Unfiltered Sessions

Unlock the power of storytelling to transform your public speaking. In this episode, you'll learn how personal anecdotes and relatable analogies can make your messages more engaging and memorable. Discover how starting with the end in mind keeps your story on track, and see how everyday experiences—like family road trips or GPS navigation—can simplify complex ideas. We also delve into techniq...

Can a simple story transform your communication? Award-winning author and marketer Sarah Lohse reveals how a quirky tattoo sparked her storytelling journey, demonstrating how authentic narratives cut through the noise and create meaningful connections. Sarah shows why storytelling is essential in today’s marketing, emphasizing that genuine, relatable stories resonate far more than sales-driven mes...

Can giving feedback truly transform your relationships and team dynamics? In this episode, we uncover the power of effective communication in both personal and professional settings. Learn how to deliver clear and impactful positive feedback that resonates, and master the art of constructive criticism using the sandwich method. We also tackle the delicate task of addressing disrespectful behavior...

Ever wondered what turns a job into a fulfilling career? Join us as Jaclyn Strominger, the driving force behind Leap to Your Success, shares her journey from indecision to inspiring others toward remarkable growth. Discover how taking that first courageous leap can transform your personal and professional life. Jaclyn reveals the power of a clear vision, the importance of securing buy-in from key...

Ever wondered why some people naturally stand out while others, despite their skills, don't get noticed? In this episode, we dive into the power of confidence and how it can elevate your perceived competence. Through personal stories, like a college presentation where confidence trumped expertise, we show how self-assurance can make a huge impact. Tune in for actionable tips on building confi...

Unlock the power of authentic communication and leadership with Jonathan, a performance coach and transformational speaker. In this episode, Jonathan shares his journey and the three key principles that have shaped his approach: being fully present, leading with curiosity, and prioritizing others. Learn how to manage distractions and make every interaction meaningful by genuinely engaging with tho...

Ever felt like you had everything in place—a steady job, good health, active community involvement—yet something was missing? Join us as we explore the transformative journey of prioritizing faith, commitment, and family. We'll discuss the pivotal role men play in their households, sharing personal experiences and valuable lessons on becoming the leaders our families need. This episode delves...

What if you could navigate the demanding world of business while maintaining a fulfilling personal life? Richard Walsh, CEO of Sharpen the Spear Coaching and a former US Marine, joins us to share his journey of balancing multiple roles and responsibilities. From experiencing the lows of the 2008 financial crisis to rebuilding his life, Richard offers invaluable lessons on achieving true work-life...

Curious about mastering public speaking from home? In this episode, we unlock a treasure trove of online resources that can transform you into a confident speaker. From Audible audiobooks and insightful podcasts like Speaking Sessions to YouTube tutorials and digital courses, learn techniques to overcome stage fright, craft compelling messages, and sell from the stage—all through your favorite pla...

What if managing a business was no different from raising a family? Join us as we sit down with Brett Brewer, a seasoned expert in the construction industry, who shares his journey from running a single business to juggling a second venture. Brett reveals how effective communication is crucial in balancing business responsibilities with family life, highlighting the importance of setting clear exp...

Can public speaking be learned, or is it an innate gift? Discover the surprising truth as we unravel the journey from self-doubt to confident oration. Sharing personal transformations and practical insights, we reveal how anyone can master public speaking through theoretical knowledge and real-world practice. From YouTube tutorials to Toastmasters, explore resources to build your skills. Learn the...

Is public speaking more about vanity or genuine service? Marianne Hickman, an international speaker with over 2,000 stage appearances, explores this question. She shares how to transform ego-driven performances into service-oriented missions, emphasizing audience connection and addressing their needs. Inspired by a Tony Robbins event, Marianne highlights the power of understanding human needs. Lea...

Ever wondered how giants like Walmart and Amazon achieved success by mastering a single focus? This episode reveals the essential steps for aspiring speakers to make a powerful entrance into the speaking world. By developing a well-defined topic and understanding your ultimate goals, you can align your speaking journey with your broader life objectives. Learn to craft a coherent strategy that ensu...

Unlock the secrets to captivating your audience with Kris Flegg, a former banking professional turned presentation design expert and certified platinum Prezi expert. Kris shares his journey from an average presenter to a presentation authority, emphasizing the power of authenticity. Whether you're new to presenting or a seasoned pro, Kris's tips on overcoming public speaking jitters and...

Can memorizing your speech actually sabotage your connection with your audience? In this episode, we reveal why sticking rigidly to a script might be holding you back and offer a fresh perspective on speech preparation. Learn how focusing on your outline and key stories can transform your delivery, making it more engaging and responsive to your audience. We'll uncover four key reasons why a p...

Unlock the power of storytelling with Doug Thompson, a tech communicator who turns complex jargon into engaging narratives. Doug shares his transformation from an anxious extroverted introvert to a dynamic speaker, revealing how personal anecdotes can make technical topics accessible and memorable. Learn the secrets of "techsplaining" and how Doug's storytelling bridges the gap betw...

Unlock the secrets to captivating public speaking! In this episode, learn how to transform your speaking style by mastering vocal variety and dynamic hand gestures. Discover tips to overcome monotone speech through practice, repetition, and using your phone's camera for self-review. By discussing topics you're passionate about, you'll naturally add energy and enthusiasm to your voic...

Want to transform from a task manager to an inspiring leader? Join us for an insightful conversation with Edward Mosley, a retired Marine combat veteran, as he shares powerful lessons on leadership and communication under pressure. From the demanding environments of the Marine Corps to coaching organizations on leadership, Edward's experiences offer a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone aspir...

Can mastering the art of articulation elevate your perceived intelligence, credibility, and trustworthiness? Join me in this eye-opening episode as I break down three straightforward steps to enhance your communication skills. Learn the transformative impact of reading self-development books, how reading out loud sharpens your enunciation and the importance of writing down your thoughts for clarit...

Discover how to transition from a technical role to leadership with insights from Jordan Dieterle, a seasoned service account manager with over 12 years in automation and electrical systems. Jordan shares his inspiring journey from an electrical technologies student to a leadership role, highlighting his passion for continuous learning and project management. Learn how he bridges communication gap...

Why do so many corporate training programs fail to bring about real change? In this episode, we explore common pitfalls in training initiatives and emphasize the importance of individual commitment and consistent practice. Learn practical strategies for creating actionable plans post-training, recognizing employee efforts, and fostering team growth. Tune in to discover how to transform training se...

Ready to elevate your social media strategy while staying true to yourself? Join us on Speaking Sessions as we chat with Kaitlyn Young, founder and CEO of Social Media Doctor. Kaitlyn shares her journey from attending entrepreneur events to building a successful business, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in social media marketing. Learn how aligning your core values with your online pres...

Transform your book into a captivating signature talk with Phillip Sessions, your public speaking and communication coach. In this episode, Phillip shares how to turn your literary masterpiece into engaging speeches that secure speaking engagements. Using "The Exceptional Presenter" as a guide, Phillip explains how to structure your talk, manage nervousness, and convert nervous energy in...

Curious about how to turn corporate burnout into entrepreneurial success? Join us as Jonathan, CEO of Smart Shark, shares his journey from corporate fitness to becoming a business growth consultant. Discover how his marketing passion and our shared fitness backgrounds have shaped our current ventures. In this episode, Jonathan also reveals his unexpected shift from marketing services to book publi...

What if understanding complex business processes could be as simple as following the course of a river? In this episode of the Speaking Sessions podcast, we reveal how to make intricate ideas accessible. Drawing from my engineering background, I share how to communicate complex details effectively, using a real-world case where I helped a client demystify a custom-built CRM system. You'll lea...