Untamed Leader

Send Lauri a message What if the voice in your head that tells you you're too much—or not enough—isn’t the truth, but a frightened part of you trying to keep you safe? In this episode, Lauri shines a compassionate light on the “Soul Suckers”—inner critics like the Nervous Nellies, the Controlling Stage Mothers, the Imposter Monsters, and the Below-the-Belt Bastards. With storytelling, warmth,...

Send Lauri a message What does it really mean to speak soulfully when you’re in front of a crowd, feeling the nerves, trying to stay connected? In this intimate follow-up conversation, Dana Baugh returns with thoughtful questions about the deeper layers of Lauri Smith’s Vocal Presence Path approach to soulful speaking. Together, they revisit the roots of the “Intend, Align, Invite” mantra, unpack...

Send Lauri a message Authenticity has become the gold standard in public speaking—but what if it’s just the beginning? In this mini-episode, Lauri explores what lies beyond authenticity: a deeper resonance that moves through body, breath, and voice to transform not just connection, but the room itself. Soulful speaking goes beyond being seen. It’s about being felt , understood , and unforgettable...

Send Lauri a message What happens when a big-hearted farm girl turns Muppet-inspired porch performances into TED Talks and global keynotes? Tina B. joins Lauri for a soulful, sparkly conversation on intuition, presence, and the power of letting your full self be seen. From the fifth-grade teacher who believed in her voice, to a Paris keynote gone sideways (and back again), to 30 days of Facebook L...

Send Lauri a message This one’s personal. In this solo episode, Lauri pulls back the curtain on the winding, unexpected, soul-led path that led to the creation of the Soulful Speaking Immersion and the Speaker Studio. What started as an urge, a whisper, a “no way,” became a calling she couldn’t ignore—blending theater, coaching, voicework, and entrepreneurship into something entirely her own. If y...

Send Lauri a message What happens when the voice you’ve been told you have to use isn’t your own? Executive coach and organizational change consultant Dana Baugh joins Soulful Speaking to share her journey from corporate leader—where she was encouraged to “man up” and mask her true self—to a more heart-centered, present, and authentic speaker. Her story reveals what can unfold when we follow the q...

Send Lauri a message Ever feel like your body goes into panic mode when you speak? Like something invisible is whispering “You’re not enough” or “No one cares what you have to say” ? In this special peek inside the Speakers Studio’s Soulful Speaking Immersion, Lauri guides you through the internal voices, habits, and energies that show up when we speak from the soul—and how to meet them with compa...

Send Lauri a message In a special flipped episode, Brian Perry turns the tables and interviews Soulful Speaking host Lauri Smith, diving into her journey of learning to surrender to creativity, let go of control, and serve the moment fully. Together, they explore the magic of playing beyond fear and tuning into the energy of aliveness. Brian highlights Lauri’s personal evolution, from following ex...

Send Lauri a message Brain freeze doesn’t happen in the moment—it starts long before we step up to the mic. In this mini-sode, Lauri explores how to prevent that icy mental shutdown before it ever takes hold. She dives into the hidden ways we set ourselves up to freeze and how to shift from freeze to flow by setting clear intentions, organizing thoughts effectively, and practicing in a way that bu...

Send Lauri a message In this episode of Soulful Speaking, we delve into the transformative power of breath and intention as host Lauri Smith coaches guest Eric Ayers. Together, they explore how to move beyond imposter syndrome, embrace flow, and tap into the natural energy of authentic communication. Using her Intend, Align, Invite framework, Lauri helps Eric shift from overthinking to fully embod...

Send Lauri a message Have you ever experienced a sudden freeze while speaking—where your mind goes completely blank, your mouth won’t move, and panic sets in? That kind of speaking brain freeze mirrors the dreaded popsicle brain freeze from our childhood. In this mini-sode, Lauri dives deep into the subconscious fears that lead us to stop breathing in the first place. She also shares a simple yet...

Send Lauri a message In this episode of Soulful Speaking , Lauri welcomes back Emily, a seasoned creative professional with a wealth of experience in video production, marketing, and sketch comedy.  Emily shares her journey of stepping out of the shadows of her directing role and embracing the challenge of being seen and heard. From navigating imposter syndrome to learning how to trust herself, th...

Send Lauri a message Great speaking isn’t a one-sided performance; it’s a dynamic conversation. In this mini-episode, Lauri dismantles the myth that speaking is a monologue, showing how treating your speech as a shared experience can inspire, empower, and transform. Learn how to connect with your audience on a deeper level, even when standing at a podium or speaking on video. By reframing your min...

Send Lauri a message What if public speaking wasn't a performance but a genuine conversation? In this coaching-focused episode, Lauri works with seasoned creative Emily McGregor, who’s spent 20+ years directing, producing, and leading teams in video sketch comedy and marketing. Despite her confidence behind the camera, Emily struggles with stepping into the spotlight herself. Lauri helps Emil...

Send Lauri a message In this mini-episode, Lauri dives into the often-overlooked secret to great speaking: intimacy. Whether talking to one person or 10,000, the most charismatic speakers create an undeniable presence through deeply authentic connection. Lauri shares a pivotal acting class moment that transformed her approach to speaking, and offers practical insights on how vulnerability and cour...

Send Lauri a message What if embracing your quirks could be the key to unlocking your true potential? In this episode, Lauri sits down with visionary leader Eric Ayers to explore his transformative journey from a habitual people-pleaser to an authentic speaker, passionate about sparking moments of transformation.  Eric shares the early influences that shaped his voice, the challenges of conforming...

Send Lauri a message Do you feel the call to share your message but think, “I’m not a speaker”?   It’s time to break free from outdated images of what a speaker should look like and embrace your authentic, soulful voice. In this mini-episode, Lauri redefines the modern speaking landscape and offers an easy, heartfelt way to step into your truth: becoming a guest on podcasts. Whether you’re dipping...

Send Lauri a message In this interactive episode of Soulful Speaking, Bridget Baker, brand strategist and former ballet dancer, shares her transformative journey from communicating through movement to finding her voice after a life-altering car accident. Bridget and Lauri explore the challenges of speaking authentically, overcoming inner critics, and letting go of societal molds to embrace the pow...

Send Lauri a message In this mini-episode, Lauri explores the non-linear, deeply spiritual journey of speaking. Drawing on her experiences as an actor, theater teacher, and yoga student, she illustrates how growth doesn’t follow a straight line and how every speaker, whether seasoned or new, can honor their unique path. From overcoming bad habits to embracing authenticity, Lauri invites listeners...

Send Lauri a message In this powerful episode, Lauri dives deep with Nick Palladino-King, a conscious coach and mentor, exploring the vulnerable journey of finding one's authentic voice. Nick shares his experiences of "spiritual puberty," a process of shedding fear and stepping into deeper self-expression. He opens up about his evolution from an eager, opinionated young teacher to a...

Send Lauri a message In this reflective minisode, Lauri invites you to consider a profound truth: You are your instrument. Body, mind, heart, soul, and voice—your presence and essence are the unique tools through which you create and express your life’s work. Lauri explores how embracing this perspective can inspire your intentions for the year ahead, asking thought-provoking questions along the w...

Send Lauri a message Navigating family gatherings during the holidays can feel like stepping into a minefield of old dynamics, unspoken tensions, and soul-sucking habits. In this episode of Soulful Speaking , Lauri invites you to explore the voices you use throughout your life - including with those closest to you. Uncover how your different voices impact your presence so you can unleash your true...

Send Lauri a message This is a quick announcement about some changes we're making to the episode schedule. We're releasing one episode a week early on December 17th and then we'll be back to our normal schedule in early 2025. Support the show Thank you so much for listening! Take the free Speaker Alter Ego Quiz to find out which protective mask is hiding your wild, untamed radiance...

Send Lauri a message How do you transform a voice that feels discordant into one that resonates with power, clarity, and heart?  In this episode of Soulful Speaking , Lauri interviews Candis Fox, a cognitive and behavioral science expert with a deep understanding of myth and human patterning. Born into a world where their relentless curiosity was often labeled as “annoying,” Candis’ early life exp...

Send Lauri a message Ever been told to make your voice deeper to be taken seriously? In this episode, Lauri challenges outdated advice on deepening your pitch, offering a more authentic and holistic approach to unlocking your true voice. She explains why forcing a deeper voice can backfire, especially if it doesn’t align with your natural range or your intention. Instead, Lauri shares three practi...