Couch To Podium Podcast

You've got the credentials. You've got the passion. But if your message isn't clear and compelling, you'll keep getting passed over. In this episode, we're unpacking the #1 messaging mistake that's costing brilliant speakers real opportunities. Spoiler: It's not your experience. It's how you're positioning it.   You'll learn: Why your current brand message isn't sticking How to connect your story to what event planners actually book for If you're tired of being overlooked even though you know you're qualified, this episode is your reset.  

If you're sitting on your gift waiting for a check to show up before you speak, you're playing the wrong game.   There was one shift I made that changed the way I do business: I stopped looking at the front-end money and focused on the back-end strategy.   Here's what I did and what you can do too:

What if everything you've been taught about entrepreneurial success is actually sabotaging your business? In this provocative conversation, LaChelle Barnett—licensed therapist, business consultant and founder of The Entrepreneurs Couch, she dismantles the glorified hustle narrative that's leaving entrepreneurs burned out and traumatized. Drawing from five years in the online coaching industry and her expertise in entrepreneurial trauma, LaChelle challenges conventional wisdom with the radical notion that feeling good in your business isn't just possible—it's essential. Discover why most entrepreneurs are stuck making busy-but-unproductive decisions from a place of unrecognized trauma, how to distinguish between cultural noise and your authentic business signal, and why your natural gifts (not your skills) hold the key to sustainable success. This episode isn't just about business strategy, it's about reclaiming your entrepreneurial freedom and building a business that works with you, not against you.   To connect with Lachelle, visit her website: theentrepreneurscouch.com  

Are administrative tasks stealing your time and energy? As a therapist, your focus should be on helping your clients—not drowning in the never-ending grind of scheduling, billing, marketing, and documentation. Yet, for so many therapists, these tasks consume valuable hours, leaving little room for personal growth, building a speaking career, or even enjoying a work-life balance. In this episode, we dive into the challenges therapists face when they try to do it all. Olivia Baylor, LGBTQ Affirmative Therapist and owner of Life Revisions Counseling LLC, shares how outsourcing transformed her practice and restored her energy to focus on what truly matters. Discover how outsourcing can free you from these burdens and give you back your time, focus, and peace of mind. This episode is packed with practical tips, real-world success stories, and expert advice to help you streamline your practice and reclaim your life. It's time to stop doing it all. Tune in to learn how outsourcing can be your game-changer! To connect with Olivia, visit Life Revisions Counseling LLC.

Are you a business owner facing stagnant growth, operational inefficiencies, and a marketing strategy that just isn't breaking through the noise? You're not alone, but this podcast episode can make a difference. In this episode, I sit down with Rick Meekins, an expert in streamlining operations, scaling businesses, and creating brands that standouts. Rick has a passion for helping entrepreneurs and small business owners build the infrastructure and strategies needed for sustainable growth. Packed with practical advice and actionable insights, you'll walk away with tips you can apply right away to transform your business. Ready to elevate your marketing from clunky to seamless? Tune in to learn how to optimize your operations, scale with confidence, and stand out in today's competitive market. 

Join us as we sit down with Danielle Duncan, acclaimed motivational speaker and author, to explore her inspiring transition from spoken word artist to empowering orator. In this candid conversation, Duncan shares insights from her latest book, "Dear Black Girl, This Is Why You Are So Dope," and reflects on retiring from a 30-year career in the arts. Discover the challenges Duncan faced in finding her authentic voice, overcoming pressure to conform, and rebranding herself. Learn how embracing her true self transformed her speaking career and connection with audiences. Duncan also offers valuable advice for aspiring speakers on marketing, positioning, and achieving success in the competitive world of motivational speaking. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth, authenticity, and the art of public speaking. Tune in for an honest and enlightening discussion on the power of staying true to oneself while pursuing new horizons.

  Are you eager to create live events that captivate audiences, leave lasting impressions, and generate profits? Look no further! In this episode of "Elevating the Game of Putting Up Live Events," we sit down with Mothyna James-Brightful, the CEO of MeRISE, a renowned consulting, coaching, and development firm. Mothyna will share actionable insights and essential strategies to help you design and execute successful live events. Discover the do's and don'ts of event planning, learn from common pitfalls, and gain the expertise you need to elevate your event planning skills. Whether you're an experienced event organizer or just starting out, this podcast is packed with valuable advice to take your live events to the next level. Tune in and transform your live event planning today!

Are you struggling to maintain a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal life?  Join us as we explore the delicate art of balancing business success and personal fulfillment with Dr. Karmon Sears, a licensed psychologist, a speaker, and a health coach. Dr. Sears shares invaluable insights on navigating the complexities of modern life, offering practical strategies for entrepreneurs and professionals alike. She also delves into the often-overlooked aspect of delegation, revealing how this skill can significantly enhance both your quality of life and business performance. Learn how to let go of control, build trust in your team, and create more time for what truly matters. Whether you're a seasoned executive, an entrepreneur, or simply someone striving for a more balanced life, this episode offers actionable advice and thought-provoking perspectives. Tune in to discover how you can thrive in your professional pursuits without sacrificing personal well-being! If you want to connect with Dr. Karmon Sears, connect with her through her instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarmon ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inspired by Dr. Sears' insights on balancing success and personal fulfillment? Ready to take your speaking career to the next level while enjoying paradise? Join us for an exclusive Speaker's Wealth Retreat in beautiful Bali this February 2025! Learn how to boost your speaking fees, build your brand, and create a lifestyle that allows you to thrive both on and off stage. Our immersive retreat combines expert-led workshops, networking opportunities, and the serene beauty of Bali to help you achieve true work-life harmony. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your future! Join us here: https://couchtopodium.net/sales-page-6316

Have you ever wondered what it's really like being a woman entrepreneur? What's it like picking up the pieces after a failed marriage while trying to launch your dream venture? How do you find the strength to be both mom and CEO? Our remarkable guest doesn't shy away from these tough realities. Join us for this insightful podcast episode with Renee Cage, Success Mindset Coach, Lifestyle Strategist, Mental Health Therapist, and an international speaker as she unveils the vulnerabilities and adversities that often accompany the entrepreneurial path for women. From navigating the aftermath of a failed marriage to juggling the demands of motherhood and business ownership, our guest offers a compelling glimpse into the resilience and determination required to thrive in the face of life's curveballs.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and practical wisdom on overcoming obstacles, embracing one's vulnerabilities, and emerging as a stronger, more purpose-driven entrepreneur.

Are you a business owner struggling with stagnant growth, operational inefficiencies, and a marketing strategy that just isn't cutting through the noise? You're not alone - and this podcast episode is here to help.   Get a glimpse into the cutting-edge of marketing with my interview with Rick Meekins, a master of streamlining operations, scaling businesses, and crafting brands that stand out from the crowd. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and small business owners build infrastructure and strategies to facilitate and support their growth.   He is a wealth of knowledge and practical wisdom, and this episode is packed with actionable insights you can implement TODAY.   Ready to take your marketing from clunky to clutch? This interview is all about helping businesses streamline operations, scale like crazy, and stand out from the pack. #podcast #marketingtips #businessefficiency  

In this insightful episode, Nicole Walters, Founder & CEO of Inherit Learning Company, shares her expertise on the often-overlooked art of value-based pricing. With her wealth of experience in building successful businesses, Nicole dives deep into the strategies and mindset shifts required to confidently price your products and services based on their true worth. From understanding your unique value proposition to mastering the negotiation process, Nicole provides actionable tips and real-world examples that will empower you to command the prices you deserve. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to level up your existing business, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to unlock the full potential of their offerings.

As a therapist, your time and energy are precious resources. Between managing a clinical practice and handling administrative tasks, it can be overwhelming to find balance, let alone pursue additional career opportunities like public speaking. Join us with Olivia Baylor, LGBTQ Affirmative Therapist, owner of Life Revisions Counseling LLC Couples Therapist where she explores the power of outsourcing administrative responsibilities to reclaim her time and energy for what truly matters. Each episode features insightful interviews with therapists who have successfully implemented outsourcing strategies, as well as experts in virtual assistance, online security, and productivity hacking. Discover how to streamline tasks like scheduling, documentation, billing, marketing, and more. Whether you're looking to build a speaking career, take on more clients, or simply achieve better work-life balance, outsourcing could be your game-changer. This podcast will provide practical tips, real-life case studies, and a roadmap to help you offload time-consuming administrative burdens. Tune in to this episode and learn how to maximize your impact as a therapist by freeing yourself from the shackles of administrative overwhelm. Listen now and unlock the secret to a more focused, fulfilling, and profitable private practice!   To get in touch wih Olivia, you can reach out to her through Life Revisions Counseling, LLC Copy

Forget manipulative tactics! This episode delves into the power of genuine connection to win hearts and close deals. We'll be joined by Kevin Goins, Business Leader, Coach & International Speaker.  In this interview, you'll explore: Why building emotional connection is key to long-term client success Techniques to communicate with empathy and authenticity that fosters genuine connections with potential clients. Actionable tips for integrating these principles into your sales process without feeling inauthentic. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your speaking journey, this episode will equip you with the tools and mindset to become a speaker who inspires, influences, and gets results. Learn how to sell from a place of service and build relationships that last. Tune in and get ready to Own Your Brilliance!

Ever watched a TED Talk or attended a keynote where the speaker had you in stitches? Comedy is a powerful tool for engaging audiences and making your message stick. On "How To Infuse Comedy Into Your Signature Talks," you'll learn from the Mike Goodwin, comedian, keynote speaker, and a delivery content coach how to work humor into your presentations.  As a 20-year veteran of the stand-up comedy circuit, Mike has cracked up audiences around the world with his witty observations and knack for working the crowd. He's since applied those same comedic chops to the corporate speaking world, becoming an in-demand keynote speaker and content coach. Whether you're a professional speaker looking to loosen up your talks or just want to be more lighthearted and funny in meetings, Mike's insights will help you harness the power of comedy. You'll walk away with practical strategies for adding humor that enhances—not overshadows—your core content and expertise. Tune in to this can't-miss episode! Listen now to infuse more laughs into your signature speaking engagements.

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for building a personal brand and establishing authority in your field. However, there's still immense value in the traditional publishing world – and it can be an incredibly lucrative revenue stream. Join us in this illuminating episode as we explore the numerous benefits and monetization opportunities that come with being a published author. Our guest is LaKesha Womack, a bestselling author, Forbes Contributor and a leadershipwho will share their invaluable insights and expertise. 

Join us for an electrifying interview with Dr. Jonas Gadson, DTM - Known as "Mr. Enthusiastic!" He's an Expert Coach in Public Speaking and Effective Communication, Corporate Trainer, International Motivational Speaker, Seven Time Amazon Best Selling Author, and a Radio/TV Personality! In this can't-miss episode, Dr. Gadson will pull back the curtain on his remarkable journey, sharing hard-won wisdom on creating gripping content, cultivating a die-hard readership, and leveraging book success into a platform for speaking, influence, and impact. If you're an aspiring author or thought leader looking to up your game, you won't want to miss these battle-tested strategies from someone who has conquered the charts again and again.

On this week's show, therapist-turned-professional speaker Zahara Williams shares how she successfully pivoted from running a private practice to speaking on stages around the world. She recounts the motivations, roadblocks, and lessons learned from establishing herself in the public speaking industry after years as a licensed clinical social worker. Zahara offers inspirational and actionable advice for taking your unique expertise and experiences to stages and events. Tune in to hear one woman's empowering journey to finding her voice and sharing her message through keynote speeches.

Calling all solopreneurs! Want to leverage the power of speaking but feeling overwhelmed by building a team? Tune in to our latest episode where we interview Delmar Johnson, Fractional HR Director and a speaker who spills the secrets on assembling a dream team to skyrocket your speaking business!  Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a dream team and take your speaking business to the next level!

Inside each of us lies an impactful message longing to be shared. But often we hold back from projecting our true voice. In this week's episode, speaker and author Reginald Gant describes how opportunities came flooding his way after he unleashed his own inner speaker.  Reginald explains how overcoming his fears and finding his authentic voice opened up new possibilities in his life. He shares tips for connecting with your core message and embracing your authority as a speaker. Tune in to hear Reginald's inspirational story and practical advice for unleashing your inner voice. When you step into your greatness as a speaker, exciting offers and chances come your way. The possibilities are endless when you tap into your authentic self and share your gifts with the world.

Running impactful virtual events can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! Tune in as I interview acclaimed therapist, Natasha Oates as she shares her proven strategies for planning and executing successful virtual experiences. You'll hear about the challenges she faced along the way and how she overcame them. If you want to turn your know-how into a profitable virtual event but don't know where to begin, Natasha's advice will give you the confidence and strategy to succeed. Tune in now to hear how this therapist pulled off an incredibly successful launch!

Have you ever wanted to get your message out to a wider audience? On this podcast episode together with Pam Perry, PR & Branding Solutions for Seasoned Speakers publisher of SPEAKERS MAGAZINE, and co-founder of Digital Business Acceleration, we will pull back the curtain and reveal insider tips and strategies for building your personal brand to attract major media and publishing contracts, growing your platform, and successfully pitching yourself to the media. 

100 Episodes Strong!    We're celebrating 100 episodes of explosive insights and practical action steps, and for this landmark occasion, we're bringing you a storytelling legend: Andy Henriquez, the Business Storytelling Coach who will turn your anecdotes into cash machines!  Tune in for a powerful conversation as he reveals the secrets behind using your personal and professional tales to make a major impact and boost your income. Get ready to unleash the storyteller within and watch your impact (and income!) soar! Don't miss this episode and get ready to be inspired!  

Making decisions about when to pursue an opportunity and when to let it go can be challenging. Latasha Matthews, a counselor and founder of Illumination Counseling, shares insights on setting boundaries and determining if an opportunity is right for you in this podcast interview.  She discusses strategies for evaluating opportunities to decide if they align with your goals and values. The conversation focuses on developing self-awareness, trusting your instincts, considering work-life balance, and seeking input from others to make informed choices about which opportunities to pursue.

Get a glimpse into the cutting-edge of marketing with my interview with Rick Meekins, a master of streamlining operations, scaling businesses, and crafting brands that stand out from the crowd. Being a Business and Technology strategist with more than 30 years of experience, he has worked with various industries and individuals to enable business operations and growth. He holds expertise in Process & System Engineering, Software Selection, Customization & Implementation, Business Architecture, and Business Analysis. Being on Advisory Boards as President, and Managing Partner of different organizations has helped him excel and transformed the firm into what it is today. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and small business owners build infrastructure and strategies to facilitate and support their growth. He is a wealth of knowledge and practical wisdom, and this episode is packed with actionable insights you can implement TODAY. Ready to take your marketing from clunky to clutch? ⚙️This interview is all about helping businesses streamline operations, scale like crazy, and stand out from the pack. Hit the link in bio to hear their expert tips and get your growth engine purring! #podcast #marketingtips #businessefficiency      

We're thrilled to unveil our latest podcast episode where we dive deep into the world of digital marketing strategy with a brilliant guest, Brad Friedman, a Digital Marketing Strategist extraordinaire!  Join us in this insightful conversation as we unravel:

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a traveling therapist? In this episode of my podcast, I interview Kym Tolson, "Traveling Therapist" to learn more about her unique and rewarding career path!  Let's explore the world through the eyes of a "Traveling Therapist" together!  If you want to connet with Kym, visit her on her website : https://www.thetravelingtherapist.com/            

The latest episode of my Couch to Podium podcast is out now!  In this episode, Aprill Franks, Feminine Conscious Business Coach, and founder of Women Recharged will talk about flourishing brands, guided by the wisdom of the feminine perspective. Say goodbye to burnout and hustle, and learn how to embrace a more sustainable and intuitive approach to business success. Join us as we explore the unique strengths to elevate your brands, all while honoring the power of balance and self-care.  Get ready to redefine success and witness the magic that happens when authenticity meets strategic growth!