The Big Talk with Tricia Brouk

In this episode, we dive deep into a skill that's become essential for every speaker: mastering the art of speaking on camera. Whether you're delivering a virtual keynote, leading an online interview, or building your speaking business, the camera is now a non-negotiable part of your toolkit.   When you tune in, you'll learn:   Why virtual speaking is fundamentally different from live stage presentations—and why treating them the same is a mistake The critical importance of your technical setup and how to create a genuine presence and connection through the lens The power of storytelling in virtual settings, and ways to make your stories more intimate, specific, and visually engaging Strategies for managing your energy, preparation, and recovery when performing virtually How mastering virtual speaking can expand your reach, increase your impact, and open up new business opportunities   More from Tricia  Transform your expertise into a speaking legacy with me inside The Big Talk Academy Mastery Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

In this episode, I'm super excited for you to hear from Kristina DiPalo. You may remember Kristina from Episode 555, Episode 578, and Episode 713. She is an amazing speaker, client, and member of The Big Talk community.   Through her work and talks, Kristina awakens people and organizations stuck between the future they imagined and the one they are living. Leveraging the concept of icons and iconoclasts, she uses her experience as a strategic leader to help clients break worn-out definitions and navigate toward a future of growth and possibility.   In her talk, "The New Iconoclasts," she explores: How icons can shape us, but can also limit us How life's necessary compromises can disconnect us from our true selves Why menopause represents a powerful watershed moment The reason we must become the new iconoclasts ourselves—flooding the zone with images of vibrant, whole women at every age How women are expected to be everything but "not too much"—and why embracing our wholeness is revolutionary More from Kristina DiPalo Her previous appearances on The Big Talk podcast in Episode 555, Episode 578, and Episode 713 Website: https://kristinadipalo.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinadipalo/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinadipalo/    More from Tricia  Unlock your potential and grow your speaking business during The Art of The Big Talk, my LIVE Two-Day Virtual Masterclass Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Today's guest, Robbie Samuels, is an award-winning author of four books that have collectively received over 900 Amazon reviews and reached #1 Best Seller in 30 categories.   As a book launch strategist, he coaches entrepreneurs to build launch teams that generate referrals, grow their pipeline, and get 50+ Amazon reviews. He also designs and emcees virtual book launch parties that lead prospects to an offer.   He founded the Biz Book Pub Hub, a community with dozens of experts ready to help entrepreneurs navigate writing, editing, publishing, and marketing their business books. He hosts the Biz Book Pub Hub Podcast and free virtual networking events for writers, authors, and speakers.   In this episode, we'll explore:   Why authors don't need to chase vanity metrics like Amazon #1 Bestseller status Understanding the difference between your publication date and your launch date The reason verified reviews matter, and how to calculate the right launch team size to get them How to use your book to build relationships that lead to speaking engagements, coaching clients, and collaborations Robbie's current favorites: Book: The Tipping Point, Speaker: Dorie Clark, and Podcast: Biz Book Pub Hub   More from Robbie Samuels Robbie's free gift for our listeners: booklaunchbrainstorm.com  Website: https://robbiesamuels.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/robbiesamuels  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiesamuels  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/robbiesamuels    More from Tricia  Turn Your Expertise Into Influence, Income, and a Speaking Legacy during The Art of The Big Talk, my LIVE Two-Day Virtual Masterclass Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Are you ready to close out your year with gratitude, wisdom, and a plan for sustainable success in 2026?    Whether you're a speaker, leader, or someone striving to make an impact, this episode will help you reflect, reset, and move forward with clarity.   This week, we're exploring:   The importance of pausing to reflect before setting new goals—and why moving with intention beats moving from exhaustion How to honor your wins and extract wisdom from your biggest challenges Letting go of disappointments, outdated beliefs, and what no longer serves you Planning from wisdom instead of ego and building your support system Identifying where you're ready to stop playing small and step into your full potential More from Tricia  Unlock your potential and grow your speaking business during The Art of The Big Talk, my LIVE Two-Day Virtual Masterclass Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

In this special bonus episode, I am taking you behind the scenes of The Art of The Big Talk, my live two-day virtual masterclass.   During these done-with-you days, I support speakers and thought leaders in becoming laser-focused on their desires and ideas. I equip them with comprehensive systems to skyrocket their impact and open doors to coveted stages. And that's what you'll hear in today's episode.    In this episode, we'll explore: Working out your core message and mining for the idea that you uniquely have to share How to use your voice in a way that helps others rather than shames them Crafting a companion talk for your book and why it shouldn't sound exactly like your book Identifying the audience that needs to hear your talk, and seeing how it might be broader than you think More from Tricia  Unlock your potential and grow your speaking business during The Art of The Big Talk, my LIVE Two-Day Virtual Masterclass Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Today, I'm joined by Jane Newman, an international speaker, entrepreneur, and coach. Jane writes and speaks on the urgent necessity of retaining our humanity in a techno-centric world.   Based in Seoul, South Korea, she travels internationally, working with global thought leaders on reimagining AI and technology. Her message to live joyfully offers a necessary panacea to lives driven by efficiency and productivity.   In this episode, we'll explore: The massive hidden impact AI is having on the climate What happens when technology fails us and there's no human to help Why Gen Z is struggling to envision an optimistic future Simple ways to reduce AI usage and create a rehumanized future Jane's current favorites: Book: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, Speaker: Tricia Brouk, and Podcast: What a Stranger Told Me More from Jane Newman Website: https://www.jane-newman.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-newman-writer-and-speaker/    More from Tricia  Unlock your potential and grow your speaking business during The Art of The Big Talk, my LIVE Two-Day Virtual Masterclass Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

In this deeply personal episode, I share the transformative experience I had in Mexico, where I had the privilege of witnessing the incredible journey of sea turtles.   I relate this amazing experience to the concept of the "upper limit problem"—the invisible ceiling that holds us back when things are going well, as described by Gay Hendricks in "The Big Leap." I also share practical steps for recognizing and overcoming your self-sabotage patterns.   Join me as we explore: What the upper limit problem is and how it shows up in our lives How self-sabotage can occur just as we're experiencing more love, success, or joy The powerful lessons learned from sea turtles about patience, discernment, and expanding capacity The importance of honoring your process and staying in integrity with yourself Practical steps to recognize and move beyond your own upper limit More from Tricia  Unlock your potential and grow your speaking business during The Art of The Big Talk, my LIVE Two-Day Virtual Masterclass Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

This week, you'll hear a big talk from Maria DeLorenzis Reyes at the Speaker Salon Showcase.    Maria is an executive leadership coach who specializes in challenging conventional norms and fostering cultures of belonging and high performance. As CEO and Founder of Training Innovations and MDR Brands, she has transformed over 1,600 companies across 8 sectors, delivered over 5,800 presentations and trained 200,000+ people. Her extensive knowledge and speaking skills make her a sought-after coach, consultant, and speaker.    Maria is the creator and host of the "Finding the Upside" podcast and TV series. She is a Certified Personal Empowerment Coach (PECC), Master Level Certified NLP Coach, Master Practitioner of Hypnosis and TimeLine Therapy (TLT).   In her inspiring talk, "Choosing To Be a Rebel Leader," she explores: Why most leadership promotions are fundamentally flawed The reason that 52% of people leave companies and the systems that need to change if we, as leaders, want them to stay How creating safe, supportive environments based on shared team identity doesn't just improve culture—it actually increases productivity and profitability The power we all have to lead and create belonging by ensuring others feel seen, heard, and valued—regardless of position or title   More from Maria DeLorenzis Reyes Website: mariadr.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariaDeLorenzisReyes  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariadelorenzisreyes/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themariadr/  More from Tricia  Unlock your potential and grow your speaking business during The Art of The Big Talk, my LIVE Two-Day Virtual Masterclass Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Today, I'm once again joined by an amazing speaker, client, and member of The Big Talk community, Kristina DiPalo. Kristina awakens people and organizations stuck between the future they imagined and the one they are living. Leveraging the concept of icons and iconoclasts, she uses her experience as a strategic leader to help clients break worn-out definitions and navigate toward a future of growth and possibility. In our conversation, Kristina shares her journey through a watershed moment—when her roles as wife, daughter, and professional were all shifting—and how reconnecting with the icons of her youth (Debbie Harry, Shirley Chisholm, Billie Jean King, and Millicent Fenwick) helped her realize she'd drifted from who she truly was. In this episode, we'll explore: How to identify your watershed moment—when what you are is out of alignment with who you are—and why the tension you feel is actually a powerful signal for change The difference between the roles you play (mom, professional, partner) and who you truly are at your core Why becoming an iconoclast doesn't mean dramatic life changes, but rather breaking small daily compromises that have steered you away from your authentic self How to use courage and faith to consciously redefine yourself when you realize you're living someone else's definition of who you should be Current Favorites: Books: The Last Temptation of Christ & Love in the Time of Cholera, Speaker: Spalding Gray, and Podcasts: The Iconic Podcast & The Bulwark Podcast More from Kristina DiPalo Her first appearances on The Big Talk podcast in Episode 555 and Episode 578 Website: https://kristinadipalo.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinadipalo/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinadipalo/    More from Tricia  Unlock your potential and grow your speaking business during The Art of The Big Talk, my LIVE Two-Day Virtual Masterclass Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most important questions for leaders, speakers, and anyone seeking growth: "Is this still the truth?"   You'll discover why the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and what we're capable of are often outdated—and how to spot them. You'll also learn practical steps to identify and rewrite the narratives that hold you back!   In this episode, we'll explore:   The difference between characteristics and character  How to challenge limiting beliefs by replacing judgment with curiosity and collecting real evidence about yourself The three main categories where we get stuck: assumptions, imagined futures, and beliefs about ourselves The power of acting from your truth instead of your lies, and how this shift can impact not just you, but everyone around you   More from Tricia  Unlock your potential and grow your speaking business during The Art of The Big Talk, my LIVE Two-Day Virtual Masterclass Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

In this special bonus episode, I am taking you behind the scenes of The Art of The Big Talk, my live two-day virtual masterclass.   During these done-with-you days, I support speakers and thought leaders in becoming laser-focused on their desires and ideas. I equip them with comprehensive systems to skyrocket their impact and open doors to coveted stages. And that's what you'll hear in today's episode.    In this episode, we'll explore: Why being nervous is actually a good thing Identifying what you're really good at, so you can turn it into your big talk idea How to make your audience feel valued and seen  Breaking down why your idea is important, why it's important to you, and why it's important to the world (because, yes, these can be different and they all matter) More from Tricia  Go from idea to stage-ready inside The Big Talk Academy Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Today's guest, Lulu Essey, is an Award-winning Executive Creative Director and certified Life Coach who transforms lives through her revolutionary approach of self-love as a success infrastructure.    As the host of The Lulu Essey Podcast, she helps people worldwide move from seeking to breakthroughs using proven frameworks, showing us that sustainable transformation happens from the inside out.   In this episode, we'll explore: Self-love as a success infrastructure and how to use Lulu's LOVE Framework in your daily practice Why you don't have to believe every thought you think Using self-compassion to transform crisis into a breakthrough Her current favorites: Book: The Prophet, Speakers: Elizabeth Gilbert and Brené Brown, Podcast: This Cultural Life   More from Lulu Essey Her free guide that includes her LOVE Framework Website: https://www.luluessey.com  Podcast: https://www.luluessey.com/podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucille-marie-essey/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lulu.essey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lulu.essey/ More from Tricia  Go from idea to stage-ready inside The Big Talk Academy Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

This week, I'm deconstructing the Netflix film 'Sunday Best,' which explores the legacy of Ed Sullivan—a legendary TV host and cultural trailblazer who used his massive platform to advance racial equality during one of America's most challenging eras.    Discover how Sullivan used his platform during one of America's most challenging eras to champion racial equality, featuring groundbreaking performances by artists like Nat King Cole, Harry Belafonte, Diana Ross & The Supremes, and Stevie Wonder.   In this episode, we'll explore: The responsibility that comes with having a platform or a voice How Ed Sullivan's decisions advanced social justice and broke barriers The importance of embracing discomfort to create real change Why your authentic, courageous voice matters more than ever   Plus, hear a personal story from the community about stepping up to lead, and get inspired to share your own message—even if it feels uncomfortable. More from Tricia  Go from idea to stage-ready inside The Big Talk Academy Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

This week, you'll hear a big talk from Davon Williams at the Speaker Salon Showcase.    Davon is a two-time Anthem Award winner, an international performer, NYCLU Artist Ambassador, and a TED Talk alum.    He authored the Black Theatre Matters Bill—the landmark legislation that passed at the Actors' Equity Association's First National Convention. His work has been covered in Deadline, Forbes, CBS, Playbill, The Daily Beast, BroadwayWorld, 60 Minutes, and numerous other platforms and publications.   In his powerful talk, "Embracing Disruption: A Call to Fortune 500 CEOs," he explores: The dangers of clinging to tradition and resisting change Why solving present problems drives fiscal growth How protest signals engagement rather than opposition The ripple effect of leadership choices on the world More from Davon Williams Website: https://www.davonwilliams.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DayWilling#  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daywilling  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCby_daXzNXlBjWcUWXLGo7g    More from Tricia  Publish your book with The Big Talk Press Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Today, I'm joined by Gracia Sotomayor, an inspiring speaker, author, artistic cyclist, and graduate of The Big Talk Academy. Born in Lima, Peru, Gracia discovered artistic cycling through a magazine photo and was captivated by the concentration and control required. With no resources available in Spanish, she taught herself and eventually moved to Germany to master the sport. She has competed in the UCI Cycling World Championships and became the first person to translate the official rulebook into Spanish. As an ambassador for artistic cycling, Gracia has promoted the sport across Latin America and been featured in international media. Through her speaking, she shares how embracing inner power, taking unconventional paths, and helping others can lead to personal transformation and lasting impact. In this episode, we'll explore: Why allowing yourself to feel your emotions fully builds self-trust The importance of sharing your story and how it opens doors for others Building genuine connections through being authentically yourself  How to trust that you're capable of doing something rather than playing the underdog or diminishing yourself Her current favorites: Book: What's Your Dream, Speaker: Coach Stormy, and Podcast: A Bit of Optimism  More from Gracia Sotomayor Her talk on The Big Talk Academy Stage in NYC Website: https://www.graciasotomayor.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graciasotomayor/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracia-sotomayor-v/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracia.sotomayor/  More from Tricia  Publish your book with The Big Talk Press Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

This week on The Big Talk Podcast, I'm deconstructing a powerful interview between Katie Couric and Laverne Cox that demonstrates what it means to be a truly influential voice when addressing difficult topics. This conversation is a masterclass in handling sensitive subjects with grace, authenticity, and purpose.   In this episode, we'll explore: Why having a platform means having a responsibility to address challenging topics, not just easy ones The difference between performative vulnerability and vulnerability in service of something larger How to prepare for and navigate difficult conversations with respect, dignity, and educational intent The reason brave voices matter more than safe voices, and how addressing controversial topics can strengthen rather than hurt your speaking career   More from Tricia  Transform your expertise into a speaking legacy inside The Big Talk Academy Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

In today's special bonus episode, I am taking you behind the scenes of The Art of The Big Talk, my live two-day virtual masterclass.   During these done-with-you days, I support speakers and thought leaders in becoming laser-focused on their desires and ideas. I equip them with comprehensive systems to skyrocket their impact and open doors to coveted stages. And that's what you'll hear in today's episode.    In this episode, we'll explore: How to use storytelling to get people to lean in and take action Feeling confident in your keynote and understanding who needs it Streamlining and shortening your title talk so it is clear and powerful Finding your specific message and landing on your big idea   More from Tricia  Unlock your potential and grow your speaking business during The Art of The Big Talk, my LIVE Two-Day Virtual Masterclass Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Today's guest, Riley Tejcek, is an Active Duty Marine Corps Captain. When she's not commanding troops, she competes as a pilot for Team USA Bobsled, with the goal of becoming the first female Marine in the Olympics.   In addition to being the author of the new children's book If You Can Dream It, Be It!, Riley was named Ms. Military 2024 and is a game show winner.   In this episode, we'll explore: How grit, determination, and being allowed to fail build great leaders Building trust through being predictable, consistent, and genuinely yourself  The important distinction between being kind and being nice, and why this matters when leading other people The reason representation shapes what's possible and how this led to Riley writing her children's book Her current favorites: Book: The Bible, Speaker: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Podcast: Crime Junkie More from Riley Tejcek Her book, If You Can Dream It, Be It!  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riley.tejcek/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-tejcek-b264902b9/    More from Tricia  Publish your book with The Big Talk Press Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

This week on The Big Talk Podcast, we're exploring the inseparable relationship between leadership and speaking – and how combining inner wisdom with powerful communication creates truly transformational influence.   With my new book "Being Smart is Stupid" launching next week, this episode examines how it works together with "The Influential Voice" to provide a complete framework for influential leadership.   In this episode, we'll explore: Why great leadership requires both wisdom and communication skills – and how my two books address each side of this equation The difference between speaking from ego versus "Buddha nature" and why authentic service creates lasting influence A real transformation story of a speaker who integrated these principles to dramatically increase his impact How to continue developing both your inner wisdom and outer voice through The Big Talk Academy More from Tricia  Preorder by book, Being Smart is Stupid Publish your book with The Big Talk Press Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

This week, you'll hear a big talk from Stephanie Trager given at the Speaker Salon Showcase that will expand how you think about the world and inspire you to take the big stages you desire.   Stephanie is a speaker, futurist, and transformational coach who bridges ancient intelligence with modern wisdom to activate human potential. A former practicing attorney, she weaves multidimensional expertise and perception, supporting evolutionary change in individuals and organizations.   In her powerful talk, "What Ancient Trees Can Teach Us About Our Future Human Potential," she explores: Why we need to expand our perception beyond conventional reality, and the reason ancient wisdom still holds keys to modern solutions Her perspective on alternative approaches to natural resource use based on indigenous teachings How breakdowns can become breakthroughs when we're open to guidance Remembering our multidimensional capacities and stepping out of old programs and identities More from Stephanie Trager Website: http://www.stephanietrager.com/  Podcast: http://catalysttalks.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanietragercatalysttalks  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanietrager/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanietrager/    More from Tricia  Go from idea to stage-ready inside The Big Talk Academy Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com