Pivot Ball Change: Podcast Growth for Entrepreneurial Moms

Jo Piazza is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and longtime podcaster who has spent years telling stories across books, podcasts, and journalism. We talk about her newest novel, The Parisian Heist, her recent book tour in Paris, and why connecting with readers is one of her favorite parts of being an author. Jo shares how her journalism background shapes the way she writes fiction, including her love of research and her commitment to grounding her stories in historical fact. We also get a sneak peek at the novel she is currently working on, inspired by the Natural Science Museum and the memories she made there during early motherhood. As one of the OGs of podcasting, Jo also takes us behind the scenes of her podcasting career, from launching Committed in 2015 to working with iHeartMedia, navigating the changing podcast industry, monetizing Under the Influence, and deciding what parts of podcasting to delegate. We wrap up with a conversation about the evolution of Under the Influence, the changing role of women online, the end of the trad wife era, celebrity podcasts, and Jo’s concerns about AI influencers and what AI could mean for both podcasting and publishing.

Key Topics Covered

• Jo’s journey from award-winning journalist to bestselling author and podcaster
• The inspiration behind The Parisian Heist and her recent book tour in Paris
• Why research is Jo’s favorite part of writing novels and how journalism influences her fiction
• A sneak peek at Jo’s next novel and the meaningful connection she has to the Natural Science Museum
• Jo’s podcasting journey, from Committed to Under the Influence
• The “glory days” of podcasting and what it was like working with iHeartMedia
• How Jo monetizes her podcast with the help of a sales team
• Why you should delegate the parts of your podcast that don’t bring you joy
• How Under the Influence has evolved from influencer culture commentary into a broader conversation about women and life online
• Jo’s thoughts on the trad wife era, women’s presence online, and the future of influencer culture
• The potential impact of AI influencers on podcasting, publishing, and human connection

Links & Resources:

Listen to Committed: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/committed/id1382244741

The Parisian Heist: https://www.theparisianheist.com/

Follow Jo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jopiazzaauthor/

Listen to Under the Influence: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/under-the-influence-with-jo-piazza/id1544171101

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Launch Your Podcast with Pivot Ball Change: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Riverside: https://riverside.sjv.io/c/6950782/2183832/28064

Jillian Murphy, host of the Jillian Murphy Podcast and self-proclaimed “queen of sales,” joins me for a candid conversation about using your podcast as a tool to grow your business. Jillian shares why she intentionally keeps her episodes under 25 minutes, how her podcast generates revenue even without sponsors, and why she believes your show should evolve as your business evolves. We also dive into the personal side of podcasting, creating boundaries around your time, and what makes a guest worth inviting onto your show. I even get vulnerable about sales opportunities I’ve left on the table in my own business, and Jillian coaches me through what I can do differently moving forward.

We Cover:

• Finding the right balance between personal and business content on your podcast
• Why it’s okay to pivot and evolve the direction of your podcast
• Jillian’s strategies for managing your time, including book-ending your weeks and blocking time for reflection and implementation
• How to recognize when you’re leaving sales opportunities on the table
• Jillian’s mental checklist for deciding whether starting a podcast is right for you
• What makes a podcast guest stand out and why the “big” guests aren’t always the best guests
• How to identify guests who can actually move the needle for your podcast and business

Links & Resources:

Listen to Krystle’s Interview on Jillian’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/how-to-monetize-your-podcast-with-krystle-frey/id1643196871?i=1000774677010&l=fr-CA

Visit DMStarters.com: https://dmstarters.com/

Follow Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejillianmurphy/

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Launch Your Podcast with Pivot Ball Change: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Riverside: https://riverside.sjv.io/c/6950782/2183832/28064

Pivot Ball Change is growing, and that means we’re looking to expand our team! I’m sharing all the details about the new position, including what we’re looking for, what the role will involve, expected hours, and how to apply. Hint: if you consider yourself a social media expert, you’ll definitely want to tune in. I’m also sharing two quick and easy dinner recipes, a local outdoor theater that has me excited to go back for a second time, a nostalgic TV show I’ve been watching in the background, and all of my thoughts on the latest season of Dancing With the Stars, including who I was glad to see go home, who I think could be a frontrunner, and the contestant I think might be a dark horse.

Key Topics Covered:

• Pivot Ball Change’s plans to expand the team
• Details about the new social media position, expectations, hours, and how to apply
• Two quick, easy, and slightly out-of-the-box dinner recipes
• A Tony Award-winning local outdoor theater worth checking out
• The nostalgic TV show I’ve been watching lately
• My thoughts on the latest season of Dancing With the Stars
• DWTS frontrunners, dark horses, and who I was happy to see eliminated

Links & Resources:

Korean Beef Bowl Recipe: https://www.wellmaderestorative.com/recipes/korean-beef?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=organic

Buffalo Chicken Wraps: https://www.skinnytaste.com/buffalo-chicken-salad/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

American Players Theatre: https://www.americanplayers.org/

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Launch Your Podcast with Pivot Ball Change: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Riverside: https://riverside.sjv.io/c/6950782/2183832/28064

You can be a deeply devoted mom and still love your work, have big ambitions, and want a life outside of motherhood. Dr. Anne Welsh, clinical psychologist, certified executive coach, and author of Ambitious Mother, joins me to unpack why so many high-achieving moms feel like they’re failing, even when they’re doing objectively well. We talk about the ambition paradox, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and pretending, along with the guilt that can come with putting your child in childcare, prioritizing your career, or simply putting yourself first. Dr. Anne also shares how our own ambition can spill over into the expectations we have for our children, from youth sports to college, and why it’s worth asking whether those expectations are really theirs or ours. Plus, we talk about using podcast guesting as a powerful way to grow your reach, promote a book or business, and connect with new audiences without relying entirely on social media.

We Cover:

• Why ambitious moms can feel like they’re failing even when they’re high-achieving
• The ambition paradox and redefining what success can look like
• Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and pretending, and how these tendencies show up in motherhood
• The guilt that can come with childcare, prioritizing your career, and putting yourself first
• How our own ambitions and expectations can shape the way we parent our children
• Rethinking youth sports, college, and the pressure we place on our kids
• Using podcast guesting and cold pitching to promote a book, business, or area of expertise

Motherhood doesn’t have to mean putting your ambition on the shelf, and ambition doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the parts of motherhood that matter most to you. This conversation is a reminder that we can create our own definition of success and give ourselves, and our children, permission to do the same.

Links & Resources:

Get Your Copy of Ambitious Mother: https://amzn.to/4xp4FhK

Visit Dr. Anne’s Website: https://www.drannewelsh.com/

Follow Dr. Anne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drannewelsh/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drannewelsh/

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Launch Your Podcast with Pivot Ball Change: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Riverside: https://riverside.sjv.io/c/6950782/2183832/28064

Summer is officially over, the kids are back in childcare and school, and I’m ready for a little reset. I’m recapping what worked, what didn’t, and what I’ll be doing differently next summer, from childcare and screen time to behavior strategies, summer lunches, and finding a better rhythm for working from home. I’m also sharing a behind-the-scenes look at Pivot Ball Change, including how my team has helped me manage the workload, where most of my business actually comes from, how my nine-week podcast launch series performed, and a brand-new client who has landed some incredible guests. And of course, I’m bringing back the 4 F’s with dinner inspiration, a 20-year-old appetizer recipe, fall fashion favorites, a trip that finally made it out of the group chat, a wedding-crashing story, and my latest and current reads.

We Cover:

• What worked and what didn’t work with our summer childcare, routines, screen time, and parenting strategies
• Why I felt like I was just surviving with Pivot Ball Change this summer and how my team has become a huge part of managing the business
• The surprising ways Pivot Ball Change actually generates most of its business and why social media isn’t necessarily the biggest driver
• How my nine-week podcast launch series performed, including the download numbers and whether I think it was worth the time and effort
• My latest Pivot Ball Change client, why niche podcasts can be a powerful opportunity for professionals, and the events and speaking opportunities I’m hoping to do more of
• The return of the 4 F’s: food, fashion, fun and fiction, including dinner inspiration, Amazon mom jeans, fall accessories, watermelon margaritas, and my latest book recommendations

Summer definitely had its challenges, but it also taught me a lot about what I need personally and professionally to feel like I’m thriving instead of just getting through the season. I’m taking those lessons into the fall, along with a few new ideas for Pivot Ball Change, some changes to my work routine, and hopefully a lot more fun along the way.

Links & Resources:

Kid’s Watch: https://amzn.to/4zToOyO

Dog Man Book Series: https://amzn.to/4gS0lBk

Amy Schmidt’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-right-sized-life-with-amy-schmidt/id1484425679

Sign-up for Everyday M&K Recipes: https://everydaymandk.substack.com/subscribe?params=%5Bobject%20Object%5D

Angels + Arrows Fashion Boutique: https://www.angelsandarrowsboutique.com/

Barrel Jeans: https://amzn.to/4raeQVR

Bauble Necklace: https://amzn.to/4xezPIq

Fish Necklace: https://amzn.to/46Shnul

Chatham Bars Inn: https://www.chathambarsinn.com/ 

Theo of Golden: https://amzn.to/4r1scUb

Dolly All the Time: https://amzn.to/4cSMUjB

Big Little Truths: https://amzn.to/4A3sHBq

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Launch Your Podcast with Pivot Ball Change: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Riverside: https://riverside.sjv.io/c/6950782/2183832/28064

Launching a podcast is exciting, but what happens after the launch is what really determines whether your show has staying power. In this episode, I share practical strategies for staying consistent, growing your audience, and making podcasting more sustainable long after your first few episodes go live. From batching episodes and setting clear goals to using analytics, repurposing content, delegating tasks, and appearing as a guest on other podcasts, these strategies can help you take the pressure off while continuing to build momentum. I also talk about the emotional ups and downs that come with podcasting and why learning to ride the waves is just as important as having a solid strategy.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why you should have episodes four, five, and six ready to go when you launch
• How batching podcast episodes can save time and make consistency easier
• Setting long-term goals for your podcast and defining what success looks like
• Using podcast analytics to better understand your audience and content performance
• Repurposing or re-releasing popular episodes during holidays and slower seasons
• What podcast tasks you should consider delegating as your show grows
• How guesting on other podcasts can expand your reach and build credibility
• Managing the emotional highs and lows that come with growing a podcast
• Why consistency doesn't have to mean creating something completely new every week

Links & Resources:

Victoria’s Episode: https://www.pivotballchange.com/podcast-1/47-finding-my-pink-again-why-im-bringing-pivot-ball-change-back-24p45-eaesj-ksjtj-ygxw2-w4al3-jpyfw-elj4f-rjwbc-ssx7x-8ltms-bbcsh-tzmsl-ml8m7-7xlbb

Find a Guest, Be a Guest Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcastguestcollaboration

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Launch Your Podcast with Pivot Ball Change: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Riverside: https://riverside.sjv.io/c/6950782/2183832/28064

We’re almost there! If you’ve been following along for the last few weeks, you know I’ve been walking you through my step-by-step process of how to launch a podcast. This week’s episode is episode eight of nine and we are breaking down what it actually takes to launch and grow a podcast that people stick with. From nailing your planning and timing to building buzz through social media, collaborations, and giveaways, I share practical, tested strategies for getting your show in front of the right ears and keeping listeners coming back for more.

Key Topics Covered:

• Podcast launch planning and timing
• Scheduling and releasing episodes strategically
• Social media marketing strategies that actually work
• Collaborations and guest appearances to expand reach
• Using giveaways to boost engagement and downloads
• PR and media exposure tactics for new shows
• Turning episodes into shareable content
• Engaging your audience with strong calls to action

Links & Resources:

Listen to Ep. 66 with Shannon Leyko: https://www.pivotballchange.com/podcast-1/66

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Launch Your Podcast with Pivot Ball Change: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Riverside: https://riverside.sjv.io/c/6950782/2183832/28064

Editing a podcast can take much longer than simply recording an episode, especially when you’re working with both audio and video. I’m breaking down how I use Riverside to edit podcast episodes efficiently, from cleaning up the conversation and adding intros, outros, music, and transitions to creating clips and audiograms for social media. I’ll also walk through which Riverside AI tools I use, where I still prefer manual editing, and how I export high-quality audio and video for different platforms. Whether you’re editing your own podcast or trying to understand what goes into professional podcast production, these tips can help you create better content while making your editing workflow more efficient.

We Cover:

• How long it actually takes to edit podcast episodes based on their length
• Using Riverside for podcast recording, audio editing, video editing, and transcription
• The difference between manual editing and AI-powered editing tools, and why quality still matters
• Adding intros, outros, music, transitions, ads, and other episode elements
• Creating social media clips and audiograms from your podcast episodes
• Exporting high-quality audio and video for publishing and promotion
• Using Riverside features like Smart Layouts and AI tools to streamline your workflow

Links & Resources:

How to Edit Podcasts Guide (FREE Just for Listening!!): https://canva.link/aqtnr8fscuaq78o

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Launch Your Podcast with Pivot Ball Change: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Riverside: https://riverside.sjv.io/c/6950782/2183832/28064

Launching your podcast successfully starts before you ever hit publish. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to plan your first three episodes, why releasing multiple episodes on launch day can help your podcast gain momentum, and how to create a strong foundation for your show. You’ll learn how to batch record, prepare for guest interviews, determine the right episode length, and why having future episodes ready before launch will help you stay consistent as a podcast host.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why you should launch your podcast with three episodes and how it can impact your rankings and listener growth
• How to plan, record, and batch your first episodes while building confidence as a new host
• Why your dream guest may not always be the person with the biggest following and how to create a strong guest pitch
• How to prepare for launch day and set yourself up for long-term podcast consistency

Links and Resources:

Instagram Post Looking for Guests: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYN06j4FPhT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Launch Your Podcast with Pivot Ball Change: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Riverside: https://riverside.sjv.io/c/6950782/2183832/28064

Every episode is someone's first episode, and that changes everything about how you should structure your show. I break down the essentials of episode architecture: what a master intro is and why you need one, why pre-recording multiple outros will save you in a pinch, and how to build an audiogram that hooks listeners in the first 30 seconds. I walk through the ideal flow for your episodes, why asking for ratings and reviews in your outro matters more than you think (plus a real client example that worked), and why you don't need sponsors on day one to have something valuable to offer your audience. I also cover the difference between pre-roll and mid-roll ads, a smarter way to pitch sponsors, and why recording your intros and offers on video gives you reusable content for your PR package down the road.

Key Topics

• What a master intro is and why every show needs one
• Why you should pre-record several outro options
• Building an audiogram that hooks listeners in 30 seconds
• Structuring your episode flow for first-time listeners
• Asking for ratings and reviews the right way (with a client example)
• Why you have something to offer even without sponsors
• A smarter strategy for pitching sponsors and landing brand deals
• Recording intros, outros, and offers on video for future PR use
• Pre-roll vs. mid-roll ads: where to place your offers

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Launch Your Podcast with Pivot Ball Change: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Riverside: https://riverside.sjv.io/c/6950782/2183832/28064