Hoof And Sword: A Tails Of Equestria MLP Actual Play podcast

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 .…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast explicit

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A group of rowdy adults attempt to navigate a children's game set in a universe filled with weaponized rainbows, formidable talking ponies, a never ending supply of sparkles, and magical friendship. This is an actual play Tails of Equestria rpg podcast, set in the MLP Universe. Starring Eli, Emily, Gwynn, Heidi, and Ben.

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#Lifestyle #Games and Gambling #Tabletop #Little #Pony #Tails #Equestria #Dice #Twilight #Dungeons #Dragons #Comedy #Hoof #Sword #Hoof And Sword #RPG #MLP #Sparkle #DnD #Ogre #Oubliette

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast explicit

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updated 6年之前

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48集单集

#Lifestyle #Games and Gambling #Tabletop #Little #Pony #Tails #Equestria #Dice #Twilight #Dungeons #Dragons #Comedy #Hoof #Sword #Hoof And Sword #RPG #MLP #Sparkle #DnD #Ogre #Oubliette

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Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

1
Episode 40 – The Ponies Under The Stairs 52:24

6 years之前52:24

52:24

A pleasant evening at an abandoned farmhouse. Nothing scary about that, right? Hoof and Sword is an Actual Play RPG podcast where rowdy adults attempt to play a children’s game named Tails of Equestria, based on My Little Pony. Find us on Twitter.com at @HoofAndSword or send us an email at podcast@hoofandsword.com . Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! Friendship is Magic, and so are Ratings & Reviews. Intro music used in this episode was 80s TV Sitcom2 by C Dig Music at Pond 5 . Submit any friendship letters (audio or text), questions, or whatever to podcast@hoofandsword.com.…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

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Episode 39 – A Leisurely Stroll 51:58

6 years之前51:58

51:58

Our heroes find themselves in not-danger once again as they stroll down the road? Hoof and Sword is an Actual Play RPG podcast where rowdy adults attempt to play a children’s game named Tails of Equestria, based on My Little Pony. Find us on Twitter.com at @HoofAndSword or send us an email at podcast@hoofandsword.com . Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! Friendship is Magic, and so are Ratings & Reviews. Intro music used in this episode was 80s TV Sitcom2 by C Dig Music at Pond 5 . Submit any friendship letters (audio or text), questions, or whatever to podcast@hoofandsword.com.…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

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Episode 38 – Et tu? 57:04

7 years之前57:04

57:04

Our heroes find themselves in danger once again as the truth of Lakehaven becomes clear. Hoof and Sword is an Actual Play RPG podcast where rowdy adults attempt to play a children’s game named Tails of Equestria, based on My Little Pony. Find us on Twitter.com at @HoofAndSword or send us an email at podcast@hoofandsword.com . And remember to hear our guest Nicole on @SHUPodcast ! Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! Friendship is Magic, and so are Ratings & Reviews. Intro music used in this episode was 80s TV Sitcom2 by C Dig Music at Pond 5 . Submit any friendship letters (audio or text), questions, or whatever to podcast@hoofandsword.com.…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

1
Episode 37 – Why Leave So Soon? 49:57

7 years之前49:57

49:57

Who would ever want to leave such a pleasant town? Hoof and Sword is an Actual Play RPG podcast where rowdy adults attempt to play a children’s game named Tails of Equestria, based on My Little Pony. Find us on Twitter.com at @HoofAndSword or send us an email at podcast@hoofandsword.com . And remember to hear our guest Nicole on @SHUPodcast ! Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! Friendship is Magic, and so are Ratings & Reviews. Intro music used in this episode was 80s TV Sitcom2 by C Dig Music at Pond 5 . Other music was Happy Ukelele by Scott Holmes, Enthusiast by Tours, and Epic Song by BoxCat Games, all from the Free Music Archive . Submit any friendship letters (audio or text), questions, or whatever to podcast@hoofandsword.com.…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

1
Episode 36 – Nothing Unusual Here 1:03:15

7 years之前1:03:15

1:03:15

Gosh, everyone in Lakehaven is so friendly! Hoof and Sword is an Actual Play RPG podcast where rowdy adults attempt to play a children’s game named Tails of Equestria, based on My Little Pony. Find us on Twitter.com at @HoofAndSword or send us an email at podcast@hoofandsword.com . And remember to hear our guest Nicole on @SHUPodcast ! Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! Friendship is Magic, and so are Ratings & Reviews. Intro music used in this episode was 80s TV Sitcom2 by C Dig Music at Pond 5 . Other music was Happy Ukelele by Scott Holmes, Enthusiast by Tours, and Epic Song by BoxCat Games, all from the Free Music Archive . Submit any friendship letters (audio or text), questions, or whatever to podcast@hoofandsword.com.…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

1
Episode 35 – Welcome to Lakehaven 51:05

7 years之前51:05

51:05

It’s a neighborly day in this beautywood, A neighborly day for a beauty, Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Hoof and Sword is an Actual Play RPG podcast where rowdy adults attempt to play a children’s game named Tails of Equestria, based on My Little Pony. Find us on Twitter.com at @HoofAndSword or send us an email at podcast@hoofandsword.com . And remember to hear our guest Nicole on @SHUPodcast ! Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! Friendship is Magic, and so are Ratings & Reviews. Intro music used in this episode was 80s TV Sitcom2 by C Dig Music at Pond 5 . Other music was Happy Ukelele by Scott Holmes and Enthusiast by Tours, both from the Free Music Archive . Submit any friendship letters (audio or text), questions, or whatever to podcast@hoofandsword.com.…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

1
Episode 34 – The Umberfoal or Underfoal 1:03:22

7 years之前1:03:22

1:03:22

We have a guest appear as our heroes experience the Umberfoal. Hoof and Sword is an Actual Play RPG podcast where rowdy adults attempt to play a children’s game named Tails of Equestria, based on My Little Pony. Find us on Twitter.com at @HoofAndSword or send us an email at podcast@hoofandsword.com . And remember to hear our guest Nicole on @SHUPodcast ! Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! Friendship is Magic, and so are Ratings & Reviews. Intro music used in this episode was 80s TV Sitcom2 by C Dig Music at Pond 5 . Other music was Happy Ukelele by Scott Holmes and Enthusiast by Tours, both from the Free Music Archive . Submit any friendship letters (audio or text), questions, or whatever to podcast@hoofandsword.com.…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

1
Episode 33 – The End??? 56:19

7 years之前56:19

56:19

Did you realize a total party kill is a lot easier when there’s only 2 players? Hoof and Sword is an Actual Play RPG podcast where rowdy adults attempt to play a children’s game named Tails of Equestria, based on My Little Pony. Find us on Twitter.com at @HoofAndSword , send us an email at podcast@hoofandsword.com , or anonymously ask a question at curiouscat.me/HoofAndSword . And remember to check out our @LoveToHateCast housemates, such as this episode’s special mention: @ArkLightPodcast ! Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! Friendship is Magic, and so are Ratings & Reviews. Music used in this episode was 80s TV Sitcom2 by C Dig Music at Pond 5 and Night Owl by BoxCat Games from the Free Music Archive . Submit any friendship letters (audio or text), questions, or whatever to podcast@hoofandsword.com.…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

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Episode 32 – A Sticky Situation 44:34

7 years之前44:34

44:34

What lies in the caverns below? Not-Really-A-Spoiler: Spiders. Hoof and Sword is an Actual Play RPG podcast where rowdy adults attempt to play a children’s game named Tails of Equestria, based on My Little Pony. Find us on Twitter.com at @HoofAndSword , send us an email at podcast@hoofandsword.com , or anonymously ask a question at curiouscat.me/HoofAndSword . And remember to check out our @LoveToHateCast housemates, such as this episode’s special mention: @SHUPodcast ! Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! Friendship is Magic, and so are Ratings & Reviews. Music used in this episode was Sky High 2 FX by Soundbounce at StockUnlimited.com , Bit Bit Loop by Kevin Macleod at FreePD.com , and Suspense Action at Audionautix.com . Submit any friendship letters (audio or text), questions, or whatever to podcast@hoofandsword.com.…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

1
Episode 31 – His Wife Is Spoiled Rich 54:19

7 years之前54:19

54:19

Can you hear the moment when Eli breaks? Our party begins their journey…with tea. Hoof and Sword is an Actual Play RPG podcast where rowdy adults attempt to play a children’s game named Tails of Equestria, based on My Little Pony. Find us on Twitter.com at @HoofAndSword , send us an email at podcast@hoofandsword.com , or anonymously ask a question at curiouscat.me/HoofAndSword . And remember to check out our @SHouseStudio housemates, such as this episode’s special mention: @SHUPodcast ! Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! Friendship is Magic, and so are Ratings & Reviews. Music used in this episode was Sky High 2 FX and Elevator Music Loop . Submit any friendship letters (audio or text), questions, or whatever to podcast@hoofandsword.com.…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

1
Episode 30 – Roll Deception 50:27

7 years之前50:27

50:27

Is Peppermint capable of deception? The pair handles the fallout from Moonshadow’s shenanigans. Hoof and Sword is an Actual Play RPG podcast where rowdy adults attempt to play a children’s game named Tails of Equestria, based on My Little Pony. Find us on Twitter.com at @HoofAndSword , send us an email at podcast@hoofandsword.com , or anonymously ask a question at curiouscat.me/HoofAndSword . And remember to check out our @SHouseStudio housemates, such as this episode’s special mention: @DireWeasels ! Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! Friendship is Magic, and so are Ratings & Reviews. Intro music in this episode was “Take a Chance” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) – Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/) Additional music was “Epic Song” and “Mission” by BoxCat Games . Submit any friendship letters (audio or text), questions, or whatever to podcast@hoofandsword.com.…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

1
Episode 29 – Princess Twilight’s Batcave 59:09

7 years之前59:09

59:09

The GamePony asks if the players want to do anything before time-traveling. Shenanigans ensue. Hoof and Sword is an Actual Play RPG podcast where rowdy adults attempt to play a children’s game named Tails of Equestria, based on My Little Pony. Find us on Twitter.com at @HoofAndSword , send us an email at podcast@hoofandsword.com , or anonymously ask a question at curiouscat.me/HoofAndSword . And remember to check out our @SHouseStudio housemates, such as this episode’s special mention: @GLBBPodcast ! Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! Friendship is Magic, and so are Ratings & Reviews. Intro music in this episode was “Take a Chance” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) – Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/) Additional music: “Mission” by BoxCat Games . “Night Owl” by Broke For Free . Submit any friendship letters (audio or text), questions, or whatever to podcast@hoofandsword.com.…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

1
Episode 28 – Much Ado About Tea 1:08:08

7 years之前1:08:08

1:08:08

Will Peppermint and Peppermint get to eat lunch this episode? Will Moonshadow procure his questionable goods? Will anyone learn how to time-travel? Hoof and Sword is an Actual Play RPG podcast where rowdy adults attempt to play a children’s game named Tails of Equestria, based on My Little Pony. Find us on Twitter.com at @HoofAndSword , send us an email at podcast@hoofandsword.com , or anonymously ask a question at curiouscat.me/HoofAndSword . And remember to check out our @SHouseStudio housemates, such as this episode’s special mention: @SHUPodcast ! Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! Friendship is Magic, and so are Ratings & Reviews. Intro music in this episode was “Take a Chance” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) – Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/) Other music was “Overtime” and “Essence” by audionautix.com . Submit any friendship letters (audio or text), questions, or whatever to podcast@hoofandsword.com.…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

1
Episode 27 – Yet More Ogres and Oubliettes 1:00:59

7 years之前1:00:59

1:00:59

Can you believe we had technical issues? It’s time to deal with the train heist by Buck Cassidy and his gang! Hoof and Sword is an Actual Play RPG podcast where rowdy adults attempt to play a children’s game named Tails of Equestria, based on My Little Pony. Find us on Twitter.com at @HoofAndSword , send us an email at podcast@hoofandsword.com , or anonymously ask a question at curiouscat.me/HoofAndSword . And remember to check out our @SHouseStudio housemates, such as this episode’s special mention: @ArklightPodcast ! Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! Friendship is Magic, and so are Ratings & Reviews. Intro music in this episode was “Take a Chance” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) – Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/) Other music was “Sunday’s Child” and “Essence” by audionautix.com . Submit any friendship letters (audio or text), questions, or whatever to podcast@hoofandsword.com.…

Hoof and Sword: A Tails of Equestria MLP Actual Play Podcast

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Episode 26 – How Restaurants Work 54:35

7 years之前54:35