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
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.
Want to sell more books and strengthen your speaking career? Li Hayes and AJ Harper break down proven strategies for speakers, from pre-orders to podcast appearances, that help authors build momentum and a loyal audience.
A great book can open doors, only if it’s done right.
Bestselling author AJ Harper breaks down how speakers can write, publish, and market a book that actually builds audience and impact.
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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