EP 276 From Food Stamps to Global Stages: Marianne Hickman’s Journey to Speaking Success

In this powerful and uplifting episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast, host Wize El Jefe welcomes international speaker, entrepreneur, and speaking coach Marianne Hickman. Known for her remarkable journey from food stamps in Utah to igniting stages in 17 countries, Marianne shares her authentic story of resilience, transformation, and the transformative magic of sharing your message with the world. A Journey Fueled by Hardship and Hope Marianne pulls listeners in with her unfiltered account of what life was like before her first intentional speaking opportunity. Growing up as the youngest of ten in a family of high achievers, Marianne describes the emotional and financial challenges that nearly broke her spirit—marriage and motherhood at an early age, raising five kids, concerning debt, and the humbling experience of relying on food stamps and government support. She humorously and candidly recounts driving the family’s old Mazda minivan through Provo, Utah, wrestling with frustration at “doing everything right” but still struggling financially. On that pivotal drive, she describes a personal, almost confrontational conversation with God: she demanded either a box of money on her porch or proximity to someone who could teach her “the money game.” Fate complied—not with cash, but with access to mentors and examples who showed her how to turn her personal story, pain, inspiration, and lessons into sustainable, purpose-driven speaking. Discovering the Power of Storytelling Marianne’s turning points didn’t come in the fashion of overnight success. She opens up about her early speaking opportunities, from her church putting her on stage as a child (admitting churches “knock the stage fright right out of you”), to attending seminars as a “seminar junkie” and stumbling accidentally into her first significant co-facilitator role. She shares a vivid anecdote about a seminar where she witnessed a speaker sell out $300 worth of resources to 700 people in a single session—redefining for her the possibilities of influence from the stage. But more than money or surface-level success, Marianne found her purpose in influence that creates real change. She connects the dots between mastering communication, having a message rooted in authentic experience, and the responsibility to use that message to help others transform their lives. Overcoming Fear & Transforming Mindset A key theme throughout the episode is the fear and self-doubt that come with stepping onto a stage—physical or virtual. Marianne boldly confesses to battling “me-centered” anxieties: Am I good enough? Will I forget my content? Does my outfit look okay? But she reveals a paradigm-shifting piece of wisdom: “Stage fright is inherently selfish.” By focusing less on herself and more on serving her audience, giving value, and tuning in to their needs, her nerves are transformed into purpose. She dives deep into the importance of mindset, using humorous and relatable family anecdotes (like being head-butted by a sheep at a photo shoot) to illustrate how what’s inside you gets squeezed out under pressure—onstage or off. For Marianne, developing a resilient mindset and sharing stories from a “healed scar, not an open wound,” are essential for authentic, impactful speaking. Lessons from Failure & the Power of Humor Marianne isn’t shy about her early speaking “cringe moments,” sharing how watching her old keynotes taught her humility and the value of self-compassion. She stresses the importance of ongoing learning and giving oneself permission to be funny and human—citing icons like Robin Williams as examples of using humor to make difficult topics accessible and healing. Building a Signature Message—and an Income With practical steps and hard-won wisdom, Marianne walks listeners through the essentials of building a signature presentation. She describes her 10-step keynote blueprint—an adaptable framework that brings stories, lessons, and audience participation together in a way that’s psychologically powerful and emotionally relevant. Marianne unpacks the different business models for speakers: the traditional stage fee route (getting paid for keynote sessions at associations or universities), and a more scalable, sustainable approach—offering resources, free tools, or courses to your audience as a seamless next step after speaking. She even shares how simple tools and free resources (like her podcast database) can organically lead to recurring revenue by fulfilling audience needs. Advice for Aspiring Speakers For anyone terrified of public speaking, Marianne’s advice is refreshingly simple and actionable: Get the reps in. Start small by going live on social media for two minutes a day—practice is the only way through the fear. She assures listeners that everyone starts small, and reminds us, “Even if no one shows up, just do it anyway.” Authenticity and impact, according to Marianne, come down to personal growth and honesty. It’s not about presenting a perfect, drama-free life, but about being real, vulnerable, and committed to ongoing evolution. Your message doesn’t have to be traumatic or “the biggest”—it just needs to be yours, rooted in lessons learned and a desire to help others. Trends and Changes in the Speaking Industry Marianne and Wize riff on the post-COVID explosion in digital stages, especially podcasts, and the democratization (and challenges) of getting visible in an increasingly crowded market. She notes the importance of longevity—just “keeping going” in the face of comparison and distraction—as well as becoming the “purest version of yourself,” rather than trying to emulate others. Standing out means embracing your unique strengths, flaws, and quirks. What’s Next? And Marianne’s Final Message Marianne closes by sharing her plans for upcoming books (“Uninfluenced”), women’s and couples retreats for speakers, and her ambition to put people on a million stages and help them make a billion dollars doing it. But her message for listeners—especially those who feel “too small” to get on stage—is about snuffing out the lies of self-doubt. Every voice matters, and the world needs more good people who know how to use their story for positive change. Call to Action If you’re feeling the fire to get your message out or want to explore paid speaking, Marianne welcomes listeners to reach out directly for guidance, resources, or just a supportive conversation. Wize signs off with an invitation: Share this episode with someone whose story deserves the spotlight—they might be “one stage away from everything they’ve been dreaming of.” Key Episode Themes: Turning adversity and setbacks into platforms for success The role of mindset and self-talk in overcoming speaking anxiety The power of storytelling for influence, impact, and income Authenticity, vulnerability, and the ethics of sharing your story Building sustainable success as a speaker, onstage and off Practical first steps for aspiring speakers Navigating a changing speaking landscape post-COVID The value of individuality and consistency over comparison — For anyone feeling “stuck” and wondering if their story or voice could ever matter, this episode is a must-listen. Marianne Hickman proves that even the most unlikely beginnings can lead to stages that change not only your life, but the lives of others. Tune in for inspiration, laughter, and a practical roadmap to your own breakthrough as a speaker. Connect with Marianne Hickman: Text her at 801-509-5495, mention the podcast, and start the conversation about using your voice for good and sustainable success.