World of Speakers

Ryan Foland speaks with Michael Hingson, #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author & Inspirational Speaker, captivates audiences worldwide with his remarkable story of survival during the 9/11 attacks and empowers them with insights on leadership, trust, and thriving through adversity. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Michael exemplifies effective public speaking techniques such as storytelling, relatability, adaptability, and authenticity, which are essential for engaging and connecting with an audience. Tune in for an interview packed with ideas and tips on how to engage your audience, tell compelling stories, and navigate unexpected topics with ease.

Ryan Foland speaks with Michael Reddington, an expert at moving people from resistance to commitment. He is an executive resource, Certified Forensic Interviewer, President of InQuasive, Inc., and author of The Disciplined Listening Method. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Michael talk about the nature of effective communication and problem-solving, drawing insights from diverse fields such as education, investigation, and public speaking. Tune in for an interview packed with ideas and tips on maintaining an open, curious mind in communication and problem-solving contexts.

Ryan Foland speaks with Park Howell, who is a business storytelling consultant, podcast host, and keynote speaker. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Park delve into the power of storytelling in building trust and connection. Tune in for an interview packed with ideas and tips on refining your public speaking skills and staying relevant in a constantly evolving landscape.

Ryan Foland speaks with Jeff Harry who is a Positive Psychology Play Speaker. He shows individuals and companies how to tap into their true selves to feel their happiest and most fulfilled — all by playing. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Jeff discuss the importance of embracing failure, sharing authentic stories, and consistently putting oneself out there as key elements of successful public speaking. They also highlight the value of networking, leveraging various platforms, and finding joy in the journey of professional development as a speaker. Tune in for an interview packed with ideas and tips on overcoming fear, finding authenticity, navigating the ups and downs of the speaking circuit, and ultimately rediscovering the joy of public speaking.

Ryan Foland speaks with Sally Z, an Award-Winning & TEDx Speaker, Bravery Expert, Coach and Best-Selling Author. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Sally talk about the framework for persuasive messages: Moment, Meaning, Move and the role of stories in communication, pitching, and connecting with an audience. Tune in for an interview packed with ideas and tips on why stories are essential for conveying messages effectively, creating a meaningful connection.

Ryan Foland speaks with Kit Pang, the founder of BostonSpeaks. He is also a Public Speaking Anxiety Expert, a Harvard Business School Speaking Coach and a Cat Dad! In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Kit talk about maintaining a positive mindset even in a challenging situation and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. Tune in for an interview packed with ideas and tips on embracing mistakes, fostering a positive mindset, and perfecting your public speaking skills with authenticity, adaptability, and memorable storytelling.

Ryan Foland speaks with Mike Olson, a motivational speaker and a retired professional e-sports player. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Mike talk about the importance of using one's voice to communicate intentions and goals effectively. They also discussed the value of not fearing failure and using it to improve oneself. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on leveraging one's skills and being self-reflective as the key aspects of personal growth and success in speaking and life.

Ryan Foland speaks with Mike Olsen, a motivational speaker and a retired professional e-sports player. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Mike talk about the importance of using one's voice to communicate intentions and goals effectively. They also discussed the value of not fearing failure and using it to improve oneself. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on leveraging one's skills and being self-reflective as the key aspects of personal growth and success in speaking and life.

Ryan Foland speaks with Neil Sahota, an IBM Master Inventor, United Nations (UN) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisor, author of the best-seller Own the AI Revolution, and sought-after speaker. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Neil talk about how artificial intelligence can assist in discovering improved methods for enhancing your interpersonal connections and refining your abilities in public speaking. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on harnessing the power of AI to modernize, adapt, and foster creativity as we set forth on our path into the digital era.

Ryan Foland speaks with Berke Brown, a leader in organizational and personal behavior change. He is also the founder of Berke Brown International with a track record of creating sustainable cultural changes for Fortune 500 companies, organizations, and municipal governments. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Berke talk about the true power of self-efficacy and how it applies to public speaking, as well as believing in your ability to be able to achieve a thing. Because when you believe it, then all of a sudden you're empowered. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on public speaking, AI, and creating positive, impactful change.

Ryan Foland speaks with Tiffani Bova. The global customer growth and innovation evangelist at Salesforce, and the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Growth IQ. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Tiffani talk about staying curious and being passionate about what that topic is so you can literally reach out to everyone. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on keeping a promise, staying curious, and being passionate about your topic.

Ryan Foland speaks with Chris Barton. An Innovation Keynote Speaker and the Founder and Creator of Shazam, the app that changed the way the world discovers music. He holds 12 patents and played key roles in the early days of Google and Dropbox. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Chris talk about adding emotions to the humor to bring the audience in and keep them attached while speaking in public. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on connections, vulnerability, and stories.

In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Max talk about how you can feel empowered to want to share your story with others so that they can learn from it. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on having a full grip on your story so you can communicate it properly as a public speaker.

In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Mark talk about giving your audience the pathway, showing them different stories, and helping them understand what it means to partner with you. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on how to validate your speaking style, and a few certain things you should aim to teach your audience.

In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Cynthia talk about how to take the audience on a learning journey with you when you speak. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on how to stand out and share your own stories authentically.

In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Vivian talk about carrot cake as an analogy for DEI, how to activate people and bring them into a certain story funnel, and the importance of having access to tools as a public speaker. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on how to use social media in different ways and learn how to play the PR game.

In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Vivian talk about carrot cake as an analogy for DEI, how to activate people and bring them into a certain story funnel, and the importance of having access to tools as a public speaker. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on how to use social media in different ways and learn how to play the PR game.

Ryan Foland speaks with Laura Sicola, a speaker, coach and leadership communication expert who helps people hone their Vocal Executive Presence. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Laura talk about the importance of mastering the three C's – that's the ability to Command the room or the screen, to Connect with the audience and to Close the deal. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on slowing down and have an emotional impact, a cognitive impact, and a behavioral impact on your audience.

Ryan Foland speaks with Gordon Bufton, who is a creator, serial entrepreneur, humanitarian, explorer, and founder of GeniusCreators.org. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Gordon talk about being able to make decisions that serve your speaking career. One of the key messages in this discussion is how to bring value to your audience by connecting with them, and whenever you give a speech, make sure you give the best speech that you can in that moment. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on making decisions, giving a speech, and being successful in your speaking career.

Sailing through adversities. Ryan Foland speaks with speaks with Dustin Reynolds. The first double amputee to sail around the world alone. He is an Environmentalist, a Humanist and an International Man of Mystery. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Dustin talk about overcoming adversities and making choices with the situation that you have. One of the key messages in this interview is living our lives and have a positive impact because after all, this world is a fairly safe place if we just get out there and travel and spend time with others, people are really kind. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on sailing and sharing your stories to the world.

Ryan Foland speaks with James Taylor, an in-demand keynote speaker and internationally recognized leader in business creativity and innovation. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and James talk about becoming a professional speaker. James also shares his tips on waiving your speaking fee – not speaking for free. One of the key messages in this interview is there's never been a bad time to be a speaker. As long as you are passionate about what you do and determined to be a professional speaker and improve your speaking business, you can succeed. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on becoming the professional speaker you dreamed to be.

Ryan Foland speaks with Jeff Butler, a speaker, author and workplace strategist who helps organizations create workplaces where employees thrive. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Jeff talk about how to approach your craft to find patterns and see what works and what doesn't in formulating your speaker algorithm. One of the key messages in this interview is how to get booked when there are more speakers than there are engagements. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on having conversations with event planners who have the budget to be able to afford you.

Ryan Foland speaks with David Wood, speaker, coach, and communications ninja. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and David talk about having a counterphobic approach to life, not playing safe, and going for it even if it's a longshot. One of the key messages in this interview is that if you don't ask, you don't get. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on pushing yourself to do what you feel you should do, even when it's difficult for you.

Ryan Foland speaks with Jaime Cohen, communications coach and advisor, whose mission is to help you find The Right Words, which also happens to be the name of her company. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Jaime talk about getting comfortable on stage and finding confidence in your performance. One of the key messages in this interview is the importance of getting comfortable with how you sound, how you look, who you are as a person. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on gaining the right experience to be able to build your confidence.

A Professional Who Speaks. Ryan Foland speaks with Tamsen Webster - a messaging strategist, speaker, and author. Tamsen started off in a corporate job before she found the way to becoming, what she calls, a “professional who speaks”. In this podcast, she talks about how she manages to put the pro in professional speaker. She talks about the importance of leading the audiences on the right path by giving them the information they need rather than the information they ask for, how to define and improve your message and address specific issues, and most importantly, why being easy to work with can go a long way. Tune in for some sound advice and some blunt truths about the professional speaking career.

Delivering Digital Presentations. Ryan Foland speaks to Maria Soriano Young, Writing Center Director and freelance editor and Scott Allen, assistant professor of management about their latest project. When Maria and Scott first discussed working together on Scott's new book idea, they had a very different view on what their collaboration would look like. What started like an editor-author relationship, quickly turned into a co-authoring effort. The result was a book that researches and documents best practices for delivering digital presentations. Maria and Scott spoke to numerous speakers and experts and observed how they managed to master the online domain. Tune in for a discussion about the process behind their latest title: Captovation: Online Presentations by Design.

Ryan Foland speaks with Maura Sweeney, speaker, author and the ‘Ambassador of Happiness.’ In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Maura talk about the importance of being authentic when on stage. One of the key messages in this interview is to try to connect and engage with as many audience members as possible prior to the event. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and tips on how to present yourself authentically when on the stage

Ryan Foland speaks with Robert Knop keynote speaker, and social media strategist. He is the CEO of ‘Assist You Today’ and helps brands gain and retain clients. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Robert talk about various strategies on promoting yourself and the event you are speaking at in order to get more speaking engagements. One of the key messages in this interview is to follow up with people on social media channels on the day you meet them. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and advice on how to successfully spread the word about your event before, during and after the event.

Ryan Foland speaks with Max Branstetter and Eric Sim, the former is the founder and producer of MaxPodcasting whilst the latter is a managing director at UBS Investments Bank, turned speaker with over 2 million followers on LinkedIn. In this episode of our series, Ryan, Max and Eric talk about the ten steps that are required to start your own podcast and what’s the best way to go about starting off a potential hit podcast. One of the key messages in this interview is that before kicking off your podcast, you need to ask yourself ‘why you want to start a podcast?’. The answer to this question will set the target audience for you as well as help you figure out important podcast details. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and advice on how to start your own podcast.

Ryan Foland speaks with Riaz Meghji, TV broadcaster, keynote speaker and author of “Every Conversation Counts: The 5 Habits of Human Connection That Build Extraordinary Relationships”. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Riaz talk about pointing the focus forward to the audience prior to the presentation even beginning. One of the key messages in this interview is that though there are various social media platforms, make your presence known on at least one of them. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and advice on how consistency cultivates trust for your audience and enhances your profile.

Ryan Foland speaks with Mitch Jackson, a lawyer and social media enthusiast. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Mitch talk about ‘Clubhouse’; an invitation-only audio-chat app which is currently available for iOS users only. One of the key messages in this interview is how to make a more meaningful impact by intertwining multiple social media platforms. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and advice on how to best use ‘Clubhouse’ to your advantage and to increase your engagement with like minded individuals.

Ryan Foland speaks with Laurie Schloff, a leadership speech and communication coach. She is also the president of Partners in Communication. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Laurie talk about the recipe to the perfect talk; ingredients that are needed to create the perfect speaking soup and then how to best serve it to your audience. One of the key messages in this interview is to sprinkle your talk with the 4 E’s; evidence, example, experiences and editorial. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and advice on how to create your speaker soup.

WOS - Paul Epstein by Ryan Foland

Mapping your presentation. Ryan Foland speaks with Sarah Weise, speaker, author, and business woman. She is the CEO and founder of a successful marketing company, BIXA. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Sarah talk about the importance of mapping out the journey, the highs and lows, of your presentation. One of the key messages in this interview is that you have to vary your talk with different elements to keep your audience engaged. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and advice on how to best plot your talk with different elements.

Ryan Foland speaks with Neil Sahota, speaker, author, AI expert, and a UN adviser. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Neil talk about the importance of being a storyteller, and how the way you tell your story or what story you tell changes every time you are set to give a speech. One of the key messages in this interview is that you have to adapt your speech to the needs of your audience. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and advice on how to become an adaptive speaker.

Making a lasting impression with your keynote. Ryan Foland speaks with Rebecca Heiss, keynote speaker, author, and founder of self-awareness app, ‘Icueity’. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Rebecca talk about the biology of our stone-age brains and how we can train our brains to interpret the physiological messages our bodies keep sending us. One of the key messages in this interview is that while speaking as a speaker, you should focus on just the one piece of information that you want to pass on to your audience. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and advice on how to become a fear(less) speaker.

Mastering your pre-talk routine. Ryan Foland speaks with Rachel Gotto, a rapid transformational therapy (RTT) expert and a motivational speaker. In this episode of our podcast series, Ryan and Rachel talk about navigating through the digital world as a speaker, drawing analogies from their passion of the ocean and boats. One of the key messages in this interview is how one's pre-talk routine is directly linked with the success of their talk. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and advice on how to ace your transition to the digital world of speaking.

Ryan Foland speaks with Todd Palmer, a keynote speaker, author, and business coach. He is the founder of Extraordinary Advisors and has more than 25 years of experience in the entrepreneurship world. In this episode of our series, Ryan and Todd talk about the value of storytelling and being authentic. Todd explains how the audience will be far more engaged if they can find themselves in your story. One of the key messages in this interview is that people will remember how you make them feel, so when speaking be mindful of adding value to their lives. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and advice on how to transition from just improving revenue to improving lives.

From Keynote to E-note. Ryan Foland speaks with Eric Sim, a managing director at UBS Investments Bank, turned speaker with over 2 million followers on LinkedIn. He's a founder of the Institute of Life, whose mission is to help professionals become successful at work and in life. In this episode of our series, Ryan and Eric talk about the ups and downs of navigating through this pandemic as a speaker. They stress on the importance of the role social media will play in getting you booked to speak on digital platforms. One of the key messages in this interview is that no matter who you are, no matter how good you are as a speaker, there's always value in incorporating more examples, more stories, more people, more change up to fight that Zoom fatigue and truly create your own version of an E-note. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and advice on how to prosper in the times of COVID-19

Ryan Foland speaks with Dan Gingiss, customer experience speaker, coach, and social media expert. Over the years Dan has helped multiple businesses create experiences that have benefited their customers. In this episode of our series, Ryan and Dan talk about the best ways to deliver customer service, and how it's a good idea to put yourself in your customers’ shoes when making integral business decisions. One of the key messages in this interview is that businesses should use customer feedback and the insights they gain from customer interactions on social media to create a memorable experience for their customers. Tune in for an interview full of ideas and advice on how to gain lifelong loyal customers for your business.

How to have better conversations. Ryan Foland talks with Dr. Jason Richardson, speaker, leadership coach and olympic psychologist. Dr. Richardson has been working closely with high performance teams, athletes and executives. A former BMX athlete, he is also a TV pundit, commentating at international events for BMX competitions. In this episode of our COVID-19 special series, Ryan and Jason talk about how to have those hard conversations, how to slow down to go faster, and how to ask questions, dig deeper, so everyone can get more. One of the key messages in this interview is that the best speech has a series of questions, so we should always ask some questions, answer some questions, even if we have to search for the words. Tune in for an interview chock full of insights into the power of speech and continuing conversations, especially in these testing times, and how to pivot to online and adapt whilst steering through a pandemic.

Amplifying your message online. Ryan Foland talks to Topeka K. Sam, speaker, advocate and the founder and executive director of ‘The Ladies of Hope Ministries’. She has been working relentlessly to get the voices of women heard, especially those of color and in prison, with the aim of resolving their issues and to change the way the legal system works. In this episode of our COVID-19 special series, Ryan and Topeka talk about the gender inequality and racial injustices that have plagued our communities, and how now, under the current circumstance, the entire country is talking on this topic. Topeka shares about how she started her journey and the motivation behind talking about racial injustice. One of the key messages in this interview is how, as speakers and as people of influence, we can use the platforms, especially digital platforms, that we have, to amplify messages that will change the U.S.A. and the way that people think. Tune in for an interview chock full of insights on the power of visual representation, and how to pivot to virtual and adapt in these testing times of COVID-19.

Ryan Foland speaks with entrepreneur, motivational speaker and magician Vinh Giang. Winner of the South Australia Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, Vinh left his professional career to create a platform to teach magic to students from around the globe. In this episode of our COVID-19 special series, Ryan and Vinh discuss the state of the speaking industry in the COVID-19 situation that we're all in. Vinh shares his story about the path he took to take his venture online, the hurdles that he faced and how he was eventually successful. One of the key messages in this interview is to adapt to the situation and realize that your content may need tweaking. If you are able to break your content into modules and deliver them virtually, companies still have budgets for that these days. Tune in for an interview chock full of insights on how to pivot to virtual, to adapt in these testing times of COVID-19.

Ryan Foland speaks with Charlie Mechem, an expert on effective communication with over 60 years of speaking experience. In this special edition podcast, Charlie offers advice for speakers who now have to operate in a time where there is civil unrest. It is an open and powerful conversation. Many speakers are anxious about what is going to happen in the future, and this can lead to immobility, but you can acknowledge that the world is changing, and you can be part of that change or you can resist that change. In this podcast, Ryan and Charlie encourage speakers to be patient during these challenging time, to take this opportunity to work in and on their business, to work on making their content relevant, to not give up, and to have a sense of humor along the way.

Ryan Foland speaks with Samantha Kelly, the Tweeting Goddess, a leading expert on building community through Twitter. She has been using Twitter to create networks of support through the hashtag #SelfIsolationHelp. In this episode of our COVID-19 special series, Ryan and Samantha dive into what speakers can do to build their community online during quarantines and lockdowns. They give practical advice on how to engage with pre-existing communities or build one yourself. One of the key messages in this interview is to start looking for ways that you can add value to audiences, whether it is with support, insights, or simply, authenticity. Tune-in for an interview chock full of insights on how to build community now, which will help support and serve you in the future.

Handling difficult financial situations. Ryan Foland speaks with Winnie Sun, the Managing Director of Sun Group Wealth Partners. A leading financial expert, she is a CNBC Financial Advisor Council Member and a “top advisor” speaker at national industry events. In this episode of our COVID19 special series, Ryan and Winnie dive into what speakers can do to get on their feet financially in troubling times. Whether you have prepared for an emergency situation or not, whether you are still getting paid or not, this interview has many insights on what you can do right now to set yourself up for the future. One of the key messages in this interview is to start looking at a plan B, plan C and plan D. Start looking at how you can build your business and make money right now, instead of holding out and waiting for this difficult situation to be over Tune in for an interview chock full of insights on how to get your finances on the right track and use this time to build for the future.

Rebubble, reinvent, and make the transition. Ryan Foland speaks with Brian Fanzo, an innovative thought leader and global expert on transitioning to digital and live video. In this episode of our COVID19 special series, they look at how to rebubble and reinvent right now. One of the key messages in this interview is the need for transparency — the more transparent you are today, the easier it will be for you to adapt to uncalculated change and failure tomorrow. Tune in for a rapid-fire interview, chock full of insights on the future of the speaking industry and the role digital will play.

Ryan Foland speaks with Shep Hyken, Mary Drumond and Dan Gingiss, the global leading experts on customer service. In this episode of our COVID19 special series—they look at what has, and hasn’t, changed when it comes to offer great customer service to your audiences and event planners. One of the key messages in this interview is to cultivate empathy—the best customer service comes from being able to understand how your customers feels and what they need. Tune in for an interview chock full of insights on how to be not only a memorable speaker, but a leader, during this time.

We are looking for ways to help our speakers and event organizers cope with the changes, and have connected with some of the top experts we have in our network. In this special series, we interview speaking experts on how to navigate the Coronavirus as a professional speaker. Ryan Foland speaks with Josh Linkner, an expert on professional speaking, innovation, and thought leadership. In this fast-moving, insight-heavy interview, they discuss 3 key topics: - How to level-up and use this downtime to learn more, focus on your health, recharge, and reconnect - What expert speakers are doing right now to build their businesses, and how innovation and hard work now can have big payoffs down the line. - The future of professional speaking for the rest of 2020 and post-coronavirus.

Ryan Foland speaks with Mitch Jackson, a lawyer and expert speaker and lawyer. In this special episode of World of Speakers, Mitch and Ryan discuss COVID-19, or the Coronavirus, and what implications it can have for speakers, events, and attendees. They will explore what your rights are, what to do moving forward, and the importance of remaining human during such troubling times. We would just like to be clear in stating that while Mitch Jackson is a lawyer, and can give general advice that can help inspire you to find out more, it is important you review, or hire a lawyer to review, your specific contacts, waivers, and terms and conditions, and what rights you have in your country.

Connection, conviction, and Geiger counters. We never pick favourites, but some interviews are so flooded with good advice it is hard to not get excited. This is one of those interviews. Ryan sits down with Brian Burkhart, a speaker, organizer, and coach. His unique perspective enables him to share insight into the industry from all sides. Brian has coached leaders of Fortune 500 companies, TED speakers, Shark Tank contestants, and countless business professionals, helping them communicate and lead. There is specific advice for speakers at all levels, from how to be a speaker who keeps getting invited back to some hard-hitting truths for emerging speakers. Listen to this podcast to find out: 1. How determining and communicating your core beliefs can transform your ability to find the right clients and engage audiences. 2. How circular thinking while presenting can make you a better presenter. 3. Why the first 75 seconds of your presentation are crucial, and how to nail your intro by connecting with your audience. 4. Why conviction and connection are the two most essential elements for pro speakers to focus on. 5. How thinking of yourself as a Geiger counter can make you easier to work with and ensure you get hired again.