Speaking Podcast
The Speaking Podcast has evolved. What began as a show for speakers and coaches looking to start or sharpen their skills has grown into something broader and more relevant than ever — real conversations for real people navigating everyday life.
Each episode features genuine, unscripted conversations with guests who bring practical insight, inspiring stories, and ideas you can actually apply — whether you're building a business, developing yourself, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on life.
No scripts. No question lists. Just honest conversation worth eavesdropping on.
Hosted by Roy Coughlan — DTM, podcaster, coach, and the Podfather — from Łódź, Poland. (Irish)
Join my SKOOL PodFather Community https://www.skool.com/podfather/about
Thank you to my listeners :)
The Speaking Podcast has evolved. What began as a show for speakers and coaches looking to start or sharpen their skills has grown into something broader and more relevant than ever — real conversations for real people navigating everyday life.
Each episode features genuine, unscripted conversations with guests who bring practical insight, inspiring stories, and ideas you can actually apply — whether you're building a business, developing yourself, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on life.
No scripts. No question lists. Just honest conversation worth eavesdropping on.
Hosted by Roy Coughlan — DTM, podcaster, coach, and the Podfather — from Łódź, Poland. (Irish)
Join my SKOOL PodFather Community https://www.skool.com/podfather/about
Thank you to my listeners :)
Episodes

Sep 19, 2026
Sep 19, 2026
46 min
In this episode, Roy sits down with Mike Swigunski, entrepreneur, investor, and #1 bestselling author on a mission to help millions of people Earn From Anywhere. Mike traces his path from a small Missouri suburb where he didn't take his first flight until 18, through running a university study-abroad program at 20, to a devastating turning point at 22 — losing his mother to breast cancer just a month before graduation — that pushed him to book a one-way flight to Europe rather than take a safe corporate job. He shares how he became employee #4 at Empire Flippers, helping scale it into a 100-person remote team and the world's largest curated marketplace for online businesses, and the "POWER" framework he built from watching thousands of acquisitions to identify what actually makes a business valuable. They dig into the platform risks of Amazon FBA and affiliate businesses, the coming shift toward advertising inside AI chat tools, the real craft behind his TEDx talk and the hero's journey structure behind it, his NOMAD framework for choosing where to live abroad, and his new venture, Dividends — a platform letting everyday investors put as little as $100 into fractional ownership of cash-flowing online businesses.
Timestamps
0:02 – Introducing Mike Swigunski1:12 – Getting the pronunciation of "Swigunski" right1:40 – From small-town Missouri to catching the travel bug at 192:01 – Running the University of Missouri's Prague study-abroad program at 206:49 – Losing his mother at 22, and the one-way flight to Europe that followed7:00 – Becoming employee #4 at Empire Flippers9:42 – The POWER framework: what actually separates successful businesses from the rest13:24 – The platform risk of Amazon FBA, fake reviews, and hijacked seller accounts15:14 – Ads coming to AI chat tools, and why the subscription model can't sustain the infrastructure cost18:20 – His book, Global Career: How to Work Anywhere and Travel Forever20:08 – Preparing for his TEDx talk, and the public speaking course that built his foundation24:55 – Roy's own travel experiences, and where to go for energy and safety25:27 – The NOMAD framework for choosing where to live abroad29:14 – Comparing Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and Bangkok30:40 – Introducing Dividends: fractional ownership of cash-flowing online businesses32:45 – Average returns investors can expect, and the 1.75x return structure33:44 – The $100 minimum investment and why he chose that entry point34:56 – Why Dividends isn't built on blockchain or crypto36:06 – SEC filing, KYC, and the onboarding process through WeFunder37:44 – Why Reg CF crowdfunding was chosen over Reg D41:49 – The long-term vision for Dividends42:03 – What else Mike is working on, including business acquisition consulting43:21 – The middle path: buying a business and running it part-time with a small team45:10 – Where to find Mike and his work
About Mike Swigunski
Mike Swigunski is an entrepreneur, investor, and #1 bestselling author on a mission to help millions of people Earn From Anywhere by building location-independent careers, online businesses, and scalable income streams. As employee #4 at Empire Flippers, he helped scale the company into a 100-person remote team and the world's largest curated marketplace for buying and selling online businesses, playing a key role in facilitating more than $120 million in acquisitions. He is the founder of Global Career and Dividends and has built multiple six-, seven-, and eight-figure remote companies while traveling to more than 100 countries. Mike is also a TEDx speaker and a recognized voice in remote work, online business, entrepreneurship, and modern investing.
Connect with Mike:🌐 Website: https://globalcareerbook.com💰 Dividends: https://dividendscapital.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeswigunski📺 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/MikeSwigunski📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikeswigunski👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikeSwigunski
🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan)🎙️ Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network🌐 Website: https://roycoughlan.com/🤝 Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations.👥 Virtual Assistants: https://va.world/🧠 Brain Upgrade: https://brainupgrade.org/🌟 Private Members Group: The Authority Alliance — A Foundation of Experts for entrepreneurs, coaches, and thought leaders to connect, collaborate, and grow their authority together: https://theauthorityalliance.com/🤝 Connected Leaders Academy: A Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 49+ Countries with 700+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy
#RemoteWork #DigitalNomad #OnlineBusiness #Investing #Entrepreneurship #TEDx #SpeakingPodcast #PassiveIncome #BusinessAcquisitions #LocationIndependence #GlobalCareer #Dividends
Sep 19, 2026
46 min

Sep 7, 2026
Sep 7, 2026
1 hr 1 min
In this episode, Roy sits down with Brian D. Ridgway, "The Spellbreaker" and founder of Level 5 Mentoring, alongside Abigail Morgan, CEO of Level 5 Mentoring and a 27-year veteran of the coaching world. Brian shares the extraordinary story of January 3rd, 2011 — the day he hit total rock bottom, about to be homeless with his pregnant wife and two kids, and experienced an awakening that instantly transformed his life. He unpacks where the "Spellbreaker" name actually came from, walks through his Five Paradigms that he says govern how every person on the planet experiences life, and lays out his "Five Spells from Hell" framework in detail. Abigail shares her own turning point — 27 years deep in the coaching industry, including 8 years running Martha Beck's practitioner training program, and how a decades-long physical pain vanished in a single 10-minute session with Brian after nothing else had touched it. They also get into applying this work to parenting and even to trauma in animals, and close out with where people can start if a four-day trip to Hawaii isn't in the cards.
Timestamps
0:02 – Introducing Brian D. Ridgway and Abigail Morgan2:38 – Abigail's story: decades of chronic physical pain and the session that changed everything in 10 minutes5:09 – What actually happened on January 3rd, 20119:07 – Brian's childhood gift, and how his parents tried to suppress it12:17 – Where the name "Spellbreaker" came from15:19 – Do spell breaks last, or can people fall back into old patterns?19:51 – How Brian, Abigail, and business partner Keith found each other20:22 – Is a four-day trip to Hawaii the only way in? Books, courses, and other entry points23:56 – Applying this work to parenting and children28:21 – Applying this work to trauma in animals — Brian's own rescue dog29:47 – Testimonials, including Dr. Erica Yates' story33:00 – How it feels for Brian to witness a life-changing transformation39:23 – The Five Paradigms that Brian says govern everyone on the planet40:09 – The Five Spells from Hell, explained in full54:16 – On self-help, therapy, and why Brian doesn't regret the $300,000 he spent finding this57:11 – The advantage of Brian's own hard journey in connecting with clients57:21 – The crystals in Brian's office57:48 – Where to find the book and get started
About Brian D. Ridgway
Brian D. Ridgway, known as "The Spellbreaker," is the founder of Level 5 Mentoring and author of the #1 international bestseller Break Your Self-Help Addiction. After 17 years of childhood abuse and decades of financial disaster, relationship trauma, and a suicide attempt, Brian experienced a life-changing awakening on January 3rd, 2011. Since then, his method — called Spellbreaking — has helped over 265,000 people across 84 countries.
About Abigail Morgan
Abigail Morgan is CEO of Level 5 Mentoring and a 27-year veteran of the self-help and coaching world. After investing over $750,000 in her own healing journey, training extensively under Martha Beck (Oprah's coach), and running Martha Beck's practitioner training program for over 8 years, Abigail found that even the most advanced coaching modalities left her deepest issues untouched. She discovered Brian's work a year and a half ago, closed her own company to take over Level 5's practitioner program, and became CEO nine months ago.
Connect with Brian, Abigail & Level 5 Mentoring:🌐 Website: https://yournewbeginningbook.com/
🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan)🎙️ Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network🌐 Website: https://roycoughlan.com/🤝 Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations.👥 Virtual Assistants: https://va.world/🧠 Brain Upgrade: https://brainupgrade.org/🌟 Private Members Group: The Authority Alliance — A Foundation of Experts for entrepreneurs, coaches, and thought leaders: https://theauthorityalliance.com/🤝 Connected Leaders Academy: A Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 47+ Countries with 700+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy
#SpellBreaking #SelfHelp #PersonalTransformation #Trauma #Healing #Consciousness #Awakening #SpeakingPodcast #Coaching #Liberation #InnerWork #Mindset
Sep 7, 2026
1 hr 1 min

Sep 6, 2026
Sep 6, 2026
45 min
In this episode, Roy sits down with award-winning actor, writer, and producer Niki J. Borger, creator and star of the upcoming sitcom NFTease. Niki traces her path from growing up in Germany with only 10% depth perception, to becoming a musical theatre performer, to transitioning into Hollywood film and eventually producing her own work — including a five-minute short film shot for $367 on two iPhones that went on to earn 20 festival selections, 7 nominations, and 4 awards. As a performer who's worked everything from musical theatre stages to documentary theatre in active conflict zones, Niki speaks candidly about the craft behind holding an audience, adapting to wildly different performance environments, and turning setbacks into her strongest material. They dig into NFTease itself: the premise of three insecure NFT-startup founders forced to partner with a group of "influencers" who turn out to be something else entirely, and the investor structure behind it. Niki also opens up about the realities of the acting industry — vanishing residuals, non-union commercial rates, and her strong stance on AI, consent, and protecting an artist's likeness — before closing with a full cast rundown for the show's eight core characters.
Timestamps
0:02 – Introducing Niki J. Borger and NFTease0:47 – From Germany to Hollywood: growing up with 10% depth perception and finding dance5:35 – The $367 short film shot on two iPhones that won 20 selections and 4 awards7:54 – How film festivals actually work — selections, nominations, and a virtual award from Malaysia's Crown Prince13:34 – Into NFTease: the premise, the plan to shoot the full series (not just a pilot)16:09 – The investor structure: 120% return before profits split between cast, crew, and investors17:26 – Minimum investment levels and ways to get involved beyond investing17:59 – Smart contracts, blockchain, and why the show kept the name NFTease19:26 – Creating actual NFTs for the show and building in royalties20:56 – Casting 6,000 applicants down to a core cast24:29 – Life on a film set: the machinery of production and what a delay actually costs27:54 – The reality of life as a touring performer, including a documentary theatre project in Russia and Ukraine29:59 – Green screens, motion capture, and a long, candid take on AI, consent, and protecting a performer's likeness40:27 – Full character and cast rundown for NFTease44:21 – Where to find Niki and NFTease online
About Niki J. Borger
Niki J. Borger is an award-winning actor, writer, and producer, known for her original performances in the Extravaganza One Act Fest in Los Angeles, her award-winning short films "Because I Could" and "A Portrayal of a Subtle Suicide," and her collection of original one-act plays "In-Between: Eight Gender-Neutral One-Act Plays Between Life and Death." Her work has been screened around the world, and she has performed in Europe, Russia, North America, and South America. Niki is fluent in four languages and currently travels the world before returning to her base in California to film NFTease — her upcoming sitcom series.
Connect with Niki & NFTease:🌐 Website: https://firewolfent.com/nftease/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nftease_🎵 TikTok: @nftease
🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan)🎙️ Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network🌐 Website: https://roycoughlan.com/🤝 Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations.👥 Virtual Assistants: https://va.world/🧠 Brain Upgrade: https://brainupgrade.org/🌟 Private Members Group: The Authority Alliance — A Foundation of Experts for entrepreneurs, coaches, and thought leaders: https://theauthorityalliance.com/🤝 Connected Leaders Academy: A Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 47+ Countries with 700+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy
#PublicSpeaking #Storytelling #Acting #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #NFTease #Resilience #CreativeIndustry #Hollywood #ArtistRights #SpeakingPodcast #PerformanceCraft
Sep 6, 2026
45 min

Aug 9, 2026
Aug 9, 2026
35 min
Today's guest is Gene King, an Access Architect and founder of Atlas Strategic Access, based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. With over 50 years in business, Gene has founded, scaled, and successfully exited 10 companies and currently operates six active businesses, including Sequence Real Estate, Invest America (an EB-5 immigration investment firm), and Twist Elbow. Roy and Gene, friends of over 12 years since meeting at a Darren Hardy event, dig into the origin story of Gene's very first business at military school, the lesson that reshaped how he handles bullies and pressure for the rest of his life, and why being diagnosed with ADHD at 65 explained a career pattern of exiting companies too early. Gene shares his philosophy on partnerships, why he's never had a verbal argument with a business partner in 22 companies, how he handles conflict at home versus in business, and the mentor's advice that shaped his obsession with knowing his cash position at all times. The conversation closes with the role Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich has played in Gene's life since his early twenties, and his belief that the universe, not active pursuit, brings him his best opportunities.
⏱️ TIMESTAMP
0:02 - Welcome to the Speaking Podcast, intro to Gene King0:48 - Gene's background: 10 exits, six active companies, and 12+ years of friendship with Roy1:31 - Gene's first business: protecting freshmen from hazing at The Citadel3:50 - The lesson that changed everything: "you can't kill me, sir"5:14 - Navigating good and bad business partners over 22 companies5:57 - Discovering ADHD at 65 and why he exited companies too early7:14 - How Gene structures his day across five to six companies9:38 - Expanding Invest America's EB-5 program into Canada and Nigeria11:11 - Why tracking everything matters, and the wealth found in awkward conversations13:22 - How Gene handles conflict with business partners16:59 - "Money solves all problems" and a mentor's advice on what really matters18:10 - Terminating partners and employees with humanity and honesty19:36 - The five P's: people, process, planning, prayer, passion20:50 - Balancing patience and persistence as an entrepreneur21:37 - Resolving disagreements in 50/50 and unequal partnerships23:34 - Why "cash is king" became Gene's guiding financial principle25:33 - How Gene decides which businesses to pursue next27:12 - Discovering Think and Grow Rich in his early twenties29:34 - Napoleon Hill's mastermind principle and never asking for something for nothing31:13 - Where to find Gene King and his companies
About Gene King
Gene King is an Access Architect, founder of Atlas Strategic Access, and founder of Sequence Holdings, based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. With over 50 years in business, Gene has founded, scaled, and successfully exited 10 companies and currently operates six active businesses, including Sequence Real Estate, Invest America (an EB-5 immigration investment firm), and Twist Elbow. He specializes in engineering access, positioning companies into enterprise, government, and investor opportunities they couldn't reach on their own. Gene is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Harbor Entrepreneur Center in Mount Pleasant, home to over 100 early-stage businesses, and has extensive experience training sales teams and CPAs on structured deals.
Connect with Gene King🌐 atlasstrategicaccess.com🌐 sequenceholdings.com💼 LinkedIn: Gene King3📧 gene@asaccess.com
🤝 Join our Speaking Podcast Community
All about Roy / Brain Gym & Virtual Assistants at https://roycoughlan.com/✦ Website: https://www.podpage.com/speaking-podcast/✦ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@roycoughlan✦ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakingpodcast/✦ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakingpodcast✦ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@roycoughlanpodcaster
RoyWebsite: https://roycoughlan.com/Virtual Assistants: https://va.world/Private Networking Group (Connected Leaders Academy, 45+ Countries, 685+ Members): https://connectedleaders.academyBrain Upgrade: https://brainupgrade.org/Podfather Network: podfather.me
The Authority Alliance: https://theauthorityalliance.com/
#SpeakingPodcast #GeneKing #AccessArchitect #AtlasStrategicAccess #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPartnerships #ThinkAndGrowRich #NapoleonHill #EB5Investment #GovernmentContracting #ExitStrategy #ScalingBusiness #SerialEntrepreneur #BusinessMindset #CashIsKing #PatiencePersistence #MastermindPrinciple #RoyCoughlan #PodcastInterview #LeadershipLessons #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #SpeakingPodcastCommunity
Aug 9, 2026
35 min

Jun 25, 2026
Jun 25, 2026
1 hr 8 min
Being a great podcast guest is a unique skill that can dramatically boost your career—or erode your professional image if done poorly. In the final part of our series, David Goldberg, founder of Edge Studio, shares a masterclass on how to be a standout guest. We explore the importance of prosody, vocal etiquette, and virtual presence, ensuring you show up prepared, confident, and memorable. David and Roy discuss practical tips for handling technical glitches with grace, the power of a 10-second elevator pitch, and why you should never "wing it" when it comes to your audio quality. Whether you're looking to share your passion or boost your resume, these final lessons will ensure you're the guest every host wants to invite back.
⏱️ Accurate YouTube Chapters & Timestamps
0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg
1:11 Why Be a Guest? Fun, passion, and career boosting
1:41 The Risk of Poor Guesting: How it can erode your professional image
2:23 Preparation: Why looking at notes is better than forgetting points
3:41 Banter and Connection: The importance of host-guest chemistry
4:33 Prosody for Guests: Staying in your natural pitch and tailoring your tone
6:56 International Audiences: Cleaning up enunciation and avoiding local slang
7:00 Volume and Headphones: Why you should never scream at your audience
7:50 Pacing and Spacing: Lessening your words and leaving room for the listener
26:00 Handling Glitches: Staying calm and reacting without panic
28:00 Vocal Etiquette: Giving the host space and avoiding interruptions
29:00 The 10-Second Elevator Pitch: Being prepared to explain who you are
31:00 Listening to Previous Episodes: Researching the host's style and theme
32:00 Slowing Down Keywords: Ensuring your name and business are heard
33:00 Admitting You Don't Know: Admitting it with confidence vs. waffling
35:00 Virtual Presence: Testing quality a week before and an hour before
37:00 The 25% Credibility Hit: Why audio quality is non-negotiable
39:00 Acoustic Treatment: The 80% rule and practical "pillow fort" tips
41:00 Microphone Choice: Investing in a decent USB mic for professional sound
64:00 Avoiding Filler Words: Cutting out "um," "ah," "you know," and "like"
65:00 Responding with "So": Why you should avoid starting answers with "so"
66:00 Positive Reaffirmation: Avoiding annoying "yeah, yeah, yeah" interruptions
67:36 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and final contact details
68:25 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network
68:42 End of Episode
🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg
•Email: david@edgestudio.com
•Website: EdgeStudio.com
•Services: Voiceover recording, directing, and communication coaching.
🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan)
•Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://awakeningpodcasts.podbean.com/
•Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network
•Website: RoyCoughlan.com
•Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations.
•Virtual Assistants: VA.world
•Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/
•Brain Upgrade: BrainUpgrade.org
#DavidGoldberg #PodFather #PodcastGuest #GuestingTips #ProfessionalPresence #VocalEtiquette #PublicSpeaking #CareerBoost #AudioQuality #ElevatorPitch #EdgeStudio #RoyCoughlan #PodcastSuccess #CommunicationSkills #StandoutGuest
Jun 25, 2026
1 hr 8 min

Jun 23, 2026
Jun 23, 2026
1 hr 12 min
You put immense effort into your podcast—marketing, sponsors, and refining your own voice—but what happens when a high-profile guest sounds terrible? In Part 4 of our series, David Goldberg, founder of Edge Studio, shares his essential 8-step guide to ensuring your guests elevate, rather than weaken, your show. We explore the critical impact of first impressions and why guest preparation is non-negotiable for maintaining professionalism and authority. David provides practical, low-cost solutions for acoustic treatment—from "pillow forts" to the "80% rule"—and breaks down the pros and cons of different microphone types. Learn how to guide your guests to sound as good as you do and keep your audience engaged from the very first word.
⏱️ Accurate YouTube Chapters & Timestamps
0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg
1:14 The Risk of Poor Guest Quality: Don't let a guest ruin your show
2:12 First Impressions: Why the first word your guest speaks is critical
3:02 The Power Dynamic: Why talk show hosts sit higher than their guests
4:02 Preparation Timeline: The two-week and one-hour rules
4:30 The 8-Step Checklist: Sound Quality vs. Speech Patterns
5:53 Acoustics: Understanding reverb and the "ping-pong" flutter echo
7:46 Flutter Echoes and Reverberation: Why hard surfaces are the enemy
10:08 Acoustic Treatment: Thick carpeting, foam squares, and the 80% rule
11:28 The Blanket Trick: Using sleeping bags and moving blankets for the ceiling
13:00 Creating a "Pillow Fort": Practical tips for recording while traveling
15:00 The Table Surface: Using thick towels to stop sound reflections
16:00 Microphone Types: Why expensive isn't always better
17:00 Shotgun Microphones: Directional focus and the risk of guest movement
71:14 Don't Wing It: The importance of listening on high-quality earphones
71:58 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and email contact
72:31 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network
72:54 End of Episode
🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg
•Email: david@edgestudio.com
•Website: EdgeStudio.com
•Services: Voiceover recording, directing, and communication coaching.
🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan)
•Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://awakeningpodcasts.podbean.com/
•Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network
•Website: RoyCoughlan.com
•Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations.
•Virtual Assistants: VA.world
•Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/
•Brain Upgrade: BrainUpgrade.org
#DavidGoldberg #PodFather #GuestPreparation #SoundQuality #Acoustics #MicrophoneTips #Podcasting101 #ProfessionalSound #VocalPatterns #EdgeStudio #RoyCoughlan #PodcastProduction #GuestSuccess #AudioEngineering #Engagement
Jun 23, 2026
1 hr 12 min

Jun 21, 2026
Jun 21, 2026
1 hr 16 min
Why do some podcasters instantly connect with their audience while others struggle to keep listeners engaged? The answer lies in one word: Prosody. In Part 3 of our series with David Goldberg, founder of Edge Studio, we dive deep into the "how" of human communication. David explains that it’s not just what you say, but how you say it—your pitch, tempo, tone, and rhythm—that makes all the difference. We explore why this essential skill is rarely taught in schools and how you can harness your natural pitch to mask nervousness and project confidence. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, David’s insights on effective vocal patterns will dramatically elevate your podcast presence.
⏱️ Accurate YouTube Chapters & Timestamps
0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg
0:57 Prosody: The one word that defines how you say your words
1:36 What is Prosody? Inflection, intonation, pitch, and rhythm
2:12 The Education Gap: Why prosody isn't taught in grade school
3:24 The Fear of Public Speaking: How a lack of training leads to humiliation
5:54 Communication Skills: The key to success in corporations and colleges
6:52 The Search for Synonyms: Why "speaking patterns" doesn't cover it all
7:51 Prosody for Podcasters: Breaking down the seven categories
9:52 Pitch: The musical note of your voice and its role in engagement
11:28 Masking Nerves: How lowering your pitch increases credibility
13:00 Finding Your Natural Pitch: The humming and meditation techniques
15:00 Pitch Range Exercises: Moving from monotone to engaging
18:00 Tempo: The speed of your words and the importance of clarity
21:00 Handling Single-Syllable Words: Ensuring your audience can decipher the message
23:00 Tone and Volume: Tailoring your voice to the topic and audience
25:30 Pacing and Spacing: The rhythm of your delivery
26:50 Variety: Keeping the listener engaged through vocal shifts
74:11 Final Advice: Loosening up and having fun with your performance
74:52 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and coaching services
76:31 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network
76:53 End of Episode
🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg
•Email: david@edgestudio.com
•Website: EdgeStudio.com
•Services: Voiceover recording, directing, and communication coaching.
🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan)
•Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://awakeningpodcasts.podbean.com/
•Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network
•Website: RoyCoughlan.com
•Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations.
•Virtual Assistants: VA.world
•Communities: BrainGym.fitness
•Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/
•Brain Upgrade: BrainUpgrade.org
#DavidGoldberg #PodFather #Prosody #VocalPatterns #PublicSpeaking #CommunicationSkills #Voiceover #PodcastingTips #AuthenticVoice #PitchAndTempo #EdgeStudio #RoyCoughlan #SpeakerCoaching #VocalEngagement #PodcastGrowth
Jun 21, 2026
1 hr 16 min

Jun 14, 2026
Jun 14, 2026
1 hr 9 min
Did you know that your audience decides whether to trust you, like you, or do business with you in just a quarter of a second? In Part 2 of our exclusive 5-part series with David Goldberg, CEO of Edge Studio, we dive deep into the "Strategic Words" that define your professional presence. David reveals the seven critical categories of wording that can either elevate your authority or quietly sabotage your message. From the psychological trap of "hedge words" to the simple shift from "but" to "and," this episode is a masterclass in intentional communication. Whether you are a podcaster, a business leader, or a public speaker, David’s insights will help you ensure that your first impression isn't just good—it's unforgettable.
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg
1:26 The Power of the First Impression: Why a quarter of a second matters
3:15 The Science of Swift Decisions: From grocery aisles to podcasting
4:50 Introducing the 7 Categories of Strategic Wording
7:56 Category 1: Being Interactive — The right and wrong way to ask questions
9:22 The "Show-Off" Trap: Why you shouldn't ask questions your audience can't answer
12:41 Visual Presence: Camera angles, hand positions, and the "fingertip" mistake
14:35 Category 2: Avoiding Hedge Words — "Probably," "Maybe," and "I think"
16:13 Strengthening Your Message: Replacing "I think" with "I believe" or "I know"
25:57 Category 3: Avoiding the Word "But" — How it negates everything you said before
27:11 The "And" Solution: Maintaining positive momentum in conversation
29:03 Category 4: Positive First Word Responses — Using "Exactly," "Absolutely," and "Yes"
30:14 Category 5: Avoiding Interrupting Yourself — Staying on track and finishing your thoughts
36:31 Category 6: Avoiding Filler Words — The "Um," "Ah," and "Like" habit
43:26 Category 7: Organizing Your Content — The importance of a clear roadmap
55:56 The "Fine" Example: How prosody (tone) changes the meaning of words
68:48 How to Connect with David: EdgeStudio.com and the "Roy's Shows Rock" subject line
69:22 Looking Ahead: Preview of Session 3
69:51 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network
🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg
•Website: EdgeStudio.com
•Email: David@EdgeStudio.com (Mention "Roy's shows rock" in the subject line for a responsive reply!)
•Location: Times Square, NYC
🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan)
•Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://podfather.me/e/david-goldberg-strategic-words-part-2/
•Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network
•Website: RoyCoughlan.com
•Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations.
•Virtual Assistants: VA.world
•Communities: BrainGym.fitness
•Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/
#Podcasting #DavidGoldberg #EdgeStudio #StrategicWords #FirstImpressions #CommunicationSkills #PublicSpeaking #AudioQuality #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipCommunication #RoyCoughlan #PodFather #ContentCreation #VoiceoverTraining #BusinessCommunication
Jun 14, 2026
1 hr 9 min

Jun 11, 2026
Jun 11, 2026
1 hr 22 min
Podcast Show Notes: David Goldberg - The Masterclass on Sound and Speaking (5-Part Series)
🎙️ Series Overview
In this exclusive 5-part mini-series on the Podfather Podcast, we sit down with David Goldberg, CEO of Edge Studio in New York City. David has worked with over 10,000 speakers, including CEOs, politicians, and celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Michael J. Fox. This series is a deep dive into the technical and psychological elements that make a podcast sound professional, build trust, and keep listeners engaged.
📝 Part 1: The Foundation of Sound Quality
Intro: Why does sound quality matter more than content in the first three seconds? David Goldberg shares his journey from a musician and drug-free studio owner to a voiceover industry leader. We explore the "Low Budget Ad" analogy and why your first impression is decided in a fraction of a second.
Timestamps:
0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg
2:44 David's Musical Roots: From piano prodigy to off-Broadway
4:32 The 4-Track Cassette: How David started recording and overdubbing
7:12 The Transition to Voiceover: Why a drug-free studio changed everything
9:38 The Importance of Sound Quality: Why listeners tune out in 3 seconds
10:54 The Low Budget Ad Analogy: How production value impacts credibility
12:24 The Fraction of a Second: How first impressions build trust
15:21 Choosing the Right Microphone: The car analogy for audio gear
18:06 David's Home Setup: Recording in a cement basement with foam
20:00 The AT2020: Why a $100 mic can sound like $3,000 in the right room
📝 Part 2: Acoustics and Environment
Intro: You can have a $5,000 microphone, but if your room sounds like a bathroom, you've wasted your money. David explains the critical role of acoustics, how to "de-echo" a room on a budget, and why your guest's environment is just as important as yours.
Timestamps:
22:15 The Room vs. The Mic: Why acoustics are 80% of the battle
24:30 Dealing with Echo: Using blankets, foam, and "cushy chairs"
26:45 The Guest's Setup: How to train your guests to sound professional
29:36 Adobe Enhance & AI: Can technology really fix a "crappy laptop" recording?
32:00 Lapel Microphones: The pros and cons of clip-on mics for guests
34:28 The "Mouth Click" Problem: Why voice recording is less forgiving than music
📝 Part 3: Visual Presence and Lighting
Intro: If you're on video, you are being judged by more than just your voice. David breaks down the "Triangle of Lighting," the importance of camera angles (no more looking up noses!), and why a cluttered background erodes your professional image.
Timestamps:
35:13 Video Quality: Why looking good is as important as sounding good
36:12 Camera Angles: The "Eyebrow Height" rule for lenses
37:08 Background Clutter: How your environment impacts your perceived organization
38:42 Managing Light: Dealing with windows, glares, and black felt hacks
40:26 The Ring Light Setup: Creating the perfect triangle of light
41:48 The Glasses Glare: Is there a real solution for reflections?
📝 Part 4: The Art of Speaking for Podcasts
Intro: Speaking on a podcast is different from speaking on a stage. David discusses the "Intimacy of the Ear," managing filler words, and how to use pacing and spacing to keep your audience hanging on every word.
Timestamps:
44:34 The Intimacy of the Ear: Why you're talking directly into someone's head
46:12 Filler Words: How to minimize "um" and "uh" without sounding robotic
48:22 Pacing and Spacing: Using silence as a tool for engagement
50:45 Intonation: Avoiding the "monotone trap" in long-form interviews
52:30 Body Language on Camera: Conveying confidence through visual presence
📝 Part 5: Setting Up Your Guests for Success
Intro: Your podcast is only as strong as your weakest guest. In the series finale, David shares his secrets for "training" guests, ensuring they don't ruin your audio, and how to make sure they enhance your show rather than weaken it.
Timestamps:
55:09 The "Weak Guest" Risk: How a bad guest can sink your episode
57:22 Pre-Interview Coaching: Setting expectations for sound and behavior
59:15 The "Gift" Strategy: Shipping inexpensive mics to high-value guests
61:42 Final Advice: Why there's no excuse for not doing it right
65:43 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and the "Daily Stand"
66:32 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network
🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg
•Website: EdgeStudio.com
•Email: David@EdgeStudio.com (Reference this podcast for a responsive reply!)
•Location: Times Square, NYC
🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan)
•Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://podfather.me/e/david-goldberg-series/
•Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network
•Website: RoyCoughlan.com
•Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations.
•Virtual Assistants: VA.world
•Communities: BrainGym.fitness
•Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy/
#Podcasting #DavidGoldberg #EdgeStudio #SoundQuality #Voiceover #PodcastTips #AudioEngineering #PublicSpeaking #FirstImpressions #DigitalMarketing #RoyCoughlan #PodFather #SpeakingSkills #ContentCreation #Entrepreneurship
Jun 11, 2026
1 hr 22 min

Jun 6, 2026
Jun 6, 2026
48 min
In the world of effective communication, clarity and permanence are paramount. On this episode of the Speaking Podcast, we sit down with Dan Beech, a seasoned wealth manager and founder of Archively, who brings a unique perspective on how to ensure your most critical messages—your legacy—are not only heard but also immutably preserved. Dan introduces us to his patent-pending platform that leverages dual-blockchain technology and NFT hashing to safeguard essential documents, making them encrypted, unalterable, and instantly accessible. We delve into the art of communicating complex financial and personal wishes, the importance of secure documentation, and how Archively empowers individuals to speak their truth with confidence, knowing their voice will echo through generations. Discover how to master the message of your life and ensure your legacy is communicated with unparalleled precision.
Timestamps
0:00 Welcome & Introduction to Dan Beech 0:47 Dan's Career: From Real Estate to Wealth Management 1:35 The 2008 Crash: Losing a business and starting over 2:33 Transitioning to Wealth Management in Beverly Hills 3:03 "Simple Wealth": Insider secrets for high net worth investors 3:35 Introducing Archively: Solving the emergency document crisis 4:44 The 2007 Tech Trap: Why estate planning is stuck in the past 5:18 Blockchain vs. Evil Cousin Sally: Preventing document tampering 6:50 Secure 3 Technology: Encryption, Blockchain, and NFTs 8:50 Shamir's Secret Sharing: The "Secure 9" triple layer security 9:24 Real-World Applications: Medical directives and hospital emergencies 11:04 Emergency Access: How loved ones get access in a crisis 12:21 0% Downtime: The Blockchain mirror vs. AWS/Microsoft failures 14:37 16 Attorneys & 2 Years of Research: Building a trusted system 15:12 Sovereignty & Censorship: Why you can't trust Big Tech with your data 17:03 The Process: How to get your documents onto Archively 18:06 The Passport Story: Why digital backups are critical for travelers 20:00 Video & Audio Farewells: Solving the "grief" problem 37:35 Prepaying for the Future: Endowment funds and 30-year longevity 41:10 The "Geeky" Stuff: Cryptographic security and Shamir's sharing 45:14 Built by Feedback: Talking to 50 people to solve real problems 47:07 Where to Find Dan: Archively.com (Code: PODFATHER3) 47:37 Outro & Contact Details
🔗 Where to Find Dan Beech
Website: Archively.com
Special Offer: Use code PODFATHER3 for an early trial discount.
Book: Simple Wealth: Insider Secrets for a High Net Worth Wealth Management Firm
🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan)
Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://speakingpodcast.podbean.com/e/dan-beech-archively/ (Example link, please replace with actual episode link)
Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network
Website: RoyCoughlan.com
Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations.
Virtual Assistants: VA.world
Communities: BrainGym.fitness
Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/
#SpeakingPodcast #Communication #LegacyPlanning #Archively #DanBeech #Blockchain #EstatePlanning #DigitalDocuments #WealthManagement #PublicSpeaking #EffectiveCommunication #Trust #Clarity #RoyCoughlan #PODFATHER3 #TechInnovation #BusinessCommunicationSkills
Jun 6, 2026
48 min








