How She Grew a Podcast by Sharing Real Healing Stories—Jovonnie Ford | Ep 136

How Vulnerability and Focused Marketing Built a Global Podcast—Eve Hall | Ep 145

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a deeply personal journey into a global podcast that breaks taboos and builds community, this episode is for you. I talk with Eve Hall, creator of the Please Me podcast, about her mission to destigmatize conversations around sex and sexual health. You’ll pick up practical advice on building podcast visibility, hear what it takes to stay authentic in a sensitive niche, and discover how Eve balances her roles as a health expert, inventor, and advocate. We also chat about the behind-the-scenes systems, tools, storytelling choices, and lessons in audience growth. Plus, you’ll get a down-to-earth look at what it really takes to keep going, and keep healing, through podcasting. Tune in for an honest conversation filled with wins, doubts, and wisdom. Connect With Eve Hall Website: https://pleaseme.online/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/please.me.by.eve.creations/ If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot. There's more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don't make it into the show. It's a quiet way to stay inspired between listens. Sign up here: ⁠https://mypodcaststory.com/join⁠ Chapters 00:00 Getting Bombarded With Advertisers 00:20 Welcome and Introduction to Eve 01:19 From Physical Therapy to Podcasting 02:47 A Second Coming of Age 04:07 Launching a Sexual Health Practice 05:00 The Lightbulb Moment for the Podcast 06:08 From Conference Attendee to Speaker 06:49 Global Podcast Growth and Recognition 08:01 Loving Your Own Voice 09:09 Finding Courage in Vulnerability 10:15 Reaching Listeners Worldwide 11:24 Choosing Podcast Topics That Matter 12:19 The Values Guiding Content Choices 13:20 Being an Introverted Podcaster 14:20 Tackling Politics and Tough Topics 15:05 How an Episode Gets Made 16:12 Editor and Producer from Day One 17:13 Essential Tools to Run the Show 18:41 Quality Control After Publishing 20:19 Switching Podcast Hosts 22:02 What It Means to Be Independent 23:15 How Megaphone Recruited Eve 24:15 The Realities of Monetizing 25:44 Cost and Revenue Sharing 26:22 Navigating Vulnerability on Air 28:08 The Secret to Explosive Podcast Growth 29:44 Why Social Media Isn’t Enough 30:57 Where Does the Marketing Budget Go? 32:30 How Far $150/Month Can Go 34:04 The Power of Podcast Advertising 36:15 Systems That Fuel Consistency 38:14 Learning Enough to Oversee Well 39:25 Newsletter Lessons and Surprises 41:42 Why Email Is a Podcast Lifeline 43:19 The New Internet in Africa? 44:10 Podcast Guesting as a Growth Tool 45:19 Guesting Converts Listeners Already Primed 46:21 Looking Ahead for Please Me 47:45 Big Clit Energy and Owning Confidence 49:54 Advice for Podcasters Tackling Sensitive Topics 50:21 Publishing Rhythm and Where to Listen 51:15 How to Connect With Eve 52:30 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

How Authentic Conversations Set Your Podcast Apart—J.L. Palmer | Ep 144

If you’ve ever wondered why so many interviews end up sounding the same, this episode is for you. I sit down with J.L. Palmer, a guide for podcasters who want to go beyond surface-level conversations and spark real connections. You'll pick up practical ideas for making your podcast memorable, hear honest stories about creative burnout and digital privacy, and learn how thoughtful auditing can turn good content into episodes people remember. We also chat about building a business in podcasting without losing your joy, and how to truly include both your guests and listeners in the process. Tune in for a refreshingly honest take on why depth matters more than volume, and how to keep your podcast both human and impactful. Connect With J.L. Palmer Website: http://jlpalmergroup.com/ Substack: https://jlpalmerconsulting.substack.com/ If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot. There's more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don't make it into the show. It's a quiet way to stay inspired between listens. Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join [https://mypodcaststory.com/join] Chapters 00:00 Why Most Conversations Are Forgettable 00:41 Creating Memorable Podcast Moments 01:26 Conversations, Networking, and Podcast Auditing 02:19 Defining "Memorable" in Podcasting 03:45 The Problem with Cookie Cutter Content 04:48 Authenticity vs. Perfection 05:30 Coming Back After a Hiatus 06:04 Embracing Curiosity and Not-Knowing 06:45 Building the Podcast Audit Business 08:02 What Makes Content Connect 08:38 Free Audits and Case Studies 10:16 How Long Does Change Take? 11:12 Measuring Podcast Impact 12:06 Rethinking Metrics Beyond Downloads 14:04 Making Guests Feel Like Royalty 15:42 Balancing Guest, Host, and Listener Needs 17:26 The Real Reason for Podcasting 18:45 The Power of Podcasting as Networking 20:11 From Interviews to Production Burnout 21:31 Overwhelm, Hard Drive Crashes, and Letting Go 24:41 Digital Privacy in Podcasting 25:22 Returning with Care and Boundaries 26:16 Coaching Approaches and Unique Journeys 27:34 New Podcast Dreams and Brand Choices 29:00 Embracing Digital Anonymity 31:17 Opportunities for Collaboration 32:31 Does the Podcast Make Money? 33:05 Self-Education Through Interviews 34:10 Lessons Learned After a Thousand Conversations 35:03 Top Three Podcasting Lessons 36:34 Editing for Experience, Not Perfection 38:33 Production Choices and Audience Respect 39:39 How to Build a Podcasting Business 43:54 Pitfalls of Treating Podcasts as Lead Magnets 45:12 Keeping Real Conversations at the Center 47:34 Helping Guests Shine and Stay Connected 51:19 Choosing How You Earn from Podcasting 52:36 Connection Over Sales—A Different Approach 54:02 Conferences, Connections, and Partnerships 55:52 Working with Podmatch and Guesting Agencies 57:09 The Value of Guesting and Refining Your Message 59:47 Growth Is About Depth, Not Volume 61:32 Evolving Your Message with Feedback 62:56 Staying in Touch with Your Guests 63:14 Systematizing Guest Follow-Up 64:47 Content Sharing and Collaboration 65:36 Building Your Newsletter Audience 66:45 The Right Way to Grow Email Subscribers 67:25 Offering Support in Multiple Ways 69:03 Expert Webinars and Deeper Learning 69:34 Why Start a Podcast—Rethinking the Basics 70:57 Wrapping Up—Feeling at Home in the Conversation 71:10 Call to Action and Outro

How Building a Podcast Built My Confidence—Vincent Hazenboom | Ep 143

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to push through self-doubt when launching a podcast, this episode is for you. I chat with Vincent Hazenboom, host of the How to Heart Show, about helping men reconnect to their hearts and authentic selves. You’ll pick up what happens when expectations clash with reality, why consistency trumps perfection, and how handling setbacks can lead to personal growth. We also chat about tools that make the process easier and why building community matters. Tune in for a candid look at the ups and downs of keeping a podcast alive and meaningful.Connect With Vincent HazenboomWebsite: https://www.youtube.com/@HowToHeart/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-hazenboom-46408123bIf My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.There's more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don't make it into the show. It's a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: ⁠https://mypodcaststory.com/join⁠Chapters00:00 Starting Out and Facing Reality00:48 Introducing Vincent and His Mission01:22 Why the How to Heart Show Exists01:53 Early Challenges and Mindset Shifts02:48 Naming the Podcast—A Serendipitous Story04:08 Moving Past Perfectionism05:28 Handling Criticism and Finding Purpose06:02 Learning By Doing and Burnout07:12 Turning Hobby Into Business08:31 Behind the Scenes: Episode Workflow10:13 Finding Tools to Save Time13:57 How Podcasting Changed Vincent15:35 Taking Ownership and Setting Boundaries17:46 Keys to Growing an Audience18:56 Letting Go of Sunk Costs20:12 Adapting Tools and Processes21:11 When Podcasting Starts to Pay Off22:24 Focusing on Message Over Money23:01 Video vs Audio Podcasting24:27 Debating the Value of Audio Platforms29:51 Repurposing and Improving Older Episodes31:41 Investing in Quality and Growth33:36 Organic vs Paid Audience Building36:01 Vision for the Future38:24 Collaboration Over Competition40:09 Lessons in Self-Awareness41:12 The Confidence Shift43:30 One Listener’s Email Changed Everything44:05 Helping Those Ready for Change46:45 Reflecting on Personal Growth49:14 Compassion, Patience, and the Power of Connection51:01 Final Thoughts and Invitation

How to Start a Podcast Without All the Answers—James Walters | Ep 142

If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to launch and sustain a podcast, this episode is for you. I sit down with James Walters, host of A Joyful Rebellion, to talk about stepping into podcasting from a career in storytelling through photography. You’ll pick up how James navigated those first uncertain steps, what goes on behind the scenes from idea to launch, and why starting doesn’t mean having it all figured out. We also chat about guest strategies, tools, growth surprises, and the honest, sometimes messy journey of making your show your own. Tune in for candid insights, plenty of practical tips, and some encouragement if you’re ready to hit record yourself. Connect With James Walters Website: https://ajoyfulrebellion.com/ Personal Website: https://jameswalters.com/ If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot. There's more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don't make it into the show. It's a quiet way to stay inspired between listens. Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join [https://mypodcaststory.com/join] Chapters 00:00 When Podcasting Feels Overwhelming 00:37 Welcome and James’ Introduction 01:31 A Joyful Rebellion—The Podcast Idea 02:29 Redefining Success and Fulfillment 03:23 Stories of Change and Reinvention 04:47 Following Others’ Paths 05:09 Why James Started Podcasting 06:02 From Photography to Podcast Conversations 06:46 Naming the Genre: Self-Discovery 07:47 The Importance of Self-Awareness 08:59 How James Discovered Podcasting 10:10 Finding a Podcast Community 12:08 Launching A Joyful Rebellion 13:42 In-Person vs. Online Podcasting 14:23 Why Unique Stories Matter 16:29 Discovering Unexpected Guests 17:48 Regrets, Wishes, and Facing Fear 18:20 Becoming the Author of Your Own Story 19:50 Balancing Podcasting With Work 20:50 Behind the Scenes: James’ Workflow 21:42 What Podcast Conventions Don’t Teach 22:23 Sourcing and Prepping for Guests 23:52 Scheduling and Systems That Work 24:29 Making Episodes From Meaningful Moments 25:51 Editing, Launch Schedules, and Buffering 26:54 The Value of Your Immediate Network 27:54 Different Podcasting Styles, Same Passion 28:44 Start Small—Don’t Wait for Perfect 29:52 Software and Tools James Uses 33:42 After Publishing: Thinking About Promotion 34:03 Discovering and Scheduling Social Content 35:27 Best Tools for Video and Clips 36:35 Why Riverside Wins for Recording 37:47 Affordability and Practical Tech Talk 39:25 Reducing Friction for Indie Podcasters 40:35 Podcast Growth Surprises and Numbers 41:48 Guest Collaboration and Discovery 42:35 The Challenge of Growing With Social Media 43:19 Why Podcast Audiences Feel Loyal 44:36 Crafting Titles: Boring vs. Clever 46:08 Making Content Evergreen for Guests 47:41 When Opinions Differ on Air 49:09 Looking Ahead: Goals for the Podcast 51:08 Scheduling, Backlogs, and Time Zone Mishaps 53:22 Advice for Aspiring Podcasters 54:51 The Power of Just Hitting Record 55:43 Finding Consistency and Joy in Podcasting 56:24 Where to Find A Joyful Rebellion 57:08 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

How to Build a Podcast Around Purpose, Not Popularity—Branch Isole | Ep 141

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to create a podcast rooted in personal and spiritual growth, this episode is for you. I talk with Branch Isole, author and host of Patient Zero, about his journey from live presenting to podcasting and how he crafts content for truth-seekers. You’ll pick up insights on narrowing your audience, learn how Branch produces his shows with intention and simplicity, and discover his unique approach to scripting and collaboration. We also chat about letting purpose, not monetization, drive your show. Tune in for a grounded conversation about podcasting with meaning. Connect With Branch Isole Website: https://branchisole.com [https://branchisole.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/branch-isole-851433201 If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot. There's more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don't make it into the show. It's a quiet way to stay inspired between listens. Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join [https://mypodcaststory.com/join] Chapters 00:00 Behind the Podcast—Meet Branch 00:19 The Meaning of Patient Zero 01:14 Inspiration Behind the Show Name 02:25 From Idea to Podcast Launch 03:07 The Mission: Growth for Listeners 03:54 Connecting With Truth-Seekers 05:00 Defining a Unique Audience 05:52 Success, Struggles, and Spirituality 07:19 Getting Real About Spiritual Growth 08:08 Facing Life’s Hard Holes 09:26 Ending and Starting Over 10:15 Why Podcasting Over Live Events 11:15 Spreading the Word Online 11:47 Growing Listeners With Social Media 12:21 Branch’s Production Process 13:31 Scriptwriting and Outlining 14:23 Using Writing to Find Clarity 15:11 Branch’s Editing Partner 15:39 Podcast Production—Team Approach 16:43 Keeping Things Simple 17:16 Real Podcast Costs 17:39 Monetization—Or Not 18:26 What Success Means to Branch 19:06 Purpose Over Profit 20:06 Plans and Freedom in Podcasting 21:12 Challenges with Past and Present Shows 22:10 Transitioning to a Shorter Format 22:28 Choosing Unique Guests 23:04 Conversations That Stand Out 24:08 Looking Toward More Episodes 24:18 Where to Listen to Patient Zero 24:42 How to Connect With Branch 25:22 Thanks for Listening