Speaking Of Speaking

Send a textThe mic isn’t the scary part. The scary part is the story that someone else is more qualified, more seasoned, more “real” than you—and the moment you buy that story, your voice tightens, your curiosity dims, and your best insights never make it into the episode. Human behaviour specialist and international speaker Carly Pepin joins us to show how to stop handing your authority to others and start speaking from the centre of your own expertise.We start by cutting through pay-to-play noise with a candid look at stages, ROI, and the questions that separate smart investments from costly ego boosts. Carly’s personal pivot—from refusing a pay-to-play offer to reaching 200,000 listeners by serving first—sets the tone for a practical, values-led approach to visibility. From there, we unpack why imposter syndrome spikes before big interviews or live talks, and how to neutralise it fast. The core move: identify the one person you’ve put on a pedestal, name the exact traits you think you lack, and find where

Send a textReady to turn your podcast from “content” into a client engine? We sit down with business growth strategist Ann Carden to map a clear path from microphone to monetization. Ann’s built and sold multiple businesses, lived through the era of pricey print and radio ads, and now shows why podcasts, when paired with smart positioning, can outpace old-school spend while building brand authority that lasts.We dig into the shift from one-and-done ads to evergreen media you own and repurpose. Anne breaks down practical lead-gen plays—interviewing buyers, guesting on targeted shows, and crafting calls to action that move listeners to your list, calendar, or offer. If you’re stuck on “hope marketing,” her step-by-step framing will help you define the end game first, pick a format you can sustain, and build a pipeline that turns episodes into real sales conversations. You’ll also hear how she stacks platforms—podcast, digital/print magazine, and a forthcoming TV show—to multiply reach, win stages, and package v

Send a textReady to turn a mic into a real growth engine? We sit down with Vince Quinn, co-founder and creative director of SBX Productions, to map the path from “let’s start a podcast” to a show that builds authority, drives leads, and actually fits your life. Vince brings a decade in radio to the table and shares why that training still matters: clarity of purpose, strong delivery, and deep respect for the listener’s time.We get honest about the industry shift after COVID, why so many hosts burn out, and how to avoid podfading by defining success before you hit record. Vince breaks down his nine-stage development process and the pilot concept—build one fully produced episode, refine the format, then scale—so you don’t waste months on the wrong idea. We compare that with using an Episode 00 to prime your feed and start marketing early, and we align on the essential truth: strategy first, then production.You’ll hear a frank take on promotion and why “I posted once” is a fast track to invisibility. We dig into

Send a textWhat keeps a podcast alive when the honeymoon fades? We invited coach and multi-show host Roy Coughlan to pull back the curtain on what actually drives growth, why impact beats downloads, and how to stay consistent when the comment section goes sideways. Roy shares the arc from losing everything to building several top-ranked shows, revealing the mindset shifts and systems that turned fear into a repeatable practice. You’ll hear how he split his ideas into distinct podcasts, protected audience trust, and focused on interviews as the core engine rather than flashy promotion.We dig into the surge of podcast coaches and how to separate real operators from playbook sellers. Roy lays out a pragmatic approach to coaching: adapt to the creator, build a format that fits their energy, and pick platform strategies that suit the audience. He explains why hosts should personally engage in comments, how to filter abusive noise while embracing constructive critique, and why a single listener note can spark meani

Send us a textWant a podcast that actually connects? We sit down with producer and mentor J. Rosemarie Francis to unpack how real shows get built: not with fancy studios, but with clarity, courage, and a community that helps you keep going. Jay traces her path from online radio to launching three distinct podcasts, revealing why on‑demand audio makes it easier to build trust and sustain meaningful conversations. Along the way we challenge the myth that success requires celebrity budgets, and show how serving 100 true fans can be more valuable than chasing overnight virality.We dig into J. Rosemarie’s 3 Ms—mindset, mission statement, and mentorship—and explore how each one unblocks progress. Mindset quiets perfectionism and comparison. A mission statement becomes a blueprint for who you serve, what promise you make, and why your voice matters. Mentorship closes the tiny but costly gaps that cause podfade, whether that’s a rough edit, a fuzzy workflow, or uncertainty about format. You’ll hear simple, actionable

Send us a textA 15-year podcast doesn’t happen by luck. It starts with a single nudge—in Lorraine Ball’s case, an intern suggesting, “You like to talk… you should have a podcast”—and evolves through experiments, misfires, and a relentless focus on what truly serves listeners. We trace that arc with Lorraine as she shares how an iPhone and Blog Talk Radio turned into a durable content engine that fuels speaking, community, and business growth.We dive into the early lessons from live call-ins and why she pivoted to recorded conversations to protect pacing and quality. Lorraine breaks down the difference between authenticity and aimless chatter, showing how to be yourself while respecting the listener’s time. She explains how purpose anchors a show—whether the goal is booking talks, nurturing a local network, or driving leads—and how calls to action should change as your strategy does. We talk platform choices and why her community hub lives on LinkedIn, not in a Facebook group that drains energy.You’ll hear a p

Send us a textDoubt creeps in around episode 20, when the mic feels heavy and the numbers feel small. That’s the moment Chris Miles would tell you to lean in. Our conversation traces how he went from disillusioned financial advisor to cash flow expert, retired twice, rebuilt after the recession, and then used a steady, values-driven podcast to power 90% of his business—without chasing vanity metrics.We dig into the turning points: the kitchen-table talk that exposed the limits of “do everything right,” the real estate awakening that prioritized cash flow over hope, and the early radio reps that led to his first shows. Chris breaks down how Money Ripples found its voice, why naming his audience “ripplers” changed community engagement, and how one hallway encounter kept him from quitting. You’ll hear how consistent episodes became a living FAQ, how a single clear call to action unlocked inbound demand, and why borrowing audiences—like guesting on Entrepreneurs on Fire—can create spikes that actually convert.If

Send us a textWords are cheap; clarity is rare. We sat down with communication pro Corine La Font to unpack how direct, relevant messaging can change your results in meetings, sales, and the podcast chair. From the first laugh to the final takeaway, we press on a simple promise: say what matters, respect time, and let listening do the heavy lifting.We start by naming the everyday clutter that muddies messages—overlong intros, busy-life monologues, and the impulse to justify instead of answer. Corine offers clean alternatives you can use today: offer three specific times instead of a saga, cut bios to the essentials, and make relevance your rule. On sales, we compare notes on the power of silence after the ask and why overselling sounds like doubt. For leaders and creators, we explore crisis communication and reputation management, showing how extra details can open needless loops while a precise statement contains risk and builds trust.Then we go deeper into the craft: intentional listening and reading the ro

Send us a textPredicting the future of podcasting is easy when you chase hype; it’s harder—and more useful—when you follow results. We dive into what 2026 will actually reward: clearer voices, sharper strategy, and communities that turn listeners into collaborators. After a year of industry correction, the signal is obvious—authority beats volume, and intention beats noise.We start by reframing technology’s role. AI adoption is up, workflows are faster, and the toolset is richer, but tools don’t make taste. You’ll hear why strategy still sits in the driver’s seat, how to use AI for frameworks and speed without losing your voice, and where preparedness separates great hosts from the pack. Then we get specific about hosting craft: better questions, tighter arcs, relevant takeaways, and a stronger respect for your audience’s time. Flashy is out; intentional is in.Next, we unpack guesting as a business strategy. It’s not about how many shows you visit; it’s about alignment, outcomes, and credibility transfer. We

Send us a textTrust just outperformed reach, and the ripple effects across podcasting were impossible to ignore. We step back from the noise and share a clear-eyed look at how 2025 reshaped the medium: ad dollars didn’t vanish, they got picky; sloppy, reactive launches faded; and intentional, voice-led shows built momentum by earning credibility one conversation at a time.We walk through the economic realities that forced sharper strategy, showing why advertisers concentrated spend on proven hosts and why niche podcasts won more meaningful outcomes with fewer downloads. As traditional media continued to erode and AI flooded feeds, listeners doubled down on long-form audio for context, nuance, and human tone. That shift elevated experts who serve a specific audience with clarity, rather than chasing mass appeal or empty virality.Community took centre stage as algorithms stalled. Smaller, community-driven shows converted better because they focused on the right listener. We dig into how to use podcasting as a r

Send us a textReady for a mindset shift that actually sticks? We sit down with coach and entrepreneur Roman Fischer to unpack how real motivation is built, not borrowed—and why the long game beats quick fixes in both health and podcasting. Roman shares how a spark from his younger brother ignited an 11-year journey, the exact practices he uses to keep clients on track, and why clarity on how you want to feel matters as much as any number on a scale or download chart.We explore the power of defining your why in concrete, emotional terms, then writing down past obstacles and the specific ways you overcame them. That simple practice turns journaling into mental rehearsal, strengthens resilience, and makes the next hard thing feel possible. Roman also makes a strong case for short nature resets: sunlight, a brisk walk, even a mindful moment with your feet in the grass can lower anxiety, improve sleep, and restore focus. Pair that with a podcast or audiobook and you’ve got a practical ritual that lifts both your b

Send us a textEvent planners don’t have time to watch your full TED talk. They need three minutes that prove who you serve, the problem you solve, and the transformation you deliver. We sit down with Cam Beaudoin, founder of The Frequent Speaker, to map the exact steps that turn a jumble of clips into a demo reel that books bigger rooms and better podcasts.We start with intent: are you chasing large conference stages or thriving in virtual training? Cam explains how to align your reel with your goals, showing either stage craft—movement, energy, and crowd interaction—or virtual mastery with clean, close-up delivery and crisp audio. From there, we break down the story spine that converts: a seven-second hook that calls your audience by name, problem definition that cuts through noise, proof that you’re the guide they need, and a direct call to action. You’ll hear why planners want clarity over montage, how fee tiers dictate brand expectations, and what truly signals “bookable” within seconds.Cam shares smart w

Send us a textLooking for proof that traditional media still moves the needle? We go straight to the source with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, to unpack how press releases win coverage in a world where TikTok clips sit beside front-page headlines. Mickie shares the inside mechanics of newswires, why bloggers and influencers now receive journalist-level access, and how small brands can punch above their weight without burning their budgets.We break down the anatomy of a high-performing press release: a sharp headline, a tight 500-word body, a quote that actually says something, and links that carry specs and visuals without clogging the story. Mickie explains why the best product announcements include a simple use case with outcomes and data, how to elevate your narrative with credible industry stats, and when to route technical details to a clean landing page. If press releases feel mysterious or outdated, this conversation resets the frame: journalists still fish in two main ponds, and your job is to

Send us a textWant conversations that feel like smooth sailing and still deliver punchy, practical value? We brought on sailor and coach Terry Barkman to unpack how his life on the water shaped a guesting playbook built on service, clarity, and trust. He believes great interviews start with a mindset shift: be a giver, not a taker; focus on the audience; and treat the host as a collaborator, not a gatekeeper.We dig into the art of preparation without over-planning. Terry prefers a short pre-call to confirm fit, audience needs, and tone, followed by a light day-of warm-up to keep ideas fresh. He shares why sample questions are useful for alignment but explains how scripting answers can flatten the energy of a live conversation. You’ll hear how to translate your expertise into stories and moments that land, plus how to balance confidence with humility so you add value without hijacking the mic.We also get practical about boundaries and trust. Terry outlines how he vets shows, sets clear lines around sensitive t

Send us a textWhat if you stopped chasing magnetic north—the shifting pull of trends, approval, and quick wins—and locked onto a true north you can actually describe? That’s the pivot David Ask lays out as we unpack the real difference between grit and resilience, and how creators can build a voice that lasts in a noisy podcasting world.We start with David’s retail success story and the hard lessons that came with it, then move into a simple, powerful model: grit is the long push toward a worthy outcome; resilience is the speed at which you bounce back to your shape after a hit. The shape matters. Without a defined identity—values, convictions, and the work that gives you goosebumps—every setback feels personal. With it, you rebound faster, choose better, and keep shipping even when guests cancel, interviews fall flat, or formats change.Along the way, we draw a line between starting with who and starting with why. When you start with who, your why stops being borrowed from giants and becomes grounded in your

Send us a textWant more engaging interviews, warmer leads, and fewer awkward stalls? We sit down with sales whisperer and author Nancy Zare to decode how four personality styles quietly drive trust, timing, and the word choices that make people lean in. Nancy’s AlikeAbility system maps buyers by decision speed—2, 4, 6, and 8—and reveals the value language each style needs to hear: outcomes and efficiency for fast movers, process and proof for deep thinkers, and balanced blends for those in the middle. The twist: most of us show a social persona on a pre-call, then switch to a decision persona when the stakes rise, which explains why a great screening chat can turn into a sticky recording.We dig into Nancy’s five-step framework: understand the four styles and their values, identify your own defaults, diagnose the other person in under a minute, shift your words to match their priorities, and sand down the habits that create friction. For podcasters, that means smarter guest selection, tighter prep, and on-the-

Send us a textWhat if the career you built isn’t the life you want? That question sparked a midlife awakening for Dr. Agi Keramidas, who traded a thriving path in dentistry for a mission fuelled by curiosity, conversation, and service. We unpack how intuition led him from the clinic to the microphone, why public speaking unlocked confidence, and how podcasting became the platform to learn in public and help others do the same.Across this candid conversation, we pull back the curtain on the real engine of a durable show: consistency, systems, and a clear why. Agi shares the early “coach every week” insight that transformed interviews into a powerful form of self-education, then explains how doubling his publishing schedule revealed both the workload and the joy that turned a hobby into a mission. We dig into the marathon mindset—why most creators quit before episode ten, how trust compounds around episodes 50–60, and why comparing yourself to celebrity brands misses the years of reputation those voices carried

Send us a textSick of long flights and awkward trade-show chatter? Chris Lipper and James Prokop share how a mastermind-led community transformed trade shows into high-ROI virtual events that actually feel human.From early Zoom “booths” to a polished metaverse-style floor, they reveal the systems that help business owners meet the right people, learn faster, and close smarter. The results speak: new clients, nationwide partnerships, and attendees who show up for 10 minutes and stay for hours.We also hit lessons learned (RIP Lipperville), simple onboarding that calms newbies, and the next frontier—AI-assisted mastermind sessions for sharper feedback.If you want networking that actually works, this convo is your roadmap. Tune in and register for the next On The Bus virtual conference at onthebus.biz.Chris LipperBusiness Coaching, Sales Training & Mastermind Programs | Since 2008Phone: 973-285-3993Email: chris@onthebus.bizWebsite: onthebus.bizSchedule a Meeting with Chris LipperBooks:The Entrepreneur’s Big B

Send us a textReady to grow your voice without chasing vanity metrics? We sit down with Duncan Bhaskaran Brown—author, speaker, and unapologetic Morris dancer—to unpack how small, aligned audiences can move the needle more than massive but passive ones, and why guesting early and often builds skill, credibility, and genuine reach. Duncan’s journey from overindulgence to helping people rewire habits gives him a rare blend of empathy and edge. He shares how a playful hook makes you relatable, how to turn interviews into research that benefits listeners, and why your “ordinary” insights might be exactly what someone needs to hear today.We explore hosting and guesting from both chairs: the shift from rigid question lists to guided, human conversations; how to ask questions that spark fresh thinking instead of rehearsed talking points; and a simple production mindset that favours incremental upgrades over perfection. Duncan breaks down the art of resilient outreach, the value of showing up for smaller shows, and t

Send us a textA teenage band with no instruments, a DIY studio built on curiosity, and a philosophy show that grew for six years without chasing ad money—Joel Bouchard’s story is a masterclass in building something meaningful and letting it compound. We sit down with Joel, a doctoral student in psychology, multi-instrumentalist producer, author, painter, veteran, and host of From Nowhere To Nothing, to unpack why so many podcasts fade and how to design one that lasts.We trace Joel’s path from learning music the hard way to launching a philosophy podcast with his former professor, and we get real about expectations. Joel explains why purpose must come before monetization, how to know when a sponsorship fits, and why he turned down early ad offers to protect the show’s flow. He shares a simple structure that balances familiarity and novelty—start with foundations, explore the core tensions, then ask what it means for our lives—so listeners feel guided, not lectured.Along the way, we explore the mindset that sus