytelling and Speaking with Michelle Dahlenburg

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'Speak Like Your Wealth Depends On It,' host Chris McCauley engages in a riveting discussion with Michelle Dahlen Berg, an accomplished audio producer, performer, and educator at Texas State University. The conversation delves into Michelle’s background in theater and music, revealing how she uses her expertise to teach applied theater and acting. They explore practical strategies for grounding oneself during presentations, the power of storytelling, and the importance of intentional movement on stage. Michelle shares insights from her teaching experience and offers valuable tips for engaging an audience effectively. The episode also touches on Michelle's favorite books, TV series, and her dream profession if she weren't doing what she does now.   00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 02:23 Personal Challenges and Family Struggles 03:53 Background and Upbringing 04:36 Current Living Situations and Weather 07:23 Historical Reflections and Social Issues 13:58 Podcast and Voice Work 18:21 Teaching and Applied Theater 24:28 Connecting with an Audience 32:12 Relating to Your Audience 34:16 Handling Nerves and Audience Expectations 36:04 Finding and Telling Stories 42:25 Engaging Presentation Techniques 44:39 Intentional Movement and Gestures 51:12 The Power of Stillness and Silence 55:07 Rapid Fire Questions and Recommendations 01:01:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

    49 min
  5. 11/27/2025

    The Art of Connection and Communication with Michelle Tillis Lederman

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'Speak Like Your Wealth Depends On It,' host Chris McAuley converses with communication and relationship expert Michelle Tillis Lederman. Michelle shares her journey from a finance professional to a celebrated speaker and coach, detailing her initial struggles with public speaking and how she overcame them. The episode dives deep into effective strategies for connecting with audiences, managing stage fright, and the power of storytelling. Michelle also offers practical advice for leaders to communicate more effectively and connect meaningfully with their teams. For more tips on mastering public speaking, visit Chris's website and explore his specialized coaching program.   00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:51 Guest Introduction: Michelle Tillis Lederman 03:16 Michelle's Journey from Finance to Communication Expert 04:37 Overcoming Stage Fright and Building Speaking Skills 07:56 The Importance of Connection in Leadership and Speaking 09:54 Engaging Your Audience: Tips and Techniques 16:36 The Power of Storytelling in Presentations 21:25 The Importance of Visuals in Presentations 22:46 Engaging the Audience with Movement and Interaction 25:11 The Power of Vocal Variation 29:02 Dealing with Nervousness and Fear 34:03 Personal Insights and Recommendations Do any of these resonate with what you're trying to achieve, or is there a particular angle you'd like to focus on for the title?

    39 min
  6. 11/21/2025

    Transformational Speaking: Lessons from Speaker and author Wanda Davis

    Send us Fan Mail In this captivating episode of "Speak Like Your Wealth Depends On It", host Chris McAuley welcomes renowned motivational speaker and author Wanda Davis. The discussion delves into Wanda's impressive journey from a biochemistry background to becoming a sought-after speaker and personal growth guide.  Chris and Wanda explore the art of authentic public speaking, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, emotional engagement, and the power of presence. Wanda shares her experiences with different paths to wellness, including meditation and energy work, and reveals insights from her children's book, 'From Head to Heart'.  The episode is packed with practical advice on overcoming stage fright, the integral role of stories in presentations, and the evolving landscape of virtual speaking engagements.  Tune in to explore how you can unleash the power of your voice and deliver impactful speeches.   00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:55 Meet Wanda Davis: A Journey from Head to Heart 01:37 Wanda's Professional Background and Personal Growth 04:18 Discovering Meditation and Energy Work 15:18 The Power of Stories in Public Speaking 21:22 Crafting an Engaging Presentation 26:36 The Power of Minimalism in Speech 27:06 Using Voice to Engage Your Audience 28:55 The Role of Slides in Presentations 32:33 Virtual Presentations: Challenges and Opportunities 36:25 Overcoming Stage Fright 37:36 The Art of Memorization in Speaking 41:05 Personal Insights and Recommendations 48:23 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    50 min
  7. 11/13/2025

    Speak Like a Pro: Transformative Public Speaking Tips with Mike Pacchione

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'Speak Like Your Wealth Depends On It,' host Chris McAuley welcomes professional speaking coach Mike Pacchione. The discussion delves into the importance of effective public speaking, covering topics such as overcoming stage fright, the significance of storytelling, and the process of content preparation. Mike shares his personal journey in the field, highlighting critical experiences, unique challenges, and successful strategies for engaging an audience. Listeners also gain insights into balancing authenticity with performance, handling unexpected disruptions, and the essential elements of creating impactful presentations. This episode is packed with expert advice for both novice and seasoned speakers looking to enhance their presentation skills.   00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:59 Meet Mike Pacchione: Professional Speaking Coach 02:37 Mike's Journey into Public Speaking 10:01 The Importance of Concept and Content in Speaking 13:28 The Role of Authenticity and Storytelling 23:29 Dealing with Nerves and Preparation Tips 26:42 Overcoming Anxiety and Rehearsal Tips 27:36 Audience Support and Handling Mistakes 28:35 The Importance of Owning Your Material 30:53 Establishing Credibility Through Storytelling 32:26 Adapting to Unexpected Situations 35:19 Handling Errors and Improvisation 36:43 Bizarre Speaking Situations 42:53 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    49 min

About

Join Chris on a transformative journey to overcome your speaking fears and embrace the spotlight. Amplify your confidence and transform into the speaker you aspire to be. Chris provides a safe space for beginners, offering a full spectrum of actionable tools and insights to confidently step into any speaking opportunity. Uncover the passion in your DNA and unleash your speaking potential for career advancement and personal growth. This podcast is your holistic guide to transforming into a dynamic performer, tailored for middle managers aiming for career advancement.