Today’s session features a coaching call about how to build an email list simultaneously with an online course. You’ve probably heard that social media is the best option for building an email list, but is it? There are pros and cons to consider. Join us as we discuss this topic that is relevant to many people. I hope it’s helpful for you! Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call: Tami Zak, AMFT Tami Zak was part of our first beta group for Online Course School last fall. Her practice is bas...
Mar 10, 2022•35 min
This session covers an important topic in today’s world. I had an unsettling experience personally with the issue of privacy regarding my personal information. It has been a big, bad mess all the way around that has taken a lot of time and effort to straighten out. I’ve become a big believer in the importance of knowledge and awareness about online security. As being in the online world becomes the norm for practitioners and business owners, how can we protect our personal information? Join us f...
Mar 03, 2022•35 min
Today’s session is a solo episode in which I share details about why I have made the $4K investment in studio lighting for my home office since 2019. This session is prompted by a Twitter feed that has gone viral about this subject. You can check it out on Twitter and see lots of pictures of my lighting gear, including before and after examples that really show the improvements. Even though this gear can be pricey, you can follow my tips, start small, and add quality equipment over time to take ...
Feb 24, 2022•21 min
Today’s topic is one of great interest to me because of my journey through life. It can be difficult and very challenging to balance fatherhood and entrepreneurship in a way that feels like you are giving your best to both roles. Maybe you find yourself in a similar situation. Join me for today’s conversation to learn more! Our Featured Guest: Ryan Spence Ryan Spence is a father of two, a former corporate lawyer turned entrepreneur, and a life coach who helps others show up as their best selves ...
Feb 17, 2022•35 min
Welcome to Session 300! I never even imagined reaching this point, and I’m very grateful to be at this milestone. I love everything about connecting with people through podcasting, so thank you for joining me on this journey. Today’s show is a coaching call about online courses and the imposter syndrome that sneaks in with fear and doubt. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call: Nikki Sewell, LCSW Nikki Sewell was part of our beta group for Online Course School’s eigh...
Feb 10, 2022•29 min
If you are struggling to build your email list, today’s show can help! With over 300 STC newsletters and 5K subscribers, I’ve learned a few lessons about what works–and what doesn’t. We are fortunate that the STC newsletter has a much higher “open rate” than the 20% average, which can be attributed to what I have discovered along the way. Join me as I go solo today to share my insights that you can put into practice right now. You’ll Learn: ● Why your mindset should be to make recipients excited...
Feb 03, 2022•19 min
Today’s show covers lessons I have learned from launching a successful cohort-based course (CBC). The process takes a lot of work but is very rewarding, so if a CBC is in your future, don’t miss this episode. You’ll Learn: ● How I launched my first online course, The Healthcasters, in 2015, even though I felt like an inadequate novice ● How Online Course School launched in late 2021, with 16 workshops for nine colleagues in the beta cohort group ● Ten lessons learned from my CBC launch: ○ Get yo...
Jan 27, 2022•27 min
Today’s show covers a topic that always brings out the nerd in me. If you are an STC regular, then you know the importance I place on my video and audio gear. With the future of our field being that telehealth is here to stay, a quality home studio setup can help you stand out in your field. For me, the quality of my studio has evolved over the years as I’ve had more money to invest. Join the conversation to learn how to take your videos to the next level by building a dream home studio. Our Fea...
Jan 20, 2022•39 min
One of the new things for STC this year is the incorporation of coaching calls into the podcast from time to time. Join us for a glimpse into today’s coaching call about online courses. Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call Heather McKenzie, LCMHCS Heather McKenzie came through Online Course School as a beta student back in the fall of 2021. Online Course School is a live, eight-week experience that takes your online course from a simple idea all the way through the development stages so ...
Jan 13, 2022•35 min
I’m excited to begin a new year and a new season with you! While we were on the holiday break, STC hit a huge milestone of 1.2 million downloads, which is unbelievable to me. I’m so grateful for the success of STC and being able to offer this resource. Today’s show focuses on one of my favorite topics, which is personal finance. Investing can be overwhelming and very confusing. Join us to learn how anyone can approach investing with knowledge and confidence. Our Featured Guest: Andy Gupta Andy G...
Jan 06, 2022•31 min
Today’s solo episode topic may be one you’ve thought a lot about, or it may be something that hasn’t crossed your mind. We are discussing the ins and outs of creating a membership site, something that comes up frequently in discussions in the STC Facebook community. It’s something I’ve been trying to figure out over the past 13 months. We are talking about what goes into creating a membership site, how to launch it, how to create it, and more. I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way, ...
Dec 30, 2021•29 min
When it comes to your business, how much is ENOUGH? How do you even know what enough is? These are questions we can all use some clarity about, along with evaluating the success of our business. Today’s show is a solo episode and the last one before I take the month of August off for a time of self-care and refreshment before returning with new shows in September. I’ve begun doing this a few times each year and have seen great benefit in the downtime. This particular break has added meaning, as ...
Dec 23, 2021•30 min
What techniques have you found that help you stay on task each day? Maybe you have some tried and true habits, or maybe you recognize the need to put in place a little more structure. Either way, there is inspiration waiting for you in today’s show! Solo episodes are always fun for me because I love getting to share with you what I’m learning. Today’s topic is about the habits I’ve incorporated to maximize my productivity on a week-to-week basis. For many of us, our self-worth is measured by how...
Dec 16, 2021•24 min
Today’s topic is one that puzzles many clinicians and leaves us feeling uncomfortable. We’ve approached setting fees on past episodes, but today we are diving deeper into setting fees that ensure our profitability. How do we make sure our business is growing, thriving, and allowing for future expansion? Join us as we learn more with today’s guest. Reina Lombardi is an art therapist based in Florida. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge about debt, building a business, and setting fees. R...
Dec 09, 2021•41 min
Today’s show is about search engine optimization (SEO), an essential aspect of your private practice website. The truth is that you can have the most beautifully designed website on the planet, but it won’t help your practice if it doesn’t attract people. If you’re confused about trying to navigate the world of SEO, then this is the show you don’t want to miss! Dr. Maelisa Hall is a licensed psychologist and digital marketing expert. She’s here to break down the intimidating world of SEO with la...
Dec 02, 2021•46 min
As a clinician, do you have a social media policy? Is it something you’ve ever considered? If not, then this show may open your eyes to this topic. How can we as clinicians create a sound social media policy while navigating the intersection of our personal and professional lives? Dr. Keely Kolmes is a psychologist, speaker, consultant, writer, researcher, and innovator in San Francisco and Oakland, CA. Dr. Keely’s work covers many areas, but the development of a social media policy is one speci...
Nov 25, 2021•33 min
Since STC usually focuses on aspects of the journey into private practice, today’s show is different. We are talking to someone who decided to take her skill set in another direction and move away from private practice. A traditional talk-therapy practice isn’t for everyone, and there are other therapeutic healing modalities that can be fulfilling and meaningful. Join us to learn more! Hayley Hansen is a body-centered healer based in Phoenix, Arizona. She was a Licensed Professional Counselor wh...
Nov 17, 2021•33 min
We are tackling another topic relevant to the pandemic crisis. This particular time is a good chance to think about private practice in different ways than ever before. If you’ve ever considered blogging as a way to build your practice and expand your reach to your ideal clients, then this is the show for you. Lauren Hahn is a licensed mental health counselor in Orlando, Florida. She has built a successful private practice through blogging. In this episode, Lauran shares the process that she’s g...
Nov 11, 2021•42 min
During times like these, it’s essential to think outside the box, but every decision has business and financial implications. One way to survive the pandemic shutdown is to pull back from one-on-one work and create income streams that aren’t dependent on being there in person. If you’re curious to know more, then join us for this episode. Jackie Flynn teaches therapists how to integrate EMDR Therapy and Play Therapy techniques, and she is launching a membership site this year. In this episode, J...
Nov 04, 2021•49 min
This is the last podcast episode for this year as I take some extra time off to refresh, recharge, and get new episodes ready for 2022. In this solo episode, I’m reflecting and sharing the top five business lessons I have learned this year and what I’ll be focusing on for the upcoming year. You’ll Learn: ● How I was intentional about taking an indefinite sabbatical from clinical work to focus fully on STC (See Episode 210 for the full story.) ● Why humbling realizations came to me about the diff...
Oct 28, 2021•31 min
Today’s topic is one that many clinicians have navigated, are navigating, or will navigate in the future. It’s the idea of increasing fees with existing clients. I’ve seen this topic come up repeatedly in online groups for therapists, and I know it brings anxiety and confusion. Let’s dig into it together! Our Featured Guests Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer are therapists, private practice owners, and the founders of ZynnyMe, where they teach and train therapists t...
Oct 21, 2021•35 min
Have you ever considered writing a children’s book? I’ll admit that I’ve thought about it, and it might be a new endeavor in my future. Writing a children’s book takes creativity and planning, and much perseverance is required to navigate the publishing process. Join me as I talk to a longtime friend who has been through the process and published two children’s books. Our Featured Guest Amy Jivani Amy is a childhood friend of mine who has become a children’s book author. Her latest book, Meera’s...
Oct 14, 2021•29 min
What would it be like to own and run your own group therapy practice--including the building? And to complicate matters, what if the whole endeavor is getting off the ground during a global pandemic? It might sound crazy, but you’ll hear the details from today’s guest who is making it all happen after facing down all the obstacles. Join us! Our Featured Guest Karen Grayson, PhD, LPC Dr. Karen Grayson had a vision a few years ago of owning a therapy practice building, so she followed through with...
Oct 07, 2021•37 min
Today’s show is about navigating long-haul COVID symptoms and life as a private practitioner. I wanted to have a non-academic conversation about this intriguing topic from a real-life perspective. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Robert Cox, MA, LPC, NCC Robert Cox is a private practitioner in Kentucky. He contracted COVID back in December. After a few weeks, he noticed that his symptoms improved a little but then continued. You’ll hear Robert’s story of his long-haul COVID symptoms and...
Sep 30, 2021•33 min
Today’s show is about one of my most favorite topics in the world: sleep. I’ll admit that my thinking about sleep has changed a lot over the years as I’ve learned more. Whether you’re a champion sleeper or someone who needs to pay more attention to rest, today’s show has helpful information and expert tips for you. Join us! Our Featured Guest Liz Slonena Liz Slonena is a psychologist in Asheville, NC. She has expertise in sleep and insomnia, and I wanted to have her share her insights with us. P...
Sep 23, 2021•39 min
So much of what we do as clinicians revolves around leadership, even though we may not be comfortable thinking of ourselves that way. If we are truly leaders in what we do, it makes sense to learn all we can about making ourselves the best leaders possible. The world needs good leaders! Join us as we discuss all things leadership development in today’s show Our Featured Guest Jevin Koleth Jevin Koleth is a leadership coach who happens to be a childhood friend of mine. He has vast experience in w...
Sep 16, 2021•36 min
Today’s show is about building an online directory, which is hugely relevant to every clinician. Whether you’ve used an online directory to refer clients or thought about creating a directory to help other clinicians and clients, you know that it is a valuable resource that makes it easier to find a therapist who can help with very specific needs. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Laura Reagan, LCSW-C Laura Reagan is a clinical social worker and integrative trauma specialist in Maryland ...
Sep 09, 2021•33 min
Welcome to a new season of STC! Today’s conversation is different from the typical STC session, as it was inspired by a thread created in the STC community about healthcare providers dismissing legitimate medical concerns. This situation is one that you might encounter personally or with your clients, so I hope you’ll find our conversation helpful and informative. Join us! Our Featured Guest Danielle Hughes, MA, LPC Danielle Hughes is in private practice in Loveland, CO. Danielle shared her pers...
Sep 02, 2021•26 min
As STC has grown, I’ve been wanting to address this topic of getting on other podcasts as a guest. In a typical week, I receive several requests from people wanting to be a guest on STC. There are several reasons why I cannot accept every one of those requests, and there are things to consider in remaining authentic while seeking podcast appearances. In this solo episode, we discuss some tips to follow if you want to increase your exposure by appearing on podcasts. RESOURCES TO GUIDE YOUR BUSINE...
Aug 26, 2021•27 min
This is the follow-up to last week’s podcast about creating a professional livestream. We’ve already covered the gear you’ll need, so today’s show focuses on creating the content for your livestream. Join me for Part 2! If you listened to Episode 258, you might be saying, “OK, Melvin, I have the gear, so what else do I need to do to prep for my livestream?” I’m glad you asked! After only doing livestreams for a few months, I’ve already learned a lot (including some very cool timesaving hacks and...
Aug 19, 2021•31 min
