The Public Speaking Podcast

Hosted by Lucas Reuterstig & Alex Grabner Jarlung

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Sep 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Public Speaking Channel ! Join Alex Grabner Jarlung and Lucas Reuterstig as they deconstruct the science of public speaking. Having spent years working alongside David JP Phillips, they’ve mastered the art of voice, body language, and stage presence. No fluff, just the tactical skills you need to make people lean in when you speak. From expert guest interviews to deep dives into human behavior, we’re here to kill the communication barriers holding you back. Speak better. Get booked. Build the career. Join our community: www.skool.com/speak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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57 recent

September 30, 202639 min

I applied 150th times to TEDx events before I received my first YES | Steven Dossou

How do you go from living in a $20-a-month shack surrounded by mice to generating $50M+ in sales and standing on global TEDx stages? In this explosive, high-energy episode of The Public Speaking Podcast , hosts Lucas Reuterstig and Alexander Grabner Jarlung sit down with international speaker and investor, Steven Dossou . Steven shares his personal story where he went from hawking vacuum cleaners door-to-door in South Africa to scaling multi-million dollar organizations and building a global public speaking business. Steven pulls no punches when breaking down the reality of getting booked. He opens up about applying to over 150 TEDx and also explains the critical differences between getting booked in Europe versus the US, and breaks down his daily routine for unbreakable confidence. Plus, he introduces Real Speaking Gigs , an AI-powered tool trained on a decade of outreach data to help speakers connect directly with event organizers and land paid stages. Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 02:18 - The Speaker Agency Dilemma: Exclusivity vs. Freedom 05:58 - 10 Tough Thoughts with Steven Dossou 07:08 - Growing Up in a $20 Shack in Togo 08:54 - Door-to-Door Vacuum Sales to $50 Million in Revenue 11:13 - Losing Everything & Finding His True Calling in Speaking 13:49 - Cold-Pitching Directors to Build a Career 15:57 - The Truth About TEDx 18:31 - How Credibility Precedes Paid Gigs 19:11 - Getting Booked in Europe vs. The US (Market Realities) 22:07 - Finding Your "Touchstone Message" & Signature Speech 24:51 - In-Person Stage Energy vs. Digital Speaking 28:02 - 3 Daily Habits for Unstoppable Confidence & Resilience 32:59 - Guest Recommendations 35:03 - How "Real Speaking Gigs" AI Helps Speakers Land Bookings 37:30 - Where to Connect with Steven Dossou & Outro Connect with Steven Linkedin: https://fi.linkedin.com/in/steven-dossou-action-man-3623b5106 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven_dossou/?hl=en Website: https://stevendossou.com/ Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 23, 202645 min

How to Write a Speech That Changes Minds | Simon Lancaster

Why are facts, stats, and logic completely failing to win people over on stage? In this electric episode of The Public Speaking Podcast , hosts Lucas Reuterstig and Alexander Grabner Jarlung sit down with world famous speechwriter and author Simon Lancaster . Having crafted speeches for UK Cabinet Ministers, global CEOs, and world leaders for nearly 30 years, Simon reveals what actually makes words have power over an audience. Simon breaks down why he is sick of generic AI speeches and explains why true connection requires raw humanity, ancient rhetoric, and a bit of rockstar energy. His story going viral on social media From analyzing how Aristotle’s Ethos, Pathos, and Logos combine with modern neuroscience, to the psychological power of strategic swearing and why you should ignore everyone else’s advice when taking the stage, this episode is a masterclass in modern influence. Connect with Simon Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/simon-lancaster-speechwriter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeechwriter1/?hl=en Website: https://bespokespeeches.com/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thespeechwriter1 Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 16, 202649 min

The 4 Questions Top Speakers Ask Before Stage | Mary Tillson-Wharton

What separates the top 1% of paid speakers from the 80% who leave audiences completely disconnected? In this episode of The Public Speaking Podcast , hosts Lucas Reuterstig and Alexander Grabner Jarlung sit down with Mary Tillson-Wharton , Head of Speaker Coaching and Momentum at the Speaking Business Academy. Drawing from her background as a private investigator and decades in learning and development, Mary reveals why 80% of speeches fail the audience and how elite speakers use "scoping" to ensure they nail their delivery every single time. Mary breaks down on the 4 Critical Questions, and explains why you should never deliver the exact same speech twice. She also introduces her famous WOMBAT framework , a step-by-step tool for structuring customized, high-impact presentations on short notice. Whether you are a seasoned keynote speaker or just starting out, this episode will transform the way you approach your audience, your client conversations, and your stage prep. Connect with Mary Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/marytillsonwharton Academy: https://www.mariafranzoni.me/ Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel Website: https://headgain.com/ Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 9, 202632 min

4 Brain Surgeries, They Said He'd Never Speak | Tony Mulligan

How do you respond when life completely strips away your voice and paralyzes half of your body? In this deeply moving episode of The Public Speaking Podcast , hosts Lucas Reuterstig and Alexander Grabner Jarlung sit down with motivational speaker Tony Mulligan . Diagnosed with a recurrent brain tumor 12 years ago, Tony has survived four major brain surgeries and after losing his ability to speak and battling severe left-side paralysis. This conversation goes far beyond presentation techniques, it is a raw, emotional masterclass on how to never lose your purpose will guide you into use your darkest moments to give hope to others. Tony shares how he conquered the terror of stepping onto stage with an uncertain voice, why saying "yes" to terrifying opportunities will transform your life. If you want to enjoy Tony’s SPEAKERx video, here’s the link: https://youtu.be/A7VWiHUsC-o Connect with Tony Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonysmulligan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonymullspeaks?igsh=a3drMmJ4aWZqOXgw Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel Website: https://headgain.com/ Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 2, 202641 min

10 Questions We Should NOT Have Answered

We always say that every single day in life is just a practice of how you speak, and what happens when there are no guests, no scripts, and zero filters in the studio? This is a funny episode. In this edition of The Public Speaking Podcast , hosts Lucas and Alex turn the micro-interrogations on themselves! Our famous "10 Tough Thoughts" rapid-fire quiz is being asked to both of them, uncovering hilarious personal truths, unexpected preferences, and the exact reasons behind their stage philosophies. You’ll have the chance to sit and laugh while you’re getting to know our hosts better. This unscripted conversation proves how authentic, improvised banter can build undeniable presence and connection. Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel Website: https://headgain.com/ Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak Connect with Alex Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarlung/ Linkedin: https://se.linkedin.com/in/alexander-grabner-jarlung Connect with Lucas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_reuterstig/ Linkedin: https://se.linkedin.com/in/reuterstig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 26, 202638 min

This is Why 90% of Paid Speakers Stay Broke | Maria Franzoni

Are you ready to step into the $1.6 trillion paid speaking market? In this extraordinary episode of The Public Speaking Podcast , hosts Lucas Reuterstig and Alexander Grabner Jarlung sit down with former speaker bureau executive, commercial strategist, and author of The Bookability Formula , Maria Franzoni. This might be controversial but Public Speaking for free is holding you back, that’s one thing, of many we’ve learned in this episode. Maria reveals the biggest myths in the industry and breaks down the epidemic of a term called “infobesity” explaining why modern audiences demand endless slides of information. She also strips away the fluff of the "public speaking" world and gives you the exact tools to make yourself ridiculously easy to book. Whether you are an executive entering the speaking circuit or a working presenter looking to double your fees, this episode is more like a masterclass that left our hosts completely thrilled, amazed, and practically speechless. Connect with Maria Buy Maria's book: https://mybook.to/Bookability Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariafranzoni/ Website: https://www.mariafranzoni.me Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel Website: https://headgain.com/ Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 19, 202640 min

Why You Will Never "Feel Ready" to Speak | Dr. Biliana Tod

Is it really possible to go from being super shy to speaking on international stages? In this episode of The Public Speaking Podcast , hosts Lucas Reuterstig and Alexander Grabner Jarlung sit down with PhD scientist, international keynote speaker, and author of Neuro Excellence , Dr. Biliana Tod, who breaks down the neuroscience of fear, explaining why waiting until you "feel ready" is a trap that keeps 99% of aspiring speakers silent. She dives into how she built her personal brand by documenting real-life brain experiments, the story of her first speaking agency representation, and why embracing discomfort on stage is the key to unlocking authentic communication. Whether you are a corporate leader struggling with presentation anxiety or an aspiring speaker looking to turn your scientific expertise into a lucrative keynote career, this episode will provide the exact roadmap to develop your courage and take action. Connect with Biliana Website: https://bilianatod.com/en/home/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bilianatod Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/biliana-todorova-phd-🧭-8984647b Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel Website: https://headgain.com/ Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 12, 202640 min

How AI Slop Kills Your Speaking Credibility | Johannes Sundlo

In this episode of The Public Speaking Podcast , hosts Lucas Reuterstig and Alexander Grabner Jarlung sit down with international keynote speaker and FullStack HR author Johannes Sundlo . As Johannes breaks down his journey into becoming a leading voice on artificial intelligence, bridging the gap between overhyped tech promises and the reality of modern presentation skills and workplace culture. He reveals how sharing these “AI promises” ideas helped him build undeniable authority, refine his message through critical audience feedback, and transition directly onto global keynote stages. He also reveals the dark side of automation, warning speakers and corporate leaders against the generic, low-effort content that is currently killing trust with an audience. This conversation exposes the critical balance between leveraging modern tools and preserving authentic executive presence. Whether you are a corporate communicator or an aspiring keynote speaker trying to stand out in a crowded market, this episode delivers a masterclass in stage credibility, storytelling, and modern communication strategy. If you want to enjoy Johanne’s SPEAKERx video, here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfL5n7V6Lq4&t=40s Connect with Johannes Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsundlo Website: https://sundlo.com Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel Website: https://headgain.com/ Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 5, 202631 min

Why You Secretly Hate Going Back to Work & How to Deal With It

Why do we always feel like going back to work it's such a horrible thing to do? Have you ever wondered why we have normalized those behaviors? In this dynamic episode of The Public Speaking Podcast , hosts Lucas Reuterstig and Alexander Grabner Jarlung discuss this global very common anxiety most of us suffer after vacation. They explore the fundamental difference between being passionate about what you do and hating every single second of your daily tasks at work, exposing why so many corporate workers dread Monday mornings. Beyond office culture, Lucas and Alex share actionable strategies for corporate leaders, executives, and public speakers looking to sharpen their workplace communication. They ask such small-talk questions like "How was your vacation?" are missed opportunities, offering a masterclass on how to leverage personal summer experiences for storytelling practice. Don’t miss out this episode and learn how to master your storytelling from small talks, why coming back to work might seem like your worst nightmare and some small updates on where we’re going in the fall! Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel Website: https://headgain.com/ Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak Connect with Alex Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarlung/ Linkedin: https://se.linkedin.com/in/alexander-grabner-jarlung Connect with Lucas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_reuterstig/ Linkedin: https://se.linkedin.com/in/reuterstig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 29, 202642 min

You Don't Need to Be Famous to Be a Paid Speaker

Ever wondered why some speakers get booked continuously while others present to empty rooms? The answer to that question will be in this exclusive episode of The Public Speaking Podcast, hosted by Alexander Grabner-Jarlung In this webinar he shares the hard lessons from his long 13 year career in public speaking. From having speaking lessons with David JP Phillips to speaking in front of an empty room of just 10 people, Alex breaks down the painful realities of the industry and how he transformed his approach to build a true career. He also addresses the common downfalls every speaker faces, from fear and information overload to relying on poor feedback, and outlines why simply having a great idea is never enough to get booked. If you're an aspiring speaker, consultant, or seasoned executive wanting to scale your reach and secure stage opportunities, this masterclass provides the exact roadmap to level up your speaking business. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:44 - What’s the #1 Mistake Holding Speakers Back? 04:27 - The Promise: Real Advice for Getting Booked in 2026 06:58 - Alex's Story: Starting Out with David JP Phillips 08:44 - The Empty Room Nightmare: Facing Frustration & Failure 10:27 - Do You Really Have Something Worth Saying? 12:58 - Mistake #1: Having an Idea But No "Signature Talk" 13:48 - The "Brain Drain" Process: How to Narrow Down Your Topic 17:04 - Mistake #2: Listening to Self-Renowned Experts & Bad Feedback 20:57 - Mistake #3: Never Testing Your Speech on Real Audiences 24:18 - Mistake #4: The Danger of Not Having a Professional Recording 28:41 - Mistake #5: The Lack of a "Unicorn Effect" (Standing Out) 31:18 - The TURBO Framework: From Page to Stage 33:20 - Examples of Unicorn Moments (Climbing Ladders & Hot Sauce) 36:00 - Proof of Concept: Helping Speakers Reach 800,000+ TEDx Views 39:39 - Introducing SPEAKERx Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel Website: https://headgain.com/ Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak Connect with Alex Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarlung/ Linkedin: https://se.linkedin.com/in/alexander-grabner-jarlung Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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