Optimism Vaccine podcast

#Cinema #The Optimism Vaccine Network

26:43

Are unpaid speaking gigs worth it or a complete waste of your time? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a question that every industry educator and speaker eventually asks: “Should I take the stage if I’m not getting paid?” You’ll hear from powerhouse speakers and event hosts like Jordan Gill, Elizabeth Henson, Amber Housely, Kristina Bartold, Jamie Fischer, Heather Leicy, Amanda Smith, and Tomasha Suber, who share the real stories and strategies behind their decisions to say yes (or no) to unpaid gigs. These clips are part of a larger speaker interview series inside of Sought-After Speaker System, my course for speakers. Check out the full uncut interviews inside the course. Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice. LEARN MORE Are Unpaid Speaking Gigs Worth It? Here’s How to Know When to Say Yes This is a question every industry educator wrestles with at some point. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your speaking career, unpaid opportunities can feel like a gamble. But after interviewing some of the smartest speakers and event hosts in the business, one thing became crystal clear: unpaid doesn’t have to mean unprofitable . The truth is, unpaid speaking gigs can absolutely work in your favor—if you know what to look for, how to prepare, and how to measure their value strategically. Let’s break it down. Why Speakers Say Yes to Unpaid Gigs (Strategically) Think of it as a Marketing Expense Jordan Gill, who completed 11 speaking engagements in a single year, only accepted one completely unpaid opportunity and she’d do it again. Why? Because the audience was perfectly aligned and the event delivered real value beyond compensation. Instead of viewing unpaid gigs as losses, she budgets for them like she would Facebook ads or other marketing efforts. Her advice: “If I’d pay for ads to reach this audience, I’ll consider paying to be in the room with them instead.” That’s a powerful mindset shift. It reframes speaking as an investment , not a favor. You Need a Funnel That Converts Unpaid gigs are only worthwhile if they convert. Elizabeth Henson evaluates each event through the lens of whether her funnel is likely to perform. She’s not pitching from stage—she’s offering a quiz that seamlessly fits into her keynote. From there, she drives attendees into her ecosystem and into her higher-ticket offers. “If I get one sale from a talk, that usually covers the cost of travel,” she explained. “And that’s all I need.” The key takeaway here: Exposure without a sales system is just vanity. Don’t say yes to a stage if you don’t have a clear plan to turn attention into action. Other Forms of Value Beyond a Paycheck The Real ROI Is in Relationships Amber Housely emphasizes what many overlook: the relationships behind the scenes. From networking with other speakers to connecting with attendees and hosts, unpaid gigs often create the kind of opportunities that snowball into future collaborations, invites, and referrals. If the event puts you in a room with aligned people, decision-makers, or potential collaborators: that’s value. The Power of Staying Present Kristina Bartold brought up something that might surprise newer speakers: attending the full event matters. She’s seen a significant drop in breakout room attendance when speakers only show up for their time slot and leave. By sticking around, you deepen connections and maximize visibility. You don’t just show up—you become part of the experience. How to Decide: A Framework for Evaluating Unpaid Gigs If you’re considering an unpaid speaking gig, here are five questions to ask yourself before you say yes: 1. Is the audience made up of my ideal clients or buyers? You don’t need thousands in the room—just the right people. 2. Do I have a clear funnel or follow-up system in place? If you’re not pitching, how are you inviting them into your world? 3. Will I receive any valuable assets from the event? This includes high-quality video, photography, testimonials, or repurposable content. 4. Can I build meaningful relationships with speakers or hosts? Think long-term. One connection can lead to countless future opportunities. 5. Does this opportunity align with my current business goals or season? Sometimes you’re in a growth phase. Sometimes you need revenue now. Your decision should reflect that. Why Boundaries Matter (And Why You Should Share Them) Tomasha’s perspective is a masterclass in professional clarity. She no longer entertains unpaid gigs that don’t clearly communicate expectations from the start. She encourages other speakers to hold their standards just as firmly. Her take? If a gig isn’t aligned with your values, goals, or boundaries, say no with confidence. And remember: saying no can still be a way of serving— it creates space for another speaker who might benefit more from the opportunity . You Can Always Say No. But You Can Also Say Yes (Intentionally) There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to unpaid speaking. What matters is that your decision is intentional. Amanda Smith shared how she and another speaker creatively structured a speaking partnership with no paycheck but tons of value: travel as a personal retreat, stage access, aligned audience, and media opportunities. The key? Clear communication and mutual benefit. Bottom line: There are dozens of ways to create value and dozens of ways to waste your time. Knowing the difference is what sets you apart. Should You Take That Unpaid Speaking Opportunity? Unpaid speaking gigs aren’t automatically good or bad. But when you understand your goals, have systems in place, and communicate clearly, they can open doors you didn’t even know were there. So the next time an unpaid opportunity lands in your inbox, don’t dismiss it right away. Use this framework to decide if it’s actually strategic . And if you’re ready to take your speaking career to the next level with a clear path to pitching, speaking, and selling, I’ve got something just for you. Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice. LEARN MORE Mentioned in this Episode The Sought-After Speaker System Connect with the Guests Elizabeth Henson: elizabethhenson.co Jordan Gill: systemssavedme.com Amber Housley: amberhousley.com Kristina Bartold: highvibewomen.ca Joanna Waterfall: instagram.com/joannawaterfall Jamie & Heather: instagram.com/theconquercommunity Amanda Smith: dallasgirlgang.com Tomasha Suber: tomashasuber.com Looking for the Transcript? DOWNLOAD NOW The post 224: Are Unpaid Speaking Gigs Worth It? appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators .…

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Optimism Vaccine’s panel of experts and idiots explore the dingy crevices between pop culture and forgotten trash in a never-ending quest to celebrate your guilty pleasures in the world of cinema and beyond.

300 епізодів

Optimism Vaccine

Optimism Vaccine explicit

updated 4 дні тому

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#Cinema #The Optimism Vaccine Network

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Optimism Vaccine

1
Weapons (Horror in 2025) 2:02:01

4 дні тому2:02:01

2:02:01

THIS WEEK: The Woman in the Yard (2025), Bring Her Back (2025), Weapons (2025) and 28 Years Later (2025) I mean, the title is just as applicable to this episode of our dumb podcast as it is to Zach Cregger's film, amiright? Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

Optimism Vaccine

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The Universal Monsters (Shawntober 2025) 1:05:12

10 днів тому1:05:12

1:05:12

THIS WEEK: Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), The Mummy (1932), The Invisible Man (1933), Bride of Frankenstein (1935), The Wolf Man (1941) and The Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954) We're breaking format for the (permanent?) finale of Shawntober, as we take a wide-ranging look at the origins of the American horror film. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
The Films of Brian Yuzna (Shawntober 2025) 59:10

19 днів тому59:10

59:10

THIS WEEK: Society (1989), Bride of Re-Animator (1990), and The Dentist (1996) Shawn can't stop flapping his gums about The Substance, so we figured it was time to show him some real films of substance. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

Optimism Vaccine

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The Films of John Landis (Shawntober 2025) 1:04:55

26 днів тому1:04:55

1:04:55

THIS WEEK: An American Werewolf in London (1981), Innocent Blood (1992), Deer Woman (2005) and Family (2006) This week we really wanted to test Shawn's mettle by exposing him to the twisted mind behind some of the most sickening works of the 20th century: Beverly Hills Cop III and Max Landis. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

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The Films of Andrzej Zulawski (Shawntober 2025) 1:13:09

5 weeks тому1:13:09

1:13:09

THIS WEEK: The Devil (1972), Possession (1981) and Under the Silver Globe (1988) For some unholy reason, Steve demanded that we kick off spooky season with the ultimate downer, as we expose Shawn Glinis to the verbose filmography of Polish philosopher king Andrzej Zulawski. You won't find any treats here. Or tricks, really. Just a great many agonized shouts. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
Simulation Theory Confirmed 1:27:16

6 weeks тому1:27:16

1:27:16

THIS WEEK: Disclosure (1994), Virtuosity (1995) and The Thirteenth Floor (1999) With the end of days imminent, we're jacking back in to look at another trio of bonkers 90s VR films and yearn for the future that wasn't. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

Optimism Vaccine

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The Midnight Meat Train to Georgia (The American Films of Ryûhei Kitamura) 1:39:45

7 weeks тому1:39:45

1:39:45

THIS WEEK: The Midnight Meat Train (2008), No One Lives (2012), Downrange (2017) and The Price We Pay (2022) What happens when a Japanese ADHD-addled wunderkind with zero interest in boring filmmaking minutiae like performance, pacing and screen geography heads to Hollywood? Redbox magic, baby! Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
I Want to Be Corpse 1:24:44

8 weeks тому1:24:44

1:24:44

THIS WEEK: Showdown in Little Tokyo (1991), Johnny Mnemonic (1995) and I Want to Be Neenja! The Movie (2024) Ostensibly, we're still discussing the uncomfortable marriage of Japanese culture and 1990s Hollywood production. In actuality, we have gazed deep into the snarling panther's maw and emerged lesser. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
The War on Japan 1:28:59

9 weeks тому1:28:59

1:28:59

THIS WEEK: Black Rain (1989), Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. (1990) and Rising Sun (1993) This week, we're revisiting the brief period of time in post-Cold War America when our great nation affixed its racist, paranoid gaze on the shores of Japan. The result was some very strange cinema. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
Not Quite Hollywood Hogan 1:30:12

10 weeks тому1:30:12

1:30:12

THIS WEEK: Assault on Devil's Island (1997), McCinsey's Island (1998) and The Ultimate Weapon (1998) There's no Hulkamaniacs here! Yet here we are, combing through the Hulkster's brief run as a cable crossover star. Was the big heel turn enough to awaken Terry's latent potential as a leading man? Results vary. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

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Hulkster in Heaven 1:49:33

11 weeks тому1:49:33

1:49:33

THIS WEEK: No Holds Barred (1989), Mr. Nanny (1993) and Thunder in Paradise (1993) With the recent passing of Hulk Hogan, Steve and I felt duty bound as Real Americans to educate Jack on the phenomenon of Hulkamania. I'm not sure if his film career was particularly illustrative. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
The Future of American Cinema (Baby Geniuses) 51:15

12 weeks тому51:15

51:15

THIS WEEK: Baby Geniuses (1999) and Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2 (2004) Having given the Baby Assassins a deserved spotlight, it seemed only appropriate to discuss Baby Geniuses, the passion project of OV supervillain Steven Paul. In 1999, one man dared to ask the question: What if babies possessed the cognitive capacity to mentally dominate Dom DeLuise? Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

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Tipper Gore Was Right (Baby Assassins) 1:11:35

13 weeks тому1:11:35

1:11:35

THIS WEEK: Baby Assassins (2021), Baby Assassins: 2 Babies (2023) and Baby Assassins: Nice Days (2024) Jack already spends 10% of any given episode talking about Baby Assassins, so we thought we'd let him get it out of his system. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

Optimism Vaccine

1
Asimov's Grandson 1:19:16

14 weeks тому1:19:16

1:19:16

THIS WEEK: Enthiran (2010) and 2.0 (2018) Why settle for Hollywood when Kollywood exists? Join us this week as we're dazzled by Rajinikanth and baffled by 5G conspiracies. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

Optimism Vaccine

1
XX: Beautiful Leftovers 1:22:13

15 weeks тому1:22:13

1:22:13

THIS WEEK: XX: Beautiful Weapon (1993), XX: Beautiful Target (1995) and XX: Beautiful Beast (1995) Like the rest of the internet, we just couldn't get enough Japanese perversion. So this week we've opted to crack open the fridge and dish up a second helping of the V-Cinema franchise XX. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
Taplas Bar 1:27:17

16 weeks тому1:27:17

1:27:17

THIS WEEK: XX: Beautiful Hunter (1994), XX: Beautiful Prey (1996), and XX: Beautiful Killing Machine (1996) Having already covered the adventures of Xander Cage and Ti West's misguided stab at franchise horror, it was inevitable that a sage Patron would point us toward the Japanese film series XX. It promises to be a beautiful time. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
Schwarzenegger Minus Schwarzenegger 1:20:14

17 weeks тому1:20:14

1:20:14

THIS WEEK: Jingle All the Way 2 (2014), Kindergarten Cop 2 (2016), and Eraser: Reborn (2022) It was suggested that this episode was below even us, but once an idiotic idea has been introduced, you can trust that Optimism Vaccine will follow through. So here we are, discussing films had the audacity to attempt the impossible: Replacing Arnold Schwarzenegger. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
The Crypt Keeper Presents: Cries and Whispers 1:22:17

18 weeks тому1:22:17

1:22:17

THIS WEEK: Tales from the Crypt (1972), Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995), Bordello of Blood (1996) and Ritual (2002) We decided that Jack needed more Dennis Miller in his life, which naturally led us to the cinematic world of EC Comics. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
You Wouldn't Steal a Car 1:04:18

19 weeks тому1:04:18

1:04:18

THIS WEEK: The Net (1995) and The Net 2.0 (2006) Lord knows why, but we've decided to discuss the very relevant tech anti-thriller, The Net. And its pitiful DTV sequel. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

Optimism Vaccine

1
Atlasphere 1:09:04

20 weeks тому1:09:04

1:09:04

THIS WEEK: Flexing With Monty: A Domestic Symphonie (2010) and The Evil Within AKA The Storyteller (2017) A generous Patron asked us to look at John Albo's perpetually-in-production feature debut Flexing With Monty. Which we took as a good excuse to check out a meth-addled oil heir's posthumously released horror opus. Apologies for Jack's occasionally choppy audio. Hey, why not request your own episode, and help us buy him a new microphone? Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
The Next Best Critic 1:26:05

21 weeks тому1:26:05

1:26:05

THIS WEEK: Day For Night (1973) and Hulk Blood Tapes (2015) It has recently come to our attention that X's foremost Oscar-knower Matt Neglia starred in a found footage horror film. Of course we're honor-bound to discuss it. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

Optimism Vaccine

1
The Cinema of Goosenecking 1:25:53

22 weeks тому1:25:53

1:25:53

THIS WEEK: Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) and Rust (2024) Well, it finally happened. Rust was unceremoniously dumped onto streaming, so we're obliged to fulfill a long-standing Patron request to look at the film. And we've decided to pair it with Twilight Zone: The Movie for... no reason. Nothing morbid happening here. Move along. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
Unnecessary 1:19:23

23 weeks тому1:19:23

1:19:23

THIS WEEK: Blues Brothers 2000 (1998), Basic Instinct 2 (2006) and Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010) We wrap up our tangled series of series-es with a trio of films that really left us questioning the artistic merits of the decades late, creatively bankrupt sequel. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
She Drives Me Crazy (Jack Ketchum's Woman Trilogy) 1:26:00

24 weeks тому1:26:00

1:26:00

THIS WEEK: Offspring (2009), The Woman (2011) and Darlin' (2019) We're wrapping up our aughts horror binge by barely discussing Lucky McKee, whose indie horror hit The Woman was inexplicably the middle film in a trilogy of cannibal flicks. It won't make any more sense when you've watched the films. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
Dracula: Weinstein Style (The Dracula 2000 Trilogy) 1:16:49

25 weeks тому1:16:49

1:16:49

THIS WEEK: Dracula 2000 (2000), Dracula II: Ascension (2003) and Dracula III: Legacy (2005) Our run of episodes on the stunted hopes of aughts horror gradually morphs into a look at secret franchises as we look at the undisputed king of the 3D horror revival, Patrick Lussier. Before there was Drive Angry, there was Dracula 2000. And two DTV sequels that apparently exist. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
Swine Before Pearls (The Films of Ti West? Mia Goth?) 1:28:51

26 weeks тому1:28:51

1:28:51

THIS WEEK: X (2022), Pearl (2022) and MaXXXine (2024) No one typifies our mini-exploration into the horror aught-eurs that weren't more than Ti West. Annointed king of independent horror disappears for a decade, only to suddenly re-emerge to reign over a new, worse brand of independent horror. It's a story as old as time. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
Charlotte Kirk, Mon Amour (The Films of Neil Marshall. No, Not Those Ones.) 1:22:33

27 weeks тому1:22:33

1:22:33

THIS WEEK: The Reckoning (2020), The Lair (2022) and Duchess (2024) Have you ever found yourself rolling credits on aughts horror classic The Descent and wondering, "Whatever happened to that guy?" Would it surprise you to hear that he married a young model and spent the next five years of his career endeavoring to make her a streaming superstar? That's right. Neil Marshall is a wife guy. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
Master of Indie Horror (The Films of Larry Fessenden) 1:25:05

28 weeks тому1:25:05

1:25:05

THIS WEEK: Wendigo (2001), Depraved (2019), and Blackout (2023) Too hip for the horror hounds and too committed to making monster movies for the arthouse crowd. Larry Fessenden's career is defined by moments of brilliance from a one-of-a-kind filmmaker hamstrung by budget constraints and setbacks that kept him from becoming a household name. He's also the perfect example of someone willing to do what it takes to make art that he loves without compromising his vision. And damn, did you know he had a Killers of the Flower Moon cameo? Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

1
Wolf Mode 1:22:35

29 weeks тому1:22:35

1:22:35

THIS WEEK: Wolfen (1981), Wolf (1994) and Wolf Man (2025) Ah, the werewolf. Perhaps the perfect vehicle for exploring the duality of man. Or in the case of this week's slate of films: urbanization, the publishing industry, and ALS. Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon…

Optimism Vaccine

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Motion Sickness Episode Six: Searching/Missing feat. Jake Serwin & Ian Rhine 1:12:52

30 weeks тому1:12:52