Speaking To Expand

How to Build a Speaking Business That Actually Gets Paid | Monica Massey

In this episode, Monica Massey shares her journey from a high-powered C-suite executive at a $20 billion organization to building a professional speaking and consulting business. She breaks down the realities of becoming a paid speaker, what actually works, what does not, and why talent alone is not enough to get booked. From networking over coffee to building a credibility stack, Monica offers practical insights for aspiring speakers, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to turn their experience into impact. You will learn why “if you build it, they will come” is a myth, how to position yourself in a crowded market, and what it really takes to grow a sustainable speaking career. If you are thinking about stepping onto a stage or scaling your influence, this conversation is packed with honest advice and hard-earned lessons. In this episode: -The biggest misconception about becoming a speaker -How to actually get speaking gigs -Why networking beats online outreach -When to invest in your speaking business -Finding your message and staying authentic

How Amber McCollum Scaled 100x While Working a 9–5 | Amber McCollum

What if your pain became the reason you built wealth? Amber McCollum is a real estate investor, private money lender, entrepreneur, and emerging public speaker who scaled her business 100x in just five months, while working a 9-to-5 and living with multiple sclerosis. In this powerful conversation, Amber shares: * How losing her father reshaped her financial mission * Why end-of-life care changed her perspective on wealth * How she built credibility and raised capital through public speaking * The power of masterminds and paying for proximity * How she launched her own live real estate events * Why authenticity is the ultimate business advantage * How she’s preparing to launch a private credit fund Amber’s philosophy is simple but powerful: turn pain into success. This episode is about building financial freedom with urgency, leveraging your story to grow your business, and creating impact beyond money. If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or aspiring speaker looking to scale your income and influence, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

Diagnosed to Die in 2002 — Here’s Why I’m Still Alive | Eric Drew

What would you do if doctors told you to go home and die? Eric Drew was diagnosed with a terminal form of leukemia and given no hope. After failed treatments at top U.S. hospitals, he refused to accept hospice as his only option. Instead, he leveraged his Silicon Valley mindset, global network, and relentless determination to find a life-saving stem cell treatment overseas. In this powerful conversation, Eric shares: * How he became the first person to prosecute a HIPAA violation in the United States * The shocking lack of transparency he experienced in clinical trials * Why the U.S. healthcare system ranks lower in outcomes despite leading in innovation * The life-saving stem cell breakthrough that doctors said wouldn’t work * Why patient advocacy is missing from modern medicine * How AI could revolutionize personalized cancer treatment * The mindset that kept him alive when survival odds were near zero Eric is now a board-certified patient advocate, TEDx speaker, and healthcare reform voice who has delivered over 200 keynotes worldwide. This episode is about resilience, systemic change, medical ethics, entrepreneurship in crisis, and why “It’s All Good” became his life philosophy. If you or someone you love is navigating complex healthcare decisions, this conversation could change how you approach treatment forever.

Why Podcasting Builds More Credibility Than Social Media Alone | Carl Richards

Podcasting is often dismissed as oversaturated, but is that actually true? In this episode of Speaking to Expand, host Ryan sits down with podcasting expert Carl Richards to break down what really drives podcast success today. From why most podcasts fade out after a few episodes to how speakers and entrepreneurs can use podcasting as a long-term credibility engine, this conversation reframes what “success” actually looks like. Carl explains why podcasting is a long game, how community is shaping the future of the medium, and why authenticity doesn’t mean leaving mistakes unedited. They also explore how podcasts open doors to speaking opportunities, joint ventures, and deeper audience trust—often in ways creators don’t expect. If you’re a speaker, coach, entrepreneur, or content creator wondering whether starting (or continuing) a podcast is worth it, this episode offers clarity, strategy, and perspective grounded in real-world experience. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why podcasting isn’t as saturated as people think * What causes “podfade” and how to avoid it * How podcasts build credibility beyond social media * Why purpose matters more than downloads * How podcasting leads to speaking and business opportunities

Why Your Ability to Speak Determines How Much You Grow | Conway Bown

Speaking is one of the fastest ways to expand your confidence, clarity, and growth. In this episode, Conway Bown explores the idea of speaking to expand, how developing your ability to communicate clearly and confidently can transform how you show up in life and work. This conversation looks at the deeper connection between voice and personal expansion, and why so many people unknowingly limit their growth through the way they speak. You’ll hear insights on: -Why your growth often mirrors your communication skills -How speaking more clearly builds real confidence -The role of self-expression in personal development -Using your voice as a tool for expansion, not perfection If you’re interested in personal growth, confidence, communication, or public speaking, this episode offers practical perspective you can apply immediately. Listen now and start expanding through your voice.