The Good Listening To Show

Good Books: Maria Franzoni, Speakers' Advocate & Coach and Author of 'The Bookability Formula', on How The Top 1% of Speakers Get Booked

Only a tiny proportion of Professional Speakers are able to land the best stages again-and-again-and-again - and it is not always the celebrities. I’m joined by Maria Franzoni, Speakers' Advocate, Speaker Coach and former Speaker Bureau Owner, to dig into what actually drives paid Speaking engagements, repeat bookings, and higher Keynote Speaker fees. If you’ve ever wondered why brilliant talks still struggle to sell, Maria brings the Agent’s-eye view that cuts through noise and gives you practical clarity.  We start with the story behind the strategist: growing up British Italian, learning to navigate culture and language, and inheriting a serious work ethic from parents who built stability through sheer persistence. That personal foundation matters, because the stage is never only about slides and scripts. We also talk openly about gender assumptions, what it means to choose a childfree life, and how those experiences shape confidence, boundaries, and message.  Then we get into the heart of it: Maria’s "Bookability Formula" and what the top 1% of bookable Speakers do. We break down the four pillars the market rewards most: being relevant to a paying market, being known for one clear thing, being memorable to audiences and bookers, and being easy to find and easy to work with. We also explore the multiplier of value (ROI, outcomes, change) and the role of ego, which can help you step on stage but can also undermine trust if it grows too big.  If you want a sharper speaker positioning, a more commercial topic, and a clearer route to getting booked more often, this conversation gives you a grounded framework to act on. Subscribe, share this with a speaker friend, and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. CONTACT MARIA FANZONI: WEBSITE: https://www.mariafranzoni.me [https://www.mariafranzoni.me/] X: https://x.com/MariaFranzoni [https://x.com/MariaFranzoni] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpeakingBusiness [https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpeakingBusiness] LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariafranzoni/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariafranzoni/] YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/MariaFranzoni [https://www.youtube.com/c/MariaFranzoni] Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. * Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com [https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com/] * You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk * Twitter thatchrisgrimes [https://twitter.com/thatchrisgrimes] * LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/] * FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860] To record your Life Story or GIFT an episode to someone that you love, with Chris as your host, then do get in touch about how ‘Legacy Life Reflections’ can help: LEGACY LIFE REFLECTIONS WEBSITE: https://www.legacylifereflections.com [https://www.legacylifereflections.com/] E MAIL: chris@legacylifereflections.com WHATS APP: +44 7711 644 094 LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/chris.grimes.167 [https://www.facebook.com/chris.grimes.167]

Founder Story: Think Clearly, Live More Deliberately & Create Without Chasing Applause with Jon Kaye, Author of ‘Unmastered’ & DO Radio Presenter. How years of Chasing Money and a 'Burn Out Reset' led to a more Creative & Fulfilling Life

He helped raise £225 million, worked punishing weeks, and then walked away from it all. Jon Kaye joins me in The Clearing to unpack the moment he stopped chasing the obvious definition of success and started rebuilding a life around creativity, community, and better questions. We talk through Jon’s founder story in private equity: the risk of resigning with a pregnant wife, a new house, and no salary, and the life-changing power of one credible person saying “yes”. From there, the conversation turns to burnout, the decision not to launch “fund two”, and the radical reset of taking three young children out of school to travel the world for a year. If you’re thinking about career change, work life balance, or designing a second act, John’s honesty lands hard. From his basement music studio packed with modular synthesizers and miles of cables, Jon explains why friction matters and why making things harder can lead to more original work, especially in a world flooded with AI content. We dig into his Unmastered newsletter ethos of thinking clearly, living deliberately, and creating without chasing, plus the community-first mission behind DO Radio, a live station you can’t pause or download by design. If this conversation sparks something in you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review. What would you stop chasing first if you could redesign your life this week? CONTACT JON KAYE: NEWSLETTER WEBSITE: https://unmastered.life [https://unmastered.life/] LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayejonathan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayejonathan/] Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. * Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com [https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com/] * You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk * Twitter thatchrisgrimes [https://twitter.com/thatchrisgrimes] * LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/] * FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860] To record your Life Story or GIFT an episode to someone that you love, with Chris as your host, then do get in touch about how ‘Legacy Life Reflections’ can help: LEGACY LIFE REFLECTIONS WEBSITE: https://www.legacylifereflections.com [https://www.legacylifereflections.com/] E MAIL: chris@legacylifereflections.com WHATS APP: +44 7711 644 094 LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/chris.grimes.167 [https://www.facebook.com/chris.grimes.167]

Leadership Reflections: Tiny Habits, Bold Leadership. Inside the DO Lectures with Mike Coulter, on how a Copywriter learned to Design Better Behavior and help Others to a Happier Life with 'Tiny Habits'

You can hear a whole philosophy of change hidden inside one simple move: Put the bike where you can see it. That is the kind of practical, human behavior design we get into with Mike Coulter, a lifelong Creative who’s worked across advertising, helped shape projects at the DO Lectures, and now teaches tools for building 'Tiny Habits' that actually stick. We start with the stories that made Mike: Growing up in Yorkshire, learning his dad’s rule for a good job, cutting his teeth at a local newspaper, then spotting the world of advertising and chasing it hard. Along the way we talk about the craft behind great creative work, why the best ideas often arrive away from the desk, and how places like Cornwall’s Camel Trail and the Atlantic can become thinking environments that support focus, calm, and better decisions. Then we go deep on BJ Fogg, Stanford, the Tiny Habits Method, and what changed for Mike when he stopped trying to “motivate himself” and started making behaviors easier to do. We explore behavior matching, prompts, ability, and the ethics of influence, plus why so many products win by serving people who already want the outcome. If you care about habit formation, productivity, mental health, marketing psychology, or simply building a healthier routine without burnout, you’ll leave with clear takeaways you can test immediately. Find more of Mike’s work at https://www.habitualise.com, and if you enjoy the conversation, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s the tiniest habit you’re willing to start today? Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. * Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com [https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com/] * You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk * Twitter thatchrisgrimes [https://twitter.com/thatchrisgrimes] * LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/] * FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860] CONTACT MIKE COULTER: WEBSITE: https://www.habitualise.com [https://www.juliafelton.com/] LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcoulter/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcoulter/] Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. CONTACT CHRIS ABOUT THE SHOW: * Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com [https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com/] * You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk * Twitter thatchrisgrimes [https://twitter.com/thatchrisgrimes] * LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/] * FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860] Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) To record your Life Story or GIFT an episode to someone that you love, with Chris as your host, then do get in touch about how ‘Legacy Life Reflections’ can help: LEGACY LIFE REFLECTIONS WEBSITE: https://www.legacylifereflections.com E MAIL: chris@legacylifereflections.com WHATS APP: +44 7711 644 094 LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/chris.grimes.167 [https://www.facebook.com/chris.grimes.167]

Legacy: Life Reflections: A Tribute to Laurel and Hardy's Enduring Comedy Legacy. Laughing Through the Ages with Life-Long Super-Fan & Presenter of The Laurel & Hardy Podcast, Patrick Vasey

Delighted to welcome Patrick Vasey, Laurel & Hardy life-long Super-Fan & Presenter of The Laurel & Hardy Podcast, for a special 'Legacy: Life Reflections' episode, in which we preserve the legacy & share our mutual love and admiration for all things Stan & Ollie. Stan Laurel is my all time comic hero. I first encountered Stan on a Black & White TV set that hummed into action in Uganda at the age of 7. And to this day he still inspires me in all the work that I do through his innocence, kindness, warmth & humanity. Growing up, the antics of Laurel and Hardy were a comforting family presence, sparking laughter that echoed throughout my childhood. Patrick Vasey is a remarkable, passionate & dedicated aficionado of this legendary duo, here to share his insights into their Silent Film era and with news of his forthcoming book that collates their early masterpieces. Our heartfelt conversation traverses the duo's magnetic charisma and Patrick's unwavering mission to enshrine their legacy for future admirers, underscoring the challenge of keeping their century-old wit relevant today. The humor of Laurel and Hardy transcends time, connecting not only to chuckles but to life's deeper rhythms. Patrick recounts his personal parallels of sibling jests and workplace woes as seen through the lens of their comedy, showing how laughter can be a guiding light through life's maze. His own journey, entwined with the duo's hijinks, from childhood memories to adult connections, paints a picture of how shared joy can lead to unexpected friendships and personal evolution, even without the formality of fan clubs or conventions. This episode is a tapestry woven with threads of inspiration from the world of arts to the calm of nature, and the peculiar pastime of archery. Our conversation delves into the potent mix of nostalgia and innovation that influences a passion for storytelling. From the iconic flair of Hollywood's yesteryears to the soothing escapism of birdwatching and the unique bond with a beloved pet, the episode reveals the diverse breadth of experiences that shape our lives. And as a bow on this diverse package, we touch upon the sheer delight of podcasting about Laurel and Hardy, highlighting the vital role of preserving the voices of the past to enlighten and entertain generations to come. You can also Watch/Listen to Patrick's wonderful episode here: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/924964455 [https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/924964455] Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. * Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com [https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com/] * You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk * Twitter thatchrisgrimes [https://twitter.com/thatchrisgrimes] * LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/] * FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860] CONTACT PATRICK VASEY: WEBSITE: https://www.laurelandhardyfilms.com [https://www.laurelandhardyfilms.com/] X: https://x.com/HardyBlog [https://x.com/HardyBlog] INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thelaurelandhardypodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/thelaurelandhardypodcast/] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LaurelandHardyBlog/ [https://www.facebook.com/LaurelandHardyBlog/] YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@laurelandhardypodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@laurelandhardypodcast] CONTACT CHRIS ABOUT THE SHOW: * Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com [https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com/] * You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk * Twitter thatchrisgrimes [https://twitter.com/thatchrisgrimes] * LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/] * FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860] Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) To record your Life Story or GIFT an episode to someone that you love, with Chris as your host, then do get in touch about how ‘Legacy Life Reflections’ can help: LEGACY LIFE REFLECTIONS WEBSITE: https://www.legacylifereflections.com E MAIL: chris@legacylifereflections.com WHATS APP: +44 7711 644 094

Leadership Reflections: Business HorsePower & Learning through Nature with Julia Felton, on Leadership-Lessons-Learned from a Horse Herd! A Toast: "To Your Unbridled Success!" in the Year of the Fire Horse!

Your Team can tell when you’re not really there and horses can tell even faster! Leadership Strategist, Speaker, Author & Equine-guided Coach Julia Felton, joins Chris to unpack “Business HorsePower”: The practical Leadership lessons that we can borrow from nature and horse-herd-dynamics to build trust, presence, and stronger Teams in the 21st century.  We talk candidly about Burn-Out that hides behind adrenaline, the identity wobble that shows up when the job title disappears, and why reinvention is no longer a one-off event but a constant Leadership capability. Julia shares how time in the African bush sharpened her ability to be present and how that same discipline translates into Psychological Safety at work. When leaders are distracted, inconsistent, or living in the future, teams feel unsafe and performance suffers. We explore the ripple effect leaders leave behind them, the difference between doing and being, and why sustainable pace matters more than perpetual drive. We also dig into technology and AI: The gift of Lifelong Learning, the curse of FOMO, and the growing trust problem when it’s hard to know what’s real. Julia introduces her diamond model of leadership for navigating uncertainty, built around attention, direction, energy, and congruence with belonging at the centre, and explains why equine-guided experiences create embodied learning that sticks long after the workshop ends. If you enjoy Leadership Development, Team Performance, reinvention, and human-centred Communication, you’ll take away clear ideas you can apply immediately.  CONTACT JULIA: WEBSITE: https://www.juliafelton.com [https://www.juliafelton.com/] X: https://x.com/julia_felton [https://x.com/julia_felton] LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliafelton/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliafelton/] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BusinessHorsepower/ [https://www.facebook.com/BusinessHorsepower/] Subscribe for more stories from The Clearing, share this with a leader who needs a reset, and leave a review telling us what builds trust fastest in your workplace. Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. CONTACT CHRIS ABOUT THE SHOW: * Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com [https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com/] * You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk * Twitter thatchrisgrimes [https://twitter.com/thatchrisgrimes] * LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/] * FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860] Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) To record your Life Story or GIFT an episode to someone that you love, with Chris as your host, then do get in touch about how ‘Legacy Life Reflections’ can help: LEGACY LIFE REFLECTIONS WEBSITE: https://www.legacylifereflections.com E MAIL: chris@legacylifereflections.com WHATS APP: +44 7711 644 094 LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/chris.grimes.167 [https://www.facebook.com/chris.grimes.167]