Delight in the Limelight

Gabe Marusca is the host of the Authority in the Wild podcast, who speaks with entrepreneurs worldwide. However he struggles to feel this same ease when speaking in groups of native English speakers as well as in front of large audiences. This holds him back from making new connections at conferences and other events, or from speaking comfortably on stage.In our coaching session, we unpacked the root beliefs behind Gabe’s anxiety. The result? At his next conference in Bucharest, he was able to converse with some of the most influential podcast hosts in Europe, including Steven Bartlett - the host of Diary of a CEO.Before our session, this kind of situation would have triggered a panic in Gabe, but this time, it all felt smooth and natural.Listen to our coaching call to hear what we did and how it relates to your own speaking anxiety.Click here to check the full show notes.

What if confidence wasn’t about pushing through fear but about clearing the way for your most natural, grounded, and powerful presence?If you struggle with nerves before speaking or wish you could feel more present and authentic in front of an audience, this episode of the Delight in the Limelight Podcast is for you!This time, I talk with Will Schneider—former actor, yoga teacher, and co-host of Men Talking Mindfulness—about how meditation, movement, and mindset can shape the way we show up.Listen in to learn:- What we can learn from acting and auditions and apply to speaking- How to get into the zone and stay there- How to break free from negative thought loops- Practical ways to stay grounded and focused- Tips for fostering vulnerability and forgivenessReady to transform your relationship with speaking? This conversation will help you step into the limelight with delight!Click here to check the full show notes.

Have you ever been part of a collaborative project where one person has dominated? In this episode, I’m joined by the three co-hosts of 5-Minute Career Hacks - Candyce Wade, Alicia Wade, and Jamila Brown - who have spent nearly a decade working together as a powerhouse team.With 60+ years of combined experience in corporate leadership, project management, HR, and mentorship, they know firsthand what it takes to elevate your voice in a collaborative environment.Listen to our conversation to learn:- How to own your voice in team environments, from boardrooms to podcasts- How their dynamic has shifted from workplace chaos to collaborative synergy- Practical strategies for managing voices in group settings, and advice for anyone who’s ever felt overshadowed in a meeting or projectWhether you’re a team leader, panel speaker, or someone who just wants to be heard, this episode is packed with wisdom that will help you to speak up and share.Click here to check the full show notes.

Does talking about your product or service make you feel salesy or uncomfortable? Then today’s episode of the Delight in the Limelight Podcast is for you!I chat with Darren Mitchell - former sales leader, coach, mentor, and host of The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast - about how sales is truly the ultimate form of service. Darren shares his approach to selling with confidence, authenticity, and a genuine desire to help, while letting go of desperation and attachment to the outcome.Listen in to discover:- Why selling is really about helping, not convincing- The danger of “commission breath” (and how to avoid it!)- Practical strategies to build real relationships with your audience or customers- What to do when you lose a sale or face rejectionIf you’ve ever struggled with selling or talking about your work, this episode will really help!Click here to check the full show notes.

If you want to use speaking to grow your business, but you dread sounding salesy, this episode of the Delight in the Limelight Podcast is for you.I talk to Lorie-Ann Murabito, shy gal turned professional speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Be In Demand podcast. Lorie-Ann shares her framework for giving talks that attract clients, without pitching. Listen in to learn:- The seven blocks of a compelling speech- How to talk about your products and services without seeming “salesy”- Strategies for turning speaking gigs into a steady stream of clients or book salesIf you want to connect with your audience and grow your business in an authentic way, you won’t want to miss this episode!Click here to check out the full show notes.

Stories aren’t just for books and movies—they’re the secret to making your presentations, conversations, and videos relatable and unforgettable. Whether crafting your brand, pitching an idea, creating social media reels, networking, or guesting on a podcast, storytelling is your most powerful tool for connection.On this episode of Delight in the Limelight, I’m joined by speechwriter and story consultant Susan Lovett, who studied storytelling at Disney University and worked with clients ranging from NASA to Nordstrom, National Geographic to PBS, and the US Army to Woman’s Day.Listen to this episode to learn:- The key elements of a great story- The different formats for stories—through speech, writing, and visuals- The biggest storytelling mistakes—and how to avoid themIf you want to make your brand, presentations, or business communications more engaging, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!Click here to check the full show notes.

In this episode, I help leadership coach and podcaster Julie Neale work through the discomfort she feels on stage.Though she’s right at home behind the microphone, being on stage stirs up something different. Julie may look confident, but inside, she’s anxious — silently struggling.Together, we trace her nerves back to early experiences that shaped her identity, including a pivotal moment when her father, with the best intentions, publicly praised her in a way that became a role she felt expected to play — even at the expense of her own truth.We also talk about how to feel more grounded, expand your stage presence, and create a sense of belonging in front of an audience.If you’ve ever felt unseen, misrepresented, or not fully yourself in the spotlight, this conversation will speak to you.Click here to check the full show notes.

What can professionals learn from champion public speakers—even if they never plan to compete? 🤔On this episode of the Delight in the Limelight podcast, I sit down with Dr. Iain Lampert, a public speaking competition expert and four-time national champion, to uncover the most valuable lessons from the world of competitive speaking and how they translate into real-world communication for entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders.Topics we cover include:- What Iain loves about competing-Lessons from competitive public speaking that professionals can apply-Presenting to a small team meeting versus delivering a keynote- Choosing the right speech structures- Daily exercises professionals can do to improve their public speaking skills- The mindsets you need for competition and high-stakes situationsIf you want to level up your speaking skills, you’ll want to catch this one!Click here to check the full show notes.

In this coaching session, brain nutritionist and podcast host Laurie Hammer, though comfortable on video, feels less so speaking in person. She worries she’ll say something incorrect, bore her audience, and wonders if she has anything new to say that’s different than others in her field. She also would like to regain confidence she once had and lost, about singing in public.We come up with strategies and mindset shifts to address these concerns. We also explore the root causes of her loss of confidence around singing in public as well as performance strategies to stay focused when emotions arise when singing music that’s moving you to tears. By the end, the level of activation from these past performing experiences has substantially diminished.Click here to check the full show notes.

Are you looking to increase your influence and better articulate your expertise? Listen to my conversation with Lisa Gillette - a former senior vice president and now an executive coach - who shares her insights from over 25 years in the corporate world.You’ll learn:- Practical strategies for pitching your ideas- How to effectively communicate your expertise- Techniques for building and maintaining authorityIf you want to successfully navigate corporate dynamics while staying true to yourself, this is the episode for you.Click here to check the full show notes.

These coaching episodes of Delight in the Limelight, allow you to hear me coach a student or client on a specific speaking confidence issue.In this episode, I help Facebook marketing expert Katelyn Coleman prepare for her very first panel appearance. To ensure Katelyn has the best possible experience on the panel, I coach her to shift her mindset and lead her in a visualization to mentally rehearse the event.This is a great episode to listen to if you want to hear how to best prepare for an event so that you are grounded, focused, and energized to have a good time when you speak.Click here to check the full show notes

Small talk is often seen as a bit of a nuisance or a necessary evil. But it doesn’t have to be. What if it could serve as a gateway to deeper connections and relationships instead?In this episode, I chat to the hosts of The Opposite of Small Talk Podcast, Danielle McCombs and Kristy Olinger, about the art of meaningful conversation.Listen to our conversation to learn:- When to share personal stories (and when not to)- How to strike a balance between talking and listening- The difference between genuine small talk and disingenuous small talk- How to transition from small talk into more meaningful conversationsThis episode is packed with practical advice to help you turn everyday conversations into moments of genuine connection, whether that’s in a professional or a social setting.Click here to check the full show notes

These coaching episodes of Delight in the Limelight, allow you to hear me coach a student or client on a specific speaking confidence issue.In this episode, I help Shawn Kunkler, the host of the Realtor180 podcast, who, at the time of recording, is gearing up for his biggest talk to date, in front of 400 realtors.We explore the root causes of his speaking anxiety and clear them away with some powerful healing techniques. I then offer Shawn specific practices and techniques to use so that he hits the floor running when he steps up to the mic. If you struggle with speaking anxiety, you’ll benefit from hearing the mindset shifts, practices, and rituals covered in this session. Click here to check the full show notes.

If the word “networking” makes you groan, today’s episode of the Delight in the Limelight Podcast is for you!I talk to speaker, networking coach, and business development strategist, Julie Brown, about the art of meaningful networking. Julie shares her insights on building genuine, human-centric relationships that go beyond the exchanges of business cards.Listen to our conversation to learn:- Why you need to expand the “surface area” of your connections- Some surprising statistics on adult friendships- How to ask dopamine-inducing questionsIf you're looking to expand your network and connect on a deeper level, this episode is a must-listen! Click here to check the full show notes

Ever feel like you're wearing two hats at once—trying to get things done while also being the leader who inspires others to do the same? Many leaders struggle to shift from being a doer to guiding and empowering a team of doers.In this conversation, Julie Ellis, an executive coach to top corporate leaders and scaling entrepreneurs, shares practical insights and mindset shifts to help you embody the kind of leadership that attracts respect, loyalty, and results.Tune in to hear:- Practical strategies for transitioning into a leadership role- How to decide when to lead from the front, work alongside your team, or support from behind- Ideas for ways to give team members opportunities for growthThis conversation is full of practical advice, relatable stories, and valuable insights into what it takes to be a successful leader.Click here to check the full show notes

Does the thought of discussing politics with someone on "the other side" make you want to run the other way? Do your conversations devolve into heated arguments, leaving you frustrated and disconnected? Are you worried that political divides are harming your relationships and our sense of community?I've found it more challenging than ever to discuss politics with those who hold different views, and perhaps you feel the same way.That's why I'm inviting you to join me for a meaningful conversation with Liane Davey, author of The Good Fight, and Heather Hansen, author of Advocate to Win. Both are experts in effective communication and teamwork within the business world.Together, we explore how the same principles that drive successful collaboration and handling conflict in teams can be applied to civil conversations.My hope is that we can lessen the undercurrent of stress of these times. I'm convinced that creating a more inclusive and respectful atmosphere in our communities will help us heal these divides so that together, we can build the cohesion needed to tackle the big issues of our time.Listen in to learn:- Practical strategies for finding common ground- How to handle misinformation- How to know when a relationship is worth letting goJoin us for this enlightening conversation and be part of the movement toward a more connected, creative, and resilient society—where you feel safe to both listen and speak with confidence.Click here to check the full show notes

How do the very best leaders cultivate team confidence? In this interview, I speak with leadership expert Glain Roberts-McCabe about the role leaders play in building confident and empowered teams.Tune in to explore:- The main factors that contribute to team confidence- Tactics you can use to foster a resilient and cohesive team culture- The difficulties in balancing team output with team moraleThis is an insightful conversation for leaders of all kinds who want to give their teams the best possible chance of success and fulfilment. Click here to check the full show notes.

In these coaching episodes of Delight in the Limelight, you’ll get to hear me coach a student on a specific speaking confidence issue.In this episode, Linda Ugelow coaches Abby O'Sullivan, co-founder of a podcast management agency who struggles with forgetting what she wants to say, speaking too fast, and worrying she’ll lose her audience, particularly when speaking live in person.Linda helps her uncover the root causes of this feeling, tracing her fears back to certain childhood and adult relationships and messages she received. Click here to check the full show notes.

In this episode of Delight in the Limelight, Leslie Ehm, author of Swagger, dives deep into the concept of confidence. Listen in to learn:- How embracing your unique traits could make you unstoppable- How to reframe “negative” traits as superpowers- How to handle the challenges of being authentic in a professional settingIf you know you’re not being your full, authentic, confident self, this episode is for you.Click here to check the full show notes.

In this episode, Linda Ugelow coaches Marcia Dawood, an angel investor and author, who struggles with blanking out on what she wants to say, and her concerns about what others think, particularly when she knows people in the audience.Linda helps her uncover the root causes of this feeling tracing her fears back to childhood experiences of feeling silenced and judged.Click here to check the full show notes.