Episodes

  • Discovering Your Niche: Lon Graham’s Advice for Aspiring Speakers

    Discovering Your Niche: Lon Graham’s Advice for Aspiring Speakers
    May 14 2026

    Welcome to another episode of My First Stage! I’m your host, Sara Lohse, and I’m so excited to bring you a conversation direct from the NSA Influence Conference floor. Each week, I sit down with speakers and leaders to find out how they broke into the business, discovered their message, and built lives around sharing their voices from the stage.

    This episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lon Graham—founder of LG Inspires, sales leadership expert, and co-host of the Grow Business podcast! Lon’s journey is a testament to resilience, listening, and reinventing yourself when life throws you some unexpected curveballs. If you’ve ever felt stuck, questioned your value, or wondered how to find your lane as a speaker, Lon’s story will absolutely resonate.

    Here’s what we talked about:

    • Finding Your Lane: Lon’s winding path from sales leader to fired employee, to recruiter, and finally to discovering his true stage as a sales leadership expert.
    • The Power of Listening: Why paying attention to what others come to you for should inform your message—and how that guided Lon’s pivot in his content and focus.
    • Overcoming Setbacks: How losing a job after 14 years rocked Lon’s confidence and made him question his expertise… and how he bounced back stronger.
    • The Three-List Strategy: Lon’s practical exercise for finding your niche based on what you love, what you’re good at, and what people seek you out for.
    • Letting Go & Leaning In: The difference between learning from the past and releasing it so you can truly move forward—and how ego and self-doubt can get in the way.
    • Advice for Pivoting: Steps any aspiring speaker or professional can take to identify the right direction and thrive there.

    If Lon Graham’s journey gave you food for thought, here’s what you can do next:

    • Share Your Own Pivot: Have you had to switch lanes or rediscover your calling? Head to myfirststagepodcast.com and tell me about it!
    • Connect with Lon: Reach out to Lon Graham on LinkedIn, check out longraham.com, and don’t miss the Grow Business podcast for more leadership gems.
    • Do the Three-List Exercise: Set aside some time this week to list what lights you up, what you’re good at, and what people already seek you out for—then look for the overlap!
    • Subscribe & Review: If you’re enjoying My First Stage, please hit subscribe, leave a review, and help us reach more future speakers and leaders.
    • Get Involved: Whether it’s joining a conference, speaking up on a podcast, or sharing your thoughts online, every step brings you closer to your own first stage.

    Thank you for tuning in! I can’t wait to bring you more stories and advice to help you launch your own first stage.

    Timestamped Summaries

    00:00 – We kick off at the NSA Influence Conference, introduce Lon Graham, and bond over the excitement of our first Influence event.

    00:42 – Lon Graham shares why proximity to successful speakers and immersion in the community is essential to building his speaking business.

    01:33 – Lon opens up about getting fired from a long-standing sales leadership role, experimenting with a recruiting franchise, and finally realizing that speaking was his calling—only to struggle launching during COVID.

    02:38 – The power of feedback: Lon Graham describes listening to what people were really seeking from him and realizing leadership was his true lane.

    03:26 – How Lon used feedback from leaders, friends, and nonprofit colleagues to realign his content, and why working “in the dark” prepared him for the spotlight.

    04:53 – Why it can be humbling to embrace what you’re truly known for—and the mindset shift required after setbacks or career changes.

    06:53 – Both Lon Graham and I open up about the aftermath of losing jobs, dealing with self-doubt, and relearning how to see our own value.

    09:51 – Lon introduces his “learn and lean” framework: learn from your past, release it, and lean into your future.

    10:51 – We talk about finding the lane you should truly be in and why forcing yourself into the wrong topic or role just won’t work.

    12:10 – Lon Graham details his three-list exercise: what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what people come to you for, and how the intersection points you to your ideal niche.

    13:58 – Find out where to connect with Lon Graham: LinkedIn, lawngraham.com, and the Grow Business podcast.

    14:53 – Final words and a reminder to share your voice, follow the show, and keep seeking your first (or next!) stage.
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    15 mins
  • Building Influence: Kevin Sidebottom's Lessons from Sales and the Stage

    Building Influence: Kevin Sidebottom's Lessons from Sales and the Stage
    May 7 2026
    Welcome to another episode of My First Stage, where I sit down with public speakers to dig into the messy, funny, and inspiring stories behind their first moments on stage—and the lessons that changed both their businesses and their lives.Back at the NSA Influence Conference, I had the absolute pleasure of connecting with Kevin Sidebottom—whose journey from introverted engineer to high-powered sales leader and sought-after speaker is packed with jaw-dropping twists, honest advice, and a heavy dose of humor. If you’re an introvert, afraid of the spotlight, or convinced that “speaking isn’t for you,” Kevin’s story will definitely get you thinking twice.With roots in engineering and a self-confessed introvert, Kevin Sidebottom did the unthinkable: he dove headfirst into sales, landed massive corporate deals, and built a thriving career influencing teams and audiences across the country. Today, he blends transparency, self-deprecation, and no-nonsense strategy to demystify what it really takes to succeed on stage—and in business.Here’s a peek into what you’ll hear in this episode:From Sailboats to Sales: The wild story of how a “job interview” for a date with his boss’s daughter unexpectedly launched Kevin into a high-stakes sales career.Becoming an Influencer (the Real Kind): Why Kevin believes that influence—not personality type—is the key to both sales and leadership success.Overcoming Stage Fright as an Introvert: A frank discussion on fear, energy, and how to recharge when speaking drains you.Running Reps and Reviewing Game Tape: The role of “practice, practice, practice” (and cringey self-review) in leveling up as a speaker.Serving Unexpected Audiences: Taking the stage for groups outside your niche, tailoring content, and the simple but overlooked power of “just asking” your audience what matters to them.Trust, Referrals, and Building Reputation: Why Kevin refers business to others and how honesty creates loyal, long-term relationships in sales—and speaking.If Kevin's journey resonated with you, here’s how to take the next step:Share Your First Stage Story – Have your own tale to tell? Visit myfirststagepodcast.com—I’d love to hear it and maybe feature it on a future episode.Connect with Kevin Sidebottom – Head to kevinsidebottom.com or catch his quick-hit tips on his YouTube channel (but start with the recent videos—he’ll thank you).Practice, Review, and Release Your Own Bloopers – Take every opportunity to get on stage (big or small), watch your own “game film,” and remember: we all start somewhere. Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself!Thanks for tuning in! See you next week for more behind-the-scenes stories, honest advice, and first stage inspiration on My First Stage.Timestamped Summaries[00:00-01:02] – I kick off the episode and introduce Kevin Sidebottom, the introverted engineer turned sales heavyweight, and we get a taste of his quick wit and dry humor.[01:02-02:29] – Kevin Sidebottom shares the hilarious (and slightly terrifying) story of his first “interview”—on a sailboat with an ex-Navy SEAL who happened to be the father of his date. This moment sets off his pivot from engineering into sales.[02:29-03:57] – We explore why he started speaking on stages, the connection between influence in sales and leadership, and why everyone is terrified of public speaking (even more than death!).[03:57-05:04] – Kevin Sidebottom breaks down his approach to overcoming stage fright, managing his energy as an introvert, and why adding value trumps comfort zones.[05:04-06:58] – The details behind his very first paid stage talk, learning through smaller “rep” gigs with rotaries and organizations, and why your first time is never perfect (but you need to do it anyway).[06:58-07:38] – We talk about recording and reviewing your own talks, the value of “game tape,” and why feedback—even if it makes you cringe—is key for improvement.[08:06-09:14] – Kevin Sidebottom introduces his signature keynote, “Sales Titans Built, Not Born,” and shares how his message resonated with unexpected audiences (hello, Women Infants and Children!).[09:32-10:44] – The art of accepting speaking gigs for non-typical audiences, preparing for new crowds, and referring others when they’re a better fit—without losing trust or reputation.[10:44-12:35] – Why honesty and long-term relationships matter, building trust through referrals, and the power of word-of-mouth marketing in the speaking business.[13:39-14:31] – Kevin Sidebottom shares his playbook for connecting with unfamiliar audiences: mandatory pre-event calls, deep dives into attendee pain points, and turning assumptions into actionable questions.[14:32-16:08] – We wrap up with a lighter note on blooper reels, “Fat Kevin,” and why sharing your failures—or your funniest outtakes—can make you more relatable (and maybe go viral on YouTube).
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    17 mins
  • Measuring Speaker ROI: Julie Holmes’ Practical Advice for New and Experienced Professionals

    Measuring Speaker ROI: Julie Holmes’ Practical Advice for New and Experienced Professionals
    Apr 30 2026
    Welcome back to My First Stage! On the last day of the NSA Influence Conference I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Julie Holmes. If you’re looking to level up your speaking business, land paid gigs, or just muster the courage to watch your own “game tape,” this episode is packed with exactly what you need.Julie Holmes is the founder of Stage Hopper, a lead finding and sharing platform built specifically for professional speakers aiming for paid gigs. But Julie is so much more than just a tech founder—she’s a Hall of Fame speaker, a PSA Fellow, a national champion in public speaking, and someone who’s spent decades helping companies (and speakers) master the art of communication. Safe to say, she knows what she’s talking about when it comes to getting—and crushing—your first stage.During our conversation, Julie Holmes and I covered so much ground:Defining and Demonstrating Your Value: Why it takes more than being “funny and engaging” to get booked and paid in the speaking world.The Five Sales Triggers: Julie Holmes’ simple but powerful system—internal, external, before, after, and time—for identifying why an organization would need your voice.Doing the Research: Real tactics for uncovering what’s going on behind the scenes at companies and how to speak directly to their biggest challenges.Numbers That Matter: How to articulate ROI in ways that clients can’t ignore (and how to translate abstract value into hard numbers).Different Paths to Payment: From paid keynotes to back-of-room sales to workshops and more, Julie Holmes breaks down the many business models in speaking.Her Own “First Stage”: From degrees in public speaking to decades in corporate, Julie Holmes traces her unique journey and the value of early career “reps.”The Infinite Value of Watching Your Own Tape: Why recording yourself is non-negotiable, and how the discomfort of seeing yourself on camera is just part of getting better.Advice for New Speakers: What to do if you’re scared, how to reframe the nerves, and why mastery comes from honest self-reflection and relentless practice.Ready to take your speaking career to the next stage? Here are your next steps:Rewatch Your “Game Tape” – No more hiding from the camera! Start recording your talks, watch yourself back, and see every single moment as a chance to improve.Connect with Julie Holmes – Learn more about her speaking, business, and strategies on LinkedIn.Share Your Story – How did you get your first stage? Head to myfirststagepodcast.com and share your journey—I’d love to hear from you!Subscribe & Review – Like what you’re hearing? Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and help us bring even more real-world advice and inspiration to speakers everywhere.Thanks for tuning in to My First Stage. Whether this was your first episode or your fiftieth, I hope Julie Holmes’s insights inspire you as much as they did me. See you next week for another behind-the-scenes story!Timestamped Summaries[00:00-01:07] – I welcome Julie Holmes to the podcast, and she shares her dual perspective as both a speaker and a founder. We dig right into what real ROI looks like for event organizers—not just entertainment value, but true organizational impact.[01:12-02:32] – Julie Holmes introduces her five-point system for identifying a client’s needs—internal, external, before, after, and time—and why researching these is the secret to getting paid.[02:52-03:37] – We walk through internal and external triggers, from company reorganizations to broader industry upheaval (hello, AI!). Julie Holmes lays out exactly how these events tie to the value you bring.[03:51-04:46] – Julie Holmes explains the “before” and “after” of organizational change and how aligning your expertise to where the client’s headed is a mega sales tool.[05:12-06:17] – We talk research tactics: digging into board memos, third-party surveys, and, yes, even using AI. Julie Holmes stresses the difference between making assumptions and backing up your pitch with hard data.[06:39-07:39] – What does it mean to “find the number?” Julie Holmes shares how speaking on sales teams (with real growth targets) forced her to quantify value—not just “fun with AI,” but concrete outcomes and ROI.[08:01-09:52] – We tackle the many ways to “get paid”—from keynotes to workshops to back-of-room book sales—and why each speaker must find their own lane (and their own joy) in this business.[10:12-12:25] – Julie Holmes tells the story of her own first stages, from college competitions to corporate conferences, and why even those early, unpaid opportunities set the foundation for everything that followed.[12:28-14:56] – We go deep on the importance (and pain!) of recording yourself. Julie Holmes gives tough-love advice for getting past the cringe of seeing yourself on camera, and how self-review is the not-so-secret key to getting ...
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    16 mins
  • How to Become a TEDx Speaker: Dos, Don’ts, and Tips from a TEDx Event Organizer

    How to Become a TEDx Speaker: Dos, Don’ts, and Tips from a TEDx Event Organizer
    Apr 23 2026
    This week’s guest is someone who brings a totally unique angle to the speaker circuit. I had the pleasure of chatting with Sami Kinnison, the powerhouse organizer of TEDx Fayetteville and host of the Be Freaking Awesome podcast (co-hosted with her mom—how cool is that?). If you’ve ever been curious about what it really takes to step onto a TEDx stage—or why paying $10,000 to a “stage guarantee” agency might be the worst move you could make—this episode is for you. Here’s a breakdown of the gems we covered: Demystifying the TEDx Process: Sami Kinnison explains what really goes into applying for, getting accepted to, and presenting on a TEDx stage—plus, what organizers are actually looking for.Why “Stage Guarantee” Agencies Miss the Point: The hard truth about those companies promising to book you (for a fee), how they operate, and why real “ideas worth spreading” can’t be bought.The Power of Being Local & Having a Real Connection: Why TEDx organizers want speakers who have roots, stories, or significant ties to their communities.What Makes a Great Application (And the Fastest Ways to Get Rejected): Sami shares her biggest speaker turn-offs and the applications that made her say “YES” on the spot.Storytelling That Sticks: How speakers can use humor, relatability, and authenticity to capture attention—without relying on dramatic trauma dumps.The Prep, The Practice, & The Realities: What actually happens before that red dot moment, and how to use your TEDx talk to build real career momentum. If Sami's behind-the-scenes look into TEDx fired you up, here’s what you can do next: Get Inspired & Apply: If you’ve got an idea worth spreading, start researching your local TEDx events at ted.com, build those local ties, and apply directly—you don’t need anyone’s permission (or $10,000!) to start.Connect with Sami Kinnison: Want to learn more, hear her podcast, or maybe (pleasantly!) pitch your own idea? Head over to bfreakingawesome.com or find her on LinkedIn.Share Your Story: I’d love to hear about your own journey to the stage! Reach out at myfirststagepodcast.com and let’s connect.Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you or made you rethink the stage hustle, leave a review on My First Stage, subscribe, and let me know which guests or topics you want to hear next.Practice Makes Progress: Join a Toastmasters club, host a webinar, or go live on your own platform. Start sharing your ideas—every audience counts. Thanks for joining me for another behind-the-scenes deep dive. I can’t wait to share more tips, speaker journeys, and myth-busting advice on the next My First Stage! [embed]https://youtu.be/rjtk1ElNrEE[/embed] Timestamped Summaries [00:00-01:12] – I introduce Sami Kinison, her role as TEDx Fayetteville organizer, her journey through licensing, and what it means to level up within the TED structure. [01:13-03:21] – Sami Kinison gives her honest take on booking agencies and why chasing a TEDx stage for business alone isn’t the point—originality, relevance, and adding real value are what organizers want. [03:21-05:01] – She talks about how mass-pitching, agency spam and lack of local ties get instant rejections, then breaks down how her team defines their community and prioritizes relevant, local voices. [05:01-06:57] – We discuss the “pleasantly persistent” approach to outreach, and why building an honest, naturally connected application trumps buying your way in every time. [07:15-09:24] – Sami Kinison tells stories of the most memorable (and the worst) applications she’s received—spoiler: if you lead with “I’m going to be famous and make a lot of money,” it’s a hard pass. [09:33-12:39] – The talks and approaches that made Sami Kinison sit up and take notice: from groundbreaking PhD research to creative, personal storytelling in the face of adversity. [13:11-17:11] – Deep dive on preparation, rehearsal, feedback, and the “two audiences” every TEDx speaker must keep in mind—plus, what not to do if you want your talk to make it to YouTube. [17:14-23:00] – We unpack storytelling with emotional punch: why not every talk needs to center on trauma, and how humor and universal moments can connect just as powerfully. [23:51-28:22] – The life (and business) after the red dot: how to make sure your TEDx talk actually helps your brand, what self-promotion really looks like, and setting expectations for what TEDx can (and can’t) do for your career. [31:01-39:27] – The episode gets heated as Sami Kinison exposes how “stage guarantee” companies operate, why you don’t need a middleman, and how to handle the process yourself with confidence and integrity. [45:24-48:47] – We wrap up with Sami Kinison’s encouraging words for new speakers: why passion matters, the role of Toastmasters and live practice, and how everyone—from seasoned pros to total first-timers—can find their own “ideas worth spreading.”
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    51 mins
  • Why Preparation Matters: Josh Troche on Being Ready and Connecting with Audiences

    Why Preparation Matters: Josh Troche on Being Ready and Connecting with Audiences
    Apr 16 2026
    This episode, I had an absolute blast chatting with Josh Troche—and trust me, his first stage story is as raw and relatable as it gets. From a COVID-induced crash landing on his speaking debut to building authority through podcasting, Josh Troche's story is a must-listen for anyone wanting to get better at speaking and presenting. Let me introduce Josh Troche. Not only is he a fellow podcast producer—the brains behind "Podcasting Momentum" and "The Business Fix"—but he’s also a dynamic video production entrepreneur and experienced public speaker. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Josh Troche knows firsthand how the right prep, self-awareness, and honest storytelling can turn any speaking moment into a business opportunity. He’s coached, taught, and entertained audiences from local colleges to the largest small business summit in Washington, D.C. Here’s what Josh Troche and I dove into during our conversation: The hilarious, humbling story of his first real speaking gig—delivered with a raging fever (he had COVID and didn’t even know it!).The lessons learned about preparation, confidence, and “winging it”—and why winging it rarely works out like you expect.Tailoring your talk to your audience, whether you’re teaching podcasting to 30-year-olds or sharing radio references with a 55+ crowd.Using podcasting as a springboard to speaking, and why panel invitations come easiest to those who show up consistently on mic and on stage.Josh Troche's step-by-step approach to getting on more stages—why a highlight reel matters (but authenticity matters more), and how he’s building his speaking platform in real time.The power of collaboration, the myth of the “arena stage,” and the real audience magic of a room with 10, 15, or even just one engaged person.Actionable advice for speakers at any level—about being efficient, effective, and compelling (and learning to shut up when you need to!). Inspired by Josh Troche’s story and advice? Here’s what you can do next: Share Your First Stage Story – I want to hear how you got started! Visit myfirststagepodcast.com to connect and maybe join me on a future episode.Connect with Josh Troche – Find him on LinkedInand catch his podcasts, “Podcasting Momentum” and “The Business Fix,” for more practical advice. Find my episode here: https://workwithbranded.com/beyond-vanity-metrics-smart-podcasting-for-long-term-business-impact/Subscribe & Review – If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a rating or review, and tell me who you want to hear from next!Build Your Reel – Take a page from Josh Troche’s book: film your next talk, however small, and start building your speaking story—one authentic moment at a time.Get Help – Don’t go it alone. Find a speaking coach, accountability partner, or supportive peer to get honest feedback and help you level up. Thanks for joining me for another episode of My First Stage! Can’t wait to share more unfiltered stories and actionable inspiration next week. [embed]https://youtu.be/OPAaFf0yfaU[/embed] Timestamped Summaries [00:00-01:14] – I introduce Josh Troche, fellow podcast pro, and he shares his background and the unexpected start to his speaking journey, including his role in 10,000 Small Businesses’ Cleveland events. [01:15-01:57] – Josh Troche recounts his nerve-wracking “first intentional” speaking gig—why he felt off, how he powered through, and the next morning realization: he was running a 103° fever and had COVID. [02:17-03:25] – Lessons from the sickbed: running through the talk in his head, Josh Troche analyzes what went wrong (mainly, not enough prep or structure), and why charismatic speakers need structure too. [03:52-05:18] – We dive into prep strategies: why having a loose plan, transitions, and knowing your material beats relying on slides or “winging it.” Josh Troche shares what he changes now before going on stage. [07:32-08:36] – Teaching as rehearsal: Josh Troche discusses using his podcasting class as a “test bed” to improve, the importance of audience research, and adapting material for different learning groups (from mid-career podcasters to Encore students over 55). [09:28-10:16] – The key question every speaker must ask: “Why the hell are they here?” Josh Troche explains how identifying the audience’s pain or problem keeps talks engaging and memorable. [11:01-12:21] – We talk niching down, speaking to one “target person” vs. the whole room, and why clarity about pain points turns decent presentations into powerful ones. [13:15-15:12] – Podcasting and speaking: Josh Troche describes how podcasting built his reputation and opened doors to major conferences—like being invited to share a stage with Martha Stewart, Kevin O’Leary, and Damon John in D.C. [21:18-24:16] – The confidence struggle: over-explaining, ADHD, and learning to trust your audience (and why you’ll never please everyone in the room). [25...
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    34 mins
  • Enhancing Your Speaking Game with AI: Insights from Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins

    Enhancing Your Speaking Game with AI: Insights from Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins
    Apr 9 2026
    If you thought you needed to wait until adulthood to start making waves as a public speaker, Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins' story is going to blow your mind. As the youngest professional bass fisherman in the United States—at just 14—Mickey wasn’t just catching fish; she was captivating audiences of all ages (including a roomful of curmudgeonly pros). Her journey from fishing tournaments to corporate learning stages is packed with wisdom, resilience, and a few laugh-out-loud moments. Meet the Guest: Dr. Mickey Fitch Collins Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins is a human skills facilitator at Learn It, seasoned public speaker, and lifelong teacher at heart. With three decades on stage (yes, starting at 14!), Mickey helps managers and teams build practical workplace habits and the confidence to engage any room. Today, she’s taking her love of teaching and blending it with cutting-edge insights—think human skills in the age of AI and actionable advice for anyone who wants to get better at communicating. In our conversation, Mickey and I covered so much ground, including: Getting on Stage at 14: How being the youngest pro bass fisherman landed her on stages full of older men—and what she learned about belonging, confidence, and building trust.Navigating Bias and Naysayers: Real talk on handling skepticism (even hecklers!) as a teenage girl in a male-dominated world.Growing Into Your Voice: How lessons learned on the water translated into a career in facilitation, corporate training, and (yes) more speaking.Public Speaking Growth Mindset: Why reflecting after every gig—no matter your experience level—is key to mastery.Planned vs. Impromptu Speaking: Why the best speakers work just as hard on their ability to answer questions and think on their feet as they do prepping slides.Building a Brand Through Authenticity: How Speaker A balances high energy and realness—without trying to be “less” for anyone.Leveraging AI as Your Presentation Coach: The exact way Mickey uses AI tools (like ChatGPT and Claude) to analyze and improve her talks, with timestamped feedback!Getting Booked (and Saying “No” with Integrity): The role of networking, following up, and ethical offers in building a speaking career. [embed]https://youtu.be/ndNqCvzaokw[/embed] If Mickey’s journey lit a fire under you, here’s your next step: Share Your First Stage Story – Are you ready to tell yours? Head over to myfirststagepodcast.com and connect with the show—I’d love to feature new voices.Connect with Dr. Mickey Fitch Collins – Dive deeper into human skills, upskilling opportunities, and learning resources atlearnit.com/mickey, or find Speaker A on LinkedIn for more professional insights and her own podcast, Learn It Lounge.Subscribe and Leave a Review – Liking the show? Hit subscribe, drop a rating wherever you listen, and let me know what you want more of (or who you want to hear next).Start or Grow Your Speaking Career – Don’t wait for permission—host a webinar, offer a lunch-and-learn, or send that proposal. Rejection isn’t the end; sometimes it’s the start of your best stage yet. Thanks for listening to My First Stage! Tune in next week for even more unforgettable stories, strategies, and inspiration from people just bold enough to take the mic. Timestamped Summaries [00:00-00:47] – I welcome Dr. Speaker A to the show, and we set the stage for a story that starts long before powerpoint decks! [00:47-02:58] – Mickey reveals her one-of-a-kind first stage: as a 14-year-old prodigy, she became the youngest professional bass fisherman in the US, landing sponsorships with 30+ companies—and getting up on stage to teach seasoned pros a thing or two. [02:58-04:14] – We dive into gender and age bias, and Mickey shares how she won over skeptical audiences by focusing on value and growth mindset—even when feedback wasn’t always friendly. [04:22-05:29] – She breaks down handling criticism as a teen public speaker, embracing every comment as a chance to get better (even if it stung in the moment). [05:31-07:37] – Fast forward! Today, Speaker A is a human skills facilitator helping professionals upskill in the workplace, especially in the world of AI. She details how communication and critical thinking are THE skills for the modern stage. [08:20-09:53] – Mickey’s top advice: hone your impromptu speaking muscles! She explains why audiences (and colleagues) notice and appreciate speakers who can think on their feet, not just read slides. [10:16-12:09] – We share stories about presentation jitters and why taking questions (even when unplanned) helps prove you’re the real deal—not just a good memorizer. [12:24-15:40] – Speaker A reveals her post-stage ritual: always reflecting, noting what resonated, and re-evaluating her storytelling and in-person “presence” to maximize impact. [15:51-16:26] – A candid discussion about energy, authenticity, and why she refuses to shrink herself to fit ...
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    46 mins
  • Creating Your Speaker Website: Jessica Gruber on Building a Sticky Site and Conquering Her First Stage

    Creating Your Speaker Website: Jessica Gruber on Building a Sticky Site and Conquering Her First Stage
    Apr 2 2026
    Welcome back to another episode of My First Stage! I’m your host, Sara Lohse, and this is the show where public speakers get real about the nerves, the triumphs, and the truly unforgettable moments that shaped their journeys. This week, I sat down with the incredible Jessica Gruber—and trust me, her story is as relatable as it is inspiring, from white-knuckling her way through her early speaking experiences to owning main stages and shaping the way professionals approach networking.Let me introduce you to Jessica Gruber. She’s not just the founder of Buzzworks—a website development company specializing in “sticky” websites that keep audiences engaged—but also the COO of Success Champion Networking, home to the famous Badass Business Summit. Jessica Gruber brings a wealth of wisdom when it comes to connecting, communicating, and building a personal brand both online and onstage.What We Talked AboutHere’s a quick look at our conversation and all the nuggets of real-world advice Jessica Gruber shared:Her Reluctant First Stages: From an impromptu 60-second spot to a nerve-racking, script-reading debut that was live and national.Facing the Fear: How terror and trembling turned into a drive to grow, and why every public speaker has to “rip off the Band-Aid” somewhere.From Shaking to Success: The journey from anxious 30-second pitches in living rooms to commanding four sessions at a major summit.Designing Engaging Experiences: Jessica Gruber’s unique approach—why moving audiences and creating experiences make speeches memorable and actionable.The Power of Networking: How leveraging connections (especially in podcasts) can open doors to bigger stages and new opportunities.Repurposing Speaking into Content Gold: How podcasts become potent social proof and powerful content for business growth.Website Wisdom for Speakers: Immediate, actionable tips on what to put on your website to attract your ideal stages and showcase your expertise.Inspired by Jessica Gruber’s journey, here’s what you can do next:Share Your First Stage Story – I love hearing from listeners! Head to myfirststagepodcast.com and tell me about your own first (or funniest) speaking moment.Connect with Jessica – Want to learn more about sticky websites, powerful networking, or upcoming speaking gigs? Find Jessica Gruber on LinkedIn, visit successchampionnetworking.com, or stop by buzzwks.com to schedule a chat.Subscribe & Review – If this episode made you laugh, cringe, or feel braver, hit that subscribe button, leave a review, and let me know what you’d love to hear next!Take the Stage (in Any Form) – Whether it’s a podcast, a panel, or your next Zoom meeting, say “yes” to the scary, new, or unexpected. Every stage is a place to grow.Thank you so much for joining me and Jessica Gruber today. Keep showing up, learning, and embracing your firsts—and I’ll see you on the next My First Stage!Timestamped Summaries[00:00-01:12] – I introduce Jessica Gruber’s impressive roles with Buzzworks and Success Champion Networking, and she jumps right in, ready to talk about all things “stage fright” and professional growth.[01:13-02:37] – Jessica Gruber shares her first BABS (Badass Business Summit) experience: a surprise one-minute stint on stage that turned her “white-knuckle” moment into a career milestone.[02:39-04:04] – We rewind to her actual first-ever stage, a fundraising event gone awry, and why you sometimes have to admit those first experiences are rough.[04:26-05:12] – We talk all things anxiety: shaky hands, supportive (and not-so-supportive) peers, and the universal dread of public speaking at any age.[05:26-07:03] – Jessica Gruber opens up about her speaking quirks, swapping words (and calling her mom a “cheap ass” on stage!), embracing the mess-ups, and why nervousness never fully goes away.[07:05-09:08] – From trembling at a 30-second pitch to facilitating a multi-session summit, Jessica Gruber tells us how she learned to lean into the discomfort to level up professionally.[09:09-10:27] – We dive deep into audience engagement: why giving people a “why” and a goal leads to real transformation, and the three essential questions every speaker should pose.[10:40-11:46] – Jessica Gruber lays out her playbook for upcoming summit sessions, built around shifting mindsets from “need” to “build” and creating richer, more strategic networking experiences.[12:15-13:53] – We get down to “Networking 101”—how simply being willing to ask, “Who do you know with a podcast?” can open doors (like how she ended up on this very episode!).[13:54-15:27] – We discuss how podcasts provide social proof, repurposable content, and big traffic boosts—along with stories of why getting your website right matters when the audience finds you.[16:13-17:40] – Jessica Gruber wraps up her web wisdom by sharing what should always be in the first ten words of your site, plus ...
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    19 mins
  • Woman Plans, Horse Laughs: Cathy Reilly’s Message for Aspiring Speakers

    Woman Plans, Horse Laughs: Cathy Reilly’s Message for Aspiring Speakers
    Mar 31 2026
    Welcome to another episode of My First Stage! Today’s conversation is a powerful, heartfelt, and often hilarious reminder of why vulnerability matters when we step onto any stage. We’re live at the NSA Influence Conference, and I’m thrilled to introduce someone whose first stage story is inspiring, real, and genuinely unforgettable.Meet the Guest: Cathy ReillyCathy is an “accidental speaker” who spent 25 years as a litigation paralegal before a series of life-changing medical events catapulted her into the world of public speaking. She’s a resilience coach, founder of Sharing the Shine, and host of the Breaking Bad Communication podcast. Cathy’s mission is to help people own their voice, step out of their comfort zones, and shine by sharing both their hardest and happiest stories.Here’s a quick overview of what Cathy shared during our conversation:Cathy’s “Accidental” First Stage: The medical emergencies that pushed her to become her own advocate, ultimately inspiring her to help others do the same.Finding Your Why: How Cathy’s daughter motivated her to step up, speak out, and make a difference for others struggling to use their voice.Vulnerability and Impact: Why sharing your most personal, difficult stories is not just for you—it’s for those who need to hear they’re not alone.Owning the Good AND the Embarrassing: From “Woman Plans, Horse Laughs” to her most awkward moments, Cathy shows us why laughter and honesty are equally important on stage.Small Acts of Kindness: The ripple effect of sharing positivity—how complimenting a stranger or telling a silly story can literally change someone’s life.Advice for Speakers: Cathy’s biggest tip for getting on your first (or next!) stage—stop waiting for perfection, get courageous, and GO.If Cathy’s story inspired you to step out, here’s what you can do next:Share Your Story – I’d love to hear your own first stage moment or those embarrassing stories you’re willing to share! Visit myfirststagepodcast.com and connect.Connect with Cathy – Learn more about Cathy’s work and her podcast at sharingtheshine.com and breakingbadcommunication.com. You’ll find more lessons and lots of laughter!Subscribe & Review – If you enjoyed today’s conversation, subscribe to My First Stage, leave a review, and let me know what stories are resonating—or who you want to hear from next!Start Your Speaking Journey – Whether it’s your first stage or your next, remember Cathy’s advice: stop waiting to get ready, find your courage, and just do it.Thank you for being part of this episode. Can’t wait to bring you more REAL stories, actionable advice, and inspiration on next week’s My First Stage!Timestamped Summaries[00:00-00:41] – I introduce Cathy at the NSA Influence Conference, and she shares her journey from courtroom paralegal to advocate for others (Sara Lohse, Cathy Reilly).[00:41-01:19] – Cathy explains how four surgeries in five months changed everything and why her silence during a medical crisis motivated her to finally find her voice (Cathy Reilly).[01:19-02:52] – Cathy talks about battling her “itty-bitty shitty committee,” not advocating for herself, and the turning point when her daughter cared for her as she recovered (Cathy Reilly).[02:52-04:14] – Cathy details how people started noticing her transformation and invited her to speak—even though the idea terrified her—and how that first stage led to a line of people telling her she’d helped them (Cathy Reilly).[04:14-05:53] – We discuss how Cathy’s “why” grew from her daughter to helping so many others, and why her company is called Sharing the Shine (Cathy Reilly).[05:55-07:33] – Cathy gets real about vulnerability—sharing your story is always uncomfortable, but it’s where lives are changed, and every speaker matters (Cathy Reilly).[07:33-08:45] – Why most people shrink themselves, why everyone matters, and what the world might look like if we all lifted each other up with positivity (Cathy Reilly).[08:46-09:48] – Sara and Cathy talk about the power of small compliments and positive thoughts, including a story about a simple act of kindness saving a life (Sara Lohse, Cathy Reilly).[09:48-12:45] – Cathy shares the importance of telling both hard and happy stories, the need for connection, and the infamous “Woman Plans, Horse Laughs” horse story (Cathy Reilly).[12:45-16:33] – We riff on embarrassing stories (including Sara’s “girl with the penis tattoo”), why sharing them gives others permission to be human, and the joy in embracing your own uniqueness (Sara Lohse, Cathy Reilly).[16:33-18:54] – Cathy’s best advice for speakers is to get off the fence, stop overthinking, and realize it’s about courage, not confidence (Cathy Reilly).[19:06-end] – Cathy shares ways to connect with her, her website, and podcast—and we wrap up with some much-needed laughter (Cathy Reilly, Sara Lohse).
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    20 mins