EPISODE · Dec 19, 2025 · 16 MIN
How Speakers Can Create Change Without Being “Professional Speakers” w/ Cathy Heighter
from Getting Speakers Booked · host Minesh Baxi
You’ll hear how Cathy:Navigated unimaginable loss after her son was killed in IraqDiscovered the harsh reality of military life insurance and death benefitsBecame the driving force behind legislation to increase death benefits for America’s troopsHelped spark a national movement that led to permanent policy changeFound meaning, healing, and purpose through service and advocacyStepped onto the TEDx journey with courage, coachability, and dedicationThis episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to start as a speaker to belong on a stage — you need a lived experience, a message that matters, and the courage to share it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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What this episode covers
Welcome back to Getting Speakers Booked — the podcast by speakers, for speakers. Every episode brings you real stories, real strategies, and real experiences from speakers who are actively building their impact, influence, and income. In today’s episode, Macy Baxi sits down with Cathy Heighter — a Gold Star mother, advocate, and changemaker — to share an extraordinary story of courage, resilience, and purpose. After losing her 22-year-old son in Iraq in 2003, Cathy made a decision that would change her life — and the lives of thousands of military families. Instead of staying broken by grief, she chose to ask questions, challenge the system, and fight for change. If you’re a speaker (or future speaker) who wants to turn pain into purpose, ideas into impact, and stories into meaningful change — this conversation will move you deeply. ⭐ Join the community → Global Speakers Circle (Free Facebook Group): Connect with speakers, network, and get weekly tips. Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/globalspeakercircle ⭐ Connect with Macy → Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn: @MacyBaxi → Coaching and speaker resources: https://linktr.ee/macybaxi If you're a speaker who wants more stages, more confidence, and more opportunities — you’re in the right place. Hit Subscribe, and let’s get you booked.
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How Speakers Can Create Change Without Being “Professional Speakers” w/ Cathy Heighter
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