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What if public speaking isn’t actually hard—just uncomfortable? In this episode of the Wednesdays Off Podcast, Stavros sits down with Eric Silverberg and Eli Gladstone, co-founders of Speaker Labs, who reveal how mastering public speaking is less about talent and more about mindset. Hear Eric’s transformation from a nervous high schooler to a confident business school professor, and discover why Eli believes public speaking is a window to personal growth. The duo shares practical frameworks, the power of storytelling, and why the best speakers focus on connection over perfection. Whether you’re prepping for a keynote or a wedding toast, don’t miss this candid conversation packed with insights that will change how you think about communicating in the moments that matter—press play to discover how you can unlock your own speaking potential.
Episode Timeline:
[01:34] Introduction of Eric Silverberg and Eli Gladstone, co-founders of Speaker Labs
[02:33] Speaker Labs’ mission and client profile (leaders, high performers, large and small teams)
[04:19] Why Eric and Eli do what they do—personal journeys with public speaking
[06:54] Eric’s transformative moment as a business school professor
[09:23] Eli’s gradual journey and the inner challenges of public speaking
[13:10] How Eric and Eli met and the origins of Speaker Labs
[14:40] Making dry content engaging—early teaching experiences
[16:14] Why delivery and content both matter in public speaking
[18:15] The difference between short and long workshops; depth vs. entertainment
[21:37] The importance of being there for your audience and mindset shifts
[24:41] Mindset as the key differentiator for great speakers
[26:50] The pitfalls of trying to “read” your audience in real time
[28:58] The value of structure and frameworks in presentations
[29:39] The “dinner party method” framework and its simplicity
[31:07] How long it takes to prepare a great keynote—heartbeat idea, iteration, and practice
[33:46] The process of refining ideas and presentation flow
[38:44] Improvisation vs. scripting in repeated presentations
[40:13] Adapting presentations for different audiences—changing the frame, not the core ideas
[42:09] Iteration and feedback in developing presentations
[44:07] The importance of clarity and willingness to test ideas
[48:30] How Eric and Eli practice—bouncing ideas, whiteboarding, and using AI as a sparring partner
[50:47] Life outside Speaker Labs—family, Survivor, and personal growth
[53:42] The Tail End article and reflections on time with family
[56:39] The ongoing juggle of work, family, and personal development
[57:04] Why Survivor is so compelling—social dynamics and psychology
[01:04:16] Public speaking as uncomfortable, not difficult—parallels in life and learning
[01:07:01] Mindset tools for giving yourself permission to struggle and grow
[01:11:42] The “20-hour rule” and the Pareto principle for getting started
[01:12:56] Why investing in public speaking pays off—most people avoid it
[01:14:01] Advice for non-professional speakers—wedding toasts, eulogies, and emotional moments
[01:16:42] The power of sharing emotion and storytelling in personal speeches
[01:19:53] Why stories matter more than lists of adjectives
[01:20:24] Key takeaways: connection, core ideas, and giving yourself permission to try
Resources:
Speaker Labs: speakerlabs.ca
Routine Rebel: routinerebel.com
The Tail End article: https://waitbutwhy.com/2015/12/the-tail-end.html
Episode Timeline:
[01:34] Introduction of Eric Silverberg and Eli Gladstone, co-founders of Speaker Labs
[02:33] Speaker Labs’ mission and client profile (leaders, high performers, large and small teams)
[04:19] Why Eric and Eli do what they do—personal journeys with public speaking
[06:54] Eric’s transformative moment as a business school professor
[09:23] Eli’s gradual journey and the inner challenges of public speaking
[13:10] How Eric and Eli met and the origins of Speaker Labs
[14:40] Making dry content engaging—early teaching experiences
[16:14] Why delivery and content both matter in public speaking
[18:15] The difference between short and long workshops; depth vs. entertainment
[21:37] The importance of being there for your audience and mindset shifts
[24:41] Mindset as the key differentiator for great speakers
[26:50] The pitfalls of trying to “read” your audience in real time
[28:58] The value of structure and frameworks in presentations
[29:39] The “dinner party method” framework and its simplicity
[31:07] How long it takes to prepare a great keynote—heartbeat idea, iteration, and practice
[33:46] The process of refining ideas and presentation flow
[38:44] Improvisation vs. scripting in repeated presentations
[40:13] Adapting presentations for different audiences—changing the frame, not the core ideas
[42:09] Iteration and feedback in developing presentations
[44:07] The importance of clarity and willingness to test ideas
[48:30] How Eric and Eli practice—bouncing ideas, whiteboarding, and using AI as a sparring partner
[50:47] Life outside Speaker Labs—family, Survivor, and personal growth
[53:42] The Tail End article and reflections on time with family
[56:39] The ongoing juggle of work, family, and personal development
[57:04] Why Survivor is so compelling—social dynamics and psychology
[01:04:16] Public speaking as uncomfortable, not difficult—parallels in life and learning
[01:07:01] Mindset tools for giving yourself permission to struggle and grow
[01:11:42] The “20-hour rule” and the Pareto principle for getting started
[01:12:56] Why investing in public speaking pays off—most people avoid it
[01:14:01] Advice for non-professional speakers—wedding toasts, eulogies, and emotional moments
[01:16:42] The power of sharing emotion and storytelling in personal speeches
[01:19:53] Why stories matter more than lists of adjectives
[01:20:24] Key takeaways: connection, core ideas, and giving yourself permission to try
Resources:
Speaker Labs: speakerlabs.ca
Routine Rebel: routinerebel.com
The Tail End article: https://waitbutwhy.com/2015/12/the-tail-end.html
Creators and Guests
Host
Stavros Michailidis
Stavros Michailidis is a freedom-driven entrepreneur dedicated to helping others escape the grind and build lives of clarity, autonomy, and impact. He’s the creator of Routine Rebel, a movement for entrepreneurs who want to design businesses that serve their lives—not the other way around. Known for his grounded approach and rebellious spirit, Stavros brings real-world experience, deep curiosity, and a bias toward action to every conversation. Wednesdays Off is his latest practice: a weekly invitation to rethink work, freedom, and what really matters.
What is Wednesdays Off?
Wednesdays Off is the freedom podcast from Routine Rebel.
It’s for the leaders who are done being consumed by the very businesses they are building. Through raw conversations, personal insights, and behind-the-scenes stories, we explore what it really means to reclaim your time, energy, and joy—without sacrificing success.
This isn't a hustle podcast.
It’s a call to adventure—to practice freedom in real time, to simplify what matters, to build systems that get you out of the weeds, and to connect with others doing the same.
Each episode helps you challenge old patterns, reconnect with what matters, and build a life that’s spacious, meaningful, and yours.
Because freedom isn’t the reward. It’s the requirement.