Would you believe that “celebrity” is the #1 shortcut to getting paid speaking gigs—even before expertise or experience?

In this eye-opening episode of Path to the Main Stage, host Li Hayes sits down with Mark Albert, a Peabody and Emmy-winning journalist turned media mastery expert, to spill the untold truths about how the media really works for speakers—and why most are doing it all wrong.

You’ll learn:

• Why talking about your bestselling book and global stages might actually hurt your pitch
• The deadly mistake most speakers make that gets them blacklisted by journalists (and how to avoid it)
• How to craft an irresistible 30-second soundbite that gets you instantly noticed by media, event planners, and clients
• Why “pay-to-play” features and self-published columns are a waste of time (and what the pros actually look for)
• The secret formula for always getting called back—and quoted—by reporters and podcasts
• Simple, no-budget ways to make the media come to YOU (including tools and insider tricks you can use today)
• The crucial importance of being “media ready”—from makeup hacks for men to thinking like a news producer

If you want real strategies to amplify your influence and land those main stage moments—while sidestepping every media pitfall—this episode is your masterclass.

Timestamped Episode Overview:

00:00:00 – Why a little bit of “celebrity” goes a long way in the speaking world

00:01:42 – Introducing Mark Albert’s impressive journalistic bona fides

00:02:36 – Mark’s media obsession from childhood: news, elections, and storytelling

00:04:55 – How Mark helps speakers master their message and amplify their influence

00:07:43 – What makes a killer 30-second soundbite—and why the usual “author/stage” resume doesn’t cut it

00:11:06 – The real value that event planners and journalists are searching for

00:13:32 – Tools and tactics to get your expertise noticed by the right reporters

00:17:49 – Writing the perfect pitch: structure, length, urgency, value, and what NOT to do

00:20:16 – Landing (and nailing) your media opportunity: prep tips, makeup secrets, and more

00:25:21 – Being written about versus self-publishing: what carries more credibility?

00:28:00 – Pay-to-play media: red flags, money traps, and ego stroking exposés

00:32:37 – The three biggest speaker mistakes—and Mark’s #1 secret for becoming the “go-to” media expert

00:35:30 – Why the very best speakers always rise above—and how you can join them

Don’t miss this episode if you’re serious about taking your speaking career to the next level!