# Master Your Nervous System: Tactical Breathing for Speakers with Manny Rodriguez - 322

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-speaking-club-mastering-the-art-of-public-speaking-881091/master-your-nervous-system-tactical-breathing-for-speakers-with-manny-rodriguez-322
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-speaking-club-mastering-the-art-of-public-speaking-881091/master-your-nervous-system-tactical-breathing-for-speakers-with-manny-rodriguez-322.md
Podcast: [The Speaking Club: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-speaking-club-mastering-the-art-of-public-speaking-881091)
Published: 2025-07-31T15:15:00+00:00
Episode link: https://thespeakingclub.libsyn.com/master-your-nervous-system-tactical-breathing-for-speakers-with-manny-rodriguez-322
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thespeakingclub/Ep322_-_GUEST_MannyRoderiguez-1.mp3?dest-id=568431
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-speaking-club-mastering-the-art-of-public-speaking-881091/episodes/master-your-nervous-system-tactical-breathing-for-speakers-with-manny-rodriguez-322
Duration seconds: 3493

## Resource

"Just breathe" is one of the most common pieces of advice given to speakers and performers who feel anxious about stepping onto the stage (be that online or in person) — but what if the way you're breathing is actually making things worse? Breathing might seem like an automatic function, but the truth is, most of us are doing it wrong… and it's costing us calm, clarity, and confidence. My guest, Manny Rodriguez, learned this the hard way. After enlisting in the Army at 28, Manny suffered a back injury that led to years of heavy-duty prescription drugs, a near-death experience, and an 18-year journey to reclaim his health and peace of mind. His key turning point? Breathing. Manny's recovery introduced him to tactical breathing — a practice originally used by special forces to stay calm under pressure — and he's now teaching it to first responders, senior citizens, corporate leaders, and speakers who want to master their nervous system and show up with power and presence. In this episode, Manny shares his extraordinary story, why breathwork is the real foundation of public speaking, and the practical tools he uses to help people go from panicked to present. If you've ever felt like nerves are running the show when you speak — or you just want to feel more in control of your mind and body — this conversation is a must-listen. What You'll Discover: Why healing his nervous system was the real key to Manny finding his voice How trauma affects your breath — and why that matters for speakers What 'tactical breathing' is and how it helps you stay calm in chaos The surprising reason 'box breathing' might actually backfire, rather than help you and what you can do about it Manny's AIRSPEND model to create a breathing foundation that supports speaking, performance, and calm How si…

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