Path to the Mainstage Podcast is the ultimate podcast for aspiring and professional speakers.
Hosted by Li Hayes, a seasoned speaker agent and coach, we share expert insights, strategies,
and real-world advice to help you master your craft, captivate audiences,
and land high-profile speaking gigs.
If you’re ready to take your speaking career to the next level, this is your roadmap to success!
Season 3
Even serious topics can spark big laughs. Li Hayes and improv veteran Pat Dwyer reveal how to use comedy and performance skills to turn any talk into a memorable, audience-engaging experience.
Even top speakers wrestle with doubt. Li Hayes and Owen Fitzpatrick explore the psychology behind confidence, growth, and why the best speakers never stop challenging themselves.
Talent alone won’t skyrocket your speaking career. Li Hayes and Lamar Tyler reveal the systems, investments, and behind-the-scenes hustle that turn speakers into headliners.
Li Hayes and Christina Daves reveal how a $24,000 PR scam turned into national media exposure—and the real path to visibility for emerging speakers.
Think there’s a shortcut to a thriving speaking career? Think again. In this Season 3 kickoff episode, Li Hayes breaks down the real work behind landing bigger stages—and why the fundamentals still matter most.
Season 2
Freddie Ravel joins Li Hayes to reveal how melody, rhythm, and non-verbal communication elevate speaking and leadership far beyond words alone.
A TEDx stage can transform your speaking career or stall it before it starts. Li Hayes and TEDx coach John Bates reveal the hidden rules, biggest mistakes, and what it really takes to land and leverage a TEDx talk.
Li Hayes and Ramon Ray cut through the hype around AI in professional speaking—and reveal why human connection still wins every time.
Your “great keynote” might not be helping your speaking career at all.
Li Hayes sits down with Michael Port to uncover the real levers of speaker success, from rehearsal to craft to compound interest on every stage you earn.
Li Hayes busts the myths stalling your speaking career and shows what actually works in professional speaking—books aren’t shortcuts, simple WordPress sites win, and strong video content always helps you stand out.
What if your photos are silently sabotaging your speaking career? Li Hayes and photographer John DeMato reveal how your visual brand can make or break your chances of getting booked, and why great photos aren’t about you, but about your audience.
Season 1
Everything you think you know about speaker bureaus might be wrong. Li Hayes and Ben Anshutz, President of Entertainment at Gotham Artists, pull back the curtain on how agents and bureaus truly operate and what emerging speakers can do to get on their radar.
What if charging less actually costs you gigs? Li Hayes breaks down the unspoken truth about speaker pricing and how to set rates that get you booked.
From guest spots to launching your own show, Lou Diamond shows how podcasting can supercharge your speaking career.
Think a “big break” is the secret to your speaking career? Kevin O’Connor reveals why it almost cost him everything, and what actually matters.
Your bio is your first impression, and it could be costing you gigs. Li Hayes teams up with LinkedIn pro Donna Serdula to uncover why most bios repel clients and how a simple tweak can skyrocket your speaking career.
What if the real barrier to your speaking career isn’t nerves, but your keynote itself? In this episode of Path to the Main Stage, legendary speaker coach John Bates joins host Li Hayes to reveal why “being good on stage” isn’t enough.
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