Speaking With Confidence

Have you ever wondered why it seems so hard to speak up and reclaim your voice as an adult, even though we were so unfiltered and fearless as kids? In today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, we’re tackling that very question and digging into those internal stories and cultural messages that shape how we show up both on stage and in our everyday lives.

This episode is especially close to my heart, as it hits at the core of why I started this podcast: to help listeners build the kind of communication skills and confidence that lead to real results, not just professionally, but personally, too. Joining me is Stephanie Peirolo, a board-certified executive coach, celebrated storyteller featured on The Moth and NPR, and author of The Saint and the Drunk: A Guide to Making the Big Decisions in Your Life.

Throughout our conversation, Stephanie gets real about the myth that “some people are just born confident.” She shares her own deep stage fright (including throwing up in green rooms before major performances!) and opens up about how purpose and intention can transform even the most anxiety-inducing moments into opportunities for profound connection and healing. We discuss her pivotal experience on The Moth stage, how storytelling can be both freeing and healing, and how adults can rediscover their ‘inner knowing’ that deep sense of what’s right for them that so many of us learned to suppress.

Stephanie and I also dive into the ways our families, cultural backgrounds, and even gender shape the stories we tell ourselves about who gets to have a voice. We talk about boundaries, why they’re for you, not other people and tackle the double standards that women often face when speaking up at work or at home. Stephanie offers powerful, practical advice on how to stop over-functioning and start setting boundaries that support your authentic self.

Other highlights from the episode include:

Why passion matters more than early “talent” in writing or public speaking

How your internal narratives about your communication skills can help or hurt you

Managing anxiety on stage (even if you’re an old pro)

The healing power of sharing your truth, even when it’s hard

How generational and cultural messages decide who “deserves” to be heard

Spotting the difference between a personal shortcoming and a systemic issue

The importance of context, intention, and curiosity in creating connection—at work, at home, or with a stranger in an Uber

Strategies for reframing your definition of success (especially in the age of social media)

The ancient and modern wisdom of tuning into your inner knowing, and who really deserves influence in your life

If you want practical insights for reclaiming your voice, clearing out the stories that hold you back, and learning to trust yourself again, this episode delivers. Stephanie’s wisdom, warmth, and honesty make it a must-listen, whether you’re grappling with big life decisions or just want to show up more authentically in your daily conversations.

Thanks for tuning in, as always. Don’t forget to check out the show notes for links to Stephanie’s book, her Substack, and how you can connect with her for coaching or speaking. And remember your voice has the power to change the world.

Connect with Stephanie:

Website: https://www.speirolo.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/speirolo/

Substack: https://speirolo.substack.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speirolo/#

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speirolo

Book: https://a.co/d/04Ltuo3k

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Have you ever sent a cold email that disappeared into the ether, never to be answered and wondered what you did wrong? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle that painfully common problem head-on and reveal the tiny but powerful shift that makes your outreach stand out from the delete pile.

As your host, I'm drawing from years as a college professor and communication coach, and I start by sharing one of the most frequent messages in my own inbox: “Can I pick your brain over coffee for 15 minutes?” If you’ve ever sent that kind of request or received it you already know how uphill the battle for a reply can be. The truth is, most people have overflowing inboxes and little time to give to vague asks. But there’s good news: you don't need to send the perfect message; you just need to be different from the rest.

There’s no guest this week, it's just me, guiding you through the concrete tactics and deeper mindset shifts that change how your emails land. I dig into the invisible factors that sabotage cold messages, from desperate undertones to the all-about-me approach that turns people off. Then, I introduce my Give First Formula, a simple, three-sentence structure that transforms your message from an ask to a value-driven exchange.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

Why typos and awkward phrasing aren’t the real reason your cold emails get ignored

The downside of clichéd openers like “I love your content” and “I’m a huge fan”

The psychology of email overload and why you’re competing with hundreds of other requests

Why “pick your brain” is vague, unfair, and guaranteed to get skipped

How to make your message about the recipient, not you

The three essential sentences of the Give First Formula: a value observation, a low-friction ask, and a genuine exit ramp

Concrete examples of ineffective and effective cold emails

The biggest traps people fall into like telling a long backstory, asking for too much too soon, and following up with “just checking in”

How to follow up in a way that adds value rather than nagging

Why structure, not talent or connections, is what gets you noticed and answered

Finally, I challenge you to take one cold email you’ve been holding onto and run it through the Give First Formula to see the impact for yourself. And I tease what’s coming next week: how to follow up with someone after you finally get a response or meeting, so you stay top-of-mind without becoming a forgotten business card.

If you want your voice to stand out and your outreach to get replies, this episode is for you.
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Have you ever wondered why we spend so much time teaching kids math and science, but not how to introduce ourselves, hold a conversation, or handle rejection? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive deep into the critical life skills that every young person needs but most are never formally taught.

I’m Tim Newman, your host and a communication coach who believes that real success comes from mastering soft skills like communication, storytelling, public speaking, and the confidence to show up authentically. Today, I’m joined by Rob Heller, founder of the BOOST Youth Alliance. Rob’s mission is to equip young people with the essential life skills that set them up for success in every area of life. He started BOOST when he couldn’t find a program that taught his son the lessons he knew were crucial so he built his own. Rob brings decades of entrepreneurial experience and a deep commitment to mentoring youth, making him the perfect guest to discuss why communication and resilience matter now more than ever.

In our conversation, we tackled the mistakes we make as parents when it comes to technology and the impact that screens and smartphones have on developing communication skills. Rob and I reminisced about how the world has changed with phones glued to our hands, it’s easier to lose out on face-to-face interactions and the benefits they bring. Rob shared how self-awareness is growing among today’s parents, but also that it’s a constant struggle to set boundaries around tech use.

We explored the difference between protecting young people and preparing them for the real world. Rob described how BOOST addresses not just people skills and character, but also building a healthy mindset giving kids practical tools to deal with setbacks, acknowledge their mistakes, and build true confidence. We also discussed why skills like accountability, resilience, and the ability to hold a simple conversation are the missing pieces in most academic programs.

During the episode, we covered:

The real reason communication skills are missing from most high school curricula

Rob’s journey building BOOST for his own family and now for countless others

The impact of screens and technology on developing essential life skills

How to set boundaries as parents (and model the right behavior ourselves)

Why accountability and apologizing quickly matter so much for building trust and confidence

The art of starting a conversation even for introverts

Why employers care so much more about soft skills than technical ones

Practical tips for greeting people, making eye contact, and remembering names

The science behind why connecting with others feels so good (hint: it’s the chemicals in your brain)

Tips for parents and educators to help young people practice these skills from an early age

How BOOST’s 26 core skills help kids prepare for life, not just for school

If you’ve ever wished your child or even yourself could confidently connect, communicate, and handle life’s curveballs with resilience, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice. Rob’s work through BOOST is helping a generation get back to the basics, and we agree, these are the missing courses we all need.

To learn more about BOOST or connect with Rob, check out boostprogram.com, and don’t forget to grab his book, The Missing Course for Today’s Youth. And as always, if you want to overcome your own public speaking challenges, visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for free resources and courses.

Let’s keep building confidence one conversation at a time!

Connect with Rob:

Website: https://boostprogram.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Boost_Program

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boostkids

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boost_program/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boost_program

Book: https://a.co/0gKE15oT

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Have you ever walked out of a tough conversation and found yourself replaying it in your head for hours, unable to move on? If so, you’re not alone and today’s episode is here to help you finally break that cycle.

I’m Tim Newman, your host at Speaking with Confidence, and in this episode, we’re tackling the part of communication that no one talks about what to do after the conversation ends. As a recovering college professor turned communication coach, I’ve seen time and again that the real work and the biggest challenges often come in those quiet moments after the words are done.

Let’s face it: most of us think once the hard discussion is over, we’re supposed to instantly “move on.” But our bodies and minds rarely let us off that easily. Whether you just navigated a tense moment with your boss, had to deliver bad news, or disagreed with someone you care about, that post-conversation adrenaline can keep you stuck in rumination and anxiety long after the room goes silent.

In this episode, I’m sharing a practical 4-step reset that separates people who can let things go from those who end up dragging that baggage into every future conversation. You’ll learn not just what happens in the brain and body after a tough talk but what to actually do about it.

Here’s what we covered today:

Why your nervous system can’t tell the difference between a tense conversation and running from a bear, and why the adrenaline surge makes it so hard to think clearly after a difficult exchange.

The difference between rumination (unproductive replaying) and genuine reflection, plus a simple test to help you determine which one you’re doing.

Step 1: Stop. Why you have to give yourself at least 20 minutes for your body to clear out stress hormones before you analyze what happened, and how movement can help you reset.

The importance of giving yourself grace, not just to others, and how skipping this step can keep you stuck in yesterday’s tension.

Step 2: The reflection test is an actionable way to spot if you’re actually learning from the experience or just spinning your wheels.

Step 3: Writing out the conversation like a transcript, capturing what was actually said (not just what you felt or remember), and how this builds accuracy and empathy for yourself and for others.

Step 4: The follow-up decision is to determine if you need to reach out and close the loop with someone, or consciously let it go and move forward, so lingering tension doesn’t fester in your life or at work.

Why a deliberate decision to release a conversation is the key to sleeping well and not carrying unresolved stress with you.

A final challenge for you: what to do next time you leave a hard conversation, so you’re not trapped by it.

No guests today, just me, sharing what I’ve learned both in the classroom and as a coach about how to navigate the aftermath of tough conversations with clarity and confidence. If you’re ready to reclaim your peace of mind, build healthier relationships, and stop letting old arguments steal your energy, this episode is for you.

Remember, progress beats perfection. Be sure to check out the free resources and course information at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com. Your voice and your ability to reset after the hard talks can change your world.
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What would you do if you were fired at 63, staring down the barrel of financial ruin with just two years before the money ran out? Today’s episode dives deep into this very question and the surprising answers that can only come when there's no plan B left.

Welcome back to Speaking with Confidence! I’m Tim Newman, and in this episode, we explore not just the journey from zero to a seven-figure portfolio, but the grit, resilience, and communication skills necessary to rewrite your story, no matter your age or starting point. This isn’t just about finances; it’s about the mental and emotional side of rebuilding when your confidence has been shattered, and the world has moved on without you.

Our guest is David Nassief, the author of The One-Page Wealth Compass, whose book became an Amazon #1 hot new release and topped charts in retirement, investing, and budgeting categories. David’s story isn’t a fairy tale it’s a gripping reality of facing a late-career layoff, family anxiety, rejection after rejection, and the massive psychological hurdles of feeling like you’re out of options. But it’s also a story of redemption, practical strategy, and finding true confidence on the other side.

In our conversation, David opens up about the emotional impact of losing his job after 18 years with the same company not just on his finances, but on his identity and his relationship with his wife. We discuss what it feels like to tell your spouse you might be broke in two years, and the quiet strength it takes to accept reassurance from someone who knows you can pull through even when you’re not so sure yourself. David shares about his lowest point in a grocery store aisle, feeling completely out of place and overwhelmed by shame and self-doubt, and how facing that moment became the catalyst for change.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:

The emotional and psychological impact of late-career job loss

Talking to your spouse about financial crisis and building a support system

Overcoming rejection, rebuilding confidence, and why grit matters

The difference between making money and building lasting wealth

How small investment fees can quietly destroy your financial future

Turning past failures into powerful lessons for success

The transformative value of communication, public speaking, and cold calling

The importance of humor and authenticity in difficult times

Practical steps from the One-Page Wealth Compass for simplifying wealth-building

The urgent case for financial literacy in schools and how to think critically about financial advice

Letting go of shame, embracing your personal story, and finding confidence on your own terms

Whether you’re facing a career setback, trying to get your finances in order, or looking to strengthen your confidence in any area of life, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable tips, and a lot of heart. As always, thanks for listening to Speaking with Confidence. Remember, your voice, your story, and your resilience matter more than you think.

Connect with David:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/111549991

Website: https://onepagewealthcompass.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@onepagewealthcompass

Book: https://www.amazon.com/One-Page-Wealth-Compass-Nearly-Millionaire-ebook/dp/B0G5JPX17R

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