The Circle Sessions

The Circle Sessions

By Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™BusinessEntrepreneurshipMarketing
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The Circle Sessions episodes

  • Finding Your Unique Voice and Style for Personal Branding

    We’re putting the spotlight on building your personal brand—particularly for entrepreneurs, podcasters, and anyone eager to make their mark.

    Welcome to another episode of The Circle Sessions! I’m Brett Johnson from Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants, and this week I’m joined by Yasmine Robles and Izzy Dadosky of Rebel Marketing.

    This conversation is packed with practical insights. We kick things off by defining your unique value proposition (UVP)—that is, what makes you stand out and the special way you solve problems for your audience. We agree that your UVP can and probably should evolve as you grow, learn, and gain feedback from your community.

    Izzy shares how aligning your brand voice with your true personality creates authenticity, especially for small businesses. She offers a real-life example of Rebel Marketing and how updating their brand voice and visual identity helped them feel more “in their skin.”

    Yasmine breaks down what to consider when creating (or updating) your visual identity, reminding us to connect visuals with the personality and mission behind our brand. We discuss how colors, fonts, and imagery all send signals about who you are.

    From there, we look at elevator pitches—keeping it short, tailored, and natural—plus the art of leveraging existing content on multiple platforms to build your reputation and stay memorable. We explore how to engage authentically on social media, why networking should reflect your goals and vibe, and how important it is to continually showcase testimonials and success stories in genuine ways.

    We wrap up by emphasizing the value of consistency, not just on social but across your website and all touchpoints. If you’re looking to build or refresh your personal brand and want real-world examples and step-by-step advice, this episode is for you.

    Key Takeaways

    • Your personal brand is about authenticity and evolution—let it grow with you.
    • Spend time finding your true voice before building out visual assets.
    • Repurpose content smartly to reinforce your brand without burning out.
    • Engage online with a tone that feels genuine, not forced.
    • Consistency is crucial—if you stop posting, people quickly forget.
    • Strategically pick where and how to network, and use testimonials to build trust.

    Key Moments

    00:00 "Evolving a Brand Voice"

    04:55 "Visual Identity Transformation"

    08:47 "Rethinking Elevator Pitch Length"

    12:54 Repurpose and Share Content Creatively

    14:28 Authentic Engagement Strategies

    18:23 Strategic Networking for Rebel Marketing

    20:28 Authentic Testimonials Boost Business Trust

    24:13 Building a Strong Online Presence

    28:24 Personal Brand Management Strategies

    Yasmine works alongside clients to design a website that's driven by strategy, looks amazing, and that you can actually use to grow your podcast, and your business.

    Her website.

    Her Instagram.

    Click here for the checklist!

    Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible.

    Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at [email protected].

    The Circle of Experts are:

    Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing

    Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications

    Don The Idea Guy

    Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, from Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants

    Copyright 2025 Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™

    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

    32 min
  • Why Strategy Matters in Podcast Branding and Growth

    I’m joined by Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications. We explore what truly makes podcast branding successful—and how it’s different from just promoting individual episodes.

    Tonnisha shares valuable insights from her experience helping small businesses level the playing field with digital marketing. We talk about why the most successful podcasts, like Crime Junkies and Tenderfoot TV’s shows, build brands that go far beyond their episodes. Instead of just entertaining, they get their audience involved—offering calls to action, creating paid communities, and developing exclusive apps or content. Their audiences feel a real sense of community, which keeps them engaged episode after episode.

    We also look at examples like Serial, examining why a singular focus on one case can sometimes box in a podcast brand. Tonnisha points out the importance of strategy early on: thinking about the bigger purpose and end goal for your podcast when crafting content and shaping your brand. We discuss the value of early planning—not just filling out a podcast description, but truly understanding what you want your show to stand for and how your episodes will support that mission.

    As we wrap up, we emphasize that building a successful podcast brand is a long-term commitment and often requires a team, not just a solo effort. Passion, consistency, and community are critical ingredients. If you’re thinking about taking your podcast brand to the next level or assembling the right support, both Tonnisha and I are here to help.

    Get actionable advice, real-world examples, and some cautionary tales about what can happen when you don’t think big-picture from the start. If you want to chat more about building your podcast brand, be sure to reach out to us—we’d love to support your journey!

    Key Moments

    00:00 "Crime Junkies' Success Strategy"

    06:40 Podcast Branding and Audience Engagement

    07:29 Podcast Branding Strategy Insights

    13:37 Successful Podcasting Requires Passion

    15:48 Audience Engagement Through Q&A Sessions

    My top 3 takeaways from their conversation:

    Your Podcast is a Brand, Not Just a Show

    Treat your podcast like a business. Success comes from intentional work both inside and outside of episodes—think community-building, calls to action, and engaging content that goes beyond the audio.

    Community is Everything

    The most successful podcasts build loyal communities. From Patreon-exclusive content to interactive apps and live tours, it’s about making listeners part of the story—just like Crime Junkies and Up and Vanished do so well.

    Plan for Growth, Expect to Pivot

    Podcast growth isn’t overnight. A clear brand strategy—and the agility to adapt when your show (or an episode) unexpectedly goes viral—is critical. Don’t be afraid to pivot or spin off new shows to keep your audience engaged.

    Subscribe to Tonnisha's Tip of The Month

    Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible.

    Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at [email protected].

    The Circle of Experts are:

    Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing

    Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications

    Don The Idea Guy

    Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, from Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants

    Copyright 2025 Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™

    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

    19 min
  • The Top Five Website Mistakes Holding Back Your Growth

    We’ve all been there—you click on a website and in seconds, you’re either hooked or, well… gone. This week on The Circle Sessions, I sit down with Yasmine Robles and Izzy Dadosky of Rebel Marketing to uncover FIVE critical website mistakes that could be costing you not just podcast listeners, but potential clients too.

    Here’s your quick rundown of what NOT to do:

    1. Unclear Messaging

    Izzy hits hard on the importance of clear, jargon-free messaging. If visitors can’t tell what you do within five seconds, that’s a big red flag. Speak your audience’s language, not industry lingo.

    2. Slow Load Times

    Yasmine reminds us—it’s 2025 and people still won’t wait for a slow site. Big images and heavy videos are often culprits. Test your speed (try Pingdom or Google’s tool!) and keep things light and fast.

    3. Poor Mobile Experience

    With most folks browsing on their phones, a frustrating mobile site is a deal breaker. Whether someone’s looking up your podcast after a networking event or searching for a bite to eat, if your site fumbles on mobile, you’re forgotten.

    4. Weak or Missing Calls to Action

    Izzy nails it: CTA’s aren’t just about “Book a Call.” It could be following on LinkedIn, grabbing a free resource, or subscribing to a newsletter. The goal is to gently guide, not push—offer CTAs that meet listeners where they’re at in THEIR journey.

    5. Outdated Design

    Websites are never truly “done.” Yasmine suggests a refresh every 3 years—update your photos, check your messaging, and run routine link audits. Little improvements can make a big difference.

    Key Moments

    00:00 Embracing SEO for Audio/Video Services

    04:17 Website Performance Diagnostics Tool

    07:45 Aligning Brand Shoots with Identity

    13:03 "Revamp Messaging and Site Maintenance"

    16:08 Optimize Your Website for Podcast Success

    Yasmine works alongside clients to design a website that's driven by strategy, looks amazing, and that you can actually use to grow your podcast, and your business.

    Her website.

    Her Instagram.

    Click here for the checklist!

    Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible.

    Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at [email protected].

    The Circle of Experts are:

    Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing

    Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications

    Don The Idea Guy

    Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, from Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants

    Copyright 2025 Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™

    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

    17 min
  • Engaging Your Podcast Audience Between Episode Releases

    Whether you drop episodes weekly or monthly, these strategies will help you fill the gaps between publishing dates and make your podcast stand out in a crowded field.

    Leveraging Social Media for Deeper Engagement: "So using your social media or your emails as a way to provide that education to people, go a little bit deeper on some of the topics, be able to provide resources." - Tonnisha English-Amamoo

    This one is all about the magic between the episodes. I sit down with the ever-insightful Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications to explore how you can keep your podcast audience excited and engaged—even when you’re not dropping new episodes.

    Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, this episode is filled with actionable tips to add to your podcasting toolkit.

    Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

    1. Break Down Your Episodes into Bonus Content: Learn how to turn your existing podcasts into bite-size gems—sound bites, quotes, and more—to share across your platforms.
    2. Engage Your Audience Between Episodes: Get creative with polls, Q&As, and prompts to keep conversations alive on social media and email.
    3. Build Loyal Fans Through Recognition: Discover how a simple shout-out or thank you note can turn a casual listener into a dedicated fan.
    4. Collaborate Like a Pro: Steps to coordinate promotion with your guests or co-hosts so everyone’s audience gets in on the action.
    5. Make Content Creation Fun (Not a Chore): Tips to avoid burnout, pace yourself, and try new things—so staying visible never becomes overwhelming.

    Key Moments

    00:00 "Podcast Engagement and Consistency Tips"

    06:04 "Engaging Podcast Listener Suggestions"

    10:12 "Podcast Publishing: Balance and Pace"

    11:09 Podcast Content Strategy for Engagement

    15:36 Maximizing Engagement with Creative CTAs

    Subscribe to Tonnisha's Tip of The Month

    Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible.

    Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at [email protected].

    The Circle of Experts are:

    Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing

    Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications

    Don The Idea Guy

    Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, from Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants

    Copyright 2025 Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™

    19 min
  • Golden Globes Add Podcasting Awards, YouTube Charts, and Apple Fee Updates for Creators

    Welcome to another edition of The Circle Sessions! This week, I’m thrilled to have Don The Idea Guy join me for a lively and insightful conversation about some of the latest trends and big news in the podcasting world.

    We kick things off by exploring the real state of podcasting in 2025. Despite the huge number of podcasts—nearly 476,000 active shows—less than 15% are active, which means it’s still a tremendous time to create and consistently produce your show. Don and I talk about how podcasters are getting smarter about content strategy and outsourcing, and it’s encouraging to see that podcasting has proven it’s more than just a pandemic trend.

    We also touch on some exciting developments in the industry, starting with the Golden Globes introducing a Best Podcast category. Awards like these recognize not only the big names but also offer potential for indie creators to shine. YouTube is now rolling out weekly podcast charts, reminiscent of classic radio countdowns, and both of us are eager to see these rankings broken down by genre and to spotlight newcomers, not just the top-tier podcasts that always dominate the lists.

    On the technical side, we discuss Apple’s HLS streaming technology and why it’s potentially a game changer for video podcasting, especially as platforms like Apple TV, Netflix, and Amazon are eyeing audio content. We also cover the removal of Apple’s 30% “tax” on in-app purchases, which opens the door for better compensation solutions for creators, particularly those using Patreon or Spotify.

    Finally, Don brings up recent research on the biggest challenges marketers face when compensating creators, from budget constraints to unclear ROI metrics. We talk about practical strategies for negotiating deals, setting clear goals, and why asking the right questions always leads to stronger partnerships.

    Thanks for listening! Reach out to us if you want to talk podcast growth strategies or creative campaign ideas—Don and I are always up for a conversation.

    You are invited to explore additional innovative possibilities by choosing one of your favorite ideas from this (or any) Five Buck Brainstorms and purchasing a more in-depth custom idea generation session from Don The Idea Guy on that (or any other) subject. Visit the Brainstorm page on the Don The Idea Guy website for more details.

    Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible.

    Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at [email protected].

    The Circle of Experts are:

    Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing

    Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications

    Don The Idea Guy

    Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, from Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants

    Copyright 2025 Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™

    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

    39 min
  • Avoid These Overhyped Marketing Strategies for Podcast Growth

    The discussion centers around overrated marketing tactics, particularly for growing and promoting podcasts.

    Izzy Dadosky and Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing join me on this episode.

    First off, stay informed about marketing trends and be cautious against blindly following them. What works for one podcaster might not work for you.

    One of the first marketing tactics we talk about is the practice of boosting posts on social media platforms like Facebook. Boosting posts can often be a waste of money because it won't contribute to meaningful engagement or conversions. Develop a targeted ad strategy with a clear purpose.

    Next, the myth of posting every day on social media. Posting every day is unnecessary and can even backfire if the content lacks quality. Instead, post a few well-thought-out pieces each week. Focus on maintaining engagement with those who interact with your content.

    We also touch on the subject of email marketing, emphasizing the importance of having a strategic approach to email blasts. Sending frequent, poorly targeted emails can lead to high unsubscribe rates. Create meaningful content that aligns with the audience's interests and needs can drive better engagement.

    When it comes to search engine optimization (SEO), don't keyword stuff. This tactic, which involves filling content with excessive keywords to manipulate search rankings, can hinder readability and user experience. Instead, the focus should be on creating authoritative content that answers users' questions naturally and engagingly.

    Concentrate on what aligns with your specific goals and audience needs. Wearing many hats as a business owner or a podcast content creator, it's crucial to invest time and resources in actions that are meaningful and impactful.

    The ideal marketing tactic is not universal.

    5 Keys You'll Learn in This Episode

    1. Why boosting posts on social media might be hitting your wallet with no returns.
    2. The myth of posting every day on social media and why less can be more.
    3. How email newsletters could be doing more harm than good without a proper strategy.
    4. The pitfalls of SEO keyword stuffing and what to focus on instead.
    5. Long-term gains over short-term trends: the secret sauce to marketing success

    Key Moments

    00:00 Effective Ad Strategy Benefits

    03:49 A/B Testing and Retargeting Strategies

    08:14 Social Media Strategy Insights

    11:51 "Optimize Posting Frequency Strategically"

    15:02 Optimize Email Engagement

    17:58 "Targeted Email Strategies"

    20:33 Prioritize User Experience Over Keywords

    26:01 Strategic Marketing Decisions for Business

    Yasmine works alongside clients to design a website that's driven by strategy, looks amazing, and that you can actually use to grow your podcast, and your business.

    Her website.

    Her Instagram.

    Click here for the checklist!

    Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible.

    Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at [email protected].

    The Circle of Experts are:

    Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing

    Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications

    Don The Idea Guy

    Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, from Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants

    Copyright 2025 Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™

    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

    Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

    https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/face-game

    License code: IUDJXGXP8JAXJVJS

    29 min
  • Using LinkedIn to Its Full Potential for Your Podcast

    Monetizing Your Podcast on LinkedIn: "Are there, you know, professionals that are connected with different industries or companies that may be interested in being a sponsor of your show because you're so active promoting it." - Tonnisha English-Amamoo

    Welcome to this episode of The Circle Sessions, where I’m joined by Tonnisha English-Amamoo from TJE Communications to talk all things LinkedIn for podcasters. As your host, Brett Johnson, I’ve noticed that LinkedIn is often overlooked as a platform for promoting podcasts, especially compared to Instagram or TikTok. Tonnisha and I break down how podcasters can really maximize their presence and reach on this professional platform.

    We start by exploring why LinkedIn is uniquely positioned for thought leadership, professional networking, and even potential sponsor connections. Tonnisha shares her own experience and strategy for optimizing a LinkedIn profile to showcase your role as a podcast host, no matter your primary profession. We discuss updating your headline, about section, and incorporating your podcast into your overall personal brand on LinkedIn.

    We also highlight the importance of going beyond simple self-promotional posts. I share tips on using AI to extract key insights from your podcast transcripts and create engaging, value-driven content. Tonnisha and I also talk about leveraging guests' expertise, using pull quotes, and even making short video invitations to promote new episodes effectively.

    Finding guests and networking on LinkedIn gets its own spotlight in our conversation. We discuss the right (and wrong) ways to pitch guests, emphasizing genuine connections and clear audience value over impersonal or transactional outreach. We look at the potential of LinkedIn groups, being wary of mere promotional pods, and instead, focusing on strategic group participation that actually strengthens your show and network.

    Finally, we touch on the untapped opportunities LinkedIn offers—whether for engagement, increasing organic reach, or even sponsorship. If your podcast speaks to professionals, entrepreneurs, or niche industries, LinkedIn might be the next game-changer in growing your audience and your brand.

    Ready to get more intentional and creative with LinkedIn for your podcast?

    Key Moments

    00:00 Optimizing LinkedIn for Podcast Growth

    05:16 "Creating Engaging Podcast Content"

    08:52 Screen Recording Tips for Podcasts

    12:38 Authentic Podcast Networking Strategies

    14:22 Black Women in Business Podcast

    19:50 Monetizing Podcasts via LinkedIn

    21:52 Engagement and Value-Based Selling

    25:00 LinkedIn's Focused Professional Networking

    27:54 Contact Information Summary

    Here are three BIG takeaways on how to maximize LinkedIn for your podcast:

    Optimize Your Profile for Podcast Visibility

    Don’t just mention your podcast in passing—integrate it into your LinkedIn headline and about section. Position yourself as a podcast host or thought leader, and be clear about the value your show provides. This makes it easier for listeners, guests, and even sponsors to find you!

    Go Beyond Self-Promotion with Value-Driven Content

    Instead of simply posting “New episode, check it out!”—share insightful snippets, pull quotes, or key takeaways from your transcript. Use AI or tools like ChatGPT to help distill your content into engaging posts. Tagging guests or experts for their opinions invites authentic engagement and leverages their networks, too.

    Tap Into LinkedIn’s Unique Networking Power

    LinkedIn isn’t just about job searching. Use it to find and attract high-quality guests, connect with potential sponsors, and join industry groups that align with your podcast’s niche. Thoughtful outreach and value-focused messaging can open the door to powerful collaborations.

    Subscribe to Tonnisha's Tip of The Month

    Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible.

    Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at [email protected].

    The Circle of Experts are:

    Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing

    Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications

    Don The Idea Guy

    Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, from Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants

    Copyright 2025 Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™

    29 min
  • Steps to Attract Fans and Foster Podcast Listener Loyalty

    Growing a dedicated audience isn’t just about having listeners—it’s about engaging them, connecting with them, and offering value beyond just the episodes.

    I sit down with Yasmine Robles and Izzy Dadosky from Rebel Marketing to talk all about building loyal fans and communities around your podcast.

    We share why having a website is so important as your podcast’s central home online. Not only does it make you look more legit, but it also gives your audience a place to interact with you and with each other, rather than just passively listening.

    Izzy highlights the power of SEO and ensuring your site is easy to find, while Yasmine offers insight into deciding what type of community you want to create, depending on your podcast’s goals and target audience.

    We touch on different online platforms you can use—Substack, Circle communities, Kajabi, Facebook groups, Discord, and even Slack—and discuss how to pick the best option based on your needs and budget.

    We also talk about the importance of being clear on the purpose of your community, staying consistent with your engagement, and focusing more on genuine connections than fancy tech.

    From offering bonus content and Q&A sessions to giving your listeners access to exclusive behind-the-scenes discussions or even fun extras like dad jokes, creating a sense of belonging is key.

    We share practical tips on incentivizing participation, getting your social media audience to make the leap to a closer-knit group, and how to avoid overwhelming your members with too much information all at once.

    Whether you’re just starting or thinking about launching a paid community for your podcast, this episode is packed with real-world advice and encouragement to help you turn listeners into true fans and supporters.

    5 Keys You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    1. Why a Website Matters Discover how having a dedicated .com gives your podcast legitimacy and helps your SEO—so fans find YOU first (not random merch resellers!).
    2. Define Your Community’s Purpose Before you invite listeners in, nail down your group’s “why.” Is it for fan discussion, bonus content, networking, or crowd-sourcing ideas? Yasmine shares how clear goals dictate everything else.
    3. Easy Bonus Content Wins Get creative: From members-only Q&As to evidence drops for true crime podcasts, learn ideas for exclusive perks that keep your audience coming back.
    4. Best Community Platforms (Without Getting Overwhelmed!) Slack, Circle, Substack, Discord, Facebook groups… the gang breaks down platforms for every budget, plus simple ways to link them to your site.
    5. Motivating Fans to Join (And Actually Participate!) From fun badges to engaging channels (hello dad joke tab!), find out what gets folks excited to join your inner circle—and tips to keep the momentum up.

    Key Moments

    00:00 Building Podcast Community Online

    04:08 Creating Purposeful Podcast Communities

    06:44 Paid Content Strategy Options

    11:37 Focus on Community Engagement

    14:42 Communities' Purpose and Benefits

    15:58 Prioritize Focused Call to Action

    21:19 Launching Community Growth Strategy

    23:23 "Podcasting Community Benefits and Growth"

    Yasmine works alongside clients to design a website that's driven by strategy, looks amazing, and that you can actually use to grow your podcast, and your business.

    Her website.

    Her Instagram.

    Click here for the checklist!

    Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible.

    Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at [email protected].

    The Circle of Experts are:

    Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing

    Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications

    Don The Idea Guy

    Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, from Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants

    Copyright 2025 Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™

    Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

    https://uppbeat.io/t/vince-mcgill/lemon-slice

    License code: 2NRNUIV5VG7FU3K5

    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

    26 min
  • When Should You Invest in a Video Setup for Your Podcast?

    Is your community asking for video? Will it actually add value?

    Welcome to The Circle Sessions! In this episode, I’m Brett Johnson, your host from Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants, joined by Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications. Today, we’re talking about when—and why—you should consider investing in a video setup for your podcast.

    Tonnisha and I explore the current trend of adding video to podcasts, with platforms like YouTube and social media pushing visual content to the forefront. We discuss the reasons podcasters are leaning into video, from expanding reach on different platforms to providing engaging short clips for Instagram reels, TikTok, and more.

    Tonnisha shares her experiences creating video content for her own show, “Black Woman in Biz,” including both the advantages and hurdles she’s encountered—everything from outdated camera equipment to adapting her setup for visual storytelling.

    We weigh the pros and cons of video, emphasizing the importance of understanding your audience and knowing your “why” before making the leap.

    We also touch on the increased production demands—cameras, lighting, sound, and setup—and the need for planning around different listener and viewer preferences.

    We also look at maximizing content by repurposing video across platforms, and offer practical suggestions for starting small and experimenting before making a big investment in gear or production. Tonnisha and I urge you to look at your data, ask your audience what they want, and consider what’s sustainable for your show.

    No matter where you are in your podcast journey—whether you’re audio-only, video-first, or a hybrid—this conversation will help you weigh your options and take your podcast in the direction that fits you best.

    Key Moments

    00:00 "Integrating Video into Podcasting"

    04:57 Podcast Promotion via Social Media

    08:09 "Pros of Visual Podcast Elements"

    11:21 Spotify Podcast Video Feature Insight

    15:34 "Creative Content Filming Challenges"

    17:06 Maximize Content Reach Efficiently

    21:31 Podcasting Versus Instagram Monetization

    23:02 "Podcasting Purpose and Readiness"

    Subscribe to Tonnisha's Tip of The Month

    Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible.

    Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at [email protected].

    The Circle of Experts are:

    Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing

    Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications

    Don The Idea Guy

    Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, from Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants

    Copyright 2025 Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™

    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

    Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

    https://uppbeat.io/t/vince-mcgill/lemon-slice

    License code: 2NRNUIV5VG7FU3K5

    24 min
  • The 5 Website Mistakes That Are Costing You Listeners

    How can unclear messaging on a website impact the ability to attract and retain podcast listeners or clients?

    I'm excited to have Yasmine Robles and Izzy Dadosky from Rebel Marketing from The Circle of Experts. Together, we uncover the five critical website mistakes that could be costing you, listeners, and potential clients.

    From mastering clear messaging to tackling slow load times, we guide you through the nuances of website design that can make or break your online presence. Plus, we explore the significance of mobile optimization, strategic call to actions, and keeping your design fresh and engaging.

    Top Takeaways

    1. Unclear Messaging: Emphasize the importance of having clear messaging on your website. Understand your audience, their problems, and how they describe them to create effective communication.
    2. Slow Load Times: Highlight the detrimental impact of slow loading times on user experience. Ensure images and videos are optimized for faster loading.
    3. Mobile Experience: Prioritize a mobile-first design approach, ensuring that the website is fluid and provides a good user experience across different devices.
    4. Call to Actions: Make call to actions (CTAs) visible and straightforward. Use strategic placements to guide users towards desired actions like bookings or inquiries.
    5. Outdated Designs: Regularly review and update your website's design to keep it fresh and relevant. Even minor updates can significantly enhance user experience.
    6. Website Inventory Check: Periodically review website content to ensure images and media are current, relevant, and contribute positively to user experience.
    7. SEO-friendly Content: Integrate SEO research into your website content to improve visibility and attract the right audience.
    8. Holistic Marketing Approach: Use a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes social media, email marketing, and website optimization for consistent messaging and branding.
    9. Adaptability: Be open to evolving your website and messaging strategies over time to stay relevant and meet changing audience needs.
    10. Use of Tools: Consider tools like booking calendars to streamline the process of setting appointments and improve efficiency in user interactions.

    Key Moments

    00:00 Comprehensive Brand & Messaging Guide

    05:46 Improving Website Load Times

    08:30 Optimize Mobile Accessibility and Load Times

    10:44 Make Contact Information Prominent

    15:40 Strategic Retail Website Design

    Yasmine works alongside clients to design a website that's driven by strategy, looks amazing, and that you can actually use to grow your podcast, and your business.

    Her website.

    Her Instagram.

    Click here for the checklist!

    Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible.

    Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at [email protected].

    The Circle of Experts are:

    Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing

    Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications

    Don The Idea Guy

    Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, from Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants

    Copyright 2025 Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™

    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

    19 min

About The Circle Sessions

From the publisher's feed

In each episode, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, and website design, and the implementation of all of these.