The Course Creator Show

Episode 228 | Solo Episodes vs Interviews: Why Your Podcast Strategy Might Be Backwards

Starting a podcast to grow your business? Hold up. Before you default to that classic interview format everyone seems to be doing, let's talk strategy.I recently had a coaching call where this exact topic came up, and it got me fired up because I see so many course creators and coaches launching podcasts without a clear purpose—just copying what they see others doing and wondering why it's not converting into sales.This episode isn't just about podcast formats; it's about getting crystal clear on your actual goals and building a strategy that serves YOUR vision, not someone else's. Whether you're planning your first episode or six months deep wondering why nothing's happening, this one's for you.I'm breaking down the real advantages and pitfalls of interview versus solo episodes, when each format makes sense, and why most course creators should be anchoring their shows in solo content if they want to see serious business growth. Plus, I'm sharing the pattern I see over and over again that's killing conversion potential.What You'll Learn:Why interview episodes might be sabotaging your sales (even if they feel easier)The advantages of solo episodes for building your personal brand and authorityWhen interviews actually make sense for your business goalsHow to strategically mix both formats without losing focusThe core principle you need to apply everywhere in your business, not just podcastingSpecific questions to ask yourself to align your strategy with your actual goalsYour Next Steps:Watch my new AI workshop to learn how I built a custom set of AI Assistants to help me run my business: https://www.gemmabonhamcarter.com/aiworkshopWork with Me: https://www.gemmabonhamcarter.com/programsWhat I Use to Run My 7-Figure Business: https://gemmabonhamcarter.com/toolsConnect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/gemma.bonhamcarter Support the show

Episode 227 | How I Crushed My Webinar Nerves (+ had my biggest revenue day EVER)

What if I told you that my biggest revenue day ever happened from a random guest bedroom in France with terrible lighting and zero Instagram-worthy vibes?Today I'm spilling the tea on how I went from being a complete webinar disaster to hosting my most successful one ever—and it had nothing to do with better tech or a prettier backdrop. It was all about getting my shit together before I even logged on.If you've ever felt like you're about to throw up before a big presentation, or maybe you've even sabotaged yourself by spiraling into self-doubt right before something important, this episode is going to give you the exact playbook I used to flip the script on those feelings. Because spoiler alert: I've had those feelings too.I'm taking you full behind-the-scenes on my journey from my very first webinar disaster in a Florida rental closet (yes, really) to hosting 2,000 people and having our biggest dollar day in business history. The secret wasn't perfect conditions—it was showing up as my best self regardless of the chaos around me.What You'll Learn:The 7-step confidence toolkit I use before any big business momentHow to prep your mindset days in advance (not just your slides)Why I stay the hell off social media on webinar dayThe power of "writing from the future" to program your brain for successHow movement and fresh air literally change your brain chemistryWhy dressing like you're closing a million-dollar deal matters (even if only your top half is on camera)The 15-minute dance party ritual that gets me into peak performance modeHow to visualize success in specific, measurable detailHow to adapt these strategies for podcast interviews, sales calls, going live, and moreResources Mentioned:AI Workshop: https://gemmabonhamcarter.com/aiworkshopGamma (slide creation tool): https://gamma.appYour Next Steps: Work with Me: https://www.gemmabonhamcarter.com/programs What I Use to Run My 7-Figure Business: https://gemmabonhamcarter.com Support the show

Episode 226 | Playing The 7-Figure Business Long Game

Everyone's obsessing over the "secrets" to hitting seven figures, but what if I told you the real secret isn't sexy at all? It's not some magic strategy or overnight hack—it's pure, unglamorous reps.After building my own sustainable seven-figure busines, I'm here to spill the tea on what it actually takes. Spoiler alert: it's not what the Instagram gurus are selling you.In this episode, I'm sharing three truths about my journey to seven figures that might sting a little but will totally shift how you think about building your business. From living off my husband's income in the early days to blogging for six years before launching my first course, these aren't the highlight reel moments—they're the real, behind-the-scenes grind that nobody talks about.If you're tired of chasing shortcuts and ready to embrace the process that actually works, this one's for you. Let's talk about what it really takes to build something that lasts.What You'll Learn:Why we lived off my husband's income during my first few years in businessThe unglamorous truth about blogging for six years before launching my first courseWhy I've never had a viral post and why that's actually been my superpowerThe difference between people who build sustainable businesses vs. those who flame outHow to accelerate your journey without skipping the essential repsWhy consistency beats intensity every single timeThe mindset shift that will change how you approach your business foreverYour Next Steps:Work with Me: https://www.gemmabonhamcarter.com/programsWhat I Use to Run My 7-Figure Business: https://gemmabonhamcarter.com/toolsConnect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/gemma.bonhamcarter Support the show

Episode 225 | 4x More Testimonials (Without Begging Your Clients)

Get 2 months of Senja.io for only $1! Go to http://gemmabonhamcarter.com/senja and use code GEMMA at checkout.If your "happy clients" folder is a hot mess and finding a decent testimonial feels like a full-time job, this episode is for you. I'm spilling the tea on the tool that completely transformed how I collect, manage, and actually use testimonials. Spoiler: it’s not another Google Form.I’ll walk you through how this one sneaky system helped us clean up the chaos and 4x our testimonial collection rate—plus, I’ll show you how it’s actually improving conversions on sales pages without any extra work. If you’re ready to stop leaving money on the table (and wasting hours chasing down that one DM you vaguely remember), hit play.What you’ll learn:Why testimonials are NOT a “nice to have” (they’re a necessity)How we 4x’d testimonial submissions with one simple featureThe exact tool I use to manage all our testimonials (and why it’s worth every penny)Ways to dynamically showcase testimonials without touching your sales page againThe AI feature inside this tool that literally writes your copy for youMentioned Resources:Senja: https://www.gemmabonhamcarter.com/senjaLet’s Work Together: https://www.gemmabonhamcarter.com/programsWhat I Use to Run My 7-Figure Business: https://gemmabonhamcarter.com/toolsConnect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/gemma.bonhamcarter Support the show

Episode 224 | Hate social media? You need THIS launch strategy. [Interview with Holly Marie Haynes]

Looking for a fresh take on launching that doesn't require posting 15 Instagram stories a day? Holly Marie Haynes just cracked the code on what she calls an "antisocial launch," and the results are mind-blowing.I'm sitting down with Holly, a business strategist and podcasting pro who helps entrepreneurs build full-time income on part-time hours. She just wrapped up her eighth launch of Antisocial School using a combination that sounds almost too good to be true: a private podcast series, custom AI bots, and zero dependency on social media. The kicker? She sold out all 15 spots at $2,500 each, with most people buying in the first 24 hours.Holly's approach came out of necessity during the pandemic when she was juggling twin kindergarteners, a corporate job, and couldn't post on social media due to her executive role. What started as a workaround became a repeatable, scalable system that's now generated consistent sellouts across eight launches over three years.In this episode, Holly breaks down exactly how she combines a five-episode private podcast (10 minutes each!) with a live workshop, AI bots that actually help students implement faster, and strategic email segmentation to create launch experiences that feel both automated and deeply personal. We're talking about the tech stack, the timeline, what worked, what didn't, and why this approach might be perfect for busy entrepreneurs who want results without the social media hamster wheel.What you'll learn:How Holly's "antisocial launch" strategy sells out 15 spots at $2,500 without heavy social media dependencyThe exact structure of her private podcast funnel that hasn't changed in three years but keeps delivering resultsWhy she added custom AI bots to each module and how they transformed student preparation and call qualityThe 8-week timeline breakdown from prelaunch to cart close (and why this one was longer than usual)How strategic email segmentation during launch can boost conversionsThe perfect tech stack for private podcasts, AI integration, and course deliveryWhy prelaunch is everything and how to create congruent lead magnets that actually convertWhat happens when someone steals your content mid-launch (and how to push through anyway)Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Ditch the Social Drama private podcast: https://hollymariehaynes.com/socialHello Audio (private podcast platform): https://gemmabonhamcarter.com/helloaudioKajabi (course platform)ChatGPT (for custom AI bots)ConvertKit (email marketing)The Pattern app (birth chart/human design tool)Your Next Steps:Work with Me: https://www.gemmabonhamcarter.com/programsWhat I Use to Run My 7-Figure Business: https://gemmabonhamcarter.com/toolsConnect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/gemma.bonhamcarter Support the show