► Tell us about you and your podcast
I am a human trafficking survivor, domestic abuse survivor, former c-level executive, widow, former fashion designer...now influential podcaster. My podcast is about sharing stories of entrepreneurs, authors, artists, coaches and how they overcame traumas, setbacks to reach success on their own terms. My listeners are entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I was always terribly shy as a little girl. In every relationship I always was in the "backseat" not able to use my voice. After failing as a fashion designer and finally overcoming all of my trauma I wanted to let my voice be heard on how I overcame so much in my life, how I chased my dreams despite all the abuse and I wanted to be a guiding light for anyone that might be in the midst of the darkness themselves. I never knew what a podcast was when I started mine. Now I listen to lots of podcasts.
I think I answered the motivation and goals in the above explanation. I started it In June 2019. I had to drink a bottle of wine to record my intro episode. I released it that night when I finally was able to talk without stumbling.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I now release episodes 4 times a week. I have an editor that I am sure doesn't take him very long since we have a very smooth process.
I dove in hard during covid. I signed up with podmatch when he first launched. I was recording all day during the pandemic. I have about 100+ of episodes in my backlog. I know podcast full time.
That's a hard question, cause as an entrepreneur my resources ebb & flow.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
Yes, I have had manscpaed as a sponsor for 2 years, smile brilliant and a few other short lived sponsorships. It has increased over time.
I saw a Manscaped classified ad in podnews and sent an email with my stats to hopefully get a sponsor. Yikes, I don't remember how many downloads.
I am not looking for sponsors right now. I am focusing on promoting my guests since I offer and upgraded marketing package when they're on my show. 8000-10k downloads a month now.
I love connecting with my guests around the world. I love talking to them and I love sharing their story with the world. My guests walk away with an incredible experience.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I use many services. I am always researching new resources for my podcast. Podmatch, podcastguests.com, matchmaker, podbooker, LinkedIn, social media... I have no shortage of guests.
I always ask for a bio, do a short background check on my guest and I just let our conversation organically happen.
if local in person, or Zoom
► How do you market your show?
It is about 60% apple, web brower, and other misc platforms
Email, social.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Stay true to my why. I started my show cause my voice was always so stifled and I wanted to inspire and encourage. If you are feeling burnt out, take a break and get back to your why.
There are so many now compared to when I first started. Just google search podcasting and there is a library at your finger tips.
Also make sure your branding is on point.