Podcast Bestie, the Podcast

Hey Besties! Today we've got a special bonus episode featuring Cara McGoogan, who ticked off a major item on my bucket list when she successfully transformed the second season of her podcast Bed of Lies into her book Blood Farm (The Poison Line in the UK). In this episode, Cara breaks down the process of adapting a podcast into a book and the opportunities and challenges that come along with it. This conversation explores how podcast writing differs from book writing, how to structure a compelling narrative in each format, the research and fact-checking processes, IP considerations, and so much more.

* Connect with Cara @cjmcgoogan on Twitter.

* Follow Cara @cjmcgoogan on Instagram.

* Listen to Cara’s podcast Bed of Lies.

* Buy Cara’s book Blood Farm.

* Sign up for my upcoming class, Podcasting for Writers: How to Start, Sustain & Grow Your Podcast.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

If you missed the last episode, check out What Is V4V? A Primer on Value4Value Monetization for Indie Podcasters with Kyrin Down.

Sign up for the Podcast Bestie newsletter here: https://podcastbestie.substack.com/welcome

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* Ready to claim your time back? Outsource your editing and social media with Edit Pods. We are your one stop shop for podcast audio/video editing and social media management. We make it easy for you! The Best Podcast Editors

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

I’ve also got a FREE promo opportunity for the Besties: Leave a five-star rating with a review on Apple Podcasts, email me a screenshot with your name and the name of your podcast, and you’ll get a free shout-out on the next episode.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Have you considered turning your podcast into a book?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

Hi Besties! For the season finale, Kyrin Down, co-host of the Mere Mortals Podcast, is here to give us a primer on V4V, or Value4Value, which is a new way to think about value in podcasting. Basically, V4V enables payment directly from podcast listener to podcaster using Bitcoin, making it easy to support your favorite podcasters, no matter where in the world they are based. Value4Value is a good option for pretty much every indie podcaster's monetization strategy, and in this episode, Kyrin explains why.

* Connect with Kyrin @meremortalspod on Twitter.

* Follow Kyrin @meremortalspodcast on Instagram.

* Listen to Kyrin’s podcast Value 4 Value.

* Download the Fountain app and get started now!

* Sign up for my upcoming class, Creating Your Podcast.

* Sign up for my upcoming workshop, Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Platform, Network & Business.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

Watch the video version of Kyrin’s interview on YouTube.

If you missed the last episode, check out How to Rebrand Your Podcast with Angie Griffith of Podfluencer Society.

Sign up for the Podcast Bestie newsletter here: https://podcastbestie.substack.com/welcome

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for fine-tuning the video and creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* Being successful with podcasts and video is a full-time job that most people don’t have the time or experience to do. Momento is an end-to-end AI video marketing tool that finds your shareable moments, creates beautiful shorts, and even schedules straight to social. Can it do more? Yes! Momento can write high-quality show notes, social posts, tweets, and even jokes from your content. Your first upload is FREE, go see what AI can do with your video! https://trymomento.ai?via=podcastbestie

* mowPod is an effective, targeted way to promote your show. It's already trusted by industry giants like Conde Nast, iHeartMedia, and HubSpot Podcast Network, and that's because it works. But mowPod isn’t just for the big guys — mowPod Boost is perfect for indie podcasters. It’s actually been my favorite paid advertising experiment to date, and you can try it for just $100. Plus, if you are a Bestie, you get 10% off with this link: https://boost.mowpod.com/?referrer=podcastbestie. Try it, and let me know what you think!

* The Life Shift podcast recently celebrated 100 episodes! Tune in to hear host Matt Gilhooly bring candid conversations about life-changing moments. The 100th episode features Justin Moore's inspiring journey. Listen to The Life Shift!

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

I’ve also got a FREE promo opportunity for the Besties: Leave a five-star rating with a review on Apple Podcasts, email me a screenshot with your name and the name of your podcast, and you’ll get a free shout-out on the next episode.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Do you use V4V as a monetization strategy for your podcast? If so, how do you make the pitch to your listeners?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

Hello Besties! I’m back with another episode all about rebranding, which is something a lot of podcasters have to navigate as their podcasts evolve, including myself. Today’s guest also has first-hand experience. Angie Griffith started in the music industry as an artist manager before her pivot to podcasting and becoming the talent herself. Angie now hosts a podcast called Podfluencer Society, which recently underwent a rebrand. In this episode, she shares the strategy for how she relaunched her show — which included buying a billboard in downtown Nashville! — and, of course, her tips for executing a successful rebrand.

* Connect with Angie @theangiegriff on Twitter.

* Follow Angie @theangiegriffith and Podfluencer Society @podfluencersociety on Instagram.

* Listen to Podfluencer Society on your preferred podcast listening app.

* For Angie’s Podcast Rebrand Checklist, go to podfluencerproducts.com/rebrand.

* Sign up for my upcoming class, Creating Your Podcast.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

Watch the video version of Angie’s interview on YouTube.

If you missed the last episode, check out Your Indie Podcast Tune-Up with Andreea Coscai of Tink Media.

Sign up for the Podcast Bestie newsletter here: https://podcastbestie.substack.com/welcome

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for fine-tuning the video and creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* Being successful with podcasts and video is a full-time job that most people don’t have the time or experience to do. Momento is an end-to-end AI video marketing tool that finds your shareable moments, creates beautiful shorts, and even schedules straight to social. Can it do more? Yes! Momento can write high-quality show notes, social posts, tweets, and even jokes from your content. Your first upload is FREE, go see what AI can do with your video! https://trymomento.ai?via=podcastbestie

* mowPod is an effective, targeted way to promote your show. It's already trusted by industry giants like Conde Nast, iHeartMedia, and HubSpot Podcast Network, and that's because it works. But mowPod isn’t just for the big guys — mowPod Boost is perfect for indie podcasters. It’s actually been my favorite paid advertising experiment to date, and you can try it for just $100. Plus, if you are a Bestie, you get 10% off with this link: https://boost.mowpod.com/?referrer=podcastbestie. Try it, and let me know what you think!

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

I’ve also got a FREE promo opportunity for the Besties: Leave a five-star rating with a review on Apple Podcasts, email me a screenshot with your name and the name of your podcast, and you’ll get a free shout-out on the next episode.

Big thanks to the following Besties for their reviews. Make sure to check out their shows:

* Better Call Daddy is for people who love stories. Each episode, host Reena Friedman Watts will interview a person of interest, and her father will chime in with his advice afterwards. “My dad has been my guiding force my whole life, there's nothing that he doesn't know and I want to share that with the world.”

* 2 Lives is hosted and written by Laurel Morales. Stories of people who have faced darkness and how those moments transformed them. "We all have two lives. The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”

* Secret Mom Hacks - Krista Dykes is someone who was previously terrified of childbirth, parenthood, and all that follows, but she's here to help you pull back the curtain on all of it. Her goal is that you’ll leave every episode feeling refreshed, inspired, and hopeful, knowing you’re not on this mom journey alone. 

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Have you rebranded your podcast? Any big takeaways from the process?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

Hi Besties! I’m excited to be back with Andreea Coscai, another babe from the Tink Media team. Josh Taylor from The Wild West Extravaganza tweeted: “Every time i find out that @courtneykocak has interviewed someone from @tinkmediaco my ears perk up. They're like the Navy Seals of podcast marketing.” That is both hilarious and very true. In this episode, Andreea shares some great perspective on podcasting marketing, collaboration, community, sustainability, social media, and more for indie podcasters — plus, a few awesome podcast recommendations.

* Connect with Andreea @andreeacoscai on Twitter.

* Follow Andreea @andreeacoscai on Instagram.

* Sign up for my upcoming workshop, How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

Watch the video version of Andreea’s interview on YouTube.

If you missed the last episode, check out Growing Queens Podcast to 100K Downloads Per Month & a Thriving Patreon Community with Katy Hearne-Church.

Sign up for the Podcast Bestie newsletter here: https://podcastbestie.substack.com/welcome

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for fine-tuning the video and creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* Being successful with podcasts and video is a full-time job that most people don’t have the time or experience to do. Momento is an end-to-end AI video marketing tool that finds your shareable moments, creates beautiful shorts, and even schedules straight to social. Can it do more? Yes! Momento can write high-quality show notes, social posts, tweets, and even jokes from your content. Your first upload is FREE, go see what AI can do with your video! https://trymomento.ai?via=podcastbestie

* Step into the world of Multitudes by Nicole Carter. Filled with beautiful conversations with diverse guests sharing their journeys, passions, and transformative insights. Season 2 is coming soon! Check out multitudespodcast.com and subscribe to Multitudes wherever you listen to podcasts.

* mowPod is an effective, targeted way to promote your show. It's already trusted by industry giants like Conde Nast, iHeartMedia, and HubSpot Podcast Network, and that's because it works. But mowPod isn’t just for the big guys — mowPod Boost is perfect for indie podcasters. It’s actually been my favorite paid advertising experiment to date, and you can try it for just $100. Plus, if you are a Bestie, you get 10% off with this link: https://boost.mowpod.com/?referrer=podcastbestie. Try it, and let me know what you think!

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

I’ve also got a FREE promo opportunity for the Besties: Leave a five-star rating with a review on Apple Podcasts, email me a screenshot with your name and the name of your podcast, and you’ll get a free shout-out on the next episode.

Big thanks to the following Besties for their reviews. Make sure to check out their shows:

* A Cada Paso is a hybrid Spanish-English podcast in which host Gabrielena Alcala interviews people who are not famous but she considers to be fascinating.

* The 2 Lives Podcast, hosted by Laurel Morales, features stories of people who have faced darkness and how those moments transformed them.

* Sound Judgment takes listeners into the studios — and the minds — of your favorite audio storytellers. In each episode, lifelong journalist Elaine Appleton Grant and a top audio creator deconstruct one of their episodes.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

What’s your number one priority for your podcast right now? Are you trying to collab more, reformat, next level your guest booking, etc.? I’d love to learn what Besties are focused on improving for their shows.

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

Hello Besties! I'm thrilled to share today's episode because it's chock-full of practical takeaways from a popular history podcaster. Katy Hearne-Church created Queens Podcast and recruited her bestie to co-host in 2017 — now the show gets 100K downloads a month and has a thriving Patreon community. In this episode, Katy shares how they nurture their community of diehard listeners on Patreon, the power of promo swaps and polling your audience, and her research and editing process. We also discuss the importance of being obsessed with your topic, setting up a sustainable production and release schedule, and her experience with paid advertising on Instagram. There is so much to learn from this history girlie!

* Follow Queens Podcast on Twitter @Queens_Podcast and Instagram @queens_podcast.

* Listen to Queens Podcast.

* Sign up for my upcoming workshops, Creating Your Podcast and/or How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

Watch the video version of Katy’s interview on YouTube.

If you missed the last episode, check out The Art of the Podcast Trailer with Arielle Nissenblatt.

Sign up for the Podcast Bestie newsletter here: https://podcastbestie.substack.com/welcome

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for fine-tuning the video and creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* mowPod is an effective, targeted way to promote your show. It's already trusted by industry giants like Conde Nast, iHeartMedia, and HubSpot Podcast Network, and that's because it works. But mowPod isn’t just for the big guys — mowPod Boost is perfect for indie podcasters. It’s actually been my favorite paid advertising experiment to date, and you can try it for just $100. Plus, if you are a Bestie, you get 10% off with this link: https://boost.mowpod.com/?referrer=podcastbestie. Try it, and let me know what you think!

* Being successful with podcasts and video is a full-time job that most people don’t have the time or experience to do. Momento is an end-to-end AI video marketing tool that finds your shareable moments, creates beautiful shorts, and even schedules straight to social. Can it do more? Yes! Momento can write high-quality show notes, social posts, tweets, and even jokes from your content. Your first upload is FREE, go see what AI can do with your video! https://trymomento.ai?via=podcastbestie

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

I’ve also got a FREE promo opportunity for the Besties: Leave a five-star rating with a review on Apple Podcasts, email me a screenshot with your name and the name of your podcast, and you’ll get a free shout-out on the next episode.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Do YOU have a Patreon for your show? If so, what’s your best tip for nurturing your membership community?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

Hey Besties! It’s summer — we’re all busy working, traveling, and having fun — so I’m taking my sweet time rolling out the rest of this season… but today’s episode is so worth the wait. I have Big Podcasting’s Bestie and all our Besties, Arielle Nissenblatt, on the show today. Arielle is the founder of Earbuds Podcast Collective and the head of community and content at Squadcast.fm. In this episode, she’s sharing podcast marketing examples from the launch of her new show — Trailer Park, The Podcast Trailer Podcast — plus her recipe for a good podcast trailer, social media tips, how to co-market effectively, her advice on getting featured in the apps, and so much more.

* Connect with Arielle @arithisandthat on Twitter.

* Sign up for Arielle’s newsletter, Earbuds Podcast Collective.

* Listen to Trailer Park, The Podcast Trailer Podcast.

* Sign up for my upcoming workshops, Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Audience, Network & Business and/or Grow Your Show & Make Money Podcasting Masterclass.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

Watch the video version of Arielle’s interview on YouTube.

If you missed the last episode, check out How to Grow Your Podcast: A Podcast Marketing Master Class with Jeff Umbro of The Podglomerate.

Sign up for the Podcast Bestie newsletter here: https://podcastbestie.substack.com/welcome

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for fine-tuning the video and creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* mowPod is an effective, targeted way to promote your show. It's already trusted by industry giants like Conde Nast, iHeartMedia, and HubSpot Podcast Network, and that's because it works. But mowPod isn’t just for the big guys — mowPod Boost is perfect for indie podcasters. It’s actually been my favorite paid advertising experiment to date, and you can try it for just $100. Plus, if you are a Bestie, you get 10% off with this link: https://boost.mowpod.com/?referrer=podcastbestie. Try it, and let me know what you think!

* Being successful with podcasts and video is a full-time job that most people don’t have the time or experience to do. Momento is an end-to-end AI video marketing tool that finds your shareable moments, creates beautiful shorts, and even schedules straight to social. Can it do more? Yes! Momento can write high-quality show notes, social posts, tweets, and even jokes from your content. Your first upload is FREE, go see what AI can do with your video! https://trymomento.ai?via=podcastbestie

* Get smarter in 5 minutes with Morning Brew. It's free! There's a reason over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew — the daily email that delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Business news doesn't have to be boring... make your mornings more enjoyable, for free.

Check it out!

* Subscribe to The Tilt, the newsletter for professional content creators. Also: Get access to ALL 45 sessions from The Creator Economy Expo CEX 2023 and learn from the best. Get advice from experts on newsletters, podcasts, communities, SEO, and more. Get your digital pass now and grow your business!

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

I’ve also got a FREE promo opportunity for the Besties: Leave a five-star rating with a review on Apple Podcasts, email me a screenshot with your name and the name of your podcast, and you’ll get a free shout-out on the next episode.

Thank you to the following Besties for their reviews:

* Maria of Pure Cringe - We are Maria and Michelle—two old friends, book lovers, and BravoTV super fans! Join the fun as we review Bravolebrity books and recap classic BravoTV Episodes!

* Nicolle Galteland of LOOTERS - LOOTERS is an actual play, sci-fi western, Table Top RPG using the Stars Without Numbers gaming system.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Do YOU have a podcast trailer for your show? Do you think it’s an accurate representation?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

Hello Besties! We’re all here because we want to know how to grow our podcasts and today’s episode is a banger in that department. We’re getting a podcast marketing master class from Jeff Umbro of The Podglomerate. He’s going to teach us all about their five tiers of audience development and some case studies for how to apply them. And guess what, Besties? Before Jeff was spending millions on podcast marketing, he got his start as a podcast listening addict and indie podcaster like so many of us.  

* Connect with Jeff @podglomerate on Twitter.

* Check out The Podglomerate’s website for more info.

* Sign up for my upcoming workshop, How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought.

* I’m also teaching a five-week podcasting course through Roadmap Writers, Creating Your Podcast.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

Watch the video version of Jeff’s interview on YouTube.

If you missed the last episode, check out Podcast Like a Motherf*cker with Emily McElwreath (& Cheryl Strayed!).

Sign up for the Podcast Bestie newsletter here: https://podcastbestie.substack.com/welcome

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for fine-tuning the video and creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* mowPod is an effective, targeted way to promote your show. It's already trusted by industry giants like Conde Nast, iHeartMedia, and HubSpot Podcast Network, and that's because it works. But mowPod isn’t just for the big guys — mowPod Boost is perfect for indie podcasters. It’s actually been my favorite paid advertising experiment to date, and you can try it for just $100. Plus, if you are a Bestie, you get 10% off with this link: https://boost.mowpod.com/?referrer=podcastbestie. Try it, and let me know what you think!

* Check out the Label Free podcast: Join Deanna Radulescu on her journey welcoming dynamic guests on her show who embody living label free! She connects with entrepreneurs, authors, artists, coaches; all bring tremendous value to her audience. To Live Your Best Life, Live Label Free

* Being successful with podcasts and video is a full-time job that most people don’t have the time or experience to do. Momento is an end-to-end AI video marketing tool that finds your shareable moments, creates beautiful shorts, and even schedules straight to social. Can it do more? Yes! Momento can write high-quality show notes, social posts, tweets, and even jokes from your content. Your first upload is FREE, go see what AI can do with your video!

https://trymomento.ai?via=podcastbestie

* Looking for some words of inspiration to kickstart your creative process? Magic Write in Canva Docs is your very own AI text generator to help you get out a first draft, fast. Simply start with a prompt and watch as copy, blog outlines, lists, bio captions, content ideas, brainstorms, and more appear in seconds. Try Magic Write by Canva

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

I’ve also got a FREE promo opportunity for the Besties: Leave a five-star rating with a review on Apple Podcasts, email me a screenshot with your name and the name of your podcast, and you’ll get a free shout-out on the next episode.

Thank you to the following Besties for their reviews:

* Ashley Hamer Pritchard of Taboo Science - Every episode dives into a different societal taboo to understand the science that makes it tick, the reasons we don't talk about it, and the impact that has on society at large.

* Taylor Faust of Sisters Assembled - Two sisters discussing the latest and greatest in Marvel!

* Andi Smiley of The Friendly Podcast Guide - Helping you discover the right podcast by giving you the pertinent details and helping you get a feel for the show in around 10 minutes.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Jeff’s a wealth of podcast marketing wisdom. What was your favorite takeaway?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

Hi Besties! Today’s guest is Emily McElwreath, host of The Art Career podcast, and Emily’s superpower is guest booking. Some of us feel like we need to work our way up to our dream guests, but not Emily. Starting season one of her podcast, she didn’t wait for permission to approach top-tier talent. She was hot out the gate with Laurie Simmons, Marilyn Minter, and other big names in the art world. She’s even managed to land Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz and one of my all-time favorite authors, Cheryl Strayed (which, to me, is like landing on the moon as far as podcast guest booking goes). So I invited Emily on Podcast Bestie to tell us about her guest book strategy, along with some tips for approaching a high-profile dream guest of your own.

Cheryl Strayed famously coined the mantra “Write Like a Motherf*cker” for her Dear Sugar column (which later became a book called Tiny Beautiful Things that I have gifted to no less than 20 people, and now it’s also a TV show on Hulu) — and that sentiment can be applied to any creative endeavor. So after Emily’s interview, you’ll get a pep talk from Cheryl herself, and I hope it inspires you to podcast like a motherf*cker. That is a pep talk we all need to hear sometimes.

* Connect with Emily @emilymcelwreath_art and The Art Career podcast @theartcareer on Instagram.

* Tune into Emily’s podcast, The Art Career.

* Check out the website for The Art Career.

* Sign up for my upcoming workshop, How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

If you missed the last episode, check out How to Leverage Blogging Strategies for Your Podcast with Danielle Desir Corbett.

Sign up for the Podcast Bestie newsletter here: https://podcastbestie.substack.com/welcome

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* mowPod is an effective, targeted way to promote your show. It's already trusted by industry giants like Conde Nast, iHeartMedia, and HubSpot Podcast Network, and that's because it works. But mowPod isn’t just for the big guys — mowPod Boost is perfect for indie podcasters. It’s actually been my favorite paid advertising experiment to date, and you can try it for just $100. Plus, if you are a Bestie, you get 10% off with this link: https://boost.mowpod.com/?referrer=podcastbestie. Try it, and let me know what you think!

* Get smarter in 5 minutes with Morning Brew. It's free! There's a reason over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew — the daily email that delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Business news doesn't have to be boring... make your mornings more enjoyable, for free.

Check it out!

* Looking for some words of inspiration to kickstart your creative process? Magic Write in Canva Docs is your very own AI text generator to help you get out a first draft, fast. Simply start with a prompt and watch as copy, blog outlines, lists, bio captions, content ideas, brainstorms, and more appear in seconds. Try Magic Write by Canva

* Start your morning with The Newsette! The Newsette is a newsletter for women, written by women, about topics that are important to women. They break down trending topics in news, fashion, and lifestyle to keep you up to date but not weighed down. It’s like getting the news from your BFF. Subscribe for free!

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

I’ve also got a FREE promo opportunity for the Besties: Leave a five-star rating with a review on Apple Podcasts, email me a screenshot with your name and the name of your podcast, and you’ll get a free shout-out on the next episode.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Who’s YOUR dream podcast guest? Any inspiring stories about going for it with a big name?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

Hey Besties! Today's guest is Danielle Desir Corbett, the multi-talented host of The Thought Card podcast and the creator of a blog by the same name. She is also the founder and host of the podcast and community Women of Color Podcasters and the creative mind behind the Grants for Creators Substack. In this episode, Danielle shares how she launched her podcast from her blog and some big lessons she learned along the way, including the importance of embracing failure. Don't let your podcasting fears keep you from success, Besties! Everyone makes mistakes on their path to greatness; give yourself the grace to do the same.

During our conversation, Danielle enlightens us about a crucial website mistake to avoid and provides valuable pointers on leveraging blogging and SEO tactics for your podcast. We also discuss easy workflows and incorporating AI tools into the process of writing effective show notes. In addition, Danielle offers tips for launching a new podcast and monetization strategies for small podcasts.

My favorite moment from the interview is how, early on, Danielle did a poll on social media asking her audience if they wanted a podcast from her — and surprisingly, most of them said no! But luckily, she didn't let that stop her. This serves as a powerful reminder that you shouldn't always feel obligated to heed your audience's opinions… ultimately, you gotta do you.

* Connect with Danielle @thethoughtcard on Twitter.

* Subscribe to Danielle’s newsletter, Grants for Creators.

* If you’re a woman of color, connect with Danielle’s podcasting community @WOCPodcasters on Twitter.

* Tune into Danielle’s podcasts, The Thought Card and Women of Color Podcasters.

* Sign up for my upcoming workshop, How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

If you missed the last episode, check out How to Go Pro & Get Started as a Freelance Podcast Producer with Pod the North's Kattie Laur.

Sign up for the Podcast Bestie newsletter here: https://podcastbestie.substack.com/welcome

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* mowPod is an effective, targeted way to promote your show. It's already trusted by industry giants like Conde Nast, iHeartMedia, and HubSpot Podcast Network, and that's because it works. But mowPod isn’t just for the big guys — mowPod Boost is perfect for indie podcasters. It’s actually been my favorite paid advertising experiment to date, and you can try it for just $100. Plus, if you are a Bestie, you get 10% off with this link: https://boost.mowpod.com/?referrer=podcastbestie. Try it, and let me know what you think!

* Grow your audience with shareable podcast highlights for social media and reach listeners wherever they are. Effortlessly create video clips with Vizard in a few clicks. They make the editing process easy, so you can start posting daily. Try Vizard for free: https://vizard.ai/?source=podcastbestie

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

I’ve also got a FREE promo opportunity for the Besties: Leave a five-star rating with a review on Apple Podcasts, email me a screenshot with your name and the name of your podcast, and you’ll get a free shout-out on the next episode.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Are you a blogger, as well? What are the best blogging, SEO, and website tactics you recycle for your podcast?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

Hi Besties! Whether you're trying to get your indie show off the ground, break into freelancing, or recover from burnout, this episode has something for folks at every stage of their audio journey. Our guest is Kattie Laur, a public radio enthusiast who turned her passion for audio storytelling into a career as a freelance podcast producer.

As co-creator of the responsible travel podcast Alpaca My Bags, Kattie and host Erin Hynes help you travel in a better way, so we can avoid “blowing up the planet” — a worthy goal, indeed. After studying radio and completing a CBC internship, Kattie has also managed gain a professional foothold in the industry and share her ever-evolving audio expertise with numerous podcasting clients. Besides producing podcasts, Kattie also writes the Pod the North newsletter, providing valuable conversations and community for Canadian podcasters.

* Connect with Kattie @podkatt on Twitter.

* Subscribe to Kattie’s newsletter Pod the North.

* Tune into Kattie’s indie podcast, Alpaca My Bags. (They’re trying to grow. Maybe there’s an opportunity to collab?)

* Sign up for my upcoming workshop How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

If you missed the last episode, check out Organic Growth Hack: Recurring Collaborations with Niche Podcasts with Aakshi Sinha of Tink Media.

Sign up for the Podcast Bestie newsletter here: https://podcastbestie.substack.com/welcome

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* mowPod is an effective, targeted way to promote your show. It's already trusted by industry giants like Conde Nast, iHeartMedia, and HubSpot Podcast Network, and that's because it works. But mowPod isn’t just for the big guys — mowPod Boost is perfect for indie podcasters. It’s actually been my favorite paid advertising experiment to date, and you can try it for just $100. Plus, if you are a Bestie, you get 10% off with this link: https://boost.mowpod.com/?referrer=podcastbestie. Try it, and let me know what you think!

* Hosted by book coach Paul Zakrzewski, The Book I Had to Write introduces you to the stories behind some of today’s most fascinating and dynamic nonfiction. Learn tips and secrets to getting your own book done—and why it will change your life. New episodes every other Tuesday starting May 9.

* To all the women podcasters: Submit your news to Podcasting by the Moon & subscribe for FREE! You’ll join 1,000+ readers keeping up with women in podcasting news & recs each full moon (& more!).

* Keep your listeners coming back for more. Sound Judgment is a podcast and newsletter that unpacks the techniques of top hosts and producers so you can learn from the best. Subscribe now!

* Lizzie Borden Audio is the only show that dramatizes the trial testimony of Lizzie Borden in 1892, beginning with the Witness Statements and Lizzie’s famous Inquest, which was ruled Inadmissible. Listen now!

* Discover the world of skin care redefined in The Skin Report, hosted by Dr. Simran Sethi. From debunking TikTok trends to addressing common skin issues like hyperpigmentation, Dr. Sethi has got you covered. Learn about the benefits of retinol, Vitamin C, medical spa treatments, and more. Tune in today!

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

I’ve also got a FREE promo opportunity for the Besties: Leave a five-star rating with a review on Apple Podcasts, email me a screenshot with your name and the name of your podcast, and you’ll get a free shout-out on the next episode.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Are you a Bestie currently trying to go pro? Put your intention out there! Just yesterday I hired an assistant who I’d seen post about his desire for a podcasting job.

For those who are already audio professionals, how long did it take you to land your first job in podcasting? Any tips for breaking into the industry?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.