Advertise on podcast: The Big Talk with Tricia Brouk

This week, I'm sharing what it's really like working with speaker agents and bureaus. Too many speakers think getting signed with an agent means they can sit back and wait for bookings to roll in, but that's not how it actually works.   If you've been thinking that getting signed is the finish line, or wondering why your agent isn't booking you, this episode will save you frustration and money.   In this episode, you'll discover: What speaker agents actually do (and who they really work for) The 7 essential questions to ask before signing with any agent or bureau What to realistically expect when working with representation, and when you might not need an agent at all Red flags to watch out for in agent relationships How commission structures really work and impact your income More from Tricia  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 episode, you will hear a big talk from Lee Powers, an amazing speaker and alum of The Big Talk Academy Mastery.    Lee Powers is a registered nurse, ICU and workplace violence survivor, and an international speaker. She's dedicated her life to transforming personal trauma into purpose.    Her journey began while completing her Nurse Practitioner training when a patient assault left her critically injured. She was put on a ventilator and in a medically induced coma, yet she was fully aware of everything that was happening. That life-altering experience completely reshaped her life, career, and mission.   In her big talk, "A Nurse's Awakening from a Coma: Lessons Learned from Being the Patient," she explores: The alarming rates of workplace violence that healthcare workers face compared to other industries Raising awareness about Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), a little-known condition that affects over 50% of ICU survivors Why the way we treat unresponsive patients matters deeply How she transformed her devastating experience into a mission to improve patient care and reduce medical trauma More from Lee Powers Website: https://leepowersrn.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-powers-rn-bsn-034845337/  More from Tricia  Grab your copy of my new book, Being Smart Is Stupid 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, Lisa Shumate, is the CEO and Founder of Maximum Q. She has built her consultancy on the foundational principle that authentic leadership is essential to driving change and innovation.    Lisa's media career spans notable leadership roles, including over 13 years as Associate Vice President and General Manager at Houston Public Media. She brings extensive experience from the television industry, with management roles at TEGNA and ABC/Disney.   She served on the PBS Board of Directors, where she provided strategic guidance for one of America's most trusted media institutions. And she most recently served as Chair of American Public Television's Board of Directors.   In this episode, we'll explore: The importance of managing your emotions as a leader The #1 factor for high-performing teams Using team charters to create ownership and empowerment How to create better working conditions and reduce reactive management Her current favorites: Book: How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job, Speaker: Martin Luther King, Jr., and Podcast: The Diary of a CEO by Stephen Bartlett More from Lisa Shumate Watch her big talk at SPEAK: Impact, "The Optimist Option." LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-trapani-shumate-b1a62045/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxqleader/    More from Tricia  Join me LIVE for my Complimentary 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 explore how the season of spring mirrors the cycles of growth, emergence, and transformation that every leader and speaker experiences.    If you've been feeling stuck, waiting for the right moment to launch your big idea, or hesitant to step into your voice, this is for you.   When you tune in, you'll discover: Why spring is the perfect metaphor for personal and professional growth The importance of honoring "winter" seasons of rest, reflection, and preparation The necessity of breaking through comfort zones and limiting beliefs to achieve growth, and how to recognize and trust the timing of your own breakthroughs How to embrace visibility and allow your growth to become public Practical guidance for identifying your current season and taking aligned action   More from Tricia  Grab your copy of my new book, Being Smart Is Stupid 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 an alum of The Big Talk Academy Mastery that will expand how you think about the world and inspire you to take the big stages you desire. In her powerful and deeply personal talk, Trish Egan unpacks the silent wounds of childhood trauma, betrayal, and the cost of self-abandonment.  With unflinching honesty, she shares how reclaiming her voice helped her break generational patterns—and finally come home to herself. During her talk, "The Journey Back to Me," she explores: How childhood trauma creates survival patterns that follow us into adulthood The courage required to break cycles and leave what's familiar Why healing requires prioritizing yourself despite others' judgment The way to show the next generation what authentic love looks like   More from Trish Egan Watch Trish's big talk on YouTube More from Tricia  Claim your spot for my two-day virtual masterclass, The Art of The Big Talk Join me LIVE for my Complimentary 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 the amazing Beth Norcross. With extensive training and experience in both spirituality and ecology, Beth is a writer, speaker, and spiritual nature guide who invites people into deep, intimate relationships with their Earth kin.  She founded the Center for Spirituality in Nature and co-wrote Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees with Leah Rampy. Beth is also a recent graduate of The Big Talk Academy Mastery, where she gave her eye-opening big talk, "Do We Really Love Nature?" I invite and encourage you to watch it on The Big Talk YouTube channel. You'll find the link in the show notes. In this episode, we'll explore: The importance of reclaiming your innate connection to nature How trees teach us to honor both light and darkness, and why these are both essential What matters most when navigating uncertainty and change Why our disconnection from nature causes grief, and how to rekindle this relationship Beth's current favorites: Book: Gilead, Speaker: Joanna Macy, and Podcast: Hidden Brain More from Beth Norcross Her big talk, "Do We Really Love Nature?" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beth.norcross.9/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-norcross-4a566832/  Her book, Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees   More from Tricia  Claim your spot for my two-day virtual masterclass, The Art of The Big Talk Join me LIVE for my Complimentary 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 

I'm often asked: "How do you manage multiple businesses, creative projects, and areas of influence without losing yourself?"   In this episode, I share my journey as a multifaceted creator—owning three companies, producing a feature film, and leading a lifestyle brand—while maintaining my sense of self and purpose.   Tune in to discover: Why being multifaceted is a strength, not a weakness, and how to give yourself permission to be complex in a world that craves simplicity How to identify the "through line" that connects your passions Strategies for managing your energy and attention across projects The importance of integration practices, rituals for transitioning between facets, and building a support system that embraces your full self Turning your multifaceted nature into your competitive advantage More from Tricia  Come to my two-day virtual masterclass, The Art of The Big Talk Join my complimentary 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 episode, you will hear a big talk from Danielle Monogue, an amazing speaker and alum of The Big Talk Academy Mastery.    Danielle is the co-founder of Post House Legacy, a podcast dedicated to reshaping how we prepare for the unexpected. With more than 15 years of corporate leadership experience, she brings clarity and compassion to end-of-life conversations, helping families and leaders reduce stress while building lasting legacies.   During her big talk, "How Being Prepared for the Unexpected Is the Greatest Leadership Skill," she explores:   Why real leadership means preparing for when you're not there The importance of communicating about the hard things and having the uncomfortable conversations The reason creating systems for the unexpected (wills, passwords, insurance, business continuity) isn't morbid; it's leadership in action How legacy is about presence, not just accomplishments More from Danielle Monogue LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemonogue/    More from Tricia  Join my complimentary 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 

I am back with Part 2 of my incredible conversation with renowned dialect and vocal coach Denise Woods.    Today's episode focuses on the actual techniques and approaches Denise uses with her actors, CEOs, and leaders.   If you missed it, Part 1 of our conversation is in Episode 731 from March 3rd.   In this episode, we'll explore:   What happens when you get out of your own way and let the story shine How using your imagination to see images rather than just saying words results in more effective speaking The way Denise helps clients find their own authentic connection to feelings rather than manufacturing what they think emotions should be The power of stillness and breathing in unlocking your authentic voice Why great communication isn't just about speaking your truth, but also about listening to and receiving other people's truths More from Denise Woods Her first appearance on The Big Talk podcast in Episode 731 Website: https://www.speakitclearly.com/  Her book, The Power of Voice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakitclearly  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-woods-b1239518  More from Tricia  Publish your book with The Big Talk Press Join my complimentary 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 an era overwhelmed by AI-generated content and social media noise, consistency has never been more critical.   In this solo episode, I share my personal journey and decades of experience as a dancer, director, speaker, and leader, revealing how showing up authentically and consistently is the key to building trust, credibility, and lasting influence.   Tune in to discover:   Why consistency, not volume, sets influential voices apart The pitfalls of chasing trends and spreading yourself too thin Six specific steps to maximize your influence through consistency—from defining your non-negotiables to measuring impact, not activity How to start building consistency, even if you're just beginning Why authentic presence can't be replicated by AI or social media algorithms More from Tricia  Come to my two-day virtual masterclass, The Art of The Big Talk Join my complimentary 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 Gracia Sotomayor. You may remember Gracia from her appearance on the podcast last November in Episode 707, where we talked about pursuing your dreams, no matter how unconventional. 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 her inspiring talk, "My Bike, Love, and Empowerment," she explores: Building self-trust through challenging yourself Making fear a companion rather than a barrier, and aligning your actions with your dreams How personal transformation can ripple outward to create societal impact Why breaking free from limiting beliefs is ongoing work More from Gracia Sotomayor Her first appearance on The Big Talk podcast in Episode 707 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 my complimentary 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, Denise Woods, has been the 'voice behind the voice' for Hollywood's most celebrated performers for over twenty years. As a dialect and vocal coach, she has contributed to Oscar- and Tony-winning performances.   Beyond Hollywood, Denise has been the secret weapon for Fortune 500 executives, broadcast journalists, and elite athletes transitioning to broadcasting careers. Her client list reads like a who's who of entertainment—from Jessica Chastain to Queen Latifah, from Anthony Mackie to Maggie Gyllenhaal.   Denise is also committed to giving disenfranchised voices the courage and tools to tell their stories by dismantling fear, shame, and trauma. As a graduate and the first African-American female faculty member of Juilliard's Drama Division, she's breaking barriers while helping others find their power. Her book, The Power of Voice, captures this transformative approach to finding and using your authentic voice.   In this episode, we'll explore: Why embracing your authentic light is essential to mastery The reason true expertise means embracing "I don't know" How non-conformity fuels artistic excellence, and why Denise thrives as a co-creator and collaborator The spiritual and intentional approach to preparation that allows authentic voices to emerge Her current favorites: Book: Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, Speaker: Michelle Obama, Podcast: Trevor Noah's What Now? More from Denise Woods Website: https://www.speakitclearly.com/  Her book, The Power of Voice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakitclearly  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-woods-b1239518  More from Tricia  Publish your book with The Big Talk Press Join my complimentary 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 sharing how my journey as a professional dancer, performing with companies like Lucinda Childs alongside Baryshnikov and on stages from Lincoln Center to the Paris Opera, shaped my approach to leadership and influence.   I examine how the skills and lessons from any area of expertise—whether dance, athletics, science, or business—can be translated into powerful leadership qualities.    Together, we'll explore: The importance of resilience and collaboration in both dance and leadership Embracing impermanence and moving forward after achievements How to identify and translate your own expertise into leadership principles The value of sharing personal stories to become a memorable, influential voice 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

In this episode, you'll hear a powerful big talk from certified speaker Ivana Ivanek. You may remember Ivana from her appearance on the podcast last July in Episode 683, where we talked about redefining success.   Ivana is a keynote speaker, business strategist, mindset coach, and host of the Online Business By Design Podcast. She specializes in helping teachers, coaches, and educators build online businesses that drive profit and impact so they can create the success and the life they desire.   In her talk, "Modern Social Silencing Isn't Just a Women's Issue," she explores: How modern social silencing impacts all genders through workplace dynamics, family expectations, and societal pressures The hidden costs of staying silent, and what is required to break that silence The importance of creating 'voice-positive' environments and how leaders can actively cultivate them Why speaking up isn't something to earn or wait for permission to do More from Ivana Ivanek Her first appearance on The Big Talk podcast in Episode 683 Website: https://ivanaivanek.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivana-ivanek-426553230/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivanaivanek_/  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 is a very special episode for me as I introduce you to a dear friend and member of my team, Emma Price.   Emma is an educator, speaker, and advocate whose work explores motherhood, disability, infertility, and resilience. With over twelve years in elementary education, she began her career as a classroom teacher and later became a private tutor specializing in literacy and executive functioning, helping students build confidence and independence.   Emma now serves as my amazing Executive Assistant here at The Big Talk and makes it possible for me to support leaders globally in sharing their voices on major stages.    She has spoken internationally on disability, access to education, resilience, and the power of desire, bringing a grounded, deeply human perspective to conversations about life transitions and rebuilding identity after adversity.   In this episode, we'll explore: Why resilience is relative to each person's experience Emma's experience of speaking from healing, not wounds, and how this can impact your speaker journey How we successfully navigate working together while maintaining our friendship The reason your desire signals what's possible for you, and why overcoming limiting beliefs is ongoing work Emma's current favorites: Book: All the Light We Cannot See, Speaker: Emily Oster, and Podcasts: Good Hang & Landlines More from Emma Price Her SPEAK talk, Wishful Thinking Get in touch with Emma at [email protected]  More from Tricia  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