In conversation with working parents sharing their unique, personal stories of raising a family alongside a career.

As a corporate working mum, I struggled with the overwhelm and guilt of being a working parent. I didn't feel I was good enough, at work or at home. So I changed career and 2 years ago became a career and work life balance coach so that I could support parents going through the same thing.

I started the podcast as a way to show all working parents that they're not alone. We all have struggles and opportunities. I firmly believe that becoming a parent gives you the chance to be greater than you were before. The stories my guests share are real and from the heart. They cover topics like IVF, solo parenthood, bereavement, entrepreneurship, gender equality and so much more. There'll be an episode for everybody, giving hope and motivation to design a life that works for you and your family.
 

I love conversations, storytelling and making new connections. I listen to podcasts fairly regularly and when done well, can really feel like I'm in the same room as that person (in fact someone told me that they listen to my podcast in the sauna and it really does feel like I'm in the same room!).

My goal was to connect working parents across the UK and globally. To give them a platform to share their story and to help people understand that we all have a valid, and inspiring story to tell.

I started the podcast in November 2020 and using the mantra 'progress over perfection' launched immediately with three episodes already recorded.
 

I release a new episode every 2 weeks and it takes me an hour of recording time and about an hour of editing (minimal) and creating my marketing material.

I do have a day job and I just make the time. My routine is embedded now - I have a fixed time every week for podcast production. But because my podcast is so closely linked to my job, I often use the content in other ways, to bolster my coaching services.

I produce and fund the podcast entirely by myself. So I pay all the relevant subscriptions for hosting and editing, then produce the marketing material myself. I would love to have the money to invest in it more. I'd get better equipment, maybe use a production agency to get it sounding really crisp and have someone create the social media posts. I'd also love to get more reach which means investment in something beyond social media content.
 

What I gain is entirely non-financial. I love the connection it gives me to working parents. I love the energy and excitement of my guests and I love that I can give them a platform. It's truly a labour of love.

I don't have any sponsorship, I don't make any income from it but ultimately that is something I'd like to look at. Which goes back to the previous point of finding the time alongside my day job.
 

I find guests through my social media platforms. I either approach someone that I think would be a good fit, or they approach me through the power of the network. I'm also on Matchmaker and tend to get all my US guests that way.

I interview on Zoom, and do minimal preparation (apart from a 15 min call with the guest before the recording) as my conversations are so natural and organic and it works really well for me, and my guests who often say they enjoy my approach and they feel relaxed and more open.

I use Soundtrap to edit, then host on Buzzsprout, create artwork on Canva and audiograms on Headliner.

I also check in with Listen Notes, Chartable and Podcharts to find out how I'm doing (and celebrate when I chart!)
 

My show is all on the relevant platforms, through the Buzzsprout hosting. I made sure I was discoverable everywhere from the moment I launched.

I get 35% from Spotify, and 27% from Apple, 72% UK and 18% USA, 42% on iPhone and 22% Android.

I use Linked In, Instagram, Facebook and my email list to promote. Linked In works the best for me as that's where my target listeners hang out, plus the more my guests share the better, especially those with a solid following.
 

Just do it. Progress over perfection. Know who your ideal listeners are and talk to them (or find guests who'll resonate with them). Use all the support out there to get set up. Every hosting provider has great FAQs, or join a podcasting group online for accountability and support. Be discoverable by getting yourself listed on every platform. Be consistent with your marketing, however small, keep it regular.

I read tons from all over the web. There's so much information though so take what you need and don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed. I think podcasting is still quite a dark art in terms of measurement, so try not to compare yourself to others. Just do what you love.
 

www.ayeshamurray.com
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