
HELPING WOMEN SPEAK WITH CONFIDENCE AND FIND THEIR ZONE OF INFLUENCE


HELPING WOMEN SPEAK WITH CONFIDENCE AND FIND THEIR ZONE OF INFLUENCE

WELCOME TO THE AMPLIFY PODCAST with Jess Ekstrom!
I started Mic Drop Workshop to help women learn how to speak with confidence and become public speakers, because less than 30% of paid public speakers are women, and it’s my turn to help change the keynote speaking industry.
EPISODES
Creating an Unforgettable Presence
Lorraine will share proven strategies to help you stand out, gain influence, and create a presence that makes you truly unforgettable.
The Wild Courage to Ask for What You Want
Jess sits down with author, speaker, and former Google exec Jenny Wood to discuss moving through fear and unlocking more success, joy, and courage in your career.
Become a Better Speaker with These Small Changes
In the season premiere, Lindsay shares practical insights on engaging your audience, bringing the right level of energy, and avoiding sounding like a phony game show host.
The Viral Speech that Launched Kelsey O’Connor’s Speaking Career
In our season finale, Kelsey O’Connor shares her journey of resilience after a traumatic brain injury ended her collegiate softball career at NC State University.
Why you don’t get that dopamine hit when you cross the finish line
Let’s talk abut how to find true fulfillment from enjoying the process instead of just focusing on the end result.
Balancing Personal Ambitions with Family Dynamics, with Dr. John Delony
Dr. John Delony discusses the challenges of balancing career ambitions with family dynamics and offering solutions through realistic expectations, open communication, and personal fulfillment.
How are You Measuring Your Progress?
No matter how ordinary, relatable stories have the potential for extraordinary impact.
How Fear of Inadequacy Can Lead to Becoming a World-Class Speaker with Therese Gopaul-Robinson
Therese shares her journey from facing rejections to landing her first speaking gig on physician burnout.
Is Easy Access to Knowledge Harming Your Motivation?
Jess discusses how easy access to endless information (thanks to our phones) can distract us from being creators and trusting our instincts.
Resilience, Imposter Syndrome and Becoming the Boss with Lindsey Epperly
Lindsey Epperly discusses imposter syndrome with Jess, revealing that she now sees it as a motivational tool.
Overcoming Anxiety in Public Speaking
Practical tips to ease public speaking nerves and learn to calm in-the-moment nerves with specific techniques.
The Reality of Passive Income with LaShonda Brown
Lashonda Brown joins the show to share valuable information on generating passive income and establishing expertise with YouTube.
How RV Life Taught Me to ‘Try It On’
Learn the concept of “trying it on” when making big life decisions.
Creating a Morning Routine That Works for You with Tiffany Lanier
Tiffany, founder of The Morning Shift Co. and a TEDx speaker, shares how her focus on creating intentional mornings arose from her experiences, including postpartum depression and personal transformation.
Ready or Not, Just Start
It’s okay to start before feeling fully prepared; success comes from engaging with ideas instead of overthinking them.
Creating Meaningful Workshop Experiences with Katie Quesada
Guest Katie Quesada discusses the differences between keynotes and workshops, how to keep stories brief, and the power of igniting curiosity.
Using The Word “Yet” To Frame Our Progress
We often criticize ourselves if we fail immediately. But what if we celebrate our progress and acknowledge that being in the process is an achievement?
How to Find Speaking Opportunities through Networking, with Chelsea C Williams
Jess chats with Chelsea C. Williams about navigating the balance between building a speaking career and leading a business, all while incorporating the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
My Signature Keynote Live: Innovation and Motivation That Lasts
Jess shares one of her talks that she did at Inman Connect, one of the bigger speaking gigs she’s done.
Facing Fears and Opening Up Onstage with Coach Kiah
Motivational speaker and life coach Kiah Twisselman Burchett joins Jess and shares her journey from a California cattle rancher to an accidental life coach and public speaker.
What Comedy and Parenting Taught Me About the Beginner’s Mindset
Jess shares her experience taking a stand-up comedy class after becoming a mother and how it helped her overcome perfection.
How to Set Boundaries and Thrive in Speaking with Dr. Cassandra LeClair
MDA Alumni Dr. Cassandra LeClair shares her journey from professor to successful keynote speaker.
You’ll Never Miss What’s Made for You
Jess discusses the impact of FOMO and what can be done about it.
Redefining Masculinity, and the Power of Authenticity with Antonio Neves
Jess and Antonio Neves discuss the nuances of public speaking, the importance of timing in feedback, and the need to support men’s emotional well-being.
It’s Time to Own Your Timeline
Jess discusses societal pressure to succeed early and the importance of creating success on a timeline that suits you.
How to Earn Financial Freedom through Digital Courses
Amy Porterfield joins the podcast to discuss achieving personal freedom through creating online courses.
How to Stop Letting FOMO Dictate Your Life Goals
Jess discusses the concept of FOMO and how it impacts our ability to enjoy the process of achieving our goals.
Are Women Critiqued More Harshly than Men? Let’s Talk about it with The First Lady of Iceland Eliza Reid
In our season finale, Jess and The First Lady of Iceland, Eliza Reid, discuss societal expectations of women and gender in modern times.
Here’s What You Need to Know about Women in 2024
Discover how today’s gender landscape inspired Jess to create a women’s speaking course.
Tackling Anxiety with Dr. Lauren Cook
Lauren and Jess, both new moms, discuss the anxiety and self-doubt they experienced around balancing career and motherhood.
How Doing the Thing I Was Most Scared of Actually Helped Me
Jess shares her personal journey of overcoming anxiety, particularly after becoming a mother.
Leaving the Corporate Gig for a Speaking Career, with Mic Drop Alumni Corrie LoGiudice
Corrie LoGiudice shares her journey from doubting her potential as a professional speaker to succeeding as a keynote speaker.
What Does Your Childhood Dream Say About You Today?
Learn how childhood career aspirations compare to your current path.
The Love-Hate Relationship of Feedback and Collecting It from the Stage with Arel Moodie
Arel talks with Jess on the importance of treating speaking as a craft and art, encouraging speakers to get feedback from both experts and audiences to continually improve.
Why We Should Bring Boredom Back
Jess talks about true boredom in today’s digital age, where algorithms and notifications constantly occupy our attention and the importance of sitting with your thoughts.
How to Step Into Your Potential with Saul Blinkoff
Jess interviews Saul Blinkoff, a Hollywood filmmaker and Disney animator, who shares his journey to becoming a Disney animator.
Before you Change your Circumstance, Change your Mindset
Working at Disney World, Jess noticed two custodians daily: one unhappy with the job, the other loving it. Insights from a Yale study will provide her the answer.
How to Get Your Time Back with Business Systems Strategist Expert Kate Rosenow
Jess talks with Kate Rosenow about the importance of mental health and hiring help for new mothers.
When You’re in the Thick of It, Listen to This
Jess has an eye-opening experience to share during her daughter Ellie’s first flight, facing meltdowns and judgment.
Motherhood, Speaking and Much More with Shark Tank Alumni Megan Reilly
Jess and Megan discuss the intricacies of being a speaker and balancing motherhood.
Escaping the ‘What’s Next’ Trap: Embracing Contentment in the Present
Jess discusses the “wanting mind,” a state where we constantly seek more, making it hard to appreciate the present.
How to Crack LinkedIn to Work for You with Melanie Borden
Human-to-Brand creator and LinkedIn influencer, Melanie Borden, reveals her strategy for expanding her network to more than 180,000 followers.
A Life-Changing Lesson About Our Thoughts
Jess shares a personal story about how a negative experience with a wasp and a spider led to positive outcomes.
Nervous Energy and Practicing Flubs with Lindsay Boccardo
Lindsay Boccardo and Jess Ekstrom discuss public speaking, sharing tips on tackling imposter syndrome, being authentic, and creating engaging messages.
Try This Tip to Start Teaching Value to Others
Quieting Your Inner Critic, with Neuropsychotherapist Britt Frank
Britt Frank discusses the origins of our inner critic and shares practical brain hacks to manage stress, enhance self-awareness, and achieve mental wellness.
Learn These Two Words to Ditch Overthinking and Start Creating
Discover the two simple words that can help you push past discomfort and avoid negative self-talk, empowering you to take on new challenges with confidence.
How to Change Your Life with Top-Rated Speaker Cassandra Worthy
Cassandra talks about her path from corporate to a multimillion-dollar speaking career, highlighting intuition, curiosity, and conquering self-limiting beliefs.
Postpartum Depression Sucked, But Here’s What It Taught Me
Jess discussed overcoming postpartum depression and embracing motherhood.
Embrace Your One-of-a-Kind Mind with the viral Kim and Penn Holderness
Kim and Penn Holderness, talk about viewing ADHD as a superpower.

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