This one's special. I bullied my mom into starting a podcast a few years ago, and now I'm turning the mic on her. Meet Diane Hayhurst!! My mom, my biggest supporter, and a podcaster herself.

Diane co-hosts Promoting and Protecting Naturopathy with my Aunt Julie, an ANMA podcast I produce and edit, going on three years strong. She also flew up from Las Vegas for my Podcasters NW event and was, by far, the star of the show. So I made her sit down and talk podcasting with me.

JOIN: The Podcast Cafe Community a private, application-only community for podcasters who already have a show and are done guessing alone. Apply here: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/community

What we get into

• How I got my mom to start a podcast for its her business
• A smart idea on how to promote your podcast
• The time someone recognized her voice on the phone and she felt like a celebrity for a hot second
• Why guests who tell a story beat guests who pitch a product, every time
• Why every podcast host needs to actually listen to podcasts
• How long an episode should be, and why "it depends" is the right answer
• Her biggest podcast pet peeve

More about Podcasters NW! Learn more here: https://www.instagram.com/podcastersnw

Listen to Promoting and Protecting Naturopathy: https://www.anma.org/podcast

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

Alex Alexander never planned to become a friendship expert.

She was a luxury wedding planner. Then a food blogger. Then, somewhere between hosting friends on the floor of her tiny apartment and answering questions about how she had built such a strong community, she realized people weren't asking about the food....they were asking about friendship.

In this episode of Podcast Café, I'm sitting down with Alex Alexander, host of Friendship IRL, to talk about the podcast she never expected to create and the body of work that has grown from simply following the conversations people kept asking her to have. We talk about why friendship might not actually be as hard as we've been told, how her podcast led to an unexpected book deal just days before she planned to self-publish, and why you truly never know who is listening.

We also get into the pressure to be an "expert," the surprising impact of publishing consistently even when life forces everything else to slow down, and why the person in your headphones might be more accessible than you think.

If you've ever wondered whether your voice, your ideas, or your podcast are reaching anyone, this one's for you.

JOIN: The Podcast Cafe Community a private, application-only community for podcasters who already have a show and are done guessing alone. Apply here: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/community

About Alex

Alex Alexander is the host of Friendship IRL, a podcast exploring the realities of friendship, connection, and community. After burning out from a career as a luxury wedding planner, Alex began sharing her thoughts on bringing people together—and quickly realized the conversations people wanted most weren't about entertaining, but about how to build and maintain meaningful friendships. Today, through her podcast, writing, and speaking, Alex shares frameworks, stories, and conversations that challenge the way we've been taught to think about friendship. Her work reaches listeners around the world and has even led to an unexpected traditional book deal after an editor discovered her podcast and listened to 30 episodes before reaching out.

Connect with Alex:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsalexalexander/

Website: https://alexalexander.com/

Podcast: https://alexalexander.com/friendship-irl-podcast-home/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

JOIN: The Podcast Cafe Community a private, application-only community for podcasters who already have a show and are done guessing alone. Apply here: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/community

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

This is a live recording from Podcasters NW, the largest networking group for podcasters in Seattle.

About this episode: A journalist who never sends questions in advance. A memoirist who reads your entire book before she'll talk to you. And me, who shows up with curiosity and basically no prep because I'm also producing 25 other shows.

I put these three approaches in a room together on purpose. Because podcasting is not one size fits all.

We got into interview techniques, how to tell a story in every podcast episode, and how we roll with the punches during interviews (even the ones that don't go the way we imagined)/

This one was recorded live at Podcasters NW — the largest in-person podcasting and creator networking community in the Pacific Northwest. If you've ever wanted a room full of people who actually get what it's like to make a show, this is it.

In this episode:

• Three completely different interview philosophies — journalist, memoirist, and "curiosity-first"

• What to do live, in the moment, when a guest goes off-script or shuts down on you
• The exact moment that makes a podcast host say "I love my job"
• The awkward reality of an interview going not the way you were hoping
• How to actually land a dream guest (it took one of us a full year and a second ask)
• The line we each have for when an interview just doesn't make the cut

Join us at the next Podcasters NW event on July 22. It's free to join! https://july22podcastersnw.eventbrite.com

This month's event was sponsored by Armoire — use code PODCAST2026 for a free month of clothing rental.

Connect with Ronit: https://ronitplank.com

Connect with Erica: https://publicola.com

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

This week I'm bringing you part one of a two-part conversation, recorded live in Boise at Kit's Craft + Commerce conference. I sat down with my business bestie Jillian Minter, a business and money coach, to break down our biggest takeaways from the weekend.

Listen to part 2 here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quantum-wealth-money-mindset-manifestation-business/id1871569964?i=1000774154738

In this episode, we get into:

• What it was like being surrounded by every kind of creator imaginable — podcasters, YouTubers, authors, food bloggers, and more
• Why "it all works" when it comes to picking your content avenue, and how energy and belief play into that
• The podcast monetization workshop that taught me a hard lesson about knowing your audience's level (and meeting people where they actually are, not where you assume they are)
• Why AI tools are genuinely useful — but only if you're using them with a plan, not just to push out more content
• The "act like a client in your own business" exercise that every business owner needs to try

Jillian and I see this conference through two completely different lenses — podcasting and money/mindset — so we decided to split the conversation across both of our shows.

Catch part two over on Jillian's podcast, Quantum Wealth, where we get into confidence, networking styles, and the new Kit features we're both obsessed with.

🎧 Listen to part two on Quantum Wealth: https://jillianminter.com/quantum-wealth-manifestation-podcast/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

Most podcasters treat their online presence like an afterthought—a Linktree here, a Spotify link there. But if you're serious about growing your podcast, you need more than a wall of links. You need a website that actually tells your story, showcases your episodes, and opens doors to monetization.

In this episode, I sit down with Jamie, the founder of Julip, to talk about why podcasters need a website (not just social media links), how to organize your episodes so listeners can actually find what they're looking for, and creative ways to monetize your podcast beyond traditional sponsorships.

What You'll Learn:

• Why a Linktree isn't enough for serious podcasters
• How Julip makes it easy to create a beautiful, mobile-friendly website in just 20 minutes
• The importance of categorizing your episodes—especially once you hit 100+ episodes
• Creative monetization strategies: selling ad real estate on your website, not just in episodes
• How to leverage guest appearances on other podcasts to grow your own show
• The benefits of being a podcast guest before launching your own show
• Jamie's journey from marketing to higher ed to launching three businesses

I met Jamie in The Entreprenista League, a business and community membership where founders like you can access top-tier resources, media opportunities, and a community that will be there to support you as you grow your business. Join here: https://refer.entreprenista.com/2bvagj2con4u

Try Julip: https://myjulip.com/julip

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myjulip/

Julipers using Julips for their podcast:

• suzy
• aisha

Resources mentioned: 

• To sell a new service to your podcast clients, website in a day.
• Lucy being interviewed for Mayor of NYC
• https://www.trupanion.com/ - pet insurance company

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

Want to start a podcast but worried your niche is too crowded? In this episode of the Podcast Café, I interview Brandee Hommerding, host of the Healthy Buzz Podcast, about how to stand out in the competitive wellness podcasting space.

If you're wondering how to launch a podcast when there are already shows in your industry, this conversation will change your perspective. Brandee shares her journey from thinking about podcasting for years to launching a successful wellness podcast that's approaching 50 episodes, and how she differentiates herself in an oversaturated market.

What You'll Learn About Starting a Podcast in a Crowded Niche:

- How to start a podcast when your niche feels saturated with competition

- Why knowing your target audience is essential for podcast success

- The importance of planning listener takeaways before hitting record

- How to research podcast guests to maintain credibility and brand alignment

- Why conducting research for solo podcast episodes builds trust with listeners

- How to overcome perfectionism and actually launch your podcast

- Using your podcast as a client resource and business tool

- The mindset shift from "podcast planning" to "podcast launching"

- How to create anti-diet culture wellness content that stands out

- Building a podcast audience when you're not mainstream

Key Podcasting Tips for Beginners:

Before you record your next episode (or your first episode), ask yourself: What will my listener take away from this? Entertainment? Education? Inspiration? Having a clear goal for every episode is what separates successful podcasts from those that fade away. Don't just record to record—record with purpose and your listener in mind.

Connect with Brandee:

Interested in delicious, high-protein recipes? Download your 7-day high-protein plan here: https://beecollectivewellness.com/high-protein-meal-plan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beecollectivewellness/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

This episode is different from every other Podcast Cafe episode because it's the live recording from the very first Podcasters NW event held on May 18th in Seattle. After six years of podcasting in the Pacific Northwest, I realized I didn't know many podcasters here, so I created the only dedicated space for podcasters to connect in person. I call it Podcasters NW.

In this special recording, you'll hear a fireside chat with Carla Marie and Anthony, Seattle-based multi-platform creators who have been building content together for 17 years. They host The Morning Show Podcast (approaching its 1,000th episode!) and live stream on Twitch. Between the two of them, they've launched eight podcasts total and have incredible insights about what it takes to collaborate successfully—with each other, with other creators, and with their audience.

To come to the next Podcasters NW event on June 18, register here. https://PodcastsNWJune18.eventbrite.com

This will be a monthly series, so make sure you follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn to see when the next one will be: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/

Thank you to Carla Marie and Anthony for joining. Join them on Twitch every Tuesdays and Thursday at 8am PT twitch.tv/CarlaMarieandAnthony

Connect with them here: https://www.flow.page/carlamarieandanthony

Email them: [email protected]

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

Don't neglect your podcast branding!

In this episode of the Podcast Café, I sit down with Morgan Specht, host of the Six Figure Brand podcast and agency owner, to discuss what it really takes to create a strategically branded podcast.

We talk about what it looks like to build a 6 figure brand, why she trademarked her podcast, the difference between branding and brand strategy, why you shouldn't start a podcast before doing foundational brand work, and how to audit your podcast to ensure clarity and consistency.

If you're thinking about starting a podcast or want to make sure your existing show is strategically positioned, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• The foundational brand work you need to do before launching a podcast

• Why Morgan trademarked her podcast name

• Morgan's marketing strategies that are working (including a clever approach to sharing episodes on Threads)
• How to audit your brand and podcast for clarity and consistency

• The importance of launch strategy over perfecting your first episodes

Connect with Morgan: https://www.instagram.com/spechtand.co/

Listen to her podcast: https://www.instagram.com/sixfigurebrandpodcast/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

The real growth from podcasting isn’t what you see on the surface.

Katherine Phillips is almost one year into her podcasting journey—and what started as a simple idea has grown into something much bigger.

In this episode, she shares the real behind-the-scenes of launching Faithful Flourish, a podcast created for Orthodox Christian women navigating modern life. From figuring out her voice to building a community (without even liking social media), Katherine breaks down what it actually takes to start and sustain a podcast with purpose.

We talk about the evolution of her strategy—from posting weekly episodes to shifting into a more intentional, quality-first approach—and how that decision is changing everything.

Katherine also opens up about:

Creating content that reflects your values (not just trends)

Navigating social media when it doesn’t come naturally

Building confidence as a new podcaster

The power of curiosity and continuous learning

Why podcasting is more time-intensive than people think

What it looks like to grow a show and yourself at the same time

If you’ve been feeling the pressure to “do more” with your podcast—or wondering if your voice actually matters—this conversation will bring you back to what’s important.

Because sometimes, the most meaningful growth happens when you slow down and get intentional.

Listen to Faithful Flourish Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faithful-flourish-a-podcast-for-the-modern/id1798544576

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

What happens when you approach podcasting like a business asset instead of just a creative project? Angel rebuilt from a $7 month to creating award-winning podcast brands—and eventually selling one.

In this episode of the Podcast Café, Anjel shares her unique journey of starting, growing, and selling her first podcast, Men on Purpose. Whether monetization is your goal or not, her strategic approach to podcasting offers valuable lessons about intentionality, guest relationships, and building something that truly serves your bigger vision.

 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Anjel's story: from business collapse to launching a top-200 podcast in 6 weeks
• The strategic decisions she made that helped her podcast serve her business goals
• The exact process of selling a podcast (co-hosted transition episodes, IP transfer, 90-day timeline)
• How she maintains relationships with hundreds of guests over time
• Why she focuses on conversions over vanity metrics (and why that matters for her goals)
• Her experience applying for and winning 21 podcast awards
• The reality of podcast sponsorships and why she chose a different path

Connect with Anjel:

Wickedly Smart Women: www.wickedlysmartwomen.com

Leading Visionaries Podcast: www.leadingvisionariespodcast.com

Website: www.creativeageleader.com

Sellable Show Checklist: https://www.wealthylifementor.com/sellable-show-podcast-cafe

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com