Struggling to start something new because you're afraid of looking foolish? This episode is your permission slip to begin. You’ll learn how Stoic philosophy and growth mindset can help you move through discomfort, let go of perfectionism, and build real confidence – one imperfect step at a time. If you’ve been overthinking or biting your tongue, this conversation will help you shift into action. Read the transcript *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach . My work is ...
Jun 29, 2025•12 min
What do abandoned mansions in Bucharest have to do with dirty dishes and emotional resentment? In this episode, I explore how our desire for fairness can lead us to self-sabotage — and how Stoic justice asks us to think beyond pride, punishment, and being right. We’ll walk through a real-world example of decades-long property disputes, connect it to the Ultimatum Game in behavioral economics, and look at how these same dynamics show up in our everyday relationships — from family drama to who doe...
Jun 21, 2025•11 min
Mr. Darcy has been on my mind this week. Not because he’s the fantasy of so many women, but because I finally read Pride and Prejudice , and discovered something shocking (to me) about him. I’d always thought of Mr. Darcy as this tall, brooding, misunderstood character. The fabulously wealthy, handsome man who everyone thinks is a jerk, but secretly has a heart of gold and wants to take care of you. This is why women have been obsessed with him for hundreds of years. The strong, silent, mysterio...
Dec 08, 2024•15 min
Last week, I gave one of the lightning talks at Stoicon 2024. The topic: How to Combat Speaking Anxiety with Stoicism. Want to see the video? Head to my Substack 👉 Citizens of the World Thanks for listening ❤️ sarahmikutel.com Does the phrase “public speaking” make you feel a little sick…even if it’s just a team meeting or a group conversation? I made something to help you. Calm Your Nerves in 90 Seconds is a free anxiety-reduction toolkit with a guided meditation and journal to help you commun...
Oct 25, 2024•10 min
Why do we get angry? How can we challenge our immediate reactions? And what's the best way to articulate our feelings without passive aggression or a blow-up? In this episode, you'll learn four Stoic tips to turn potential conflicts into opportunities for personal growth and stronger relationships. Does the phrase “public speaking” make you feel a little sick…even if it’s just a team meeting or a group conversation? I made something to help you. Calm Your Nerves in 90 Seconds is a free anxiety-r...
Feb 02, 2024•9 min
Our intentions don’t always line up with our outcomes, and misunderstandings lead to anger, sadness, frustration, and conflict. In this episode, I’ll talk about intent vs impact, which is more important, and how to effectively and ethically communicate your intentions. Of course, I’ll be weaving in the timeless wisdom of the Stoics. Hi, I’m Sarah Mikutel, your communication and mindset coach, an Enneagram 9 expat in England, and practicing Stoic. Introverts come to me to learn to speak confident...
Nov 05, 2023•18 min
Introvert Emergency Kit Click here if you're ready to become a less anxious, more charismatic public speaker . When it comes to public speaking, what exactly are you afraid of? Most people I talk to don’t explore their fears at all – and this makes them worse. The thought of public speaking brings up such uncomfortable feelings that they try to ignore them or stuff them down – which is why they continue to suffer from speaking anxiety, one of the most common fears in the world. How is an amorpho...
Oct 14, 2023•21 min
We often hear how negative self-comparisons can be, especially when it comes to social media. But what if we could use comparison as a force for good? A tool to help us grow and flourish at work and in our personal lives? Great news, we can! Today you’ll learn how to stop negatively comparing yourself to others and start measuring your progress in healthier and more productive ways. Plus, you’ll learn the scientific theory about why you’re actually more likable the less perfect you are. Hi, I'm ...
Jul 31, 2023•21 min
To be an effective communicator, you need to learn how other people think and what motivates them. In this episode, you'll learn how to use the Enneagram typology to do just that. Discover the nine core personality types and uncover the layers of motivations and desires that drive our actions and reactions. You'll walk away with a better understanding of yourself and how to engage with the different personalities in your life. Ready to transform your life? Let's chat. sarahmikutel.com Does the p...
Jul 07, 2023•24 min
Do you fly into a fit of rage when people interrupt you? Maybe not externally, but quietly in your head? This episode is for you, my fellow introvert. Learn why people interrupt and how to respond to interruptions from a place of confidence and strength. Book a consult to discuss your communication and confidence goals. sarahmikutel.com Does the phrase “public speaking” make you feel a little sick…even if it’s just a team meeting or a group conversation? I made something to help you. Calm Your N...
Jun 22, 2023•22 min
Most of our suffering comes from thoughts that we let run wild in our brains. We spend a lot of time each day rehashing different conversations and situations in our mind, and we think that we’re just reviewing facts. But we’re not. We’re reflecting on our own points of view, assuming what others think, worrying about the future, and ruminating about the past. The ancient Stoics understood that our thoughts are nothing more than stories we tell ourselves. And modern mental health professionals a...
Jun 12, 2023•18 min
When you feel like you're being taken advantage of, do you speak up, or stay quiet and grumble to yourself later? In this episode, I share a personal story about when someone tried taking me to the cleaners -- you'll get the pun after listening -- and how I successfully navigated the situation. Get ready to explore why we feel awkward standing up for ourselves and strategies to manage this anxiety while asserting ourselves more confidently. From retraining our brains to identifying patterns of b...
Jun 05, 2023•15 min
It's nearly the anniversary of D-Day, the largest air, sea, and land operation in the history of war. On D-Day alone, Nazis killed nearly 4,500 Allied troops and injured many more. In one day. And I keep asking myself: Are we living lives that honor that sacrifice? We can do better. On this episode of the podcast, I share some thoughts on how we can live lives worth dying for. How we can show up as Stoic leaders. https://sarahmikutel.com/...
May 29, 2023•26 min
Where do emotions come from? What are emotions? Most of us don’t give this much thought. We live as if we’re at the mercy of our emotions. We live in fear of them. Anxiety and anger and stress. We try to deny them or indulge in them in unhelpful ways. And this often means staying quiet. We’re not willing to be with an emotion long enough to feel its power diminish. Did you know this usually happens in about 90 seconds? Think about a time when you had to speak in public, whether in a meeting, on ...
May 22, 2023•14 min
Why does public speaking scare introverts so much? In this episode, you’ll learn: the science behind why public speaking feels so terrifying for introverts what introversion is whether we’re born with our personalities the key differences between introverts and extroverts where the word ‘cool’ came from And more! If confidence is a trait you’d like to grow in yourself, let’s talk. Book your free, 20-min chat to to discuss how you can learn to speak confidently in front of a room, online, and in ...
May 15, 2023•13 min
Welcome to the Influential Introvert, which will be replacing Podcasting Step by Step in this feed. The Influential Introvert is for business owners and leaders who want to speak confidently in front of a room, online, and in social situations without becoming a sweaty, blushing mess with a stress headache. Hi, I’m your host Sarah Mikutel, and you may be wondering why I’m switching up the podcast. I consider it an evolution. While not all of Podcasting Step by Step listeners are introverts, many...
May 08, 2023•5 min
Looking to spice up your podcast format? Try adding audio clips from your listeners. It's a fun way to engage your audience and it's not as complicated as you might think. Speakpipe is a popular tool you can use but I talk about a free way to capture listener feedback in this episode. *** Hiya, I'm your host Sarah Mikutel , podcast launch consultant at your service. Are you ready to launch a podcast that builds your brand and business, connects you to your global community, and grows your influe...
Jul 14, 2021•9 min
In case you haven’t heard, both Apple and Spotify have rolled out podcast subscription programs, which would allow individual creators to get paid for their work. In a previous episode on how to make money with your podcast, I mentioned the listener-support model. This is when you invite your listeners to financially donate to your show. Up until now the most popular platform to collect this money and offer content is called Patreon. A number of other players have cropped up, including Buy Me a ...
May 02, 2021•10 min
How do I grow my podcast? How do I make money with my podcast? Those are the most popular subjects when it comes to podcasting about podcasting. You’ve heard me say many times that creating a product or service of your own is the best way to monetize. And on a recent episode you heard my guest Jeremy Enns and I talking about nurturing your audience and building relationships. Jeremy built his business this way and today I want to talk to you about how you can build your business and podcast thro...
Apr 01, 2021•28 min
Why do some podcasts grow while others do not? My guest today, Jeremy Enns, asked himself that question and is in a unique position to get an answer. He’s CEO & Storyteller In Chief of Counterweight Creative, a podcast strategy and marketing agency. Jeremy looked into the data of what was and wasn’t working for his clients. Today, he's sharing what he’s learned. Jeremy and I are discussing: How Your Podcast's Positioning Can (And Will) Make Or Break Your Show What Most Podcasters Get Wrong A...
Mar 11, 2021•36 min
As a podcaster, should you be on Clubhouse, the newish social media app that’s audio only? If so, how can you use Clubhouse to deepen your connection with your podcast audience , help new listeners discover you, and find great people to interview? I will dive into that in this episode. Plus share some surprising things I learned while playing around on this app over the last few weeks. *** Hiya, I'm your host Sarah Mikutel , podcast launch consultant at your service. Are you ready to launch a po...
Feb 19, 2021•19 min
Do you record your remote interviews with the camera on or off? On Podcasting Step by Step, I share what I do and why, plus who should keep their camera off and who should have it on (it has nothing to do with looks!) *** Hiya, I'm your host Sarah Mikutel , podcast launch consultant at your service. Are you ready to launch a podcast that builds your brand and business, connects you to your global community, and grows your influence? Visit sarahmikutel.com to see how we can work together. Here’s ...
Jan 14, 2021•10 min
As we close out the year, I thought this would be a good time to share with you the current podcast products and services that I’m using and will likely continue to use throughout 2021. In this episode, I talk through what I use to produce an interview episode. Don’t worry about writing anything down, you’ll find links to everything I talk about on 👉 sarahmikutel.com *** Hiya, I'm your host Sarah Mikutel, podcast launch consultant at your service. Are you ready to launch a podcast that builds y...
Dec 31, 2020•14 min
** Note the original name of my new pod was Part of Something Greater, but I've since changed it to LIVE Without Borders* Well, hello there, fellow podcaster. I just experienced the joy and nervousness of launching a new podcast: LIVE Without Borders , a show for peacefully ambitious people seeking personal transformation so they can better themselves, their communities, and the world at large. This is the fourth time I’ve launched a podcast, and I think there will always be a mix of excitement ...
Dec 09, 2020•50 min
Have you thought about adding video to your podcast? You might know that YouTube is the second-largest search engine after Google -- people can’t get enough of video and consumption is only going up. There’s also a lot more video on social media. So if you’re trying to grow your audience, should your audio podcast also show up as a video show? Today, my friend Andrea Jones is back to talk to me about who should and shouldn’t bring video into their podcast production; how producing video positive...
Nov 13, 2020•46 min•Ep. 83
How often should you release podcast episodes if you want to build a following? Weekly, bi-weekly? Does it matter? In this episode, I break down the key criteria to consider when choosing your podcast frequency. P.S. Podcasting Step by Step is going bi-weekly because I'm developing a new podcast that is very close to my heart. Want a behind-the-scenes look at how I'm creating it? Watch my Stories on Instagram @sarahmikuel *** Hiya, I'm your host Sarah Mikutel, podcast launch consultant at your s...
Nov 01, 2020•10 min•Ep. 82
When you upload a podcast episode, are you filling out the podcast description ? If you are not, you are driving listeners away. They don't want to guess what you're about -- there are many other podcasts they can choose. Need more motivation? Last year, ABC Audio Studios in Australia, came out with a study that said 71% of people are motivated to try a new podcast based on the description and title. More motivating than friend recommendations or podcast artwork. Let’s talk about how to keep lis...
Oct 24, 2020•10 min•Ep. 81
Wondering if now is a good time to start a podcast? NPR and Edison Research have just put out The Spoken Word Audio Report, which includes stats and stories you’ll definitely be interested in. Let's dive into some juicy podcast 2020 statistics. Show notes at sarahmikutel.com *** Hello. I’m Sarah, your host and founder of Podcast Launch Academy . Are you ready to launch a podcast that builds your brand and business, connects you to your global community, and grows your influence? Visit sarahmikut...
Oct 16, 2020•16 min•Ep. 80
What do you do if a podcaster copies your content? You file a DMCA Takedown Notice. On this episode of Podcasting Step by Step, I walk you through the steps I took to get plagiarism of my work removed from the infringer's podcast media host. *** Hello. I’m Sarah, your host and founder of Podcast Launch Academy . Are you ready to launch a podcast that builds your brand and business, connects you to your global community, and grows your influence? Visit sarahmikutel.com to see how we can work toge...
Oct 09, 2020•13 min•Ep. 79
What do you get for the podcaster who has everything? Pod Decks ! Travis Brown is a podcast editor, host of the podcast Podcast Therapy , and creator of Pod Decks, which are decks of cards with interesting questions to use during your podcast interviews. These questions can also be found in a new app that includes podcast mini courses, royalty-free music, giveaways, and more. A lot of people have told Travis, “Hey, I had the idea for Pod Decks years ago.” But they never did anything with it. On ...
Oct 01, 2020•35 min•Ep. 78
