Episode 124: Amari Smith—Finding Your Voice Through Public Speaking

On Episode 124, I’m joined by multimedia creator and aspiring journalist: Amari Smith! We discuss his experience organizing the first student-led TEDx event at Quinnipiac University, how saying “yes” to new opportunities transformed his college experience, the leadership lessons he learned from building a team around a shared vision, and how public speaking continues to shape his career in journalism. Amari also shares advice on embracing uncertainty, finding purpose through your passions, and why putting yourself out there can open doors you never expected.Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezicast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQj8MsxHQlcwjno1SEDRZ?si=c5f525d4c4324a9fTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1#podcast #podcasting #podcastlife #interview #interviewpodcast #creator #contentcreator #journalism #broadcastjournalism #journalist #news #newsanchors #nbc #internship #publicspeaking #communication #communications #storytelling #leadership #studentleaders #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipskills #tedx #tedxquinnipiac #tedxtalk #publicspeaker #confidence #growthmindset #personaldevelopment #selfimprovement #motivation #inspiration #career #careeradvice #careerjourney #college #collegeadvice #collegeexperience #transferstudent #quinnipiac #quinnipiacuniversity #students #studentlife #networking #sayyestolife #opportunity #purpose #passion #purposedriven #mindset #goals #success #successmindset #professionaldevelopment #communicationskills #teamwork #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #community #mentor #mentorship #broadcasting #television #radio #acting #theater #performance #creativity #creativelife #lifelessons #motivational #motivationalspeaker #inspirational #dreambig #keepgoing #nevergiveup #personalgrowth #youngprofessionals #futureleaders #media #mediaindustry #broadcastmedia #creatorcommunity #voice #findingyourvoice #leadwithpurpose #leadershipjourney #studentcreator 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 116!00:26 — About Amari 01:14 — Transferring From Syracuse To Quinnipiac03:05 — Advice For Transfer Students & Putting Yourself Out There05:00 — Joining Campus Organizations & Saying "Yes" To New Opportunities07:34 — Creating A Poetry Radio Show & Finding His Creative Niche09:10 — Discovering Public Speaking & Finding His Voice11:24 — Organizing The First Student-Led TEDx Quinnipiac14:37 — Behind The Scenes Of Bringing TEDx To Life18:28 — Leadership Lessons From Building TEDx Quinnipiac22:11 — Advice For Leading Big Projects26:27 — Journalism, NBC Connecticut & Career Goals30:38 — Learning To Think On Your Feet In The Newsroom33:26 — Get To Know You's45:35 — Outro & Closing Thoughts