Speaking Podcast

Today's guest is Gene King, an Access Architect and founder of Atlas Strategic Access, based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. With over 50 years in business, Gene has founded, scaled, and successfully exited 10 companies and currently operates six active businesses, including Sequence Real Estate, Invest America (an EB-5 immigration investment firm), and Twist Elbow. Roy and Gene, friends of over 12 years since meeting at a Darren Hardy event, dig into the origin story of Gene's very first business at military school, the lesson that reshaped how he handles bullies and pressure for the rest of his life, and why being diagnosed with ADHD at 65 explained a career pattern of exiting companies too early. Gene shares his philosophy on partnerships, why he's never had a verbal argument with a business partner in 22 companies, how he handles conflict at home versus in business, and the mentor's advice that shaped his obsession with knowing his cash position at all times. The conversation closes with the role Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich has played in Gene's life since his early twenties, and his belief that the universe, not active pursuit, brings him his best opportunities.

 

⏱️ TIMESTAMP

0:02 - Welcome to the Speaking Podcast, intro to Gene King
0:48 - Gene's background: 10 exits, six active companies, and 12+ years of friendship with Roy
1:31 - Gene's first business: protecting freshmen from hazing at The Citadel
3:50 - The lesson that changed everything: "you can't kill me, sir"
5:14 - Navigating good and bad business partners over 22 companies
5:57 - Discovering ADHD at 65 and why he exited companies too early
7:14 - How Gene structures his day across five to six companies
9:38 - Expanding Invest America's EB-5 program into Canada and Nigeria
11:11 - Why tracking everything matters, and the wealth found in awkward conversations
13:22 - How Gene handles conflict with business partners
16:59 - "Money solves all problems" and a mentor's advice on what really matters
18:10 - Terminating partners and employees with humanity and honesty
19:36 - The five P's: people, process, planning, prayer, passion
20:50 - Balancing patience and persistence as an entrepreneur
21:37 - Resolving disagreements in 50/50 and unequal partnerships
23:34 - Why "cash is king" became Gene's guiding financial principle
25:33 - How Gene decides which businesses to pursue next
27:12 - Discovering Think and Grow Rich in his early twenties
29:34 - Napoleon Hill's mastermind principle and never asking for something for nothing
31:13 - Where to find Gene King and his companies

 

About Gene King

Gene King is an Access Architect, founder of Atlas Strategic Access, and founder of Sequence Holdings, based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. With over 50 years in business, Gene has founded, scaled, and successfully exited 10 companies and currently operates six active businesses, including Sequence Real Estate, Invest America (an EB-5 immigration investment firm), and Twist Elbow. He specializes in engineering access, positioning companies into enterprise, government, and investor opportunities they couldn't reach on their own. Gene is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Harbor Entrepreneur Center in Mount Pleasant, home to over 100 early-stage businesses, and has extensive experience training sales teams and CPAs on structured deals.

Connect with Gene King
🌐 atlasstrategicaccess.com
🌐 sequenceholdings.com
💼 LinkedIn: Gene King3
📧 gene@asaccess.com

 

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Being a great podcast guest is a unique skill that can dramatically boost your career—or erode your professional image if done poorly. In the final part of our series, David Goldberg, founder of Edge Studio, shares a masterclass on how to be a standout guest. We explore the importance of prosody, vocal etiquette, and virtual presence, ensuring you show up prepared, confident, and memorable. David and Roy discuss practical tips for handling technical glitches with grace, the power of a 10-second elevator pitch, and why you should never "wing it" when it comes to your audio quality. Whether you're looking to share your passion or boost your resume, these final lessons will ensure you're the guest every host wants to invite back.

 

 

⏱️ Accurate YouTube Chapters & Timestamps

0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg
 
1:11 Why Be a Guest? Fun, passion, and career boosting
 
1:41 The Risk of Poor Guesting: How it can erode your professional image
 
2:23 Preparation: Why looking at notes is better than forgetting points
 
3:41 Banter and Connection: The importance of host-guest chemistry
 
4:33 Prosody for Guests: Staying in your natural pitch and tailoring your tone
 
6:56 International Audiences: Cleaning up enunciation and avoiding local slang
 
7:00 Volume and Headphones: Why you should never scream at your audience
 
7:50 Pacing and Spacing: Lessening your words and leaving room for the listener
 
26:00 Handling Glitches: Staying calm and reacting without panic
 
28:00 Vocal Etiquette: Giving the host space and avoiding interruptions
 
29:00 The 10-Second Elevator Pitch: Being prepared to explain who you are
 
31:00 Listening to Previous Episodes: Researching the host's style and theme
 
32:00 Slowing Down Keywords: Ensuring your name and business are heard
 
33:00 Admitting You Don't Know: Admitting it with confidence vs. waffling
 
35:00 Virtual Presence: Testing quality a week before and an hour before
 
37:00 The 25% Credibility Hit: Why audio quality is non-negotiable
 
39:00 Acoustic Treatment: The 80% rule and practical "pillow fort" tips
 
41:00 Microphone Choice: Investing in a decent USB mic for professional sound
 
64:00 Avoiding Filler Words: Cutting out "um," "ah," "you know," and "like"
 
65:00 Responding with "So": Why you should avoid starting answers with "so"
 
66:00 Positive Reaffirmation: Avoiding annoying "yeah, yeah, yeah" interruptions
 
67:36 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and final contact details
 
68:25 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network
 
68:42 End of Episode

 

 

🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg

•Email: david@edgestudio.com
 

•Website: EdgeStudio.com
 

•Services: Voiceover recording, directing, and communication coaching.

🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan)

•Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://awakeningpodcasts.podbean.com/
 

•Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network
 

•Website: RoyCoughlan.com
 
 

•Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations.

•Virtual Assistants: VA.world

 

•Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/
 

•Brain Upgrade: BrainUpgrade.org

 

 

#DavidGoldberg #PodFather #PodcastGuest #GuestingTips #ProfessionalPresence #VocalEtiquette #PublicSpeaking #CareerBoost #AudioQuality #ElevatorPitch #EdgeStudio #RoyCoughlan #PodcastSuccess #CommunicationSkills #StandoutGuest

You put immense effort into your podcast—marketing, sponsors, and refining your own voice—but what happens when a high-profile guest sounds terrible? In Part 4 of our series, David Goldberg, founder of Edge Studio, shares his essential 8-step guide to ensuring your guests elevate, rather than weaken, your show. We explore the critical impact of first impressions and why guest preparation is non-negotiable for maintaining professionalism and authority. David provides practical, low-cost solutions for acoustic treatment—from "pillow forts" to the "80% rule"—and breaks down the pros and cons of different microphone types. Learn how to guide your guests to sound as good as you do and keep your audience engaged from the very first word.

 

 

⏱️ Accurate YouTube Chapters & Timestamps

0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg
 
1:14 The Risk of Poor Guest Quality: Don't let a guest ruin your show
 
2:12 First Impressions: Why the first word your guest speaks is critical
 
3:02 The Power Dynamic: Why talk show hosts sit higher than their guests
 
4:02 Preparation Timeline: The two-week and one-hour rules
 
4:30 The 8-Step Checklist: Sound Quality vs. Speech Patterns
 
5:53 Acoustics: Understanding reverb and the "ping-pong" flutter echo
 
7:46 Flutter Echoes and Reverberation: Why hard surfaces are the enemy
 
10:08 Acoustic Treatment: Thick carpeting, foam squares, and the 80% rule
 
11:28 The Blanket Trick: Using sleeping bags and moving blankets for the ceiling
 
13:00 Creating a "Pillow Fort": Practical tips for recording while traveling
 
15:00 The Table Surface: Using thick towels to stop sound reflections
 
16:00 Microphone Types: Why expensive isn't always better
 
17:00 Shotgun Microphones: Directional focus and the risk of guest movement
 
71:14 Don't Wing It: The importance of listening on high-quality earphones
 
71:58 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and email contact
 
72:31 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network
 
72:54 End of Episode

 

 

🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg

•Email: david@edgestudio.com
 

•Website: EdgeStudio.com
 

•Services: Voiceover recording, directing, and communication coaching.

🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan)

•Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://awakeningpodcasts.podbean.com/
 

•Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network
 

•Website: RoyCoughlan.com
 

•Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations.

•Virtual Assistants: VA.world

 

•Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/
 

•Brain Upgrade: BrainUpgrade.org

 

 

#DavidGoldberg #PodFather #GuestPreparation #SoundQuality #Acoustics #MicrophoneTips #Podcasting101 #ProfessionalSound #VocalPatterns #EdgeStudio #RoyCoughlan #PodcastProduction #GuestSuccess #AudioEngineering #Engagement

Why do some podcasters instantly connect with their audience while others struggle to keep listeners engaged? The answer lies in one word: Prosody. In Part 3 of our series with David Goldberg, founder of Edge Studio, we dive deep into the "how" of human communication. David explains that it’s not just what you say, but how you say it—your pitch, tempo, tone, and rhythm—that makes all the difference. We explore why this essential skill is rarely taught in schools and how you can harness your natural pitch to mask nervousness and project confidence. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, David’s insights on effective vocal patterns will dramatically elevate your podcast presence.

 

 

⏱️ Accurate YouTube Chapters & Timestamps

0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg
 
0:57 Prosody: The one word that defines how you say your words
 
1:36 What is Prosody? Inflection, intonation, pitch, and rhythm
 
2:12 The Education Gap: Why prosody isn't taught in grade school
 
3:24 The Fear of Public Speaking: How a lack of training leads to humiliation
 
5:54 Communication Skills: The key to success in corporations and colleges
 
6:52 The Search for Synonyms: Why "speaking patterns" doesn't cover it all
 
7:51 Prosody for Podcasters: Breaking down the seven categories
 
9:52 Pitch: The musical note of your voice and its role in engagement
 
11:28 Masking Nerves: How lowering your pitch increases credibility
 
13:00 Finding Your Natural Pitch: The humming and meditation techniques
 
15:00 Pitch Range Exercises: Moving from monotone to engaging
 
18:00 Tempo: The speed of your words and the importance of clarity
 
21:00 Handling Single-Syllable Words: Ensuring your audience can decipher the message
 
23:00 Tone and Volume: Tailoring your voice to the topic and audience
 
25:30 Pacing and Spacing: The rhythm of your delivery
 
26:50 Variety: Keeping the listener engaged through vocal shifts
 
74:11 Final Advice: Loosening up and having fun with your performance
 
74:52 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and coaching services
 
76:31 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network
 
76:53 End of Episode

 

 

🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg

•Email: david@edgestudio.com

•Website: EdgeStudio.com

•Services: Voiceover recording, directing, and communication coaching.

🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan)

•Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://awakeningpodcasts.podbean.com/

•Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network

•Website: RoyCoughlan.com

•Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations.

•Virtual Assistants: VA.world

•Communities: BrainGym.fitness

•Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/

•Brain Upgrade: BrainUpgrade.org

 

 

#DavidGoldberg #PodFather #Prosody #VocalPatterns #PublicSpeaking #CommunicationSkills #Voiceover #PodcastingTips #AuthenticVoice #PitchAndTempo #EdgeStudio #RoyCoughlan #SpeakerCoaching #VocalEngagement #PodcastGrowth

Did you know that your audience decides whether to trust you, like you, or do business with you in just a quarter of a second? In Part 2 of our exclusive 5-part series with David Goldberg, CEO of Edge Studio, we dive deep into the "Strategic Words" that define your professional presence. David reveals the seven critical categories of wording that can either elevate your authority or quietly sabotage your message. From the psychological trap of "hedge words" to the simple shift from "but" to "and," this episode is a masterclass in intentional communication. Whether you are a podcaster, a business leader, or a public speaker, David’s insights will help you ensure that your first impression isn't just good—it's unforgettable.

 

 

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg
 
1:26 The Power of the First Impression: Why a quarter of a second matters
 
3:15 The Science of Swift Decisions: From grocery aisles to podcasting
 
4:50 Introducing the 7 Categories of Strategic Wording
 
7:56 Category 1: Being Interactive — The right and wrong way to ask questions
 
9:22 The "Show-Off" Trap: Why you shouldn't ask questions your audience can't answer
 
12:41 Visual Presence: Camera angles, hand positions, and the "fingertip" mistake
 
14:35 Category 2: Avoiding Hedge Words — "Probably," "Maybe," and "I think"
 
16:13 Strengthening Your Message: Replacing "I think" with "I believe" or "I know"
 
25:57 Category 3: Avoiding the Word "But" — How it negates everything you said before
 
27:11 The "And" Solution: Maintaining positive momentum in conversation
 
29:03 Category 4: Positive First Word Responses — Using "Exactly," "Absolutely," and "Yes"
 
30:14 Category 5: Avoiding Interrupting Yourself — Staying on track and finishing your thoughts
 
36:31 Category 6: Avoiding Filler Words — The "Um," "Ah," and "Like" habit
 
43:26 Category 7: Organizing Your Content — The importance of a clear roadmap
 
55:56 The "Fine" Example: How prosody (tone) changes the meaning of words
 
68:48 How to Connect with David: EdgeStudio.com and the "Roy's Shows Rock" subject line
 
69:22 Looking Ahead: Preview of Session 3
 
69:51 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network

 

 

🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg

•Website: EdgeStudio.com

•Email: David@EdgeStudio.com (Mention "Roy's shows rock" in the subject line for a responsive reply!)

•Location: Times Square, NYC

🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan)

•Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://podfather.me/e/david-goldberg-strategic-words-part-2/

•Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network

•Website: RoyCoughlan.com

•Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations.

•Virtual Assistants: VA.world

•Communities: BrainGym.fitness

•Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/

 

 

#Podcasting #DavidGoldberg #EdgeStudio #StrategicWords #FirstImpressions #CommunicationSkills #PublicSpeaking #AudioQuality #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipCommunication #RoyCoughlan #PodFather #ContentCreation #VoiceoverTraining #BusinessCommunication