๐ŸŽ™๏ธ The Doug Thompson Podcast: Storytelling, Speaker Secrets & Epic Laughs! ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿš€

Doug Thompson

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Tired of boring corporate babble? Welcome to The Doug Thompson Podcastโ€”where storytelling meets real-world wisdom with a splash of humor and authenticity. Doug, a tech-savvy "edutainer" and passionate BBQ enthusiast, chats with charismatic speakers and trendsetting event planners, giving you exclusive hacks to land dream gigs and craft events worth talking about. Subscribe now, because lifeโ€™s too short to settle for dull storiesโ€”this is the caffeine kick your adulting routine needs! โ˜•๏ธ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿš€

  1. From Cardiac Arrest to Entrepreneurial Success: Cecilia Wichmann's Journey

    JAN 1

    From Cardiac Arrest to Entrepreneurial Success: Cecilia Wichmann's Journey

    Keywords Cecilia Wichmann, cardiac arrest, entrepreneurship, storytelling, resilience, CPR, emergency response, music, inspiration, community support Summary In this engaging conversation, Doug Thompson interviews Cecilia Wichmann, an entrepreneur, public speaker, and cardiac arrest survivor. Cecilia shares her inspiring journey from her early entrepreneurial ventures to her life-changing experiences with cardiac arrest. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, community support, and the need for everyone to learn CPR. Cecilia discusses her return to the EMS field, her creative projects in music and storytelling, and the significance of overcoming fear to pursue dreams. The conversation concludes with Cecilia encouraging listeners to embrace their stories and connect with her through various platforms. Takeaways Cecilia's entrepreneurial spirit was influenced by her grandfather's inventions. Surviving cardiac arrest changed Cecilia's perspective on life. Gratitude plays a crucial role in Cecilia's daily life. Everyone should learn CPR to help in emergencies. Cecilia's experience in EMS is driven by a desire to give back. Finding purpose can stem from overcoming adversity. Cecilia's music projects reflect her journey and creativity. Fear of the unknown often holds people back from pursuing dreams. Community support is vital for personal growth and success. Encouragement can help others take the first step towards their goals. Titles From Cardiac Arrest to Empowerment: Cecilia Wichmann's Journey The Power of Resilience: Lessons from Cecilia Wichmann Sound bites "Why was I the chosen one?" "I had a great day at the time." "Everybody has a story." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cecilia Wichmann 02:09 Cecilia's Journey and Entrepreneurial Spirit 05:11 Surviving Cardiac Arrest: A Life-Changing Experience 09:10 The Importance of CPR and Emergency Response 11:43 Returning to EMS: A Call to Serve 14:19 Finding Purpose Through Adversity 16:09 Creative Ventures: Music and Storytelling 19:20 Overcoming Challenges and Sharing Stories 26:01 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

    26 min
  2. Beyond Words: How Storytelling Transforms Our View

    10/10/2025

    Beyond Words: How Storytelling Transforms Our View

    Summary   In this engaging conversation, Doug Thompson and Kathryn Baron explore the intricacies of storytelling, particularly in the nonprofit sector. Kathryn shares her journey as a nonprofit professional, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, visual memory, and connecting with audiences. They discuss effective fundraising strategies, the evolving landscape of nonprofits, and the significance of individual donors. Kathryn expresses her mission to continue making a positive impact and her desire to share her insights on larger platforms.   Takeaways   Kathryn's background in nonprofit work spans over 25 years. Storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting with audiences. Authenticity and transparency are crucial in communication. Visual memory enhances storytelling and audience engagement. Fundraising requires a deep understanding of donor motivations. Direct mail remains a highly effective fundraising strategy. Nonprofits must diversify their funding sources to remainsustainable. Building relationships with donors is essential for long-term success. Catherine aims to help organizations navigate transitionsand rebranding. Engaging with audiences on a personal level fosters deeperconnections.   Titles   The Art of Storytelling in Nonprofits Connecting Through Authenticity    Sound bites   "You have to make a case for it." "I think I should be on some stages." "I love having phone calls with people."     Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Background 02:28 The Power of Storytelling 05:10 Visual Memory and Connection 08:05 Authenticity in Communication 10:51 Fundraising and Nonprofit Strategies 16:28 Challenges in Nonprofit Funding 19:05 Future Aspirations and Leadership 23:08 New Podcast outro with logo.mp4 Keywords   storytelling, nonprofit, fundraising, authenticity, visualmemory, audience connection, communication, mission-driven, transparency,engagement

    24 min
  3. Healthcare, Endurance, and Impact: The Joy McAdams Experience

    09/26/2025

    Healthcare, Endurance, and Impact: The Joy McAdams Experience

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Joy McAdams shares her journey from working in media to becoming a prominent figure in healthcare marketing and endurance sports. She discusses the importance of storytelling in healthcare, her experiences as a guide for challenged athletes, and her transition into competitive sports. Joy emphasizes the significance of community support and personal growth through physical challenges, while also advocating for those with health challenges. The conversation culminates in a call to action for supporting her upcoming race with a challenged athlete, highlighting the impact of their journey on others. Link to Ashely's fundraiser GiveSendGo | Donate to Support Ashley Get To The Finish Line For MS! Takeaways Joy McAdams has a passion for helping healthcare practices thrive.Her background in media has shaped her storytelling skills.Building relationships is crucial in healthcare marketing.Joy emphasizes the importance of personal growth through physical challenges.She advocates for challenged athletes and their journeys.The experience of guiding a challenged athlete is transformative.Community support plays a vital role in endurance sports.Joy's transition from amateur to pro showcases her dedication.HYROX training combines strength and endurance effectively.The message of perseverance is essential for those facing health challenges. Sound Bites "I'm really glad he shared with me.""It's to send the message to the world.""I'm strong enough to carry you."Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Joy McAdams 02:37 Joy's Journey in Healthcare and Media 05:48 Storytelling in Healthcare 08:30 The Challenge Athlete Experience 11:40 The Importance of Support in Endurance Sports 14:37 Transitioning from Amateur to Pro 17:49 The High Rocks Challenge 20:47 Supporting Ashley and the Ironman Foundation 27:34 New Podcast outro with logo.mp4 Connect with Joy https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-mcadams-59878a10a/ https://www.instagram.com/jmcadams5/ keywords healthcare, endurance sports, storytelling, Ironman, HYROX, personal growth, community support, athlete advocacy, social media, relationship building

    28 min
  4. Failure Was the First Down with Marques Ogden

    08/29/2025

    Failure Was the First Down with Marques Ogden

    Keywords NFL, resilience, speaking, personal growth, rock bottom, coaching, gratitude, service, entrepreneurship, success Summary In this conversation, Marques Ogden shares his transformative journey from being an NFL player to hitting rock bottom and eventually becoming a successful speaker and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of resilience, the lessons learned from his struggles, and the five key steps to becoming a successful speaker. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the significance of gratitude and service in his work, aiming to inspire others to avoid the mistakes he made and to thrive in their own journeys. Takeaways Marques Ogden transitioned from the NFL to a challenging period of addiction and bankruptcy. He emphasizes the importance of hitting rock bottom as a catalyst for change. The five steps to becoming a successful speaker include branding, marketing, sales, operations, and finance. Authenticity and service are crucial for success in speaking. Ogden's experiences have shaped his approach to coaching emerging speakers. He believes that knowledge is powerful, but applying that knowledge is life-changing. Gratitude plays a significant role in his journey and work. He aims to help others avoid catastrophic mistakes through his coaching. Ogden's story is a testament to resilience and personal growth. He encourages speakers to focus on their mission and the impact they can have. Sound bites "Rock bottom taught me lessons that success never could." "I help people avoid the large catastrophic mistakes." "You will be a very not booked, very lonely speaker." Chapters 00:00 From NFL to Rock Bottom: A Journey of Resilience 10:08 The Five Steps to Becoming a Successful Speaker 20:15 Building a Brand: The Importance of Authenticity and Service

    25 min
  5. Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Sales with Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich

    08/11/2025

    Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Sales with Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich

    In this conversation, Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich discusses his unique perspective on sales transformation and personal change management. He shares insights from his doctorate in sales transformation, emphasizing the importance of understanding change in sales and the psychology behind it. Dr. Van Ulbrich explores the difference between forced change and positive change, and how to manage fear associated with change. He also highlights the impact of COVID-19 on the sales industry and the need for transformational sales strategies that focus on empathy and collaboration. The discussion concludes with a look at the future of change and the importance of continuous adaptation in a rapidly evolving world. Takeaways Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich holds the first doctorate in sales transformation. Sales transformation is essential for adapting to modern customer needs. Understanding the psychology of change is crucial for sales success. There is a difference between forced change and positive change. Managing fear of change can lead to better decision-making. Sales should focus on relationships and empathy, not just closing deals. COVID-19 forced many organizations to rethink their sales strategies. Transformational sales strategies involve co-creating solutions with customers. Change is a constant in life and business, and we must learn to adapt. The 'Scared So What' model helps individuals manage change effectively. Titles Transforming Sales: Insights from Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich Navigating Change in Sales: A Doctorate Perspective Sound bites "You don't have to be scared of the change." "It's a learnable skill set." "You can actually help people through change." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:48 The Doctorate in Sales Transformation 03:27 The Importance of Change Management 06:29 Understanding Sales Psychology 09:14 Forced Change vs. Positive Change 12:01 The SCARRED Model for Managing Change 14:51 Transformational Sales Strategies 17:53 Navigating Change in the Cruise Industry 20:42 The Future of Change and AI 23:09 Conclusion and Resources 25:02 New Podcast outro with logo.mp4 Keywords sales transformation, change management, personal change, sales psychology, leadership, coaching, fear of change, sales strategies, COVID-19 impact, organizational change

    25 min
  6. 07/15/2025

    Crafting Influence A Speakers Journey from Struggle to Success

    Ever wonder what it's like to learn from the legends of public speaking? In this episode, I sit down with Chris Widener, a powerhouse in the world of motivational speaking and leadership. Chris shares his incredible journey from a troubled youth to becoming one of the top 50 speakers in the world, mentored by icons like John Maxwell, Zig Ziglar, and Jim Rohn. Chris pulls back the curtain on his experiences working alongside these speaking giants, offering insights that will fascinate both aspiring speakers and event planners alike. He reveals how he transitioned from pastoring to professional speaking, and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. Key highlights from our conversation:Chris's unconventional path to becoming a world-renowned speaker The art of crafting speeches that keep audiences engagedHow to tailor your message for different audiences, from corporate executives to politiciansThe importance of authenticity and humility in public speakingStrategies for building influence and persuasion skills Chris also shares a powerful technique he calls the "emotional roller coaster," designed to captivate audiences and drive home key messages. This approach is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their public speaking skills. Nuggets of wisdom you won't want to miss: Why becoming an expert in a specific niche is more valuable than being a jack-of-all-trades speakerThe surprising connection between laughter and persuasion in public speakingHow to avoid common pitfalls when meeting your heroesThe three crucial jobs every speaker must fulfill to be successful Whether you're an event planner seeking to book impactful speakers or a budding orator looking to hone your craft, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories. Chris's journey from troubled teen to speaking alongside legends is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of mentorship. "You have three jobs as a speaker. None of them have to do with your satisfaction. You want the audience to love you, you want to make the meeting planner look great, and you want to communicate the senior leadership's primary message." Tune in for an episode that will not only entertain but also equip you with the tools to become a more influential and engaging speaker. Get ready to be inspired and challenged to elevate your communication game!

    37 min
  7. 07/03/2025

    Amplify Your Voice: Antoinette Rozeโ€™s Blueprint for Booking High-Value Speaking Gigs

    In this engaging podcast episode 126, Doug Thompson interviews Antoinette Roze, who shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful speaker agency owner. Antoinette discusses the importance of relationships in the speaking industry, the balance between automation and personal touch, and the power of storytelling in engaging audiences. She emphasizes the need for speakers to build trust and connection with their audience while providing actionable strategies for effective speaking. Takeaways Antoinette Roze's agency helps experts secure high-value speaking engagements.Her childhood experiences shaped her desire to make solutions accessible.The transition from event planning to a speaker agency was driven by a passion for amplifying voices.Building relationships is crucial for success in the speaking industry.Automation should not replace the personal touch in speaker engagements.Stories keep presentations relevant and engaging for audiences.Speakers should focus on one core message to establish expertise.Effective speaking requires understanding the audience's needs and language.A strong call to action is essential for converting audience interest into engagement.Antoinette emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships in the speaking business. Titles Amplifying Voices: The Journey of Antoinette Roze From Event Planning to Speaker Agency Success Sound bites "I wanted solutions to be easy to find." "The power of voice comes in." "You want to leave them wanting more." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Antoinette Roze and Her Agency 01:34 Antoinette's Inspiring Backstory 04:20 Transitioning from Event Planning to Speaker Agency 09:20 The Importance of Relationships in Speaking 12:16 The Role of Personal Touch in Speaker Engagements 17:44 Crafting a Compelling Speaker Narrative 21:43 The Power of Voice and Information Curation 27:16 Effective Speaking Strategies and Audience Engagement 32:54 New Podcast outro with logo.mp4 Keywords speaking engagements, speaker agency, storytelling, personal touch, relationships, automation, audience engagement, Antoinette Roze, Doug Thompson, public speaking Summary

    33 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Tired of boring corporate babble? Welcome to The Doug Thompson Podcastโ€”where storytelling meets real-world wisdom with a splash of humor and authenticity. Doug, a tech-savvy "edutainer" and passionate BBQ enthusiast, chats with charismatic speakers and trendsetting event planners, giving you exclusive hacks to land dream gigs and craft events worth talking about. Subscribe now, because lifeโ€™s too short to settle for dull storiesโ€”this is the caffeine kick your adulting routine needs! โ˜•๏ธ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿš€