The Wealthy Speaker Podcast – Jane Atkinson

Have you ever wondered if missing out on speaking gigs comes down to something as simple as response time? Or are you feeling overwhelmed by managing multiple software platforms to run your business, manage your calendar, host courses, and handle client follow-ups? On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome back my good friend Joe Heaps, co-owner of eSpeakers. I was actually one of the original beta testers for eSpeakers 27 years ago when speaker Art Berg first created it to track his calendar. Since then, it has evolved into a powerhouse platform for professional sp...

If you're ready to stop performing, filter out the background noise, and build a speaking business—and a life—on your own terms, you are going to love this episode. Today, I'm joined by the hilarious, wise, and delightfully candid Linda Edgecombe to dive into her latest book, Aging Wildly: Living and Leading Out Loud in a World That Wants You Quiet. Linda shares how midlife isn't a cue to wind down or play small, but an invitation to recalibrate and reclaim your voice. Get ready for a conversation on showing up authentically both on stage and in life!

We’ve all said it: “My system works.” But in today’s market, corporate clients and event organizers don’t just want your word for it—they want proof. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, we’re diving into a topic that will completely shift how you think about measuring, proving, and selling the impact of your programs. My guest today is the brilliant Dr. Pelè Ugboajah, and he’s showing us how speakers, coaches, and consultants can harness artificial intelligence to generate undeniable, data-backed evidence that their proprietary frameworks deliver results.

Highlights you won’t want to miss:

As professional speakers, we talk a lot about scaling our businesses, landing high-paying gigs, and commanding premium fees, but we rarely talk about the physical baseline required to sustain that level of output. Gruelling travel schedules, high-stakes presentation days, and constant pushing can easily lead to burnout if you aren't intentionally protecting your greatest asset—your health. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am joined by the incredible Mark Black—a heart and double-lung transplant recipient turned marathon runner and CSP—to discuss what it truly takes to build a thriving, sustainable speaking business without sacrificing your w...

Whether you are trying to land your next big stage or scale your influence online, capturing the room and the algorithm takes more than just luck. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am joined by career coach, keynote speaker, and viral content powerhouse Ashley Stahl to uncover what it truly takes to command attention in a crowded marketplace. Listen as Ashley breaks down the anatomy of shareworthy messaging, the psychology behind high-impact content, and how you can master the art of going viral without sacrificing your message or your brand integrity.

Highlights you won’t...

Today we’re tackling a topic that every single speaker will eventually face, yet few ever plan for: what happens when life throws an unexpected curveball right in the middle of a packed calendar? Joining me today is the incomparable Shola Richards—a master of workplace civility, bestselling author, and a speaker who knows firsthand how to lead with transformative kindness, even through profound personal grief. In this episode, Shola and I dive deep into navigating loss while maintaining your commitments, honoring your humanity without derailing your business, and why showing up with radical kindness—especially toward yourself—is the ulti...

If fear, imposter syndrome, or second-guessing yourself has ever held you back from raising your fees, pitching dream clients, or stepping onto bigger stages, this conversation is an absolute must-listen! In this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Rebecca Heiss to explore how our ancestral brains often sabotage our success. Rebecca breaks down the fascinating science behind why we freeze up when taking big leaps in our speaking businesses, offering practical, brain-based strategies to help you reframe stress, quiet self-doubt, and show up with unshakeable confidence.

Highlights you won’t want...

If you had asked me a year ago about living through adversity, I would have had no idea what it is like to think about losing part of my sight. Having recently navigated my own eye health journey with a detached retina, this brings a deeply personal perspective to this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast. I am happy to welcome Jeremy Poincenot to explore how to turn unexpected life challenges into extraordinary success. After suddenly losing his central vision at age 19, Jeremy reframed his adversity into a powerful catalyst for personal growth and a thriving speaking career. Listen...

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to step into your full power, command the stage, and build a business that truly reflects your worth, you are in for an absolute treat today. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome the powerhouse herself, Pegine Echevarria, to the show. Known for her fierce leadership, unshakeable confidence, and brilliant business mind, Pegine is here to shake things up and share the raw truth about what it takes to scale your impact and your income. Get ready to take some serious notes, because this episode is...

As professional speakers, our number one goal is always to deliver an absolute knockout experience for our client and audience every single time we step onto that stage. A huge part of moving the needle and standing out in this industry comes down to your creative edge—how you package your ideas and tailor them so perfectly that the client feels like it was built just for them. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, we’re excited to welcome the incredibly creative Kyle Scheele to the show. He’s joining us to share his insights on how you ca...

If you’re ready to scale your business and really connect with your audience, you already know the landscape has shifted. The last few years have completely rewritten the rules of how we deliver our message. We are officially living in a hybrid world. But here’s the big question so many speakers are struggling with: How do we show up in this hybrid space and actually engage our entire audience—both in the room and online—at the exact same time? On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am excited to sit down with Kassy Laborie. She is a...

As speakers, we all have a powerful message that we know can create a massive impact. But if your positioning is off, or if your execution misses the mark, that message gets lost in the noise—and you lose momentum. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, we are taking a deep dive into how to strategically anchor your message so it truly resonates with your audience. I am thrilled to welcome messaging strategist Neil Gordon to break down exactly how to elevate your content, take control of your narrative, and ensure your message creates the great change yo...

Scaling a speaking business is one thing, but creating one that fuels your life rather than consuming it? That is where the real strategy comes in. We talk a lot about revenue and reach, but we also have to talk about how to make sure this business works for the people who matter most—our families. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome back Sarah McVanel. She has been on a remarkable journey, and today she’s sharing how she built the business of her dreams while ensuring her family didn’t just surviv...

If you’ve been in the speaking industry for more than five minutes, you know that building a sustainable, high-fee career isn't just about what happens on stage—it’s about the mindset, the resilience, and the "attitude of excellence" you bring to the business every single day. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am beyond thrilled to welcome a true titan of the industry, a CPAE Hall of Fame speaker, and a man who has mastered the art of turning a "no" into a "not yet." My friend, Dr. Willie Jolley, is here to pull back t...

The world of technology is moving at lightning speed, and while tech can be impressive, we have to be careful not to let it do the heavy lifting for us. As speakers, our value lies in being authentically ourselves and ensuring every presentation is deeply customized for the client. But that begs the question: where exactly does technology fit into a high-level speaking business? On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, we’re excited to welcome Sylvie diGiusto to the show to dive into some truly revolutionary ideas on how we present to our audiences.

Highlights yo...

Most speakers start with a list of "to-dos," but the truly wealthy speakers start with a vision. You have to know exactly what you want your business and your life to look like before you can build it. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome back my former client, Jacob Green. Jacob is a fantastic example of what happens when you get clear on what you want and put the right systems in place to make it happen. We’re diving deep into his journey and sharing actionable strategies to help you bring your...

Let’s be honest: walking onto a stage and commanding a room isn't just about having "the gift of gab." It requires a level of unshakeable confidence that separates the hobbyists from the high-fee experts. But that kind of swagger doesn’t just fall out of the sky—it’s built. The real question is: where do you find that internal spark, so it serves your business and your audience? On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome best-selling author and TEDx speaker Tara LaFon Gooch to pull back the curtain on how to build co...

If there is one thing I’ve learned in over 30 years in this business, it’s that the speaking industry never stands still. The landscape is constantly shifting, and if you aren’t willing to evolve your business model, you’re going to find yourself irrelevant pretty quickly. To stay ahead of the curve, you have to be intentional about your growth. That’s why I am so thrilled to welcome Arel Moodie back to the show. Arel has his finger on the pulse of where this industry is headed, and today, he’s sharing exactly what you need to do to ada...

We’ve all navigated those 'off' days that test our patience. But occasionally, the universe throws a curveball so massive it makes a standard bad day look like a walk in the park. This isn't just a hiccup; it’s the kind of disaster that requires a total mindset shift to survive. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome my friend and former client, Paul Templer, to share his harrowing experience and how he rebounded to create a life of service and to continue finding joy through adversity.

Highlights you won’t want...

I don't know a single soul who hasn't hit a few speed bumps on the road to success. But the real question isn't whether you’ll face obstacles; it’s how you’re going to move past them to build the life and the business of your dreams. How do you actually manifest that "big stage" vision? On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome back my former client, Penny Tremblay. Penny is joining us to share her incredible journey of resilience, and she’s going to show you exactly how to clear the debris a...

Today, we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home for almost every speaker, entrepreneur, and high-performer I know: mental health. Let’s be honest—in the fast-paced world of professional speaking (and just life in general), most of us are carrying a heavier load than we care to admit. To help us navigate these waters, I’ve invited the brilliant Mark Mayfield to the show. We’re discussing his powerful book, “I’m Not Okay, You’re Not Okay, And That’s Okay,” and walking through the practical coping strategies you need to stay resilient, healthy, and ready for the st...

Happy New Year...Pop the champagne—we are celebrating a massive milestone today as we mark 350 episodes of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, helping speakers build the business of their dreams!

I am thrilled to introduce you to the winner of our 2025 Best Speaker Video Contest, Vanessa McNeal, and let me tell you—she is the real deal. Vanessa is not only a fantastic speaker, but is also an award-winning filmmaker and social activist who leverages her background in social work to advocate for systemic change. She is also a two-time TEDx speaker and a powerhouse who understands that...

Note: This video contains coarse language.

I think that most of us have struggled with feeling like an imposter at one time or another. Today we’re taking a deep dive into imposter syndrome and the struggles that ADHD add to becoming successful while gaining followers on social media. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am thrilled to introduce you to Jule Kim. Jule lays bare the internal complexities often hidden behind a polished online persona. She shares her story, demonstrating that embracing one's personal journey of self-doubt and people-pleasing is a powerful foundation fo...

It’s hard to believe that I have been doing this podcast for 10 years now! When we started, I never imagined that it would become as popular as it has and that I would have the privilege of reaching as many people as we have. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome back the King of Podcasting, John Lee Dumas!

Highlights you won’t want to miss:

Let's be honest, there are some speakers out there who put on a total stage persona. They are one person when they're on the platform and a completely different person the minute they step off. But here's the real secret to making it big in this business—and you know it too: You absolutely must be your true, authentic self. Whether you're on the stage giving the keynote, coaching a client one-on-one, or running a training session, your true colors have to shine through. It's not just a nice idea; it's imperative. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Po...

Alright, let's be honest with ourselves, shall we? In this polarized world landscape, the whole concept of kindness can feel like a forgotten commodity. People are often guarded, fearing rejection or even scorn, and as a result, they're less likely to put themselves out there and show a little compassion. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I’m delighted to welcome back my friend, Shola Richards, to share some of his incredible concepts for transforming workplaces into spaces that genuinely foster kindness and compassion.

If you want some great ideas on how to create a ki...

We talk a lot about identifying and narrowing your lane at Speaker Launcher, but how narrow should you go? Just how specific do you want your offering to be? On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome back my longtime friend and incredible speaker, Neen James, who is showing the world how to build the luxury lifestyle of her dreams by focusing her attention and prioritizing her niche.

If you want to learn the power of having a focused niche and how to create the lifestyle of your dreams, you simply can’t...

You know, it feels like the whole world's been turned upside down lately, doesn't it? With so much happening around us, it’s easy to feel like you're just getting tossed around in the waves. But in times of turmoil, the one thing you can always control is your mindset. So, I thought, what better time to dive into this topic than now? To help us do that, I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome back not just a former client, but a true friend, Ryan Estis.

If you could use a little bit of confidence-building and ideas to im...

Let's face it: whether you're just starting out or have been at this for a while, we all want a long, successful speaking career. But how do you actually achieve it? How do you build a business that not only survives but thrives for decades? On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am beyond thrilled to welcome my friend and former client, Michelle Ray. She is a master of longevity and has built a speaking business that has not only endured but excelled for more than 30 years. Join us as Michelle pulls back the curtain and shares...

You know how it goes. Every speaker wants to be seen as authentic, genuine, the real deal. But let's pull back the curtain for a second. How many of you are actually brave enough to be yourselves when you're out there, or are you just playing a part, hoping to please the crowd, and totally forgetting your own well-being in the process? On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I'm thrilled to have my former client, Judi Holler, join us again. Judi shares her incredible journey of self-discovery – a path that led her to completely transform her life an...

So many speakers dream of it, right? Becoming an international sensation and speaking on stages worldwide. Now, not everyone reaches that level of influence, but let me tell you, it takes a whole lot of know-how and even more ambition to make it happen. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am absolutely thrilled to welcome back my good friend, David Avrin! He's here to share some of his incredible systems and brilliant ideas to help you take your speaking business to a truly global stage.

If your goal is to book those fantastic international...

Are you speaking full-time, or are you still treating it as a side hustle? How do we know when it’s time to take the plunge and make speaking your full-time profession? Where do we find the courage or wherewithal to even start to think about giving up our “real job”? On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome my past client and long-time friend, James Robbins, to discuss how he transformed his small side hustle into a thriving 6-figure business.

If you would like some great advice on what it takes to fin...

When you're first diving into the speaking business, you know deep down it's going to take hard work and determination to build something truly remarkable. But the million-dollar question always is: How long will this take, and how in the world do I know I'm actually making headway? Well, we look for what I like to call "flashpoints." These are those exhilarating moments in your business where something truly fantastic clicks into place, and you can practically feel yourself propelled forward. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I'm thrilled to bring back my client, David Atkins, to...

Alright, let's chat about the speaker's journey, shall we? Because let's be honest, nearly every one of us, when we first dipped our toes into the world of speaking, was juggling it with a "proper job." Speaking was our side hustle, our passion project, simmering on the back burner. But then, the magic starts to happen, the bookings pick up, the buzz grows, and suddenly, you're looking at that side hustle thinking, "Hmm, maybe this could be the thing!"

On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, we are delighted to welcome back one of my shining...

Alright, let's be honest with ourselves, shall we? As speakers, we all know we should be master storytellers. But if we're really truthful, how many of us wouldn't benefit from a good dose of improvement in that department? On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, we’re excited to have storytelling coach Jill Davis join us to share some of her knowledge and tips with us.

If you would like to make more impact with your stories on stage and beyond, you simply can’t afford to miss this episode!

For access to FULL SHOW...

How are your storytelling skills? Do you feel like you've mastered them, or would you like a little help getting started? Okay, let's set the scene… Now what? What exactly are your story "must-haves"? On this episode of the Wealthy Speaker Podcast, we're so excited to welcome back Mike Ganino to share some great ideas from his new book, Make a Scene.

If you would like to learn some storytelling strategies that will help you elevate your stage presence and make a scene, you simply can't afford to miss this episode.

For access to FULL SH...

Let's be honest, that familiar feeling of "what's next?" seems to be swirling around again. We've navigated these uncertain waters before, haven't we? But just because we've been here doesn't mean it feels any less… well, uncertain! So, to inject a shot of perspective and a whole lot of positivity into our world, we’re thrilled to welcome back Chris West! He's going to share his insights on the current state of the speaking industry and, even better, give us some actionable ideas on how to keep that momentum going. 

If you're looking for some constructive ideas to he...

As a professional speaker, it's necessary to look at yourself closely to see what you can improve upon to reach a higher level of mastery of your craft. But can you be objective and kind to yourself in the process? On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, we're happy to welcome my client, executive speech coach Ruth Milligan, who trains speakers on how to make their message more engaging and impactful.

If you want some great strategies on how you can improve your speech and get that High Stakes Speaking gig, you simply can't afford to...

How old were you when you decided that you wanted to be a professional speaker and make this your profession? Just how young is too young? On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Sam Demma, who, at the tender age of 25, has an extremely impressive speaking resume and some great ideas that seem to be well beyond his years.

If you could use some really sound business-building ideas, you can't afford to miss this episode!

For access to FULL SHOW NOTES, including video and links, visit https://www.speakerlauncher.com...

There has been so much happening in the world these last couple of months. The news is overwhelming for many, and there is so much uncertainty. We decided it was time to bring back our “great calmer downer” and economist, Andrew Busch. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, Andrew is here to explain some of what is going on and do his best to alleviate some of our fears.

If you could use some unbiased information and explanations of what is happening in the news, you simply can’t afford to miss this episode.

For...