My First Stage: How I Landed My First Speaking Gig (and What Happened Next) Titelbild

My First Stage: How I Landed My First Speaking Gig (and What Happened Next)

My First Stage: How I Landed My First Speaking Gig (and What Happened Next)

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Every speaker has a story. But before the standing ovations, the TEDx invitations, and the six-figure speaking fees, there was one gig—the first real stage—that started it all. My First Stage is a podcast that goes behind the mic with professional speakers, authors, coaches, and entrepreneurs to uncover the stories of how they booked their very first speaking engagement and how that moment transformed their confidence, credibility, and career. From kitchen table pitches and last-minute invites to breakout sessions that turned into full-blown keynotes, our guests take you back to the beginning. These aren’t just tales of stepping on stage—they’re raw, honest, and often surprising accounts of what it really took to land that first gig, what happened once they got on stage, and how it impacted the direction of their business from that moment on. Whether you’re an emerging speaker, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to grow your brand, income, or impact through the power of speaking, My First Stage offers the inspiration, insights, and tactical takeaways to help you elevate your own platform. What You’ll Hear: Real stories from real speakers about the hustle, heart, and happy accidents that led to their first booked gig Behind-the-scenes moments: awkward intros, standing ovations, tech fails, and everything in between Lessons learned that helped shape the way they pitch, present, and position themselves today Business impact: how a single stage turned into media coverage, new clients, product launches, or an entirely new path Tips and advice for landing your first (or next) speaking opportunity, straight from those who’ve been there Too often, we only see the highlight reel: the perfectly lit sizzle reel, the booked-out calendar, the standing-room-only audience. But every speaker, no matter how seasoned or successful, had a first time. A first pitch. A first yes. A first chance to prove themselves. My First Stage is a celebration of that beginning. It’s a tribute to the courage it takes to speak—and the way one stage can change everything. Whether you’re hoping to build your speaking business or just looking for the spark to finally step into the spotlight, this podcast is here to help you take that next step. Because your story is powerful. And your first stage might just be the start of something even bigger. Want to Be a Guest? If you’re a speaker with a story to share about your first booked stage—how you got it, what it meant to you, and how it shaped your business—we want to hear it. Apply to be a guest at www.myfirststagepodcast.com or connect with us at @StickWithBranded on social.Copyright 2026 Branded Podcast Network Erfolg im Beruf Management & Leadership Marketing & Vertrieb Ökonomie
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  • Confessions of a First-Time TEDx Speaker with Colette Fehr

    Confessions of a First-Time TEDx Speaker with Colette Fehr
    Jun 4 2026
    Welcome to another episode of My First Stage, where I get to sit down with amazing public speakers, dig into their journeys, and uncover how those “first stage” moments became launchpads for business, growth, and transformation.This week, I’m thrilled to share my conversation with Colette Fehr—a licensed psychotherapist, nationally recognized relationship expert, author, podcast host, and, as of last year, a TEDx speaker! If you’ve ever felt the sting of rejection or wondered if putting yourself out there is really worth it, Colette’s story is going to hit home in the best possible way.Colette Fehr is the author of The Cost of Quiet, a breakthrough book on communication in relationships, and she’s the host of the Substack newsletter “Secrets from a Therapist.” Known for her warmth, honesty, and practical advice, Colette brings decades of experience as a therapist and public speaker. In April 2024, she achieved a major goal by landing—and absolutely crushing—a coveted TEDx stage.Here’s a snapshot of what Colette and I dug into:The Realities of Landing a TEDx Talk: How Colette navigated repeated rejection, burnout, and the “franchise” world of TEDx applications.Using Personal Connections (and How to Pitch): Why and how she chose local and meaningful places to apply, and the strategies she put into her applications.Failing Forward—Openly: Why Colette embraces talking about setbacks and how she uses vulnerability as fuel for personal and professional growth.Show Day Surprises (and Epic Recoveries): What really happened when her slides glitched, the clicker died, and how she managed to connect in the face of technical chaos.Collaboration Over Ego: The power of working with coaches and trusted partners, and why you shouldn’t write your keynote or talk in a vacuum.Turning TEDx Into a Platform: How being on a TEDx stage (and being chosen as a TED Editor’s Pick!) has opened doors, boosted her speaking fees, and become a key credibility builder.Advice for Aspiring Speakers: Why Colette says you should speak anywhere and everywhere, leverage Toastmasters, tap into mentorship, and never stop refining your craft—even when you’re terrified.If Colette’s stage story inspired you, here’s your next move:Watch Colette’s TEDx Talk – Find the link in our show notes, give it a watch, and soak up her wisdom about communication, vulnerability, and growth.Connect with Colette – Grab her book The Cost of Quiet wherever books are sold, subscribe to her Substack “Secrets from a Therapist,” or find her on Instagram @colettejanefehr.Start Building Your Own Stage Muscles – Join Toastmasters, offer to speak in your local community, or just start sharing your insights online—every rep counts.Subscribe & Review – If you loved this episode, please hit subscribe, drop a review, and let me know who you want to hear from next!Pitch Your Story – Have a first stage memory (triumph or disaster) you want to share? Visit myfirststagepodcast.com and let’s connect!Thanks for joining me on this episode of My First Stage. Colette’s story is proof that persistence, vulnerability, and collaboration will always outshine perfection. I can’t wait to bring you more amazing journeys next week!Timestamped Summaries[00:00-00:38] – I introduce Colette and highlight her many hats: psychotherapist, author, podcast host, and TEDx speaker.[00:38-02:57] – Colette introduces her book The Cost of Quiet and draws the connection between her work and the stories she chose for her TEDx Talk.[02:57-03:34] – We dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of applying for TEDx, the pain (and lessons) of rejection, and how personal “connections” played into her pitches.[04:05-05:45] – Colette breaks down her TEDx hunt process: navigating decentralized applications, LinkedIn cold outreach, customizing every pitch, and getting “lucky” on her 7th try.[07:16-10:11] – Colette describes the days leading up to landing her TEDx “at the last minute,” the exhilaration of getting picked, and the intense prep work that followed.[10:11-13:14] – The real chaos: Colette recounts her first TEDx onstage moment, encountering a dead mic, slides gone rogue, and how she powered through by ditching the script, embracing vulnerability, and connecting with her audience.[13:14-14:29] – We talk about what it means to be a TED Editor’s Pick, the honor of being highlighted, and why her video was delayed in release.[14:46-16:16] – We dig into the impact of her TEDx Talk (26,000 views and counting), how she’s used it to level up, and why it’s not always about going viral but building credibility and community.[16:16-17:39] – The magic of collaboration: why even seasoned speakers need writers, editors, and perspective shifters to make their stories stronger and more relatable.[17:39-20:03] – We reflect on what it’s like to write and coach a talk together, and how an authentic partnership put Colette...
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    26 Min.
  • Mastering Speaking, Storytelling, and Stage Presence with PodMatch Founder Alex Sanfilippo

    Mastering Speaking, Storytelling, and Stage Presence with PodMatch Founder Alex Sanfilippo
    May 28 2026
    Welcome back to another episode of My First Stage! I’m your host, Sara Lohse, and this is the podcast where I sit down with professional speakers to dig into how they landed their first stages, survived their early stumbles, and learned to leverage speaking for serious growth—personally and professionally.This week, I had the absolute joy of chatting with my friend, my true “podmatch,” Alex Sanfilippo. From running one of the most respected platforms in podcasting to conquering everything from tech conferences to lightning-fast Pecha Kucha talks, Alex is a powerhouse in both podcasting and public speaking. If you’ve ever wondered how to own your quirks on stage, or how authenticity can actually give you an edge, you’re not going to want to miss this episode.Alex Sanfilippo is a podcaster and the founder of PodMatch.com, a platform that automatically matches podcast hosts and guests for interviews. Through PodMatch and his podcast titled Podcasting Made Simple, Alex helps independent podcasters grow their influence and revenue so they can better serve their listeners!Here’s what Alex and I talked about in this conversation:From Conference Puns to First Stages: How we met (and how I embarrassed myself), and Alex’s unexpectedly stressful (but life-changing) debut on a WordPress stage.Miscommunication, Imposter Syndrome, and What Happens When Your Talk Gets “Bumped”: The story behind my near-trash-can-moment and what really happened with my “lost” keynote.Pecha Kucha Panic: Why the five-minute, auto-advancing-slide format is secretly the hardest stage around—and our mutual respect (and terror) for anyone who nails it.Finding Your Room: How to know if a stage or conference is really the right fit for your personality, business, and style—and why it’s okay to say no to the wrong audience.Authenticity > Perfection: The moments that reinforced why showing up 100% as yourself can be your best asset—even if your slides are covered in sparkles instead of stats.Selling Without the Ick: Alex’s approach to sharing your offer from the stage so it feels like a gift—not a pitch.The Power of Stories, Using Your Hands, and Being “Too Much”: We unpack tips from Carnegie training, ADHD over-explaining, and why neither of us can resist tangents (or pink slides).Lead With Value: The core of Alex’s philosophy for growing a speaking business that actually helps people—and keeps the lights on.The Soggy Sandwich Principle: Why generosity on stage (and off) pays off in unexpected ways, even if you don’t get your payoff right away.Did Alex’s story inspire you to find your own stage (and own your quirks while you’re at it)? Here’s what you can do next:Connect with Alex – Head to podmatch.com/ep/207 to check out my training that Alex referenced, plus resources and everything PodMatch related.Subscribe, Rate & Review – If you loved this episode, hit subscribe, share with a fellow podcaster or speaker, and leave a review on your favorite app.Choose Your Room – This week, reflect on where you show up best. Say yes to your people, and don’t be afraid to say no where you can’t be your truest self.Lead with Value – Before you speak, pod, or pitch, ask yourself: am I here to give or to get? Start with generosity—watch what comes back (maybe, in the form of a “soggy sandwich”).Thanks so much for joining Alex and me this episode. I can’t wait to bring you more stories, strategies, and real talk on My First Stage!Timestamped Summaries[00:00-01:14] – I welcome you back, introduce Alex, and we reminisce about how a pun-filled bracelet at a Houston conference started our pod-matched friendship.[01:19-02:59] – The embarrassing backstory: why I almost hid behind a trash can at Podcast Movement after misreading radio silence from Alex.[03:34-05:33] – Alex recounts his real “first stage”—a WordPress conference where, despite nerves and imposter syndrome, he came out the “blog guy” and found his calling as a trainer.[06:07-07:29] – The content journey: blogging to podcasting, why text-only wasn’t enough, and how he bridged those worlds for early podcasters.[07:29-09:10] – Discovering PodFest by accident, stepping onto his first Pecha Kucha stage, and why five-minute “chit chat” talks are the ultimate speaker challenge.[09:12-11:10] – We admit our mutual terror for Pecha Kucha, and joke about attempting one together (maybe…in 2027?).[12:05-13:15] – The perils of speaking too fast, cramming too much content into too little time, and the surprising value of slowing down for your audience.[14:07-15:14] – Alex shares Dale Carnegie’s best speaking tip: tell one story, explain it once, and let it land—plus, the odd exercise of demonstrating how to “rub the shine out of a quarter.”[16:27-18:12] – Using your hands, being animated, and how body language creates instant trust with your audience.[19:13-21:12] – Permission to double down on your ...
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    40 Min.
  • Davondra Brown’s Advice for New Speakers: Know Yourself and Find Your People

    Davondra Brown’s Advice for New Speakers: Know Yourself and Find Your People
    May 21 2026
    Welcome to another episode of My First Stage! I’m your host, and today I’m sharing a conversation recorded live at the NSA Influence Conference, featuring an incredible speaker and educator: Davondra Brown. If you’re standing at the edge, wondering if you’re ready to make the leap from public speaking to full-time professional speaking, this episode is for you!With over 20 years’ background in public health education and academia, Davondra Brown recently transitioned to a full-time professional speaking career. Her focus? Sexual wellness, its integration into health and healing professions, and building deep relationship connections. She’s made her mark as a sought-after voice for physicians, nurses, midwives, therapists, and business professionals who are ready to build authentic connections and break down the barriers to real conversations.Here’s what you’ll hear us dive into during this candid and inspiring episode:The pivotal moment Davondra Brown decided to become a professional speaker after decades in public healthThe difference between public speaking in academia versus professional speaking—and why that leap mattersHow powerful mentorship and organizations like NSA changed her journey (and can do the same for you)The importance of community, finding your tribe, and why you shouldn’t try to speak to “everyone”Why authenticity and self-awareness are a speaker’s secret weaponBuilding a niche and embracing the message that’s truly yours (even if it’s not for everyone)Real talk about imperfection, “ums and ahs,” and sitting in your own laneActionable advice for finding your unique voice and audience as a speakerInspired by Davondra Brown’s story? Here’s what you can do next:Connect with Davondra Brown – Find her on LinkedIn or Instagram, or follow “Dibs on Sex” on all social platforms to continue learning about sexual wellness, relationships, and authentic life transformation.Join a Community – If you’re thinking of becoming a pro speaker or are looking for your tribe, consider checking out NSA or finding a mastermind group that aligns with your values.Define Your Audience – Get specific! Whether it’s your podcast, your stage, or your business—clarity creates connection.Watch Evolution of Dance: If you haven't yet seen Judson Laipply's Evolution of Dance video, watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNgSubscribe & Review – Love the conversation? Make sure to subscribe to My First Stage, leave a rating or review, and let me know which guests or stories speak to you most!Step on Your Stage – Don’t wait for the “perfect moment.” Start imperfectly, share your unique message, and let your people find you.Thank you so much for tuning in! Join me next week for more real stories, actionable advice, and inspiration from the world’s most compelling speakers.Timestamped Summaries00:00 – I welcome Davondra Brown to the show, and she introduces herself, sharing how the National Speakers Association (NSA) and mentor Crystal Washington have influenced her path into full-time professional speaking.00:48 – Davondra Brown discusses her transition from over 20 years in public health and academia to intentional, purposeful professional speaking—and why those worlds are so different.01:47 – We talk about what motivated her career pivot: planning for retirement, following passion, and designing a future on her own terms.02:25 – Davondra Brown breaks down the role NSA played in making her transition easier, the value of mentors like Mimi Brown and Crystal Washington, and why the community refuses to “gatekeep” knowledge.03:58 – We share stories about meeting heroes at industry events, how approachable role models really are, and why these moments matter so much for connection and learning.05:20 – Davondra Brown gives her “$10,000 masterclass” advice for free: everything starts with knowing yourself, filtering advice based on your own values, and being grounded as a speaker.06:20 – She candidly shares how self-awareness is built over time (and through failure), why imperfection belongs on stage, and the importance of just starting before you feel ready.07:21 – “My message is not for everybody”—Davondra Brown talks about her focus on sexual wellness, relationship expertise, and the freedom that comes from serving a specific audience.08:30 – We discuss the dangers of trying to appeal to everyone, why specificity matters, and how to find your true tribe as a speaker or podcaster.10:00 – Davondra Brown explains how she found her own tribe: first through NSA, then through a women-in-business mastermind that’s been going strong for years—and how doing the work attracts your right people.12:55 – We wrap up with an ode to mastermind friendships, continued growth, and a reminder that you’ll never be perfect out the gate—so just start now.
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    14 Min.
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