Reality Check With Craig Price

Live from San Diego in front of an actual audience, host Craig Price has another speakers round-table! This year, the National Speakers Association invited Craig to do his podcast as part of their annual convention. Craig loaded this speakers round-table with past guests like Judson Laipply, Jessica Pettitt, Avish Parashar as well as welcoming hall of fame speakers Mikki Williams and Dale Irvin to the show. The big announcement of the convention was the new branding of the association now called Platform. The group discusses the pros and cons and then gets into questions about being a speaker. Where do you find mentors, how do you balance speaking with also having a partner (or not having a partner!) and much more. You can learn more about all of these great speakers at their websites: Judson - http://www.mightaswelldance.com/  (@JudsonLaipply on twitter) Jessica - http://www.jessicapettitt.com/ (@jesspettitt on twitter) Avish - http://www.avishparashar.com/ (@avishp on twitter) Mikki - http://www.mikkiwill

Alan Cerny (@nordlingAICN on twitter) continues his 2014 Summer Movie Preview with host Craig Price! Covering the months of July and August, the two really get excited for the blockbusters coming up and not so excited for the dreck studios throw out to the public at the end of the summer. Be it Alan gushing over an art house film 12 years in the making or Craig hoping Marvel Studio's latest and craziest movie to date does well, there is plenty of movies to talk about. Covered in this episode (click for Alan's reviews) Earth to Echo Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Boyhood Jupiter Ascending (update: moved to Feb 2015) Guardians of the Galaxy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Expendables 3 Sin City: A Dame to Kill For It's a mixed bag for the rest of the summer but plenty to enjoy and to make fun of! As always, you can catch reviews Alan writes under the pseudonym Nordling on http://www.aintitcoolnews.com - We'll link his reviews to the movies as they come out!

Ralph Peterson (@SpeakerRalphP on twitter) returns to discuss his new book of leadership lessons with host Craig Price. Being in the housekeeping game is a tough row to hoe. Low wages, high turnover, cleaning toilets (among other grosser things) it amazes Craig that anyone stays a week. Now try and manage the people who stick around!! Ralph's new book "Managing When No One Wants to Work: Leadership Lessons from an Executive Housekeeper" touches on his many experiences, putting them in context for any manager in any industry. The two talk about push back, how communication changed between employee and manager as well as crazy Spanish conquerors!  Managing When No One Wants To Work: Lessons Of Leadership From An Executive Housekeeper is a management exposé that reveals how to manage call-outs, attitude, turnover, motivation, conflict, and breaking down the popular, “We’ve always done it that way,” mentality, regardless of the field you are managing in. You can learn more about Ralph at http://ralphpeterson.com

Dr. John Charles (@csm014 on twitter) joins host Craig Price to talk the reality of space travel. Being a super nerd and getting the chance to visit NASA earlier in the year, Craig was super geeked to be able to talk to someone actually helping NASA get people into space and beyond safely. Dr. Charles works at NASA's Human Research Program learning how to protect the delicate human body from the harsh reality of space travel. The two discuss why squishing internal organs isn't something you want to do first thing on a mission, why bone density decreases the longer you are in zero G and why cosmic radiation will be the biggest hurdle for space travelers. They also talk about artificial gravity's progress (or lack there of), what space travel will look like in 100 years and how deficient Craig's vocabulary is compared to a dual doctorate. You can read Dr. Charles' blog  astrocryptotriviology.blogspot.com, an occasional blog covering obscure but interesting minor aspects of spaceflight, and what they tell us ab

Maria Matarelli (@MariaMatarelli on twitter) returns to talk workaholism with host Craig Price. Craig's hesitation to participate in the new martyrdom of "being busy" is explored as Maria defines hard work vs. workaholism. The two talk about how working too long, too often can destroy relationships, cause health problems and in some extreme instances, increased income (we told you Craig isn't 100% on board).  They show that working smarter is always preferred over working harder. Maria's book "Workaholic? A 12-Step Guide to Having a Life and Getting Things Done" is a great start on the road to recovery. Consider this podcast an intervention for those who just can't relax and must fill their lives with work. Learn more about Maria at http://mariamatarelli.com and order the book at http://workaholicbook.com  APP BONUS: Get the 12 step flash card to keep you on track.

Madam Becky Adams (@MadamBeckyAdams on twitter) talks to host Craig Price about customer servicing and brothels. Contrary to popular belief, Craig has no idea about brothels or prostitution but he certainly learns a bunch of new things thanks to Madam Becky and her business concepts of customer servicing. While most of us are not running underground criminal syndicates, we can still learn some legal customer service techniques like overcoming customers fears. getting customers to commit to action (hey now, keep it clean!), how customer service starts well before the sale and finding the right employees who are committed to the best service (Not what you think, you dirty bird! - Okay it is what you think.) Unintended double entendres abound in this lively discussion but thankfully it's a podcast so you can't see Craig shift uncomfortably in his chair. Madam Becky has gone legit and now is teaching  'The Art of Seductive Customer Servicing' at https://www.getpurposepowered.com/ App Bonus: You can get Madam Bec

Michael Goldberg (@MEGoldberg on twitter) joins host Craig Price to discuss convention networking at the upcoming NSA Convention. The two talk about their involvement in the 2014 National Speakers Association's annual conference where Craig will be recording a LIVE Reality Check podcast on July 2nd at 3:30pm CST in the Learning Lounge and Michael will be presenting two first-timers sessions with Glenna Salsbury at 2pm on June 29th and 7:30am (yikes!) on June 30th. They talk about the feeling of overwhelming many new attendees get at such a large conference, Michael's involvement in the conference "Buddy" program, how to effectively follow up after the conference and why Craig refers to aspects of the convention as the Star Wars Cantina.  They also discuss the great charity they both are a part of: Cigar PEG and why Michael is the de facto bartender for the infamous Cigar PEG suite (think networking!). A great listen for any attendee, be it a veteran or newbie. Michael can be found at http://KnockOutNetworkin

Alan Cerny (@nordlingAICN on twitter) is here for a 2014 Summer Movie Preview with host Craig Price! It's that time of year again. Swimming pools and movie stars. No, not a Beverly Hillbillies sequel (which we expect at any time) - it's SUMMER! Which means it's time for Craig and Alan to sit down and figure out what movies they are looking forward to seeing, which ones they are not expecting much from and which ones do they know little about. This time though, the two talk so much and have such a good time, the podcast has to be split into two episodes! Thankfully, they cover the movies chronologically so they have you covered from now until the end of June. The two talk about (click for Alan's review): Maleficent A Million Ways to Die in the West Edge of Tomorrow 22 Jump Street How to Train Your Dragon 2 Jersey Boys Transformers 4: Age of Extinction Snow Piercer As well as discuss how good a director Clint Eastwood is, how bad a director Michael Bay is, how Seth MacFarlane can't compete with Mel Brooks (w

Barbara Dolan (@Derby_Lite on twitter) invites host Craig Price into her home to discuss roller derby. While in Chicago (birthplace of roller derby) this past spring, Craig couldn't pass up a chance to sit down with the Queen B herself, Barbara Dolan to discuss the history of roller derby. They talk about the rules, what the positions are called and how Barbara has taken some of the fundamentals of roller derby and incorporated them into her fitness company Derby Lite where women of all ages practice the skills and drills of the sport of roller derby. While Craig remembers watching bits of roller derby on Saturday afternoons in the 70s and 80s, a resurgence in the past decade has really elevated to sport into not only a safer sport but something people can readily participate in. The two even figure out a cool derby name for Craig.  At Derby Lite their Certified Instructors lead high energy Fitness Skating exercise classes for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced skaters where ladies become healthier humans -

Kathleen Quinn, executive director of Pilots N Paws (@PilotsNPaws on twitter) joins host Craig Price to discuss her unique animal rescue organization. Four million former pets are euthanized in the United States every year and are killed because they don’t have homes. Pilots ‘N Paws is a national charity helping to change that. Working with rescue groups across the country, pilots donate their time, their planes, and their fuel, to transport animals to places where they will be adopted. Craig and Kathleen talk about the various kinds of animals they transport (SNAKES ON A PLANE!!), how the pilots coordinate with each other as well as shelters to get these animals to their destinations, how the animals are transported and even the educational programs they've created to try and make sure educate kids so no pets will ever need a shelter. Pilots N Paws  is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Please check out http://pilotsnpaws.org and see if you can help, donate your time, your plane or even your money! APP BONU

Ed Rigsbee (@edrigsbee on Twitter) joins host Craig Price to talk about the ROI of association membership. Many of podcast listeners are either currently part of an association or even in the leadership of that association. My first question: When are you booking me for your next event? My second question: What are you doing to grow or at the least maintaining your membership? I hear from associations all across the country that they’re always worried about the membership numbers. People don’t see associations in the same light anymore. Thankfully Ed’s got a new book called The ROI of Membership-Today's Missing Link for Explosive Growth.  This is what he does, find ways for associations to increase membership by increasing their value to their members. The two talk about how to stop giving the cow, the milk and anything else bovine-related away for free. If you don’t know Ed, he’s also the founder of Cigar PEG which is a charity that raises money for several charities but especially the National Speakers Ass

Don Cooper (@DonCooper on twitter) joins host Craig Price to discuss pricing. Figuring out how much to charge, when to increase or decrease fees or even when to discount fees can be a challenge for many. Often, in a services environment where competitors fees are rarely publicized, it can be difficult to balance getting what you are worth with what customers are willing to pay. Often people judge you by your price. Too low and you must not be worth the money, too high and you're out of their budgets. Don helps Craig navigate through the maze and offers great tips on why you shouldn't discount your fees, should you be the best bargain in an industry or should your fee reflect your expertise and results.  The two also talk about the emotional side of increasing fees. It can be a scary proposition for many who don't want to price themselves out of their market. If you are a professional speaker, this is a great listen! Don Cooper can be found at the self titled  http://www.DonCooper.com

Sylvie di Giusto (@sylviedigiusto on twitter) joins host Craig Price to discuss professional image. If you're like Craig, hearing the term "image consultant" makes you think of executive make-overs and suit fittings with strange old men running measuring tapes into your crotch. But there is more to a professional image than just clothes. Sylvie and Craig talk about how you present yourself digitally, in person as well as socially. It's not just looking good, but acting good and being perceived as a professional all while still being authentic to who you are. They also discuss the casualization (is that a word?) in the work place. Not just in appearance but in attitude as well. This image stuff is all pretty foreign to a jeans and ballcap guy like Craig but having the appropriate image at the proper time and proper position in the workplace is a reality of life and Sylvie offers some great advice. You can learn more about Sylvie at www.executive-image-consulting.com

Kirby Lammers (@kirbydynabiz on twitter) returns to discuss his book Mind, Body and Business: The New Generation of Leaders with host Craig Price. Leadership and leadership styles need to adapt for businesses to thrive if not just survive. Kirby and Craig discuss the first book in a series on leadership in which they discuss Ted Williams, managers vs. leaders, grooming potential and how to properly return a failed leader back into their original position. Kirby's book aims to energize the workforce, strengthen business with a “FEEL GOOD” environment, increase morale, produce passion and purpose, provide a sustainable motivation, reduce employee turnover and build a culture for prevention of disease and illnesses. And if anyone has the personality for it, Kirby sure does! It's been almost 120 episodes but Kirby is back and ready for more. You can learn more about Kirby, his book and his executive coaching at http://www.mindbodyandbusiness.com/ 

Connie Allen joins host Craig Price to talk about casinos and her life as a blackjack dealer. Gambling can be fun or can be destructive. Thankfully, Craig and casinos fit firmly in the fun category and he deals straight with Connie about cheating, misconceptions people have about casinos, proper gambling table etiquette and much more. Her new book The Casino through a Dealer's Eyes covers the rules of many common casino games, money management and various table game techniques. There's more to casinos than just walking and throwing your money away. It can be a really great time if you have the right perspective! You can learn more about Connie and her book at www.thecasinothroughadealerseyes.tateauthor.com

Jeff Korhan (@JeffKorhan on twitter) joins host Craig Price to discuss social marketing. By now, it's pretty well established that Craig has a love-hate relationship with social media. Jeff, along with his latest book Built-In Social: Essential Social Marketing Practices for Every Small Business talk Craig down off the ledge as they talk about how every business must be a media company moving forward. Videos, podcasts, blogs and more are just part of the new marketing landscape and if you don't learn about it, you will be left behind! They also talk about how Facebook's new algorithm has made their business pages more and more uselesss to the small mom and pop shops. They also discuss how important Google+ will be moving forward and how important content marketing is to your overall social media marketing strategy.  You can learn more about Jeff and his book at http://www.JeffKorhan.com 

Dawnna St. Louis (@DawnnaStLouis on twitter) joins host Craig Price to discuss confidence. Typically, Craig wouldn't have a speaker come talk about confidence because it usually ends up in the realm of unicorn fart and rainbows. You know, too much fluff not enough real stuff. But Dawnna proves her ideas on confidence and entrepreneurship are more than grounded in reality. The two realists talk about her soon to be released book "Mojo Mogul",  Steve Jobs, Hitler (not at the same time!), what are gut feelings and intuition and how there is more to confidence than being over-confident. It’s a wide ranging episode that covers many issues entrepreneurs face every day on their way to mogul-dom.  You can learn all about Dawnna at her obviously named website  http://www.dawnna.com - She's like Prince, Cher and Sade! 

Nancy Hartwell joins host Craig Price to discuss the horrors of human trafficking. Craig puts aside his goofiness to talk about a serious subject that many may not know is still going on. The two discuss what kinds of women are targeted, how they are coerced into bad situations and what it is like living the life of a sex slave.  Nancy has gathered storied from over four decades of research and combined them into The Human Trafficking Series, a true-based fictional series of books that take an inside look at what victims of human trafficking really live through. Presented in a matter-of-fact, restrained tone, they describe the daily horrors of enslavement and how the people who find themselves in this unthinkable situation try to cope.  You can learn more about Nancy and her works at http://www.NancyHartwell.com and her books are currently available on Amazon.com.

David Dye (@DavidMDye on twitter) talks with host Craig Price about the importance of proper leadership communication.  David's new book "7 Things Your Team Needs To Hear You Say" covers many of the issues with today's leaders and how they can lead more effectively. Craig and David cover a lot of ground that includes: Fear as is a poor yet popular tactic that usually only gets the least amount of effort acceptable, Craig getting robbed at gunpoint and why leaders need to humanize themselves instead of setting themselves above their employees.  In The Seven Things Your Team Needs to Hear You Say, David shares practical and encouraging leadership communication tools you can use to cultivate engaged, responsible, and results-oriented teams. Whether you're a new front-line leader, a small business owner, or a veteran manager, The Seven Things Your Team Needs to Hear You Say will inspire you to inspire your team. You don't need buckets of charisma - they just need to hear you say these seven things.  You can learn

Rick Barongi, Director of the Houston Zoo (@houstonzoo on twitter) joins host Craig Price to discuss what goes into the running and expansion of a major zoo.  If anyone follows Craig on instagram (craigprice47) or on Google+ you'll know right away how much he likes zoos and appreciates animals through his photography. Getting the opportunity to talk to the director of a zoo like the Houston Zoo was quite a treat. The two discuss the unusual situation at the Copenhagen Zoo regarding the euthanasia of a healthy giraffe and how it affects all zoos, the planned expansion of the Houston Zoo to include gorillas in 2015, the not so planned expansion of 6 additional chimpanzees recently as well as what goes into deciding which animals breed, like the new baby elephant and giraffe the zoos delivered this February. You can learn more about the Houston Zoo at http://HoustonZoo.org. This episode is also being used to raise money for Orangutan Outreach! Past guest Richard Zimmerman's Apps of Apes is being utilized by th