Curious how introverts can thrive in the tech world? Join us as Limor, former Director of Engineering at Digital Ocean and now a career coach for women in tech shares her journey from a shy software engineer to a confident leader. Discover how introverts can turn challenges into strengths, embrace their nature, and transition smoothly into leadersh…

What if your fear of public speaking could become your greatest strength? In this episode, we explore practical strategies to help you conquer that fear. Learn how using video recordings and repetition can build your confidence, much like refining a workout routine. We’ll also discuss the power of sharing personal experiences and the unique insight…

What if you could turn your corporate career into a purpose-driven entrepreneurial journey? In this episode, we chat with Elona, founder and CEO of the Life School, about her inspiring transition from a Fortune 500 leadership role to launching her own business. Elona shares how aligning her personal mission with professional goals empowered her to …

Unlock the power of storytelling to transform your public speaking. In this episode, you'll learn how personal anecdotes and relatable analogies can make your messages more engaging and memorable. Discover how starting with the end in mind keeps your story on track, and see how everyday experiences—like family road trips or GPS navigation—can simpl…

Welcome back to the Rock ‘n Roll Ghost Podcast. On this week's episode, the Ghost speaks with actor Penelope Ann Miller about her role as Nancy Reagan in the film Reagan (which is in theaters now).Miller discusses working on the film, her research into Reagan, as well as touching on her work in The Freshman (with some funny stories about star Marlo…

Welcome back to the Rock ‘n Roll Ghost Podcast. On this week's episode, the Ghost speaks with actor/author/filmmaker Nick Searcy, who appears as James Burke (former Chief of Staff for President Ronald Reagan) in the film Reagan, starring Dennis Quaid as Reagan and Penelope Ann Miller as Nancy Reagan (check the shows for my interview with Miller).Se…

Can a simple story transform your communication? Award-winning author and marketer Sarah Lohse reveals how a quirky tattoo sparked her storytelling journey, demonstrating how authentic narratives cut through the noise and create meaningful connections. Sarah shows why storytelling is essential in today’s marketing, emphasizing that genuine, relatab…

Can giving feedback truly transform your relationships and team dynamics? In this episode, we uncover the power of effective communication in both personal and professional settings. Learn how to deliver clear and impactful positive feedback that resonates, and master the art of constructive criticism using the sandwich method. We also tackle the d…

Ever wondered what turns a job into a fulfilling career? Join us as Jaclyn Strominger, the driving force behind Leap to Your Success, shares her journey from indecision to inspiring others toward remarkable growth. Discover how taking that first courageous leap can transform your personal and professional life. Jaclyn reveals the power of a clear v…

Ever wondered why some people naturally stand out while others, despite their skills, don't get noticed? In this episode, we dive into the power of confidence and how it can elevate your perceived competence. Through personal stories, like a college presentation where confidence trumped expertise, we show how self-assurance can make a huge impact. …

Welcome back to the Rock ‘n Roll Ghost Podcast. On this week's episode, the Ghost speaks with Michael Muser, director of operations and co-owner of Chicago's two Michelin-starred restaurant Ever. Muser discusses his and Ever's executive chef/co-owner Curtis Duffy's relationship, which stretches back to their time at Avenues at The Peninsula, moving…

Unlock the power of authentic communication and leadership with Jonathan, a performance coach and transformational speaker. In this episode, Jonathan shares his journey and the three key principles that have shaped his approach: being fully present, leading with curiosity, and prioritizing others. Learn how to manage distractions and make every int…

Ever felt like you had everything in place—a steady job, good health, active community involvement—yet something was missing? Join us as we explore the transformative journey of prioritizing faith, commitment, and family. We'll discuss the pivotal role men play in their households, sharing personal experiences and valuable lessons on becoming the l…

What if you could navigate the demanding world of business while maintaining a fulfilling personal life? Richard Walsh, CEO of Sharpen the Spear Coaching and a former US Marine, joins us to share his journey of balancing multiple roles and responsibilities. From experiencing the lows of the 2008 financial crisis to rebuilding his life, Richard offe…

Welcome back to the Rock ‘n Roll Ghost Podcast. On this week's episode, the Ghost speaks with filmmaker Jennifer Phang about the hit Disney original movie Descendants: The Rise of Red (currently on Disney+ and hitting The Disney Channel on August 08th). The Rise of Red is the highest rated original movie premiere on the streaming service. Phang (pr…

Curious about mastering public speaking from home? In this episode, we unlock a treasure trove of online resources that can transform you into a confident speaker. From Audible audiobooks and insightful podcasts like Speaking Sessions to YouTube tutorials and digital courses, learn techniques to overcome stage fright, craft compelling messages, and…

What if managing a business was no different from raising a family? Join us as we sit down with Brett Brewer, a seasoned expert in the construction industry, who shares his journey from running a single business to juggling a second venture. Brett reveals how effective communication is crucial in balancing business responsibilities with family life…

Can public speaking be learned, or is it an innate gift? Discover the surprising truth as we unravel the journey from self-doubt to confident oration. Sharing personal transformations and practical insights, we reveal how anyone can master public speaking through theoretical knowledge and real-world practice. From YouTube tutorials to Toastmasters,…

Is public speaking more about vanity or genuine service? Marianne Hickman, an international speaker with over 2,000 stage appearances, explores this question. She shares how to transform ego-driven performances into service-oriented missions, emphasizing audience connection and addressing their needs. Inspired by a Tony Robbins event, Marianne high…

Ever wondered how giants like Walmart and Amazon achieved success by mastering a single focus? This episode reveals the essential steps for aspiring speakers to make a powerful entrance into the speaking world. By developing a well-defined topic and understanding your ultimate goals, you can align your speaking journey with your broader life object…

Unlock the secrets to captivating your audience with Kris Flegg, a former banking professional turned presentation design expert and certified platinum Prezi expert. Kris shares his journey from an average presenter to a presentation authority, emphasizing the power of authenticity. Whether you're new to presenting or a seasoned pro, Kris's tips on…

Can memorizing your speech actually sabotage your connection with your audience? In this episode, we reveal why sticking rigidly to a script might be holding you back and offer a fresh perspective on speech preparation. Learn how focusing on your outline and key stories can transform your delivery, making it more engaging and responsive to your aud…

Unlock the power of storytelling with Doug Thompson, a tech communicator who turns complex jargon into engaging narratives. Doug shares his transformation from an anxious extroverted introvert to a dynamic speaker, revealing how personal anecdotes can make technical topics accessible and memorable. Learn the secrets of "techsplaining" and how Doug'…

Unlock the secrets to captivating public speaking! In this episode, learn how to transform your speaking style by mastering vocal variety and dynamic hand gestures. Discover tips to overcome monotone speech through practice, repetition, and using your phone's camera for self-review. By discussing topics you're passionate about, you'll naturally add…

Want to transform from a task manager to an inspiring leader? Join us for an insightful conversation with Edward Mosley, a retired Marine combat veteran, as he shares powerful lessons on leadership and communication under pressure. From the demanding environments of the Marine Corps to coaching organizations on leadership, Edward's experiences offe…

Can mastering the art of articulation elevate your perceived intelligence, credibility, and trustworthiness? Join me in this eye-opening episode as I break down three straightforward steps to enhance your communication skills. Learn the transformative impact of reading self-development books, how reading out loud sharpens your enunciation and the i…

Discover how to transition from a technical role to leadership with insights from Jordan Dieterle, a seasoned service account manager with over 12 years in automation and electrical systems. Jordan shares his inspiring journey from an electrical technologies student to a leadership role, highlighting his passion for continuous learning and project …

Why do so many corporate training programs fail to bring about real change? In this episode, we explore common pitfalls in training initiatives and emphasize the importance of individual commitment and consistent practice. Learn practical strategies for creating actionable plans post-training, recognizing employee efforts, and fostering team growth…

Ready to elevate your social media strategy while staying true to yourself? Join us on Speaking Sessions as we chat with Kaitlyn Young, founder and CEO of Social Media Doctor. Kaitlyn shares her journey from attending entrepreneur events to building a successful business, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in social media marketing. Learn h…

Transform your book into a captivating signature talk with Phillip Sessions, your public speaking and communication coach. In this episode, Phillip shares how to turn your literary masterpiece into engaging speeches that secure speaking engagements. Using "The Exceptional Presenter" as a guide, Phillip explains how to structure your talk, manage ne…

Curious about how to turn corporate burnout into entrepreneurial success? Join us as Jonathan, CEO of Smart Shark, shares his journey from corporate fitness to becoming a business growth consultant. Discover how his marketing passion and our shared fitness backgrounds have shaped our current ventures. In this episode, Jonathan also reveals his unex…

What if understanding complex business processes could be as simple as following the course of a river? In this episode of the Speaking Sessions podcast, we reveal how to make intricate ideas accessible. Drawing from my engineering background, I share how to communicate complex details effectively, using a real-world case where I helped a client de…

Ever dreamed of starting your own podcast? Join us as Justin Peters from Simple Pod Studios guides us through the essentials of turning those idle microphones into a powerful tool for brand growth and personal development. Learn how to launch your podcast, master technical tips, and leverage constructive feedback to enhance your content. We delve i…

Welcome back to the Rock ‘n Roll Ghost Podcast. On this week's episode, the Ghost speaks with current James Beard nominee Jenner Tomaska chef and co-owner of Micheline starred restaurant Esme in Chicago. Tomaska, who got his start working under notable chefs like Erick Williams, Dave Beran and Grant Achatz, opened Esme with his wife Katrina Bravo d…

Unlock the secrets of expressive communication with insights from my charismatic German instructor, who teaches entirely through hand gestures. Discover how synchronizing gestures with your speech can strengthen your message and captivate your audience. I'll share tips from a recent training session on the importance of matching facial expressions …

Get ready for an exhilarating episode as we dive into the extraordinary world of Mitch and her journey to becoming a powerhouse in public speaking and communication. From her love for outdoor adventures and being a proud dog mama to her unwavering passion for empowering others, Mitch's story is as captivating as it is inspiring. Join us as Mitch sh…

Welcome back to the Rock ‘n Roll Ghost Podcast. On this week's episode, the Ghost speaks with filmmaker Michael John Warren about his new Paramount+ docuseries Lolla: The Story of Lollpalooza which chronicles the creation and evolution of the music festival created by Perry Farrell. Warren discusses his history of going to that first groundbreaking…

Ever felt lost without a map? That's how I felt during a car rental mishap, which perfectly mirrors our latest episode's focus: starting with the end in mind for impactful presentations in the manufacturing sector. We'll guide you through tailoring your approach to ensure your message lands and motivates management to take action. This episode dive…

Discover the transformative journey of entrepreneurship with Dean Mercado, the strategic mind behind Online Marketing Muscle, celebrating two decades of innovation. Dean shares insights on business development, comparing it to human growth, and highlights the resilience needed to thrive. Learn timeless lessons, the power of purpose, and how to scal…

Join me, Philip Sessions, for a captivating journey into the art of storytelling in speeches. In this episode, I'll equip you with the strategies and insights needed to craft narratives that resonate deeply with your audience. From personal anecdotes to borrowed tales, learn how to infuse your speeches with stories that not only convey your message…

Join us as we dive deep into resilience and redemption with Chris Bowen, a seasoned entrepreneur in the pool industry. His journey from the brink of failure to newfound success showcases the transformative power of vulnerability and authentic storytelling. Chris fearlessly recounts his rise and fall, proving that our darkest moments can lead to pro…

Ready to make your presentations unforgettable? I'm Philip Sessions, and I've got the strategies to help your smile and your message stick in people's minds. From understanding your audience to sharing authentic stories that resonate, we'll dive into the art of genuine connection. It's not just about storytelling—it's about crafting experiences tha…

Join Tara Gooch and me as we explore confidence, leadership, and the power of self-belief. Tara shares her journey from childhood insecurities to the TEDx stage, highlighting how vulnerability can unlock new possibilities. We discuss the balance of competence and confidence and the importance of purposeful action in shaping success. Discover the im…

Welcome back to the Rock ‘n Roll Ghost Podcast. On this week's episode, the Ghost speaks with Bear McCreary about his new concept album, graphic novel and future tour (with a preview performance at the Fonda Theatre on May 12th), The Singularity. McCreary, who you may know for his scoring work on The Walking Dead, Battlestar Galactica, The Lord of …

Struggling to connect with non-techy audiences? You're not alone. Dive into this Speaking Sessions episode tailored for engineers and tech pros aiming to refine their communication game. I share my own pitfalls presenting to management and a fun encounter with my financial advisor that hits close to home. Discover what management really wants to he…

Welcome back to the Rock ‘n Roll Ghost Podcast. On this week's episode, the Ghost speaks with filmmaker Ned Benson (The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby) to discuss his new film,, The Greatest Hits, from Searchlight Pictures (now streaming on Hulu). Benson talks about the making of the film, from the writing stage to filming during Covid and getting …

Join Karen Stanley as she shares her journey from confronting health crises to finding renewed purpose. This episode reveals the transformative power of therapy in reshaping our self-belief and joy. We discuss real shifts therapy can spark, breaking down skepticism and fostering genuine personal and professional growth. Dive into introspection, hea…

Ever found yourself held back by self-doubt, especially when public speaking? In this enlightening solo episode, I delve into the transformative "elephant story" that echoes our own mental chains. If you've ever questioned your power to captivate an audience, this is your episode. Through storytelling and coaching, I'll help you shatter those menta…

Join Steve Ramona as he demystifies networking, focusing on creating meaningful connections that go beyond just swapping business cards. Through personal anecdotes and actionable tips, Steve highlights how everyday encounters and local events can spur professional growth. Learn to value quality over quantity in interactions, embracing open-mindedne…

Welcome back to the Rock ‘n Roll Ghost Podcast. On this week's episode, the Ghost speaks with chef/restaurateur John Manion (El Che Steakhouse & Bar) about his newly opened restaurant Brasero in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. Manion talks about how Brasero came to be and what diners can expect when visiting. The restaurant has strong ties to Sou…