Speaking Podcast

Hosted by Roy Coughlan

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366

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Oct 2026

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The Speaking Podcast has evolved. What began as a show for speakers and coaches looking to start or sharpen their skills has grown into something broader and more relevant than ever — real conversations for real people navigating everyday life. Each episode features genuine, unscripted conversations with guests who bring practical insight, inspiring stories, and ideas you can actually apply — whether you're building a business, developing yourself, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on life. No scripts. No question lists. Just honest conversation worth eavesdropping on. Hosted by Roy Coughlan — DTM, podcaster, coach, and the Podfather — from Łódź, Poland. (Irish) Join my SKOOL PodFather Community https://www.skool.com/podfather/about Thank you to my listeners :)

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November 7, 2026Episode 3671 hr 4 min

#367 Sir Darren Jacklin - Integrity, Due Diligence and Why Behavior Never Lies

Sir Darren Jacklin joins Roy on the Speaking Podcast to talk about integrity, accountability and how to judge people before you do business with them. Darren shares how he became a knight in 2022, why he hired an integrity coach, and how he now tests character through hiking, micro commitments and a simple “calm, cautious or nervous” check on his gut. He is open about his own low points with money and what he learned from them. Roy adds lessons from his own years in property and construction. They finish with Darren’s view of Toastmasters, which he calls a low-cost way to start personal and professional development. About Sir Darren Jacklin Darren is based in Greater Vancouver, Canada. He is a General Partner at Smashing Numbers, which acquires accounting and bookkeeping firms in North America. He is the author of Until I Become and a co-founder of the LY2NK foundation, which builds schools in Uganda. He spent 11 years in Toastmasters. In 2022 he was knighted by the Royal Order of Cappadocia in Spain, which he says he uses to open doors for philanthropy and mental health awareness. What we Discussed 0:02 Roy’s introduction of Darren 1:39 How Darren became “Sir”: the 2022 nomination and what the knighthood means to him 8:18 The process, the ceremony and the vetting behind the honour 11:34 Hiring an integrity coach and what the payoff of avoiding yourself really was 11:58 Keeping your word, living by your calendar, and why “behavior never lies” 18:34 Roy on reading character through golf 19:12 Micro commitments: a practical integrity test you can use with anyone 23:59 Can you tell whether someone has changed for the better? 24:20 Transactional versus relational people, and listening to women’s intuition 29:00 Roy on reading a company by how its people look and feel 30:02 Darren’s financial lows, “a thinking problem, not a money problem”, and communicating when you owe money 35:40 Roy on staying in contact with people you owe 36:42 Calm, cautious or nervous: a three step gut check for money decisions 39:37 Roy on the investor who tries to take over the meeting 40:30 Flash versus cash, doing your homework before you invest, and asking founders the uncomfortable questions 45:30 Roy on checks and balances after being let down by people he trusted 47:05 Trust but verify: checking credentials and listening to your intuition 50:36 Roy on his mother’s instincts 51:33 Money comes in all shades of green: “time will either promote you or expose you” 54:15 Roy on refusing kickbacks and being “not for sale” 56:34 Showing off online versus real success 58:35 Toastmasters and speaking as a skill for boards and volunteer work 59:03 Why Darren recommends Toastmasters 1:02:00 How to contact Darren 1:02:09 Final advice: put in the reps and keep persevering How to Contact Sir Darren Jacklin 🌐 Website: https://darrenjacklin.com 📱 Social media: search Darren Jacklin or Sir Darren Jacklin 📖 Book: Until I Become (94 pages), available on Amazon and other bookstores 🤝 Open to conversations about advisory boards, boards of directors and mentoring 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) 🎙️ Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network 🌐 Website: https://roycoughlan.com/ 🤝 Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. 👥 Virtual Assistants: https://va.world/ 🧠 Brain Upgrade: https://brainupgrade.org/ 🌟 Private Members Group: The Authority Alliance, A Foundation of Experts for entrepreneurs, coaches, and thought leaders: https://theauthorityalliance.com/ 🤝 Connected Leaders Academy: A Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 50 Countries with 700+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy 🌿 Health and Wellness: https://podfather.thefrequencyawakening.com/ 🛡 EMF Protection: https://protectfromemf.org/ 🚀 PodFather Podcast Coach Community: https://www.skool.com/podfather/about #SpeakingPodcast #SirDarrenJacklin #Integrity #Accountability #DueDiligence #Leadership #Toastmasters #UntilIBecome #Entrepreneurship #PersonalDevelopment

October 24, 2026Episode 36642 min

#366 Why Confidence Starts in Your Body, Not Your Mind with Yossi Montrose

In this episode, Roy sits down with Yossi Montrose, founder of Performa Ball, who has spent more than two decades developing a coaching methodology built on controlled instability and stability ball training. Yossi traces his story from being born with a hearing problem and being bullied at school, through discovering the stability ball in a gym and the change he noticed in his posture, breathing and confidence, to a moment at a South African nature reserve where he stayed composed with a fully grown lion. He explains how sitting on a chair all day compares with sitting on a ball, how to choose the right size and quality, and how schools and offices have used it. Yossi links physical self-regulation to speaking under pressure, and the two discuss giving a talk while standing on the ball, a possible TEDx idea, his three-month program and his library of more than 3,500 exercises. Timestamps 0:02 – Introducing Yossi Montrose and Performa Ball 0:56 – Yossi’s story: a hearing problem, bullying, finding the stability ball and a lion encounter in South Africa 7:28 – Choosing the right ball size for your height 8:36 – Why ball quality matters 9:10 – The ball Yossi recommends, and chair versus ball for back, energy and focus 12:12 – Bullying, schools and the ball in classrooms 14:00 – Replacing office chairs with balls: productivity and team energy 16:03 – Roy’s gym experience and why the ball feels natural 17:36 – Sitting position on the ball and building up over time 18:47 – A gym at your desk for busy entrepreneurs 19:33 – Movement, calories and weight management 20:55 – Is there a weight limit on the ball 21:23 – Using the ball on calls and on stage as a conversation starter 22:58 – A TEDx talk delivered standing on the ball 23:43 – Yossi’s programs: a three-month course combining mind and body 25:29 – Circulation, energy, sleep and mood 28:02 – Watching TV and eating on the ball 30:44 – Unexpected benefits: reflexes, balance and Yossi’s own recovery story 34:24 – Working the whole body in proportion 35:38 – Yossi’s experience helping people with back, shoulder and knee problems 36:46 – Why the ball is underestimated, and ADHD in schools 38:10 – Balls for children 39:26 – 3,500+ exercises and starting at any level 41:32 – Where to find Yossi About Yossi Montrose Yossi Montrose is the founder of Performa Ball and has spent more than two decades developing a distinctive physical coaching methodology using controlled instability and stability-ball training. His work explores how physical control, balance, composure and adaptability influence the way people perform when the pressure is on. Rather than simply talking about confidence or presence, Yossi uses controlled instability to create situations where people have to physically organize themselves while moving, communicating and performing. His work is particularly relevant to founders, executives, leaders, speakers and other high-performing professionals who need to remain composed, adaptable and effective when circumstances change. Yossi brings a practical, experiential perspective to confidence, presence and performance, one that begins with the body and extends into how we lead, communicate and perform. Connect with Yossi: 🌐 Website: https://www.performaball.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yossi-montrose ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YossiMontrose 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) 🎙️ Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network 🌐 Website: https://roycoughlan.com/ 🤝 Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. 👥 Virtual Assistants: https://va.world/ 🧠 Brain Upgrade: https://brainupgrade.org/ 🌟 Private Members Group: The Authority Alliance — A Foundation of Experts for entrepreneurs, coaches, and thought leaders: https://theauthorityalliance.com/ 🤝 Connected Leaders Academy: A Private Networking Group in 50 US States and 50 Countries with 700+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy 🌿 Health and Wellness: https://podfather.thefrequencyawakening.com/ 🛡 EMF Protection: https://protectfromemf.org/ #SpeakingPodcast #PublicSpeaking #StabilityBall #Posture #Confidence #Leadership #ExecutivePresence #Composure #PerformaBall

September 19, 2026Episode 36546 min

#365 Fractional Ownership, Remote Careers, and the Future of Online Business with Mike Swigunski

In this episode, Roy sits down with Mike Swigunski, entrepreneur, investor, and #1 bestselling author on a mission to help millions of people Earn From Anywhere. Mike traces his path from a small Missouri suburb where he didn't take his first flight until 18, through running a university study-abroad program at 20, to a devastating turning point at 22 — losing his mother to breast cancer just a month before graduation — that pushed him to book a one-way flight to Europe rather than take a safe corporate job. He shares how he became employee #4 at Empire Flippers, helping scale it into a 100-person remote team and the world's largest curated marketplace for online businesses, and the "POWER" framework he built from watching thousands of acquisitions to identify what actually makes a business valuable. They dig into the platform risks of Amazon FBA and affiliate businesses, the coming shift toward advertising inside AI chat tools, the real craft behind his TEDx talk and the hero's journey structure behind it, his NOMAD framework for choosing where to live abroad, and his new venture, Dividends — a platform letting everyday investors put as little as $100 into fractional ownership of cash-flowing online businesses. Timestamps 0:02 – Introducing Mike Swigunski 1:12 – Getting the pronunciation of "Swigunski" right 1:40 – From small-town Missouri to catching the travel bug at 19 2:01 – Running the University of Missouri's Prague study-abroad program at 20 6:49 – Losing his mother at 22, and the one-way flight to Europe that followed 7:00 – Becoming employee #4 at Empire Flippers 9:42 – The POWER framework: what actually separates successful businesses from the rest 13:24 – The platform risk of Amazon FBA, fake reviews, and hijacked seller accounts 15:14 – Ads coming to AI chat tools, and why the subscription model can't sustain the infrastructure cost 18:20 – His book, Global Career: How to Work Anywhere and Travel Forever 20:08 – Preparing for his TEDx talk, and the public speaking course that built his foundation 24:55 – Roy's own travel experiences, and where to go for energy and safety 25:27 – The NOMAD framework for choosing where to live abroad 29:14 – Comparing Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and Bangkok 30:40 – Introducing Dividends: fractional ownership of cash-flowing online businesses 32:45 – Average returns investors can expect, and the 1.75x return structure 33:44 – The $100 minimum investment and why he chose that entry point 34:56 – Why Dividends isn't built on blockchain or crypto 36:06 – SEC filing, KYC, and the onboarding process through WeFunder 37:44 – Why Reg CF crowdfunding was chosen over Reg D 41:49 – The long-term vision for Dividends 42:03 – What else Mike is working on, including business acquisition consulting 43:21 – The middle path: buying a business and running it part-time with a small team 45:10 – Where to find Mike and his work About Mike Swigunski Mike Swigunski is an entrepreneur, investor, and #1 bestselling author on a mission to help millions of people Earn From Anywhere by building location-independent careers, online businesses, and scalable income streams. As employee #4 at Empire Flippers, he helped scale the company into a 100-person remote team and the world's largest curated marketplace for buying and selling online businesses, playing a key role in facilitating more than $120 million in acquisitions. He is the founder of Global Career and Dividends and has built multiple six-, seven-, and eight-figure remote companies while traveling to more than 100 countries. Mike is also a TEDx speaker and a recognized voice in remote work, online business, entrepreneurship, and modern investing. Connect with Mike: 🌐 Website: https://globalcareerbook.com 💰 Dividends: https://dividendscapital.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeswigunski 📺 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/MikeSwigunski 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikeswigunski 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikeSwigunski 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) 🎙️ Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network 🌐 Website: https://roycoughlan.com/ 🤝 Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. 👥 Virtual Assistants: https://va.world/ 🧠 Brain Upgrade: https://brainupgrade.org/ 🌟 Private Members Group: The Authority Alliance — A Foundation of Experts for entrepreneurs, coaches, and thought leaders to connect, collaborate, and grow their authority together: https://theauthorityalliance.com/ 🤝 Connected Leaders Academy: A Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 49+ Countries with 700+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy #RemoteWork #DigitalNomad #OnlineBusiness #Investing #Entrepreneurship #TEDx #SpeakingPodcast #PassiveIncome #BusinessAcquisitions #LocationIndependence #GlobalCareer #Dividends

September 7, 2026Episode 3641 hr 1 min

#364 Spellbreaking: Dissolving the Illusion of Problems — with Brian D. Ridgway & Abigail Morgan

In this episode, Roy sits down with Brian D. Ridgway, "The Spellbreaker" and founder of Level 5 Mentoring, alongside Abigail Morgan, CEO of Level 5 Mentoring and a 27-year veteran of the coaching world. Brian shares the extraordinary story of January 3rd, 2011 — the day he hit total rock bottom, about to be homeless with his pregnant wife and two kids, and experienced an awakening that instantly transformed his life. He unpacks where the "Spellbreaker" name actually came from, walks through his Five Paradigms that he says govern how every person on the planet experiences life, and lays out his "Five Spells from Hell" framework in detail. Abigail shares her own turning point — 27 years deep in the coaching industry, including 8 years running Martha Beck's practitioner training program, and how a decades-long physical pain vanished in a single 10-minute session with Brian after nothing else had touched it. They also get into applying this work to parenting and even to trauma in animals, and close out with where people can start if a four-day trip to Hawaii isn't in the cards. Timestamps 0:02 – Introducing Brian D. Ridgway and Abigail Morgan 2:38 – Abigail's story: decades of chronic physical pain and the session that changed everything in 10 minutes 5:09 – What actually happened on January 3rd, 2011 9:07 – Brian's childhood gift, and how his parents tried to suppress it 12:17 – Where the name "Spellbreaker" came from 15:19 – Do spell breaks last, or can people fall back into old patterns? 19:51 – How Brian, Abigail, and business partner Keith found each other 20:22 – Is a four-day trip to Hawaii the only way in? Books, courses, and other entry points 23:56 – Applying this work to parenting and children 28:21 – Applying this work to trauma in animals — Brian's own rescue dog 29:47 – Testimonials, including Dr. Erica Yates' story 33:00 – How it feels for Brian to witness a life-changing transformation 39:23 – The Five Paradigms that Brian says govern everyone on the planet 40:09 – The Five Spells from Hell, explained in full 54:16 – On self-help, therapy, and why Brian doesn't regret the $300,000 he spent finding this 57:11 – The advantage of Brian's own hard journey in connecting with clients 57:21 – The crystals in Brian's office 57:48 – Where to find the book and get started About Brian D. Ridgway Brian D. Ridgway, known as "The Spellbreaker," is the founder of Level 5 Mentoring and author of the #1 international bestseller Break Your Self-Help Addiction. After 17 years of childhood abuse and decades of financial disaster, relationship trauma, and a suicide attempt, Brian experienced a life-changing awakening on January 3rd, 2011. Since then, his method — called Spellbreaking — has helped over 265,000 people across 84 countries. About Abigail Morgan Abigail Morgan is CEO of Level 5 Mentoring and a 27-year veteran of the self-help and coaching world. After investing over $750,000 in her own healing journey, training extensively under Martha Beck (Oprah's coach), and running Martha Beck's practitioner training program for over 8 years, Abigail found that even the most advanced coaching modalities left her deepest issues untouched. She discovered Brian's work a year and a half ago, closed her own company to take over Level 5's practitioner program, and became CEO nine months ago. Connect with Brian, Abigail & Level 5 Mentoring: 🌐 Website: https://yournewbeginningbook.com/ 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) 🎙️ Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network 🌐 Website: https://roycoughlan.com/ 🤝 Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. 👥 Virtual Assistants: https://va.world/ 🧠 Brain Upgrade: https://brainupgrade.org/ 🌟 Private Members Group: The Authority Alliance — A Foundation of Experts for entrepreneurs, coaches, and thought leaders: https://theauthorityalliance.com/ 🤝 Connected Leaders Academy: A Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 47+ Countries with 700+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy #SpellBreaking #SelfHelp #PersonalTransformation #Trauma #Healing #Consciousness #Awakening #SpeakingPodcast #Coaching #Liberation #InnerWork #Mindset

September 6, 2026Episode 36345 min

#363 From the Stage to the Screen: Niki J. Borger on Storytelling, Resilience, and NFTease

In this episode, Roy sits down with award-winning actor, writer, and producer Niki J. Borger, creator and star of the upcoming sitcom NFTease. Niki traces her path from growing up in Germany with only 10% depth perception, to becoming a musical theatre performer, to transitioning into Hollywood film and eventually producing her own work — including a five-minute short film shot for $367 on two iPhones that went on to earn 20 festival selections, 7 nominations, and 4 awards. As a performer who's worked everything from musical theatre stages to documentary theatre in active conflict zones, Niki speaks candidly about the craft behind holding an audience, adapting to wildly different performance environments, and turning setbacks into her strongest material. They dig into NFTease itself: the premise of three insecure NFT-startup founders forced to partner with a group of "influencers" who turn out to be something else entirely, and the investor structure behind it. Niki also opens up about the realities of the acting industry — vanishing residuals, non-union commercial rates, and her strong stance on AI, consent, and protecting an artist's likeness — before closing with a full cast rundown for the show's eight core characters. Timestamps 0:02 – Introducing Niki J. Borger and NFTease 0:47 – From Germany to Hollywood: growing up with 10% depth perception and finding dance 5:35 – The $367 short film shot on two iPhones that won 20 selections and 4 awards 7:54 – How film festivals actually work — selections, nominations, and a virtual award from Malaysia's Crown Prince 13:34 – Into NFTease: the premise, the plan to shoot the full series (not just a pilot) 16:09 – The investor structure: 120% return before profits split between cast, crew, and investors 17:26 – Minimum investment levels and ways to get involved beyond investing 17:59 – Smart contracts, blockchain, and why the show kept the name NFTease 19:26 – Creating actual NFTs for the show and building in royalties 20:56 – Casting 6,000 applicants down to a core cast 24:29 – Life on a film set: the machinery of production and what a delay actually costs 27:54 – The reality of life as a touring performer, including a documentary theatre project in Russia and Ukraine 29:59 – Green screens, motion capture, and a long, candid take on AI, consent, and protecting a performer's likeness 40:27 – Full character and cast rundown for NFTease 44:21 – Where to find Niki and NFTease online About Niki J. Borger Niki J. Borger is an award-winning actor, writer, and producer, known for her original performances in the Extravaganza One Act Fest in Los Angeles, her award-winning short films "Because I Could" and "A Portrayal of a Subtle Suicide," and her collection of original one-act plays "In-Between: Eight Gender-Neutral One-Act Plays Between Life and Death." Her work has been screened around the world, and she has performed in Europe, Russia, North America, and South America. Niki is fluent in four languages and currently travels the world before returning to her base in California to film NFTease — her upcoming sitcom series. Connect with Niki & NFTease: 🌐 Website: https://firewolfent.com/nftease/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nftease _ 🎵 TikTok: @nftease 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) 🎙️ Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network 🌐 Website: https://roycoughlan.com/ 🤝 Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. 👥 Virtual Assistants: https://va.world/ 🧠 Brain Upgrade: https://brainupgrade.org/ 🌟 Private Members Group: The Authority Alliance — A Foundation of Experts for entrepreneurs, coaches, and thought leaders: https://theauthorityalliance.com/ 🤝 Connected Leaders Academy: A Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 47+ Countries with 700+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy #PublicSpeaking #Storytelling #Acting #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #NFTease #Resilience #CreativeIndustry #Hollywood #ArtistRights #SpeakingPodcast #PerformanceCraft

August 9, 2026Episode 36235 min

#362 Gene King | Engineering Access, Building 22 Companies, and the Wealth of Awkward Conversations

Today's guest is Gene King, an Access Architect and founder of Atlas Strategic Access, based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. With over 50 years in business, Gene has founded, scaled, and successfully exited 10 companies and currently operates six active businesses, including Sequence Real Estate, Invest America (an EB-5 immigration investment firm), and Twist Elbow. Roy and Gene, friends of over 12 years since meeting at a Darren Hardy event, dig into the origin story of Gene's very first business at military school, the lesson that reshaped how he handles bullies and pressure for the rest of his life, and why being diagnosed with ADHD at 65 explained a career pattern of exiting companies too early. Gene shares his philosophy on partnerships, why he's never had a verbal argument with a business partner in 22 companies, how he handles conflict at home versus in business, and the mentor's advice that shaped his obsession with knowing his cash position at all times. The conversation closes with the role Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich has played in Gene's life since his early twenties, and his belief that the universe, not active pursuit, brings him his best opportunities. ⏱️ TIMESTAMP 0:02 - Welcome to the Speaking Podcast, intro to Gene King 0:48 - Gene's background: 10 exits, six active companies, and 12+ years of friendship with Roy 1:31 - Gene's first business: protecting freshmen from hazing at The Citadel 3:50 - The lesson that changed everything: "you can't kill me, sir" 5:14 - Navigating good and bad business partners over 22 companies 5:57 - Discovering ADHD at 65 and why he exited companies too early 7:14 - How Gene structures his day across five to six companies 9:38 - Expanding Invest America's EB-5 program into Canada and Nigeria 11:11 - Why tracking everything matters, and the wealth found in awkward conversations 13:22 - How Gene handles conflict with business partners 16:59 - "Money solves all problems" and a mentor's advice on what really matters 18:10 - Terminating partners and employees with humanity and honesty 19:36 - The five P's: people, process, planning, prayer, passion 20:50 - Balancing patience and persistence as an entrepreneur 21:37 - Resolving disagreements in 50/50 and unequal partnerships 23:34 - Why "cash is king" became Gene's guiding financial principle 25:33 - How Gene decides which businesses to pursue next 27:12 - Discovering Think and Grow Rich in his early twenties 29:34 - Napoleon Hill's mastermind principle and never asking for something for nothing 31:13 - Where to find Gene King and his companies About Gene King Gene King is an Access Architect, founder of Atlas Strategic Access, and founder of Sequence Holdings, based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. With over 50 years in business, Gene has founded, scaled, and successfully exited 10 companies and currently operates six active businesses, including Sequence Real Estate, Invest America (an EB-5 immigration investment firm), and Twist Elbow. He specializes in engineering access, positioning companies into enterprise, government, and investor opportunities they couldn't reach on their own. Gene is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Harbor Entrepreneur Center in Mount Pleasant, home to over 100 early-stage businesses, and has extensive experience training sales teams and CPAs on structured deals. Connect with Gene King 🌐 atlasstrategicaccess.com 🌐 sequenceholdings.com 💼 LinkedIn: Gene King3 📧 gene@asaccess.com 🤝 Join our Speaking Podcast Community All about Roy / Brain Gym & Virtual Assistants at https://roycoughlan.com/ ✦ Website: https://www.podpage.com/speaking-podcast/ ✦ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@roycoughlan ✦ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakingpodcast/ ✦ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakingpodcast ✦ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@roycoughlanpodcaster Roy Website: https://roycoughlan.com/ Virtual Assistants: https://va.world/ Private Networking Group (Connected Leaders Academy, 45+ Countries, 685+ Members): https://connectedleaders.academy Brain Upgrade: https://brainupgrade.org/ Podfather Network: podfather.me The Authority Alliance: https://theauthorityalliance.com/ #SpeakingPodcast #GeneKing #AccessArchitect #AtlasStrategicAccess #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPartnerships #ThinkAndGrowRich #NapoleonHill #EB5Investment #GovernmentContracting #ExitStrategy #ScalingBusiness #SerialEntrepreneur #BusinessMindset #CashIsKing #PatiencePersistence #MastermindPrinciple #RoyCoughlan #PodcastInterview #LeadershipLessons #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #SpeakingPodcastCommunity

June 25, 2026Episode 3611 hr 8 min

#361 Be a Standout Podcast Guest: David Goldberg's Masterclass on Professional Presence (Part 5)

Being a great podcast guest is a unique skill that can dramatically boost your career—or erode your professional image if done poorly. In the final part of our series, David Goldberg, founder of Edge Studio, shares a masterclass on how to be a standout guest. We explore the importance of prosody, vocal etiquette, and virtual presence, ensuring you show up prepared, confident, and memorable. David and Roy discuss practical tips for handling technical glitches with grace, the power of a 10-second elevator pitch, and why you should never "wing it" when it comes to your audio quality. Whether you're looking to share your passion or boost your resume, these final lessons will ensure you're the guest every host wants to invite back. ⏱️ Accurate YouTube Chapters & Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg 1:11 Why Be a Guest? Fun, passion, and career boosting 1:41 The Risk of Poor Guesting: How it can erode your professional image 2:23 Preparation: Why looking at notes is better than forgetting points 3:41 Banter and Connection: The importance of host-guest chemistry 4:33 Prosody for Guests: Staying in your natural pitch and tailoring your tone 6:56 International Audiences: Cleaning up enunciation and avoiding local slang 7:00 Volume and Headphones: Why you should never scream at your audience 7:50 Pacing and Spacing: Lessening your words and leaving room for the listener 26:00 Handling Glitches: Staying calm and reacting without panic 28:00 Vocal Etiquette: Giving the host space and avoiding interruptions 29:00 The 10-Second Elevator Pitch: Being prepared to explain who you are 31:00 Listening to Previous Episodes: Researching the host's style and theme 32:00 Slowing Down Keywords: Ensuring your name and business are heard 33:00 Admitting You Don't Know: Admitting it with confidence vs. waffling 35:00 Virtual Presence: Testing quality a week before and an hour before 37:00 The 25% Credibility Hit: Why audio quality is non-negotiable 39:00 Acoustic Treatment: The 80% rule and practical "pillow fort" tips 41:00 Microphone Choice: Investing in a decent USB mic for professional sound 64:00 Avoiding Filler Words: Cutting out "um," "ah," "you know," and "like" 65:00 Responding with "So": Why you should avoid starting answers with "so" 66:00 Positive Reaffirmation: Avoiding annoying "yeah, yeah, yeah" interruptions 67:36 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and final contact details 68:25 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network 68:42 End of Episode 🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg •Email: david@edgestudio.com •Website: EdgeStudio.com •Services: Voiceover recording, directing, and communication coaching. 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://awakeningpodcasts.podbean.com/ •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network •Website: RoyCoughlan.com •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world •Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/ •Brain Upgrade: BrainUpgrade.org #DavidGoldberg #PodFather #PodcastGuest #GuestingTips #ProfessionalPresence #VocalEtiquette #PublicSpeaking #CareerBoost #AudioQuality #ElevatorPitch #EdgeStudio #RoyCoughlan #PodcastSuccess #CommunicationSkills #StandoutGuest

June 23, 2026Episode 3601 hr 12 min

#360 Don't Let Your Guests Ruin Your Show: David Goldberg's 8-Step Guide (Part 4)

You put immense effort into your podcast—marketing, sponsors, and refining your own voice—but what happens when a high-profile guest sounds terrible? In Part 4 of our series, David Goldberg, founder of Edge Studio, shares his essential 8-step guide to ensuring your guests elevate, rather than weaken, your show. We explore the critical impact of first impressions and why guest preparation is non-negotiable for maintaining professionalism and authority. David provides practical, low-cost solutions for acoustic treatment—from "pillow forts" to the "80% rule"—and breaks down the pros and cons of different microphone types. Learn how to guide your guests to sound as good as you do and keep your audience engaged from the very first word. ⏱️ Accurate YouTube Chapters & Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg 1:14 The Risk of Poor Guest Quality: Don't let a guest ruin your show 2:12 First Impressions: Why the first word your guest speaks is critical 3:02 The Power Dynamic: Why talk show hosts sit higher than their guests 4:02 Preparation Timeline: The two-week and one-hour rules 4:30 The 8-Step Checklist: Sound Quality vs. Speech Patterns 5:53 Acoustics: Understanding reverb and the "ping-pong" flutter echo 7:46 Flutter Echoes and Reverberation: Why hard surfaces are the enemy 10:08 Acoustic Treatment: Thick carpeting, foam squares, and the 80% rule 11:28 The Blanket Trick: Using sleeping bags and moving blankets for the ceiling 13:00 Creating a "Pillow Fort": Practical tips for recording while traveling 15:00 The Table Surface: Using thick towels to stop sound reflections 16:00 Microphone Types: Why expensive isn't always better 17:00 Shotgun Microphones: Directional focus and the risk of guest movement 71:14 Don't Wing It: The importance of listening on high-quality earphones 71:58 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and email contact 72:31 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network 72:54 End of Episode 🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg •Email: david@edgestudio.com •Website: EdgeStudio.com •Services: Voiceover recording, directing, and communication coaching. 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://awakeningpodcasts.podbean.com/ •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network •Website: RoyCoughlan.com •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world •Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/ •Brain Upgrade: BrainUpgrade.org #DavidGoldberg #PodFather #GuestPreparation #SoundQuality #Acoustics #MicrophoneTips #Podcasting101 #ProfessionalSound #VocalPatterns #EdgeStudio #RoyCoughlan #PodcastProduction #GuestSuccess #AudioEngineering #Engagement

June 21, 2026Episode 3591 hr 16 min

#359 Prosody: The One Word Every Podcaster Needs to Know with David Goldberg (Part 3)

Why do some podcasters instantly connect with their audience while others struggle to keep listeners engaged? The answer lies in one word: Prosody. In Part 3 of our series with David Goldberg, founder of Edge Studio, we dive deep into the "how" of human communication. David explains that it’s not just what you say, but how you say it—your pitch, tempo, tone, and rhythm—that makes all the difference. We explore why this essential skill is rarely taught in schools and how you can harness your natural pitch to mask nervousness and project confidence. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, David’s insights on effective vocal patterns will dramatically elevate your podcast presence. ⏱️ Accurate YouTube Chapters & Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg 0:57 Prosody: The one word that defines how you say your words 1:36 What is Prosody? Inflection, intonation, pitch, and rhythm 2:12 The Education Gap: Why prosody isn't taught in grade school 3:24 The Fear of Public Speaking: How a lack of training leads to humiliation 5:54 Communication Skills: The key to success in corporations and colleges 6:52 The Search for Synonyms: Why "speaking patterns" doesn't cover it all 7:51 Prosody for Podcasters: Breaking down the seven categories 9:52 Pitch: The musical note of your voice and its role in engagement 11:28 Masking Nerves: How lowering your pitch increases credibility 13:00 Finding Your Natural Pitch: The humming and meditation techniques 15:00 Pitch Range Exercises: Moving from monotone to engaging 18:00 Tempo: The speed of your words and the importance of clarity 21:00 Handling Single-Syllable Words: Ensuring your audience can decipher the message 23:00 Tone and Volume: Tailoring your voice to the topic and audience 25:30 Pacing and Spacing: The rhythm of your delivery 26:50 Variety: Keeping the listener engaged through vocal shifts 74:11 Final Advice: Loosening up and having fun with your performance 74:52 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and coaching services 76:31 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network 76:53 End of Episode 🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg •Email: david@edgestudio.com •Website: EdgeStudio.com •Services: Voiceover recording, directing, and communication coaching. 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://awakeningpodcasts.podbean.com/ •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network •Website: RoyCoughlan.com •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world •Communities: BrainGym.fitness •Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/ •Brain Upgrade: BrainUpgrade.org #DavidGoldberg #PodFather #Prosody #VocalPatterns #PublicSpeaking #CommunicationSkills #Voiceover #PodcastingTips #AuthenticVoice #PitchAndTempo #EdgeStudio #RoyCoughlan #SpeakerCoaching #VocalEngagement #PodcastGrowth

June 14, 2026Episode 3581 hr 9 min

#358 Strategic Words: 7 Categories to Command Authority and Build Trust with David Goldberg (Part 2)

Did you know that your audience decides whether to trust you, like you, or do business with you in just a quarter of a second? In Part 2 of our exclusive 5-part series with David Goldberg, CEO of Edge Studio, we dive deep into the "Strategic Words" that define your professional presence. David reveals the seven critical categories of wording that can either elevate your authority or quietly sabotage your message. From the psychological trap of "hedge words" to the simple shift from "but" to "and," this episode is a masterclass in intentional communication. Whether you are a podcaster, a business leader, or a public speaker, David’s insights will help you ensure that your first impression isn't just good—it's unforgettable. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg 1:26 The Power of the First Impression: Why a quarter of a second matters 3:15 The Science of Swift Decisions: From grocery aisles to podcasting 4:50 Introducing the 7 Categories of Strategic Wording 7:56 Category 1: Being Interactive — The right and wrong way to ask questions 9:22 The "Show-Off" Trap: Why you shouldn't ask questions your audience can't answer 12:41 Visual Presence: Camera angles, hand positions, and the "fingertip" mistake 14:35 Category 2: Avoiding Hedge Words — "Probably," "Maybe," and "I think" 16:13 Strengthening Your Message: Replacing "I think" with "I believe" or "I know" 25:57 Category 3: Avoiding the Word "But" — How it negates everything you said before 27:11 The "And" Solution: Maintaining positive momentum in conversation 29:03 Category 4: Positive First Word Responses — Using "Exactly," "Absolutely," and "Yes" 30:14 Category 5: Avoiding Interrupting Yourself — Staying on track and finishing your thoughts 36:31 Category 6: Avoiding Filler Words — The "Um," "Ah," and "Like" habit 43:26 Category 7: Organizing Your Content — The importance of a clear roadmap 55:56 The "Fine" Example: How prosody (tone) changes the meaning of words 68:48 How to Connect with David: EdgeStudio.com and the "Roy's Shows Rock" subject line 69:22 Looking Ahead: Preview of Session 3 69:51 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network 🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg •Website: EdgeStudio.com •Email: David@EdgeStudio.com (Mention "Roy's shows rock" in the subject line for a responsive reply!) •Location: Times Square, NYC 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://podfather.me/e/david-goldberg-strategic-words-part-2/ •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network •Website: RoyCoughlan.com •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world •Communities: BrainGym.fitness •Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/ #Podcasting #DavidGoldberg #EdgeStudio #StrategicWords #FirstImpressions #CommunicationSkills #PublicSpeaking #AudioQuality #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipCommunication #RoyCoughlan #PodFather #ContentCreation #VoiceoverTraining #BusinessCommunication