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 speaking, My First Stage offers the inspiration, insights, and tactical takeaways to help you elevate your own platform.
What You’ll Hear:
- Real stories from real speakers about the hustle, heart, and happy accidents that led to their first booked gig
- Behind-the-scenes moments: awkward intros, standing ovations, tech fails, and everything in between
- Lessons learned that helped shape the way they pitch, present, and position themselves today
- Business impact: how a single stage turned into media coverage, new clients, product launches, or an entirely new path
- Tips and advice for landing your first (or next) speaking opportunity, straight from those who’ve been there
Too often, we only see the highlight reel: the perfectly lit sizzle reel, the booked-out calendar, the standing-room-only audience. But every speaker, no matter how seasoned or successful, had a first time. A first pitch. A first yes. A first chance to prove themselves.
My First Stage is a celebration of that beginning. It’s a tribute to the courage it takes to speak—and the way one stage can change everything.
Whether you’re hoping to build your speaking business or just looking for the spark to finally step into the spotlight, this podcast is here to help you take that next step.
Because your story is powerful. And your first stage might just be the start of something even bigger.
Want to Be a Guest?
If you’re a speaker with a story to share about your first booked stage—how you got it, what it meant to you, and how it shaped your business—we want to hear it. Apply to be a guest at www.myfirststagepodcast.com or connect with us at @StickWithBranded on social.
Transcript
Every speaker has that one moment—the stage that started it all.
The first gig. The first audience. The first time you stepped up, mic in hand, and thought,
“Okay… this could be something.”
Welcome to My First Stage—
The podcast where we ask speakers, coaches, authors, and entrepreneurs one big question:
How did you get booked for your first speaking gig… and what happened next?
We’re talking about the real stories:
The hustle.
The accidental opportunities.
The terrifying, exhilarating moment just before stepping on stage… and how one event shaped the future of their business.
You’ll hear about breakout sessions that turned into keynotes,
free gigs that turned into paid bookings,
and awkward starts that led to standing ovations.
And we’re not just here to reminisce—we’re here to learn.
From what it takes to get that first "yes"
to how to use speaking as a true business growth strategy.
Whether you're just stepping into the world of public speaking or you've been on more stages than you can count—
these stories will inspire you, challenge you, and help you take your next big step.
And if you’ve got a first stage story of your own—we’d love to hear it.
Visit myfirststagepodcast.com to apply to be a guest.
Because your story is powerful.
And your first stage?
Might just be the beginning of something bigger.
This… is My First Stage.
