Welcome to Pod Talk, the official podcast of the New England Podcasters Group!

In this roundtable episode, your host, Founding Member Marianne DeMello-Smith (Message in the Middle), and her guests, Founding Members Stephanie McLaughlin (The Big Four Oh) and Amy Bolduc (Grounded in Maine), and Member Emily Aborn (Content with Character) — come together to talk candidly about their podcasting paths.

Whether you're a brand-new podcaster or have years behind the mic, you’ll find real talk, relatable stories, and practical advice in this episode. From navigating early-stage nerves to learning how to manage energy and show prep, these podcasting pros share what keeps them going and growing.

In this episode:
* The origin stories behind each podcast 🎧
* Tips for developing your authentic podcasting style ✨
* Advice for sustaining motivation and managing podcasting burnout 🔄
* Reflections on how podcasting has changed their lives (in expected and unexpected ways!) 🌀
* A fun and supportive conversation about *why* we podcast and *how* to keep showing up for your listeners

Join us for an inspiring listen — and get connected with a vibrant podcasting community!

🎧 Meet the Podcasters & Listen to Their Shows:

🔹 Marianne DeMello-Smith – Message in the Middle

🔹 Stephanie McLaughlin – The Big Four Oh

🔹 Amy Bolduc – Grounded in Maine

🔹 Emily Aborn – Content with Character

Heartfelt thanks to our podcast studio sponsor - WestfordCAT!

📢 Join the New England Podcasters Group
Celebrate collaboration, connection, and creativity in podcasting. Visit https://newenglandpodcasters.com to learn more and get involved.

💬 Subscribe to Pod Talk
Each month, four members of the New England Podcasters Group bring you fresh insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and real-world podcasting wisdom. Subscribe and stay connected to this dynamic community shaping the future of podcasting in New England and beyond.


CONNECT with NEPG online:
https://newenglandpodcasters.group/
https://www.instagram.com/newenglandpodcastersgroup/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-england-podcasters-group

JOIN THE NEPG COMMUNITY
https://newenglandpodcasters.group/

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with NEPG’s mission of building community among New England Podcasters, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsorship.

⏱️ Episode Highlights:
00:00 Welcome to Pod Talk: Meet the Hosts
00:39 Introducing Our Podcasts
02:16 Challenges and Rewards of Podcasting
08:33 Defining Success in Podcasting
16:24 Energy and Motivation in Podcasting
19:19 Nerdy Confessions and Energy Management
19:37 Balancing Podcast Tasks
21:08 The Importance of Connection
21:52 Podcast Preparation Methods
24:19 Interview vs. Solo Episodes
31:26 Final Thoughts and Messages
35:14 Closing Remarks and Community Invitation

Welcome to Episode 2 of Pod Talk, the official podcast of the New England Podcasters Group !

Host and NEPG Founding Member Anjel B. Hartwell - an award-winning podcast host of Wickedly Smart Women and Leading Visionaries - welcomes three fellow Founding Members: Lou Bortone, Christine Santos, and Amanda Russo.

Together, they explore how podcasting fuels their personal and professional missions, while also celebrating the first anniversary of the New England Podcasters Group.

Anjel shares her own journey, including how she successfully sold a prior podcast, and reflects on the blend of business strategy and creative expression that has defined her award-winning shows.

Lou offers a peek into his two passion-driven series - Take the Cannoli: The Godfather Podcast and Oh Sh!t, I’m Dead: The Legacy Podcast - which combine storytelling with legacy-building. These podcasts have served as creative entry points that showcase his expertise and help attract new clients to his video marketing business

Christine opens up about the influence of Seth Godin on her show, Wonder Boldly, which amplifies the voices of women entrepreneurs. Her podcast is a powerful platform to elevate her brand, connect with like-minded clients, and grow visibility for her marketing services.

Amanda discusses her unique niche podcast, Breathwork Magic, and how it directly supports her wellness business and client engagement. She also hosts Manders Mindset, a show dedicated to helping listeners break free from limitations and cultivate a mindset focused on growth and positivity, featuring practical strategies and inspiring stories.

🎧 About the Host:
Anjel B. Hartwell is the award-winning creator and host of Wickedly Smart Women and Leading Visionaries. A podcasting trailblazer, Anjel has not only grown a powerful platform for thought leaders but also successfully sold a prior show—proof of podcasting’s impact when done with heart and strategy.

🔗 Connect with the Guests:

Lou Bortone – louborbone.com
Christine Santos – wonderboldly.com
Amanda Russo – breathworkmagic.com

📢 Join the New England Podcasters Group
Celebrate collaboration, connection, and creativity in podcasting. Visit newenglandpodcasters.com to learn more and get involved.

💬 Subscribe to Pod Talk
Each month, four members of the New England Podcasters Group bring you fresh insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and real-world podcasting wisdom. Subscribe and stay connected to this dynamic community shaping the future of podcasting in New England and beyond.

Welcome to the very first episode of Pod Talk, the official podcast of the New England Podcasters Group!

In this lively and heartfelt premiere, host Andy Grant - one of NEPG’s founding members - is joined by fellow NEPG Founding Members Jennifer Ginty, Ande Lyons, and Marianne DeMello-Smith for a roundtable discussion recorded live at the gorgeous WestfordCAT podcast studio.

This debut conversation reveals:
•Memorable podcast episodes and guests that left a mark
•The unexpected twists and personal growth that come with podcasting
•How community, authenticity, and storytelling fuel their creative journeys

Whether you're a podcast veteran or just hitting "record" for the first time, this episode is full of relatable stories, insights, and inspiration.

Please tune into NEPG Pod Talks every month for real conversations with creators. From behind-the-scenes stories to practical podcasting wisdom, each episode offers insights, lessons learned, and aha moments you can put to work. Whether you’re just starting out or growing your show, you’ll feel right at home here.

Learn more about the hosts' podcasts here:

Andy Grant: Real Men Feel
Jennifer Ginty: When Not Yet Becomes Right Now
Marianne DeMello-Smith: Message in the Middle
Ande Lyons: Don't Be Caged By Your Age

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About the New England Podcasters Group
We’re a growing community of podcasters from all across New England who connect monthly - in person and online - to share knowledge, collaborate, and support each other’s growth. Whether you're a hobbyist or a full-time creator, you’ll find camaraderie, resources, and inspiration here. Learn more and join us - we'd love to meet you: https://newenglandpodcasters.group

Pod Talk will release a new episode each month, featuring a rotating cast of podcasters from around the region sharing their unique voices, lessons learned, and passion for podcasting.

Special thanks to WestfordCAT for hosting us in their state-of-the-art podcast studio. This episode was recorded live with all four of us in the same room—a rare and wonderful experience we truly loved!

It would mean the world to us if you follow, rate, and share to support this new podcast - and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss next month’s conversation!