Lessons from Theater and TEDx: Paul Pape’s Best Advice for Aspiring Speakers

Welcome to another episode of My First Stage: the podcast where I get the real stories from public speakers about their journeys to the stage—the good, the messy, and everything in between. This week, I sat down with the truly one-of-a-kind Paul Pape. If you’ve ever wondered how a “Santa for Nerds” finds his voice on a TEDx stage (and how a custom lightsaber dildo ends up involved), you’re in for an episode you won’t forget. Paul is a TEDx speaker, a designer, an author, and the creative genius behind Paul Pape Designs. For over 20 years, he’s made a name for himself crafting custom collectibles for the geeks, nerds, and superfans of the world—earning him the unexpected (but perfect) nickname “Santa for Nerds.” Paul’s work has landed him clients like Disney and The Today Show, but his journey to public speaking and the TEDx stage was anything but typical. Here’s a taste of where our conversation took us: The Origin of “Santa for Nerds”: Why Paul’s clients started calling him this, and how it instantly made his unique business make sense to everyone. Landing a TEDx (Twice!): Paul’s refreshingly honest story of hiring a coach, submitting applications, and getting his first (and second) TEDx talks faster than he ever imagined. When the Talk Changes Last Minute: The wild story of showing up in West Virginia, getting asked to scrap his prepared speech three days before the event, and delivering a brand-new talk—with no finished script. From Theater to TEDx: How Paul’s background in theater (even after being told he’d “never be an actor”) shaped his confidence, performance style, and survival skills on stage. The Real Reason Behind TEDx: Paul drops some truth bombs about why he wanted a TEDx at all—and how it plays into business, ego, and authority. Honestly, Authority Matters: How having “TEDx Speaker” next to your name can open doors—even when the video barely cracks 1,000 views. The Weirdest Custom Requests Ever: Yes, including dildos and bomb-themed engagement ring boxes (with a side of international intrigue and possible prison time). Stage Advice from the Trenches: Why memorization isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and why being authentic and passionate is the best way to land any room. Did Paul’s story inspire you, make you laugh, or convince you to wear your nerdiness with pride? Here’s where to go next: Share Your Story – I want to hear about your weirdest first stage moment or wildest gig! Reach out to me at myfirststagepodcast.com. Connect with Paul – Got a “nerd wish” or want to gamify your creative business? Check out paulpapedesigns.com for his custom work, or gamifybusiness.com for his coaching. Subscribe & Review – If this episode entertained or encouraged you, subscribe to My First Stage, leave a rating or review, and let me know your favorite guest (or who you want to hear next!). Take a Stage—Any Stage – Sign up for a local event, hit “record” for a video, or submit to a TEDx. No matter your story, the stage is waiting. Thanks for listening, nerds, artists, and aspiring stage heroes! I can’t wait to bring you more unfiltered stories and actionable inspiration on the next My First Stage. Timestamped Summaries 00:00 Applying for speaking engagements 05:02 Changing TEDx talk last minute 07:16 Performing on stage without a script 10:31 Starting a consulting business 13:48 Tips for Engaging TEDx Talks 16:57 Overcoming stage fright 19:59 Building TEDx Speaking Credibility 26:10 Advice for aspiring influencers 26:45 Finding and Embracing Your Passion