308 The Gay Power Half Hour podcast

#Comedy #LGBT #Society #Communities #Gay Power Half Hour #Boys As They Talk

26:43

Are unpaid speaking gigs worth it or a complete waste of your time? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a question that every industry educator and speaker eventually asks: “Should I take the stage if I’m not getting paid?” You’ll hear from powerhouse speakers and event hosts like Jordan Gill, Elizabeth Henson, Amber Housely, Kristina Bartold, Jamie Fischer, Heather Leicy, Amanda Smith, and Tomasha Suber, who share the real stories and strategies behind their decisions to say yes (or no) to unpaid gigs. These clips are part of a larger speaker interview series inside of Sought-After Speaker System, my course for speakers. Check out the full uncut interviews inside the course. Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice. LEARN MORE Are Unpaid Speaking Gigs Worth It? Here’s How to Know When to Say Yes This is a question every industry educator wrestles with at some point. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your speaking career, unpaid opportunities can feel like a gamble. But after interviewing some of the smartest speakers and event hosts in the business, one thing became crystal clear: unpaid doesn’t have to mean unprofitable . The truth is, unpaid speaking gigs can absolutely work in your favor—if you know what to look for, how to prepare, and how to measure their value strategically. Let’s break it down. Why Speakers Say Yes to Unpaid Gigs (Strategically) Think of it as a Marketing Expense Jordan Gill, who completed 11 speaking engagements in a single year, only accepted one completely unpaid opportunity and she’d do it again. Why? Because the audience was perfectly aligned and the event delivered real value beyond compensation. Instead of viewing unpaid gigs as losses, she budgets for them like she would Facebook ads or other marketing efforts. Her advice: “If I’d pay for ads to reach this audience, I’ll consider paying to be in the room with them instead.” That’s a powerful mindset shift. It reframes speaking as an investment , not a favor. You Need a Funnel That Converts Unpaid gigs are only worthwhile if they convert. Elizabeth Henson evaluates each event through the lens of whether her funnel is likely to perform. She’s not pitching from stage—she’s offering a quiz that seamlessly fits into her keynote. From there, she drives attendees into her ecosystem and into her higher-ticket offers. “If I get one sale from a talk, that usually covers the cost of travel,” she explained. “And that’s all I need.” The key takeaway here: Exposure without a sales system is just vanity. Don’t say yes to a stage if you don’t have a clear plan to turn attention into action. Other Forms of Value Beyond a Paycheck The Real ROI Is in Relationships Amber Housely emphasizes what many overlook: the relationships behind the scenes. From networking with other speakers to connecting with attendees and hosts, unpaid gigs often create the kind of opportunities that snowball into future collaborations, invites, and referrals. If the event puts you in a room with aligned people, decision-makers, or potential collaborators: that’s value. The Power of Staying Present Kristina Bartold brought up something that might surprise newer speakers: attending the full event matters. She’s seen a significant drop in breakout room attendance when speakers only show up for their time slot and leave. By sticking around, you deepen connections and maximize visibility. You don’t just show up—you become part of the experience. How to Decide: A Framework for Evaluating Unpaid Gigs If you’re considering an unpaid speaking gig, here are five questions to ask yourself before you say yes: 1. Is the audience made up of my ideal clients or buyers? You don’t need thousands in the room—just the right people. 2. Do I have a clear funnel or follow-up system in place? If you’re not pitching, how are you inviting them into your world? 3. Will I receive any valuable assets from the event? This includes high-quality video, photography, testimonials, or repurposable content. 4. Can I build meaningful relationships with speakers or hosts? Think long-term. One connection can lead to countless future opportunities. 5. Does this opportunity align with my current business goals or season? Sometimes you’re in a growth phase. Sometimes you need revenue now. Your decision should reflect that. Why Boundaries Matter (And Why You Should Share Them) Tomasha’s perspective is a masterclass in professional clarity. She no longer entertains unpaid gigs that don’t clearly communicate expectations from the start. She encourages other speakers to hold their standards just as firmly. Her take? If a gig isn’t aligned with your values, goals, or boundaries, say no with confidence. And remember: saying no can still be a way of serving— it creates space for another speaker who might benefit more from the opportunity . You Can Always Say No. But You Can Also Say Yes (Intentionally) There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to unpaid speaking. What matters is that your decision is intentional. Amanda Smith shared how she and another speaker creatively structured a speaking partnership with no paycheck but tons of value: travel as a personal retreat, stage access, aligned audience, and media opportunities. The key? Clear communication and mutual benefit. Bottom line: There are dozens of ways to create value and dozens of ways to waste your time. Knowing the difference is what sets you apart. Should You Take That Unpaid Speaking Opportunity? Unpaid speaking gigs aren’t automatically good or bad. But when you understand your goals, have systems in place, and communicate clearly, they can open doors you didn’t even know were there. So the next time an unpaid opportunity lands in your inbox, don’t dismiss it right away. Use this framework to decide if it’s actually strategic . And if you’re ready to take your speaking career to the next level with a clear path to pitching, speaking, and selling, I’ve got something just for you. Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice. LEARN MORE Mentioned in this Episode The Sought-After Speaker System Connect with the Guests Elizabeth Henson: elizabethhenson.co Jordan Gill: systemssavedme.com Amber Housley: amberhousley.com Kristina Bartold: highvibewomen.ca Joanna Waterfall: instagram.com/joannawaterfall Jamie & Heather: instagram.com/theconquercommunity Amanda Smith: dallasgirlgang.com Tomasha Suber: tomashasuber.com Looking for the Transcript? DOWNLOAD NOW The post 224: Are Unpaid Speaking Gigs Worth It? appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators .…

The Gay Power Half Hour « »
308

2年之前 32:47

MP3•单集首页

This week the boys get to the depth of things. A submarine trip to the Titanic turns out about as good as a trip on the Titanic and the boys struggle for sympathy. Hunter Biden pleads guilty to a gun charge and the boys wonder what that has to do with his laptop. Crime is down across the country but Tony thinks Casey is murdering the Spanish language.

355集单集

308

The Gay Power Half Hour

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published 2年之前

MP3•单集首页

355集单集

#Comedy #LGBT #Society #Communities #Gay Power Half Hour #Boys As They Talk

所有剧集

1
358 34:11

2天之前34:11

34:11

It’s Halloween this week, and Tony treats himself to a trip, while Casey gets tricked out of a good time. Tony learns that guessing people’s costumes can be a mistake, women in bars put themselves at risk, and Texas is still a scary place to be a homosexual.

1
357 31:47

9天之前31:47

31:47

This week, Tony and Casey go out together and have very different experiences. Casey proposes a hypothetical beauty treatment, and Tony is all ears. The boys consider how a third Trump presidency might happen, and Casey shows two signs of aging, which Tony promptly ridicules.

1
356 32:55

16天之前32:55

32:55

This week, Casey makes a promise that he immediately can’t keep. Tony starts therapy and immediately finds an issue with his therapist. A sound bath leaves Tony’s chakras dripping, and George Santos gets out of prison thanks to Daddy’s rule of law.

1
355 34:53

23天之前34:53

34:53

This week, Tony is trying out some new drugs, and the side effects are leaving him a little too peppy. Casey looks for a therapist, and his criteria is further proof that his brain is problematic. The Nobel Peace Prize didn’t go to the worst person, but Tony thinks it was close, and Casey needs work on his impression of Donald Trump.…

1
354 32:50

5 weeks之前32:50

32:50

Tony goes back to Brooklyn and takes more of their money, forgetting more of their names. Casey wants a Botox buddy and doesn’t want to feel like a prick about it. Penn Station is the latest historic gay club to be shut down in America. The Riyadh Comedy Festival announces its lineup and, shockingly, the gay power half hour isn’t on it.…

1
353 33:04

6 weeks之前33:04

33:04

The boys are back.

1
352 34:05

7 weeks之前34:05

34:05

This week, the boys talk about other stuff too.

1
351 31:28

8 weeks之前31:28

31:28

This week, the boys talk about how gross it is to catch the measles.

1
350 34:12

9 weeks之前34:12

34:12

The boys "celebrate" their 350th episode.

1
349 49:19

10 weeks之前49:19

49:19

The boys are back and louder than ever.

1
348 30:59

51 weeks之前30:59

30:59

This is the last pod of the year, look out for new episodes in 2025.

1
347 34:28

1 year之前34:28

34:28

This week the boys are back and better than ever! Or getting there at least. Tony prepares for surgery to repair a recently acquired bodily non-conformity, and he’s in his head about the new parts. Casey is diagnosed with a tongue that’s too big for his mouth and few are surprised. Israel sends exploding pagers to its northern neighbors in an attempt to dissuade anyone ever from wanting to be its neighbor. And someone allegedly tries to kill Trump again through a hedge. Ahedgedly……

1
346 33:27

1 year之前33:27

33:27

It's a thirty-minute show with two best friends who happen to be gay and are not afraid to argue.

1
345 32:39

1 year之前32:39

32:39

It's a thirty-minute show with two best friends who happen to be gay and are not afraid to argue.

1
344 34:22

1 year之前34:22

34:22

A thirty-minute show with two best friends who happen to be gay and are not afraid to argue

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
343 30:22

1 year之前30:22

30:22

This week the boys are back with a bang. After a 6 week hiatus Tony and Casey return having survived the hottest Pride season on record. Also still alive is former President Donald Trump and the boys debate the reality of his assassination. Attempt. The list of those not surviving the boy’s hiatus includes icons Richard Simmons, Dr. Ruth and Shannon Doherty. R.I.P.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
342 32:21

1 year之前32:21

32:21

This week the boys strike nothing from the record. Marjorie Taylor Green and Jasmine Crockett fight on the congressional floor and Casey likens it to the narrative surrounding the Gaza protest movement which sparks an argument more civil than anything you’d see in Congress these days. Move over snakes, now there are measles on a plane and the boys talk about how gross that is. Elon Musk plans to insert a chip into a second human brain and Tony complains that we haven’t seen enough results from the first chip.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
341 32:28

1 year之前32:28

32:28

A thirty-minute show with two best friends who happen to be gay that are not afraid to argue.

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
340 34:06

2 years之前34:06

34:06

This week the boys let the dogs out. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem brags about killing her dog which turns out is a little too maga even for maga. Protests on campuses nationwide have the boys (predictable) arguing but (surprisingly) also agreeing. Kevin Spacey asks to be uncanceled so the boys give some hot takes on The Biz.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
339 31:55

2 years之前31:55

31:55

Thirty minutes of content from two gay best friends. This week the boys don’t fight once! The Washington Correspondents Dinner is supposed to be funny but to the boys, it’s just a reminder that Biden needs a better makeup artist. Casey is still feeling butt hurt from the first Trump administration and if the Supreme Court grants absolute presidential immunity he’s preparing to get fully blown out by the second. Tony shares best practices for getting out of jury duty and with Tennessee enacting more bad laws the boys share a plan for getting people out of that state.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
338 31:13

2 years之前31:13

31:13

This week the boys can’t extinguish the flame. A man lights himself on fire outside of Trump’s trial leading to an argument over who can be defined as crazy. A question for women in the woods leads to a surprising answer and the debunking of a misogynistic myth, while a scientific breakthrough has Casey worried about the future of humanity in general and Tony rooting for the end. Very on brand.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
337 38:17

2 years之前38:17

38:17

This week the boys bring you doom AND gloom. An earthquake in NYC and a solar eclipse have the boys thinking about preparedness. The IDF kills several members of a relief organization and all of a sudden now the world has had enough. Korean women are refusing to interact with Korean men and the effects are generational, while white Americans move to Mexico and end up getting real white about it.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
336 34:37

2 years之前34:37

34:37

30 minutes with 2 gay hosts.

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
335 32:40

2 years之前32:40

32:40

This week the boys join the ban wagon. Senator Katie Britt’s response to the SOTU proves why conservatives should leave acting to the Hollywood nepo-babies. Florida cracks down on spring breakers which is such an abrupt change of identity, it’s now illegal to talk about Florida in Florida public schools. Congress votes to ban TikTok, Boeing keeps literally falling apart and the boys are very suspicious of Queen Camilla.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
334 38:30

2 years之前38:30

38:30

This week the boys are giving it their best shot. Super Tuesday solidified the presidential race which the boys try to talk about but quickly end up shaming each others’ fetishes instead. Two male humpback whales are caught on film having sex and the boys talk about how these poor whales got done dirty. The boys almost make it a whole episode without fighting over Israel but Nikki Haley dropping out of the race is enough of the trigger they need.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
333 40:24

2 years之前40:24

40:24

This week the boys get very familiar. This month marks the tenth year the boys have known each other and Tony read the comments section to celebrate. After remembering why they love each other, Casey baits Tony into their favorite shared pastime, a fight.

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
332 41:49

2 years之前41:49

41:49

This week the boys profess their love for each other, in obscure ways. Valentine's Day has the boys dreaming up the perfect gift for the perfect holiday. John Stewart returns to host The Daily Show and states his case against a Biden nomination, leaving liberals unclear of whose side even they are on. Casey maintains there are clear differences between the two American political parties and Tony disagrees which starts a fight that - in the recent past - would have taken a week to mend. In a sign of progress, this fight is mended after only 20 minutes.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
331 34:06

2 years之前34:06

34:06

This week the boys are floating above it all. A relentless atmospheric river has the boys feeling moist and ready to get physical. A right-wing freak beheads his father for being a government employee yet somehow Casey finds a bright side. A Michigan mother is convicted for her son’s school shooting and the boys think it’s about time parents pay for their creepy kids’ crimes. Republicans fail to impeach DHS Secretary Mayorkas in spectacular fashion and if turning easy wins into losses is their thing then the boys say “keep up the good work!”…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
330 35:47

2 years之前35:47

35:47

This week the boys are mitigating, for once. Nicki and Megan are in a feud and the boys can relate. Texas Gov Greg Abbot stokes a literal civil war stand off which raises the question, who’s scared of Arkansas? Republicans push to impeach DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkus and the boys think that’s a characteristically stupid thing to do.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
329 36:38

2 years之前36:38

36:38

This week the boys have performance anxiety. Two white gays adopt a black baby on TikTok and it has the boys questioning all performative parenting. Trump’s performance at the polls scares the world but Tony and Casey both think he will lose, and argue over why. Barbie is snubbed at the Oscars and Tony explains why caring about that makes you a war criminal.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
328 34:20

2 years之前34:20

34:20

This week the boys are sick of it. Los Angeles sees a major rise in Covid, RSV, and the flu redefining what it means to be a Hollywood triple threat. The 2024 election cycle begins in Iowa and it’s still unclear which candidate has Tony’s vote. The boys argue over a generational divide, what constitutes yelling, and if it’s possible to catch ADD.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
327 34:44

2 years之前34:44

34:44

This week the boys aren’t quite ready for more in ‘24. Covid is starting the new year off strong and the boys wonder if it’s a harbinger of things to come. A Boeing Max-9 plane blows a door mid-flight so the boys talk about why flying does indeed blow. Gypsy Rose Blanchard is out of prison, married, and famous which begs the question, what are Tony and Casey doing wrong?…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
326 36:13

2 years之前36:13

36:13

This week the boys are wrapping it up for the season. A senate aide goes unwrapped in a Senate conference room which leaves the boys wondering if you can really trust your close friends. The Pope gives gay Catholics a holiday present and gays, in true form, try to return it for something better. Tony considers a dangerous tattoo that could get him killed and Casey thinks it could be the gift that keeps giving, comedy-wise. And for the final episode of the year, Tony gives holiday shout-outs to debt defaulters, Casey's problematic brain, and Houthi pirates.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
325 35:10

2 years之前35:10

35:10

This week the boys are watching other people fight (for once). Republicans move forward with impeaching Biden so Casey dreams up a competition between Hunter and Don Jr that will settle the election for good. A racist tirade in a Disneyland bathroom is caught on film and Tony thinks racists need to take it outside. A woman successfully sues Texas for an abortion but Texas tells her that she doesn’t have to go home but she can’t stay here.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
324 32:04

2 years之前32:04

32:04

This week the boys contemplate the end. As their birthday season comes to a close Tony and Casey debate their favorite topic, who will die first. Iconic sex worker Sophie Anderson passes and the boys give her a filthy send-off fit for a queen. George Santos is officially booted from Congress, Kevin McCarthy announces his retirement and Henry Kissinger dies so, all in all, pretty good week for the left.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
323 33:52

2 years之前33:52

33:52

This week the boys keep the party going. It’s Tony's birthday week so he starts to question his literal place in this world. Casey gives Tony a memorable birthday present that doubles as a moral conundrum. George Santos is the gift that keeps giving as he sets his sociopathic sights on his fellow Republicans.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
322 39:37

2 years之前39:37

39:37

This week the boy is Casey. For his 40th birthday, Casey gets a surprise party and roasted by his friends but the biggest surprise might be what’s in his stomach. Tony makes Casey rank his best friends and the results don’t turn out in Tony’s favor. Donald Trump spoils the party by calling Americans vermin while congressional Republicans act like zoo monkeys, in that they keep throwing sh*t at each other and need to be locked in cages.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
321 34:48

2 years之前34:48

34:48

This week the boys remain conflicted. Tony visits from Illinois while Casey weekends in Palm Springs and both return rejuvenated. Joe Biden gets a new nickname (along with some scary poll numbers) and the boys discuss why that’s a problem for the world. Statewide elections are good for Democrats but the crisis in Gaza continues to worsen for everyone.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
320 32:34

2 years之前32:34

32:34

This week the boys lighten things up a bit. Casey returns from SF a bit bloodied and Tony is concerned we aren't hearing the full story. Britney releases her memoir leaving Tony with new inspiration for ways to get back at your family. An off-duty pilot on mushrooms terrorizes an airplane leading to a screed against (and a new slogan for) D.A.R.E. and Republicans elect a new, worse Speaker of the House.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
319 38:24

2 years之前38:24

38:24

This week the boys practice conflict resolution. A week-long feud over a screenshot Casey sent Tony is amicably resolved. Not to be outdone, the crisis in Palestine continues to rage and the boys take some of the lessons learned in their feud to continue their heated disagreement on what needs to be done…amicably. And the Republicans still don’t have a Speaker but at least Britney Spears has a book.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
318 51:55

2 years之前51:55

51:55

This week the boys go at it. Casey gets stung by a bee and Tony, per usual, blames the victim. This minor inconvenience of course doesn’t overshadow the war in Palestine so the boys have a somewhat civil argument over context and resolution. Good luck!

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
317 33:31

2 years之前33:31

33:31

This week the boys are itching for a show. Paris suffers through a bed bug infestation and Casey wants to remind people it has nothing to do with his recent trip there while Tony directs shame at the infested. Diane Feinstein dies in office yet still has a better week than former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and the Golden Bachelor debuts to huge ratings so the boys talk about the benefits of a Boomer dating show for all of America.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
316 46:20

2 years之前46:20

46:20

This week the boys don’t miss a beat. Casey returns from a month in Europe with a thick Spanish tongue and Tony is ready to smack it right out of his mouth. Hollywood is back in business and Tony wonders if it will even be recognizable with the rampant Ozempic use during the strike. Donald Trump illegally buys a gun and the boys fantasize about the best way for him to use it. First show back in a month so it’s a long, good one.…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
315 37:05

2 years之前37:05

37:05

This week the boys let other people do the arguing, for once. The GOP primary debate season debuts and the starring cast seems like a bunch of scabs. Hot takes include a grossly incorrect statement about anatomy from Casey while Tony thinks Nikki Haley is the least insane-sounding and therefore least-electable candidate. Vivek Ramaswamy makes his case for being the (second) worst and is set to leapfrog the pack to remain over 50 points behind Trump. Elon Musk wasn’t at the debate, presumably because he was stuck in his bathtub gacked out on K (allegedly).…

The Gay Power Half Hour

1
314 31:37

2 years之前31:37