87. Standing Out in a Crowded Niche: Lessons from Wellness Podcaster Brandee Hommerding

90. Storytelling & Interviewing: A Live Panel at Podcasters NW with Erica C. Barnett and Ronit Plank

This is a live recording from Podcasters NW, the largest networking group for podcasters in Seattle. About this episode: A journalist who never sends questions in advance. A memoirist who reads your entire book before she'll talk to you. And me, who shows up with curiosity and basically no prep because I'm also producing 25 other shows. I put these three approaches in a room together on purpose. Because podcasting is not one size fits all. We got into interview techniques, how to tell a story in every podcast episode, and how we roll with the punches during interviews (even the ones that don't go the way we imagined)/ This one was recorded live at Podcasters NW — the largest in-person podcasting and creator networking community in the Pacific Northwest. If you've ever wanted a room full of people who actually get what it's like to make a show, this is it. In this episode: * Three completely different interview philosophies — journalist, memoirist, and "curiosity-first" * What to do live, in the moment, when a guest goes off-script or shuts down on you * The exact moment that makes a podcast host say "I love my job" * The awkward reality of an interview going not the way you were hoping * How to actually land a dream guest (it took one of us a full year and a second ask) * The line we each have for when an interview just doesn't make the cut Join us at the next Podcasters NW event on July 22. It's free to join! https://july22podcastersnw.eventbrite.com This month's event was sponsored by Armoire [https://armoire.style] — use code PODCAST2026 for a free month of clothing rental. Connect with Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Connect with Erica: https://publicola.com Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst: Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44 Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction ⁠ My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

89. Kit Craft + Commerce Recap: Conference Takeaways, Podcasting Levels, and Why AI Content Needs a Strategy

This week I'm bringing you part one of a two-part conversation, recorded live in Boise at Kit's Craft + Commerce conference. I sat down with my business bestie Jillian Minter, a business and money coach, to break down our biggest takeaways from the weekend. Listen to part 2 here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quantum-wealth-money-mindset-manifestation-business/id1871569964?i=1000774154738 In this episode, we get into: * What it was like being surrounded by every kind of creator imaginable — podcasters, YouTubers, authors, food bloggers, and more * Why "it all works" when it comes to picking your content avenue, and how energy and belief play into that * The podcast monetization workshop that taught me a hard lesson about knowing your audience's level (and meeting people where they actually are, not where you assume they are) * Why AI tools are genuinely useful — but only if you're using them with a plan, not just to push out more content * The "act like a client in your own business" exercise that every business owner needs to try Jillian and I see this conference through two completely different lenses — podcasting and money/mindset — so we decided to split the conversation across both of our shows. Catch part two over on Jillian's podcast, Quantum Wealth, where we get into confidence, networking styles, and the new Kit features we're both obsessed with. 🎧 Listen to part two on Quantum Wealth: https://jillianminter.com/quantum-wealth-manifestation-podcast/ Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst: Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44 Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction ⁠ My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

88. How to Create a Podcast Website in 20 Minutes with Jamie from Julip

Most podcasters treat their online presence like an afterthought—a Linktree here, a Spotify link there. But if you're serious about growing your podcast, you need more than a wall of links. You need a website that actually tells your story, showcases your episodes, and opens doors to monetization. In this episode, I sit down with Jamie, the founder of Julip, to talk about why podcasters need a website (not just social media links), how to organize your episodes so listeners can actually find what they're looking for, and creative ways to monetize your podcast beyond traditional sponsorships. What You'll Learn: * Why a Linktree isn't enough for serious podcasters * How Julip makes it easy to create a beautiful, mobile-friendly website in just 20 minutes * The importance of categorizing your episodes—especially once you hit 100+ episodes * Creative monetization strategies: selling ad real estate on your website, not just in episodes * How to leverage guest appearances on other podcasts to grow your own show * The benefits of being a podcast guest before launching your own show * Jamie's journey from marketing to higher ed to launching three businesses I met Jamie in The Entreprenista League, a business and community membership where founders like you can access top-tier resources, media opportunities, and a community that will be there to support you as you grow your business. Join here: https://refer.entreprenista.com/2bvagj2con4u Try Julip: https://myjulip.com/julip Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myjulip/ Julipers using Julips for their podcast: * suzy [https://l.gourl.es/l/8f965d79088a8d93e1e4cee5d3171e8e111d4bb6?u=11982023] * aisha [https://l.gourl.es/l/c0fa8a0f007a2759baad57af5fad95ba648999b1?u=11982023] Resources mentioned:  * To sell a new service to your podcast clients, website in a day [https://l.gourl.es/l/1e07063659db9e30012ba9fe367d97fea6bb6e41?u=11982023]. * Lucy being interviewed for Mayor of NYC [https://l.gourl.es/l/99fbb12bb19dad672cdcc29d2022bc24e2ac0793?u=11982023] * https://www.trupanion.com/ [https://www.trupanion.com/] - pet insurance company Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst: Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44 Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction ⁠ My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

87. Standing Out in a Crowded Niche: Lessons from Wellness Podcaster Brandee Hommerding

Want to start a podcast but worried your niche is too crowded? In this episode of the Podcast Café, I interview Brandee Hommerding, host of the Healthy Buzz Podcast, about how to stand out in the competitive wellness podcasting space. If you're wondering how to launch a podcast when there are already shows in your industry, this conversation will change your perspective. Brandee shares her journey from thinking about podcasting for years to launching a successful wellness podcast that's approaching 50 episodes, and how she differentiates herself in an oversaturated market. What You'll Learn About Starting a Podcast in a Crowded Niche: - How to start a podcast when your niche feels saturated with competition - Why knowing your target audience is essential for podcast success - The importance of planning listener takeaways before hitting record - How to research podcast guests to maintain credibility and brand alignment - Why conducting research for solo podcast episodes builds trust with listeners - How to overcome perfectionism and actually launch your podcast - Using your podcast as a client resource and business tool - The mindset shift from "podcast planning" to "podcast launching" - How to create anti-diet culture wellness content that stands out - Building a podcast audience when you're not mainstream Key Podcasting Tips for Beginners: Before you record your next episode (or your first episode), ask yourself: What will my listener take away from this? Entertainment? Education? Inspiration? Having a clear goal for every episode is what separates successful podcasts from those that fade away. Don't just record to record—record with purpose and your listener in mind. Connect with Brandee: Interested in delicious, high-protein recipes? Download your 7-day high-protein plan here: https://beecollectivewellness.com/high-protein-meal-plan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beecollectivewellness/ Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst: Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44 Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction ⁠ My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

86. The Art of Collaboration: Live from Podcasters NW with Carla Marie & Anthony

This episode is different from every other Podcast Cafe episode because it's the live recording from the very first Podcasters NW event held on May 18th in Seattle. After six years of podcasting in the Pacific Northwest, I realized I didn't know many podcasters here, so I created the only dedicated space for podcasters to connect in person. I call it Podcasters NW. In this special recording, you'll hear a fireside chat with Carla Marie and Anthony, Seattle-based multi-platform creators who have been building content together for 17 years. They host The Morning Show Podcast (approaching its 1,000th episode!) and live stream on Twitch. Between the two of them, they've launched eight podcasts total and have incredible insights about what it takes to collaborate successfully—with each other, with other creators, and with their audience. To come to the next Podcasters NW event on June 18, register here. https://PodcastsNWJune18.eventbrite.com This will be a monthly series, so make sure you follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn to see when the next one will be: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/ Thank you to Carla Marie and Anthony for joining. Join them on Twitch every Tuesdays and Thursday at 8am PT twitch.tv/CarlaMarieandAnthony Connect with them here: https://www.flow.page/carlamarieandanthony Email them: hello@carlamarieandanthony.com Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst: Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44 Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction ⁠ My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com