My Podcast Story

How Podcasting Through Doubt Taught Me Lessons I Didn’t Expect — Brad Groux | Ep 115

If you’re a podcaster or creator looking for practical ways to grow your show and make content easier, you’ll get plenty out of this episode with Brad Groux. Brad shares how he built an AI-focused business podcast from scratch, what’s working right now to attract listeners, and how he uses simple automation and AI tools to save time on editing, descriptions, and promotion. Plus, we dig into the real-life workflow behind podcast production — the exact apps, tools, and systems Brad uses, and why keeping things consistent matters a lot more than being perfect.You’ll walk away with smart tips for growing your podcast audience with consistent releases and short social clips (even if you don’t love TikTok), plus creative ways to repurpose every episode across newsletters, blogs, and social. Listen in to hear how Brad deals with last-minute guest cancellations, why he recommends having a co-host or support, and the everyday AI hacks that are making podcasting smoother for him and his team.Connect With Brad GrouxWebsite: https://linktree.com/digitalmeldTwitter:https://x.com/digitalmeldIf 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/joinIf the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhqWant to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststoryChapters00:00 Welcome and About Brad00:26 Why Start Small, Think Big?01:15 The Podcast’s Origin and Mission02:04 Growth, Guests, and Release Schedule02:46 The Inspiration to Finally Start03:24 Technology as an Equalizer03:55 Early Consistency and Growth04:36 Biggest Challenges with Fast News Cycles05:17 Staying Consistent Despite Busy Weeks06:05 AI Podcasting Workflow and Systems06:38 Planning, Notes, and Guest Process07:20 Changing Format for Guest Perspectives08:21 Guest Pre-Calls and Release Timeline09:26 Handling Last-Minute Cancellations09:53 Flying Solo and Staying Nimble10:45 Behind-the-Scenes: Tools and Workflow11:35 Editing, Riverside, and Content Perfection13:31 AI Tools for Titles and Show Notes14:39 Why Riverside Enterprise?16:01 Automation and Processes Before/After Episodes17:22 Podcast Experience and Lessons Learned19:33 Podcast Discovery and Legacy Content20:43 Listener Feedback and Live Events22:04 Growth Levers — Consistency & Clips25:11 Social Media Tools and Scheduling26:49 Platform Reach: LinkedIn, TikTok, Newsletter29:08 How Newsletter Drives Engagement31:03 LinkedIn Algorithm and Video Performance34:07 Speaking Events and Exposure Boost36:31 Repurposing and Promotion Strategies41:24 Blog Posts and Back-Catalog Growth43:17 Local Engagement and Podcast Branding44:33 Event Interviews and Content Breakouts47:02 Episode Length Versus Quality48:58 Projects and What’s Next51:24 Final Advice for Podcasters52:44 Where to Find Brad and Digital Meld54:01 Wrap-Up and Newsletter CTA

Starting a Podcast From Scratch: Lessons I Learned the Hard Way— Larry G Dix Ii | Ep 114

If you've ever asked yourself, “Am I born or made to be a podcaster?” this episode is for you. In my conversation with Larry G. Dix II, bestselling author and host of the Born or Made Podcast, you'll get honest, behind-the-scenes insight into what it really takes to grow — not just a podcast, but as a person in the process. Larry shares the ups and downs of his unconventional journey, from starting out with zero podcasting experience to building a show that explores how top leaders think and operate.In this episode, you'll find out:Why embracing flexibility and being open to change can unlock opportunities for your show, even if your original plan starts to shift.How focusing on storytelling, genuine curiosity, and careful listening (instead of canned questions) will help you create deeper connections and standout interviews.Whether you’re just getting started or feeling stuck, Larry’s perspective will remind you it’s normal to learn as you go, and that your growth as host is just as important as your show’s growth. Dive in for a relaxed, real talk that might just help you get unstuck, too.Connect With Larry G. Dix IIWebsite: https://bornormadepodcast.comWebsite: https://larrygdix.comIf 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/joinIf the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhqWant to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststoryChapters00:00 Meet Larry G. Dix II01:19 The Story Behind “Born or Made”02:52 Asking Guests: Born, Made, or Built?03:19 How Long the Podcast Has Been Running03:51 Larry’s First Podcasting Experiences04:23 Comfortable Conversations & Loosening Up05:33 Surprising Backstories Guests Reveal05:53 Biggest Challenges Starting Out06:36 The Power of Listening as Host07:12 Podcasting Habits That Spill Into Life07:47 Why Larry Loves People’s Stories09:06 Behind-the-Scenes: Episode Production10:08 Who’s On the Podcast Team10:50 Balancing AI With the Human Touch12:09 Recording in Different Studios13:06 In-Person vs. Remote Conversations14:53 Lessons from Marathon Interview Days15:57 Knowing Your Limits as a Host17:00 Why In-Person Feels Different17:58 Evolving Growth Strategies18:26 Launching With a Book, Pivoting to a Podcast19:17 Keeping the Format Flexible20:16 Building Brand Around Your Name21:24 Testing, Pivoting, and Social Content Ideas22:51 Letting Listeners (and the Market) Decide24:07 The Podcast’s Personal Impact25:25 Why Guests Aren’t So Different After All26:53 Overcoming Fear and Mental Hurdles29:36 Honest Conversations About Failure30:02 The Real Value for Listeners31:30 No Such Thing As Overnight Success32:15 Sharing the Full Journey, Not Just the Highs33:41 Feedback From Guests and Listeners35:10 Interviewing as a Two-Way Street36:10 Podcasting’s Finances and Reality Check37:13 Costs, Investments, and Long-Term Bets39:20 The Bare Essentials for Gear41:45 Getting the Setup Right, Not Fancy43:14 Leveraging Your Unique Strengths46:42 Focusing on the Gain, Not the Gap48:17 Big Projects: New Book and Framework49:18 Where to Find Larry and His Resources50:41 Final Reflections and Thanks

"How Personal Trauma Fueled My Podcast Journey and Growth — Jocelyn King | Ep 113

As a podcaster, you know the struggle of turning big challenges into something meaningful. This week, I sat down with Jocelyn King, host of the Smarter Online Safety podcast, who transformed a devastating cybercrime experience into a show that helps regular people stay safe online. Listen in to hear how a personal crisis can motivate incredible learning, and pick up the practical tips Jocelyn uses to protect herself and her listeners from online threats—without complicated tech talk. You’ll find out how she started from scratch and made a podcast that is both helpful and easy to follow. In this episode, you’ll hear her simple approach to launching a show even when you’re nervous, and you’ll learn her super-organized system for getting top guests—even if you’re just starting out. If you want more confidence in your voice, or you want real tips for building a podcast that makes a difference, you’ll love this conversation.Connect With Jocelyn KingWebsite: https://smarteronlinesafety.comIf 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/joinIf the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhqWant to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststoryChapters00:00 Introducing Jocelyn King01:13 Jocelyn’s Podcast in Her Words01:34 What Smarter Online Safety Covers02:07 Launch Date and Origins02:19 The Spark for Podcasting02:53 Personal Story: Cybercrime Attack04:23 How Her Background Shaped the Show07:20 Everyday People Need Simple Safety08:23 The Trauma of Cybercrime10:00 Why Online Safety Matters Now10:54 First Episode: Getting Started11:47 Getting Over Perfectionism13:08 Booking Guests Early15:17 Reaching Out to High-Profile Guests16:12 Fears When Starting17:18 Building Confidence Through Action18:28 Purpose Bigger Than Fear20:22 Comparing Yourself to Podcast Veterans21:31 The 1% Improvement Rule22:55 Signs of Traction and Growth23:56 Growing a Newsletter From Guest Spots25:44 Meeting Demand and Multi-use Content26:42 Traction Surprises28:01 Milestones and Booking Top Guests29:21 Tailoring Invitations for Guests30:48 Don’t Reject Yourself Before You Ask32:00 Roadblocks and Solutions33:44 Mindset Shifts for Outreach34:38 Pre-Production to Publishing Steps35:12 Planning Around National Events36:44 Finding and Inviting Guests38:17 Recording Setup: Travel-Friendly Gear40:07 Must-Have Tools and Support41:17 Who Handles Production42:06 Knowing Your Strengths42:36 Creative Ways to Delegate42:53 Advice to Day-One Podcasters43:44 Talking to One Listener44:41 Rapid Fire: Podcast Faves, Habits, Books46:38 Upcoming Online Safety Challenge47:45 Where to Learn More About Jocelyn48:06 Closing Thanks and Reflections

Starting a Podcast After Trauma: The Healing Journey I Never Expected"— Amanda J Scott | Ep 112

If you ever wondered how to use your own story to build a meaningful podcast, this episode is for you. I talk with Amanda J. Scott about how she transformed her 17 years of surviving domestic abuse into a podcast that helps others find hope and healing. You’ll hear why Amanda believes sharing tough experiences in your own voice matters—and how podcasting can be a discreet lifeline for listeners who aren’t ready to go public with their struggles yet. We dig into the challenges of getting started with your own podcast, especially when your topic is deeply personal. Amanda talks about making sure her content is accessible for people who might not be able to pick up a book, and gives honest advice on finding supportive guests and experts for difficult conversations. If you want to learn how to connect with your ideal listeners, and why every detail of your show—from who you invite to how you show up—can make an impact, you’ll get a lot from this conversation.Connect With Amanda J. ScottWebsite: https://www.amandajscott.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/joinIf the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhqWant to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststoryChapters00:00 Introducing Amanda J. Scott’s Story00:56 How Podcasting Became a Lifeline01:40 Why “Walk Youk Talk” Exists02:21 Supporting Listeners Healing from Abuse03:21 Who the Podcast Is For05:25 Behind the Scenes: Finding Guests07:41 Why Start a Podcast Now?08:21 Making the Message Accessible09:58 Challenges of Hosting Healing Conversations11:04 What Listeners Can Expect12:10 The Many Faces of Domestic Abuse13:25 Building the Podcast Episode Library16:13 Amanda’s Podcast Creation Process18:59 Focus on the Message Over the Details20:00 Spotlight on Domestic and Emotional Abuse22:48 Sharing for Those Still Healing23:04 Why Episode Length and Approach Matter25:26 Bringing the Message to More Mediums29:00 Helping Listeners Recognize Abuse31:05 The Reality of Admitting Abuse32:14 Healing Through Shared Experience34:25 The Power of Medium and Message35:04 Other Ways to Share the Message37:35 Meeting Listeners Where They Are39:45 Listener Impact and Feedback41:37 Where to Find Amanda Online

"Podcast Growth Isn’t Magic—My Real Journey Through Struggle and Breakthroughs"— Anthony Weaver | Ep 111

If you want a real look at how a seasoned podcaster builds a show that lasts, this episode is for you. I sat down with Anthony Weaver, host of About That Wallet, and pulled back the curtain on his five-year journey helping the sandwich generation talk about—and enjoy—their money. You’ll hear how Anthony went from recording with a phone at his kitchen table to juggling video, live shows, and multiple income streams, all while staying close to his listeners’ needs.Key takeaways you’ll walk away with: how to thoughtfully monetize your podcast with sponsored episodes, business cards, and merch; and how the right workflow (from AI tools to editing systems) can help you publish consistently without burning out or overspending. Plus, you’ll discover Anthony’s approach to networking and using conferences to connect with both guests and listeners. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your podcast without losing the personal touch, you’ll find practical steps here. Enjoy the story—and some ideas you’ll want to try right away.Connect With Anthony WeaverWebsite: https://aboutthatwallet.comNewsletter: https://aboutthatwallet.com/newsletterMerch Store: https://aboutthatwallet.com/storeIf 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/joinIf the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhqWant to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststoryChapters00:00 Meet Anthony Weaver00:15 Why a Podcast About Money00:34 Choosing the Podcast Name00:45 Audio vs. Video Journey01:54 First Episode Memories02:54 Workflow Behind the Podcast08:12 Editing, AI Tools, and Costs13:25 Video Creation and Promotion17:07 Using Opus Clip and AI19:38 Streamyard, Riverside, and Friction20:35 Booking Guests and Staying Consistent22:50 Solo Episodes vs. Interviews24:12 Growth Strategies: Early Days25:29 Using Pins, Cards, and Conferences28:31 Upgrading Marketing Materials30:17 Podcast as a Business Booster32:07 Making the Show a Resource33:39 Monetization: Income Streams44:48 Sponsored Episodes Explained46:56 Pitching and Partnering Locally49:45 Niche Podcasts and Community52:13 First Steps for New Podcasters54:55 Where to Find About That Wallet55:43 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts