StorySpire w/ Mary R Snyder – Details, episodes & analysis

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This is a very different episode, and I'll be honest...I've been putting off recording this because it is a tough one. I can't believe we've gone through 179 episodes together. From the beginning, the goal has been to encourage and equip you on your speaking journey, and it's been a privilege to witness the growth and impact of this community. It's been an absolute joy to serve you.

Don't worry - I'm not going anywhere! 

In this episode, you will:

1. Understand the reason why the podcast is going on pause for a season
2. Learn what I'm doing during this season of pause. 

Full Show Notes Here!

Links & Mentioned Resources:

ACTIVATE LIVE 

Take the Stage Speakers Facebook Group

Join Mary’s email list!

Connect with Mary

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Thanks for joining us on the StorySpire podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more speakers like you.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text

I know you might think we've talked about this topic quite a few times on the podcast, but stick with me. 

Are you ready to explore what it means to be called to do the work you love? Or, maybe you're not sure how to navigate the twists and turns in your journey. Today, I'm sharing insights on understanding and embracing your unique calling. It's not about fame or accolades but about serving the one you're meant to serve. 

In this episode, you will:

1. Gain insights into what it means to be called to a specific purpose 
2. Reflect on the idea that the calling is not about the individual but about serving the purpose and the people they are called to.
3. Learn the key lessons I learned throughout my journey 

Full Show Notes Here!

Links & Mentioned Resources:

Take the Stage Speakers Facebook Group

Join Mary’s email list!

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's Facebook group!
Join Mary's email list!
Follow Mary on Instagram
Connect with Mary on LinkedIn

Thanks for joining us on the StorySpire podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more speakers like you.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text

On today's episode, we dive into the art of connecting with your audience. I emphasize the importance of approaching public speaking as a two-way conversation and share practical tips for creating a deep and meaningful connection with your listeners. From the power of using inclusive language to the impact of speaking directly to individuals, these insights will transform the way you deliver your message. 

In this episode, you will:

1. Discover how using "you" fosters inclusive and powerful connection.
2. Understand how to connect deeply with your audience by engaging in personal conversations, leading to a strong connection and impact.
3. Learn to emphasize the importance of connection and sign off.

Full Show Notes Here!

Links & Mentioned Resources:

Take the Stage Speakers Facebook Group

Join Mary’s email list!

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's Facebook group!
Join Mary's email list!
Follow Mary on Instagram
Connect with Mary on LinkedIn

Thanks for joining us on the StorySpire podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more speakers like you.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text

Are you an aspiring author? Or maybe you are in the throes of writing your book? Perhaps you were wondering how and what happens with a publisher? You're in luck because today, we will dive into this and more with Athena Dean Holtz! 

Athena is the founder and publisher of Redemption Press, and She Writes for Him Writers' Conference. And I was recently fortunate to get to meet her at Proclaim Conference. We dive into what it's like publishing a book and how the industry has changed. You don't want to miss this one!

"The question is, do you have a story that is compelling and resonates with your audience? And if you do, then you can get whatever help you need to make it well written." - Athena Dean Holtz.

Highlights from my chat with Athena include: 

• When is the time to write a book (2:04)
• Where does the story start (3:27)
• Ink on paper doesn't translate body language (5:07)
• Different types of publishing (9:17)
• Combining traditional and true self-publishing models (15:15)
• Likelihood of being turned down (18:18)
• Resubmitting your manuscript (19:56)
• Examples of word count and costs (22:44)
• Importance of the brand (25:11)
• The cost to an author (28:18)
• Kickstarter option for authors (33:22)
• Athena tells you your next steps (36:36)

Are you ready to take your book to a publisher? Or are you in the beginning stages of writing? I'd love it if y'all came to join the conversation in the Facebook group-Take the Stage Speakers and share with us! If you aren't on Facebook, find me on Instagram! I would love for you to share with me. 

Connect with Athena Dean Holtz

Redemption Press

Full Circle: Coming Home to the Faithfulness of God - Signed

She Writes for Him Conference 

Want to chat outside of the podcast? Yes? Alright, get on the email list! Head to takethestagepodcast.com, scroll to the bottom and sign up. 

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, Take the Stage - for Speakers by Speakers! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more speakers who are ready to Take the Stage. Also, don't forget to check out my website, visit me on Facebook, or hang out with me on Instagram to stay up-to-date on what's in store for you.

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's Facebook group!
Join Mary's email list!
Follow Mary on Instagram
Connect with Mary on LinkedIn

Thanks for joining us on the StorySpire podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more speakers like you.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text

Why is social media special for speakers? How do you use socials to connect with others? How many people have you met on social media in the past couple of years? I am pretty sure that your answer will be "a lot!" Don't miss what I'd like for you to do this week!

Before we get started, I wanted to ask you something. Are you on the email list? Head on over to takethestagepodcast.com, scroll to the bottom and sign up. While you're there, check out some of my resources, they are free. 

As a speaker, you need to build a community, but this can be overwhelming and possibly a bit scary. But it doesn't have to be! It can be a place where like-minded people come together and bounce ideas off each other, pray for each other, and build each other up! Let me help you with today's episode on building your community by showing you the tips and tricks I use on social media. You won't want to miss this one!

"As a speaker, you need a community." - Mary R. Snyder.

Highlights from today's episode include: 

• Connecting on social media (1:50)
• Building a community and being a Christian entrepreneur (5:08)
• Creating a prayer pod (8:51)
• Social media and your speaking career (9:33)
• Creating a Facebook group (12:40)
• Homework in the speaker group (13:50)

Have you done your homework yet? Or have you created your group on Facebook? I'd love it if y'all came to join the conversation in the Facebook group-Take the Stage Speakers and share with us! Not on Facebook? No worries, you can always find me on Instagram! I would love for you to share with me. 

Resources Mentioned 

The Encounter Tour 2022 

Shop #LugLife 20% off Lug Bags use code "LBZVREF"

Ep 57: How to Markey Yourself as a Speaker

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's email list! 

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, Take the Stage - for Speakers by Speakers! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more speakers who are ready to Take the Stage. Also, don't forget to check out my website, visit me on Facebook, or hang out with me on Instagram to stay up-to-date on what's in store for you.

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's Facebook group!
Join Mary's email list!
Follow Mary on Instagram
Connect with Mary on LinkedIn

Thanks for joining us on the StorySpire podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more speakers like you.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text

Has God given you a message? Do you feel like you should share it? Well, absolutely, you should. God will equip you to share it, and he will provide for you to share it. Some of that provision comes from training, connections, and how people will pay your fee. Today, I'm talking all about ACTIVATE Your Speaking Career and is it for you. 

Guess what? ACTIVATE Your Speaking Career is OPEN!! This course combines my years as a speaker, an event planner, and a tour producer. The waitlist is no longer available, but you can signup. The link has the details for you to join in - IF that's where God is directing you. 

Today we'll dive into what the program is about and what lessons are available, is it right for you, and how it's not just you and I but a community. You won't want to miss this one!

"I want you to be able to stand up and say, Mary, I declare why I am doing this. Number one, God has gifted me with this message. This is what I'm supposed to do." - Mary R Snyder.

Highlights from today's episode include: 

• God's given you this message (0:28)
• Getting paid to speak (1:50) 
• Network of speakers (2:42)
• Linking arms - message from your heart to the stage (3:33)
• 2 Timothy 1:14 (4:50)
• Has God said this is your next step (5:35)
• What will I teach you in ACTIVATE (7:05)
• Live meetings twice a week (10:31)
• Cost, community, and training (11:58)

Is ACTIVATE something that you are considering? Do you have specific questions that you'd like to ask? I'd love it if y'all came to join the conversation in the Facebook group-Take the Stage Speakers and share with us! Or reach out to me personally and ask. Not on Facebook? No worries, you can always find me on Instagram! I would love for you to share with me or ask your questions. 

Resource Mentioned 

2 Timothy 1:14 - Guard, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you.

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's email list! 

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, Take the Stage - for Speakers by Speakers! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more speakers who are ready to Take the Stage. Also, don't forget to check out my website, visit me on Facebook, or hang out with me on Instagram to stay up-to-date on what's in store for you.

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's Facebook group!
Join Mary's email list!
Follow Mary on Instagram
Connect with Mary on LinkedIn

Thanks for joining us on the StorySpire podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more speakers like you.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text

What do you bring to an event planner? Maybe you're wondering what do you expect from an event planner? Or, what can you do to help prepare you and the event planner? I'll answer these questions and more. Being a speaker is really about serving. It's about serving your audience and your event planner.

Can you believe that we are almost to episode 80? I appreciate you coming each week to discover how to move your speaking career forward. 

Don't forget about ACTIVATE at the end of this month! This course combines my years as a speaker, an event planner, and a tour producer. Sign up, even if you aren't sure yet because everyone on the waitlist will get a very nice discount. And the best part? There is no obligation to get on the list! Go to my website and click ACTIVATE to sign up for the waitlist. 

Today we'll dive into how to prepare for your speaking event. You won't want to miss this one!

"Your event planner is your best opportunity for your next opportunity." - Mary R Snyder.

Highlights from today's episode include: 

• There's an art to making your event planner look good (2:36)
• Schedule for the event (4:16)
• Praying for your event planner (5:42)
• Where to go and what time to be there (6:33)
• Who is before and after you (7:57)
• QR codes and your bio (9:35)
• Kindness and service (11:30)
• A thank you goes a long way (14:20)

How do you prepare for your speaking event? What are some things that you've done for your event planner? I'd love it if y'all came to join the conversation in the Facebook group-Take the Stage Speakers and share with us! Or feel free to ask questions. Not on Facebook? No worries, you can always find me on Instagram or text me! I would love for you to share with me. 

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's email list! 

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, Take the Stage - for Speakers by Speakers! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to iTunes or Spotify, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more speakers who are ready to Take the Stage. Also, don't forget to check out my website, visit me on Facebook, or hang out with me on Instagram to stay up-to-date on what's in store for you.

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's Facebook group!
Join Mary's email list!
Follow Mary on Instagram
Connect with Mary on LinkedIn

Thanks for joining us on the StorySpire podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more speakers like you.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text

What does it mean to step up and speak? And I know you are thinking, "Mary, we've talked about this before.", and you're right on that. When I talk about stepping into your calling, it has nothing to do with you. Stepping into speaking is all about who God has called you to serve. 

Don't forget about ACTIVATE at the end of this month! This course combines my years as a speaker, an event planner, and a tour producer. Sign up, even if you aren't sure yet because everyone on the waitlist will get a very nice discount. And the best part? There is no obligation to get on the list! Go to my website and click ACTIVATE to sign up for the waitlist. 

Today we'll dive into what is holding you back and what it means to step up and speak. You won't want to miss this one!

"Stepping up to Speak is all about the call God has placed on your life." - Mary R Snyder.

Highlights from today's episode include: 

• What it means to step up and speak (1:53)
• 2 Corinthians 1:4 (3:01)
• What is holding you back? (4:54)
• From one on one to one on many (7:05)
• Creating a career out of speaking (9:20)
• Stepping into what God has equipped you for (11:09)
• Your challenge today (11:56)

What is the transformation that your message brings? Did you do your homework yet? I'd love it if y'all came to join the conversation in the Facebook group-Take the Stage Speakers and share with us! Or feel free to ask questions. Not on Facebook? No worries, you can always find me on Instagram or text me! I would love for you to share with me. 

Resources Mentioned

2 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV) - He comforts us in all our troubles. Now we can comfort others when they are in trouble. We ourselves have received comfort from God.

Episode 46: What Is Your Why - Why Are You A Speaker 

Episode 74: Master Your Message

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's email list! 

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, Take the Stage - for Speakers by Speakers! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to iTunes or Spotify, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more speakers who are ready to Take the Stage. Also, don't forget to check out my website, visit me on Facebook, or hang out with me on Instagram to stay up-to-date on what's in store for you.

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's Facebook group!
Join Mary's email list!
Follow Mary on Instagram
Connect with Mary on LinkedIn

Thanks for joining us on the StorySpire podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more speakers like you.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text

Have you, yes you, thought about creating your very own speaking tour? Some of you may or may not know that I have done this for a long time. Stay with me here. I promise you won't regret it. We will take a trip down memory lane, and I'll share all the details about how to get booked in states where you don't know anyone. I'll also give you a fun challenge.

Speaking of a challenge, have you signed up for my 10-day challenge? This challenge is more than listening to me talk to you through the podcast and more than just an episode about mastering your message. Because let's be honest, that would be a whole lot of podcasting to get this to you! This challenge is your opportunity to have FEEDBACK!  Click HERE 

Don't forget about ACTIVATE at the end of February! This course combines my years as a speaker, an event planner, and as a tour producer. Sign up, even if you aren't sure yet, because everyone on the waitlist will get a very nice discount. And the best part? There is no obligation to get on the list! Go to my website and click ACTIVATE to sign up for the waitlist. 

Today I'm we are going to take a trip down memory lane while I share how I created a speaking tour and booked myself in states where I didn't know anyone. 

"God, I'm gonna sit here until someone shows up. No, pick up the phone. Take the first step. Make the call. Live the adventure God has for you." - Mary R Snyder.

Highlights from today's episode include: 

• Who, what, when, where and why I created a speaker tour along Route 66 (2:50)
• How to get booked in states where you know no one (5:23)
• Ask for help and have a plan (6:43)
• Books sold, meeting many different people, and talking about what God placed on my heart (8:57)
• Here's my challenge to you (10:45)
• Compilation video explained (12:20)
• Live the adventure God has for you (13:25)

Here’s a fun Youtube video I created about the road trip - CLICK HERE And if you like, you can look through all the videos from that trip — it’s the Route 66 playlist, but fair warning, the quality is POOR — the internet was not available and we recorded using sketchy cell service.  

Have you created your speaking tour yet? Want to bounce some ideas off of other speakers? I'd love it if y'all came to join the conversation in the Facebook group-Take the Stage Speakers and share with us! Or feel free to ask questions. Not on Facebook? No worries, you can always find me on Instagram or text me! I would love for you to share with me. 

Resources Mentioned

Master Your Message 10-day challenge

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's email list! 

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, Take the Stage - for Speakers by Speakers! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's Facebook group!
Join Mary's email list!
Follow Mary on Instagram
Connect with Mary on LinkedIn

Thanks for joining us on the StorySpire podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more speakers like you.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text

Are you ready to master your message in 2022? What if I told you, you could do this with me for free in my Master Your Message 10-day challenge that starts February 15th? In this episode, I'm sharing all about this challenge with you. 

Don't forget about ACTIVATE at the end of February! This course combines my years as a speaker, an event planner, and as a tour producer. Sign up, even if you aren't sure yet, because everyone on the waitlist will get a very nice discount. And the best part? There is no obligation to get on the list! Go to my website and click ACTIVATE to sign up for the waitlist. 

I love all the fun conversations I'm having via text with some of you! Have you sent me a text yet? Feel free to send one to 205-964-5337. I'll look forward to texting with you. 

This challenge is more than listening to me talk to you through the podcast and more than just an episode about mastering your message. Because let's be honest, that would be a whole lot of podcasting to get this to you! Today I'm diving into what this challenge is about, what you can expect, and why you should come to join me for ten days! I even share how I used to close out my message. 

"I want you to build a message that moves your audience to action. That's what I want for you." - Mary R Snyder.

Highlights from today's episode include: 

• Why I wanted to do a challenge (1:04)
• What will we do during this challenge (1:34)
• Sign up and pray up (2:56)
• Each day will start with a prompt (4:09)
• What scripture or story will you use (6:49)
• Closing your message - it's more than, "Okay, I'm done now." (7:38)
• What is your call to action (9:06)
• It's okay to be messy - nobody could be messier than me (11"02)

Alright, who is coming to join me in February for this masterclass? Have you signed up yet? I'd love it if y'all came to join the conversation in the Facebook group-Take the Stage Speakers and share with us! Or feel free to ask questions. Not on Facebook? No worries, you can always find me on Instagram or text me! I would love for you to share with me. 

Resource Mentioned 

Master Your Message 10-Day Challenge

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's email list! 

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, Take the Stage - for Speakers by Speakers! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to iTunes or wherever you listen, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more speakers who are ready to Take the Stage. A

Connect with Mary

Join Mary's Facebook group!
Join Mary's email list!
Follow Mary on Instagram
Connect with Mary on LinkedIn

Thanks for joining us on the StorySpire podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more speakers like you.