Getting Speakers Booked

How Speakers Can Create Change Without Being “Professional Speakers” w/ Cathy Heighter

Episode Summary

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.

Episode Notes

You’ll hear how Cathy:

• Navigated unimaginable loss after her son was killed in Iraq
• Discovered the harsh reality of military life insurance and death benefits
• Became the driving force behind legislation to increase death benefits for America’s troops
• Helped spark a national movement that led to permanent policy change
• Found meaning, healing, and purpose through service and advocacy
• Stepped onto the TEDx journey with courage, coachability, and dedication
• This 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.