HobbyScool

HobbyScool

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HobbyScool episodes

  • 72: Transform Your Home From Chaos to Calm With Simple Systems

    Ever feel like you're drowning in household chaos, despite your best efforts to keep everything organized? You're not alone! In this week's episode, we're tackling the real challenges of home organization with refreshing honesty and practical solutions that actually work.

    Our guest expert (and mom of five!) shares a game-changing perspective: you don't need to be naturally organized to have a well-run home. She reveals simple systems that have transformed her own home from chaos to calm, including a brilliant color-coding strategy that eliminates daily frustrations and a meal planning approach that makes dinner decisions practically automatic.

    What you'll discover in this episode:

    • A 5-minute trick that makes overwhelming tasks manageable
    • How to pair tasks you hate with habits you love (it really works!)
    • A clever way to get the whole family involved in keeping the house organized
    • The meal planning secret that eliminates decision fatigue
    • Simple systems that work even if you're not naturally organized

    Whether you're tired of asking "whose water bottle is this?" for the hundredth time or just want to simplify your daily routines, this episode is packed with practical tips you can start using today. No complex systems or Pinterest-perfect solutions required – just real strategies that work for real families.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    • Where to find Corrine:Website andInstagram

    • Free Home Management Planning Pages

    24 min
  • 71: From Art Teacher to $2.6M Empire: A Creative Entrepreneur's Journey

    Ever wondered how to turn your creative skills into a thriving business? This week's episode features Kira McCoy, who did exactly that – transforming her passion for art into a multi-million dollar creative empire, selling products that average just $10 each.

    Kira shares her fascinating journey from teaching art in high school to building a business that spans digital courses, physical products, and subscription boxes. She's refreshingly honest about her path, including the various side hustles she tackled along the way (like piercing ears!) before finding her sweet spot in the creative business world.

    You'll learn:

    • Why starting with your audience is crucial before launching any product

    • How to test and validate your creative ideas before going all-in

    • The smart way to build multiple income streams without burning out

    • Simple strategies for getting meaningful feedback from your community

    • Tips for growing your creative business one step at a time

    • This episode is perfect for artists, crafters, and creative entrepreneurs who want to build a sustainable business without losing the joy in their creative work.

      Kira's practical advice and encouraging approach will leave you feeling inspired and equipped with actionable steps to move forward.

      Got a friend who's building a creative business? Share this episode with them – they'll thank you for it!

      Mentioned in this episode:

      Where to find Kira: https://createalong.com⁠

      Podcast show notes: https://www.hobbyscool.com/podcast/creative-entrepreneur

      Key Takeaways:

      • [00:00:40] Kira's journey from crafting with her mother to becoming an art teacher and eventually a creative entrepreneur

        • [05:09] The pivotal moment when Kira's first online course generated six figures in a month

        • [09:27] Understanding why "audience is king and monetizing that audience is the queen" of your business

        • [14:11] How Kira transformed her digital course success into a thriving physical product line

        • [18:19] Practical tips for using "this or that" posts to gather valuable audience feedback

        • 21 min
        • 70: The Smart Way to Start Your Side Hustle

          Have you been pouring time into social media but not seeing the results you hoped for? This week's episode might just change the way you think about growing your business.

          I sat down with email marketing expert Melissa Seideman, CEO of Not Another VA, who shared something surprising: she built not one, but TWO successful businesses using email marketing before she even touched social media. And now she's revealing exactly how she did it.

          In this value-packed episode, you'll discover:

          - Why email marketing could be the game-changer your business needs (and why starting sooner rather than later matters)

          - The essential first steps to setting up your email marketing system the right way

          - How to grow your list even if you're starting from zero

          - Simple strategies that work even when you only have a handful of subscribers

          - Common mistakes to avoid (including one that could be costing you customers right now)

          The best part? Melissa breaks everything down into practical, doable steps that won't overwhelm you.

          She even shares how she succeeded with just five subscribers - proof that you don't need a massive list to start seeing results.

          Whether you're just starting your business journey or looking to strengthen your existing marketing strategy, this episode delivers insights you can implement right away.

          Plus, Melissa shares a special offer for listeners who want to take their email marketing to the next level.

          Ready to learn the smart way to grow your business? Listen in today!

          Mentioned in this episode:

          Where to find Melissa: www.notanotherva.com/everything and https://www.instagram.com/notanotherva/

          Melissa's free gift: https://bit.ly/NAVAemail

          Key Takeaways:

          [00:03:00] Why email marketing beats social media: You own your list and can reach customers directly without dealing with algorithms

          [00:05:00] Getting started: Essential steps including setting up a paid business email address and choosing an email service provider

          [00:08:00] The importance of consistency: Send regular emails even with a small list - quality relationships matter more than quantity

          [00:09:00] Growing your list: Strategic tips for finding and attracting your ideal customers through various channels

          [00:10:00] Common mistakes to avoid: Including the crucial step of testing emails on mobile devices

          14 min
        • 69: Write That Book You've Always Dreamed About: A No-Pressure Guide to Self-Publishing

          Have you been carrying around a story idea for years? Maybe it's tucked away in a drawer, saved as a draft on your computer, or still swirling in your imagination. If publishing a book is on your bucket list, this week's episode of the HobbyScool podcast is especially for you.

          I sat down with Aaron Schafer from selfpublishing.com to break down exactly how to turn your writing dreams into reality. And guess what? It's more achievable than you might think. Aaron shares some surprising insights about why self-publishing has become the preferred choice even for established authors, and walks us through practical steps to get started – no intimidating publishing house required!

          In this episode, you'll discover:

          • Why you don't need to wait for a traditional publisher to share your story with the world

          • How to organize your ideas before you start writing (this is a game-changer!)

          • Practical tips for fitting writing into your busy life

          • The most important thing to do before you launch your book (hint: it's not what most new authors think)

          • Whether you're dreaming of writing the next great novel or sharing your expertise through a non-fiction book, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward.

            Mentioned in this episode:

            Free training (affiliate link): How To Write And Publish Your Book (Even If You Haven't Started Writing Yet)


            Key moments from the episode:

            • [00:04:00] Why successful authors are increasingly choosing self-publishing over traditional publishing routes

            • [00:08:00] How to get started with your self-publishing journey and the importance of clarity in your book idea

            • [00:12:00] Essential organizational strategies before you start writing your book

            • [00:14:00] Understanding your personal creative process and setting realistic writing goals

            • [00:17:00] The critical importance of having a marketing plan before launching your book

            • 21 min
            • 68: Start Small, Grow Big: Building Your Pinterest Strategy One Pin at a Time

              Feeling overwhelmed by social media marketing for your side business? This week's episode might be exactly what you need.

              We're talking with Pinterest expert Laura Rike about why Pinterest could be the perfect platform for growing your business – especially if you're just starting out or running your business alongside other commitments.

              What makes this episode special is Laura's practical, start-where-you-are approach. Instead of suggesting you need to create 50 pins a day (who has time for that?), she shows you how to begin with just one daily pin while still getting results.

              You'll learn why Pinterest users are different from social media followers (in a good way!), and how to attract people who are already searching for products like yours.

              Whether you're selling handmade items, digital products, or building an online presence for your business, Laura shares strategies you can implement right away.

              She breaks down:

              • Why Pinterest might be better suited for your business than Instagram

              • How to set up your profile to attract the right customers

              • Simple ways to promote your products (beyond just posting product photos)

              • A clear framework for organizing your Pinterest strategy

              • How to start small and scale up as you grow

              • Plus, Laura's offering a free guide to help you optimize your Pinterest boards, and she shares details about her upcoming beginner-friendly coaching program starting in January.

                Ready to discover how Pinterest could transform your business growth? This episode is perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to work smarter, not harder.

                Tune in to learn how you can start building your Pinterest presence today, one pin at a time.

                Mentioned In This Episode

                • Where to find Laura: https://simplypintastic.com/ and
                  https://laurarike.com 

                • Laura's free gift: https://simplypintastic.com/funnel/pinterest-board-titles/pinterest-board-titles/

                • Key points from the episode:

                  • [00:04:00] Why Pinterest users have different intent than Instagram users – they're actively searching for solutions

                  • [00:08:00] How to structure your pinning strategy across awareness, consideration, and purchase content

                  • [00:13:00] The importance of keyword-optimizing your Pinterest profile before you start pinning

                  • [00:16:00] Creative ways to promote products beyond just product photos

                  • [00:19:00] Free resources and coaching opportunities to help you get started with Pinterest

                  • 23 min
                  • 67: Why Genealogy Might Be Your Perfect Hobby (And How to Start)

                    Ever wondered about the stories behind your family name or if those family legends are actually true?

                    This week on the HobbyScool podcast, I'm sitting down with genealogy expert Lisa Lisson to explore how you can turn curiosity about your family history into a fascinating hobby.

                    Lisa shares some surprising insights about getting started - including why your best research tool might actually be a cup of coffee! She walks us through everything from having those first conversations with family members to navigating online databases and even tackles the question of whether you really need a DNA test.

                    Plus, she shares some incredible stories from her own research, including one about her fourth great-grandparents that sounds like it could be straight out of a historical novel.

                    Whether you've been thinking about researching your family history or just love the idea of solving real-life mysteries, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get started.

                    Lisa breaks down:

                    - The first steps anyone can take (no special tools required!)

                    - Which online resources are worth your time (including free options)

                    - How to avoid common beginner mistakes

                    - What to do when you hit a research roadblock

                    Ready to discover if genealogy might be your next favorite hobby?


                    Mentioned in this episode:

                    Where to find Lisa: Website and YouTube

                    Newsletter: lisalisson.com/aymcnewsletter

                    Lisa's free gift: The Big Genie List: A curated collection of essential genealogy resources to your ancestors!

                    Podcast shownotes: https://www.hobbyscool.com/podcast/genealogy


                    Key moments from the episode:

                    [00:03:00] Essential first steps for beginning genealogy research, including the importance of family conversations

                    [00:05:00] Overview of online resources including FamilySearch.org and subscription-based platforms

                    [00:07:00] Fascinating discovery about name changes and the importance of sharing findings with family

                    [00:09:00] Discussion of why people are drawn to genealogy research and its rewarding aspects

                    [00:11:00] Insights about DNA testing and its role in family history research

                    17 min
                  • 66: Hobby Hauntings: When Ghost Hunting Becomes a Passion 👻

                    Ever wondered what it's like to chase ghosts? This week's episode might just inspire you to grab a flashlight and start exploring!

                    We're sitting down with Dr. Kristy Sumner, founder of Soul Sisters Paranormal, who turned her fascination with the afterlife into a full-fledged paranormal investigation business.

                    Dr. Sumner shares how a girls' trip to a haunted penitentiary sparked a journey that led her from the corporate world to co-owning a haunted jail museum.

                    Talk about a career change!

                    In this episode, you'll discover:

                    • How to start ghost hunting as a hobby (spoiler: you don't need fancy equipment!)
                    • The importance of respecting both history and spirits
                    • Tips for conducting your own paranormal investigations
                    • How a spooky hobby can turn into a thriving business
                    • Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or just curious about things that go bump in the night, this episode is packed with fascinating stories and practical advice. Who knows? You might find yourself planning a ghostly adventure of your own!

                      So grab your headphones, dim the lights, and join us for a spine-tingling exploration of the paranormal world. Don't miss this episode – it's to die for! (Pun absolutely intended


                      Mentioned in this episode:

                      • Where you can find Kristy: Soul Sisters Paranormal website, Facebook and YouTube

                      • Don't forget to join our wait list for the next HobbyScool online learning summit. Our summits are free to attend and you can be the first to know when the next summit launches by getting on the wait list here.

                      • Key highlights:

                        • 00:02:03 - Dr. Sumner recounts her first paranormal investigation at West Virginia State Penitentiary
                        • 00:09:17 - The unique approach of Soul Sisters Paranormal as an all-female investigation team
                        • 00:10:48 - How the team conducts thorough environmental assessments before investigations
                        • 00:13:38 - Methods for finding haunted locations to investigate
                        • 00:14:42 - Advice for beginners interested in paranormal investigation as a hobby
                        • 19 min
                        • 65: The Upcycling Experiment: Crafting Outside the Box

                          Ever looked at your old stuff and wondered, "What if?"

                          Our newest HobbyScool podcast episode is here to spark your creativity and show you the endless possibilities of upcycling!

                          Join us as we sit down with Jan Howell, a lifelong crafter, with a knack for seeing potential in the overlooked.

                          Jan shares her journey from repurposing old t-shirts into baby clothes to crafting cozy mittens from discarded sweaters.

                          In this episode, you'll discover:

                          • Clever ways to source materials (hint: start with your own closet!)
                          • Unexpected items you can transform (garden tools as decor, anyone?)
                          • Simple techniques to get started, even if you've never crafted before
                          • How to embrace the learning process and have fun along the way
                          • Whether you're looking to declutter, save money, or reduce your environmental impact, this episode is packed with practical ideas to get you started on your own upcycling journey.

                            Ready to see your old belongings in a new light? Tune in now and let's turn that potential clutter into creative gold!

                            Key points from the episode:

                            • [00:01:45] Jan introduces her background in sewing and crafting, including her YouTube channel for teaching basic sewing skills
                            • [00:03:34] Jan shares how she got started with upcycling, from making baby clothes to creating mittens from sweaters
                            • [00:05:32] Discussion on where to find materials for upcycling projects, including thrift stores and your own closet
                            • [00:06:28] Creative ideas for repurposing items like garden tools and old mugs
                            • [00:10:59] Basic tools needed to get started with upcycling projects
                            • Mentioned in this episode:

                              • Where to find Jan: Website and Instagram
                              • Jan's Etsy Shops: jHowellDESIGNS and fibersandtwigs
                              • Jan's Free Gift: DIY Sweater Upcycling pdf guide
                              • Podcast show notes: https://www.hobbyscool.com/podcast/upcycling
                              • 16 min
                              • 64: Yes, You CAN Knit That!

                                Ever gazed longingly at intricate shawls or complex sweater patterns, thinking, "I could never make that"?

                                Think again! In our latest HobbyScool podcast episode, we're unraveling the myth that certain knitting projects are beyond your reach.

                                Join us with special guest Jessica Ays, the creative mind behind Double the Stitches, as we explore how anyone – yes, anyone! – can master even the most challenging knitting techniques.

                                Whether you're a complete beginner or returning to knitting after years away, this episode is packed with:

                                • Practical tips to build your confidence stitch by stitch
                                • Secrets to tackling (and loving!) your first projects
                                • The surprising truth about muscle memory in knitting
                                • How to embrace and learn from your knitting mistakes
                                • Strategies for progressing from simple scarves to intricate lace
                                • Plus, discover how Jessica's inclusive approach to pattern design and her vibrant online community are making the fiber arts more accessible than ever.

                                  Don't let fear of complex patterns hold you back any longer. Tune in to "Yes, You CAN Knit That!" and prepare to be inspired, encouraged, and empowered to pick up those needles and create something amazing!

                                  Key points from the episode:

                                  • [00:04:00] Jessica explains her mission to make knitting more accessible and attainable for all skill levels
                                  • [00:08:00] Tips for beginners: Start with small projects like fingerless mitts for a sense of completion
                                  • [00:11:00] Rediscovering knitting skills: How muscle memory can help those returning to the craft
                                  • [00:13:00] Common mistakes and the importance of learning to fix your own knitting errors
                                  • [00:20:00] Jessica's process for creating clear, accessible patterns and her tips for successful knitting
                                  • Mentioned in this episode:

                                    • Where to find Jessica: Website and Facebook Group
                                    • Jessica’s gifts: FREE Printable Project Trackers and Gift Tags
                                    • Double the Stitches Pattern Club
                                    • Stitch Society Membership
                                    • Podcast show notes: https://www.hobbyscool.com/podcast/knitting

                                    • 27 min
                                    • 63: Turn Your Hobby Into a Six-Figure Online Course With Amy Porterfield

                                      Picture this: You're doing what you love, sharing your expertise, and watching your bank account grow.

                                      Sounds like a dream, right? Well, get ready to pinch yourself, because this week's HobbyScool Podcast is about to turn that dream into your reality!

                                      🎨🧶🎸 Whether you're a whiz with watercolors, a guru of crochet, or a rockstar of home recording, your skills are more valuable than you think.

                                      And we're not just talking about the joy they bring you (though that's priceless!) – we're talking cold, hard cash potential.

                                      But how do you go from hobbyist to hot-shot online instructor?

                                      That's where our latest episode comes in, featuring the one and only Amy Porterfield, the queen of digital course creation.

                                      You'll discover:

                                      • How to create a course people will scramble to buy
                                      • A simple pricing strategy to boost your revenue
                                      • Why you don't need to be tech-savvy or camera-ready
                                      • The booming growth of online learning (it's HUGE!)
                                      • Ready to see your hobby as the goldmine it is? Your journey to becoming a six-figure course creator starts here!

                                        Key points from the episode:

                                        • [00:04:34] Amy explains the three types of courses: starter, spotlight, and signature
                                        • [00:08:37] Learn how to create courses without appearing on camera
                                        • [00:11:19] Discover strategies to enhance your course offerings and increase revenue
                                        • [00:16:58] Amy shares exciting statistics on the growth of the online learning industry
                                        • [00:22:20] Preview of Amy's upcoming Course Confident Boot Camp
                                        • Mentioned in this episode:

                                          • Course Confident Bootcamp: https://www.destinicopp.com/bootcamp (affiliate link)
                                          • Podcast Show Notes:
                                          • https://www.hobbyscool.com/podcast/hobby-course
                                            26 min

                                          About HobbyScool

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