ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Host and speaking coach Chris McAuley interviews keynote speaker, facilitator, and coach Kevin Bulmer, creator of the Little Engines small business community and Little Engines Live event series. Bulmer shares his career path from radio to auto racing talk radio, track announcer, and eventually sales/marketing director and general manager of Delaware Speedway, then event management and radio sales supporting small and mid-sized businesses. After a major life reset around 2011–2012, he left radio in 2017 to pursue speaking, later founding NSM Brand Media during COVID and growing Little Engines into its fourth year. He discusses preparing for keynotes by researching audiences, rehearsing out loud while moving, respecting time limits, and connecting emotionally through vulnerability, humor, and sincerity. Bulmer also describes his formats (keynotes, half-day team sessions, breakout workshops, emceeing/moderation), recommends the book “Fans First,” and shares how to find him at realsuccessnavigator.com and wethinkyoucan.com.
00:00 Podcast Opening
00:43 Meet Kevin Bulmer
02:20 From Radio to Racetrack
03:43 Rebuilding After Divorce
05:20 Going Solo and COVID Pivot
07:48 Speaker Calling Moment
11:39 First Keynote Experiment
13:45 Keynotes Workshops and Emceeing
16:41 Inside Little Engines Live
20:45 How Kevin Prepares Talks
23:59 Rehearsal and Earning Attention
26:17 Hobby Horse Entrance
26:50 Stage Blocking Basics
28:38 Finish Early Rule
29:16 Less Words More Feeling
30:55 Vulnerability And Sincerity
33:55 Handling Nerves And Unknowns
37:22 Performance Mindset
41:08 Creative Risks On Stage
43:19 Rapid Fire Questions
48:09 Where To Find Kevin
49:12 Final Sign Off
