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What happens when you step onto a stage with your heart pounding and your mind going blank? In this heartfelt episode, host Karen Hall vulnerably recounts her deeply personal behind-the-scenes emotional journey of facing her fears and overcoming her public speaking anxiety to deliver an impactful speech at SPEAK Faith event in NY. Joining her is the empathetic and insightful Barbie Ray, who witnessed Karen’s journey firsthand and shares her own valuable observations.

Karen dives deep into the emotions that even seasoned speakers face—feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and the ever-present fear of not being enough. They explore how faith and determination can transform those fears into powerful moments of connection and authenticity.

Throughout the episode, Karen opens up about the exhilarating highs and nerve-wracking fears of preparing for her speech. From the unexpected moments of forgetting parts of her talk to the profound sense of peace she found through letting go and trusting God, Karen’s story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and vulnerability. She also shares the joy of connecting with her audience and the overwhelming gratitude she felt when receiving a standing ovation, all while reflecting on the incredible support from her community.

Barbie Ray, with her wealth of experience as a speaking coach, offers deep insights into the importance of community support, heart-centered communication, and together, she and Karen discuss the role of empathetic coaching in overcoming stage fright. Together, Karen and Barbie highlight the profound impact of sharing personal stories and the motivations behind public speaking, along with the importance of emotional intelligence in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

About Karen Hall:

Karen Hall is an international, inspirational motivational speaker known for her work on The Empathy Advantage™ and emotional intelligence. She is the Managing Director of The Los Angeles Tribune Women's and SpanishJournals. With over 40 years of experience as a spiritual life coach, trained under Marianne Williamson, Karen is committed to helping individuals overcome barriers to love and build relationships of trust through empathy. Host ofThe Hero Within Podcast™, it ranks among the top 3% globally. Karen’s forthcoming book aims to further her mission of fostering emotional intelligence and empathy in both personal and professional relationships.

Connect with Karen:

• Website
• Links:
• The Hero Within Podcast™
• The Los Angeles Tribune Women's Journal

About Barbie Ray:
Barbie Ray is an accomplished speaking coach, author, and empath known for her heart-centered approach to helping others overcome public speaking anxiety and trauma. With a deep commitment to making a difference in the world, Barbie uses her expertise to guide speakers in finding their authentic voice and delivering impactful messages. She has worked with countless individuals, helping them transform their fears into strengths. Barbie is also the founder of Empower with Barbie, where she offers coaching and resources for those looking to conquer their fears and step confidently into the spotlight. Her upcoming book will dive deeper into her methods and experiences, offering even more tools for personal and professional growth.
Connect with Barbie:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram