Step into Your Voice

Ep 16 | Have you ever wondered why your efforts on social media feel like shouting into a void, with little return? So did I… until I realized there’s a wildly underrated strategy that propels business owners into new circles, no extroverted personality required. In this episode, I’m revealing what really separates those who grow fast from those who feel stuck behind the scenes. You’ll hear how showing up on other people’s podcasts can unlock doors you didn’t even know were closed, and why visibility is about so much more than content creation. If you want to finally be seen by your ideal clients, press play now.

Topics Discussed:

• Why podcast guesting builds trust with new audiences so much faster than social media
• The myth that you need to be loud and extroverted to get visibility for your business
• How borrowing a podcast host’s trust can make listeners trust you instantly
• What I noticed about entrepreneurs who leveraged their voices
• The three biggest benefits of podcast guesting (even if your audience is small)

If you’ve been feeling invisible, your next best business move could be just one podcast invitation away. Give yourself permission to step up, you just might surprise yourself.

Connect with Nina Macarie:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nina_macarie
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nina.macarie.3
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ninaoneluckystar
Work with me: https://oneluckystar.com/services

15 | Have you ever wished you could be a guest on a podcast but stopped yourself because your social media audience feels too small? This episode busts the myth that you need a big following to get booked and shares exactly what hosts are really looking for from their guests. I reveal my firsthand experience as a podcast host and guest, and how having fewer followers can actually be your advantage. If you’re ready to show up, share your message, and serve, this episode is proof that you don’t need to wait until you’re “somebody.” You just need clarity, courage, and a willingness to connect.

Topics Discussed:

• Why podcast hosts care more about value than your follower count
• The common myths keeping small business owners from podcast guesting
• How having a small audience can actually work in your favor
• What you really need to get booked (it’s not numbers)
• Simple ways to start making connections that lead to podcast invites

You don’t need permission or a perfect follower count to share your voice. When your message is clear and your intention is to serve, podcast invitations follow. This episode is your reminder: your voice is ready, your audience is waiting, and the only thing you need is to start showing up. Today.

Connect with Nina Macarie:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nina_macarie
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nina.macarie.3
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ninaoneluckystar
Work with me: https://oneluckystar.com/services

Ep 14 | Have you ever wondered why, even when you check all the boxes of “success”, you still feel tired, stuck, or like you’re performing happiness instead of actually living it? In today’s episode, I sat down with Doris Walsh, a former global corporate leader turned coach for high-achieving parents, and what she shared turned my whole idea of “work-life balance” upside down. She tells the real story of what it takes to step out of people-pleasing, let go of guilt, and finally choose a life that’s yours, even if that means changing the plan, letting go of old roles, or just hitting “post” for the first time. If you’re tired of trying to “do it all” without feeling like yourself, you need to listen to this conversation.

Topics Discussed:

• How Doris transitioned from 20-year corporate journey to coach parents
• Why work-life balance made her feel stuck and what she does instead
• The real reasons high-achieving moms are so exhausted and what actually works to restore joy
• Letting go of people-pleasing and learning to say “no”
• How to break the habit of living someone else’s life even for family approval
• Everyday ways to fight imposter syndrome (without “faking it”)
• Why asking for help is smart, not weak
• How to turn comparison and overwhelm into self-trust and confidence
• Simple tips for honoring your unique non-negotiables as a parent and leader

This episode was made for anyone who has ever performed “happiness” on the outside while feeling lost on the inside. You get to decide what matters, and you get to change your mind. Sometimes the bravest thing is just showing up as yourself.

Your life, your rules. And if you needed a sign that it’s okay to do things differently, this is it.

About Doris Walsh:

Doris  believes your circumstances don't determine your life - your relationship with those circumstances does.

After 20 years in the male-dominated oil and gas industry as a Dutch-born Chinese woman educated in Scotland, Doris understands what it means to suppress yourself to succeed. She left corporate, moved to Greece, managed her husband's mental breakdown, navigated his catastrophic injury, and emerged with a framework that's helped executive parents break free from the prison of "having it all."

As a certified Energy Leadership Master Practitioner and creator of the FREEDOM Framework™, Doris delivers keynotes that are equal parts vulnerability and strategy -showing audiences how to lead powerfully without burning out, parent consciously without guilt, and live authentically without apology.

Connect with Doris Walsh:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doris-walsh/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doriswalsh_hbc/
• Website:   https://happybunny.coach

Connect with Nina Macarie:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nina_macarie
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nina.macarie.3
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ninaoneluckystar
Work with me: https://oneluckystar.com/services

Ep 13 | Do you want to start a podcast and make money, but wonder if your show will ever get enough listeners? You're not alone. Have you ever scrolled social media or Youtube, compared your podcast stats/views to someone else's, and felt stuck? If so, I get it! In this episode, I’ll share what you need to focus on from day one, why sponsorships aren’t always the magic ticket, the smarter path most ignore, and the hard truths every new podcaster should know. Before you create another episode, listen in and rethink your entire strategy.

Here’s what I cover:

• Mindset traps: Why comparing numbers with other podcasters might sabotage your growth
• The two main ways to monetize your podcast (and what to ask before you try)
• Sponsorships demystified: The real download numbers you need and realistic payouts
• How to monetize your podcast early (even without a big audience)
• How being yourself (even if you’re shy) is the best way to attract listeners and income
• The importance of specificity and clarity in your episode topics and delivery

Podcast monetization is about more than stats and strategies; it's about knowing your people, owning your message, and choosing methods that truly fit you. Don’t give up if the money isn’t flowing yet; refine your focus, show up, and watch things change. You never know who’s listening or what’s possible until you claim your space and share your voice.

Resources Mentioned:

• Descript - the editing tool I'm using to edit my video podcast (affiliate link*)
• My affiliate tools’ list for podcasters: oneluckystar.com/resources (*Disclosure: This page includes affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you).

Connect with Nina Macarie:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nina_macarie
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nina.macarie.3
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ninaoneluckystar
Work with me: https://oneluckystar.com/services

Ep 12 | Have you ever found yourself staring at your podcast equipment, convinced you’ll finally record if only you liked your voice, your hair, your clothing, or felt “ready”? I know that feeling all too well. In this episode, I share the real reasons I waited years to start recording, what finally helped me move past my fears, and the simple practices I used to get comfortable with myself on screen and audio. If you’ve ever said “I’ll start after I change this one thing,” this episode will show you what actually needs to change (hint: it’s not your haircut). Listen now if you want practical encouragement and a push to finally press record.

Here’s what I cover:

• Why it’s so hard to press record, even with all the right equipment
• How self-acceptance is key to showing up confidently
• Simple practices to get comfortable with your voice and image
• Why focusing on helping others makes recording easier
• Actionable tips to start your podcast, even if you’re not “ready”

You don’t need to wait until you feel ready. If you’re stuck at “I’ll start tomorrow / next week / next month, next year”, listen to this before you press record … TODAY!

P.S. I'm offcialy launching my video podcasting sevices so if you wanna get $200 off/month (for the next 6 months of working with me), you need to book my services by the end of this month. Take a look at my YouTube channel for my editing style and send me a DM on IG/Threads. 

Connect with Nina Macarie:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nina_macarie
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nina.macarie.3
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ninaoneluckystar
Work with me: https://oneluckystar.com/services

Ep 11 | What if you’re not behind… you’re just moving at the right pace for you and a slow January might be exactly what you need?

In this episode, I share why I’m not feeling the usual “New Year, New Me” energy and why I’m finally okay with that. I talk honestly about slow Januarys, long winter breaks, messy routines, and how belief, not pressure, is shaping the way I’m stepping into 2026. I also reflect on ambition, motherhood, faith, and what happens when we stop making decisions from our current limitations. If you’re feeling tired, unmotivated, or unsure about your goals, this conversation is for you.

Topics Discussed:

• Why I’m not feeling the “New Year, New Me” vibe right now and what I do instead
• The impact of a long winter break on my energy and routine
• How reflecting early in December helps me easy into 2026
• The importance of accountability buddies 
• Believing in possibilities and holding on to unshakable faith for bigger goals

If you haven't set big goals yet, if this month feels slow, or if you’re just trying to find your rhythm again, you’re not weird, you’re not late, and you’re not behind. You’re exactly where you need to be.

Connect with Nina Macarie:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nina_macarie
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nina.macarie.3
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ninaoneluckystar
Work with me: https://oneluckystar.com/services

Ep 10 | Have you ever wondered why your podcast pitches aren’t getting any replies? What if the biggest thing missing isn’t your credentials, but the way you approach the conversation? In this episode, I share what I’ve learned about pitching to podcasts after pitching myself, my clients, or managing pitches for my clients. I’ll tell you exactly how business owners are going about it the wrong way, and what you can do differently today to stand out, get noticed, and actually connect with podcast hosts who care. This advice isn’t what you’re expecting, but it will change the way you think about visibility.  If you want your 2026 podcast guest goals to turn into reality, this short episode will change how you show up and connect, so you stand out in the best way.

Topics Discussed:

• Why most podcast pitches fail (and how to avoid the common “me-first” approach)
• The importance of genuine, human connections when reaching out
• Key mistakes business moms make when seeking podcast features in 2026
• When bold statements work and who can get away with them
• Actionable ways to engage with hosts meaningfully

If you’re committed to growing your audience and making meaningful connections in the podcast world, don’t just talk about what you want, learn to ask the right questions. Listen to the full episode to discover how to turn your pitch into a conversation. Now’s your chance to stand out as the kind of guest podcast hosts are excited to meet.

Connect with Nina Macarie:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nina_macarie
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nina.macarie.3
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ninaoneluckystar
Work with me: https://oneluckystar.com/services

Ep 9 | Do you ever feel like your year is lost in the chaos, with nothing “big” to celebrate? What if, instead, you focused on the small steps and steady presence that got you through? In this episode, I open up about my own journey as a business mom in a whirlwind December. I reveal how moments of presence, at networking events, with my children, and for myself transformed what could have been just another busy year into one marked by genuine connection and growth. If you’re craving practical strategies (and real talk) about how to make progress while juggling family, work, and self-care, press play now. You’ll walk away with insights you’ll want to use today.

Topics Discussed:

• Holiday season reflections for business moms
• The unique power of themed and structured networking events
• Managing stress and expectations during busy months
• Simple exercises to identify what’s working and what needs to change
• How presence (not just productivity) shaped my 2025
• Why the courage to start matters more than doing it perfectly

Sometimes, the progress we’re seeking comes from the tiniest, most consistent steps, not the perfect moments we imagine. Your story, your presence, and your voice matter more than ever. This season, let’s make “present” our power word, together.

Resources:

• Amy Landino’s exercise for year reflection
• “Women Who Inspire” Instagram Live interview series

Connect with Nina Macarie:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nina_macarie
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nina.macarie.3
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ninaoneluckystar
Work with me: https://oneluckystar.com/services

Ep 8 | What if speaking on camera could feel as easy and enjoyable as making your favorite homemade pizza? If you’re an online business mom who wants to put yourself out there, maybe by starting a podcast, recording videos, or just showing up more - this episode is your permission slip to get started. I share how I learned to build my “speaking dough” from scratch, and the one analogy that completely changed my mindset. Discover the simple, practical structure and tonal tips that make public speaking less scary and a lot more fun. Ready to try something new?

Topics Discussed

• Why having a solid foundation (like pizza dough!) is essential for every talk
• The three key ingredients every effective talk needs
• How to add flavor to your message
• The power of analogies and visuals in making your ideas stick
• Four tonalities to keep your audience engaged and avoid the dreaded monotone

I want you to know that you don’t have to be chatty or outgoing to make an impact with your voice; you just need a solid foundation and a willingness to play with your delivery. So, which tonality will you try first? Your message deserves to be heard!

Resources mentioned:

Ep. 4: How I Found My Voice: Real Techniques to Boost Speaking Confidence for Moms and Women Entrepreneurs

Connect with Nina Macarie:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nina_macarie
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nina.macarie.3
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ninaoneluckystar
Work with me: https://oneluckystar.com/services

Ep 7 | Are you secretly wondering if adding a podcast to your overflowing plate is the right move or a recipe for burnout? This week, I get real about the hard questions you need to ask before you dive into starting a podcast. I share how losing a client made space for my own show, and the simple time audit that could change how you choose projects for good. If you think you need to be outgoing or have tons of free time, think again. Before you commit to another big project, tune in! I promise it might surprise you.

Topics Discussed

• How to know if you have the time and bandwidth to start a podcast
• Finding your true "why" for podcasting (not because everyone else says you should)
• The honest breakdown of how much time podcasting actually takes
• How podcasting can be a creative, long-term connection tool versus short-lived social media trends
• The importance of sharing your real story, not your most polished version

I believe you don’t have to be super bold or have it all figured out to show up powerfully on a podcast; sometimes, all you need is an honest look at your time, your calling, and a willingness to just try.

This is your sign: Don’t wait to be ready. Start where you are, and share what’s true. Your podcast journey is yours to make and trust it will open new doors for you.

Resources Mentioned:

• Buzzsprout (free hosting platform for the first 90 days)

Connect with Nina Macarie:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nina_macarie
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nina.macarie.3
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ninaoneluckystar
Work with me: https://oneluckystar.com/services