Speaker Life

Speaker Life is your behind-the-scenes pass into the world of professional speaking, luxury branding and media opportunities. Hosted by media strategist and Speaker Life Magazine founder Lea Woodford, this podcast delivers actionable insights, expert strategies, and powerful conversations with speakers who are building unforgettable brands and booking high-impact stages.Whether you're just stepping into the spotlight or scaling a multiple six-figure speaking career, Speaker Life gives you the tools, connections, and confidence to own the mic and rise as a thought leader.New episodes weekly—subscribe now and get booked, seen, and heard.

Speaker Life is a business podcast hosted by Lea Woodford, with 55 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Lea Woodford hosts Speaker Life, a business show with 55 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Speaker Life

  The Networking Strategy That Built a 7-Figure Business | Stephanie Cartin

  Aug 18, 202619 min

  How can women entrepreneurs grow a business through networking, mentorship, visibility, and community? Entreprenista co-founder Stephanie Cartin shares the relationship-building strategies that helped her build a seven-figure agency. If you're trying to grow your business alone, struggling to get noticed, or unsure how to find your next client, referral, speaking opportunity, or strategic partnership, this episode of Speaker Life will help you move forward with greater confidence and support. Stephanie Cartin joins Lea Woodford to reveal how she and co-founder Courtney Spritzer left their corporate careers, invested in the right relationships before they felt ready, and positioned themselves as social media thought leaders. Those early decisions helped them grow Socialfly into a seven-figure social media agency and eventually create Entreprenista. Stephanie explains why successful entrepreneurs rarely build alone. Strategic networking, mentorship, public speaking, social media, PR, and genuine relationships can create opportunities that hard work by itself cannot. In this episode, you'll discover: • How strategic networking can accelerate business growth • Why one introduction can change the direction of your business • How to invest in yourself without viewing every opportunity as an expense • Why founders should learn from people who are already successful • How speaking, PR, and social media establish authority and visibility • Why collaboration creates more opportunities than competition • How giving value first builds trust, referrals, and partnerships • Why the right founder community helps you grow faster • How to position yourself as a visible industry thought leader • Why you don't have to build or scale your business alone Stephanie also shares the story behind Entreprenista and the Entreprenista League, a membership community that helps women founders access meaningful connections, business resources, mentorship, visibility opportunities, and ongoing support. Who is Stephanie Cartin? Stephanie Cartin is a serial entrepreneur, investor, podcast host, and advocate for women founders. She is the co-founder of Entreprenista and Socialfly, the social media agency she helped grow into a seven-figure business. Through the Entreprenista League, Stephanie helps women entrepreneurs develop valuable relationships, increase their visibility, and gain the resources and support needed to grow and scale. This episode answers questions including: How can women entrepreneurs build a powerful business network? Why is community important for entrepreneurial success? Can networking generate clients, referrals, and speaking opportunities? How can a founder become more visible in her industry? When should an entrepreneur invest in networking or mentorship? How do successful entrepreneurs find the right people to support their growth? If you're a woman founder, entrepreneur, speaker, coach, consultant, or business owner who wants to build authority, expand your network, and create more opportunities, Stephanie's story will show you why your next breakthrough may begin with one meaningful relationship. CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE CARTIN Website: https://entreprenista.com Instagram: Stephanie Cartin: https://www.instagram.com/stephjillcartin/ Courtney Spritzer: https://www.instagram.com/courtspritzer/ Entreprenista: https://www.instagram.com/entreprenistas/ LinkedIn: Stephanie Cartin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephjillcartin Courtney Spritzer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyspritzer Entreprenista: https://www.linkedin.com/company/entreprenistas/ CONNECT WITH SPEAKER LIFE Speaker Life helps speakers, entrepreneurs, coaches, and thought leaders communicate with confidence, build their authority, grow their influence, and turn their message into opportunity. Website: https://speakerlifemedia.com Speaker Life Magazine: https://speakerlifemagazine.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiZzhVX4MatL3F0aXhovblw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealspeakerlife/ Lea Woodford: https://www.instagram.com/leawoodford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leawoodford/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leawoodford Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speaker-life/id1819421221 Follow and subscribe to Speaker Life for conversations about public speaking, entrepreneurship, personal branding, business growth, content marketing, visibility, and building influence.

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  Speaker Life

  How Wendy Starland Is Reimagining Creator Monetization With AI

  Aug 17, 202621 min

  Creators, speakers, artists, and entrepreneurs are working harder than ever to build an audience—so why is it still so difficult to get discovered and paid? In this Speaker Life podcast episode, Wendy Starland explores the future of creator monetization, AI-powered audience discovery, brand partnerships, and sustainable income for people who create meaningful content. Wendy Starland is a songwriter, entrepreneur, talent developer, and the first person to recognize and develop Lady Gaga. She joins Lea Woodford to share the story behind discovering Stefani Germanotta in New York City, the drive and team-building required to create a global brand, and why talent alone is not enough to succeed in today's media economy. Wendy also discusses Music Soul, an upcoming AI-powered media platform she says is designed to help musicians, podcasters, speakers, artists, charities, and content creators connect their work with a more relevant audience. The conversation addresses a critical question for modern creators: How can you earn income from your content without relying entirely on followers, unpredictable algorithms, banner ads, or traditional streaming payouts? You'll hear Wendy's perspective on: How AI can improve content discovery and match creators with interested audiences Why the creator economy needs more equitable monetization opportunities The emotional and financial toll of creating valuable work that goes unseen How brands can move beyond ineffective digital advertising New opportunities for speakers, entrepreneurs, artists, nonprofits, and 501(c)(3) organizations Wendy's experiences speaking before the United Nations General Assembly and at the World Economic Forum in Davos Why clear communication and purpose-driven leadership matter when introducing an innovative idea If you are building a personal brand, growing a podcast, creating content, pursuing paid speaking, or looking for practical ways to turn your message into influence and income, this episode offers a timely look at where AI, media, and the creator economy may be headed. Subscribe to Speaker Life for conversations that help speakers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and leaders communicate with confidence, grow their influence, and build a business around the value they bring to the world. _________________________________ Wendy Starland Discovered & Developed Lady Gaga Co-Founder & President of MusicSoul Wendy Starland Bio: Wendy Starland discovered and developed 16-time Grammy, Oscar, and two-time Golden Globe winning icon Lady Gaga. Starland developed Lady Gaga's career during the recording of Lady Gaga's debut album The Fame , which received Billboard 's most prestigious 'Album of the Decade' – having logged 62 of its record-setting 108 total weeks at No. 1 on the Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart this decade. Forbes writes: Starland was honored by the Songwriter's Hall Of Fame, Grammy nominated on Moby's album Last Night, and was awarded 'VH1's Best Emerging Artist.' Wendy Starland has written and licensed hundreds of songs and has performed and/or recorded with: Lady Gaga, Moby, Snoop Dogg, Wu Tang Clan, Billy Ray Cyrus, the Black Eyed Peas, Steve Aoki, Sheryl Crow, the Foo Fighters, Jack White, MTV, VH1, NBC, ABC, E!, CBS, FOX. Starland was inducted into the United Nations Council Of Global Change. She is the Co-Founder & President of MusicSoul: Pop Cultures' first SuperApp that uses AI to drive mass promotion from brands to users -- allowing users to retain 70% of streaming and advertising revenues. Website: www.MusicSoulApp.com Facebook profile: Facebook.com/WendyStarlandOfficial LinkedIn profile: LinkedIn.com/in/WendyStarland Instagram profile: Instagram.com/WendyStarland TikTok profile: TikTok.com/WendyStarland X profile: X.com/WendyStarland YouTube channel: YouTube.com/wendystarland _________________________________ Lea Woodford, founder of Speaker Life Magazine and Luxury Media Brands, helps public speakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders amplify their message, build influence, and grow their personal brand. With a background as a TV host and celebrity interviewer, Lea brings powerful media insight into how great speakers communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. On the Speaker Life Channel, she shares proven strategies to help you become a better speaker, connect with your audience, and turn your message into opportunity. Through her podcast, magazine, and live events, Lea teaches speakers how to structure their message, improve stage presence, and position themselves as authorities in their industry. Her approach combines storytelling, media strategy, and public speaking frameworks to help you stand out in a crowded world. If you want to speak with confidence, grow your influence, and get paid to share your message, Lea Woodford shows you exactly how to do it. Website: https://speakerlifemedia.com Magazine Website: https://speakerlifemagazine.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiZzhVX4MatL3F0aXhovblw https://www.linkedin.com/in/leawoodford/ https://www.instagram.com/leawoodford/ https://www.facebook.com/SmartFem/ https://www.tiktok.com/@leawoodford https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speaker-life/id1819421221

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  Speaker Life

  How Speakers Make Money Beyond the Stage with Michelle Jacobik

  Aug 4, 202625 min

  How can professional speakers make money beyond speaking fees? Profitability strategist Michelle Jacobik explains how to create multiple income streams and build a speaking business that produces sustainable profit—not just applause. In this episode of Speaker Life, Lea Woodford and Michelle reveal why being booked and busy doesn't necessarily mean your speaking business is profitable. When every dollar depends on landing another speaking engagement, one cancellation, illness, economic downturn, or slow season can threaten your entire income. Michelle shares how she grew a company from $600,000 to $12 million—and how following someone else's speaking-business playbook later caused her revenue to fall by $130,000. After reverse-engineering a $500,000 revenue goal, she discovered that it would require approximately 67 speaking engagements at an average fee of $7,500. There had to be a better business model. In this episode, you'll learn: Why speaking fees shouldn't be your only source of income How to turn your expertise into books, workshops, coaching, consulting, VIP experiences, and other offers Why audience questions can reveal your next profitable product or service How to calculate the true financial floor for your speaking business Why revenue, visibility, and a full calendar don't always create profit How to protect your income when you are the face of the business Why aspiring speakers shouldn't quit their jobs or drain their retirement accounts too soon How to build a business that supports your lifestyle, family, values, and long-term goals Professional speakers can create income beyond the stage by identifying the transformation they provide and turning that expertise into additional offers. The goal isn't simply to book more speaking gigs—it's to build financial stability around your message. If you're a public speaker, coach, consultant, author, or entrepreneur who wants to get paid for your expertise without constantly chasing the next engagement, this conversation will help you build a more profitable path forward. About Michelle Jacobik: Michelle Jacobik is a business profitability strategist, bestselling author, speaker, and creator of the Path to Profits® framework. Drawing on more than three decades of entrepreneurial experience, she helps business owners strengthen their financial foundations, increase profitability, and build businesses that support the lives they want. Connect with Michelle: Website: https://michellejacobik.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellejacobik LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejacobik Listen now to learn how to create multiple income streams, monetize your expertise, and build a profitable speaking business beyond the stage. ________________________________________ Lea Woodford, founder of Speaker Life Magazine and Luxury Media Brands, helps public speakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders amplify their message, build influence, and grow their personal brand. With a background as a TV host and celebrity interviewer, Lea brings powerful media insight into how great speakers communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. On the Speaker Life Channel, she shares proven strategies to help you become a better speaker, connect with your audience, and turn your message into opportunity. Through her podcast, magazine, and live events, Lea teaches speakers how to structure their message, improve stage presence, and position themselves as authorities in their industry. Her approach combines storytelling, media strategy, and public speaking frameworks to help you stand out in a crowded world. If you want to speak with confidence, grow your influence, and get paid to share your message, Lea Woodford shows you exactly how to do it. Website: https://speakerlifemedia.com Magazine Website: https://speakerlifemagazine.com/ https://www.instagram.com/therealspeakerlife/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiZzhVX4MatL3F0aXhovblw https://www.linkedin.com/in/leawoodford/ https://www.instagram.com/leawoodford/ https://www.facebook.com/SmartFem/ https://www.tiktok.com/@leawoodford https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speaker-life/id1819421221

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  Speaker Life

  How to Create a TEDx Talk That Moves People | Cesar Cervantes

  Jul 28, 202623 min

  *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:a04c5558-6896-4e43-b74a-a2930e96c3ca-3" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:a04c5558-6896-4e43-b74a-a2930e96c3ca-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant"> Have you ever dreamed of stepping onto a TEDx stage and sharing an idea that could change lives? In this episode of Speaker Life, Lea Woodford sits down with Cesar Cervantes, one of the most respected TEDx speaker coaches in the industry. If you're an aspiring speaker, coach, author, entrepreneur, or thought leader, this conversation is packed with insights that can help you elevate your message and accelerate your speaking career. Lea shares how her research across Google, ChatGPT, and other AI platforms consistently pointed to Cesar as one of the top TEDx coaches in the field. But beyond the accolades, what truly stands out is the incredible success of his students and the impact they've made on stages around the world. In this episode, you'll discover: • What it really takes to earn a TEDx talk • The biggest mistakes aspiring speakers make • How to create a message worth spreading • Why your story matters more than you think • The mindset needed to become a memorable speaker • Behind-the-scenes insights into coaching world-class TEDx presenters Whether your goal is to land a TEDx talk, grow your authority, or become a more confident speaker, this episode is filled with practical strategies and inspiration you can start applying today. If you're serious about building your speaking career, subscribe to Speaker Life for weekly interviews with the world's leading speakers, coaches, authors, and industry experts. Read Speaker Life Magazine: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/SpeakerLifeSummer2026 Subscribe to Speaker Life Magazine on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@speakerlifemagazine Reserve Your Seat at the Speaker Life Summit: https://www.speakerlifemedia.com/summit If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with someone who's ready to take the stage. _________________________________ Cesar Cervantes is a speaker coach, speechwriter, and co-author of the USA Today –featured bestseller Great Speech! He helps speakers turn their ideas into TEDx talks and signature keynotes that build authority and that people actually remember and share. A former stand-up comedian featured on Comedy Central, Cesar taught comedy at Colorado College before becoming a professional speaker. He is a 5x TEDx speaker coach on three continents and leads Top Talks and his speaker mentorship program. He loves tacos and Thai food, and you can catch him on the internet telling dad jokes to his daughters, who still haven't laughed. Connect with Cesar: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrcesarcervantes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcesarcervantes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatwhichmoves/ _________________________________ Lea Woodford, founder of Speaker Life Magazine and Luxury Media Brands, helps public speakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders amplify their message, build influence, and grow their personal brand. With a background as a TV host and celebrity interviewer, Lea brings powerful media insight into how great speakers communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. On the Speaker Life Channel, she shares proven strategies to help you become a better speaker, connect with your audience, and turn your message into opportunity. Through her podcast, magazine, and live events, Lea teaches speakers how to structure their message, improve stage presence, and position themselves as authorities in their industry. Her approach combines storytelling, media strategy, and public speaking frameworks to help you stand out in a crowded world. If you want to speak with confidence, grow your influence, and get paid to share your message, Lea Woodford shows you exactly how to do it. Website: https://speakerlifemedia.com Magazine Website: https://speakerlifemagazine.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiZzhVX4MatL3F0aXhovblw https://www.linkedin.com/in/leawoodford/ https://www.instagram.com/leawoodford/ https://www.facebook.com/SmartFem/ https://www.tiktok.com/@leawoodford https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speaker-life/id1819421221

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  Speaker Life

  From Miracle Survivor to Thought Leader: How Dave Sanderson Built a Speaking Business

  Jul 21, 202623 min

  In this Speaker Life podcast episode, Miracle on the Hudson survivor and professional speaker Dave Sanderson shares how to turn a personal story into meaningful influence, a clear speaking message, and a sustainable speaking business. After surviving the 2009 US Airways Flight 1549 emergency landing on the Hudson River, Dave faced a defining realization: even after a life-changing experience, corporate life could still treat him like a number. That moment helped propel his transition from corporate sales professional to entrepreneur, thought leader, and transformational speaker. If you want to become a paid speaker, build confidence on stage, overcome imposter syndrome, or create a message that genuinely helps people, this conversation offers practical direction. Dave explains why you do not need a dramatic story to make an impact, how to discover the audience you are best positioned to serve, and how to test your message on smaller stages before building a larger platform. Lea Woodford and Dave also explore how aspiring speakers can build their business while still employed, invest in the right support, move beyond "inspirational" speaking into practical thought leadership, and create frameworks that give audiences an action they can use immediately. In this episode, you'll learn: How to transition from corporate employment to entrepreneurship Why professional speaking can create greater freedom and opportunity How to know whether your personal story is worth sharing from the stage A mindset shift for overcoming imposter syndrome How to find your ideal speaking audience and go deeper, not wider How to turn your experience into a clear, useful speaking framework Why audiences remember speakers who help them take action How to vet a speaking coach and build a stronger speaker brand What it means to lead without formal authority Whether you are an aspiring public speaker, coach, consultant, entrepreneur, executive, or leader, this episode will help you clarify your message, speak with greater purpose, and use your experience to create real impact. Subscribe to Speaker Life for more expert interviews, business insights, and actionable entrepreneur tips. ___________________________________________ Dave Sanderson was the last passenger off US Airways Flight 1549, the Miracle on the Hudson. He survived, then he made a decision: he wouldn't let that moment be the end of the story. With 38 years as a top sales producer and decades of experience leading under pressure, Dave founded Resilience Partners Group to help leaders and teams navigate crisis, uncertainty, and high-stakes change—without waiting for permission, perfect clarity, or a title. His work equips people to stay calm, make high-velocity decisions, and take the next best step even when the full path isn't visible. Dave has delivered keynotes for Fortune 500 organizations, coached executives, and helped raise $14.8 million for the American Red Cross. Named one of Inc.com's Top 100 Leadership Speakers, he is known for blending unforgettable storytelling with practical, immediately applicable tools. Dave's message is simple: You don't need a title to lead. You need clarity, courage, and conviction. He lives in Charlotte with his family—and speaks today with one goal: to help others lead when it matters most. Website: https://resiliencepartnersgroup.com/ Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/dave.sanderson.73/ LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredavesanderson/ Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/davesandersonspeaks/ X profile: https://x.com/DaveSanderson2 ___________________________________________ Lea Woodford, founder of Speaker Life Magazine and Luxury Media Brands, helps public speakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders amplify their message, build influence, and grow their personal brand. With a background as a TV host and celebrity interviewer, Lea brings powerful media insight into how great speakers communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. On the Speaker Life Channel, she shares proven strategies to help you become a better speaker, connect with your audience, and turn your message into opportunity. Through her podcast, magazine, and live events, Lea teaches speakers how to structure their message, improve stage presence, and position themselves as authorities in their industry. Her approach combines storytelling, media strategy, and public speaking frameworks to help you stand out in a crowded world. If you want to speak with confidence, grow your influence, and get paid to share your message, Lea Woodford shows you exactly how to do it. Website: https://speakerlifemedia.com Magazine Website: https://speakerlifemagazine.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiZzhVX4MatL3F0aXhovblw https://www.linkedin.com/in/leawoodford/ https://www.instagram.com/leawoodford/ https://www.facebook.com/SmartFem/ https://www.tiktok.com/@leawoodford https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speaker-life/id1819421221

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