Couch To Podium Podcast

In this podcast, we are joined by Mimika Cooney. She is Mindset Coach, Business Coach, Speaker, Podcaster & Author. With Dr. Laura Louis, she talked about finding your core message as a speaker and how to find other physical and digital venues for audience to hear you. She spoke on how to share, hone your message and gave tips on content creation. 🎧Now playing in Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Libsyn and Spotify

In this episode with Kearn Crocket Cherry, a Couch to Podium Ambassador, Author, Speakers and Conference Founder of Power Up Summit & Level Up Summit, we will discuss tips strategies on how you can fill on the (virtual) seats and creating profitable events. We also dig deeper on topics like partnership, collaboration and sponsorships. Enroll in the Couch to Podium Courses and get paid to speak : https://couchtopodium.thinkific.com/ Be updated! Like our Facebook page- Couch to Podium: https://www.facebook.com/couchtopodium/ Join the Paid to Speak community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mentalhealthspeakersll/

Have you ever looked at your business and thought, “Something feels… off” but you can’t quite name what it is? Sometimes, the culprit isn’t a broken strategy, a bad market, or lack of skills. It’s something far more personal: burnout. In this raw and unfiltered episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how running on empty can quietly sabotage your decision-making, dim your passion, and blur the vision that once felt crystal clear. This isn’t a lecture on hustle culture or toxic productivity. This is a conversation about pressing pause, reconnecting with your original purpose, and finding the energy to lead your business with clarity again. If you’ve been feeling drained, disconnected, or directionless, this episode might just be the reset you need. 🎧 Listen now and reclaim your energy and your vision.   And if you’re ready for more than just a mental reset, if you want to recharge your energy and reignite your business vision, join me in Bali for the 2026 Speaker’s Wealth Retreat. It’s not just a getaway. It’s where rest meets strategy, and where you’ll leave with a renewed mind, a clear plan, and a profitable speaker’s roadmap. 🌴 Reserve your spot here → Bali Retreat

Waiting for paid gigs before you grab the mic? That mindset might be costing you big opportunities. In this episode, I share the exact shift I made that helped me turn free speaking engagements into a consistent income stream without chasing every stage or burning out. You’ll learn: ✔️ Why the right free stages can outperform paid ones ✔️ 3 places I speak for free that bring real ROI ✔️ The lead magnet move that gets people from audience to inbox ✔️ How to make your next talk part of your business strategy, not just a performance Whether you're a therapist, coach, or expert with a story to share, this episode will help you stop playing small and start speaking with purpose and profit. 🎧 Tune in now and let’s shift your speaking game. 

Still feeling unclear about your niche as a speaker? You're not alone but it is costing you. In this week’s session, I’m walking you through my exact process to: ✨ Uncover the unique expertise and life experiences that set you apart ✨ Position yourself as the go-to expert in your space ✨ Align your niche with high-paying opportunities (without boxing yourself in) Whether you're just getting started or you've been on stages before, clarity in your niche is what makes you bookable and bankable. Let’s get you both. And if you’re ready to take it further… Join me at the Paid to Speak Intensive, a transformational 1-day event designed to help you clarify your niche, craft your signature talk, and build the foundation for consistent paid speaking gigs. 🎟️ Only a few seats left. 💰 VIP + bonuses available. 📅 September 27th in Atlanta, GA. Don’t miss your chance. 👉 Secure your spot now 2025 Couch to Podium Conference

Let’s be honest, if your brand looks like “meh” and your message is all over the place, you're leaving coins on the table. In this episode, I’m breaking down why speakers who get paid are the ones who know exactly what they’re saying, who they’re saying it to, and how their brand shows up before they ever touch a mic. From brand messaging that lands, to assets that speak before you do… this episode is your wake-up call to stop blending in and start standing out. 🔥 Ready to position yourself as the go-to expert? Press play.   P.S If you're done guessing your way through this, come work with me inside the Paid to Speak Intensive on September 27th in Atlanta, GA. We’re locking in your message, leveling up your visuals, and building a speaker brand that commands premium fees.  🚨 Seats are limited. Serious speakers only. 2025 Couch to Podium Conference  

“If I build it, they will come.” It’s the biggest lie new speakers tell themselves and it’s costing them opportunities, visibility, and income. In this episode, I break down the common misconception that creating a speaker bio, website, or social media page is enough to get booked. (Spoiler: it’s not.) You’ll learn: 🔎 Why market research is non-negotiable 🤝 How to align with an organization’s mission, vision, and values 🚦 What it really takes to build trust and drive traffic to your brand 📈 The difference between being present and being strategic If you’re ready to stop waiting for the bookings and start attracting them, this episode is your wake-up call. 🎧 Tune in and take notes, your next paid speaking gig could depend on it. #BookedAndBusy #SpeakerStrategy #ProfitableSpeaker #CouchToPodium And if you're serious about going from invisible to in-demand, then you need more than just podcast gems, you need immersive transformation. 🌴 That’s exactly what we’re creating at the Speaker’s Wealth Retreat in Bali. It’s not just a getaway. It’s where clarity meets strategy, visibility meets luxury, and speakers become brands. ✅ Refine your message ✅ Elevate your brand ✅ Map out your next 3–5 speaking streams of income and actually launch them! 🌺 If you’re done guessing and ready to grow, this is your sign. Join us here: Bali Retreat Only a few spots left for serious speakers ready to level up. #CouchToPodium #ProfitableSpeaker #BaliRetreat #BookedAndPaid #SpeakerLife #SpeakerGoals  

I didn’t know I was making a mistake… until nobody bought the book Yep, I’ve been there.   I once made the mistake of turning a whole speaking engagement into a walking commercial for my book. The message got lost. The connection with the audience? Faded. And the impact I could’ve made… missed.   Here are some actionable tips to make sure your book promotion feels natural and adds value rather than coming across as a hard sell during your next speaking engagement: 1. Bring and Showcase a Physical Copy Place a few copies of your book on a side table or podium so they’re visible as soon as you walk on stage. This primes the audience to recognize it as part of your message rather than an add-on sales pitch.   2. Negotiate Speaking Fees (or Fee Waivers) in Exchange for Bulk Orders Frame it as a partnership. When you’re in discussions with an event organizer, propose a deal like: “If you cover my travel/honorarium, would you be open to purchasing X number of books (e.g., 50 copies) at a special bulk rate?” This way, they’re not just paying you for your time but also investing in resources for their audience.   3. Integrate Your Book’s Content Seamlessly into Your Message Map your talk to a chapter or key concept. Rather than abruptly saying, “Buy my book,” craft your talk so that one or two stories or frameworks directly mirror a chapter. Something like, “In Chapter 3, I share a case study about exactly this scenario,” makes it obvious that the book deepens the audience’s learning.   By weaving these tactics into your overall speaking flow rather than tacking on a sales pitch at the very end, you’ll strike the balance between providing value and offering your book as a natural extension of your message.   🎤 I teach strategies like this inside the Paid to Speak Intensive, where therapists, coaches, and authors learn how to turn their message into money and momentum this September 27th in Atlanta If you’re done winging it on stage and ready to get paid plus sell books without the cringe… 🪑 Grab your seat now. The room is filling and these bonus resources won’t last. Secure your spot here: 2025 Couch to Podium Conference #paidtospeak #speakerlife #bookmarketingtips #couchtopodium #speakerintensive #speakandsell

How do you make back-of-the-room sales without being pushy? 🙅🏾‍♀️   Short answer: Give first. Then offer a fast-action bonus they can’t resist.   Whether it’s free chocolate, a juicy resource, or a limited-time bonus, this little strategy builds trust and closes the sale without the cringe.    Curious what to offer and how to make it work for YOUR biz? I break it all down in this podcast, go check it out   #backofroomsales #couchtopodium #SpeakerTips #paidtospeak #SalesWithoutTheSleaze   🎤 If you’ve got a message, a program, or a movementand you’re ready to get paid to share it, The Paid to Speak Intensive is for you.  🚪Spots are limited and the fast-action bonuses? Whew, they don’t last long. Come learn how the pros do it (without feeling salesy). 2025 Couch to Podium Conference #backofroomsales #couchtopodium #SpeakerTips #paidtospeak #SalesWithoutTheSleaze #profitableplatform  

"We don’t have a budget to pay speakers…"   If you’ve heard that line and felt stuck between wanting visibility and needing income, this video is for you.    What if you could turn any speaking gig even the unpaid ones into profit?   I’m breaking down the exact questions I ask before I say yes to a stage, and the creative ways I monetize events without needing a check upfront.   You’ll learn:  How to ethically request the email list   What to include in your contract to protect your offers  Why videographers, vendor tables, and email follow-ups can be just as valuable as a check.   Listen now and tag a speaker who needs to hear this! #paidtospeak #speakerlife #nobudgetnoproblem #SpeakerTips #publicspeakingcoach     P.S  These strategies are just the tip of what we cover inside the Paid to Speak Intensive, my signature experience where we equip you with pitch scripts, negotiation language, and a speaker funnel that makes every yes (or even no!) worth your time.   Ready to get booked and paid?  Secure your seat now → https://couchtopodium.com/c2p-vip-day

You’ve got the credentials. You’ve got the passion. But if your message isn’t clear and compelling, you’ll keep getting passed over. In this episode, we’re unpacking the #1 messaging mistake that’s costing brilliant speakers real opportunities. Spoiler: It’s not your experience. It’s how you’re positioning it.   You’ll learn: Why your current brand message isn’t sticking How to connect your story to what event planners actually book for If you’re tired of being overlooked even though you know you’re qualified, this episode is your reset.   🔥 Ready to fix the disconnect and start getting paid for your voice? Join us this September for the Paid to Speak Intensive where we don’t just talk about speaking… we book it.   Join us here: 2025 Couch to Podium Conference 

If you’re sitting on your gift waiting for a check to show up before you speak, you’re playing the wrong game.   There was one shift I made that changed the way I do business: I stopped looking at the front-end money and focused on the back-end strategy.   Here’s what I did and what you can do too: 🔥 I started speaking for free on purpose in rooms that made sense for my offer.   These 3 places? Solid gold: 1️⃣ Chamber of Commerce – Monthly trainings with real decision-makers. 2️⃣ Churches – Safe, trust-filled spaces where people are hungry for growth. 3️⃣ SBA (Small Business Administration) – Business-minded folks who value transformation.   Here’s the key: 📌 Know your audience. You can’t pitch a marriage course to a room full of middle schoolers. Wrong room = wrong results. Period. ✅ And don’t just speak. Bring a lead magnet. A freebie. A resource. A clear next step that puts them in your world. Because you don’t get paid for the mic, you get paid for the movement you create after it.   🔥 Ready to learn how to do this the right way? I’m teaching it all inside my upcoming Paid to Speak Intensive on September 27th. We’re breaking down how to pitch, how to market, and how to turn any stage into a stream of income. ⚠️ Only 20 seats. No fluff. Just strategy that works. 📩 Tap the link in the comments to save your spot —and get paid to speak, even when the stage is free. 2025 Couch to Podium Conference #SpeakWithStrategy #BookedAndBanked #TherapistSpeaker #LeadWithValue #SpeakOnPurpose #FreeGigsRightRooms

What if everything you've been taught about entrepreneurial success is actually sabotaging your business? In this provocative conversation, LaChelle Barnett—licensed therapist, business consultant and founder of The Entrepreneurs Couch, she dismantles the glorified hustle narrative that's leaving entrepreneurs burned out and traumatized. Drawing from five years in the online coaching industry and her expertise in entrepreneurial trauma, LaChelle challenges conventional wisdom with the radical notion that feeling good in your business isn't just possible—it's essential. Discover why most entrepreneurs are stuck making busy-but-unproductive decisions from a place of unrecognized trauma, how to distinguish between cultural noise and your authentic business signal, and why your natural gifts (not your skills) hold the key to sustainable success. This episode isn't just about business strategy, it's about reclaiming your entrepreneurial freedom and building a business that works with you, not against you.   To connect with Lachelle, visit her website: theentrepreneurscouch.com   🎧Now playing in Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Libsyn and Spotify

Are administrative tasks stealing your time and energy? As a therapist, your focus should be on helping your clients—not drowning in the never-ending grind of scheduling, billing, marketing, and documentation. Yet, for so many therapists, these tasks consume valuable hours, leaving little room for personal growth, building a speaking career, or even enjoying a work-life balance. In this episode, we dive into the challenges therapists face when they try to do it all. Olivia Baylor, LGBTQ Affirmative Therapist and owner of Life Revisions Counseling LLC, shares how outsourcing transformed her practice and restored her energy to focus on what truly matters. Discover how outsourcing can free you from these burdens and give you back your time, focus, and peace of mind. This episode is packed with practical tips, real-world success stories, and expert advice to help you streamline your practice and reclaim your life. It’s time to stop doing it all. Tune in to learn how outsourcing can be your game-changer! To connect with Olivia, visit Life Revisions Counseling LLC.

🎙️🎧New Podcast!🚨 In this episode of Couch to Podium Podcast, Dr. Laura Louis interviews Kym Tolson, an online therapist who’s mastered the art of running an insurance-based therapy practice while traveling the world. Kym shares her expert strategies for balancing work and adventure, teaching other therapists how to stay connected with their clients no matter where they are.  If you've ever dreamed of running a flexible, location-independent practice, Kym’s insights are a must-listen. And, if you’re ready to take the next step in building a profitable speaking business, join us at our upcoming retreat where you'll learn how to create a thriving speaking career, just like Kym, while maintaining your practice and living life on your terms! Connect with Kym here: Kym Tolson - Therapist, Nomad, Multi-passionate Entrepreneur Join us for our Speaker's Wealth Retreat here: Bali Retreat 🎧Now playing in Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Libsyn and Spotify

🎙️ NEW PODCAST EPISODE! 🚨 Are you ready to take your therapy practice to the next level? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Alison Pidgeon, CEO of Move Forward Counseling LLC, as she reveals her journey from therapist to agency owner. In this episode, Alison shares her hard-earned wisdom on the rewards and challenges of transforming your practice into a successful counseling agency. Discover essential strategies for laying a strong foundation, building an exceptional team, and navigating the legal and operational complexities. Whether you're contemplating this leap or are poised to make the move, this podcast is a vital resource for therapists eager to expand their impact and create a flourishing counseling agency. Tune in and get ready to be inspired! If you're a private practice owner looking to create an additional stream of income, don’t miss our upcoming retreat in Bali! It’s the perfect opportunity to recharge, network with fellow professionals, and explore new avenues for growth.  Join us here: Bali Retreat (couchtopodium.net)

🎙️🎧New Podcast!🚨   Are you a professional speaker looking to land more engagements? Join us as we sit down with LinkedIn expert Adriane Simpson, CEO and founder of The LinkedIn Pros, a LinkedIn strategy and transition agency for executives and entrepreneurs who want to transition to more revenue and more income. She’s an expert at helping business owners position their brands for greater and helping professional clients secure their next high-paying role.    On this podcast interview, Adriane will uncover the secrets of creating a magnetic LinkedIn profile that attracts speaking opportunities. We'll dive deep into strategies that can transform your online presence and make event organizers eager to book you. Whether you're a seasoned keynote speaker or just starting your speaking career, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you stand out in the crowded speaking industry. Tune in to learn how to turn your LinkedIn profile into a powerful tool for attracting speaking engagements and growing your influence. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your LinkedIn game and take your speaking career to new heights!

Are you a business owner facing stagnant growth, operational inefficiencies, and a marketing strategy that just isn’t breaking through the noise? You’re not alone, but this podcast episode can make a difference. In this episode, I sit down with Rick Meekins, an expert in streamlining operations, scaling businesses, and creating brands that standouts. Rick has a passion for helping entrepreneurs and small business owners build the infrastructure and strategies needed for sustainable growth. Packed with practical advice and actionable insights, you’ll walk away with tips you can apply right away to transform your business. Ready to elevate your marketing from clunky to seamless? Tune in to learn how to optimize your operations, scale with confidence, and stand out in today’s competitive market. 

🎙️🎧 New Episode🚨 Ready to elevate your speaking career? Join us on today's episode with Cori Foster, CEO of IROC Marketable Business Solutions where we break down the secrets to growing your speaking business. In this episode, we'll chat about how to pitch effectively, keep the conversation going with smart follow-ups, and other tips to help you scale up. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your reach, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you thrive. Tune in and get inspired to take your speaking business to new heights!   If you want to connect with Cori, visit her through this website: IROC Marketable Business Solutions 🎧Now playing in Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Libsyn and Spotify   ---------------------------------------------------------------- Ready to boost your income and become a profitable speaker? Join us in Bali for the Speaker's Wealth Retreat this February 2025, and unlock the secrets to transforming your speaking career into a thriving business! To learn more, click here : Bali Retreat (couchtopodium.net)

🎙️🎧New Podcast!🚨   Are you unknowingly sabotaging your media pitches? 🤔   Could a simple mistake be holding you back from landing media opportunities? In this episode, Dr. Alduan Tartt, a leading psychologist and media expert, reveals a common but often overlooked error that many speakers make when pitching themselves. to the media!   Don’t let this misstep stand between you and your next big break—tune in to find out what you need to avoid and what you need to do to land those media opportunities.   🎧Now playing in Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Libsyn and Spotify