The McClain Method | Business Tools For Interior Designers

In this episode of The McClain Method Podcast, I’m joined by nationally recognized designer, TV personality, and NKBA Person of the Year Alena Capra — a powerhouse in the world of interior design and brand partnerships.

We’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to build a thriving design brand from the ground up — one that’s respected, recognizable, and rooted in authenticity.

Alena and I dive into:

• 🌟 How to find your niche and use it to stand out in a crowded design industry
• 🤝 The secret to landing brand partnerships and ambassadorships (even when you’re just starting out)
• 🧠 Why consistency and visibility are key to building a trusted design brand
• 💬 How to create lasting relationships with showrooms, reps, and other designers
• 💡 What it means to evolve your brand intentionally — and how to keep your creative passion alive while doing it

Whether you’re an emerging designer dreaming of partnerships with your favorite brands, or an established pro looking to grow your visibility and influence, this episode is full of insight, laughter, and real-world wisdom from two designers who’ve walked the walk.

✨ Connect with Alena Capra

🔗 Website: alenacapradesigns.com

📸 Instagram: @alenacapradesign

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

If your Instagram captions or newsletters sound like a bad Hallmark card… I hate to break it to you, but I know AI wrote them.

And so does your audience. 👀

Here’s the deal: AI isn’t the problem. It’s actually a powerful tool — but if you’re handing it the mic and posting whatever it spits out, your content is going to sound robotic, generic, and totally forgettable. And luxury clients? They don’t hire forgettable.

In this episode of The McClain Method, I’m giving you the tough love (and the strategy) on:

✨ Why AI-written captions often sound fake (and how your audience can spot it instantly).
 ✨ The difference between free vs. paid ChatGPT — and why it matters for your brand voice.
 ✨ How to train AI to sound more like YOU, not a corporate brochure.
 ✨ My “Cocktail Rule” test to make sure your captions actually connect with luxury clients.
 ✨ A fast action step you can do today to make your content sound authentic, magnetic, and luxury-ready.

AI should be your assistant, not your replacement. This episode will show you how to stop sounding like everyone else online — and start showing up with the presence, personality, and polish that attracts the clients you actually want.

💡 DOWNLOAD MY FREE GUIDE: BRAND VOICE CHATGPT PROMPT 

https://mcclainmethod.com/chatgpt-kickstart-prompt

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The McClain Method — because when your brand speaks clearly, the world pays attention.

82: I Know AI Wrote Your Instagram Caption (Here’s How to Fix It)

Text Me a Message!

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

How to Avoid Common Interior Design Business Mistakes with Ronniesha Rivera

In this episode of the McClain Method Podcast, host John McClain discusses overcoming difficulties in the interior design business with guest Ronniesha Rivera, founder of Vetted By Design. 

They talk about the importance of dealing with hardships, the challenges of finding good help, outsourcing effectively, and maintaining long-term profitability. They also delve into the specifics of hiring bookkeepers, accountants, and the crucial role of contracts. 

Ronniesha shares her insights on delegating, managing contractor relations, and the essential role of boundaries in maintaining a successful design business. She highlights the need for robust processes and the importance of investing in oneself. Additionally, they introduce Vetted By Design, a platform created to help designers find pre-vetted industry professionals, ensuring reliable and tailored support for various business needs.

More about Vetted By Design and Ronniesha Rivera:

Website: https://vetted-bydesign.com/

If you are a vendor or company wishing to be added to Vetted By Design, mention The McClain Method for 15% off of your listing!

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

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

Do it Afraid: Navigating Fear and Change in Design

In this episode of the McClain Method Podcast, host John McClain speaks with Katie Derek Erickson, founder of Success by Design. 

They discuss the importance of grit, perspective, and intuitive decision-making in business. Katie shares her journey from flipping houses to leading a multimillion-dollar commercial design firm and emphasizes the significance of sustainable design. The episode also touches on overcoming fear, the power of celebrating small wins, and the impact of having a defined 'why' in business. 

14:18 Celebrating Success and Finding Joy

18:12 Remote Teams and Effective Hiring

27:11 The Power of Systems and Processes

36:04 The Importance of Marketing Processes

36:53 The Need for Structured Task Management

44:38 Building Strong Relationships with Tradespeople

53:40 Handling Business Challenges and Burnout

01:00:32 The Power of Knowing Your 'Why'

01:05:44 Rapid Fire Insights and Conclusion

More On Katie and her program and podcast: Success by Design

Website: https://successbydesign.coach/

LISTEN HERE to John on Katie's Podcast: https://successbydesign.coach/podcast-library/b/attracting-luxury-interior-design-clients-with-john-mcclain

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/successbydesign_coach_podcast/?hl=en

****

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

Episode 79: Clutter-Free Life – Transform Your Space, Transform Your Mindset with Helen Sanderson

In today’s episode of The McClain Method Podcast, we’re diving into the powerful connection between your home environment and mental wellness. I’m joined by Helen Sanderson, the UK’s leading expert on the psychology of clutter and the author of The Secret Life of Clutter. 

Helen is here to show us how to clear the physical clutter in our spaces—and how doing so can lead to a clearer, more intentional mindset.

Helen, known as "The Clutter Therapist," shares her unique approach that blends psychotherapy with interior design to help people declutter not only their homes but their lives. This episode explores:

• Why clutter is more than just physical stuff – it’s about what’s going on inside your head.
• How clutter can be a mirror for your mental state, and how clearing it can help you tap into your potential.
• The emotional journey of decluttering, from attachment to guilt to personal growth.
• Tips for interior designers on how to gently help clients face the clutter in their own homes without overstepping.
• The powerful role of mindset in design and how to create spaces that support both mental and physical wellness.

Helen gives insightful advice on the Clutter Shift and the importance of compassionate guidance through the decluttering process. If you’ve ever struggled with the clutter in your home—or in your mind—this episode is for you!

Resources Mentioned:

• Helen Sanderson’s Website: https://www.helensanderson.com/
• The Secret Life of Clutter – A must-read book by Helen Sanderson.
• The Clutter Shift Program – Helen’s signature program to help you declutter and shift your mindset.

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

Episode 78: How Instagram’s Search Engine Update Can Help You Get Found and Grow Your Business

Hey y’all, welcome back to The McClain Method Podcast! Today, I’m bringing you some amazing information from my YouTube channel and adapting it for the podcast. If you haven’t subscribed to my YouTube yet, check out https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn for more content with visuals!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a game-changing shift happening on Instagram: it’s becoming a search engine. Instagram isn’t just for scrolling photos anymore—it’s a powerful discovery tool for businesses, products, and services. I’m going to walk you through how Instagram’s search features have evolved, what this means for your business’s visibility, and how you can optimize your content to make sure you’re showing up in those search results. Plus, with AI now pulling from Instagram, your posts could show up in AI search results too!

You’ll learn how Instagram’s search engine evolution can increase your visibility and grow your business. I’ll share practical tips for optimizing your profile, captions, and hashtags, and explain why Instagram’s object recognition and alt text are key to getting discovered.

So, stay tuned and get ready to leverage Instagram’s search engine evolution to boost your audience reach. Don’t forget to share this episode with a friend or business owner who needs to know this!

TO DO: After listening, take 15 minutes to audit your Instagram: update your bio, optimize a post’s caption, and add location tags to increase your visibility!

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

What do interior designers, creatives, and wellness founders have in common? Most of them hate selling—but still need to do it daily.

In this episode, John sits down with Christopher Francis, engineer-turned-entrepreneur and founder of Home Plunge, the world’s first cold plunge designed for your home bathtub. 

Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs and his own experience bridging product design with human connection, Christopher shares how to sell without being pushy, pitchy, or fake.

Inside this conversation:
✔ How to guide clients who “don’t know what they want”
✔ The art of showing—not telling—your expertise
✔ What every creative can learn from cold plunges and consumer feedback
✔ Why authenticity is your best sales strategy
✔ The power of solving real problems beautifully

If you’ve ever second-guessed your prices, held back a bold idea, or felt icky about closing the deal—this episode is for you.

More on HomePlunge:

WEBSITE: https://www.thehomeplunge.com/

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

To get your NOW $300 Discount using code: MCCLAIN

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

76: You’re Not Lazy—You’re Exhausted: Rethinking Productivity and Self-Worth

📝 Episode Description / Show Notes:

What if the real problem isn’t your motivation, your to-do list, or your morning routine?

What if you’re not lazy—you’re exhausted?

In this powerful conversation, John McClain sits down with wellness expert and founder of bnourished, Katie McDonald, to challenge everything we’ve been taught about productivity, hustle culture, and tying our worth to output.

👂 In this episode:

• How self-care became another task on your list—and what to do about it
• Why rest is the ultimate power move (yes, really)
• The real reason you keep falling to the bottom of your own priority list
• How to stop measuring your worth by your productivity
• John and Katie’s personal routines that actually work for ambitious creatives

✨ You’ll walk away with practical tips, fresh perspective, and permission to care for you—the person behind the brand.

🔗 MORE ABOUT KATIE MCDONALD:

• Learn more about Katie: https://www.bnourished.com
• Follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_bnourished/

🎧 Listen now and remember: your worth isn’t measured by your output. It's time to thrive on your terms.

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

75: How to Grow Your Business Using Your Own Story with Jude Charles

In a world of AI-generated content and generic captions, how do you make your brand actually stand out? In this powerful episode, John is joined once again by storytelling expert and filmmaker Jude Charles for a heartfelt, thought-provoking conversation about what truly connects clients to your brand: your story.

Together, they unpack:

• Why your voice is the one thing AI can’t replicate
• The 3 Rules of Authentic Storytelling every creative entrepreneur should know
• How to uncover your lived experiences, values, and quirks to build trust and stand out
• Why your origin story (even the messy parts) is marketing gold
• How to attract dream clients—and repel the wrong ones—just by being yourself

This episode will change the way you see your brand forever.

More About Jude:

Listen to Jude's original episode EP 15: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2212546/episodes/13666762

Download Jude's free guide: https://judecharles.co/john

Jude On IG: https://www.instagram.com/judecharles

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

Episode Summary:
If your Instagram posts feel like they’re disappearing into the void lately—you’re not imagining it. In this episode, I’m breaking down the just-revealed 2025 changes to Instagram’s algorithm and content strategy, based on a brand-new interview with Instagram Head Adam Mosseri on the Build Your Tribe podcast with Brock Johnson.

From why hashtags aren’t helping anymore, to why Reels still matter (but only if you do this), to how Lives have lost their edge—this is your updated playbook. I’ll also share the one thing Mosseri didn’t say out loud, but every creative business owner needs to hear.

Interior designers, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs—this episode will shift how you show up on Instagram moving forward.

What You’ll Learn:

• The truth about hashtags in 2025 (spoiler: they’re not helping your reach)
• Why Lives aren’t being prioritized—and what to do instead
• The new “content ecosystem” approach to Reels, Stories, Posts & Carousels
• The strategy shift Instagram wants from you—and how to deliver it
• How to use “Trial Reels” to test what works and grow smarter
• The real reason your content isn’t getting seen—and the fix

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Build Your Tribe Interview with Adam Mosseri
• The McClain Method on Instagram: @themcclainmethod
• Free Download: Instagram Strategy 2025 Fast Action Checklist

👉 Follow me on Instagram: @themcclainmethod
👉 Subscribe to The McClain Method wherever you listen to podcasts

FREE DOWNLOAD: Instagram 2025 Strategies Checklist https://mcclainmethod.com/ig25

00:00 Introduction: The Truth About Instagram in 2025

00:21 Welcome to the McLean Method

01:16 Instagram's 2025 Strategy Unveiled

01:55 Reels: The Dominant Force on Instagram

02:35 The Decline of Instagram Lives

03:11 Hashtags: Reality Check

05:10 Optimizing Your Content Mix

07:06 The New Instagram Content Hierarchy

08:31 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

11:38 Actionable Steps for Your Instagram Strategy

14:04 Conclusion and Next Steps

Text Me a Message!

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/