My First Stage: How I Landed My First Speaking Gig (and What Happened Next)

Every speaker has a story. But before the standing ovations, the TEDx invitations, and the six-figure speaking fees, there was one gig—the first real stage—that started it all.My First Stage is a podcast that goes behind the mic with professional speakers, authors, coaches, and entrepreneurs to uncover the stories of how they booked their very first speaking engagement and how that moment transformed their confidence, credibility, and career.From kitchen table pitches and last-minute invites to breakout sessions that turned into full-blown keynotes, our guests take you back to the beginning. These aren’t just tales of stepping on stage—they’re raw, honest, and often surprising accounts of what it really took to land that first gig, what happened once they got on stage, and how it impacted the direction of their business from that moment on.Whether you’re an emerging speaker, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to grow your brand, income, or impact through the power of speaki