► Tell us about you and your podcast
i’m kayla moffett, a mom of five, former chronic people-pleaser turned perspective-shifter. my podcast, shift happens, is the wake-up call for people who are tired of their own bullsh!t and ready to stop waiting for life to change and start creating the momentum themselves. no co-host, just me and the mic….keeping it real, raw, and ridiculously honest.
shift happens is all about turning life’s “shift storms” into fuel for growth. we talk personal development, self-sabotage, toxic cycles, and the hard truth that change is inevitable, but growth is a choice. i don’t sugar-coat it. i call it like it is, because too many people are stuck in their own way, waiting for clarity when what they really need is courage.
my listeners are mostly women who are done playing small and are craving change. they’re not looking for fluff or feel-good quotes; they want real talk, mirror moments, and the kind of truth that makes you sit with yourself. they’re smart, self-aware, and ready to do the damn work.
new episodes drop every thursday, with bonus mini “shift starters” throughout the week — quick hits of perspective that stir something real. because around here, we don’t wait for life to calm down. we shift in the middle of the storm.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
i launched this show after failing my first podcast because, truthfully, i wasn’t being me. i was trying to fit into a mold—one that dulled my voice and watered down my message. shift happens is my unfiltered comeback. i created it because i knew i had something to say, and this time, i wasn’t going to play it safe.
why podcasting? because it’s one of the few spaces where you can truly own your voice without interruption. i’ve always loved deep, unfiltered conversations… the kind that don’t just inspire but challenge you. and i’ve been a podcast listener for years, especially during those long motherhood stretches where i needed something real in my ears to remind me who the hell i was.
my goal with shift happens wasn’t just to “have a podcast.” it was to start real conversations that disrupt autopilot living. i wanted to speak directly to the people who are stuck, fed up, and secretly craving someone to call them out (with love, but with no bs). i knew that if i needed that wake-up call, others did too.
i launched shift happens on january 10, 2025. it took me about a month to get the first episode out from the moment i decided i was done overthinking and ready to just go for it. i didn’t wait until everything was perfect—because if i had, i’d still be waiting. the first episode wasn’t flawless, but it was honest. and that’s the bar i’ve kept ever since. this podcast is the space where i say the things most people are scared to say out loud and somehow, that’s exactly what people have been waiting to hear.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
i’m a stay-at-home mom of five, so trust me when i say… if anyone was gonna make excuses about not having time, it could’ve been me. but i made a decision: i’m not waiting for free time, i’m creating intentional time. i batch record like it’s my superpower. i carve out chunks of time during naps, late nights, or early mornings. some days it’s chaos, some days it flows, but i’m committed, not casual. this podcast matters to me, so i treat it like it does.
i release one full episode every thursday, plus five bonus “shift starter” mini episodes throughout the week; short, sharp hits of perspective that stir something in people. a full episode takes me a few hours to script, record, and edit since i do it all myself right now. the minis are quicker, but they still require intention and clarity. i don’t just throw content out, i say what needs to be said.
as for funding: i’m fully self-funded. i don’t have sponsors (yet), and i just started to monetize through ads. i’ve tried patreon before, didn’t love the fit, but i’m exploring subscriptions and bonus content through platforms like buzzsprout. expenses are lean: i pay for hosting, use canva for graphics, capcut for editing, and rely heavily on grit and consistency to do the rest. i’m scrappy, not fancy, but it’s working.
this podcast isn’t just a passion project…it’s a promise i made to myself: to stop shrinking, start showing up, and say the things that actually move people. so i find the time. i make the time. because shift happens when you stop waiting for perfect conditions and start showing up messy and real.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
right now, i don’t have sponsors (and i’m okay with that). shift happens isn’t something i started to make quick money. i started it because i needed a space where i could speak the unfiltered truth, and i knew other people needed that space too. do i want this to become a revenue stream one day? absolutely. i’ve been exploring platforms like buzzsprout subscriptions and bonus content models because i believe in being paid for the value i bring… but i’m playing the long game. i’m building trust, community, and consistency first.
as for downloads, i’m still early in the game. i launched january 10, 2025, and i’m focused more on impact than numbers right now. the growth is steady, and the feedback is real. people are messaging me saying “this episode hit me in the gut,” or “you said what i’ve been scared to admit.” and honestly? that’s the payoff.
podcasting has cracked me open. it’s given me confidence, clarity, and a deeper connection to myself and others. it’s taught me how to use my voice without apologizing for it. it’s helped me build a community of people who are done pretending and ready to grow. and it’s shown me that even if i’m recording in a messy room while my kids nap, my voice can still shift someone’s entire day. that’s powerful.
so no, i haven’t landed my first sponsorship yet. but i’m laying the foundation. and when that first check comes in, it won’t be luck…it’ll be the result of every late-night recording, every post i pushed out when i was exhausted, and every time i chose to keep going when it felt like no one was watching.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
my podcasting process is all about making it work with what i’ve got. i don’t have the shiny studio setup. i use a dji mic, a computer that’s got scratches from my toddler’s artwork all over it, and a desk i picked up from the side of the road. yep, you heard that right. same goes for the chair… found that gem too. it’s nothing fancy, but it works, and that’s what matters.
for editing, i keep it simple but effective. i use capcut for episodes and mini episodes, and magic mastering through buzzsprout to polish up my audio. nothing too crazy, just tools that help me sound good without breaking the bank. my main goal is to keep it authentic, so while i care about the quality, i’m not stressing over perfect sound. i want listeners to feel like they’re sitting with me, not listening to a highly produced show.
prepping episodes starts with me getting real about what’s on my mind. i jot down the key points i want to hit, keep it conversational, and then just press record. sometimes it takes one shot, sometimes a couple retakes, but i keep it raw and real. after recording, i edit out the fluff and tighten things up, but i make sure the final version still feels like me; unfiltered and to the point.
for guests, i use google forms through my linktree to connect with people who resonate with the podcast’s message, and i tap into podcasting networks and social media to find the right fits. when it’s time to record, we use riverside for a seamless, high-quality experience. i want conversations that go deep, get real, and offer value to my listeners. nothing surface-level here.
this podcast isn’t about fancy equipment or a perfect setup; it’s about showing up, being real, and making the most out of what you’ve got. if i waited for everything to be perfect, shift happens would still just be a dream.
► How do you market your show?
marketing shift happens is all about meeting my listeners where they’re at. i’m not relying on one platform or method… i use a mix of social media, organic reach, and word-of-mouth to get the word out. most of my listeners find me through platforms like instagram, tiktok, and facebook, where i’m actively engaging with my audience through posts, stories, and reels. i make sure my content has a sharp hook, tough-love truths, and clear calls to action, which helps to boost engagement and get people talking.
social media is my primary marketing tool. instagram and tiktok are where i get the most traction. i’m constantly creating short, attention-grabbing videos to tease my episodes or spark conversation around themes i’m discussing. i also leverage facebook groups and podcasting networks for cross-promotion. connecting with listeners on these platforms feels like the best way to build community and keep the momentum going.
as for listener acquisition breakdown, i don’t have exact percentages right now, but i’d say a solid chunk of my audience comes from social media. a lot of people find me through my instagram and tiktok reels, then follow me for more consistent, raw content. i use SEO-driven captions and tough-love messaging to capture attention and funnel people to the podcast, where the real conversation happens.
overall, my marketing strategy revolves around staying consistent, engaging my community, and meeting my audience where they are. it’s less about perfection and more about being present and showing up every day with real, raw content that resonates.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
if you’re thinking about starting a podcast, do it. stop waiting for the “perfect” moment or equipment. i learned that the hard way…perfection is a trap, and it’ll keep you stuck. i spent too much time overthinking my first show, trying to be someone i wasn’t, and ended up quitting because it felt forced. shift happens is my comeback, and the biggest lesson i’ve learned is that authenticity trumps everything. don’t waste time trying to fit a mold — find your voice and own it.
something else i learned? consistency matters. you’re not going to see results overnight, but if you keep showing up, your audience will grow. some weeks are slower than others, and growth doesn’t happen in a straight line, but it’s the consistency that builds trust. if you want people to tune in every week, you have to give them a reason to keep coming back. shift happens has grown because i’m real with my listeners, and they know they can count on me to deliver value every time.
resources that helped me? start with podcasts like the podcast host and podcast growth university, they’re packed with actionable tips. also, Buzzsprout’s blog and the Podcasting Handbook were game-changers when it came to the technical side. as for mindset, don’t overcomplicate things, just get started. i used tools like CapCut for editing my short episodes and Magic Mastering through Buzzsprout to polish things up without breaking the bank.
also, network. connect with other podcasters. i found some of my most valuable insights from people who’ve been in the game longer than me. they get the grind and can offer advice that’ll save you time. building relationships and collaborating with others in the podcasting space can help you avoid a lot of rookie mistakes.
so, my biggest piece of advice? stop overthinking and start recording. your first episode doesn’t need to be perfect…just be real, and don’t quit when it gets tough. the journey’s messy, but it’s worth it.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
you can learn more about shift happens and connect with me across several platforms. i keep it real and share behind-the-scenes content, updates, and tough-love moments on social media:
instagram: @shift.happenspodcast
tiktok: @shift.happenspodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@shift.happenspodcast?_t=ZT-8wKquAMuZ14&_r=1
facebook: Shift Happens Podcast https://www.facebook.com/share/1PqQYe5fZL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
i also offer coaching corner through Patreon, where you can access exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more: Coaching Corner https://www.patreon.com/shifthappenspodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator
if you’d like to support the show, check out my Buzzsprout subscription option for exclusive content: Support Shift Happens https://www.buzzsprout.com/2439330/subscribe
you can find shift happens on all major platforms.
for everything in one place, visit my linktree for easy access to all of my platforms, including Patreon and support options: https://linktr.ee/shifthappenspodcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=83e3aa02-9867-4c58-a9b6-0ae13485faf8