Muthership Creator Strategy

✈️ 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.

Today's episode dives into editing basics for creators — why keeping things simple, intentional, and well-paced can make your content stronger and more engaging.

Unsponsored By Segment

• Simple Mills Sweetened Nut Flour Crackers – gluten free, natural, chocolatey crunch, a win.
• Catalina Crunch Protein Cereal – decent crunch, but highlights the murky meaning of “natural flavors” on labels. A reminder to read ingredient lists closely.
• Fashion pick: Babaton vest from Aritzia – vests are back as an easy way to dress up a tank. Plus a nudge to repurpose vintage or forgotten pieces from your own closet.

Editing Tips for Creators

1. Keep It Simple – Clean, tight edits beat cluttered stickers and effects.
2. When in Doubt, Edit It Out – Trim unnecessary pauses or tangents to keep the pace moving.
3. Master Your Editing App – Learn basics in CapCut, TikTok, Instagram, or InShot to avoid roadblocks.
4. Add Auto-Captions – Accessibility + higher engagement for viewers watching without sound.
5. Play With Pacing – Use ramp speed (normal → fast → normal) instead of full-video fast-forward.
6. Overlays & Split Screens – Great for creativity and engagement. (Shoutout to Studio member Linda who went viral using this technique!)
7. Text & Motion – On-screen text and moving captions keep eyes locked in.
8. Audio Matters – Subtle, low-volume background music enhances emotion without overpowering your voice.

Community Highlights

• 🎉 Linda Desjardins – viral Instagram video with split-screen creativity (2.5M views)
• 🌟 Carla @FabnFitByCarla – cast on The Golden Bachelor premiering Sept 24.

Final Thought

• You don’t need to be a pro editor to make engaging content. With some guidance and practice, simple edits can make your videos stand out.  JOIN THE STUDIO NOW to level up your content!

September Reset + Building Community

Happy September! 🎉 For me, September feels like a mini New Year — a chance to reset, refresh, and get back on track.

In This Episode:

• September Theme: Inside the Studio, we’re focusing on building community — creating content that connects your audience to YOU and to each other.
• Why It Matters: TikTok is shifting, and being proactive (not reactive) is key. Strengthening your community now protects your future.
• Content Tips:
  • Spark conversations in the comments — engagement between followers builds a sense of belonging.
  • Go live — guide discussions and lead like a community moderator.
  • Create “safe spaces” where your audience can connect with each other, not just you.
  • Think long-term — use newsletters, DMs, or other platforms as a backup plan.
• Studio Wins: Members are seeing real growth, viral videos, and new opportunities by applying these strategies!

JOIN US HERE!!!

• Unsponsored By:
  • Justin’s Almond Butter (cinnamon flavor = yes please) 🥜
  • Ninja Creamy — homemade healthy ice cream that tastes like the real deal 🍦

This month is all about growing your own community — join the Studio to learn, share, and celebrate wins together.

Content gear that is not sponsored, but will help you level up your content game!

Click here listen to the full debrief on the scam that took my pride along with 15 hours of my life: https://yourstruly.transistor.fm/episodes/86-did-we-just-get-scammed

Click here to view it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bINNjxirRBE&list=PLlBCxxLwC-ffe2WHY4ckPCoy3-cQ-rSAX

Segment 1: Unsponsored By (Products I Love)
• Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant & Deodorant Cream
o Why it’s different from roll-ons
o Personal story of borrowing another deodorant = never again!
o Not sponsored, just a long-time loyal fan
• Lume Whole Body Deodorant
o Praise for the founder who changed the industry
o Best for people with stronger odor issues
o Applicator options (cream rub-on vs roll-on)
o Prefers unscented
 
Segment 2: New Tech Find
• Snaply Lens (Screen Mirroring Attachment)
o Clips/suction to back of phone for back-camera filming
o Lets you see yourself framed properly without using front camera
o Why it’s useful for creators
o Not an affiliate link — just a practical tool
 
Segment 3: Core Gear for Creators

• Tripods

o Sunpak + selfie stick topper → long-time staple:
o SmallRig tripods (different sizes & pros/cons)
 White (discontinued), black version still available
 Tilt limitations on some models
 Bluetooth clicker = convenient
o Ring light + tripod combo (good for selfies, glasses wearers can bounce light off ceiling)

• Microphones
o Started with wired lavalier mic (trustworthy, simple)
o Now using Hollyland Lark M2 wireless mic
 Dual transmitters for interviews
 Magnetic clips for flexible placement
 Works with iPhone, Android, laptop
o Audio tip: always set to mono (not stereo)

• Lighting
o Prefers natural daylight
o If shooting at night: Neewer LED panel (small, adjustable warmth & brightness)

• Extras / Nice-to-Haves
o Stylus (for editing or precision work)
o Screen mirroring tools (like Snaply)
o Stabilizers (recommend Insta360 stabilizer, not DJI Osmo — unreliable in personal experience)
 
Segment 4: Big Picture Reminder
• You don’t need all the gear to start creating
• Viral content often made with nothing more than a phone
• Gear can support but won’t replace good storytelling & editing skills
• Take small steps: start with one useful item, build up over time
• If you love gear & want to go “all in” at once — that’s okay too!

I’ve got some fun things to share with you today, and then we’re diving into a topic I think is going to be really pressing soon: What happens if TikTok goes away?

Now, I don’t want this to sound like doom and gloom—it’s actually the perfect wake-up call to think about your bigger social media strategy. Even when platforms shift, there are things you can (and should) be doing to protect your growth, your community, and your creativity.

But before we get into that, let’s start with today’s Unsponsored Buy—a favorite new find that I think you’ll love.

📝 Episode Outline

1. Unsponsored Buy of the Week

• Muji (minimalist Japanese design store)
  • Toothbrush holder + trays
  • Sleek soap dispensers
• Blueland foaming soap tablets
  • Eco-friendly, dissolves in water
  • Multiple scents, sustainable packaging
• Why these small, design-focused details bring joy

2. Main Topic: What If TikTok Goes Away?

• Why these “threats” are a wake-up call for creators
• Reminder: don’t panic, but do prepare

3. Current Strategy

• Keep posting on TikTok until change actually happens
• Use this time to:
  • Grow brand awareness
  • Strengthen audience connection
  • Give followers reasons to follow you elsewhere

4. Platform Backups

• YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels
• Scheduling content to make cross-posting easier (Sunday night batch uploads, schedulers)
• Why “being everywhere” gives you options and insurance

5. Community Building Beyond TikTok

• Move your audience to owned spaces (email list, communities, YouTube channel)
• Personal stories of shifting audience into newsletters + The Socialize Studio
• Why a strong community will follow you wherever you go

6. Mindset Shift

• Don’t obsess over views—low views may still mean new people discovering you
• Consistency matters more than quick wins
• Example: accidental YouTube monetization just from persistence

7. What’s Next in the Studio

• September focus:
  • How to move audiences between platforms
  • Building deeper community
  • Strategies for newsletters + monetization
• Invitation to join the Socialize Studio for real-time discussions and expert sessions

8. Wrap-Up

• Stay consistent. Keep creating.
• Don’t fear low numbers—show up for your community.
• Platforms may shift, but creativity and connection last.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Socialize Strategy — the podcast where we talk social media, creator life, and all the behind-the-scenes bits most people don’t tell you.

Before we get into today’s strategy, it’s time for my “unsponsored by” picks — aka products I genuinely use and love without a penny in my pocket from the brand. This week’s lineup includes:

• Oura Ring — why I love it, how it tracks my sleep and steps, and the surprising brand deal offer that made me say, “No thanks.”
• Purely Elizabeth Granola — my forever favorite snack and the wild small-world story about how I used to share an office floor with Elizabeth herself.

Then we dive into today’s topic: Why you should post like social media is your diary.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• What “posting like it’s your diary” really means (spoiler: it’s not writing Dear Diary).
• Why unplanned, authentic posts often outperform your polished content.
• How to capture raw, relatable moments that build loyalty and connection.
• The key engagement metrics that actually help content go viral.
• How personal storytelling can make your audience feel like they know you — and why that’s powerful.
• A moving reminder that even a small audience can have a big impact.

Grab your coffee, your camera, and maybe some granola, and let’s get into it.