Breaking the Silence: Finding the Courage to be Heard

8 Episodes
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By: PR Connections

This podcast will explore the real fears behind public speaking, share honest stories, practical tools, and encouragement to help listeners to speak anyway. This podcast will appeal to speakers at all levels. Host Gail Larson is a long-time Toastmaster and uses the skills learned to improve individuals’ abilities to move beyond their fear.

When Your Voice Shakes and Why That’s Okay
#8
Last Saturday at 6:45 AM

Host Gail Larson's guest, Kristina Goldstein is currently pursuing a career in either Radiation Health or Nuclear Engineering.  She is the ideal candidate to talk to us about When your Voice Shakes and Why That’s Okay!  Even with her years of  service in the Navy and advanced education, she would still get quiet at times when she lost her confidence.  This episode will explore how having self-compassion when feeling shaky, reminding yourself that it isn’t failure, but actually growth.  
Kristina graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She was honored to receiv...


The First Time You Speak Anyway
#7
03/27/2026

“Today on Breaking the Silence, I’m joined by Dane Larson, a seasoned corporate marketing communications  manager who has spent his career guiding marketing strategy and growth across biomedical industries, advancing diagnostics and saving lives. But today, Dane will be sharing more personal stories — about the moments he felt intimidated to speak up… and what happened when he decided to "break the silence and do it anyway.” 
This podcast is brought to you by Classy Communications.  Your solution for business success.  Contact us at classycommunications.net/contactus


Speaking Up in Rooms that Intimidate You
#6
03/23/2026

In this episode entitled, Speaking Up in Rooms that Intimidate You, Jesse Oakley III and I will chat about the power dynamics that show up in both professionally and personal environments, like meetings, panels, and even classrooms.  We will discuss how possibly gender, age, race, or any physical attributes could be a factor in this feeling of intimidation, and how small acts of “voice” can build confidence in a big way.  Jesse Oakley III is an experienced author with a demonstrated history of working in the publishing industry. He is a strong media and communication professional as demonstrated as host o...


The Stories We Tell Ourselves About Speaking
#5
03/15/2026

The focus of this episode is to explore a speaker’s mindset and inner dialogue.  It will ask the question, “What story has fear been repeating, and is any of it true?” Helene Rose will share her experiences, particularly in language shifts that build courage.  Helene Rose is a mindset and personal growth expert who helps individuals and teams reconnect with their inner power—so they can create real, lasting transformation both personally and professionally.    
This podcast is brought to you by Classy Communications.  Your solution for business success.  Contact us at classycommunications.net/contactus


Finding Your Voice (Before You Find Your Words)
#4
03/06/2026

This episode will focus on identity and self-trust when speaking.  We will explore the question of whose voice are you afraid to sound like, or not sound like, either personally or professionally, and when to use your authentic voice vs. professional voice.  My guest, Mary Jo Aganad has worked in the field of nursing for over 45 years, and since retirement is specializing in home health care.  Mary Jo will bring a fresh perspective to these topics.  
This podcast is brought to you by Classy Communications.  Your solution for business success.  Contact us at classycommunications.net/contactus


When Fear Takes the Microphone
#3
02/28/2026

This episode will focus on why does fear show up in our bodies before we speak?  Our guest will share stories about physical symptoms and anxiety associated with public speaking, and suggest how to cope.   This podcast is brought to you by Classy Communications.  Your solution for business success.  Contact us at www.ClassyCommunications.net


The Myth of the Confident Speaker on Breaking the Silence
#2
02/22/2026

Focus: Debunking perfection - Core Question: Is confidence something you’re born with — or something you build? Angles:  Why “they’re just confident” is a lie 

Confidence vs. courage 

Speaking while scared

🎯 Outcome: Removes intimidation and comparison.

Calvin Dorsey is President of Dorsey Management Services, and has trained more than 100,000 people from various countries around the world. He is a member of the of the National Speakers Association , ATD and Toastmasters International This podcast is brought to you Classy Communications. Your solution for business success. Contact us at classycommunications.net/contactusy


Why We Stay Silent on Breaking the Silence
#1
02/09/2026

Focus: Naming the fear
:  Core Question: What are we really afraid of when we don’t speak up?
Discussion Points: Fear of judgment, failure, rejection, visibility. Early experiences that taught us silence = safety. Reframing silence as learned, not permanent 
Outcome: Listeners feel seen and understood.  My guest, Sheryl Lynn is the founder of JOYeLY.  At the heart of her work is the JOY Intelligence JQ Framework and the Chair of JOY, a 60-second practice that helps people recognize and process emotions without judgment, calm their nervous systems, which is critical in overcoming fears about public speaking.   This podcast is brought...