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 5
Hall of Fame speaker Crystal Washington joins Li Hayes to share strategies for growing a sustainable speaking business. From finding your niche and raising your fees to building relationships with speaker bureaus and adapting to industry changes, Crystal reveals how knowing your worth and making strategic decisions can open doors to bigger opportunities.
Kevin Surace share what it takes to become a successful keynote speaker and build a thriving speaking business. From customizing presentations and mastering delivery to using AI for preparation and building credibility, Kevin offers a candid look at the work behind long-term success on stage.
Laura Gassner Otting shares lessons from her unconventional journey to professional speaking. From developing a signature voice and building credibility to setting speaker fees and mastering the TEDx stage, Laura reveals how speakers can create lasting impact and build a career on their own terms.
Mike Michalowicz shares the habits and lessons behind speaking career success. Discover how professional speakers can increase their value, sharpen their keynotes, land better speaking gigs, and build a career that lasts.
Season 4
Diana Castro shares practical strategies for building a strong speaker brand through intentional content creation. From creating a compelling speaker reel to growing your audience and showing up consistently online, Diana reveals how speakers can increase their visibility without burning out.
James Allen of Profit Your Knowledge shares practical strategies for creating a successful speaking and coaching career by finding your profitable niche, attracting the right clients, and focusing on the work that drives meaningful growth.
Kate O’Neill joins Li Hayes to explore how AI is reshaping the world of keynote speakers. From building a standout position to using AI as a tool, not a replacement, Kate shares practical insights on staying relevant while leading with the human connection that audiences value most.
Lauren Pibworth shares what makes speaker websites effective—from clear messaging and strong positioning to AI-friendly content and the details event planners actually look for.
Season 3
Precious L. Williams shares how speakers can craft powerful pitches, embrace boldness, and build a memorable brand that resonates with meeting planners and audiences alike. A high-energy listen for any speaker ready to elevate their presence and impact.
Todd Bertsch shares practical advice on finding your niche, getting your reps in, and building real audience connection. A valuable listen for any speaker looking to sharpen their message and gain traction.
Rob Ferre shares how stepping into the MC role can help speakers elevate events, build stronger audience connection, and unlock new opportunities. A quick, insightful listen for any speaker looking to level up.
Learn what it really takes to become a bookable speaker, from choosing the right topic to standing out in a crowded market. Maria Franzoni shares practical strategies, real-world insights, and the mindset shift that can help you land more stages and grow your speaking career.
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.
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.
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