The Speaker Lab Podcast

Grant Baldwin
  • 4.9 (547)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY
The Speaker Lab Podcast

Want to learn how to get booked and paid to speak — consistently? The Speaker Lab podcast features business tactics, speaking tips, and insider strategies from Grant Baldwin, The Speaker Lab coaches, and some of the world's most successful speakers. You'll learn how to find speaking gigs, build relationships in your industry, negotiate higher speaker fees, and grow your speaking business. Every week, this podcast will give you key insights and practical advice from speakers who have been there and done that and can help you take the next step in your speaking journey. Whether you’re just getting started as a paid speaker or you’re a veteran speaker looking to build and grow your business, The Speaker Lab Podcast is here for you!

  1. 4D AGO

    Conquering Mindset Blocks as a Paid Speaker with Stephanie Dauphin

    “I feel guilty to charge [money] for what I love to do…one woman said, ‘They should pay you because it’s your gift, you shouldn’t feel guilty about it.’” Few stories capture the grit and transformation behind a speaking business like Stephanie Dauphin’s journey. This week, Grant Baldwin chats with Stephanie on The Speaker Lab podcast about investing over a decade in her craft—often speaking for free, wrangling self-doubt, and struggling with the idea that meaningful, joyful work can (and should) be well-paid. Her turning point wasn’t just learning how to market herself or build a keynote. It was doing the mindset work: identifying and letting go of limiting beliefs around money, motherhood, and self-worth, many rooted in her upbringing. Stephanie is honest about the messy process, the fear of charging what you’re worth, and the inner resistance that can sabotage your best opportunities. What shines through is her hard-earned wisdom: fulfillment comes from embracing your gifts, serving others, and having the courage to genuinely value yourself. Stephanie’s story is proof that your passion deserves to be your profession—and that the most important shift is believing you’re worth every bit of it. If you’re doubting what’s possible, let Stephanie’s journey remind you that building your dream starts with betting on yourself, even when the path forward is unclear. You’ll learn: How authority can be a speaker’s assetThe challenges of remote work and its effect on workplace relationshipsIssues around charging for speaking engagementsStrategies for overcoming mindset obstaclesStephanie’s experience with The Speaker LabAbout building a mailing list and using content to generate referralsThe importance of designing a speaking career around family needsStep for self-developmentAnd much, much more! “More and more people are working remotely, and it has a big effect on team cohesion.” Episode Resources Stephanie’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    36 min

  2. JUL 1

    Overcoming Adversity and Setbacks in Speaking with Stacey Chillemi

    “When you are speaking and you’re in front of people and you give them the momentum to look at life from a different perspective or do something they don’t have the courage to do, you could help change people’s lives.” Podcasts are full of powerhouse moments, but few stories capture the grit, honesty, and resolve it takes to truly make an impact the way Stacey Chillemi’s does. On this episode of The Speaker Lab, Stacey sits down with Grant Baldwin and peels back the curtain on her journey—from overcoming epilepsy and setbacks in the corporate world to building a thriving career as a speaker, bestselling author, and podcast host. Stacey talks openly about the uphill climb, the self-doubt, the setbacks, and the reality that success is never an overnight story. For Stacey, building a speaking business meant reaching out to anyone who would listen, stubbornly persevering through rejection, and finding conviction in her own lived experience—even when the path forward felt unclear. This episode is a masterclass in resilient action. Stacey lays it out straight that your story is enough, but confidence comes from doing the work consistently. She reminds us that fulfillment isn’t about chasing perfection but about putting yourself out there, showing up with empathy, and taking the first step, even when you’re not sure what comes next. If you’re someone waiting for the “right time” to chase your dream or if you need a nudge to believe your story matters, let Stacey’s hard-won wisdom and relentless optimism show you what’s possible when you bet on yourself! You’ll learn: The unrealistic expectation of overnight successHow Stacey helps others by sharing her storyHow difficulties impacted Stacey’s career pathThe power speaking has on creating emotional impactAdvice for when your story doesn’t feel “big enough”Challenges of narrowing broad experiences into a focused messageThe value of cold outreachAnd much, much more! “I had self doubt and I had to work on building confidence in myself, and anytime I saw that I made some mistakes, I had to tweak it, and fix it, and just keep moving forward.” Episode Resources Stacey’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    35 min

  3. JUN 24

    The Hard Truths and Rewards of Speaking with Chase Livingston

    “When you understand going into [speaking] that it’s going to suck for a while, it’s going to take longer than you think and it’s going to be harder than you think. When you know those things up front, when you meet them, you can anticipate it.” Stepping onto the stage as a speaker is about more than nailing your performance—it’s about persistence, honesty, and the courage to start before you feel ready. On this week’s The Speaker Lab episode, Chase Livingston opens up about his journey from theater hopeful to youth motivational speaker, sharing the hard truth: real progress takes both time and tenacity. Chase doesn’t shy away from discussing the realities of building a speaking career, sharing candidly about the slow start, the necessary unpaid gigs, and the doubts that come with venturing into this path. He highlights the importance of steady action—sending countless emails, making connections, and learning when to charge for his expertise. His message is clear: Know the cost, be ready to persevere, and lead with authenticity. If you’re waiting until everything is perfect before you step forward, Chase’s story proves that consistent action is what moves you from dreaming to doing. For anyone looking for proof that their story matters and that hard work pays off, tune in to Chase’s journey! You’ll learn: The importance of anticipating obstaclesCriteria for selecting paid vs. free gigsUsing discernment and open communication in negotiationsBenefits of building reciprocal relationshipsOvercoming comparison and frustrationGaining confidence through small winsThe importance of consistencyAnd much, much more! “Why did I hype [speaking] up in my head? It’s hard work, but it’s easier than I was making it…You get to make the rules, which is the coolest thing about this career path.” Episode Resources Chase’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    40 min

  4. JUN 17

    Finding Value in Your Story with Kimberly Clark

    “I got to the point where if I was going to [be a speaker] I have to be serious about it and I’m going to have to invest in myself. I had to get to the ‘I’m worth it’ mindset, and The Speaker Lab [helped me with that].” Making an impact as a speaker isn’t just about your time on stage—it’s about the courage to own your story and use it to help others. This week, teen resilience speaker, Kimberly Clark, shares her powerful journey from addiction and trauma to inspiring change in the lives of young people. What sets Kimberly apart isn’t just her willingness to be real and raw—it's her focus on turning pain into practical solutions for the teens she serves. Rather than settling for telling her story for free, she learned to recognize her true value, invest in her own growth, and help her audience move from inspiration to action. Her message? People aren’t just looking for a story—they want help navigating their own challenges. Kimberly gets honest about the hurdles every speaker faces, from self-doubt to the emotions that come with pricing your expertise. Through relentless learning, seeking mentorship, and redefining her approach, she’s built a speaking business rooted in authentic connection and actionable takeaways. For anyone wondering if their story is enough, Kimberly is proof that leadership starts with authenticity and the courage to ask for your worth. If you want your message to create lasting change, Kimberly’s journey is all the inspiration—and practical advice—you need to start! You’ll learn: Methods for finding gigs: cold and warm outreach, word-of-mouthBalancing a speaking career with a day jobKimberly’s personal story and inspiration for speakingPerseverance when results are lackingThe empowering aspects of authorshipGetting past inhibiting mindsets and investing in yourselfOvercoming fear and gaining confidence as a speakerThe importance of mentorship and the business side of speakingAnd much, much more!“I thought telling my story was enough, but people aren’t paying you to tell your story. People want thought leadership. People want you to solve their problems…so I had to figure out what’s in my story that’s valuable and marketable.” Episode Resources Kimberly’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    34 min

  5. JUN 10

    Why Speakers Should Build Community with Gina Bianchini

    “The hardest thing about building a community is making sure that you’ve tapped into a transition that people have and are navigating so that they actually want to build relationships with each other.” As a speaker, building your authority goes beyond what you say on stage, it’s all about how you connect with your audience afterward. This week, Gina Bianchini, founder and CEO of Mighty Networks, joins us to reveal why community-building is the next essential step in growing your influence and credibility. With a passion for transforming one-time talks into ongoing relationships, Gina shares practical ways to move your audience from passive listeners to active participants, showing that genuine engagement starts when you help people connect with each other and not just with your content. Additionally, Gina gets real about the challenges of staying inspired in the middle of burnout and business setbacks, offering refreshing advice on reinventing your approach and leading with purpose. Gina believes that the true mark of a leader isn’t just expertise, it’s creating spaces where others can grow, learn, and thrive together. If you’re ready to expand your impact beyond the stage, you’ll want to hear Gina’s honest insight and proven strategies to turn your message into a movement! You’ll learn: Supporting your business vs. representing yourself as a speakerGina’s criteria for accepting speaking engagementsThe overload and overwhelm faced by today’s audiencesOnline vs. in-person community supportWhy speakers should build communityThe three primary values of communitiesTurning your audience into a communityThe current uses of AI by creatorsAnd much, much more! “A community is the single most effective way to navigate a rapidly changing world.” Episode Resources Gina’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    48 min

  6. JUN 3

    Turning Speaking Failures into Business Growth with Daniel Harkavay

    “If you impact one leader and that leader shows up better, then that leader engages better with his or her team. And then if that’s a good experience and it’s consistent, then those teammates do the same for their team. And all of a sudden you’re cascading down.” One of the best things about being a speaker? You get to write your own story—and Daniel Harkavy’s is proof that the path isn’t always smooth, but it’s definitely worth it. In this episode, Daniel opens up about his rocky first speaking gig, however instead of quitting, he uses that failure as fuel. As a result, speaking became the key to growing his coaching business—not just for applause, but to make real connections and lasting impact. Daniel reminds us that success on stage isn’t about being perfect, it’s about leaning into your strengths, learning from the mess-ups, and using your unique voice to serve others. Speaking doesn’t have to be your end game—sometimes it’s the launchpad for something even bigger. His big takeaway is to embrace what makes you different, seek out opportunities to serve, and don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. There’s no single way to build a speaking business—so create one that excites you while opening doors for others, too. You’ll learn: Overcoming imposter syndrome in speakingThe role of speaking in business growthSpeaking as a lead generation toolBalancing speaking and coachingHow to determine the “right audience”Scaling a coaching/speaking businessModernizing speaking business structuresAnd much, much more! “Build a life plan and then a schedule that enables you to flourish and rejuvenate so that when you go out on the road, you are the best version of yourself.” Episode Resources Daniel’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    46 min

  7. MAY 27

    The Four Reasons Speakers Get Booked with Clint Pulver

    “The goal is to become reassuringly expensive to some extent because what you’re able to charge as a speaker is directly correlated to the insurance policy that you can provide for that event.” One of the best parts about being a speaker is that you get to decide what your speaking career looks like. Your story is unique—and only you can deliver the kind of value your audience needs. This week, Clint Pulver joins the show to remind us that success on stage is about more than a great keynote. Clint’s become an in-demand speaker by leaning into what makes him truly different—combining research, storytelling, and full-on showmanship to create real experiences for his audiences. From hauling drum kits in a rental car as a young speaker to now orchestrating jaw-dropping interactive moments, Clint proves that your wild ideas are often your most valuable assets. He encourages speakers to go beyond the standard and design memorable experiences—think Broadway-level performance, not just another lecture. The big lesson? Embrace everything that makes you, you. Whether it’s drumming, magic, humor, or a signature story, don’t be afraid to bring it to the stage. There’s no single path to a successful speaking career, so create one that fits your strengths and passions. Ready to take the next step? Let Clint’s story encourage you to get creative and build a speaking business on your terms. Your best work—and your audience—are waiting! You’ll learn: Moving beyond standard keynote speechesCreating interactive experiences versus keynote speechesEstablishing a brand around memorable experiencesThe four reasons speakers get booked: celebrity, expertise, entertainment, and inspirationEnsuring showmanship doesn’t overshadow contentBalancing entertainment (40%) with content (60%)How marketing and positioning affect audience expectationsAnd much, much more! “It’s about great storytelling, but it’s about creating that ultimate wow factor at the end where people walk out of there going I have no idea how that happened.” Episode Resources Clint’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    48 min

  8. MAY 20

    Building a Speaking Career That Works for You with Brittany Hodak

    “What does it feel like to be a customer of your business? How are you treating your customers? How are you making them want to not just come back, but tell their friends?” Brittany Hodak’s story reminds us that a truly fulfilling speaking career comes from real clarity and intentionality, not chasing every gig or opportunity that comes along. She didn’t set out to become a speaker—her journey began with launching a marketing agency for some of music’s biggest names, which eventually led to media attention, a Shark Tank appearance, and eventually speaking invitations. Only after saying yes a few times did Brittany realize the demand—and value—for her insights on creating “superfans” through customer experience. However, Brittany’s growth wasn’t from one big break. It stemmed from consistently refining her message, learning to say no (even to well-paid opportunities), and protecting her priorities—especially bedtime routines with her two young kids. Instead of chasing every opportunity, Brittany focused relentlessly on her message: helping organizations build loyal customers. By sticking to her lane, turning down distractions, and showing up with real, tested insights, she’s built a thriving speaking business on her own terms. What can we learn from Brittany? Success isn’t about being everywhere or everything. It’s about knowing who you serve, being consistent, and building your work around what matters most! You’ll learn: Balancing a speaking career and family lifeFocusing on customer experience and creating superfansDetermining the right number of speaking engagementsEvolving your speaking niche and messagingDeveloping signature keynotes and customizationUsing humor and engagement in presentationsProductizing knowledgeAnd much, much more! “You have to stay on one path if you want to be known for that.” Episode Resources Brittany’s Website2 Day Booked and Paid BootcampGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    44 min
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4.9
out of 5
547 Ratings

About

Want to learn how to get booked and paid to speak — consistently? The Speaker Lab podcast features business tactics, speaking tips, and insider strategies from Grant Baldwin, The Speaker Lab coaches, and some of the world's most successful speakers. You'll learn how to find speaking gigs, build relationships in your industry, negotiate higher speaker fees, and grow your speaking business. Every week, this podcast will give you key insights and practical advice from speakers who have been there and done that and can help you take the next step in your speaking journey. Whether you’re just getting started as a paid speaker or you’re a veteran speaker looking to build and grow your business, The Speaker Lab Podcast is here for you!

Information

  • Creator
    Grant Baldwin
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    597
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    The Speaker Lab Podcast

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