Best Speechwriting Podcasts (2025)

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Say "I Do" to the Perfect Speech: Tips from a Professional Wedding Speechwriter 21:07

Play Pause

5d ago21:07

21:07

We are getting down to the most nerve-wracking part of the reception: the wedding speeches! We're sitting down with Holly, a professional speechwriter who transitioned from the world of PR to helping couples and their loved ones craft genuinely meaningful and memorable toasts. She's spilling the tea on how to make your speech a heartfelt moment ins…

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Ditch the Boring Favors! Custom Hats are an Interactive Wedding Experience 21:07

12d ago21:07

21:07

This week, we're swapping out the usual centerpiece talk for a dose of personalized fun with Shannon McAllister of Happy Dance Hat Bar! Shannon brings her interactive, mobile hat-making experience to weddings and events, transforming a simple favor into a memorable activity. Grab a seat as we dish on: Why a customized Hat Bar is the ultimate, uniqu…

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RE-AIR: Pat Boone Discusses Fame, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Opening For Him 45:46

13d ago45:46

45:46

Our guest today is none other than the incomparable Pat Boone. With a decades-long career, Pat has graced stages, screens, and airwaves with his golden voice and timeless charisma. From chart-topping hits to silver-screen successes, he's a multifaceted talent who has stood the test of time. We discuss his career, fame, and why he said no to making …

1
A Conductor 31:52

14d ago31:52

31:52

Reinterpreting centuries-old classical music, marking up symphonies with notes on phrasing, and turning mid-performance disasters into unforgettable moments with Carlos Miguel Prieto, a music director and conductor. How do you get an orchestra to pick up the tempo? (Spoiler: Not by waving your hands faster.) And how does a performance of Beethoven'…

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Ep. 94 Alison Brahe-Daddo on menopause, finding majesty in the mayhem and making marriage work. 34:44

22d ago34:44

34:44

For anyone who grew up in the late 80s and 90s, the name Alison Brahe-Daddo is synonymous with that Dolly magazine cover - the one blu-tacked to bedroom walls and plastered all over school lockers. With her dazzling smile and golden beach body, Ali exploded onto the Australian modelling scene at the age of 16, gracing the glossy covers of Cleo, Dol…

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“What’s The Vision”: Fellows Inspired by Hamilton; Richard Brookhiser on the Founders’ Continuing Impact 48:19

26d ago48:19

48:19

In the newest episode of Pod and Man at Yale, Mickey Lin ’26 and Justin Greenman GSAS reflect on their trip to see Hamilton on Broadway with the Buckley Institute and discuss their thoughts on the Founders: Lin: “When I was working on the Hill and I had to give capital tours, I was like, now, looking back, yeah, we never really talked about Hamilto…

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Final Destination’s Mastermind on Crafting Fear and Writing Death 1:00:06

27d ago1:00:06

1:00:06

On this episode of Eyewitness History, we sit down with Jeffrey Riddick, the screenwriter and producer behind the iconic Final Destination franchise. Riddick shares his journey from aspiring writer to Hollywood powerhouse, revealing the inspirations, challenges, and creative processes that brought one of modern horror’s most enduring series to life…

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A Master Electrician 32:50

28d ago32:50

32:50

Calculating electrical loads, getting zapped by 277 volts, and savoring the freedom of the skilled trades with Doug Powell, a master electrician. Why are blue-collar professions growing increasingly more attractive? And what are the telltale signs of a hack electrician? Doug runs Lumen Brothers Electric Company with his business partner, Josh. WANT…

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Stay True to Yourself During Wedding Planning (Top Episode) 40:07

1M ago40:07

40:07

Understanding your strengths and weaknesses plays a bigger part in wedding planning than most of us realize. Me? I'm not great at planning in general. And, Victoria isn't either. Pushing ourselves to do something we're not the best at can often lead to unnecessary stress, disappointment, and frustration. So, play to your strengths and hire a profes…

1
A Baseball Player 31:09

1M ago31:09

31:09

Scaling outfield walls to pick off home runs, bouncing between La Quinta hotels and sleeper buses, and chasing the dream of the majors with Trayvon Robinson, a professional baseball player. What superstitions did he live by? And what did he do to make SportsCenter in his major league debut? WANT MORE EPISODE SUGGESTIONS? Grab our What It's Like To …

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Wedding or Elopement? Choose What's Right for You! (Top Episode) 29:29

2M ago29:29

29:29

What’s the difference between a wedding and an elopement? And, what the heck is adventure elopement? Everyone should have the celebration that’s the right fit for them. We’re dishing about the differences between having a traditional wedding and eloping. Guest: Brianna, Brianna Parks Photography Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com t…

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A Seismologist 33:21

2M ago33:21

33:21

Monitoring global networks of seismometers, evangelizing for stronger buildings instead of better predictions, and measuring LA's slow crawl toward Alaska with Lucy Jones, a seismologist in Southern California. Why does she begin counting when she feels the earth start to shake? And how did a nuclear test ban treaty end up boosting the science of e…

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Photography Tips for Your Ceremony (Top Episode) 8:46

2M ago8:46

8:46

Tips so your ceremony pictures look perfect, even if your ceremony is super short! We're on break, and airing one of our top hits! No guest this week, just me, sharing photography expertise. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com to check out our upcoming events, apply to be a guest, and check out show notes. Grab the wedding planning …

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Controversial Historian’s Grandson Shares Family and Publishing Perspective 54:35

2M ago54:35

54:35

In this episode of Eyewitness History, I speak with Adam Irving, grandson of historian David Irving and head of Irving Books, the publisher managing his grandfather’s works. We discuss David Irving’s career as an author, his legacy in historical debate, and what it means for Adam to balance family ties with the responsibilities of running a publish…

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An Executive Chef 33:53

2M ago33:53

33:53

By Dan Heath

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Ep. 93 Kelly Donougher on eschewing life’s “shoulds”, navigating infertility and finding healing through creativity and career change. 53:11

2M ago53:11

53:11

“How many kids do you have?” It’s a question asked so casually, often as part of small talk. Yet, for those who dreamed of parenthood but find themselves childless, these four words can land with a heavy blow. Today’s guest, Kelly Donougher, is a successful interior designer and founder of 13 Interiors, with design studios in Perth and Melbourne. B…

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Behind the Laughs of "Airplane!" with Lorna Lembeck 1:03:24

3M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

In this episode of Eyewitness History, Josh Cohen welcomes actress Lorna Lembeck, who played Randy in the legendary comedy Airplane!. Lorna shares her memories from the set, what it was like to be part of a film that redefined parody, and why the movie continues to resonate with audiences more than forty years later. See omnystudio.com/listener for…

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The Art of Listening 46:34

3M ago46:34

46:34

Former BBC journalist Steve Rawling talks about how speechwriters can learn from listening at the European Speechwriter Network conference in Oxford March 2025.

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A Speech in Memory of Dr Max Atkinson 33:24

3M ago33:24

33:24

Simon Atkinson from IPSOS delivers a speech remembering the great public speaking consultant and speechwriter Dr Max Atkinson.

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In Praise of Populism 30:23

3M ago30:23

30:23

Professor Michael Burke from Utrecht University discusses the relationship between populism and democracy at the European Speechwriter Network conference in Oxford March 2025.

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The Demagogic Genius of Donald Trump 30:32

3M ago30:32

30:32

Journalist, Kevin Toolis, gives an analysis of the rhetoric of Donald Trump at the European Speechwriter Network conference in Oxford March 2025.

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The Language of Evil 15:35

3M ago15:35

15:35

Guy Doza talks about his new book, The Language of Evil, How dictators manipulate the masses and wield power through words.

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Does European Speechwriting have a Future? 23:32

3M ago23:32

23:32

European Commission Speechwriter, Daniel Mouqué, provides a rousing speech in favour of the European Union.

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Brian Jenner on AI (BBC World Service) 5:45

3M ago5:45

5:45

Brian Jenner spoke about the influence of AI on speechwriting on the BBC.

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A Speechwriter 32:18

3M ago32:18

32:18

Writing for the ear rather than the eye, racing to meet teleprompter deadlines, and recasting lost memories as timeless advice with Stephen Krupin, a speechwriter. What was it like to write speeches for President Obama? And when can a speaker's desire for "authenticity" go too far? WANT MORE EPISODE SUGGESTIONS? Grab our What It's Like To Be... "st…

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"Don't Understand...What Socialism Is": Yale Students on Capitalism; Georgetown's Jason Brennan on Young People and Socialism 48:20

3M ago48:20

48:20

In the first Pod and Man at Yale episode of the fall semester, Will Flanigan '27, Hilda Barragan-Reyes '26, and Stephen Morris '27 discuss free markets, capitalism, and Zohran Mamdani: Hilda Barragan-Reyes: “I think people don’t necessarily disagree with the premise that capitalism is the best system. I think they often don’t understand what capita…

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I've Written a Book! 4:16

3M ago4:16

4:16

In this special episode of Eyewitness History, Josh Cohen shares the story behind his new book, William F. Buckley Jr.'s Guide to Friendship in a Polarized Era. He explores how Buckley built lasting friendships across deep political divides and why his example of decency, humor, and faith matters in today’s polarized world. Pre-order now - https://…

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Eyewitness to India: Art, Culture, and a Life Transformed 43:41

3M ago43:41

43:41

In this episode of Eyewitness History, Josh Cohen speaks with Dr. Stephen P. Huyler — art historian, cultural anthropologist, photographer, and author of the new memoir Transformed by India: A Life. For more than five decades, Huyler has traveled across nearly every corner of India, documenting its crafts, rituals, and people while forging lifelong…

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A Floral Decorator 33:58

3M ago33:58

33:58

Crafting floral masterpieces that disappear within hours, dealing with the eccentricities of wealthy clients, and making 3am runs to the flower market with Paul Hawkins, a floral decorator in England. Why is it a no-no to mix red and white flowers? And what's it like to design floral decorations for royalty? You can see some of Paul's work on his I…

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Acclaimed War Journalist Discusses Getting Shot At, Overcoming Fear, and Drinking with Christopher Hitchens 58:09

4M ago58:09

58:09

On this episode of Eyewitness History, we sit down with acclaimed journalist and author Mark Danner to explore his decades-long career covering war, human rights, and the hidden stories of global conflicts. From his groundbreaking reporting on the El Mozote massacre in El Salvador to his investigations into U.S. foreign policy and the war on terror…

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A Car Mechanic 33:02

4M ago33:02

33:02

Cracking automotive mysteries one diagnostic code at a time, mastering the art of quoting complicated repairs, and playing the "what kind of noise is it?" guessing game with Justin Snodgrass, a car mechanic who owns his own shop. Why should $19.99 oil changes make you suspicious? And why might your local car mechanic decline to work on new cars? IF…

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Neil Armstrong's Frogman Talks NASA Training, Apollo 11, and Being A Part Of The 42:39

4M ago42:39

42:39

John Wolfram joined the US Navy in 1967 and graduated from Underwater Demolition Training in Coronado, California in May 1968. As a Navy frogman, he was twice deployed to the war in Vietnam, where he received a Purple Heart from a leg wound inflicted during battle with the Viet Cong. John assisted in the Apollo 10 astronaut and space recovery and w…

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A Pharmacy Tech 37:24

4M ago37:24

37:24

Counting out pills in fives, working with million-dollar drugs, and ensuring the right medication in the right dose gets delivered at the right moment with Rose Davin, a pharmacy technician in Rochester, New York. What are the layers of protection that prevent pharmacy employees from absconding with opioids? And what happens if a technician acciden…

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A Chief Financial Officer 37:19

5M ago37:19

37:19

Forecasting what a business will earn and spend, allocating resources among teams clamoring for more, and practicing professional skepticism without killing the vibe with Steve Love, a chief financial officer. What does it feel like to confess to a board of directors that you've made a potentially catastrophic error? And what happens when business …

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Former Watergate Committee Member Breaks Down the Moment Nixon’s Fate Was Sealed 34:20

5M ago34:20

34:20

Scott Armstrong was one of the lead investigators on the United States Senate Watergate Committee — and one of the four people in the room when Alexander Butterfield revealed the existence of Nixon’s secret Oval Office taping system. In this episode, Armstrong walks us through that pivotal moment in American history, how a single document raised su…

1
A Deli Owner 30:15

5M ago30:15

30:15

Boiling briskets for five hours, escorting obnoxious customers to the door, and preserving the ritual of saying "hello" with Steven Peljovich, who runs Michael's Deli in Boston. What makes a deli different from a sandwich shop? And, until recently, why did he resist taking orders online? Read The Boston Globe story that Steven mentioned about longt…

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Trump’s Former Speechwriter Discusses His New Bootlegging Tale Rooted in Southern History 43:56

5M ago43:56

43:56

Chris Skates is a novelist with 30 years of experience as a chemist at nuclear and coal plants. He’s been able to combine this diverse background of science and energy with a passion for writing. Chris began publishing in 2000, with over 150 stories, articles, and columns to his name, alongside four novels. He’s also contributed to Turkey Call Maga…

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Portable Restrooms Fit for a Royal 28:08

6M ago28:08

28:08

Just because you have an outdoor venue doesn't mean you should have to compromise on the bathroom. This week, we're dishing about luxury portable restrooms. These climate-controlled, aesthetically pleasing portable bathrooms can expand venue options, enhance the overall event experience, and so much more! Guest: David Sauers, Royal Restrooms Need y…

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Ep. 92 Pete Conroy on catastrophe, courage and what happens after the worst day of your life. 39:40

6M ago39:40

39:40

How often do you think about worst case scenarios? Contemplate fate or imagine catastrophes or run the gamut of ‘what ifs?’ The reality is that none of us really know what’s coming down the life pipes next … as famed author Joan Didion wrote “Life changes fast. Life changes in the instant. You can sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends.” F…

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A Massage Therapist 34:26

6M ago34:26

34:26

Choreographing massages to Mozart, enforcing cancellation policies with beloved clients, and shutting down callers seeking "undraped sessions" with Allissa Haines, a massage therapist. What made her cry in her car after one particular house call? And what is "effleurage”? In this episode, Dan recommended The Work of Art by Adam Moss, a book about h…