Why Things Feel F**ked: Reclaiming your nervous system in a world of chaos
Command Your Presence
The world isn’t just challenging; right now, the mood is heavy and, frankly, fucked . In this episode, therapist and author Andrew Sloan explains why smart, capable leaders feel like they are drowning despite their proficiency . We move beyond "toxic positivity" to explore the structural systems of disconnection that have unplugged us from our own nervous systems . Andrew reveals how to move from the "accelerator pedal" of stress into the "green zone" of ventral vagal safety, the literal neurobiological infrastructure of presence . This isn't a mindset talk; it’s a survival guide for...
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EP23: From scout camp to Hollywood: How Shane learned to command any room
Command Your Presence
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build, one uncomfortable moment at a time. Welcome to Command Your Presence Podcast with Jacinda! In this episode, she reconnects with long-time creative friend and filmmaker Shane, whose journey from Scout Camp leader to Creative Director reveals powerful lessons on confidence, leadership, and authentic communication. Shane shares how his early experiences commanding a noisy dining hall of 400 campers taught him to project his voice, connect with an audience, and earn respect. Those lessons would later shape his success in...
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EP22: From failure to fierce: How Kateesha rebuilt, refocused, and commanded her presence
Command Your Presence
Have you ever poured your heart, time, and money into something only to watch it fail publicly? Welcome to Command Your Presence Podcast, where Jacinda sits down with Kateesha, a bold entrepreneur and branding expert who’s mastered the art of resilience and authentic leadership. In this episode, they unpack how devastating setbacks can become the foundation for unstoppable growth and why commanding your presence starts long before you step on a stage. Kateesha opens up about investing $40,000 in a business that never took off, the grief that followed, and the powerful mindset shifts that...
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EP21: From shy kid to confident coach: How Jess Elford found her power (and why “Fake It till you make It” actually works)
Command Your Presence
Welcome to Command Your Presence Podcast Episode 21! Okay, picture this: you’re five feet tall, training to be a jockey, and your horse decides you’re the one getting trampled today. That’s how Jess Elford’s fitness journey began, not exactly the typical “I found my passion” story, but definitely one for the books (and the blooper reel). In this episode, Jacinda chats with Jess, a personal trainer, former almost-jockey, and self-proclaimed early bird who believes confidence can be learned… preferably after a lemon water and a good stretch. They laugh their way through Jess’s...
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EP20: Performing for millions, seeing no one: why large audiences are easier
Command Your Presence
When I was in high school, I performed at the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony in front of 80,000 people. The lights were blinding, the crowd was roaring, and my heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat. But once I stepped onto that field, something strange happened. The fear disappeared. Years later, standing in a small boardroom with just two people watching me, that same fear came rushing back. My palms were sweaty, my voice shaky, and every glance felt like a spotlight. How could performing for two people feel scarier than performing for thousands? In this...
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EP19: How to effectively use humour in presentations
Command Your Presence
Welcome to Command Your Podcast Episode 19! Did you know that over 75% of presenters admit their jokes often fall flat? And many never try humor again because of it? That’s a huge mistake, because when used correctly, humor is one of the most powerful public speaking tools you can use to build trust, connect with your audience, and make your message unforgettable. In this episode, Jacinda reveals how to use humor effectively in presentations (even if you don’t consider yourself a “funny” person). She breaks down why humor works, how it helps you create engaging presentations and a...
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EP18: They want you to succeed: Reframing fear and embracing adrenalin
Command Your Presence
Welcome to Command Your Presence Podcast Episode 18! Commanding a room isn’t about being the loudest voice; it’s about presence, authenticity, and connection. Jacinda is joined by Ben Marshen, a former research scientist turned financial services leader, consultant, and advocate who has spent nearly two decades shaping better systems for consumers. Beyond his corporate roles, Ben brings a fascinating mix of curiosity, creativity, and performance experience that has shaped the way he commands a stage and captivates audiences. In this episode, Ben shares his unconventional journey, from...
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EP17: Four shows a day, six days a week: Surviving the ultimate performance grind
Command Your Presence
What happens when your dream job abroad turns into a relentless marathon? How do you stay present under pressure when your body and mind are pushed beyond their limits? Welcome to Command Your Presence Podcast Episode 17! In this episode, Jacinda pulls back the curtain on the reality of life as a performer in Dubai. What seemed like a glamorous overseas opportunity quickly turned into a grind: performing four 45-minute shows a day, six days a week, in heavy costumes under 50-degree heat. From exhaustion and nutrition struggles to cultural challenges and isolation, Jacinda shares the raw truth...
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EP16: How to stop saying “UM” and “AH”
Command Your Presence
Welcome to Command Your Podcast Episode 16! If saying “um” and “ah” were a competitive sport, most of us would already have Olympic gold medals. But don’t worry, in this episode, we’re breaking the habit and learning how to sound more confident, polished, and professional without those pesky fillers sneaking in. In this solo session, we explore why filler words creep into our speech, what they signal about confidence, and how you can replace them with one of the most powerful tools in communication: the pause. You’ll hear simple, practical techniques you can practice right away,...
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EP15: From physio to women’s health coach: Sophie Horne on reinvention, presence, and the power of owning your story
Command Your Presence
Welcome to Command Your Presence Episode 15! What happens when you realize the career you’ve built no longer lights you up? And you take a leap into an entirely new path? In this episode, Jacinda is joined by Sophie Horne, a former physio who boldly transitioned into women’s health coaching and cycle education. Sophie shares her journey of following curiosity, stepping away from the traditional healthcare system, and finding her voice in the women’s health space. From the awkward realities of learning about periods in school to the freedom she discovered living in London, Sophie reflects...
info_outlineWelcome to Command Your Podcast Episode 19!
Did you know that over 75% of presenters admit their jokes often fall flat? And many never try humor again because of it? That’s a huge mistake, because when used correctly, humor is one of the most powerful public speaking tools you can use to build trust, connect with your audience, and make your message unforgettable.
In this episode, Jacinda reveals how to use humor effectively in presentations (even if you don’t consider yourself a “funny” person). She breaks down why humor works, how it helps you create engaging presentations and a stronger audience connection, and the common mistakes that make jokes backfire.
From practical public speaking tips to real-life stories (including a joke that totally bombed on stage), you’ll learn how to:
- Add humor naturally to your presentations
- Avoid common pitfalls and cultural missteps
- Keep your message authentic and impactful
- Read the room and adapt in real time
- Use humor as a storytelling tool to make your content stick
Whether you’re delivering a keynote, leading a meeting, pitching clients, or giving a wedding speech, this episode will show you how to make people laugh and listen (without trying too hard).
Episode Highlights:
01:00 – Why humor is one of the most powerful presentation tools
02:00 – How humor breaks the ice and builds audience connection
03:00 – Making your message more memorable with laughter
04:00 – Common pitfalls: missed jokes, cultural sensitivity, and overdoing it
06:00 – Know your audience: tailoring humor that resonates
07:00 – Authenticity matters: making humor feel natural
08:00 – Tying humor back to your key message
09:00 – Reading the room and adapting your delivery
09:50 – Jacinda’s maid of honor speech story: lessons in humor
12:00 – Why the best presentations are about connection, not perfection
If you’ve ever had a joke flop during a talk or avoided humor altogether because you were afraid it wouldn’t land, this episode is packed with presentation skills tips that will help you bring more personality, confidence, and laughter to the stage.
👉 Now it’s your turn: What’s your favorite tip for adding humor to a presentation? Or do you have a funny story about a joke that didn’t land? Share it with Jacinda on Instagram at @commandyourpresence or email her at jacinda@commandyourpresence.com. Your story might even inspire a future episode!