Hey Reader,

I know MY day just got better, because you’re here!

I want to share something that gets rid of the ‘jitters’ for me… the same thing Snipers do before every shot.

You know what nobody tells you about going “live”?

The worst part isn't messing up. It's the thirty seconds before you start, when your throat decides to become the Sahara Desert and your palms turn into tiny sweat factories.

Fun times.

Here's the thing, though: your body is basically trolling you. It thinks you're about to fight a bear, when really you're just trying to do a podcast or presentation without sounding like a nervous chipmunk.

The good news? You can trick your body right back.

Start with your lips.

Remember being a kid and making that motorboat sound? Do that now. Seriously. Press your lips together and blow until they bounce around like a cartoon character. It's called “lip trills”, and it's basically yoga for your vocal cords.

Then “Hum”.

Not a cute little hum, but a “siren” sound that goes from your lowest note all the way up to your highest. Do it three times. You'll sound ridiculous and feel amazing.

And here's where it gets really good: Move your body. Athletes don't just show up and sprint. They warm up. You should too. Walk around. Stretch. Do some jumping jacks if that's your thing. Just get your blood flowing so your brain remembers it's attached to a body.

But the secret weapon?

Box breathing.

It's what snipers use before taking a shot, which means it's probably overkill for your Tuesday morning podcast, but whatever.

Inhale through your nose for four seconds. Hold for four. Exhale through your mouth for four. Hold for four.

Repeat three or four times and watch your anxiety pack its bags and leave.

Here’s a visual…

Try it right now. I'll wait.

See? Magic.

This is the stuff I'm packing into my upcoming comprehensive vocal warm-up guide. All the techniques that take you from sweaty mess to smooth operator in no time.

Stellar Marketing Quotes

“Customer experience is becoming the last differentiator. Everything else is copy-and-paste.”

Shep Hyken

“Marketing is no longer about what you make, but the stories you tell.”

Seth Godin

𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗺𝗲…

As a Radio personality, I did a ton of “Personal Appearances”.

Many involved being a “Judge.”

Getting asked to judge a barbecue contest sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry, right?

When they told me to head over to some BBQ thing in Kansas City after being at the station for only a week, I figured they were dumping the boring stuff on the ‘new’ guy.

Just another appearance where I'd smile, pretend to know what I was tasting, and call it a day.

Turns out, they sent me to judge the World Series of BBQ. The biggest, most serious barbecue competition on the planet. The birthplace of KC Masterpiece sauce.

My little “Judge badge” became a golden ticket, Reader!

People treated me like royalty, offering free samples that would make your taste buds weep with joy. I got hugs, bribe attempts…

(which made zero sense since all the entries were ‘numbered’), and more amazing food than any human deserves in one day. 😋

But here's where ‘judging’ got REALLY interesting…

A fancy restaurant hired me for their grand opening.

They wanted to look high-class, so they invited the Mayor, business folks, and local celebrities to watch a fashion show with beautiful models strutting down a runway through the middle of the dining room.

Contestant number three clearly had about five margaritas before her turn.

She stepped onto the runway in a white fur coat, took three wobbly steps, then flung open her coat to reveal she was topless. She tried to twirl.

Then she face planted into a bed of fake plants.

Half the crowd gasped in horror.

The other half (including me) were crying with laughter.

(I scored her a 10)

The owner grabbed the microphone, screaming that this wasn't,

“That kind of establishment!” Some people applauded, and others headed for the exits.

I learned something that night. Never judge a situation before it plays out.

What looks boring might surprise you.

What seems predictable can take a wild turn in seconds.

​
​Diversions

Your Thoughts

Quick pulse check. No judgment. Just curiosity.​
​(Also… this helps me make better stuff for you.)

Where does your voice matter most right now? 🎙️ Podcasting (host or guest) 🎤 Speaking to groups / events 🧑‍💼 Leading meetings or clients 😬 Everywhere… and I don’t love it