► Tell us about you and your podcast
As a life coach to teens with a core emphasis on health and nutrition, I found there were virtually no factual, research-backed podcasts targeted to teens providing information relevant to their bodies and lives. The goal of the podcast is to offer health and wellness information that teenagers and college-age young adults are seeking to help navigate the diverse and challenging changes they experience in their adolescent and early adult years.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I've been a fan of podcasting since its early stages. I love the long-form platform that allows listeners to gain knowledge in an entertaining manner without having to do all the searching and sifting through the facts themselves. As a result, I was very interested in starting my own podcast so when I discovered the gap in health and wellness content specifically written and targeted to teenagers and emerging adults, I dove in and created the Healthy Teen Life podcast! I started in September of 2022 and it's been a fulfilling and rewarding project ever since.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I release one episode per week. It typically takes me several hours to write the episode (if solo) or research, outline discussion & prep questions if a guest episode. When I have a guest, we typically meet prior to the recording to discuss topic details and questions. I find we're much more prepared and can just jump right in when it's recording day. After the prep work, I'm now able to record in less than an hour, edit takes a 2-4 hours and I like to break it across 2 days to get a fresh perspective since I typically run through it an average of 3 times to first edit, then check again and finally add in intro/outro and music.
Costs are funded by myself but I'm hoping as episode performance increases, I'll be able to take on sponsors or donations. I believe I'm at a point now where I've shown consistency, quality content, and a growing caliber of guests that I'm ready to work with relevant partners.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
I currently don't have sponsorship but am open to taking sponsors on. The key element is they need to be appropriate for a teen audience (and parents of teens), and align with the health and wellness goals of the podcast.
Podcasting provides a great boost to my coaching as I'm able to share more about my knowledge and expertise on a larger platform and I can refer to teens that I'm working with (and their parents), to listen to recommended episodes for a deeper dive on specific topics they're struggling with. It's a win-win for both me and my clients.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I keep my podcasting simple and use a Yeti microphone and laptop, record Zencaster, interview guests using StreamYard, edit using Audacity, and host on Podbean. I also have an editor I use on occasion for longer episodes or when I'm short on time. I've had great success with all and plan to continue using them.
When possible, I batch record 2 - 4 podcasts at a time, however, there are certainly times when life is too hectic and I record them individually, the week prior, edit and then set-up 2 days prior to release. I've been consistently releasing on a weekly basis since I started the podcast.
► How do you market your show?
Currently I market my show through podcast apps like iTunes, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Samsung and others. I promote through Facebook, Instagram, my email list and website. As well as cross-promote with podcast guests through their social and websites, whenever possible.
All have been helping to steadily grow the podcast downloads week after week. I hope to expand that reach as followers continue to grow, the number of guests (and their reach) expands, and I have bandwidth to promote on other platforms.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Make sure you're committed and have the desire and ability to consistently release episodes.
Focus on content over quality (start with quality equipment and you'll need less editing) that resonates with your audience.
Be patient. With so many large organizations hosting and launching podcasts, it's more difficult to get exposure and followers, unlike the earlier years when there was less competition from big budget media organizations.
Check your episode statistics and develop future content based on those results and feedback.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
You can find more information on my website: https://www.leslierosecoaching.com/podcast
Podcast landing page on PodBean: https://healthyteenlife.podbean.com/
My social accounts on Facebook and Instagram @Leslierosecoaching.com