How does a report full of podcast stats make you feel? Chances are, you either pore over every page or close the tab, afraid those nasty numbers will tell you things you don’t want to know! Lucky for all of us podcasters out there, Megan Dougherty—a brilliant digital marketing strategist, podcast producer, and creator of the State of Business Podcasting Report—is here to break down how to really get the most out of these statistics. The great news is, if you take them as gentle nudges instead of...
Dec 04, 2023•37 min•Ep. 70
What metrics are you using to measure your podcast’s success? Podcasting is a fantastic business marketing option. It’s a uniquely transparent and personal way to showcase your thought leadership, your services, and your authentic self—all without having to style your hair. Like any marketing strategy, podcasters inevitably want to see how successful their show is, and it’s understandable that they turn to popular metrics like downloads to figure this out. In this episode, Mary breaks down why t...
Nov 20, 2023•16 min•Ep. 69
How well do you know your ideal podcast listener? If you can figure out—like, really, deeply identify—the purpose of your podcast and who you’re creating it for, you’ll discover the huge impact this can have on your show’s success; it helps make every part super cohesive, from selecting your guests and topics, to reaching your ideal audience, to achieving personal growth along the way. Multi-hyphenate entrepreneur Shobna Kannusamy has experienced all these benefits firsthand while creating her p...
Nov 06, 2023•43 min•Ep. 68
How are you helping new listeners discover your podcast? When the news dropped that Google Podcasts would be shutting down in early 2024 (RIP), the industry was a-buzz. Google’s upcoming relocation of podcasts to YouTube Music will mean impactful changes for podcast creators, but those changes don’t have to be negative! Mary breaks down what was great about Google Podcasts and how you can make sure your show’s organic discovery doesn’t suffer in this shift. You’ll want to save this episode for f...
Oct 23, 2023•20 min•Ep. 67
In our rapidly changing, heavily digitized world, we need to level up our skills and improve or we run the risk of being left behind. This very fact led Christian Klepp, the co-founder of EINBLICK Consulting, to launch his podcast, B2B Marketers on a Mission, to help fellow marketers improve and succeed. In his role as a podcast host, Christian continuously applies the growth mindset he teaches. Whether you’re just planning your foray into podcasting or you’re well-established and looking to lev...
Oct 09, 2023•36 min•Ep. 66
Everyone has that Inner Voice—you know, the one that pipes up now and then to say you aren’t worthy enough, your ideas aren’t worthy enough, to share with the world or on your podcast. Mary has had her own struggle with that negative dialogue, and, to this day, it can sneak in to cast uncertainty on this very podcast. The good news is the process for shifting that inner voice into positive energy, the kind that will fuel your podcasting endeavours, can start right now! We’re going to get emotion...
Sep 25, 2023•15 min•Ep. 65
Your story is yours to share and it can serve a bigger purpose for your listener - it could change their whole world. Getting personal about your stories and experiences can make your listeners feel included, seen, and heard. Even if you prefer to avoid the spotlight, keep in mind that your podcast isn’t about you. It’s about what you can bring to the table through your lived experience. Being vulnerable enough to share a glimpse into what has made you, you, helps build a real connection with yo...
Jul 10, 2023•19 min•Ep. 64
The voice you have today is not the same voice you were born with. The things you experience and the media you're exposed to, all contribute to how you sound and frame what your idea of a powerful voice “should” sound like. But when you step out of the parameters set by culture, and abandon the idea of sounding “professional” you will discover that true power in your voice. Today’s episode is a revolution in how to think about your voice with Samara Bay, author of “Permission to Speak”. We nerd ...
Jun 26, 2023•41 min•Ep. 63
Reaching out to potential guests to appear on your podcast, especially those on your dream guest list, can feel overwhelming. Where do you start to create the perfect email so that they’ll open up your email and say, “Yes!” Listen in as I unveil my blueprint for reaching out to potential guests so they’ll want to be on your show. Plus, make sure you stay until the end of the episode because you’ll hear a real life example of an email that was sent off, so you'll see how this all works in real li...
Jun 12, 2023•24 min•Ep. 62
Going down the rabbit hole of Google can sometimes suck the life out of doing the actual thing you were Googling to do. This happens a lot in podcasting, especially at the start! Whether you haven’t started your podcast yet, are only a few episodes in, or are publishing episodes in the double or triple digits, this episode will unlock your mindset into the world of podcasting. Being able to break up with your self-doubt and escape the “shoulds” of other people's opinions, will be key to creating...
May 29, 2023•36 min•Ep. 61
When prepping for your next podcast episode there are many steps you might want to consider before you hit record. Implementing a great workflow with structure, planning, and a healthy mindset, will make the recording process so much smoother. It doesn’t matter if you are recording an interview, creating your own solo episode, or even if you have a roundtable of experts, you’ll need a plan to create episodes that your listener is going to love each and every time! Before you hit that record butt...
May 15, 2023•17 min•Ep. 60
How do you connect the mind, body and emotions to push your speaking skills to new heights? Movement in your body plays a huge role in how your podcasting voice gets amplified behind the mic. Becoming in tune with yourself and revealing the healing work that needs to be done, will help you discover a deeper connection with your voice as a podcaster! Holding a true passion for breaking the previously set limits of our minds, Kathryn Yarborough, the creator of Manifesting Clients Academy, talks ab...
May 01, 2023•39 min•Ep. 59
What you wear can affect everything from your mood to your voice itself. As podcasters, constricting or uncomfortable clothing can negatively impact how your voice comes alive. In today’s episode, you'll discover how your clothes impact your voice. Listen in to hear: Why it's important to be comfy and confident in your wardrobe Why you should wear what you love Tips for mic-friendly clothing options Links worth exploring from the episode: Mary's voice workshop at NTEN's 23NTC in Denver https://w...
Apr 17, 2023•11 min•Ep. 58
How do you attract more listeners and organically grow your podcast? Despite what popular algorithms will have you believe, success in promoting your podcast does not have to be focused on social media! Come along as we discuss ways to make your podcast branding stand out to grow your show! In today’s episode, we start with the phrase: “Connection, not perfection”, trademarked by Lindsay McMahon. Lindsay is the co-host of All Ears English, a podcast that’s been downloaded 8 million times per mon...
Apr 03, 2023•39 min•Ep. 57
Reliable backups are key for your podcast production process. They can help when you inevitably lose your audio or interviews. When tech issues, human error, or unpredictable circumstances happen, having backups can provide peace of mind for you and your workflow. Avoid the frustration of losing it all when creating your podcast by taking a page from my real-life podcasting disaster! You'll uncover: How backups are a vital part of the podcasting process Programs and processes to implement backup...
Mar 20, 2023•14 min•Ep. 56
Wherever you are on your podcasting journey, your voice plays a vital role. It’s your number one instrument for your podcast! Think about it. No voice, no podcast. In this episode, we’ll deep dive into how self-confidence and the opinions of others can impact how we feel about our own voice. Together, let’s go through five super-simple, thought-provoking questions that will help you uncover the pieces of your voice that will make you feel more confident. So get ready to unleash your inner podcas...
Mar 06, 2023•17 min•Ep. 55
Happy New Year! It’s the perfect time of year to reflect on and celebrate your podcast! As a podcaster, it’s easy to get caught in the behind-the-scenes of your show. So, let’s make time to contemplate what worked, what didn't, and what you want to tweak in this new year. It can really make all the difference in your growth as a podcaster. Also to note that I'll be on my usual new year break for the podcast. This will be a great time for you to do some planning for yourself. I'll be back in earl...
Jan 02, 2023•26 min•Ep. 54
Feelings are great for when you're behind the microphone. But when it comes down to being behind the mic, how much do you reveal? That can get a little tricky when you haven't worked through what's really holding you back. My guest today coined the term Hilarapy, the creation of comedy as therapy. Lizzie Allan is a self-designed comedy therapist and professional comedian. Whilst embracing her own healing journey from madness and addiction, she discovered that comedy and vulnerability had the pow...
Dec 19, 2022•42 min•Ep. 53
A new to me phrase is “code-switching,” a term I learnt recently about cultural differences in speech. It’s where you switch from one language to the next or adopt both languages at the same time interchangeably. But what about beyond racial culture and language? The culture of your community and who you are actually speaking to? It's something we all do in everyday situations and in podcasting, you code-switch a lot more than you think. Connect with Mary! Leave a voicemail with your feedback at...
Dec 06, 2022•13 min•Ep. 52
No matter your background or the experience level you have to start a podcast, you have a wealth of knowledge to bring to the table. Think of the many past experiences you’ve had up until this point - all of which can be beneficial for your show. That experience isn't only what's on your resume, but also what you're taught by your community - classmates, teachers, and even your parents. My guest today is Stephanie Fuccio, an American podcast editor and podcaster, currently living in Europe. Befo...
Nov 21, 2022•36 min•Ep. 51
As humans, we are people pleasers. We want connection, community, and a feeling of belonging. As young kids, we do things to please our parents, our teachers, and friends. Then as adults, we want to fulfill the needs of our bosses, partners (romantic or otherwise), and so on. Podcasting can have that same reflection. We want to delight our listeners, teach or entertain them with our thoughts and stories. But when you think about how you feel and how you may sound, all of those feelings impact yo...
Nov 08, 2022•10 min•Ep. 50
When you hit that record button, how does stigma play a role in keeping your story to yourself? What if you can choose to ignore that stigma and be open and vulnerable behind the mic? My guest today is Jay Shifman, a vulnerable storyteller and the host of the Choose Your Struggle podcast. In our conversation, Jay shares his experience about his speaking and podcasting journey that reveals how to use effective storytelling to break down walls and stereotypes, why the fear of oversharing plays a p...
Oct 24, 2022•38 min•Ep. 49
When you’re behind the mic, how often do you second guess yourself, pause and try not to say those ums and uhs? Or you put on your “podcast host” hat and start speaking with a different voice? In today's episode, I break down the limiting beliefs about what makes a “strong voice” so we can rewrite our subconscious brain about what we believe that is. You’ll learn how to reclaim your voice and go from being restricted and nervous to being magnetic and unapologetically yourself behind the mic. The...
Oct 10, 2022•15 min•Ep. 48
How we perceive strong and confident voices gets manipulated from the big screen and from everyday media. These platforms tinker with our minds to make us think that certain voices or tones represent one way of strength or weakness. And the media will have us all believe that self-assured, confident people sound smooth and never say “um” or “uh” or “like.” But being in the real world, that's not true. Today, I'm bringing on Maya Chupkov, the executive director of Proud Stutter, a podcast about s...
Sep 26, 2022•37 min•Ep. 47
I’m back from my Summer break and after reflecting on my personal life and my story so far, I had a few thoughts come up that tie into podcasting. How do we know when to share things, how much do we share, and what is important to share when we're behind the mic? In this episode and the next few episodes for the rest of 2022, I’m diving deeper into that mindset and how to share your story behind your voice. Today, I'll share mine. Resources mentioned in this episode: Episode 40 https://www.organ...
Sep 12, 2022•30 min•Ep. 46
One of my values is to have fun. Have fun doing what you're doing. Have fun podcasting. Have fun using your voice, and giggling and laughing are part of what I do. So, today we're talking about being vulnerable through laughter and embracing the most authentic version of yourself. Laughter plays an important role, so listen in to find out why it's huge for your podcast. Connect with Mary! Leave a voicemail with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice Or email VisibleVoicePodcast@...
Jul 12, 2022•14 min•Ep. 45
What does it mean to know yourself and then to be it? This question pretty much sums up what your personal brand can mean. This week’s special guest, DP Knudten, joins me as we decipher what a personal brand can mean for you and your podcast. We'll also share the importance of podcasting for building your self-confidence and growth and how podcasting is more than just a marketing platform. So listen in about his tips for your next iteration of your personal brand. You’ll also learn: The differen...
Jun 20, 2022•37 min•Ep. 44
A brand is a feeling and so is your podcast. Brands tell a story and when you tell that story with your own voice, it creates a strong emotional connection to your listener. That's what your podcast is doing for you. Through your voice, they get to know you as a person versus reading up on what it is that you do. In this episode, learn how to convey those emotions and showcase your authority and talent by building your personal brand. Resources mentioned in the episode: Artio Design Co https://w...
Jun 06, 2022•14 min•Ep. 43
Like computer software, your brain is programmed to keep you safe, but sometimes it's doing its job all too well. One area of that is judgement. When we receive judgement, especially when we use our voice, we have this fear of judgement from ourselves and especially from others. What will they think of me? Will I be perceived as smart and knowledgeable versus weak and not knowing what I'm talking about? Maggie Perotin is a business and leadership coach who recently launched her podcast and touch...
May 23, 2022•32 min•Ep. 42
There is nothing wrong with having an accent because everyone has an accent based on where you were born, where you grew up, and where you live. It's associated with where you're from. So why are we trying to erase who we are or assimilate into the same accent? Be you on your podcast and empower yourself to know that you can alter certain sounds or syllables based on your muscles, your tongue, your lips, and how you say something because we're not going to erase who you are. Come along this ride...
May 09, 2022•14 min•Ep. 41
