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In this episode of Captivate the Mic, Elaine Williams sits down with Cam Beaudoin, founder of The Frequent Speaker and a strategist who helps thought leaders, CEOs, and experts get booked on more stages. Cam shares the real truth about becoming a professional speaker, building authority, standing out in a saturated market, and using storytelling, niching down, and video presence to rise above the noise.

If you’re an aspiring speaker, a female leader working on executive presence, or a business owner wanting more visibility, this conversation gives you the exact roadmap to elevate your message and get paid for your voice.

Cam and Elaine dive into:

• Why most speakers don’t get booked
• How niching down opens more opportunities
• The psychology of event planners & reducing risk
• The power of storytelling as your “salt”
• Why free gigs still matter
• How to build a sustainable speaking pipeline
• The nine B-roll shots every speaker must record
• How lived experience shapes credibility and transformation

Whether you're building your first keynote, improving your demo reel, or ready to scale your speaking career, this episode delivers practical strategies you can use immediately.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Professional speakers succeed by practicing like athletes.
   Being paid to speak requires rehearsing, refining material, reviewing footage, and consistently leveling up. (Keywords: professional speaking tips, become a paid speaker)
2. Niching down makes you more bookable.
   The narrower the specialty, the easier it is for event planners to match you to their audience. (Keywords: niche speaking topics, how to get speaking gigs)
3. Storytelling is the strongest tool for audience transformation.
   Facts inform — stories persuade, connect, and move people to action. (Keywords: storytelling for speakers, audience engagement)
4. Event planners choose speakers who reduce risk.
   They must justify their decision to their board, so having strong video, proof, and clarity matters. (Keywords: event planner expectations, speaker demo reel)
5. Free gigs still open massive doors.
   Free workshops or lunch-and-learns often lead to paid corporate engagements. (Keywords: how to get booked to speak, speaking opportunities)
6. Record everything — always.
   Great B-roll lasts forever and fuels demo reels, social content, and future marketing. (Keywords: speaker marketing, demo reel tips)
7. Your weaknesses humanize you and strengthen your brand.
   Leaning into your “flaws” creates emotional connection and memorability. (Keywords: personal branding for speakers)
8. Speaking success requires long-term persistence.
   Most seeds take 12–18 months to grow into opportunities. (Keywords: speaking business, speaker strategy)

ABOUT CAM BEAUDOIN

Cam Beaudoin is a speaker strategist, video producer, and founder of The Frequen

Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams:
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In this episode of Captivate the Mic, Elaine Williams sits down with marketing strategist and former attorney Nina Cleere to unpack one of the biggest visibility shifts happening right now: how people are being found through AI instead of traditional search.

Nina shares her unconventional journey from public defender to corporate counsel to digital marketing expert—and how her background in law sharpened her edge in research, positioning, and strategic communication.

Together, they explore:

• Why AI-generated content can’t be copyrighted (and what that means for creators)
• How platforms like ChatGPT and Claude are changing buying behavior
• The rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)
• The small but powerful website fixes that instantly boost trust and reach
• Why your content needs to mirror how people actually ask questions
• How backlinks, testimonials, and media features now help AI recommend you
• The hidden visibility killers like broken links and inconsistent business info

This conversation is a must-listen for speakers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who want to stay discoverable, credible, and competitive in a rapidly changing digital world.

✨ Key Takeaways

1. AI is the new search engine
   More people are finding experts through ChatGPT and Claude—not just Google.
2. GEO is the future of SEO
   Generative Engine Optimization helps AI tools recommend you as the answer.
3. AI content isn’t copyrightable
   Use AI to support your thinking, not replace your original voice.
4. Simple tech fixes boost visibility fast
   SSL, clean links, schema markup, and consistent business info matter more than most realize.
5. FAQ-style content wins now
   Write the way people actually ask questions for better SEO and AI discovery.

👤 Guest Bio – Nina Cleere

Nina Cleere is a marketing strategist, AI visibility consultant, and former attorney who helps entrepreneurs get found in both search engines and AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude.

After working as a public defender, corporate counsel, and VP of a Fortune 500–level company, Nina pivoted into digital marketing—bringing her legal research and strategic expertise into modern visibility strategies.

She’s the founder of HaroHelper.com, where she helps business owners land media mentions, build authoritative backlinks, and future-proof their discoverability through Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).

Nina is known for her direct, practical guidance that cuts through hype and helps smart professionals stop being invisible online.

🔗 Connect with Nina Cleere
🌐 Website:
https://harohelper.com/
📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/netc23/
💼 Facebook:
https://w

Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams:
Check out Captivate the Mic Podcast on Elaine's YouTube Channel
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In this episode of Captivate the Mic, Elaine Williams sits down with Amy Jenkins — estate planning and probate attorney — for an honest, eye-opening conversation about what really happens after a loved one passes away.

After navigating the loss of her own father, Elaine shares firsthand how having power of attorney, medical directives, and a DNR still didn’t prepare her for the realities of probate, frozen bank accounts, and the overwhelming number of decisions families are forced to make while grieving.

Amy brings clarity, compassion, and real-life stories from her legal practice to explain why estate planning is about far more than paperwork — it’s about protecting relationships, preserving peace of mind, and preventing unnecessary stress for the people you love.

She shares:

• What actually happens to assets after someone passes away
• Why bank accounts can be frozen — and how long probate can really take
• The myth that everything automatically goes to the surviving spouse
• Why power of attorney stops working the moment someone dies
• When trusts can help families avoid court and long delays
• The true cost of probate — emotionally and financially
• Why personal items and heirlooms often cause the biggest family conflicts

This episode is packed with real stories, practical explanations, and compassionate guidance for anyone who wants to spare their loved ones from confusion, court delays, and unnecessary heartache.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Power of attorney ends at death.
Once someone passes away, power of attorney immediately becomes invalid and cannot be used to manage assets or accounts.

2. Probate is a court process — and it takes time.
In many cases, probate can take anywhere from 9 to 18 months, leaving families waiting to access funds while bills continue.

3. Bank accounts can be frozen quickly.
When a financial institution is notified of a death, accounts may become inaccessible until legal authority is granted.

4. Assets don’t always transfer automatically.
Even spouses may need probate to properly transfer ownership, especially when real estate is involved.

5. Trusts can help families avoid court delays.
A revocable living trust can allow assets to pass more quickly, privately, and with less stress — though not everyone needs one.

6. The emotional toll is often greater than the financial cost.
Grief, uncertainty, and pressure can strain families far more than legal fees alone.

7. Heirlooms and personal items cause more conflict than money.
Without clear guidance, sentimental items often become the source of major family disputes.

👤 Guest Bio — Amy Jenkins

Amy Jenkins is an estate planning and probate attorney based in Texas, known for her calm, compassionate, and no-BS approach to helping families plan ahead and navigate life’s most difficult transitions.

Amy helps individuals and families create wills, trusts, and estate plans

Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams:
Check out Captivate the Mic Podcast on Elaine's YouTube Channel
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In this episode of Captivate the Mic, Elaine Williams sits down with Mickey Fitch-Collins, a leadership development expert, professional facilitator, and former teenage professional bass fisher whose unconventional journey shaped her powerful voice on stage.

Mickey shares how becoming the youngest professional bass fisherman in the U.S. at just 14 years old unexpectedly launched her into public speaking—teaching rooms full of men twice her age. That early stage experience built confidence, resilience, and a deep understanding of storytelling that still fuels her work today.

The conversation weaves through:

• Finding confidence through early stage time
• Why authenticity matters more than polish in speaking
• How storytelling creates real human connection
• Using AI as a modern presentation coach
• Preventing burnout through leadership and feedback
• Why everyone has a voice worth hearing

Mickey also reflects on her transition from higher education leadership into corporate learning and development, her work at Learn It, and why owning your narrative is the foundation of impactful communication.

This episode is a powerful reminder that confidence isn’t born — it’s built, and the sooner you step on stage, the faster you grow.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Stage time builds confidence faster than theory
   Speaking early—even imperfectly—creates resilience you can’t learn from books.
2. Authenticity beats polish every time
   Audiences connect with real humans, not rehearsed facades.
3. Storytelling is the fastest way to build trust
   Facts inform, but stories move people emotionally.
4. Confidence comes from competence
   When you know your material deeply, nerves become excitement instead of fear.
5. AI can be a powerful speaking coach
   Recording yourself and using AI feedback accelerates growth.
6. Feedback is fuel, not criticism
   Regular positive feedback prevents burnout and strengthens teams.
7. Your background is your advantage
   What makes you “different” is often what makes you memorable.

👤 Guest Bio — Mickey Fitch-Collins

Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, is a leadership development expert, professional facilitator, and human skills trainer at Learnit. She began public speaking at just 14 years old as the youngest professional bass fisherman in the U.S., teaching packed rooms of seasoned anglers and industry leaders.

After earning her PhD in leadership and spending over 20 years in higher education administration, Mickey transitioned into corporate learning and development, where she now helps professionals strengthen communication, prevent burnout, and lead with authenticity.

She is also the host of The Learnit Library, where she explores learning, leadership, and human connection at work.

🔗 Guest Links & Contact

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeyfitchcollins/
• Learnit Page: https://www.learnit.com/mickey

Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams:
Check out Captivate the Mic Podcast on Elaine's YouTube Channel
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Want to schedule a free chat with Elaine? Click here to book a zoom date!

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In this episode of Captivate the Mic, Elaine sits down with Amy Castro, a corporate trainer, speaker, and communication expert with over 30 years of experience in the speaking industry.

Together, they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build a sustainable speaking career — beyond the stage, the spotlight, and the hype.

Amy shares honest insights about:

• why most of the work happens offstage
• the unsexy but essential parts of the speaking business
• how belief and confidence affect your ability to sell yourself
• the difference between motivational speaking and corporate training
• why “exposure” isn’t always worth it
• how to niche strategically without boxing yourself in
• the importance of storytelling — even in corporate training

This conversation is grounded, practical, and refreshingly real for anyone considering speaking, training, or thought leadership as a career — or anyone who wants to communicate more clearly and confidently in professional spaces.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Speaking is a business — not just a performance.
   Most success comes from follow-ups, outreach, and relationship building.
2. Be cautious of inflated income promises.
   If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
3. Confidence isn’t about ego — it’s about belief.
   Belief in your message matters more than how “cool” your topic sounds.
4. Corporate training offers long-term sustainability.
   When organizations trust you, one workshop can turn into years of work.
5. Storytelling is essential — even in training environments.
   People remember stories, not bullet points.
6. Niches help you grow faster, not smaller.
   Clarity attracts the right opportunities.
7. Free speaking should be strategic, not habitual.
   Exposure only matters if it leads somewhere.
8. Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear with experience.
   The goal is learning how to work through it — not waiting for it to vanish.

👤 GUEST BIO — AMY CASTRO

Amy Castro is a corporate trainer, speaker, and communication expert with over three decades of experience helping organizations improve communication, leadership, and customer service.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Amy built a thriving speaking and training business, working with organizations such as NASA, Texas Children’s Hospital, and numerous government and corporate clients. Her work focuses on practical communication strategies, leadership development, and workplace effectiveness.

Amy is known for her grounded, honest approach to the speaking industry and her ability to make complex communication concepts relatable, engaging, and actionable.

🔗 Website: https://amycastro.com
📧 Email: amy@amycastro.com

Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams:
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In this episode of Captivate the Mic, I sat down with Kimberly Lynne, a board-certified hypnotist and trauma-informed healer who transformed decades of chronic illness, anxiety, and physical pain into a wellness journey rooted in subconscious healing.

Kimberly shares her personal story of battling over 20 years of unexplained illness, panic attacks, and debilitating symptoms — and how learning hypnosis not only healed her body from the inside out, but led her to help women release emotional baggage, trauma, and chronic stress patterns.

Elaine and Kimberly explore:

• Why physical symptoms often originate from emotional overload
• How panic attacks and chronic illness can be connected
• What hypnosis really is (vs. Hollywood myths)
• How subconscious rewiring reduces anxiety and inflammation
• Why most people don’t heal because they don’t feel safe
• The spiritual role of life challenges and “being called” to do the work

This is a powerful episode for anyone dealing with chronic pain, trauma recovery, or the desire to reclaim their health through mind-body healing.

1. Chronic illness can be rooted in unresolved emotional stress.
   Relief often begins when the nervous system feels safe again.
2. Hypnosis is not mind control — it’s a natural state of focused awareness.
3. Healing is gradual and nonlinear.
   The body needs time to recalibrate once stressors are removed.
4. Hypnosis can rapidly reduce panic and anxiety.
   Kimberly stopped experiencing panic attacks within weeks.
5. People resist healing when they don’t feel safe being vulnerable.
   Trust and emotional safety accelerate transformation.
6. You don’t need to believe in hypnosis for it to work — you need willingness.
7. Physical healing follows emotional release.
   Pain lessens when the underlying stress pattern is removed.

Kimberly Lynne is a board-certified hypnotist, speaker, trauma-informed coach, and the chairperson for a national hypnotherapy board certification committee. After suffering over 20 years of chronic illness, anxiety, and unexplained pain, she healed herself through subconscious reprogramming — a journey that led her to help other women release trauma and reclaim emotional sovereignty.

She has now worked with hundreds of clients to break cycles of stress, childhood wounds, self-doubt, and physical pain driven by emotional overwhelm.

Her mission: Help women return to who they were before life conditioned them to survive instead of thrive.

Website: https://lynhypnosis.com
Instagram: @hypnotistkimberlylynne
All platforms: Hypnotist Kimberly Lynne

Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams:
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In this episode of Captivate the Mic, Elaine sits down with Michelle Walters — imagination advocate, clinical hypnotherapist, marketing expert, author, and creator of MakeMyHypno.com, the world’s first custom AI-powered hypnosis audio generator.

Michelle blends science, spirituality, and marketing psychology to help people break patterns, overcome anxiety, reduce sugar cravings, improve confidence, and use the subconscious mind to make powerful life changes.

She shares:

• How hypnosis actually works (backed by MRI research)
• The difference between meditation vs. hypnotherapy
• Her personal evolution from marketing executive → hypnotist
• How to rewire your brain for less stress and better habits
• Why sugar cravings spike when you’re stressed
• The inspiration behind her new AI hypnosis app
• The surprising spiritual + practical “double life” many healers lead
  
  

This episode is packed with insightful stories, neuroscience-backed explanations, and highly practical tools for anyone curious about hypnosis, conscious leadership, or improving their internal self-talk.

Also as a gift from Michelle, she has a special discount code for you! You collect it on this page.

https://hello.michellewalters.net/podcast-discount

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If you’re ready to shift your internal patterns so the external results finally match, this is your next step.

👉 Learn more here: https://visibility.captivatethecrowd.com/confidenceincamera
Rewrite your patterns. Reclaim your voice. Rise with confidence.

1. Hypnosis is a natural brain state — NOT paranormal.

MRI scans show certain brain regions “dial down,” making it easier to access deeper patterns and absorb new messaging.

2. Hypnosis has a goal, unlike meditation.
- Meditation can be open-ended; hypnosis is strategic and result-oriented.

3. Sugar cravings often spike when you’re stressed, tired, or overwhelmed.
- Hypnosis supports habit change by calming the emotional brain.

4. Your subconscious can only focus on one transformation at a time.
- That’s why Michelle recommends separate recordings for different goals.

5. You can rewire behaviors faster when you feel emotionally safe.
- Hypnosis offers that safe internal space.

6. Your life’s “timeline” isn’t linear — and that’s okay.
- Michelle’s story demonstrates that reinvention is always possible.

7. AI can enhance wellness tools when used ethically.
- Her custom hypnosis generator creates personalized, meaningful recordings in minutes.

Michelle Walters is an imagination advocate, clinical hypnotherapist, marketing coach, speaker, and the creator of MakeMyHypno.com, the first AI-powered custom hypnosis audio generator. After a long career in digital marketing, she blended her expertise in psychology, communication, and subconsciou

Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams:
Check out Captivate the Mic Podcast on Elaine's YouTube Channel
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Follow Elaine on Social- LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
Want to schedule a free chat with Elaine? Click here to book a zoom date!

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In this empowering episode of Captivate the Mic, host Elaine Williams sits down with bestselling author Kirsten Weiss, the mastermind behind over 70 cozy mystery novels, including Legacy of the Witch and the beloved Tea & Tarot series. Together, they explore how storytelling, humor, and resilience help women reclaim their voices — both on the page and in real life.

Kirsten shares how her strong female characters are shaped by real transformation: rebuilding after loss, finding humor in hard times, and leading with self-awareness. From discussing her favorite characters like Abigail and Maddie to reflecting on the influence of Judy Blume, this conversation uncovers the deeper connection between writing, healing, and leadership.

Elaine and Kirsten also discuss:

• Why relatable heroines matter in women’s fiction
• How reading strengthens empathy and brain health
• What makes a story emotionally authentic and timeless
• How to embrace personal transitions as creative fuel

Whether you’re a writer, coach, or creative professional, this episode reminds you that your story is your power — and your voice can change everything.

Key Takeaways:

1. Storytelling is leadership.
- Women who share their stories create connection, courage, and community.

2. Strong female leads reflect real-life strength.
- Humor, imperfection, and growth make characters (and people) relatable and inspiring.

3. Books build better brains.
- Reading activates creativity, reduces stress, and helps prevent cognitive decline.

4. Transformation begins with truth.
- Writing and reading authentic stories remind us that healing starts when we stop hiding.

5. Reinvention is power.
- Like Kirsten’s heroines, women can turn transitions, loss, and uncertainty into purpose and leadership.

Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams:
Check out Captivate the Mic Podcast on Elaine's YouTube Channel
Check out the Captivate the Crowd Website
Follow Elaine on Social- LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
Want to schedule a free chat with Elaine? Click here to book a zoom date!