What do 14 soulful speakers say when the spotlight softens and the mic gets personal?
In this special bonus episode, we’re mashing up answers from the “Pivot Pivot” lightning round—a series of rapid-fire questions inspired by Bernard Pivot and Inside the Actors Studio. From favorite words to how they hope to be remembered, this mash-up offers a glimpse into the hearts behind the voices.
As I edited, I was struck all over again by just how extraordinary these people are—wisdom, heart, soul, purpose, and presence, all wrapped in breathtaking humanity.
Take a listen. Let their answers stir your own reflections.
And maybe—just maybe—you’ll find yourself smiling (or tearing up) along the way.
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
Giselle Jennaway’s journey from strenuous avoidance of speaking to using her voice as a tool for deep transformation is nothing short of alchemy.
In this soulful conversation, Lauri and Giselle explore the moments that shaped Giselle’s relationship with her voice - from childhood shutdowns to profound ahas. A series of synchronicities sparked a connection that highlights the transformative power of intention and the magic that happens when we speak in service of those we’re meant to reach. Giselle’s path led her from being silenced in a choir, to dreading the spotlight, to ultimately finding her voice as a multi-talented practitioner and teacher delivering hypnotic, transformational messages.
TAKEAWAYS:
1. Sensations are Tools, Not Obstacles – Instead of fighting the “nerves”, learn to harness them to enhance your presence and connection.
2. Speaking in Service Dissolves Self-Consciousness – When you focus on who you’re meant to reach, fear takes a backseat to purpose.
3. Your Voice Carries a Transmission That’s Beyond Words – The way you speak carries energy that can awaken something powerful in your audience.
4. Rejection is Redirection – Being dismissed from choir at age five didn’t mean Giselle wasn’t meant to use her voice—it meant she was meant to use it differently.
5. That Green Dot is a Portal – When speaking online, imagine the people you’re serving instead of getting lost in the isolation of a camera lens.
6. Live Speaking is Like Improv – Just like in live theater, the most magical moments often come when things go “wrong.”
7. Your People Will Find You – When you speak from alignment, only those who resonate will tune in—everyone else will simply move on.
8. Synchronicity Shapes Your Speaking Path – Trust that the right opportunities, mentors, and audiences will appear at the perfect time.
9. Let Your Voice Do Its Job – Whether through storytelling, coaching, or hypnosis, your voice has a unique power that’s always at play in magical ways.
Connect with Giselle:
www.whitelionealchemy.earth
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
What happens when a highly sensitive person takes center stage?
In this episode of Soulful Speaking, copywriting soul genius Joanne Homestead shares her journey from a terrified five-year-old clutching a microphone to a confident entrepreneur embracing her authentic voice. Along the way, she invites us into a deeply human exploration of fear, presence, and transformation.
Together, we explore:
This episode is a love letter to the late bloomers, the empathic entrepreneurs, and anyone who's ever wondered if they were “too much” for the stage. You’re not. Your presence is powerful—and your story deserves to be told.
TAKEAWAYS
1. Your speaking journey might begin before you even realize it.
(Joanne’s began at age 5—and not by choice.)
2. Bravery isn’t the absence of nerves; it’s showing up anyway.
3. Empathy for your younger self can be a powerful healing tool.
4. Memorized speeches can shut down connection. Presence invites it in.
5. Teaching is speaking with heart—especially when it’s tailored in the moment.
6. Sensitivity isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower in speaking and connection.
7. Every classroom, audience, or moment is different. Adaptability is leadership.
8. Soulful self-care looks like breaks, breath, and maybe even fiction books.
9. You don’t have to shout to be heard—you just have to resonate.
✨ Connect with Joanne:
Website & Free Storytelling Guide: deskplantcreatives.com
Follow on LinkedIn: Joanne Homestead
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
This mini-sode is more than a warm-up—it’s a return to yourself.
Straight from the opening moments of the Spring 2025 Soulful Speaking Immersion, this grounding practice invites you to root into the earth, rise into your voice, and connect with your soul’s presence.
Whether you’re about to speak, create, or simply want to reconnect with your truth, let this be your reset. Close your eyes (unless you’re driving), take a breath, and come home to you.
Presence isn’t just the preparation—it is the practice.
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
How do you find your voice—whether in writing, speaking, or leading? In this episode of Soulful Speaking, I sit down with Amy Vogel, an author and book coach who helps women share their stories and turn their publishing dreams into reality.
Amy’s journey took her from sales to preaching to publishing, and she shares the lessons she’s learned about authentic communication along the way. We dive into relational speaking, overcoming the fear of not having a story to tell, and why embracing imperfection leads to deeper connections.
TAKEAWAYS
About Amy
Amy Vogel is an author and women's book coach. Her fiction books are themed for feminine empowerment, offering readers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a woman. Through her nonfiction works, she provides practical tools for healing and finding hope. As an entrepreneur and coach, Amy is dedicated to empowering women to share their stories, helping them cast a vision for a better world by turning their publishing dreams into reality.
Connect with Amy
www.a
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
What if the voice in your head that tells you you're too much—or not enough—isn’t the truth, but a frightened part of you trying to keep you safe?
In this episode, Lauri shines a compassionate light on the “Soul Suckers”—inner critics like the Nervous Nellies, the Controlling Stage Mothers, the Imposter Monsters, and the Below-the-Belt Bastards. With storytelling, warmth, and grounded wisdom, she guides you through recognizing their influence, reclaiming your voice, and using Soulful Speaking tools—Intend, Align, Invite—to let your soul speak instead.
Whether you’ve been holding back in meetings, onstage, or in life, this episode is a call to stop shrinking and start resounding. Because your voice isn’t broken—it’s just been drowned out.
TAKEAWAYS
1. The Soul Suckers all whisper the same core lie: “Not enough.”
2. Ignoring them doesn’t work—in fact, it makes them louder.
3. Soul Suckers convert you into the toy drum version of yourself; your soul was born to play the real drum.
4. Intend, Align, Invite is the antidote: intention clears the static, alignment opens the channel, and invitation allows us to touch others in the way only we can.
5. Each Soul Sucker has a kernel of truth—but it's distorted.
6. Being different is not a flaw. It’s your one-in-eight-billion superpower.
7. The Controlling Stage Mothers steal spontaneity; connection matters more than perfection.
8. Releasing the Soul Suckers doesn’t mean silencing them—it means choosing not to let them drive the bus.
9. When you honor your soul’s voice, cosmic shifts can happen.
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
What does it really mean to speak soulfully when you’re in front of a crowd, feeling the nerves, trying to stay connected?
In this intimate follow-up conversation, Dana Baugh returns with thoughtful questions about the deeper layers of Lauri Smith’s Vocal Presence Path approach to soulful speaking. Together, they revisit the roots of the “Intend, Align, Invite” mantra, unpack its evolution, and explore how it can live not just in your mind—but in your body.
From navigating resistance and inner critics to remembering the aliveness you were born with, this episode is a rich, embodied journey into the heart of speaking. It’s not about memorizing steps—it’s about remembering who you are and letting your voice rise from there.
Whether you’re new to this approach or reconnecting with the roots, this episode highlights the magic that happens when we stop trying to control every detail and start trusting the aliveness in the moment.
TAKEAWAYS
Connect with Dana
dana@dlbaugh.com
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
Authenticity has become the gold standard in public speaking—but what if it’s just the beginning?
In this mini-episode, Lauri explores what lies beyond authenticity: a deeper resonance that moves through body, breath, and voice to transform not just connection, but the room itself.
Soulful speaking goes beyond being seen. It’s about being felt, understood, and unforgettable.
TAKEAWAYS
Authenticity is a doorway to soulful speaking. It’s essential—but it’s only the beginning.
Soulful Speaking lives in the body—it’s about resonance, not just content.
Authenticity alone won’t change the world: True impact happens when a speaker holds space for the audience’s transformation.
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
What happens when a big-hearted farm girl turns Muppet-inspired porch performances into TED Talks and global keynotes?
Tina B. joins Lauri for a soulful, sparkly conversation on intuition, presence, and the power of letting your full self be seen. From the fifth-grade teacher who believed in her voice, to a Paris keynote gone sideways (and back again), to 30 days of Facebook Lives in her sweats—Tina shares what it really means to speak from your truth—slides or no slides, fear and all.
If you’ve ever dimmed your light, doubted your story, or wondered how to truly connect when you speak, this one’s for you.
TAKEAWAYS
1. Being seen is powerful.
2. Presence trumps perfection every time. You don’t need perfect slides to make an impact.
3. Storytelling is a muscle. No matter where you’re starting, you can train your ability to speak magnetically,
4. Intuition is a superpower. Learning to “yes, and” your own inner voice creates magic - on stage and off!
5. Let go of the need to be impressive. Focus on being interested, not interesting.
6. PowerPoint isn’t Preparation. Soulful speech prep is rooted in energy, intuition, and doing it out loud and on your feet.
7. Magnetism isn’t one size fits all. Your disco ball might be someone else’s white fluffy pillow, and both are beautiful.
8. Comparison is a story that silences. The more we embrace our uniqueness, the more magnetic we become.
9. Magnetism = Heart + Truth + Sparkle. It’s not about being loud, it's about being real.
Connect with Tina
https://www.tinabakehouse.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinabakehouse/
https://www.facebook.com/TinaBakehouse
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
This one’s personal.
In this solo episode, Lauri pulls back the curtain on the winding, unexpected, soul-led path that led to the creation of the Soulful Speaking Immersion and the Speaker Studio.
What started as an urge, a whisper, a “no way,” became a calling she couldn’t ignore—blending theater, coaching, voicework, and entrepreneurship into something entirely her own.
If you’ve ever wondered how to follow your deeper ‘yes’ (even when it doesn’t make sense), this story is for you.
TAKEAWAYS:
1. The Soulful Speaking Immersion wasn’t born from a business plan—it unfolded like a calling.
2. Resistance can be part of the process when something truly matters.
3. Sometimes the best business strategy is listening—really listening—to what wants to emerge.
4. Voicework isn’t about learning something new; it’s about remembering what we came in with as babies.
5. Public speaking rooted in soul can transform lives—starting with your own.
6. The Speaker Studio blends bursts of creative growth with long-term integration to create lasting impact.
7. Presence, not performance, is the key to authentic communication.
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
What happens when the voice you’ve been told you have to use isn’t your own?
Executive coach and organizational change consultant Dana Baugh joins Soulful Speaking to share her journey from corporate leader—where she was encouraged to “man up” and mask her true self—to a more heart-centered, present, and authentic speaker. Her story reveals what can unfold when we follow the quiet voice urging us away from external achievement and toward inner alignment.
Together, we explore what it means to stand at the crossroads between societal expectations and soul truth—between performing who we think we should be and expressing who we truly are.
If you've ever felt like success and fulfillment should be the same thing, but aren’t… if you’ve struggled with feeling like you have to put on a mask to speak… this episode is for you.
Tune in for a soulful conversation about intuition, energy, and the power of showing up as your whole self. Dana’s journey offers both inspiration and grounded, practical wisdom for anyone feeling the disconnect between outer success and inner fulfillment.
TAKEAWAYS
1. Our intuition knows before our mind. When something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s a job, a path, or a speaking style—our inner voice usually notices first. Learning to listen to that quiet inner voice can change everything.
2. Success and fulfillment aren’t the same. We can follow all the rules and still feel like something vital is missing.
3. Embrace the third way. We don’t have to choose between staying silent or wearing a mask that doesn’t fit. There’s a third way to speak—one that honors who we truly are.
4. Presence is the foundation of soulful speaking. When we’re grounded in body, breath, and energy, connection happens naturally.
5. Everything is energy. Whether we’re with horses, people, or an audience—authentic presence and deep connection are felt beyond words.
6. Community matters. Surrounding ourselves with others walking the same path helps us stay aligned with our truth.
7. Simple practices help us return. Movement, nature, and quiet listening bring us back when old patterns creep in—and that’s part of the journey.
8. Speaking is a fu
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
Ever feel like your body goes into panic mode when you speak? Like something invisible is whispering “You’re not enough” or “No one cares what you have to say”?
In this special peek inside the Speakers Studio’s Soulful Speaking Immersion, Lauri guides you through the internal voices, habits, and energies that show up when we speak from the soul—and how to meet them with compassion rather than control.
This episode is a gentle, powerful invitation to stop fighting yourself and start trusting the sacredness in your sensations.
TAKEAWAYS
1. The body often responds to speaking like it's a threat—but it can learn a new story.
2. The “soul suckers” (Nervous Nellies, Imposter Monsters, Stage Mothers, and Below the Belt Bastards) are old protectors, not truths.
3. Of course you’re different—you’re one in eight billion. And that’s your magic.
4. Naming what you’re releasing can help you reclaim your voice.
5. Not everyone will vibe with your message—and that’s okay. Speak to the ones who do.
6. Feeling energy and sensation isn’t a flaw—it’s a doorway.
7. Your job isn’t to fake it or fix it, but to hold space for what’s real.
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
In a special flipped episode, Brian Perry turns the tables and interviews Soulful Speaking host Lauri Smith, diving into her journey of learning to surrender to creativity, let go of control, and serve the moment fully. Together, they explore the magic of playing beyond fear and tuning into the energy of aliveness. Brian highlights Lauri’s personal evolution, from following external formulas to embracing her authentic voice, and her philosophy on speaking from the soul. Lauri shares her insights on how to feel for the “neon lights” vibration in your words, move from tension to ease, and truly embody your message with authenticity. This episode dives deep into how spiritual alignment and creativity can transform public speaking into a powerful tool for self-expression and connection.
TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:
About Brian From Brian:
I help you claim, live, and share more of your once-in-any-lifetime story. Because living your story matters. (Also, it’s more fun.) I serve as a singer-songwriter, authentic communication coach, and speaker.
My sound lives at the intersection of James Taylor and Bruce Springsteen with Garth Brooks directing traffic. Most days, that looks like me and my guitar telling stories with a few chords and as much truth as we can manage.
Authentic communication coaching helps you feel more like yourself and be more of yourself in the world. Stepping free of the endless masking of adulting. It feels like an act of bravery. Until it’s just obvious.
These days, my customized talks center around embracing uncertainty, the power of curiosity, and living more of your once-in-any-lifetime story.
But enough about me. Let’s talk about you.
Connect with Brian
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
Brain freeze doesn’t happen in the moment—it starts long before we step up to the mic. In this mini-sode, Lauri explores how to prevent that icy mental shutdown before it ever takes hold. She dives into the hidden ways we set ourselves up to freeze and how to shift from freeze to flow by setting clear intentions, organizing thoughts effectively, and practicing in a way that builds trust instead of tension. If you’ve ever worried about going blank, this one’s for you.
TAKEAWAYS:
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
In this episode of Soulful Speaking, we delve into the transformative power of breath and intention as host Lauri Smith coaches guest Eric Ayers.
Together, they explore how to move beyond imposter syndrome, embrace flow, and tap into the natural energy of authentic communication. Using her Intend, Align, Invite framework, Lauri helps Eric shift from overthinking to fully embodying his message. Through breathwork, energetic alignment, and real-time practice, Eric discovers how to deepen his connection with his audience and speak from his truest self.
If you’ve ever struggled with pausing, trusting your voice, or feeling fully present when speaking, this episode will give you actionable insights to step into your power.
TAKEAWAYS:
1. Speaking is about connection, not perfection. Replace trying to say everything "right" with meeting your audience where they’re at.
2. Trust yourself. Overcome imposter syndrome with a leap of faith. Trust in your knowledge, your energy, and your ability to serve the moment.
3. Your breath fuels your voice. Learning to breathe deeply and naturally can transform your speaking presence.
4. Pauses are powerful. Silence creates space for your audience to absorb your words and connect emotionally.
5. Energetic alignment creates impact. When you center your body, breath, and energy, your voice carries more resonance and ease and touches the audience in a different way.
6. Your five-year-old self knew the truth. Reclaiming the true voice you had as a child can unlock your most radiant speaking style.
7. Set an intention before you speak. Name what you want your audience to feel, then align your presence to embody that energy.
8. Movement and voice are connected. When you release tension in your body, your voice flows more freely.
9. The best speakers don’t "perform" - they show up as themselves. You are enough. You were born enough. Embrace the present moment.
About Eric:
Eric Ayers is an Alignment Practitioner and the founder of emc², LLC, where he artfully bridges ancient wisdom with modern innovation to spark profound transformation. His life's purpose centers on igniting transformative experiences in othe
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
Have you ever experienced a sudden freeze while speaking—where your mind goes completely blank, your mouth won’t move, and panic sets in? That kind of speaking brain freeze mirrors the dreaded popsicle brain freeze from our childhood. In this mini-sode, Lauri dives deep into the subconscious fears that lead us to stop breathing in the first place. She also shares a simple yet powerful way to break free.
TAKEAWAYS
1. Breath leads to inspiration: When we freeze, it's often because we've stopped breathing. Opening your mouth and inhaling air is the quickest way to find your flow again.
2. Trusting the pause can transform your presence: Silence always feels longer for the speaker. The pause that feels endless to you is actually a gift to your audience, allowing them to absorb your message.
3. You are enough: Discomfort in silence often comes from a deeper belief that we need to prove our worth. Your presence alone has value—anything you say simply compliments that inherent worth.
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
In this episode of Soulful Speaking, Lauri welcomes back Emily, a seasoned creative professional with a wealth of experience in video production, marketing, and sketch comedy.
Emily shares her journey of stepping out of the shadows of her directing role and embracing the challenge of being seen and heard. From navigating imposter syndrome to learning how to trust herself, this episode features valuable insights into what it takes to bring our authentic voices to the forefront. Along the way, Emily reveals how humor and vulnerability can be powerful tools in building connection, from marketing to public speaking.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling that call to step into the spotlight for the sake of their calling.
TAKEAWAYS
1. Embrace Your Weirdness: Connection in speaking and marketing comes from letting your true self show, quirks and all.
2. Visibility Is a Muscle: Like any skill, being seen and heard takes practice. If it feels uncomfortable, that’s a sure sign you’re strengthening the new muscles.
3. Trust the Process in speaking (and in life.)
4. Humor Builds Trust: When it’s a part of your brand that aligns with your values, comedy is a great tool for creating rapport and building trust with your audience.
5. Vulnerability Invites Connection: People are more likely to connect with you when they see your imperfections and honesty.
6. Balance is Key to Creative Preparation. Be prepared, but don’t overthink. Balance your inner director and creator as you weave together preparation with the freedom to flow in the moment.
7. Silence is Powerful: Embrace pauses in speaking to create impact and allow space for deeper connection.
About Emily:
Emily is a seasoned creative with over 20 years of experience in video sketch comedy, marketing, and leading dynamic teams. As the founder of PenguinCat Creative, her copywriting agency, she has crafted hundreds of high-converting marketing funnels and campaigns. Her work has helped bestselling authors, top influencers, eCommerce giants, and industry-leading coaches achieve remarkable success—selling out events, tripling membership signups, and exceeding launch goals.
Previously, Emily ser
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
Great speaking isn’t a one-sided performance; it’s a dynamic conversation.
In this mini-episode, Lauri dismantles the myth that speaking is a monologue, showing how treating your speech as a shared experience can inspire, empower, and transform. Learn how to connect with your audience on a deeper level, even when standing at a podium or speaking on video. By reframing your mindset and tuning into the audience's non-verbal responses, you’ll create shared experiences that truly resonate.
TAKEAWAYS
1. Great speaking is a two-way street. Reframe your mindset to see even formal speeches as a conversation, not a solo performance.
2. Your audience’s half of the conversation is non-verbal. Tune into facial expressions, body language, and energy shifts to truly connect.
3. Set an intention for your audience. Before speaking, align with your higher self and decide how you want your audience to feel.
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
What if public speaking wasn't a performance but a genuine conversation?
In this coaching-focused episode, Lauri works with seasoned creative Emily McGregor, who’s spent 20+ years directing, producing, and leading teams in video sketch comedy and marketing. Despite her confidence behind the camera, Emily struggles with stepping into the spotlight herself. Lauri helps Emily tackle her inner critics though practical tools that ground the voice. Together, they explore how breathwork, alignment, and being intentional can transform performance anxiety into genuine connection.
Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just finding your voice, this episode offers profound insights to amplify your presence and impact.
TAKEAWAYS:
Know Your Masks: Our sometimes overused strengths, like humor, can become "masks" that hide our true selves. When you know your masks, you can begin to release them.
Stop Performing and Start Connecting: Reframe speaking as a conversation with your audience, inviting connection instead of striving for perfection.
Intention is Powerful: Set simple, clear emotional intentions to harness your energy and unleash your presence when speaking.
Align Your Body and Breath: Rediscover your natural expressive self by releasing tension and reconnecting with your innate charisma.
Quiet the Inner Critic: Recognize and balance your inner stage mom or director so they become constructive rather than controlling.
About Emily:
Emily is a seasoned creative with over 20 years of experience in video sketch comedy, marketing, and leading dynamic teams. As the founder of PenguinCat Creative, her copywriting agency, she has crafted hundreds of high-converting marketing funnels and campaigns. Her work has helped bestselling authors, top influencers, eCommerce giants, and industry-leading coaches achieve remarkable success—selling out events, tripling membership signups, and exceeding launch goals.
Previously, Emily served as VP of Production at Comediva, a comedic content studio, where she wrote and directed viral videos amassing millions of views, created branded content for major brands like Pepsi, and even sold a TV show to Amazon.
Today, she leverages her vast marketing expertise and scra
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
In this mini-episode, Lauri dives into the often-overlooked secret to great speaking: intimacy. Whether talking to one person or 10,000, the most charismatic speakers create an undeniable presence through deeply authentic connection. Lauri shares a pivotal acting class moment that transformed her approach to speaking, and offers practical insights on how vulnerability and courage can unlock your unique charisma.
TAKEAWAYS
1. Presence Requires Intimacy: True charisma comes from allowing yourself to be seen while deeply connecting with your audience.
2. Vulnerability Fuels Connection: Choosing to let down your armor creates a sacred space for mutual understanding and trust.
3. Practice Authenticity: Your one-in-eight-billion presence emerges when you let down your guard and show up fully as yourself.
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
What if embracing your quirks could be the key to unlocking your true potential?
In this episode, Lauri sits down with visionary leader Eric Ayers to explore his transformative journey from a habitual people-pleaser to an authentic speaker, passionate about sparking moments of transformation.
Eric shares the early influences that shaped his voice, the challenges of conforming to expectations, and the breakthrough moments that reignited his connection to his true self. Together, Lauri and Eric dive into the profound impact of mindfulness, self-awareness, and shifting perspectives on personal growth and speaking with soulful authenticity.
TAKEAWAYS:
1. Early Influences Shape Our Voice
2. Awareness is Powerful: Once we identify the masks we wear in life and on stage we can remove them.
3. Shifting Perspectives Shifts Energy: Simple questions can catalyze transformation.
4. Authenticity is a Superpower: Reconnecting with your true self can improve relationships, career, and personal fulfillment.
5. Weirdness is a Sign of Growth: Unfamiliar feelings are a sign of transformation and progress.
6. Gratitude is a Future-Focused Power: It allows us to embody future possibilities in the present.
7. Give Yourself Permission to Be YOU: When you do, you’ll help create space for others to explore their truth and create a ripple effect of transformation.
Connect with Eric:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ayers-emc2
emccoaching.me
https://user.zant.app/provider/profile/Eric_Ayers
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
Do you feel the call to share your message but think, “I’m not a speaker”?
It’s time to break free from outdated images of what a speaker should look like and embrace your authentic, soulful voice. In this mini-episode, Lauri redefines the modern speaking landscape and offers an easy, heartfelt way to step into your truth: becoming a guest on podcasts. Whether you’re dipping your toe in or ready to make waves, discover how podcasting can feel like the warm, welcoming, shallow end of a speaking pool.
TAKEAWAYS
1. It’s time to redefine Leadership: Let go of outdated notions of speakers as formal, suit-clad leaders. The world needs your unique, wacky, and wonderful voice.
2. Ease Into Speaking: Podcast guesting offers an approachable way to step into your voice without diving into the deep end.
3. Podcasting can be a Sacred Space: With the right host, podcasting can feel like an intimate, safe space to explore and share your authentic truth.
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
In this interactive episode of Soulful Speaking, Bridget Baker, brand strategist and former ballet dancer, shares her transformative journey from communicating through movement to finding her voice after a life-altering car accident. Bridget and Lauri explore the challenges of speaking authentically, overcoming inner critics, and letting go of societal molds to embrace the power of self-expression. Together, they delve into what it means to speak with soul and how stepping into one’s uniqueness can be a game-changer in both life and business.
TAKEAWAYS
About Bridget:
Bridget Baker's upbringing in a creatively nurturing environment shaped her into being a multifaceted force. From retail and jewelry making and professional dancing, she found her superpower is giving people permission to be themselves. Today, she is the founder and CEO of Bridget Baker Branding, a company dedicated to crafting impactul brands and websites for people who help people. Her work emphasizes amplifying the voices of BIPOC clients and advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Connect with Bridget:
bridgetbakerbranding.com
instagram.com/bridgetbakerbranding
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
In this mini-episode, Lauri explores the non-linear, deeply spiritual journey of speaking. Drawing on her experiences as an actor, theater teacher, and yoga student, she illustrates how growth doesn’t follow a straight line and how every speaker, whether seasoned or new, can honor their unique path. From overcoming bad habits to embracing authenticity, Lauri invites listeners to reconnect with their values and rediscover the magic of presence.
TAKEAWAYS:
Speaking is a Spiritual Path: Growth as a speaker isn’t linear. Your unique journey is “legit”, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional.
Honor Your Journey: A beginner can step directly into authenticity, while seasoned speakers can reconnect with presence and values to avoid stagnation.
Choose Authenticity Over Pizzazz: True connection comes from being genuine, not from relying on experience or perfected techniques.
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
In this powerful episode, Lauri dives deep with Nick Palladino-King, a conscious coach and mentor, exploring the vulnerable journey of finding one's authentic voice. Nick shares his experiences of "spiritual puberty," a process of shedding fear and stepping into deeper self-expression. He opens up about his evolution from an eager, opinionated young teacher to a grounded leader who embraces neutrality and non-judgment, allowing audiences to engage deeply with his message. Together, they uncover how self-doubt, protective patterns, and inner critics (or "soul suckers") can obscure our truth—and how we can courageously navigate through them to let our true selves resonate. This conversation is a reminder of the invisible ripples created when we choose authenticity over performance.
TAKEAWAYS
About Nick: Nick Palladino (IG: @nickpalladinoking) is the Co-founder and CEO of Tribe- Fitness, Yoga and Coaching, a San Francisco based wellness company founded on the holistic health philosophy he calls “Complete Health and Wellness.” Tribe is a leading wellness company in the Bay Area focused on inspiring leadership and health in individuals and companies.
Connect with Nick: www.nickpalladino.co
The Soul of Visibility
A Soulful Speaking Playshop for loving rebels on a soul-driven mission.
Join us for The Soul of Visibility, a live, interactive Soulful Speaking Playshop where we’ll explore visibility not as a performance, but as a sacred act — one rooted in presence, truth, and soul.
Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/