Social Media Decoded

Social Media Decoded

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Social Media Decoded episodes

  • The Real Reason My Event Sold Out (And It Wasn’t Ads)

    In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist Michelle Thames reveals the real story behind her sold-out Elevate & Empower LIVE event — and how it happened without relying on paid ads.

    Michelle shares her relationship-driven soft launch framework: how she built trust and anticipation months before ticket sales, the “soft list” tactic that filled her first spots, and the personal touches that made people feel seen and valued.

    You’ll hear her honest reflection on testing Eventbrite ads (and why they didn’t work) plus the behind-the-scenes systems that made her organic marketing run like a machine.

    If you’re planning a launch or event, this episode will completely shift how you see visibility and sales.

    Listen now to learn how to sell out your next offer through relationships, not ads.

    soft launch strategy, event marketing, relationship marketing, Michelle Thames podcast, community marketing, personal branding, organic marketing strategy, visibility coach, event planning tips

    Key Takeaways:

    • You can’t out-advertise a lack of trust.
    • Community creates momentum.
    • Personal invites outperform paid ads.
    • Relationships are your most profitable marketing channel.

      Let’s Connect & Get Your Freebie!

      Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:

      • Instagram: @michellelthames
      • Threads: @michellelthames
      • LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames
      • YouTube: Michelle L Thames
      • Podcast: Social Media Decoded
      • Ready to increase your Visibility? Join the FREE 7-Day Visibility Challenge HERE

        Get your FREE $200-a-day Story Strategy guide HERE!

        Want my proven story strategy that’s helping women earn $200/day from their audience? DM “STORY” to me on Instagram (@michellelthames) and I’ll send you my favorite visibility and sales framework—free for listeners!


        Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

        6 min
      • Sunday CEO Reset — How I Plan My Week as a Multi-Passionate Professional

        In this cozy yet strategic episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist and visibility coach Michelle Thames pulls back the curtain on her Sunday CEO Reset — the weekly ritual that keeps her grounded as a mom, wife, and multi-passionate entrepreneur.

        She shares how to plan your week with intention, align your energy before you touch your to-do list, and create systems that support your family and your business.

        You’ll learn her exact Sunday routine, energy-audit process, and how she organizes multiple brands, projects, and personal commitments without chaos.

        Listen now to reclaim your Sundays, reduce overwhelm, and step into your new week with clarity, confidence, and calm CEO energy.

        Keywords:
        weekly planning for entrepreneurs, Sunday reset routine, Michelle Thames podcast, productivity for moms, multi-passionate entrepreneur, CEO mindset, visibility coach, content planning, business organization for women

        Key Takeaways:

        • Your energy plan matters as much as your task list.
        • Theme your days for focus and flow.
        • Conduct a weekly energy audit to prevent burnout.
        • Peaceful planning creates powerful execution.

          Let’s Connect & Get Your Freebie!

          Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:

          • Instagram: @michellelthames
          • Threads: @michellelthames
          • LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames
          • YouTube: Michelle L Thames
          • Podcast: Social Media Decoded
          • Ready to increase your Visibility? Join the FREE 7-Day Visibility Challenge HERE

            Get your FREE $200-a-day Story Strategy guide HERE!

            Want my proven story strategy that’s helping women earn $200/day from their audience? DM “STORY” to me on Instagram (@michellelthames) and I’ll send you my favorite visibility and sales framework—free for listeners!


            Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

            7 min
          • Stop Overthinking Your Content: Here’s What to Post This Week

            In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist Michelle Thames helps entrepreneurs and creators finally break free from content overwhelm.

            If you’ve been overthinking every caption, sitting on drafts, or second-guessing your strategy, this episode gives you the exact framework for what to post this week — without stress.

            Michelle shares how overthinking is blocking your visibility and offers a simple “Content Clarity List” that balances storytelling, teaching, proof, and personality.

            You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to post each day, how to stop perfectionism from stalling your progress, and how to stay consistent even when you’re busy.

            Listen now to simplify your strategy and start showing up with confidence and clarity.content creation tips, social media content plan, Michelle Thames podcast, visibility strategy, overthinking content, content calendar for entrepreneurs, what to post this week, personal branding tips, content consistency, social media marketing

            Key Takeaways:

            • Perfectionism is the enemy of consistency.
            • Your audience values honesty and frequency over polish.
            • Use the 5-day content mix to stay consistent and balanced.
            • Every post builds authority, even the imperfect ones.

              Join the Free 7-Day Visibility Challenge → joinmichellethames.com/visibility


              Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

              5 min
            • Building Shine: The Story Behind the Platform Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Everywhere (ft. Shine Pages Founder Robin Newberry)

              In this special founder spotlight, Michelle sits down with Robin Newberry, the visionary founder of Shine Pages, a platform designed to help women entrepreneurs easily create beautiful websites, funnels, and digital homes without the tech overwhelm.

              With Elevate & Empower LIVE 2025 officially sold out, this episode celebrates what’s possible when women collaborate instead of compete. Michelle and Robin dive deep into the story behind Shine Pages, the power of taking imperfect action, and why simplicity and visibility are the ultimate keys to growth.

              Together, they share how community and collaboration have transformed their businesses — and how you can step into 2026 with confidence, clarity, and streamlined systems that support your shine.

              What You’ll Learn:

              • The inspiring story behind Shine Pages and how it all began
              • Why “imperfect action” is the secret to building momentum
              • How women founders can simplify their tech and scale with ease
              • Why collaboration over competition is the new business model
              • Exciting new Shine Pages features (like launch kits!)
              • Michelle’s announcement: She’s moving everything to Shine Pages!

                Resources Mentioned:

                • Try Shine Pages free for 14 days with Michelle X Shine Pages https://shinepages.com/michelle-thames

                • Join the waitlist for Elevate & Empower LIVE 2026 → https://stan.store/michellelthames

                • Follow @shinepages and @michellelthames on Instagram

                  Connect:
                  Subscribe to Social Media Decoded on your favorite platform
                  Join Michelle’s email list for visibility + marketing tips
                  Tag us with your takeaways — we’d love to feature you on our stories!


                  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                  20 min
                • How to Build Authority When You’re Not the Loudest in the Room

                  In this empowering episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist Michelle Thames shares how to build authority online — even if you’re not the loudest voice in the room.

                  Discover how quiet consistency, clarity, and credibility can do more for your visibility than any viral post ever could. Michelle reveals three powerful mindset and strategy shifts that help entrepreneurs stand out authentically and create lasting impact.

                  She also celebrates her sold-out Elevate & Empower LIVE event and shares a behind-the-scenes look at how authority and trust made it possible.

                  If you’ve ever felt overlooked online or unsure how to lead in your own way, this episode will inspire you to embrace your calm confidence and own your influence.

                  Listen now and learn to turn quiet power into undeniable authority.

                  authority building, visibility strategy, Michelle Thames podcast, personal branding tips, social media marketing for entrepreneurs, leadership mindset, women in business, build trust online

                  Key Takeaways:

                  • Authority is built on consistency, not volume.
                  • Clarity and repetition create credibility.
                  • Quiet leadership is powerful and profitable.
                  • Show your expertise through results, not noise.

                    Let’s Connect & Get Your Freebie!

                    Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:

                    • Instagram: @michellelthames
                    • Threads: @michellelthames
                    • LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames
                    • YouTube: Michelle L Thames
                    • Podcast: Social Media Decoded
                    • Ready to increase your Visibility? Join the FREE 7-Day Visibility Challenge HERE

                      Get your FREE $200-a-day Story Strategy guide HERE!

                      Want my proven story strategy that’s helping women earn $200/day from their audience? DM “STORY” to me on Instagram (@michellelthames) and I’ll send you my favorite visibility and sales framework—free for listeners!


                      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                      7 min
                    • From Fear to Flow: How to Build a Business That Lights You Up (w/ Haley Thomas)

                      In this inspiring episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames sits down with Haley Thomas, founder of The Passion Pursuit, to talk about how creative entrepreneurs can stop treating their dreams like a side hustle and start building businesses that actually feel good.

                      Haley shares her story of walking away from the “safe” path to rediscover her joy and purpose—and how she now helps women align their values, passions, and profit to create a business that funds their dream life.

                      Together, Michelle and Haley dive into:
                      • How to move past fear and perfectionism to take messy, aligned action
                      • Why joy is the most underrated business strategy
                      • How to design your business model around your lifestyle (not the other way around)
                      • The power of boundaries, saying no, and protecting your energy
                      • The truth about consistency and showing up when motivation fades
                      • How to reconnect with your passion when burnout hits
                      • This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur who’s ready to stop overthinking, start creating, and build a business that supports their whole life—not drains it.

                        entrepreneurship, business mindset, women in business, passion and purpose, burnout recovery, business strategy, personal growth, self-care for entrepreneurs, creative entrepreneurs, Haley Thomas, Michelle Thames, The Passion Pursuit

                        Listen Now

                        If you’re ready to align your passion with your purpose and stop playing small, press play on this empowering conversation.

                        Connect with Haley Thomas
                        • Instagram: @thepassionpursuitco
                        • Website: www.thepassionpursuitco.com
                        • Coaching & Retreats: Visit her site to explore programs that help you build a purpose-driven business that feels good and funds your dream life.

                          Connect with Michelle
                          • Instagram: @michellelthames
                          • Podcast: Social Media Decoded — new episodes every week!

                          • Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                            22 min
                          • 3 Visibility Mistakes Keeping You Invisible Online

                            Feeling like you’re doing everything right online — but no one’s noticing?
                            In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist Michelle Thames breaks down the three biggest visibility mistakes keeping talented entrepreneurs and creators stuck in the shadows.

                            Discover why showing up everywhere isn’t the same as being strategically visible, how to stop posting without positioning, and what it really takes to turn awareness into authority.

                            Michelle shares a fresh perspective on building depth in your content and real-world examples — including how a single speaking opportunity at the Her AI Era Summit led to a new online summit invitation.

                            Tune in for practical visibility tips, mindset shifts, and strategies that make your brand memorable — not just visible.

                            Listen now and learn how to show up with purpose, depth, and consistency.

                            visibility strategy, marketing mindset, social media growth tips, Michelle Thames, Social Media Decoded, online business growth, content strategy podcast, digital marketing coach, personal brand visibility, how to get noticed online

                            Key Takeaways:
                            • Visibility starts with positioning, not just posting.
                            • Depth builds trust faster than reach.
                            • Nurture your existing audience before chasing new ones.
                            • Every post is an opportunity to reinforce your brand message.

                              Resources:
                              • Join the Elevate & Empower Collective → https://stan.store/michellelthames

                              • Follow @michellelthames on Instagram

                              • Subscribe to Social Media Decoded on Apple Podcasts or Spotify


                                Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                                8 min
                              • Divine Timing and Business Growth: How to Trust Your Season

                                In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist and visibility expert Michelle Thames shares a heartfelt message for entrepreneurs, creators, and marketers who feel stuck or behind in their business journey.
                                Discover how divine timing, patience, and preparation are key to long-term success and sustainable visibility online. Michelle opens up about being fired, rebuilding from scratch, and learning that every delay is direction.

                                If you’ve been asking, “When will it be my turn?”—this episode will remind you that your growth is already in motion. You’ll walk away with three mindset shifts to trust your current season and practical steps to align your strategy with purpose.

                                👉🏽 Listen now to reignite your faith, rebuild your focus, and step into your next level of visibility.

                                divine timing in business, business mindset podcast, entrepreneur motivation, visibility strategy, marketing mindset, Michelle Thames podcast, Social Media Decoded, how to trust your journey, women entrepreneurs, business growth tips

                                Key Takeaways
                                1. You’re not behind—you’re being refined for what’s next.
                                2. Preparation creates alignment; build systems now for what you’re praying for.
                                3. Gratitude and focus multiply growth even in slow seasons.
                                4. Divine timing and strategy go hand in hand—your consistency is the seed.

                                  Resources & Mentions
                                  • 🎧 Social Media Decoded Podcast – Follow on Apple Podcasts | Spotify
                                  • 🌐 Join the Elevate & Empower Collective waitlist → https://stan.store/michellelthames
                                  • 💌 Connect with Michelle on Instagram @michellelthames

                                    If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who needs the reminder that divine timing is still working for them. Then join the Elevate & Empower Collective for the strategy and sisterhood to help you grow in alignment.


                                    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                                    5 min
                                  • From Coffee to Community: How Chicago French Press Is Brewing Impact & Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

                                    In this inspiring episode, host Michelle Thames sits down with Kris Christian, founder of Chicago French Press — a woman-owned coffee brand that’s revolutionizing the way we sip, connect, and give back. Kris shares how she went from Wall Street to launching a coffee company that fuels communities, supports scholarships, and empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs.

                                    As the official coffee sponsor of Elevate & Empower Live, Chicago French Press is brewing more than great coffee — it’s creating space for women to connect, collaborate, and rise together.

                                    If you love coffee, community, and stories of resilience and innovation, this one’s for you.

                                    In this episode, you’ll learn:

                                    • How Kris pivoted from Wall Street to launching a purpose-driven coffee brand
                                    • The mission behind Chicago French Press’ Grinding for a Cause initiative
                                    • The power of visibility, faith, and community in growing a brand
                                    • Why supporting local, women-owned businesses matters now more than ever

                                    How Chicago French Press is fueling Elevate & Empower Live attendees

                                    Connect with Kris & Chicago French Press:
                                    🌐 chicagofrenchpress.com
                                    📱 Instagram: @chicagofrenchpress
                                    👩🏽‍💻 Follow Kris: @krisdchristian

                                    Connect with Michelle Thames:
                                    🎧 Listen to more episodes at https://bleav.com/shows/social-media-decoded/
                                    📸 Instagram: @michellelthames

                                    Chicago French Press, Kris Christian, women entrepreneurs, coffee brand, Elevate and Empower Live, Michelle Thames, community building, women in business, visibility, Black women founders, social media decoded, local coffee Chicago, entrepreneurship inspiration

                                     


                                    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                                    18 min
                                  • LeBron James, Hennessy, and the Art of Strategic Visibility

                                    LeBron James just dropped a new Hennessy ad that’s more than a commercial — it’s a visibility masterclass. In this episode, Michelle L. Thames breaks down how LeBron turned a nostalgic career moment into a bold brand statement, what this says about narrative control and timing, and how entrepreneurs can apply the same visibility strategy to their own brands.

                                    What You’ll Learn:
                                    • Why LeBron’s latest Hennessy campaign is a case study in strategic storytelling

                                    • How to own your narrative instead of letting others tell your story

                                    • The importance of brand alignment when partnering with other companies or creators

                                    • How to use timing and anticipation to build buzz around your launches

                                    • What LeBron’s three-step “visibility playbook” can teach every entrepreneur

                                      Key Takeaways:
                                      • Control your story. You are the narrator of your brand — not social media, not the algorithm.
                                      • Align with legacy. Choose collaborations that reflect your values and elevate your visibility.
                                      • Master the moment. The right timing can turn an announcement into a movement.

                                        Listen Now If You’re:
                                        • A multi-passionate entrepreneur ready to be seen and paid
                                        • A marketer or creator who loves dissecting great campaigns
                                        • A business owner learning how to build anticipation before a big launch

                                          Connect with Michelle:

                                          Follow Michelle on Instagram → @michellelthames
                                          Join the free 7-Day Visibility Challenge https://michellethames.kit.com/7daychallenge

                                          LeBron James marketing, Hennessy campaign, brand visibility, personal branding, marketing strategy, storytelling in marketing, LeBron James 2025 ad, visibility coach, social media decoded podcast, entrepreneur marketing tips


                                          Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                                          6 min

                                        About Social Media Decoded

                                        From the publisher's feed

                                        Social Media Decoded is your go-to podcast for marketing, visibility, and monetization strategies to grow your business online. Hosted by marketing expert Michelle Thames, this show breaks down social…

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