The Visible(ish) Podcast

Embracing Neurodiversity in Business and Podcasting with Melissa Howard and Tom Stanhope - Ep. 26.

Go behind the scenes of The Visible(ish) Podcast as host Melissa Howard is joined by the show's very own producer, Tom Stanhope, for a candid and insightful conversation. From podcasting realities to neurodivergence and AI, this episode covers real talk about visibility in business and life.

- The truth about being “visible(ish)” as a business owner and why it matters
- Tom Stanhope’s personal journey with ADHD, self-discovery, and building a life that works
- Strategies for supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs in content creation and podcasting
- The evolving role of AI in workflow, plus
- Tom Stanhope’s “Megamind” project management approach
- Why podcasting remains a powerful tool for long-term visibility, connection, and business growth

Tune in for honest reflections, practical strategies and the realities of building visibility your way.

Chapters
00:00 "Visibility for Solo Entrepreneurs"

05:51 "Supporting Podcast Creation Seamlessly"

07:31 "Neurodivergence and Connection"

12:06 "ADHD Medication and Personal Growth"

14:09 "Embracing Authenticity and Self-Acceptance"

18:25 Struggling with Executive Dysfunction

20:56 No One-Size-Fits-All Solutions

24:07 "Clarity, Priorities, and Balance"

28:47 Rethinking Business and Balance

32:07 Content Frameworks and Strategy System

36:18 "Living Beyond Mundane AI Tasks"

38:27 "Launching Patreon for Creative Skills"

42:07 "Embracing Meaning and New Perspectives"

44:07 Podcasts: Enduring Personal Content

49:13 "Podcast Launch + Malta Retreat"

52:05 "Connect via Podforge & Facebook"

Connect with Melissa here:

Ways to work with Melissa: https://itsmelissahoward.myflodesk.com/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsmelissahoward
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsmelissahoward/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmelissahoward/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ItsMelissaHoward
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/itsmelissahoward

Visibility Q&A: Overcoming Judgement, Engagement Slumps and Burnout Ep. 25.

Ready to get real about showing up online? In this episode of The Visible(ish) Podcast, Melissa Howard tackles five more of the toughest questions about visibility and content creation from her community.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why giving up on posting after two weeks of no engagement is NOT the answer
• How to balance content creation with running your actual business
• Dealing with fear of judgment and what to do about judgy people online
• Tips for ADHD brains who start content projects but never finish them
• How to know if your content is actually resonating with your audience

Subscribe for more straight-talking advice on finding your voice and getting visible, your way.

Chapters

00:00 - 00:20: Emphasising the importance of audience feedback
00:21 - 00:40: Strategies to engage: asking questions, using stories
00:41 - 01:00: Encouragement to listen and adapt based on responses
01:01 - 01:20: Recognising the need for repeated effort in gathering feedback
01:21 - 01:40: Transition: wrapping up audience-related strategies
01:41 - 02:00: Highlighting shared challenges with content creation
02:01 - End: Encouragement and relatability, reminding creators they’re not alone

Connect with Melissa here:

Ways to work with Melissa: https://itsmelissahoward.myflodesk.com/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsmelissahoward
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsmelissahoward/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmelissahoward/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ItsMelissaHoward
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/itsmelissahoward

Unlocking Visibility: Honest Q&A on Content Creation and Self-Acceptance - Ep. 24 

Struggling with showing up online? In this episode of The Visible(ish)™ Podcast, Melissa Howard answers your top questions about overcoming visibility challenges in business.

• How to deal with the fear of looking stupid on camera (and why it never completely goes away)
• What to do when you have tons of content ideas but can't seem to execute any of them
• Whether you really need to use video to succeed, or if graphics are enough
• How to come up with content ideas when your mind is totally blank
• Strategies to stop comparing yourself to others and stay in your own lane

Listen in for real talk and actionable tips so you can find your voice, show up your way, and grow your business. Grab the cheat sheet linked in the show notes for extra resources and all the questions covered today!

Chapters

00:00 "Visible Ish Q&A: Part 1"

06:50 Overcoming Execution Overwhelm

10:27 "Overcoming Challenges in Content Creation"

13:40 "Unfollow, Refocus, Protect Peace"

14:52 "Visibleish: Find Your Voice"

Connect with Melissa here:

Ways to work with Melissa: https://itsmelissahoward.myflodesk.com/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsmelissahoward
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsmelissahoward/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmelissahoward/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ItsMelissaHoward
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/itsmelissahoward

Finding YOUR Unique Selling Point: Standing Out in a Crowded Market - Ep. 23.

In this episode of The Visible(ish)™ Podcast, Melissa Howard breaks down how to identify your TRUE unique selling point (USP) that goes beyond generic claims like "I'm passionate" or "I care about my clients."

Your real USP isn't just your methods or personality—it's the unique combination of your background, experiences and perspective that shapes how you see and solve problems. Melissa guides you through practical exercises to uncover your "golden thread"—the core belief that stems from your lived experiences—and shows you how to weave it through all your content.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction 
00:57 Why generic USPs don't work 
02:08 This week's Visible(ish) cheat sheet 
04:17 What a real USP looks like 
06:49 How Melissa's unique combination creates her edge 
12:32 Finding your golden thread 
15:30 Identifying your three feeling words 
18:30 How to weave your golden thread into your content 
21:39 Content audit: Does your current content show your edge? 
22:57 How to take action 

Key Takeaways
• Your USP isn't "I'm passionate" - it's the unique combination of your lived experiences  
• Your "golden thread" is the belief that everything you do stems from  
• Choose three "feeling words" that you want people to experience from your content  
• Filter all your expertise through your golden thread for consistent, authentic content  

Connect with Melissa here:

Ways to work with Melissa: https://itsmelissahoward.myflodesk.com/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsmelissahoward
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsmelissahoward/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmelissahoward/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ItsMelissaHoward
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/itsmelissahoward

Is Exhibiting at Events Worth It? Making Your Stall Stand Out - The Visible(ish) Podcast Ep. 22.

Thinking about joining an in-person event to boost your business visibility? In this episode, Melissa Howard breaks down how to make the most of having a stall or stand, so you show up with confidence and a plan.

• How to decide if exhibiting at events is worth it for your business
• Tips for both product and service-based business owners on maximising your stall
• Energy management strategies for introverts and neurodivergent entrepreneurs
• Must-ask questions before booking an event and calculating real costs
• Action steps for planning, executing, and following up to turn one event into months of content and connections

Ready to level up your visibility? Tune in and grab Melissa’s free checklists to make event planning a breeze!  https://itsmelissahoward.myflodesk.com/

Chapters

00:00 Event Benefits vs Energy Costs

03:52 Event Planning and Cost Breakdown

08:45 Post-Event Strategy Insights

09:46 "Boosting Business Through Connection"

Connect with Melissa here:

Ways to work with Melissa: https://itsmelissahoward.myflodesk.com/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsmelissahoward
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsmelissahoward/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmelissahoward/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ItsMelissaHoward
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/itsmelissahoward

Choose the Right Social Platform for Your Business Goals: The Visible(ish)™ Podcast Ep. 21

Feeling overwhelmed by social media? Melissa Howard breaks down each platform's strengths and explains how to strategically choose where to show up based on your unique business goals, content style, and energy levels. Stop spreading yourself thin across multiple platforms and start getting real results.

Key Takeaways:
• Instagram favours original Reels (7-30 seconds), quality carousels, and strategic story engagement
• TikTok rewards authentic, unfiltered content with strong hooks and captions (1-3 minutes optimal)
• Choose platforms based on your business goals, audience location, and content creation strengths
• You don't need to be everywhere—focus deeply on 1-2 platforms that align with your energy

Chapters

01:14 - Deep dive into platforms
01:37 - Instagram: what's working
04:46 - TikTok: authenticity over polish
05:49 - YouTube: the long-game platform
07:16 - LinkedIn: B2B powerhouse
08:34 - Facebook & Twitter: specific niches
09:44 - Pinterest: visual evergreen content
10:30 - How to choose YOUR platforms
12:07 - Real client examples
13:44 - Conclusion & homework

Connect with Melissa here:

Ways to work with Melissa: https://itsmelissahoward.myflodesk.com/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsmelissahoward
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsmelissahoward/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmelissahoward/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ItsMelissaHoward
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/itsmelissahoward

Neurodivergent Family Life & Thriving as a Neurodivergent Parent | Madeleine Woolgar | Ep. 20

In this powerful episode of The Visible(ish)™ Podcast, host Melissa Howard speaks with ADHD expert and neurodiversity consultant Madeleine Woolgar about building a business while raising neurodivergent children. 

Madeleine shares her journey from working directly with children to supporting parents worldwide, especially during the challenging pandemic pivot that forced her to rebuild 75% of her business overnight.

Discover practical strategies for understanding your neurodivergent child's needs, creating a communication-friendly home environment, and designing a business that works with your unique brain wiring rather than against it. 

Madeleine offers invaluable insights on balancing entrepreneurship with parenting, finding joy in the journey, and giving yourself permission to work differently in both business and family life.

Connect with Madeleine: 
FREE online masterclass: 3 essential steps to support your Autistic/ADHD child’s emotional regulation. Monday 13 October at 8pm BST. 1 hour on Zoom. Replay will be sent to all who register in case you can't make it live.
www.neuro-embrace.com/masterclass

FREE Facebook group for a load of useful resources for parents of neurodivergent children (pre and post diagnosis) http://www.facebook.com/groups/heartledmums

Follow Madeleine on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/neuroembracingmadeleine 

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Madeleine Woolgar, ADHD expert and neurodiversity consultant
05:20 - What "Visible(ish)" means to Madeleine
09:05 - How Madeleine built her business supporting neurodivergent families
12:20 - The pandemic pivot that changed everything
17:45 - Accepting help and learning business skills
24:40 - Madeleine's personal neurodivergent journey
31:50 - Supporting neurodivergent parents and children
40:15 - Creating a communication-friendly environment at home
45:20 - How to balance business and parenting
53:05 - The importance of being authentic in business
56:00 - About Madeleine's Neuro Embracing Parenting program

Connect with Melissa here:

Ways to work with Melissa: https://itsmelissahoward.myflodesk.com/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsmelissahoward
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsmelissahoward/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmelissahoward/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ItsMelissaHoward
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/itsmelissahoward

Red Flags and Green Lights: Choosing the Right Business Partners for Collaboration - Ep. 19.

Collaborations don’t have to be cringey or complicated. Melissa breaks down how to find the right partners and create win-win situations without the sleazy sales pitch. Tune in for practical strategies and real talk on mastering collaborations the Visible(ish) way.

In this episode:

• How to spot the perfect collaboration partner (hint: it’s all about shared values, not just numbers)
• Ways to reach out without feeling awkward or desperate
• Collaboration ideas that aren’t just big launches or sales funnels—think podcast swaps, bundles, and more
• Setting clear expectations and boundaries so nothing falls through the cracks
• How to avoid the “icky sales” vibe and focus on genuine connection

Ready to boost your visibility and grow your business, on your terms? Hit play!

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Collaborative Partnerships

03:45 Complementary Partnership Values

08:39 Simple Collaboration Ideas

12:01 Plan Clearly for Live Sessions

14:58 Collaborate Authentically for Mutual Benefit

16:20 Visibleish Podcast: Visibility & Growth

Connect with Melissa here:

Ways to work with Melissa: https://itsmelissahoward.myflodesk.com/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsmelissahoward
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsmelissahoward/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmelissahoward/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ItsMelissaHoward
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/itsmelissahoward

ADHD Entrepreneur Advice: What to Outsource vs DIY in Content Creation - Visible(ish) Podcast Ep. 18.

Struggling with content creation overwhelm? Discover what you can actually outsource in your personal brand business without losing authenticity.

In this episode of The Visible(ish) Podcast, Melissa Howard tackles the biggest question ADHD (and other) entrepreneurs ask: "Can someone else just BE me on social media?"

If you've ever looked at your endless to-do list of content creation tasks and wished you could outsource your entire personality, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn:

The 80/20 rule for smart outsourcing in personal brands
Which visibility tasks you can hand off (and which you absolutely can't)
How to identify your biggest pain point: time, skills, energy, or cost
Why your personality is your profit centre
Practical steps to start outsourcing without losing your authentic voice

Perfect for: ADHD entrepreneurs, solo business owners, and anyone building a personal brand who feels overwhelmed by content creation demands.
Key Topics Covered:

Decision fatigue and ADHD brains
Personal brand authenticity
Content creation outsourcing strategy
Visibility task management
Neurodivergent business support

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction: The Visibility Task That Makes You Procrastinate
1:17 - Why We Want to Outsource Everything (ADHD & Decision Fatigue)
3:36 - Your Personality Is Your Profit Centre
4:56 - The 80/20 Rule for Smart Outsourcing
6:04 - Identifying Your Biggest Pain Point
8:38 - Overcoming Outsourcing Anxiety & Perfectionism
9:59 - Creating Your Outsourcing Strategy
11:07 - Finding the Right Help for Your Neurodivergent Brain
12:09 - Permission Slip & Challenge
13:03 - Outro & Next Steps

Connect with Melissa here:

Ways to work with Melissa: https://itsmelissahoward.myflodesk.com/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsmelissahoward
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsmelissahoward/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmelissahoward/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ItsMelissaHoward
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/itsmelissahoward

Strategic Event Networking: Show Up With Purpose | The Visible(ish) Podcast Ep.17

Stop wasting your energy at networking events that don't serve your business goals. In this episode, I share my 3-question test for choosing events strategically and how to show up with intention, especially if you're neurodivergent or feel like events aren't your thing!

What you'll learn:

• The 3-question test for strategic event selection
• How to research who's in the room before you go
• Entertainment and engagement strategies for ADHD brains
• Why most people are networking in the wrong rooms
• Positioning tactics that actually work at events
• How to plan your social battery usage wisely

Perfect for entrepreneurs, business owners and anyone who finds traditional networking draining but knows events could be powerful for their business growth.

FREE EVENT CONTENT VAULT: ready-to-go prompts for posting about events → https://itsmelissahoward.myflodesk.com/event-content-vault 

Chapters

00:00 "Strategic Socialising at Ideas Fest"

05:47 "Strategic Event Networking Strategy"

06:46 Evaluating Event Attendee Alignment

10:58 Event Networking Strategy Guide

16:22 "Effective Event Prep Strategies"

17:20 Strategic Networking Tips

21:29 Event Content Strategy Guide

Connect with Melissa here:

Ways to work with Melissa: https://itsmelissahoward.myflodesk.com/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsmelissahoward
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsmelissahoward/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmelissahoward/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ItsMelissaHoward
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/itsmelissahoward