Kwame Christian shares how a childhood moment shaped his need to be liked and how learning to speak up changed everything.

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
Kwame Christian shares how a childhood moment shaped his need to be liked and how learning to speak up changed everything.
Brit's work offers a much-needed guide for navigating the increasingly polarized world we live in, helping us find common ground and connection even when perspectives diverge.
Dr. Sarah Glova reveals how her personal experience as a new wife, new mom, and new business owner led her to research the power dynamics of advice-giving.
Sarah Hoover opens up about the dark side of new motherhood and how telling the truth helped her find herself again.
In this episode, Jess and Selena Rezvani break down how to turn nerves into power and show up with presence when it matters most.
Molly Fletcher shares how confidence is built through action, not waiting, and why getting reps in negotiation or on stage is the key to showing up with power.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No matter how ordinary, relatable stories have the potential for extraordinary impact.
Dr. John Delony discusses the challenges of balancing career ambitions with family dynamics and offering solutions through realistic expectations, open communication, and personal fulfillment.
No matter how ordinary, relatable stories have the potential for extraordinary impact.
Therese shares her journey from facing rejections to landing her first speaking gig on physician burnout.
Jess discusses how easy access to endless information (thanks to our phones) can distract us from being creators and trusting our instincts.
Lindsey Epperly discusses imposter syndrome with Jess, revealing that she now sees it as a motivational tool.
Practical tips to ease public speaking nerves and learn to calm in-the-moment nerves with specific techniques.
Lashonda Brown joins the show to share valuable information on generating passive income and establishing expertise with YouTube.
Learn the concept of "trying it on" when making big life decisions.
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.
It’s okay to start before feeling fully prepared; success comes from engaging with ideas instead of overthinking them.
Guest Katie Quesada discusses the differences between keynotes and workshops, how to keep stories brief, and the power of igniting curiosity.
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?
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.
Jess Ekstrom shares one of her talks that she did at Inman Connect, one of the bigger speaking gigs she's done.
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.
Jess shares her experience taking a stand-up comedy class after becoming a mother and how it helped her overcome perfection.
MDA Alumni Dr. Cassandra LeClair shares her journey from professor to successful keynote speaker.
Jess discusses the impact of FOMO and what can be done about it.
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.
Jess discusses societal pressure to succeed early and the importance of creating success on a timeline that suits you.
Amy Porterfield joins the podcast to discuss achieving personal freedom through creating online courses.
Jess discusses the concept of FOMO and how it impacts our ability to enjoy the process of achieving our goals.
In our season finale, Jess and The First Lady of Iceland, Eliza Reid, discuss societal expectations of women and gender in modern times.
Jess discusses the impact of her business, Mic Drop Workshop on amplifying women's voices despite concerns about gender separation.
Lauren and Jess, both new moms, discuss the anxiety and self-doubt they experienced around balancing career and motherhood.
Jess shares her journey navigating anxiety. She discusses how trying stand-up comedy classes aided her in overcoming postpartum anxiety.
Corrie LoGiudice shares her journey from doubting her potential as a professional speaker to succeeding as a keynote speaker.
Jess dives into the importance of rediscovering our authentic selves and challenging the limiting beliefs we form from a young age.
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.
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.
Jess interviews Saul Blinkoff, a Hollywood filmmaker and Disney animator, who shares his journey to becoming a Disney animator
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.
Jess talks with Kate Rosenow about the importance of mental health and hiring help for new mothers.
Jess has an eye-opening experience to share during her daughter Ellie's first flight, facing meltdowns and judgment.
Jess and Megan discuss the intricacies of being a speaker and balancing motherhood.
Jess discusses the "wanting mind," a state where we constantly seek more, making it hard to appreciate the present.