Podcast Envy: Podcasting Mindset, Voice, Impact Beyond Starting, Launching, Monetizing

I'm here with some disheartening news. Here it is… Podcasting doesn't work.  Now, before you throw up your hands and click to the next thing in your feed, before you swipe on by, before you get defensive… let me tell you how I’ve come to this conclusion. This episode was originally recorded as a live stream, and then edited as a podcast episode for Podcast Envy. You can catch future streams and join the discussion by following me on Instagram @thecreativeimpostor, LinkedIn @andreaklunder, or YouTube @thecreativeimpostor. Do you disagree? Then prove me wrong! Tell me how podcasting IS working for your organization, business, company, or brand. I am looking for 100+ ways to successfully leverage podcasting and IF we can get to this number, I’ll share what I’ve discovered in a curated private podcast feed for YOU! Email me andrea@thecreativeimpostor.com – subject line: Podcasting DOES work! and tell me a little bit about what your show is doing for you (and your org, business, company or brand. You can send a te

Disappointing podcast metrics? Hazy podcast content strategy? Feeling the burnout, the overwhelm, the dread… and it’s only January?! When we only think about podcasting for our business, brand, or organization in order to grow our audience, and the reason we wanna grow our audience is to sell more of a thing in order to make money, then we are often going to be disappointed. Why? Because there are easier, more cost effective, faster ways to grow our audience, to sell more of a thing to make more money. This does not mean that podcasting doesn’t work, but it means that we have to be a little bit smarter than just download numbers, growing our audience to sell a thing. We have to think about what podcasting does really, really well and how to leverage the time, the money, the energy, the effort, the investment that we are putting into our podcast, to know how to leverage that in a way that it makes more sense, that it fits into our strategy and into our workflow… better. This episode was originally recorded as

I don't want to offer you another recap roundup or year in review episode. The other thing I'm not offering you is a “new year, new you” episode. But I DID want to come on here and have a podcast conversation with you because things are changing. And I'm actually pretty excited for 2024! When you started your podcast, you had an idea in mind, probably, of what you wanted to offer to your audience, a problem that you were solving or something that you wanted to speak to. And maybe you’ve been chugging along and you felt great and it was working and it was making a difference and people were joining your podcast and your audience was growing and then something happened.  You became bored or disillusioned with your show, or your numbers kind of stagnated or maybe even dropped. But it’s not that you suddenly are doing something wrong – it’s that your community, your audience is also changing. And so what it is that they need now and how can you shift to meet that need? This episode was originally recorded as a

Our podcast agency, The Creative Impostor Studios, is a FINALIST in the 2023 Signal Awards for Key Change, the podcast we produce for the Santa Fe Opera, a behind the scenes pass into the issues, stories, and artists creating the next generation of American opera. We are up for 2 different award categories - Best Music Show Best Diversity Equity and Inclusion Episode  It's for an episode called "Telling Hard Truths", chronicling the day before the world premiere of This Little Light of Mine, an opera based on the life and legacy of voting rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer. That episode is especially meaningful to me because we were able to record with Fannie Lou’s daughter, Jacqueline Hamer Flakes months before she passed away this year. Now as much as this announcement is about celebrating with you, our podcast people… we need your help! I have NEVER submitted any of our work to a podcast contest before and I chose Signal as our first one because of their incredible, diverse and reputable panel of judges and

Wanna be a podcast star?  I’m sharing a peek inside my signature 5-point plan to becoming the star of your show.  Find out what you have in common with Beyoncé, Meryl Streep, Ali Wong, or J.Lo. And also Brené Brown, Elise Myers, Kelsey McKinney… And lest you think this is all strategy, I threw in a story from my pre-teen years (ahem…1990), a mistake I made as a baby podcaster (2015), and a pop quiz! (Don’t worry… if you’ve been listening to the last 5 episodes of Podcast Envy, you’ll ace it!) Light Up Your Mic! Pod-Star Coaching ARE YOU READY TO FIND YOUR LIGHT? The #1 reason listeners choose to come back to a podcast over and over again to become a FAN is the host!  In this 8-week coaching program, Andrea will help you differentiate from other shows in your niche by leaning into your unique lived experience, building podcast hosting skills, and strengthening your personal brand. Remember, we don’t need another Beyoncé, J.Lo, or Brené Brown — we need YOU. Light up your mic! Learn more & claim your spot he

I have a confession to make and that is that I have a problem. There is a word that I have started using. I have adopted it into my language, into my vocabulary, and I am very disturbed and ashamed, and it’s not a word that I wanna be using ever, or at least not as much as I have been as of late. And that is, well, if you looked at the title of the episode, you already know it’s the “c-word.” I serve business owners, thought leaders, and organization directors in their respective niches to use the medium of podcasting towards whatever their higher purpose or goal is. But this whole media landscape is getting more competitive day by day.  You CAN use this platform to create genuine, intimate, meaningful conversations with your listeners. You are creating meaningful change in their life. You are providing them something that they don’t get anywhere else. However, they need to be able to find you, and once they find you, you need to be able to capture and hold their attention long enough to build the relationshi

The summer slowdown... it's the PERFECT time to do a bit of business development that is actually FUN! This year, Lauren Ramsey of Betsy Bash and I decided to team up to help you with this conundrum of feeling like you are constantly on the content hamster wheel generating podcast episodes, generating social media posts, making TikToks and reels, trying to figure out what the heck to put on YouTube, trying to figure out what the algorithms want... Why is it important to sync your content across your podcast, social, and other marketing channels? Lauren says, "Your audience is seeing all of those channels. So if they don't match, if they're not aligned, people can feel that. Whether or not they realize it consciously, they are realizing it subconsciously and it negatively impacts their perception of your brand. Which is really hard to get rid of later. Right? Like how do you change someone's subconscious?" Your social media exists to pull people towards your brand. It's there to create a community around your

Welcome to a crossover episode of a different sort. But first: How are you doing? No, really? I ask because May is Mental Health Awareness Month. So many of us, myself included, struggle to articulate how “off” we feel right now, a cruel joke given that the good folks and orgs behind this month’s observance urge us to check in with our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.  I’ll go first (yikes!): The only way I can describe my current state of mind is fragile. Can you relate? If you’re an entrepreneur, an educator, a corporate employee, a HUMAN, I bet you can. You’re okay. I acknowledge and honor your struggle. This episode isn’t about mental health per se. It’s about creating a secure and attentive environment for guests to feel supported, understood, and willing to engage in vulnerable conversations. The high schoolers behind Power Your Story, my student mentee podcast, beautifully illustrate my point. Their cohort-led interview with Peer Support Specialist and Mental Health Advocate Ashley Scot

Psst. Want to know the secret to becoming a better podcast host? It’s not your equipment. Relationships are everything. Research indicates that while folks may listen to podcasts for entertainment and information, they remain loyal to a specific show because of its host. Karen Yates is definitely that host. She’s a producer, host, and the mastermind behind Wild & Sublime, the super-successful, highly binge-able podcast about sex for everyone, no matter their preferences, orientation, or relationship style. Here are a few of my fave hosting tips: Get into the rhythm.  Act natural, strategically.  Craft different but authentic voice personas.  Skip the pre-show cheese stick. Seriously.  But wait, there’s more, including Karen’s number one tip for better hosting, but you’ll have to check out the episode to get it!  Get the FULL masterclass replay with Karen & me! https://www.thecreativeimposter.com/beanawesomehost You know that hosting a podcast is so much more than just plugging in a mic and tap

I’ve been learning about sales. NOT my natural zone of genius, but I’m necessarily getting better at it, partly thanks to one of our clients, Paul Reilly at The Q and A Sales Podcast. On a recent episode called “What separates top achieving salespeople?” Paul said that 79% of top achievers’ sales success is because of the customer relationships they build.  His team asked buyers and decision makers: Why would you choose one partner over another? Relationship with a salesperson ranked higher, meaning more important, than price. And part of relationship building is ENTERTAINMENT. You may be thinking, “But Andrea, I’m not selling anything when I’m making a podcast!” Wrong! On the surface, you may have a podcast to help you sell a product or service, join your membership, come to your event. Dig deeper, and you may be selling them on an idea, concept, or a change you want to see in your niche. And ultimately, you are ALWAYS selling them on continuing to spend their valuable time and attention listening to your po

Now, this may be difficult to hear, so sit down and take a deep breath... Your podcast might be a little boring. What? Gasp. "There's no way," you say defensively. I'm not saying that you're doing a bad job at podcasting. Not at all. I simply want you to consider a few ways to make your show more compelling. I'll even offer up a formula for your success!  For now, consider this: Three-quarters of podcast listeners enjoy a podcast "for particular hosts." The host is the reason they appreciate the podcast! Not the content, not the guests, not the information… the host. *** Get the full show notes including links to shows and episodes referenced at: https://www.podcastenvy.com I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions! Email me, andrea@thecreativeimpostor.com. Include a voice memo or .mp3 asking your question so I can play it on the show. Andrea's Podcast Angels SO many great products and services and software and tools that keep our podcasts humming happily along. And many of them support Podcast Envy wh

Ahhh spring! Sort of. Here in my northern hemisphere home, it’s still hella chilly, and I require more mood enhancements than these early weeks of daylight saving time can provide. Who better to chat with than Jessica Kupferman, CEO and co-founder of She Podcasts? She’s the equivalent of a vitamin D booster in hilariously brilliant, totally authentic human form. Alongside co-founder Elsie Escobar (who’s also appeared on PE), Jessica has created something unique in a space dominated by male voices (literally and figuratively): the largest podcasting community created by and especially for women, non-binary, and LGBTQIA+ folks. In addition to its own podcast, extensive social media community, and membership, She Podcasts hosts She Podcasts LIVE, an annual gathering of diverse talents and viewpoints. The best part about the She Podcasts universe? Everyone is welcome here. Seriously, with a community of over 21,000 members, there’s room for pro podcasters, newbies, and wannabes. PODCAST ANGEL - The Creative Bash!

March 12 - 18 is Sleep Awareness Week. Created by the National Sleep Foundation, it’s a call to action for the public to recognize your sleep is a crucial part of your health and well-being.  Now, I’m not a doctor, or a scientist, or a therapist, but I agree! So I’m sharing with you some of my FAVORITE nighty night time podcasts to help you wind down and fall asleep. PODCAST ANGEL - SleepPhones!!! Ever wanted to fall asleep with your headphones on? Now you can! Get 10% your purchase of SleepPhones ($99.95+) through June 8, 2023 with promo code ENVY10 - https://www.thecreativeimposter.com/sleepphones Start winding down: The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast with Diann Wingert Beyond Reproach with Stephanie and Tux Spooky stories: Homespun Haints (Patreon without ads) with Becky Kilimnik & Diana Doty My story on their show. Stories with Sapphire Uncanny Japan with Thersa Matsuura Be well as you drift off:  Be Well, Sis with Dr. Cassandre Dunbar Podcast Envy with Cassandre The Embody Podcast wi

In university parlance, a 101 class forms the foundation for sustainable proficiency in a particular subject. It’s fitting then that this one-oh-one episode of Podcast Envy is an installment of “Hey Andrea!” where I answer questions posed by real-life podcasters about creating a successful, satisfying podcasting experience for themselves, their business, their brand, or an organization.  Today’s question comes via the She Podcasts Facebook group from Jeannette Bonner, producer and host of Hashtag Single. Jeannette asks, “How do I get over podcaster’s block?”  Ugh! Is there a more universal dilemma in all of podcasting?  Fortunately... I've got some tried & true strategies for you! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Libsyn - hosting SquadCast - recording Descript - editing ConvertKit - email  Headliner - audiograms for social media Flash Forward *** Get the full show notes including links to shows and episodes referenced at: https://www.podcastenvy.com I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions! Email me, andre

PODCAST ENVY HAS REACHED 100 EPISODES!  The all-cap is warranted. Looking back over 100 episodes, I can't help but think about the olden days of my business. When I launched Podcast Envy in 2018, I had a small roster of podcast editing clients and helped a handful of folks launch new shows. Oh, and the “team” was just me and Edwin Ruiz, CI’s technical director extraordinaire.  My centennial achievement is only half the story. The other half belongs to the Creative Impostor Studios team––a team I’m mad proud to say has gone global: Monica Braine, Associate Editor & Consulting Producer (Albuquerque, NM); Helen King, Associate Editor (Auckland, New Zealand); Alex Riegler, Podcast Manager (Chicago, IL); Edwin R. Ruiz, Technical Director (Chicago, IL); Heidi Stabbert, Associate Editor (Anchorage, AK); Caitlin Sunderland, Social Media & Outreach Coordinator, (Richmond, VA); and Lisa Widder, Show Notes Copywriter (Chicago, IL). To mark 100 shows, I asked each of them to offer up some sage counsel for podcast

Today I am answering a question that I have gotten from not one, not two, but many a podcaster in some way shape or form “How do I leverage my video for my podcast?” and it’s near cousin “Should my podcast be on YouTube?”  I’m going to start with the 2nd one. Should my podcast be on YouTube?  If you know anything about me you know I don’t love stats & numbers. They don’t mean anything to this theater kid’s anecdotal brain — BUT suffice to say the stat show a LOT of people use YouTube every day. WAY more people than listen to podcasts.  Also, YouTube is the 2nd largest search engine, after Google.  Keyword search in Google and YouTube = Awesome!!! Keyword search in most podcast apps…. wah wah wah wah… Why wouldn’t you want to do everything in your power to make you podcast and by extension your brand and yourself as searchable ie. findable as humanly or algorithmically possible?  Well, time, resources, energy, effort is finite and it’s hard to be able to do all the things that you could do to that

What is it about a new year that sends me deep into my productivity feels? ‘Tis the (well-marketed) season for shiny new projects over thoughtful annual assessment. For tidal waves of bigger! better! concepts vs. gentler tides of introspection.  So, who else besides me needs a life vest to keep from drowning under a productivity deluge?  Truth: I have a complicated relationship with productivity.  Sarah Steckler feels our pain. She’s a productivity strategist and educator who helps folks bring more intention and awareness to their personal, professional, and creative mindsets via courses, planners, and weekly newsletters. Sarah’s also the host of the Mindful Productivity Podcast, on which she breaks down proven productivity skills and entrepreneurial organization strategies into totally doable, sustainable habits. Sarah reminds us to take the smaller steps when we’re feeling overwhelmed by productivity adrenaline, especially the tasks that have seemingly little direct impact on our larger aspirations. Eventua

In my quest to help podcasters work smarter, not harder, I had to own up to my weakness: *I am not a social media expert.* Enter Lauren Ramsey, dear friend and social strategy expert. As founder and chief engagement officer of Betsy Bash, Lauren and her digital marketing team turn casual engagement into consistent sales. Or, as is the case with our new partnership, into podcast audiences.    We call it The Creative Bash, a Creative Impostor Studios + Betsy Bash collab that provides podcasters with an integrated brand messaging solution. CI helps you craft a show of significance. BB delivers tactics that beat the algorithm on your behalf via strategy development or strategy plus full implementation and management.  Find out how The Creative Bash can help you decode platform trends and design effective and authentic podcast content: Let’s get your podcast & social in sync! Join us for an upcoming masterclass: Check the schedule and register MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Conversations With A Wounded Healer Po

Are you nervous? Your palms getting sweaty? Are you feeling the media-magnified stress about a recession, and you’re considering cutting your spending?  Rather than scaling back, you may want to DOUBLE DOWN on your podcast this year. Wait, what?  Consider what’s on your listeners’ minds — inflation, interest rates, food prices, rent prices, gas prices, supply chain shenanigans — and then provide them with the resources that help them through this economic cycle.  *** Get the full show notes including links to shows and episodes referenced at: https://www.podcastenvy.com I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions! Email me, andrea@thecreativeimpostor.com. Andrea's Podcast Angels SO many great products and services and software and tools that keep our podcasts humming happily along. And many of them support Podcast Envy when you use our link or promo code. Whether it's email newsletters, transcription and editing software, podcast hosting, cloud storage for bulky audio files... we've got you! Check out som

How do you make decisions about your podcast? From the big earth-shifting ones like what strategy to employ to grow your audience to the tiny details like what day to post? I've developed a formula fro purpose driven leaders who podcast to help you craft a show of significance! This was recorded live at She Podcasts Live!  The guide for the exercise is here: http://www.thecreativeimpostor.com/podenvy095 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Podcast Envy Masterclasses! Encounter Culture from the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs Conversations With a Wounded Healer from Sarah Buino She Podcasts Live Podfest  *** Get the full show notes including links to shows and episodes referenced at: https://www.thecreativeimposter.com/podcastenvy I’d love to hear your thoughts! Email me, andrea@thecreativeimpostor.com. Peace, love & podcasting, Andrea Klunder, Your Podcast Boss Andrea's Podcast Angels Hello Audio Private podcasting. Highly personalized feeds. Audio content delivery for content creators. You are going