Episode

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.

Professional speaking isn’t a solo journey. Li Hayes and Robyn Hatcher dive into why community beats competition—and how joining the NSA can accelerate your growth, credibility, and bookings.

Li Hayes and Stephanie Love reveal what event planners actually look for, what turns them off instantly, and the behind-the-scenes secrets that make speakers stand out.

Li Hayes and event planner Pat Miller reveal what actually makes speakers stand out and get hired, especially for the small, high-value stages that can change your career.

Season 2 continues with a truth bomb: celebrity often gets you booked faster than expertise.
Li Hayes and Mark Albert (Peabody + Emmy-winning journalist) break down how media actually works for speakers, and why most are using it wrong.

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.