Why Branding Matters in Your Personal Brand

Welcome to the first episode of the newly branded Muthership Creator Strategy podcast! 🎉

It feels perfectly fitting that we’re kicking things off with an episode all about—what else?—branding.

In this debut rebranded episode, Helen breaks down one of the most misunderstood parts of being a creator: your personal brand. And spoiler—it's not about logos, color palettes, or fancy visuals. It’s about the feeling you give people every time they land on your content.

Helen shares how she unintentionally became a brand long before she ever named it, why even small posting choices can shift how others perceive you, and how staying true to who you are online helps your audience instantly recognize your “vibe.” From defining your brand through your personality, tone, mission, and style, to understanding how consistency builds trust, this episode is a grounded, personal look at what branding actually means for creators.

She also opens up about her own evolution—from baking videos to tutorials to the full-circle moment when everything from the studio to the newsletter naturally gravitated back to “The Muthership.” It’s a candid conversation about ego, humility, clarity, and letting your brand grow with you instead of forcing it into a box.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why branding is really the feeling you give people
• How to decide what is and isn’t “on brand” for you
• How clear branding attracts the right audience without begging for followers
• Why consistency builds trust (and matters to brands)
• How your comments and online behavior also reflect your brand
• How to let your brand evolve as you evolve
• Simple prompts to help you define or refine your brand today

If you’ve ever felt scattered, off-brand, or unsure how to define your creator identity, this first episode will help you find clarity and confidence—while staying true to yourself.

Tune in and welcome to the new era of the Muthership!

Episode Overview

Rebrand Updates

• Everything is aligning under the Mothership Creator brand.
• Newsletter is officially moving to Substack next week for easier commenting, a clean chronological feed, and one central home.
• New schedule:
  • Tuesdays: Mothership Creator Forecast newsletter
  • Fridays: Creator Strategy podcast
• Tuesday’s issue will always preview Friday’s podcast topic.

Unsponsored By Picks

• Saltwater Luxe Sweater — cozy, stylish, compliments from all ages.
• VRURC Portable Charger — heavy but powerful; charges your phone multiple times; a creator must-have.

3. Main Topic: Content Strategy Basics From This Week’s Audits

Key Things Creators Must Clarify:

1. Your North Star – the deeper purpose behind your content (beyond selling or making money).
2. Your Style & Sweet Spot – tutorials, voiceovers, lip syncs, vlogs, humor, etc. Rotate formats so people see range and depth.
3. Your Content Categories – define your pillars and rotate them so new visitors instantly understand what you offer.

Quality reminders:

• Good lighting, clear audio, tight editing, strong hook, proper vertical formatting.

Closing

• Gratitude for the growth in the Studio and for everyone joining the rebrand journey.
• You’re committed to helping creators grow, feel seen, and level up.
• Exciting chapter ahead — thanks for riding the ship with me!

🎙️ Why Every Creator Should Learn Transitions (Even If You’re Not in Fashion or Beauty)

🧴 Unsponsored By

Remembrin Daily Cleanse Deep Body Wash
Helen shares her hilarious discovery of this “anti–old person smell” body wash after seeing a viral video about “old man smell” and learning that persimmon can help neutralize it. The verdict? She loves it — and it’s officially Julie-approved. Slightly exfoliating, fresh-smelling, and now stocked in every shower she owns (plus one for her mom, who doesn’t yet know the “real” reason she’s getting it!).

📰 Big Announcement

Helen reveals the upcoming brand consolidation and rebrand:

• The podcast becomes The Muthership Creator Strategy Podcast
• The newsletter becomes The Muthership Creator Forecast
• Everything moves under one unified Muthership umbrella on Substack
  The shift reflects Helen’s decision to combine her production, directing, and teaching worlds into one clear, connected creator brand.

🎬 Main Topic

5 Reasons Every Creator Should Learn Transitions — No Matter Your Niche

1. They’re Scroll-Stopping.
Eye-catching, fast edits grab attention in the first two seconds — crucial for any creator on TikTok, Reels, or Shorts.

2. They Level You Up.
Even a simple, well-executed transition instantly makes you look like a more advanced creator — regardless of your niche.

3. They Spark Creativity.
Transitions force you to think differently: how to tell a story visually, connect clips creatively, and make vlogs or product videos more dynamic.

4. They Keep You Sharp.
Learning new editing skills keeps your brain active, your content fresh, and your workflow efficient — no matter your age.

5. They Build Loyalty + Support.
Showing your creative journey (even imperfectly) inspires your audience, builds community, and encourages engagement.

💡 Helen’s Takeaway
“Transitions aren’t just for beauty influencers or fashion creators — they’re for everyone. They make your content stronger, sharper, and more engaging. So love the player, love the game.”

🚀 Challenge of the Month

Join the Transition Challenge HERE:  https://stan.store/themuthership
Week one is wrapping up, but it’s not too late to jump in.
🎟️ Use code TRANSITION10 for $10 off your first month in the Muthership Creator Studio.

Catch the replay of the first live session and start mastering your transition skills today.

👉 And hey — if you already know your transitions, gift the Studio to a creator friend this holiday season!

🧡 Episode Overview

Helen’s back (a little hoarse but always showing up!) with her latest Unsponsored By discoveries and a deep-dive on how to run great group Lives on TikTok — from planning to moderating to managing guests with grace.

💄 Unsponsored By: Lip Finds of the Week

• CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain – natural, long-lasting color that feels like your “teenage lips” again.
• LA Girl Sheer Tint Lip Balm – a light, minty tint for everyday wear.
• Bonus: pair with a clear balm like BeautyStat for a fresh, hydrated look.

🎥 Main Topic: Group Lives Etiquette & Strategy

1. Hosting Your Live

• Plan ahead: have notes, recipes, or discussion points ready.
• If you have a guest: review topics before going live.
• For team Lives: assign who covers which parts — treat it like a mini show rundown.

2. Moderators & Boundaries

• Pick moderators you trust and align on tone and rules.
• Moderators reflect you — don’t let them block impulsively.
• Communicate expectations: when to mute, when to block, how to help manage guests.

3. Setting Expectations for Your Community

• Clearly define the topic of the Live and stick to it.
• Gently steer conversations back on track when they drift.
• Stay consistent with your rules — it builds trust and avoids drama.

4. Viewer & Guest Etiquette

• Don’t repeatedly invite yourself into a Live.
• If you’re invited, don’t take over the conversation.
• Respect the host’s topic; don’t self-promote or ask for freebies.
• Never suggest adding guests mid-Live — plan it privately ahead of time.

5. Managing Drama & Protecting Energy

• Think of Lives like a real-life gathering: be polite and respectful.
• Set clear boundaries from the start — how many guests, who can join, what’s off-limits.
• Remember: communication prevents hurt feelings and awkward moments.

🌟 Helen’s Takeaway

Whether you’re the host or a guest, a Live should feel like a friendly dinner party — not a free-for-all. Set expectations, stay gracious, and remember: good boundaries make good broadcasts.

Episode Title: Batch Creating Content: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

🗓️ Episode Summary

Helen is back from her travels and diving right into one of the most talked-about topics inside The Muthership Studio this month — batch creating content. In this episode, she shares her honest experience of batch creating tutorials before her trip, what she learned about the process, and why it’s both a powerful tool and a mental shift for creators.

She also kicks things off with a hilarious “Unsponsored By” segment featuring her travel deodorant saga — proving that even something as simple as deodorant can teach us about consistency, flexibility, and having a good backup plan.

💡 Key Takeaways
1. Why Batch Creating Matters
Batch creating can save your sanity during busy periods or travel.
It’s especially helpful for creators with a consistent niche or tutorial-based content.
Think of it as “content insurance” — your rhythm stays intact even when life gets hectic.

2. The Emotional Disconnect
Helen admits that batch creating made her feel a bit disconnected from her content — it didn’t feel fresh when posting later.
The lesson: it’s okay if batch-created content feels less spontaneous; the audience doesn’t notice — but you might.
Her sweet spot? About a week’s worth of content at a time, not two.

3. How to Do It Efficiently
Plan 4–5 videos in one shoot, especially if they follow a theme or tutorial style.
Don’t overcomplicate wardrobe changes — no one’s tracking your shirt!
Caption and save your videos to drafts so all you have to do later is hit “Post.”

4. Customize for Your Niche
Creators with structured content (like tutorials or coaching) benefit most from batching.
“In-between” content — trends, behind-the-scenes, spontaneous posts — can stay flexible.
Example: If you’re a relationship coach, plan a mix of speaking videos, trends, and voiceovers on your main topics.
5. Scheduling vs. Drafts
Helen prefers drafts for TikTok and Instagram, since she’s active daily.
For YouTube, she uses the scheduler — perfect for longer-form uploads that aren’t part of her daily rhythm.

🗂️ Muthership Studio Strategy Spotlight
Inside the Socialize Studio, Juli shares a practical batch creation planning method:
Make a list of your upcoming posts by day of the week.
Decide what type of video fits each slot (tutorial, trend, voiceover, etc.).
Keep your strategy visible — it keeps you accountable and creative.

🎬 What’s Coming Up
Helen teases next month’s Studio theme: Transitions!
It’s a topic she didn’t want to miss during her trip, so it’s rolling into November — expect tutorials, examples, and creative challenges designed to level up your editing skills.

JOIN HERE: https://socialize-studio.mn.co

✈️ Opening Notes

Helen kicks off this episode laughing at herself because she’s deep in batch creation mode!
Yes, this episode was recorded on the same day as last week’s, and she didn’t even change her shirt (she’s airport-ready, okay?). But as she explains, the reason she shares that is to teach transparency: your audience never has to know when or how you batch create, but learning how to do it efficiently is a game changer for content creators.

💛 Unsponsored By: Skinnytaste – High Protein Cookbook

Helen gives a heartfelt shout-out to her friend and inspiration Gina Homolka, the creator behind Skinnytaste.
Gina started as a blogger while working a full-time job, built a massive community, and now continues to evolve with each cookbook release - her latest being The Skinnytaste High Protein Cookbook.

Helen shares a sweet story about receiving an unexpected PR package from Gina (complete with a scale and water bottle), and how she once spotted Gina on a magazine cover at the grocery store!

Takeaway: Support other creators who uplift others in their space. Gina’s success is built on generosity, authenticity, and adaptability which are traits every creator can learn from.

🎬 Main Topic: 7 Tips for Better Lip Sync Videos

1. Practice Out Loud 🎤
   Don’t just mouth the words. Saying them out loud helps you hear if you’re out of sync — and it makes all the difference.
2. Write Down the Words ✍️
   Especially if you’re a visual learner! Seeing the words helps lock them in your memory faster.
3. Rehearse in Short Segments ⏱️
   Learn your lines in digestible parts — just like practicing piano or learning choreography.
   Example: master line 1, then 2, then 1+2, then 3, and so on. It’s a proven technique.
4. Use Wired Headphones When Needed 🎧
   Bluetooth can cause slight delays, wired is your friend.
5. Slow Down for Slow-Mo Recordings 🐢
   When you record in 2x or 3x speed (to later play back in normal speed), slow everything down — blinking, breathing, hand movements — or you’ll look like you’re fast-forwarded.
   Helen even demo'd this on camera — so catch this section on YouTube to see the difference!
6. Use the Timer Function 🕒
   Break your recording into sections using the in-app timer. Move locations between lines to make those cuts look intentional and stylish.
7. Record Out Loud, Not Silently 🎙️
   When you film, still say the words out loud! It keeps your rhythm natural and helps with syncing. Don’t go full “silent movie.”

💡 Pro Tip:

If you want to improve your on-camera confidence and timing, lip syncing is a fantastic training tool. It sharpens your sense of rhythm, body awareness, and delivery. These are skills that translate directly into talking videos.

🎯 Creator Challenge:

Try a lip sync this week!
Pick an audio that makes you smile or tells a story and tag @themuthership so Helen can come give you some love.

🎙️ The Social Media Strategy Podcast — “What Not to Do on Social Media”

Episode Summary:
In this energetic and laughter-filled episode, Helen (aka The Muthership) records just before jetting off to Greece! 🌍✈️ She dives into a passionate and practical list of “what not to do” on social media — straight from her creator heart and years of experience coaching others through content strategy. From avoiding loud music and over-edited videos to skipping that “Hi guys!” intro, this episode is full of teachable (and hilarious) moments for creators of all levels.

🏖️ Opening: Batch Creating Before Greece

Helen kicks things off with excitement — by the time you’re hearing this, she’s in Athens beginning a 12-day Greek Islands adventure! She’s prepped tons of tutorials ahead of time thanks to batch creating, the current theme inside Socialize Studio. This month’s studio sessions are focused on planning smarter, not harder, and next week’s session will even be led by her daughter Juli, who’s a pro at analytics and content strategy.

👉 If you haven’t joined the Studio yet… now’s the time!
JOIN US HERE!

💄 Unsponsored By: BeautyStat Skincare

This week’s Unsponsored By segment spotlights a brand Helen genuinely loves — BeautyStat, founded by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson (@roncosmeticchemist on Tiktok) From the balancing cleanser to the wrinkle-relaxing moisturizer and new vitamin C lip serum (with that perfect citrus scent 🍊), Helen gushes about how much she loves the ingredients, packaging, and lightweight travel-friendly design — all coming with her to Greece.
🧴 Verdict: 10/10 recommend.

🚫 Main Topic: What Not to Do on Social Media

Helen’s “rant-with-love” list of creator don’ts is equal parts practical and relatable. Here are the highlights:

1. Don’t start your videos with “Hi!”
   You’re losing viewers before you even start. Grab attention right away instead.
2. Don’t make your music too loud.
   Lower your background audio — especially if it has lyrics. Your audience wants to hear you.
3. Don’t complain about your views.
   Appreciate the people who did show up — it’s like throwing a party and complaining about who didn’t come!
4. Don’t speed up your speaking videos.
   Viewers can adjust playback speed themselves. Stay natural; just trim your cuts instead.
5. Don’t post reaction videos in anger.
   Take a breath. Not every negative comment deserves airtime — protect your energy and your vibe.
6. Don’t spam-like to show support.
   Watch, comment thoughtfully, and engage authentically. Quality > quantity.
7. Don’t DM your followers asking them to engage.
   It’s uncomfortable and counterproductive. Let your content earn the engagement organically.
8. Don’t believe every “here’s how to go viral” guru.
   Engagement hacks don’t equal authenticity. Think critically and do what fits your brand.

💡 Key Takeaway

This episode is a reminder that good content isn’t just about what you do — it’s about what you avoid doing. Each of these tips helps creators build genuine connection and credibility without falling into common traps.

Today, I’m kicking things off in the Unsponsored By segment with a surprise fashion find (yes, pants!) from Vuori—plus a little lesson in how to actually pronounce the brand. From there, we’re diving into the heart of this episode: why it’s never too late to make a first impression on social media.

Every video you post is someone’s very first encounter with you, and that means you always have a fresh opportunity to connect, stand out, and build trust. I’ll share personal stories (yes, even the pajama-dancing ones), editing tips, and five ways to make your content instantly more impactful.

📝 Episode Notes

• Unsponsored By: A surprising win in the fashion aisle—my unexpected love affair with Vuori pants.
• First Impressions Online: Why every video is a chance to reintroduce yourself.
• Key Takeaways:
  • Authenticity > performance — be yourself on camera.
  • Edit smart: remove long pauses and keep the energy moving.
  • Bring positive vibes (skip the moaning, focus on good energy).
  • Watch the details: posture, tone, and expression matter in those first 5–10 seconds.
  • Dress in what makes you feel good—it changes how you show up.
• Bonus: Details on The Style Evolution free online series, where experts (including me!) share how to align your image and presence for more confidence and impact on and off social media.

👉 SIGN UP HERE FREE for The Style Evolution! 

Intro & Unsponsored By
Helen kicks off with her “Unsponsored By” segment, introducing Pistache, an Italian linen brand she recently discovered and loves for its breathable, versatile pieces.

Guest Spotlight
Helen welcomes her friend and colleague Elysha Lenkin, a personal stylist with 30+ years of experience in fashion and TV commercial styling. Elysha helps midlife women show up more powerfully in their lives by aligning style with confidence and attitude.

The FREE Style Evolution Sign up HERE!

Main Discussion – Camera Ready Mindset

·       Camera ready is an attitude: Being prepared for opportunities, whether a Zoom call or a surprise video.

·       Physical + energy: Clothing choices matter, but so does the confidence and presence they give you.

·       Authentic casual vs. sloppy casual: Intentional styling doesn’t have to mean “perfect,” just thoughtful.

Practical Styling Tips

·       Creative Brief: Define your go-to colors, styles, and silhouettes that reflect your brand.

·       Colors: Choose tones that complement your complexion. Teal is a universally flattering color.

·       Patterns: Keep prints simple and non-distracting for video.

·       Accessories & Balance: Use the “point system” to guide accessorizing. Avoid overloading; balance statement pieces.

·       Belts & Shape: Belts can add shape and polish, even if you’ve avoided them before.

·       Test on Camera: Mirrors can be deceiving—always snap a selfie or video test to see how an outfit really plays on screen.

Personal Stories & Lessons
Helen and Elysha share experiences from commercial sets and personal shopping trips, highlighting how intentional styling elevates presence, confidence, and even shifts self-perception.

Event Highlight – The Style Evolution
Elysha introduces her free upcoming virtual event: The Style Evolution.

·       Runs October 6–10 with 13 experts across fashion, lifestyle, wellness, photography, and more.

·       Daily video interviews (about 25 minutes each) available for 48 hours.

·       Includes live Q&As and community discussion in a Facebook group.

SIGN UP for the FREE STYLE EVOLUTION HERE!

Takeaway
Being camera ready is about intention, confidence, and energy. A few mindful choices in clothing and styling can help you show up authentically and powerfully—on social media and in life.

This week, Helen kicks off the episode in true Muthership style—by showing up in a dental lab coat. Why? Because the Unsponsored By products of the week are all about oral care. From toothpaste that changed her life (literally) to the softest toothbrushes on the planet, she shares behind-the-scenes stories from working on Sensodyne and Pronamel shoots—and how those experiences shaped her own daily habits.

But after the laughs and lab coats, Helen gets real. What do you do when social media starts to feel overwhelming, draining, or just plain exhausting? In this episode, she shares strategies (including some from Juli’s newsletter wisdom) for resetting your energy, keeping your content fresh, and protecting your mental health while staying consistent as a creator or small business owner.

🦷 Unsponsored By Products

• Sensodyne Toothpaste – A game-changer for anyone with tooth sensitivity. Helen shares how working on brand shoots with dentists taught her everything about sensitivity triggers and enamel health.
• Guru Nanda Toothbrushes – The “butter on the gums” brushes that prove soft bristles can make all the difference.

✨ Main Topic: When Social Media Makes You Spiral

Strategies to reset, refresh, and keep creating:

• Take a Break – From a day to a month, pauses won’t wreck your account.
• Focus on Your Own Content – Audit your past videos, look for patterns, and note what works.
• Curate Your Feed – Follow accounts that inspire you, mute or skip what drains your energy.
• Habit Swap – Replace mindless scrolling with something uplifting (reading, puzzles, even Snapchat for family updates).
• Go Live Instead – Lives can reignite your energy and boost your algorithmic reach.
• Set Time Limits – Build discipline into your day with timers or app controls.
• Mix It Up – Try something silly, quirky, or unexpected to bring back the joy of creating.

🌟 Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it’s all about finding balance. Social media is powerful, but it shouldn’t steal your energy or your joy. Whether you reset with a break, try new formats, or lean into community, the key is to keep showing up in a way that feels good for you.

And remember: joining the Studio always guarantees a recharge. Weekly meetings, live lessons, and community conversations will leave you feeling motivated and inspired.

JOIN THE STUDIO NOW!!

👉 Don’t miss this week’s Saturday meeting at 11AM ET! A special weekend session where we’ll dive into community building and review Instagram Live behind-the-scenes tutorials.