How to Start a Podcast in 2026 (It’s Way Easier Than You Think)

How to Start a Podcast in 2026 (It’s Way Easier Than You Think)

If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast but felt completely overwhelmed by the tech, the editing, the setup… this episode is for you. Because I’m just gonna say it… It’s not that hard. It’s really not. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I started my podcast—from the mindset shift to the actual tools I use—so you can stop overthinking it and just get started. We’re talking about how podcasting in 2026 is easier than ever (thank you AI 🙌), and how you can record, edit, publish, and market your podcast… all on your own. No fancy studio. No big team. No expensive setup. Just you, your voice, and a message that’s ready to be shared. ---------------------------------------- 💛 WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: * Why starting a podcast feels overwhelming (and why it’s actually not) * The simple equipment you really need (hint: it’s not much) * The one platform I use to record, edit, AND host everything * How AI can help you edit your episodes + write show notes in minutes * Why you should batch your first 3–5 episodes before launching * The biggest mistake that keeps people from ever publishing * How to turn your podcast into a content machine (blogs, social posts, clips) * Why your voice + your story matter (even if you’re just starting) ---------------------------------------- 🎧 KEY TAKEAWAY If there’s something on your heart to share… you don’t need to wait until it’s perfect. You just need to start. You’ll get better with every episode. You’ll find your rhythm. And honestly? That first step is the hardest part. Most podcasts don’t even make it past 7 episodes… so if you do, you’re already ahead. ---------------------------------------- ✨ A NOTE FROM ME There is so much space for your voice in this world. The podcasting space is not too crowded. It’s just waiting for you. So if starting a podcast has been on your heart for 2026… this is your sign. Go for it! ----------------------------------------  Ready to Travel With Built-In Community? ✨ Start with the free Solo Travel 101 workshop: >>Access Here>> [https://www.herhouse.co/solo-travel-101] 🌍 Explore HerHouse with a 7-day free trial: >>Join Here>> [https://www.herhouse.co/membership] 📖 Grab Tess’s book Sherbet Skies: >>Buy Now>> [https://a.co/d/0cGK9Vhf] ---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH TESS Website: https://www.herhouse.co/ [https://www.herhouse.co/]Instagram (Tess): @tessmillhollon [https://www.instagram.com/tessmillhollon]Instagram (HerHouse): @ [https://www.instagram.com/herhouse.co]herhouse.co [http://herhouse.co] LinkedIn:@tess-millhollon [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-millhollon/]TikTok:@ [https://www.tiktok.com/@herhouse.co]herhouse.co [http://herhouse.co]

Meet Your HerHouse Host: Gina from New Zealand

What if the thing you’ve been craving… isn’t just a vacation—but a complete reset? In this episode, Tess sits down with HerHouse host Gina, based in the stunning Coromandel Peninsula of New Zealand, to talk about solo travel, healing, and what it really looks like to step into a new version of yourself through adventure. ---------------------------------------- ✨ WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE * Why solo travel can be one of the most transformative experiences of your life * Gina’s story of backpacking solo at 40 (and why it changed everything) * How travel helps you rebuild confidence after difficult life seasons * The difference between “running away” vs. running towards something better * What it’s really like to stay with locals (and why it creates deeper experiences) * Hidden gems in New Zealand you won’t find on Google * Why connection—not age—is what truly matters when traveling ---------------------------------------- 🌿 A PEEK INSIDE NEW ZEALAND WITH GINA If New Zealand has been on your bucket list… this is your sign. Gina shares what it’s like to live in a peaceful, nature-filled part of the North Island—and why getting off the beaten path is where the real magic happens. And her biggest tip? 👉 Rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore. ---------------------------------------- 🌍 CONNECT WITH GINA Instagram: @wanderlust_travel_coach [https://www.instagram.com/wanderlust_travel_coach/] Podcast: Wanderlust: Solo Women Travel Unscripted [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6uFw6HZLfBkzqq8Z2KVYVRmdR9PNricW] Website: Wanderlust Solo Travel Tours [https://wanderlustsolowomentours.com/] TikTok: @wanderlustsolotravel [https://www.tiktok.com/@wanderlustsolotravel?lang=en]  Ready to Travel With Built-In Community? ✨ Start with the free Solo Travel 101 workshop: >>Access Here>> [https://www.herhouse.co/solo-travel-101] 🌍 Explore HerHouse with a 7-day free trial: >>Join Here>> [https://members.herhouse.co/landing/] 📖 Grab Tess’s book Sherbet Skies: >>Buy Now>> [https://a.co/d/0cGK9Vhf] ---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH TESS Website: https://www.herhouse.co/ [https://www.herhouse.co/]Instagram (Tess): @tessmillhollon [https://www.instagram.com/tessmillhollon]Instagram (HerHouse): @ [https://www.instagram.com/herhouse.co]herhouse.co [http://herhouse.co] LinkedIn:@tess-millhollon [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-millhollon/]TikTok:@ [https://www.tiktok.com/@herhouse.co]herhouse.co [http://herhouse.co]

5 Ways Solo Travel Prepared Me to Be A Startup Founder

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately… And the more I build this business, the more I realize— this journey feels so similar to solo traveling. Like… almost identical in ways I didn’t expect. The fear. The uncertainty. The figuring it out as you go. The moments where you’re like, “what am I even doing?” And then somehow… it all works out. In this episode, I’m sharing some of the biggest lessons I’ve carried from solo traveling into building HerHouse—and honestly, into every area of my life. Because the truth is… Solo travel doesn’t just give you memories. It changes how you move through the world. ---------------------------------------- In this episode, I talk about: * Why launching a business feels exactly like stepping on a plane alone * How solo travel teaches you to move forward even when you’re scared * The power of becoming someone who can “figure it out” no matter what * Learning to trust your own decisions (without needing everyone else’s input) * Staying open to divine serendipity and unexpected opportunities * Why the best things in your life often come from saying yes before you feel ready ---------------------------------------- One of the biggest truths I’ve learned: At the end of the day… this is your journey. No one else can fully see what you see. They can’t feel what you feel. They don’t have the vision that’s been placed on your heart. And that can feel really lonely sometimes… But it’s also what makes it yours. ---------------------------------------- If you’re in a season where something is pulling on you… Maybe it doesn’t make sense. Maybe other people don’t understand it. Maybe it feels a little scary. That’s okay. You don’t need everyone to understand it. You just need to trust it. ---------------------------------------- A few reminders I want you to walk away with: You can do things scared. You can figure things out as you go. You can make your own decisions. You can trust what’s on your heart. And when you stay open… life will meet you in ways you never expected. ----------------------------------------  Ready to Travel With Built-In Community? ✨ Start with the free Solo Travel 101 workshop: >>Access Here>> [https://www.herhouse.co/solo-travel-101] 🌍 Explore HerHouse with a 7-day free trial: >>Join Here>> [https://members.herhouse.co/landing/] 📖 Grab Tess’s book Sherbet Skies: >>Buy Now>> [https://a.co/d/0cGK9Vhf] ---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH TESS Website: https://www.herhouse.co/ [https://www.herhouse.co/]Instagram (Tess): @tessmillhollon [https://www.instagram.com/tessmillhollon]Instagram (HerHouse): @ [https://www.instagram.com/herhouse.co]herhouse.co [http://herhouse.co] LinkedIn:@tess-millhollon [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-millhollon/]TikTok:@ [https://www.tiktok.com/@herhouse.co]herhouse.co [http://herhouse.co]

The Truth About the Digital Nomad Lifestyle With Courtney Brady

Let’s be real for a second… The digital nomad lifestyle has kind of become the dream, right? Working from your laptop, traveling the world, waking up in a new country whenever you want… it sounds amazing. And it is amazing—but there’s also so much more to it that people don’t talk about. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Courtney—one of our incredible HerHouse members—who is actually living this lifestyle. She’s built a freelance career in social media and marketing that allows her to work remotely while traveling the world. But what I love about this conversation is that it’s not just the highlight reel. We talk about what it really looks like. Because spoiler alert: it didn’t happen overnight. Courtney started with a side hustle… tested things out… learned along the way… and slowly built a life that gives her both freedom and sustainability. And if you’ve ever wondered: “Could I actually do this too?” This episode is for you. ---------------------------------------- In this episode, we talk about: * How Courtney went from teaching abroad to building a fully remote freelance career * Why most digital nomads actually start with a side hustle first * The reality of working while traveling (and why routines matter more than you think) * The biggest challenges of the digital nomad lifestyle (that no one talks about) * How to find freelance clients + remote work opportunities * Budget-friendly travel hacks that actually make this lifestyle sustainable * Why staying longer in one place can completely change your experience ----------------------------------------  Ready to Travel With Built-In Community? ✨ Start with the free Solo Travel 101 workshop: >>Access Here>> [https://www.herhouse.co/solo-travel-101] 🌍 Explore HerHouse with a 7-day free trial: >>Join Here>> [https://members.herhouse.co/landing/] 📖 Grab Tess’s book Sherbet Skies: >>Buy Now>> [https://a.co/d/0cGK9Vhf] ---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH TESS Website: https://www.herhouse.co/ [https://www.herhouse.co/]Instagram (Tess): @tessmillhollon [https://www.instagram.com/tessmillhollon]Instagram (HerHouse): @ [https://www.instagram.com/herhouse.co]herhouse.co [http://herhouse.co] LinkedIn:@tess-millhollon [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-millhollon/]TikTok:@ [https://www.tiktok.com/@herhouse.co]herhouse.co [http://herhouse.co] CONNECT WITH COURTNEY Instagram: : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-millhollon/@journeywith.court [https://www.instagram.com/journeywith.court/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-millhollon/TikTok:@wanderwith.court [https://www.tiktok.com/@wanderwith.court]

Why Solo Travel After College Might Be the Best Career Move You Make

What if the most strategic move you could make after graduation… isn’t sending out résumés? What if it’s booking a one-way ticket? In this episode, Tess shares why solo travel after college isn’t irresponsible, reckless, or “falling behind” — it might actually be the most powerful investment you can make in your future career, confidence, and character. If you’re standing at the edge of graduation wondering whether to jump straight into corporate life or take time to explore the world first, this conversation is for you. ---------------------------------------- IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: ✨ Why your post-college season is once-in-a-lifetime ✨ How solo travel can actually make you more employable ✨ Turning a working holiday visa into a résumé builder ✨ Why travel expands your worldview (and breaks echo chambers) ✨ The power of investing in your personal growth early ✨ Building lifelong friendships around the world ✨ How solo travel helps during life transitions ✨ What to do when family and friends don’t understand your desire to go ---------------------------------------- READY TO TRAVEL WITH BUILT-IN COMMUNITY? ✨ Start with the free Solo Travel 101 workshop: >>Access Here>> [https://www.herhouse.co/solo-travel-101] 🌍 Explore HerHouse with a 7-day free trial: >>Join Here>> [https://members.herhouse.co/landing/] 📖 Grab Tess’s book Sherbet Skies: >>Buy Now>> [https://a.co/d/0cGK9Vhf] ---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH TESS Website: https://www.herhouse.co/ [https://www.herhouse.co/]Instagram (Tess): @tessmillhollon [https://www.instagram.com/tessmillhollon]Instagram (HerHouse): @ [https://www.instagram.com/herhouse.co]herhouse.co [http://herhouse.co] LinkedIn: @tess-millhollon [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-millhollon/]TikTok:@ [https://www.tiktok.com/@herhouse.co]herhouse.co [http://herhouse.co]