What happens when your desires feel out of reach? Michael Allen’s SPEAK Talk takes us on a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, grappling with shame, self-betrayal, and the courage to embrace his true self.
From a young age, Michael hid who he was, fearing rejection and judgment. He takes us into pivotal moments of his life where he confronted deep-seated shame, rediscovered his worth, and began living authentically. Michael’s story is one of resilience and transformation, highlighting the power of compassion—both for ourselves and others—and the freedom that comes with fully accepting who we are.
In a world often filled with judgment and societal expectations, his story serves as a reminder that our inner desires are valid and that true growth comes from facing our deepest fears with courage and vulnerability.
🎥 Link to the FULL Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWLMWzxNRLg
#SPEAKevent #Resilience #Desire #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #Authenticity #Transformation #InnerStrength
Sloane: Redefining Success Through True Pleasure
Imagine living a life guided by true pleasure, not by the pressure to achieve, please others, or constantly strive for perfection. In her powerful SPEAK Talk, Sloane explores the benefits of living a life driven by true pleasure rather than self-sacrifice and people-pleasing. She takes us on a journey from a high-powered legal career and a fast-paced life to a profound understanding of what it means to live authentically, embracing life’s small moments and letting joy, presence, and meaningful connections lead the way.
For Sloane, the shift began when she stopped focusing on external markers of success and instead listened to what brought her true, lasting happiness. She started choosing experiences and relationships that aligned with her inner joy and well-being. Over time, Sloane found that this inner-centered life brought her more success, deeper relationships, and a feeling of peace. True pleasure, she shares, is not about quick fixes or temporary indulgences; it’s about living a life that feels fulfilling at its core.
Her journey inspires us to think about what makes us truly happy and how we can make decisions that lead to a life filled with joy, connection, and purpose.
🎥 Link to the FULL Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35zex1gba0w
#SPEAKevent #TruePleasure #Resilience #Desire #PersonalGrowth #LifePurpose #SelfDiscovery #Inspiration #PublicSpeaking #Transformation #Joy #InnerPeace #Connection #Authenticity @heartandsloane/
In Andrea Wilson Woods’ moving SPEAK Talk, she opens up about her life-changing journey of raising her younger sister, Adrienne, who was given to her at just eight years old. Andrea was only 22, facing her own battles with financial instability and an unhealthy relationship, but she didn’t hesitate to step up as her sister’s guardian.
Over the years, Andrea navigated countless challenges, from giving Adrienne a safe, stable environment to later confronting the unimaginable—Adrienne’s cancer diagnosis at 15. In her final moments, Adrienne’s last words, “I love you, Sissy,” were a reminder of the profound love they shared. Adrienne passed after 147 days, leaving a lasting impact on Andrea’s life.
While losing Adrienne remains Andrea’s greatest loss, raising her became her greatest joy and purpose. Through Adrienne, Andrea found a new path, dedicating her life to patient advocacy and founding Blue Faery, a nonprofit for liver cancer patients. Today, her work continues to honor Adrienne’s memory and help others facing similar struggles.
Andrea’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of how saying “yes” to challenges can bring meaning, purpose, and even unexpected healing.
🎥 Link to the FULL Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFWhu5AztR8
#SPEAKevent #Resilience #Inspiration #Family #PersonalGrowth #Motivation #LifePurpose #Healing #CancerAwareness #Compassion @AuthorAndreaWilsonWoods
Janet McConnell: The Power of Resilience and Figuring It Out
Janet McConnell’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and transformation. In her SPEAK Talk, Janet shares her journey from a troubling health diagnosis to finding her strength on a bodybuilding stage at age 60. She didn’t have a set path or a concrete plan—only the will to keep going and figure it out as she moved forward.
Twenty years ago, her doctor handed her a diagnosis of obesity and high blood pressure, cautioning her about heart disease. Instead of giving up, Janet decided to take control. She made a deal with her doctor to improve her health naturally, dedicating herself to the gym and adopting a healthier lifestyle. Over the years, she discovered the power of resilience by setting small goals, pushing through self-doubt, and leaning on her inner strength.
Her journey led her to the unexpected—competing in bodybuilding competitions and breaking boundaries she never thought possible. Janet’s story reminds us that resilience isn’t about knowing the way forward; it’s about embracing uncertainty and finding the courage to figure things out as they come. Today, she stands as a testament to the power of resilience and the beauty of transformation.
🎥 Link to the FULL Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jsnlrMAup4
#SPEAKevent #Resilience #SelfDiscovery #Inspiration #Transformation #PersonalGrowth #NeverGiveUp #Motivation #WellnessJourney #Empowerment #HealthJourney @interplanet.janet.9
Michael Allen: Embracing Authenticity Through Self-Discovery
Growing up, Michael Allen felt he had to hide a part of himself, burying his true identity under layers of fear and societal expectations. In his SPEAK Talk, Michael takes us through the painful journey of living in self-denial and the freedom he eventually found by embracing his authentic self.
Michael’s story is one of transformation. He describes the deep impact of stifling his true desires as a young boy, and the shame he carried into adulthood. The journey to self-acceptance wasn’t easy, but it was essential. His path toward authenticity was a courageous choice to value his desires and confront his internal conflicts head-on.
Through breathwork, introspection, and the support of close friends, Michael finally began to see himself through a lens of love and acceptance, free from shame. His message is universal: the voice within deserves to be acknowledged, understood, and loved. Michael’s story encourages others to unearth their hidden desires, embrace their true selves, and break free from the constraints of shame and doubt.
🎥 Link to the FULL Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWLMWzxNRLg
#SPEAKevent #Resilience #Authenticity #SelfDiscovery #PublicSpeaking #Growth #Inspiration #LifeLessons #Empowerment #MentalHealth #HealingJourney #Acceptance
Frank King: The Strength of Resilience Through Laughter and Family
Growing up, Frank King faced challenges most would find unimaginable. Raised by two loving mothers, he navigated life with a mix of humor and tenacity, building a career in comedy that would eventually lead him to become a keynote speaker focused on resilience and mental health.
Frank’s journey began with a simple decision to pursue comedy, an art that would later help him cope with generational trauma and personal loss. His ability to find humor in the darkest moments, even when he faced his own struggles with suicidal thoughts, shows the incredible power of resilience. Through laughter, he found purpose—and ultimately, a way to support others who struggle with mental health challenges.
In his talk at SPEAK, Frank shares a profound truth: “Where there’s humor, there’s hope.” For Frank, resilience was not just a personal journey but a way to honor the courage of his mothers and bring light to those grappling with their own darkness. His story encourages us to face adversity head-on, using our unique gifts to inspire others along the way.
🎥 Link to the FULL Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQvhIfif0UA
#SPEAKevent #Resilience #Comedy #MentalHealthAwareness #Inspiration #PublicSpeaking #Growth #LifeLessons #FamilyStrength #HopeThroughHumor #Empowerment #Motivation #StandUpAndSpeak
At the age of 8, three little words—"don’t tell anyone"—silenced Jackie Bailey, trapping her in a world of fear and self-blame. Her journey from childhood trauma to breaking the silence speaks to the power of communication, forgiveness, and the resilience that trauma survivors carry within.
Jackie’s story is one of perseverance, finding her voice, and ultimately saving others by choosing to speak out. Years after enduring abuse, she faced the painful yet healing journey of confronting her past. When her brother’s daughter was born, Jackie knew she had to act, choosing to share her story rather than remain silent. This decision transformed her life and protected her niece.
Through years of reflection and personal growth, Jackie found a way to forgive, planting seeds of compassion that flourished in her family. Her journey has taught her the power of words, the importance of breaking silence, and the profound impact forgiveness can have—not only on survivors but on those around them. Jackie’s talk at SPEAK explores how communication can disrupt cycles of abuse, encouraging survivors everywhere to find their own voices.
🎥 Link to the FULL Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7ea7YcGAPg
#SPEAKevent #Resilience #FamilyHealing #Forgiveness #Empowerment #TraumaSurvivor #PersonalGrowth #PublicSpeaker #Inspiration #Motivation #Education #BreakTheSilence #HealingJourney
Kirsty Verity’s journey is a powerful testament to the shift from chasing external success to discovering a deeper, more fulfilling desire. For years, Kirsty lived the dream she’d envisioned since her youth—a six-figure career, a beautiful apartment on the water, travel adventures, and the thrill of success. She was the one who “made it out” of Northern England, breaking generational cycles and achieving all she thought she’d ever wanted.
But as Kirsty sat on her Sydney balcony with everything she had once dreamed of, a nagging emptiness crept in. “Is this it?” she wondered, despite having achieved every desire she had once held. This unsettling feeling spurred her to question her purpose, unraveling the illusions of desire driven by societal standards, financial gains, and fear of failure. She came to a pivotal realization: true desire isn’t about what society says will make us happy. It’s about aligning with the life that feels expansive, meaningful, and authentically ours.
Today, Kirsty helps others move beyond the noise of external validation to connect with their unique purpose. Her talk at SPEAK dives deep into finding true fulfillment by understanding our inner desires, shedding the fears of “not enough,” and embracing the beauty of authentic living. This powerful story challenges us all to ask: What do we truly desire?
🎥 Link to the FULL Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb6px-_BfJU
#SPEAKevent #Purpose #SelfDiscovery #PersonalGrowth #Motivation #InnerPeace #Success #Authenticity #Transformation #Growth
Tanya Dalton: Family Secrets and the Freedom in Truth
Tanya Dalton takes us on an emotional journey through the complex web of family secrets, love, and the strength needed to break free from societal expectations. Her story begins at age 26, a moment she describes as a clear before and after—a timeline split by a shocking revelation about her family. “It was as if a 900 lb gorilla had crashed through my world,” she recalls, describing how a long-buried family secret shattered her perception of her childhood.
This revelation was not only a test of Tanya’s resilience but also an opportunity to see her family with new eyes. “We all wear masks,” Tanya explains, “especially with family, because we’re scared to disappoint the people we love the most.” In a heart-to-heart with her son, she learned the true cost of expectations, realizing that the dreams she held for him were her own—not his. By releasing him from these expectations, she not only found peace in their relationship but also the freedom to let go of her own burdens.
This story of forgiveness, authenticity, and acceptance challenges us to rethink our own family relationships. What secrets and expectations are we holding onto that may need releasing? Tanya’s journey reminds us that healing begins when we finally shed the layers of expectation, allowing love to grow from a place of truth and understanding.
🎥 Link to the FULL Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIlS7M2CC1Y
#SPEAKevent #publicspeaking #publicspeaker #stage #growth #event #personaldevelopment #inspiration #motivation #education #forgiveness #authenticity #resilience #familyvalues #truth
Adam Zaffuto’s Story: Rediscovering Humanity in the Midst of War
In his deeply reflective SPEAK Talk, Adam Zaffuto shares the heart-wrenching story of his time in Iraq, where he encountered both the brutality of war and the loss of innocence. His experiences in combat led him to confront an inner darkness—a transformation that began with witnessing the shared humanity between allies and enemies alike.
Adam’s journey didn’t end with his service. Returning home, he faced years of PTSD and self-blame, grappling with moral injury that haunted him in civilian life. But he found an unexpected path to healing through psychedelic therapy, which enabled him to revisit his memories through a lens of love, understanding, and acceptance.
Rather than seeing his adversaries as monsters, Adam began to view everyone through the eyes of compassion, realizing that the enemies he once fought were simply people caught in their own circumstances, much like him. This profound empathy extended not only to others but to his own fractured self, bringing him to a place of peace he never thought possible.
Today, Adam uses his story to inspire others to find healing, peace, and the strength to look beyond their own pain. His powerful journey reminds us that by facing our darkness, we can all learn to see the world—and ourselves—with new, compassionate eyes.
🎥 Link to the FULL Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXnc40u3cMo
#SPEAKevent #Resilience #MentalHealth #HealingJourney #Compassion #Transformation #PublicSpeaker #Empathy #InnerStrength #Purpose #Inspiration #Growth @adam.zaffuto
The Unwelcomed Gift of Resilience: Paul Glover’s Journey of Transformation
In his powerful SPEAK Talk, Paul Glover reveals how life’s darkest moments can be the most transformative. Paul’s story is one of resilience, growth, and redemption. A successful attorney, Paul’s journey took an unexpected turn when his choices led to a federal indictment. Through years of self-reflection and the support of his family, he embarked on a journey to turn his destructive past into a story of personal transformation.
He emphasizes the importance of resilience as a skill set anyone can build. By taking accountability, learning from past mistakes, and accepting support, Paul transformed his life from one of regret to one of purpose. His four-step process to resilience inspires all of us to use adversity as a tool for growth.
Paul’s journey shows that true resilience is about facing the pain, owning the past, and moving forward. Join him as he shares his path to transformation and offers insight into developing resilience to handle life’s challenges.
🎥 Link to the FULL Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhYghKIsN6Q
#SPEAKevent #Resilience #Transformation #PersonalGrowth #SelfImprovement #Inspiration #Forgiveness #Accountability #Motivation #Purpose
In her captivating SPEAK Talk, Sloane explores the idea of “True Pleasure” and its transformative power. She shares how her journey, which began with societal expectations, transitioned into a pursuit of genuine self-love and authentic joy. Sloane reveals that the path to true pleasure isn’t in outward accomplishments or fulfilling others' expectations but in aligning with our deepest desires and creating a life that honors them.
After years of striving for professional success, she realized that the joy and connection she sought were found within herself. She began living authentically, fostering a closer relationship with her daughter, pursuing mindful practices, and creating spaces for women to connect to their true selves. Today, Sloane guides others to reclaim a life of genuine pleasure, free from external pressures. Her message speaks to those ready to pause the hustle and truly enjoy the richness of the present.
Join Sloane as she redefines happiness and teaches how to make True Pleasure a guiding force in everyday life.
🎥 Link to the FULL Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35zex1gba0w
#SPEAKevent #PublicSpeaking #TruePleasure #Empowerment #Resilience #Growth #SelfDiscovery #Authenticity #PersonalDevelopment #InnerJoy #Mindfulness #Connection @heartandsloane/
