- Have you been dreaming of starting a podcast, but you're not sure where to begin? Or maybe you're ready to take your voice and your brand to the next level. If that's you, I've gotten just what you need. Join me for my free live masterclass podcasting 101, how to start, record, and profit from your show at freepodcastclass.com. Now in this live masterclass, I'm gonna cover how podcasting can connect you with the mentors you admire, the tech setup that you need to start confidently, even if you're a total beginner, and the powerful ways your podcast can grow your business and boost your bottom line. Plus, just for showing up live, you'll get a free equipment checklist to make starting your podcast that much easier. I am handing over exactly what gear I use for this show and the different levels of investment for tech that makes you sound like a pro. This isn't just another webinar, it is a step-by-step roadmap to kickstart your podcast and turn your passion into profit. So don't wait, sign up now, and let's get that mic turned on in your message heard. Head to freepodcastclass.com to save your seat today. That's freepodcastclass.com. I'll see you there. If you're a creative soul looking for a way to take your photography or event business to the next level without adding more hours to your schedule, you're gonna love this inspiring story. Catalina was a wedding photographer working her tail off to make $1,000 for weeks of work, but when she added a photo booth to her business, everything changed. She started charging the same amount for just three hours of work. Since then, she scaled her business to seven figures. Now, if you're thinking, that sounds like the dream, you need to check out this free masterclass from Photo Booth Supply Co. It's called Capture Success, how to turn your creative passion into a six-figure photo booth business. Catalina's gonna show you how you can take what you're already passionate about and turn it into a massive profit. You'll learn how you can earn $1,000 or more per event with a photo booth rental business. If you're someone who loves creating memories or maybe you've been looking for a fun side hustle, you've got to check this out. Head to photo booth supplyco.com/goldicker to get your free access and my special promo code. This is your chance to work smarter, create more freedom and build something truly amazing. That's photo booth supplyco.com/goldicker. I think that podcasting, if you want to grow it all, is so brilliant because you are able to build trust. And the more that you're able to build trust, you are able to create repeat listeners. And the more you're able to create repeat listeners, the more you're able to benefit them both for free, but also build your own list and build your own business and it translates into sales. I'm Jenna Kutcher, your host of the Gold Digger Podcast. I escaped the corporate world at the age of 23 with nothing more than a $300 camera from Craigslist and a dream. Now I'm running a seven figure online business that feels even better than it looks, all from my house in small town, Minnesota, with my family. Here, we value time as our currency. We mix the woo and the work, and we are in the pursuit of building businesses that give us the freedom to live lives that we love. I've always loved turning big goals into reality, and I'm here to help you do the same. This isn't just a peek behind the curtain. Come along with me and my guests as we tear the whole curtain down. Every week we tackle practical, no-fluff marketing strategies and host honest discussions on what works and what doesn't. Join me and my expert guests for actionable insights to help you grow your dream business with confidence. Pull up a seat and get ready to be challenged, inspired, and empowered. This is the Gold Digger Podcast. Pop quiz. What is something that deeply connects with your audience, builds your brand and grows your business while making a real impact all from the comfort of your home? I'll wait. In case you guessed podcasting, you are right. Today's conversation is for anyone who has ever thought about starting a podcast and just needs a little push to finally make it happen. If you are ready to take that step, then this episode is the inspiration you've been waiting for. As someone who has been podcasting for almost eight years, I can tell you firsthand that podcasting opens doors in ways other platforms just can't. It allows you to connect deeply with your audience, build authority in your industry, and reach more people than ever before. Yes, Gold Digger, your voice has the power to do all of that and so much more. Inside today's episode, you'll meet three incredible students who have used my course, The Podcast Lab, to not only launch their own podcast, but to thrive doing it. I can't wait for you to hear their stories, how they went from idea into action and created shows that align with their passions and goals, all while building businesses and communities. These business owners learned everything from what I've taught them because as a chart-topping podcast host, I have a proven method to share on how to start your own podcast, even if you're a beginner. If you are ready to take the first step, sign up for my free-class podcasting 101, how to start record and profit from your show. In this free masterclass, I'll break down podcasting and show you how starting a podcast is way easier than you're thinking and how it's possible to monetize your show. Head to freepodcastclass.com to save your seat for the free class. That's freepodcastclass.com to finally start your podcast and change your life too. Now, let's meet these students, shall we? With smaller budgets, shorter timelines and sky-high expectations, growth is feeling really painful right now, but HubSpot is here to help. They just announced more than 150 major product updates that'll make impossible business growth feel impossibly easy. Like Breeze, HubSpot's suite of new AI tools that'll help you say goodbye to busy work and hello to better work. There's Breeze Co-pilot, a sidekick to assist with all your tasks and boost productivity. Breeze agents to automate manual time-consuming work and ad expertise and Breeze Intelligence to give you the richest, most comprehensive picture of your prospects so you know which are most likely to become loyal customers. 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Like I'm trying to negotiate contracts and she's running around in the background. It wasn't working. So I had to pivot back then to Etsy. And so then like fast forward and you're in my earbuds and I'm trying to figure out how to like scale things and everything, but then my husband and I decide we're gonna try for baby number two, like literally seven years later because I was terrified. And one of the reasons I was scared is 'cause I was like, what am I gonna do about money? I'm working, we made wood signs that like would go over your bed really big heavy. I couldn't do the manual labor. I couldn't do the stains and the paints and all that when I was pregnant. So I needed to pivot and I decided, well, I love what Jenna does. I connect with her, I love her approach. She has this podcast course. I'll start a podcast and I'll help Etsy sellers. So I started the How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy podcast. Like just thinking, okay, this will be like my top of funnel and I'll build it from here because I can do this. I'm older, I don't have to be on camera. It'll be fine. Well, I had no idea what would happen. I took your course, I followed all the instructions you made, it's so easy for me. And then literally my podcast for me, like not compared to you, but for me, blew up. And it didn't take long. It took like six months and all of a sudden there's like thousands of listeners. And I think it was like three or four months and I hit like 30,000 downloads, which for me was mind-blowing. Huge, it was so crazy. So I help Etsy sellers now and I bring success stories and tips and strategies. And we just keep it really real. (laughs) I love this so much, Lizzie. First off, just congratulations. Those numbers are huge. And one thing that I love that you just said is like six months in, right? And a lot of people, they struggle with consistency. What has that looked like for you for podcasting? Because podcasting challenges you to show up and to just keep showing up in a beautiful way that grows you in so many ways. So in the beginning, I knew that. And it's actually like, hello ADHD sister. It's something that I struggle with is consistency in every other business. The Etsy shop was great because it made me had to get the orders out. But in the beginning with the podcast, I committed to every other week. And once I saw it take off and it started adding value for me 'cause I started, I listened to you right away. I had that episode you did on Amy Porterfield's podcast, number 346, if anyone wants to look it up, where you said how to start making money right away. And it was by using affiliate links or like by, you know what I mean like things that you like? I didn't have to do anything. It was the most baller game ever. It was this good move. So I started making money and then I was like, oh, I'm gonna go to weekly. And then here's the key is like, I'm super low. Like, I don't need to impress anybody. I don't, so like when I can't do one, I do a rerun. And it's not very often, but like maternity leave and times when I was too stressed or I needed to just focus in on meditation and working on myself, I wasn't shy to do a rerun. And I protected myself 'cause I made sure a lot of my content was ever green and I could bring the value. - I love that. We actually recently started doing that Lizzie too because it's so funny. We have such great work and a lot of times we forget that sometimes only a small portion of people see it the first time it's put out. And when we don't actually promote it well or if we don't reshare it, a lot of people miss something that's golden. So I love that you did that. So I wanna know what has been your audience's response to your podcast? Like what does it feel like to know that you're not just sitting in a room, speaking into a microphone just to you, but to other people? What has it been like? - So today we're seeing at just over like 620,000 downloads, I could sob. And the audience, it's been precious because I, and we can talk about it later if you want, but like my mindset going into this was like, I probably don't know enough. It doesn't matter that I've had this Etsy shop. I probably, and I'm older, I'm only 42, but like I'm not the 20, 30, you know what I mean? And instead of, I've been, this is how you find your people, everyone's so lonely out there. And I'm like, - Yes. - For the podcast, you'll find your people. - Yes. - So you know. - Right, I mean, it's so true. And so there was, I'm changing lives because they're livelihood. These are moms who wanna be home with their babies or people who have crazy medical conditions and can't work or they've been thrust into something. And like they can listen to my podcast for free and change everything. And so the audience has been precious and it's helped me like learn how to fall in love with myself. - Yeah, yeah. I agree, you know, it's so amazing in so many ways because a lot of times we don't really consider the ripple effects of our work. And when you even think about helping other people who are maybe who you were when you had your young child running around and you're trying to figure out this pivot and what does this even look like in all of these different things, you're not just impacting the listener, you're impacting their family and their children and their friendships and their relationships. And like the ripple effect of podcasting is so far and wide. And we often don't even think about that. And I just, I love that you brought that up. What was your hardest like mindset hurdle that you had to overcome when it came to either starting your show or sticking with it? - It was definitely, well, sticking with it. I hadn't even thought about that angle, Jenna. Sticking with it, it was just like, it's once it started producing income, that became easier. So I will tell people, if you pretend to be scatterbrained, if you give yourself, I tell people this with TikTok all the time too, if you give yourself, you know, like three, four months of being, just say I'll be consistent for that long and see where it takes you, you'll be able to go further because you'll see what it can do. But the mindset hurdle for me was that I wasn't cool enough. It was total imposter syndrome. Like I might even have the knowledge. In fact, I know I can't. And I know that I'm gonna be the kindest, most supportive, most like genuinely, like no holds barred. I'll tell you everything I know kind of person. Like there's nothing in me that wants to withhold, but they're not gonna think I'm cool enough. And they're gonna wanna go to the young flashy person with the bigger numbers and the promises. That didn't take too long to get over because of how fast I started hearing from people. But it was brutal. - Yeah, I had to grow. - It is. - But I love it. - It is, I mean, I had to listen back to my episode number one. And when my producer told me to do that, I was like, heck to the no, I made it this far without listening back. I was just like, you'll be surprised. Like you'll be delighted. And I was like, I don't know about that. But it is, it's so funny. Even just listening to that brings back all of those emotions, right? But it's like, you just gotta start and you've gotta show up. What would you say to somebody who's listening to this? And they're like, I wish I could be like Lizzie. Like I wish I could start a podcast. - Well, first of all, be you, don't be me. But there's this statistic that has been really empowering to me because in my industry, I serve Etsy sellers and I'm specific to physical products. The podcast talks about digital products and print on demand, but print on demand and digital are much more flashy. And most of my competitors, which are all my friends, are on YouTube. And I always felt kind of like maybe a little less than, now I've put the podcast on YouTube for sure do that guys because that's, I got monetized recently. But there's this company called, it's a research study done by Acast, which is the world's largest independent podcast company. And they discovered that 50% of podcast listeners trust the podcaster. That is a profound number and it's the highest one that they saw. And the next one down is a 44% in its YouTube, will trust the YouTuber. So I think that podcasting, if you wanna grow it all, is so brilliant because you are able to build trust. And the more that you're able to build trust, you are able to create repeat listeners. And the more you're able to create repeat listeners, the more you're able to benefit them both for free, but also build your own list and build your own business. And then it translates into sales. - It's amazing. And I was recently at a podcast convention and they were talking about how podcasting is the most trusted media out there right now as in like Instagram, social, like everything. And when you think about it too, it's like you are showing up and serving every single week, but also people are inviting you into like very special parts of their lives, whether they're, you know, driving to school or washing dishes or whatever that is. And so it's a really interesting like symbiotic relationship that I think people don't think about a lot. I want you to brag on yourself and tell me something just like that's very exciting that has happened because of your podcast or something that you're proud of. - So one thing that was kind of unexpected that I really loved was that I've been able to speak with people such as yourself that I otherwise wouldn't have that I was kind of craving. You know what I mean? Like you kind of get to a point in entrepreneurship where your peers don't get it. They so often support you, but they don't get it. And you can't have the same kind of conversation. I'm the girl who'd go to the party and I'd want to be in the corner like with a La Croix talking entrepreneurship with someone rather than like, you know, being the girl with a bottle of champagne dancing on the table, like it's just not, it's not going to be me. And so being able to talk to people like Jennifer Allwood is an amazing entrepreneur, business coach. And then Alison J. Prince was another one that was so fun. So really, really cool. But also like, I was going to brag on myself. Like I think it's the like six figures that the podcast brings in. You know, like I've made over $100,000 just from the podcast. About 60% of that has come from course sales coaching, things like that. Like don't do a ton of coaching. It's mostly passive. And then the other 40% has been affiliate income and that has been life changing for the family. So I think like practically speaking, that's what puts me at home with my kids. - Yes, yes. It's amazing too because I feel like there are ways that you can directly see the results with podcasting and there are so many indirect results that come from podcasting. So thank you for just sharing that because I think that it is absolutely possible. And like you said, even doing some of those tricks and strategies from day one to be strategic and thoughtful and also to be able to see the results of your efforts. That is encouraging for so many entrepreneurs, but it also is just affirming that like you're on to something and you're on the right track. Where can everybody find out more about you, connect with you, go tune into your show, give us all the places. - Okay, so everything is at howtosellyourstuff.com and you can find me on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok at how to sell your stuff. And PS, I felt at first that that name was super cringy but it actually shot me up the charts because that's what people search in Google. So before you go, that's too cringe and I want to get real creative think twice because it has been like the backbone for me. - We talk about SEO and keywords a lot in the podcast lab. And so I actually think it is brilliant. If somebody is considering the podcast lab, what would you say to them, Lizzie? - Okay, so first of all, take it first before you start because there's a lot of you who are probably like, I don't know what I want a podcast about. I don't even know if this is a good fit for me. And I think that the podcast lab will answer that upfront. But I also for me, it was the like click by click tech instruction that changed my life with that course. I'm a bit of, I love courses because I like to save time. I am a busy entrepreneur. When I took the podcast lab, I was raising a child and homeschooling, I was trying to have another one. I was running a full-time business. We were working 80 hours a week and I didn't have time to go chase down all the answers and I knew Jenna would teach it to me right. And so I am a huge advocate. Everything was in there and it helped me plan for things that I didn't know I was going to need to plan for like pieces of the pot. You wouldn't believe what goes on. It seems so easy. Oh, I'm not even on video. It's just a little audio behind the scene. Oh my gosh. The tech alone is a good reason to take the course. Oh, thank you, Lizzie. I am so pumped about your success and I want everyone to go listen and subscribe to your show. Everybody go check out Lizzie. Thank you so much for coming on the podcast. Thank you, Jenna. You've changed my life. Thank you so much. Okay, let's be real. Why are we still overpaying for wireless? I know I've been guilty of it, but Mint Mobile is here to change the game. For just $15 a month on a three month premium plan, you can get unlimited talk, text and high speed data on the nation's largest 5G network. That's right, 15 bucks. You can even bring your own phone, keep your number and all of your contacts. The switch is super easy and there's no need to start from scratch. You get to keep everything the same and just pay less, like way less. If you've been searching for a smarter, cheaper way to manage your phone bill, this is the sign you've been waiting for. No hidden fees, no surprises, just a great deal on wireless. 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So I want to know, tell me a little bit about your podcast and what made you want to start one? Well, I have been providing training and materials for parents and educators, working with young autistic kids. So like three to five years old. And over the years, I found when I started working in that level, there was nothing out there for that level. It's just such a different place than even elementary school. So I started creating materials and trainings and then a podcast was kind of the next logical spot. But I was like, I have no idea how to do this. So when did you start your show? And like, what was that process like? Did you have a lot of knowledge about podcasts before you dove into the podcast lab or even really explored this idea of starting one? Nothing, zero, I have nothing. Like some of the terms like RSS feed and stuff. Like I still probably couldn't really explain it, but I had never heard of it. I didn't know what was needed. I just knew I wanted to start a podcast and be able to reach more people with free training actually. So I was like, where do I even start? And somehow you were recommended and I was like, okay, she makes this sound really doable quickly. And I think I must have attended a webinar or something and I was like, this is it. This is what I need. Cause I was like, I cannot sit and Google this and figure it out. There's too many steps. And actually I started in January of 2023 and I had purchased the course and actually gone through it probably a month prior. So it was start to finish like a month cause you made it so easy. - That's the dream. And you know what's amazing is I feel like when you think about it, so many people like you and I are like, I'm savvy. I'll DIY, I'll figure it out. But when you start trying to piece everything together and if you even get led astray for one day, it can throw your whole timeline up. My goal is 30 days, you did it. What has it been like sharing your voice and like, how has your life changed? Because you've had some really big life changes since putting yourself out in this way. - Yeah. Well, one of the things since starting my podcast I've been able to leave the classroom. I'm a speech language pathologist. I've worked with autistic kids for 25 years and it was never my goal to leave the classroom but my business exploded and I had to choose. And I thought, what a better way to reach more autistic kids than leaving the classroom and focusing on reaching families and educators around the world with a podcast. It's a piece that helped my business grow to that point where I was able to pursue being an entrepreneur. - Yeah, tell me more about your business 'cause some people start their podcast as a business and some people start their podcast to support their business. So tell us a little bit more about your business and how the podcast plays a role in it. - Yeah, the podcast definitely supported a business that I had started in 2019 and my husband's friend called it my cute little side gig. Of course. - You know, like, oh, how's your cute little side gig going? And pretty soon I was earning more money than him but anyway, it was really a nice piece to add on to, I made a lot of materials. I did a lot of trainings but the podcast allows me to share the how to for things that if you're just purchasing materials you maybe don't have that how to. And it also allows people to get to know me better, I feel. And kind of develop that no like and trust factor. - Yeah. What was something that surprised you about podcasting? I feel like even when we listened to podcasts we maybe have been like an imagination of like what this process is or what it's gonna be like, what surprised you either good or bad? - I think it surprised me that my skills developed a lot faster than I thought they would. I didn't think I'd be able to sit and talk to myself. And I go over time everyone kind of develops their own way and process. And I think about a year in I started doing interviews 'cause that was another thing I was really nervous about. And when I think when I went through your course I ignored that part at first. Like I'm not even going there. But then having the course I was able to go back to it when I was brave enough. And then I did interviews almost all of last year 'cause I loved it so much. So I think that's one thing that has really been great. - It's so cool too because I even look back and like when I started my show I was like who am I to talk? Like I'm just gonna bring other people on the show and like have them be the experts. And it's so interesting how your voice develops and your confidence develops as you continue to record. Has that been the same for you? - Yeah, absolutely. I think, you know, we all get that imposter syndrome sometimes where we're like wait, who am I to do this? But then you get the feedback. You know, I have one of the pieces of feedback from a review that I wanted to share with you. And it just says, this has quickly become one of my favorite podcasts as an SLP which means speech language pathologist who primarily works with three to five year olds with autism and other disabilities. This podcast is so helpful not only to me but the preschool teachers, aides, OTs, PTs, psychologists and families. - Thank you, Tara, for the amazing resources and strategies you share. - Oh. - And that's everything, that fuels me to keep going. - The ripple impact of podcasting is something that I don't think we even consider enough of like you might be imagining you're speaking to an SLP or a parent with a child with autism. But when you see that like this is a resource that is literally going across the school system to help other people that aren't in this space, that's incredible. - Oh my God. - Yeah. - Yeah, it is. And another piece of that, a surprising piece, countries that maybe don't have special education at all. Parents are still forming that grassroots effort to like educate their autistic kids. They don't know where to start. And a podcast can reach them with free material, free strategies that they can use and getting those messages in my inbox is like tears and chills every time. - That is amazing. What would you say, if somebody's listening to this and they are where you were before you started your podcast, like what would you say if they were just thinking like, could I really do it, should I do it? What would you say? - I would say to do it, but with guidance. Because like you said, you can be led astray, you don't understand the lingo, or at least I didn't. And you provide, the pod lab provides like step by step, easy to understand, play it while it walks you through and you actually do it while it's playing and pause it, play, pause, play. That's how it went and it made it super doable. I was able to do it without help from anybody that's techier than me. I didn't need my husband or my steps on to come in and help. I did it by myself. I'm so proud of you. I mean, when I look back, I was like, I didn't even know how to plug a USB microphone into my computer. Like when I look back at like the beginning of this show, there were so many things that felt so intimidating that I was just paralyzed. And so the fact that you were able to do it and do it on your own, that makes me so excited. What is something that you're excited about right now? I think I'm excited just about all the possibilities. I ended up hosting an online summit a couple months ago and the reach was incredible. And I think next year, maybe even using my podcast more to spread the word, I think I did one podcast episode on it, but I had 33,000 people sign up for this online summit around the world. And it's like, okay, I have to think, how can I use my podcast to spread the word and reach more people even more ahead of time? - Oh, that's amazing. And think of all those people who are exposed to you and your message and your methods, like that is so beautiful and such a beautiful way to serve the community too. That's amazing. Wow, congratulations. - Thank you, Jenna. - Where can people connect with you and learn more about you and listen to your podcast? Everybody, I want you to go check her out, go listen to her show, give us all the places, Tara. - Yes, autism, little learners everywhere. So Instagram, Facebook, YouTube. I put the interviews with the podcast on YouTube. I finally got brave enough to do that. And autismlittlelearners.com and then the podcast is the Autism Little Learners podcast. - Amazing. If somebody is sitting here and they've never even thought that they could host a podcast, what would you say to them? - If I can do it, you can do it. I'm an educator who knew nothing about business before I kind of accidentally started my business. And if I can do it, you absolutely can. And you learned so much through the process of doing this. And it will help you kind of develop your voice and connect with people. And I think that's the beauty of a podcast. - This is so good. - If you're a creative soul looking for a way to take your photography or event business to the next level without adding more hours to your schedule, you're gonna love this inspiring story. Catalina was a wedding photographer working her tail off to make $1,000 for weeks of work. But when she added a photo booth to her business, everything changed. She started charging the same amount for just three hours of work. Since then, she scaled her business to seven figures. Now, if you're thinking, that sounds like the dream, you need to check out this free masterclass from Photo Booth Supply Co. It's called Capture Success, how to turn your creative passion into a six figure photo booth business. Catalina's gonna show you how you can take what you're already passionate about and turn it into a massive profit. You'll learn how you can earn $1,000 or more per event with a photo booth rental business. If you're someone who loves creating memories or maybe you've been looking for a fun side hustle, you've gotta check this out. Head to photo booth supplyco.com/goldicker to get your free access and my special promo code. This is your chance to work smarter, create more freedom and build something truly amazing. That's photo booth supplyco.com/goldicker. One of my favorite things about teaching is getting to know my students and Shannon feels like a close friend. Voice DMs have been exchanged when people doubt that I'm in my DMs. It's me, Shannon. Welcome to the Gold Digger podcast. - Thank you so much. And I attest to the fact that I did think someone was pranking me the first time that I ever got a DM from you. So I'm like, it's really me. Hi, it's me here. Shannon, tell everyone about your podcast and a little bit about your journey and getting it started. - Sure. So my name is Shannon Arner. So when I started my blog, I mean, you know, hindsight, but when I started my blog, I called it Arner Adventures. And it was based off of, and the podcast is the same way. It was based off of a big lifestyle change. So my husband and I, we had a business in the pet industry, long story short because it was actually an episode. It was our first episode that we talked about this, but we burn out. I mean, really burned out. It was really bad physically, mentally. And you just actually had a podcast about this that I was so related to to someone who did this, but we, in the span of a few weeks, we sold the business. I would have given it away at that point. We sold our house, most of our belongings, and we and our dog moved to this tiny little cottage on the coast of North Carolina. And I'm gonna be honest, we started the blog because it was a way to talk to people where we wanted to avoid dealing with why people were asking us, why did you do this? We got immediate traffic because people, it's like watching a train wreck. I mean, people thought they're crazy, like they're crazy. What is happening? Let's see what's gonna happen next. But it started based off of that. I truly believe everything started really catching kind of, I don't wanna say like a wave or trend, but it was really people appreciated our authenticity and that we just didn't have anything to lose. It was like, yeah, we were really not well. And these are the things that we did to change our life. So the blog started with that. Yeah, so now the podcast is, it took us some time and we'll get to there, but the podcast now is an extension of that where people kept saying, you really should tell your story. Like, yeah, we can read it in the blog, but you should tell it. And I was like, I don't, oh, I'm gonna start a podcast. I mean, just read the blog. I was so scared, which I can tell you more about that. But the podcast, essentially now, it's called the Arnard Ventures Podcast. And it's really about our lifestyle, minimalism, living more, experiencing more, while having less stuff, baggage, physical and mental clutter. And we have guests on who have made big changes in their lives as well, who have been an inspiration to us in certain ways of ways that they quote unquote, do not live the norm, which is sort of becoming more acceptable. But there's a lot of people who make big lifestyle changes like that for various reasons. And we have them tell their stories as well. - Okay, you touched on something so awesome. And I started as a blogger too. And that was just writing was my medicine. It was easy, it was fun. I could do it at any time of day. There wasn't a lot of tech involved. And so the thought of taking that to your voice, did you have fears around that? 'Cause I know I was like, I'm gonna run out of things to say on episode three. Like, what do I have to say? - Yeah, because I do look at people like you. So I have a, I'm an expert podcast listener. So I have my rotation of podcasts. And looking at someone like you who every week you've got content, content, content, I felt like I can definitely do that in blogs. There's enough. How am I gonna talk about a starting our garden? But surprisingly enough, starting your garden is a good thing to talk about and people appreciate it. And so, and we just admit, gosh, let me tell you about this trial of starting our garden. And so I feel like, yes. I mean, imposter syndrome to the max. I can hide behind something with a blog and still tell my story. But when I do it talking about it, it's just my perception of it was like so intimidating. - What's the reality? 'Cause that perception I think is for everybody. Like our phone voices, our arms, odds, likes, like all the things. So what is the reality? What's on the other side of that? - The reality now is that it's sort of not replacing it, but it's sort of like therapy, where I do feel like now it's become such an important part of my life, but an important part of my business, which is my blog. It's no longer just this piece that, yeah, okay, I'll do it. And it might help me in some way with the blog, but now it's just a necessity and I love it. So every week, I get excited about the content we're gonna put out next. Oh, who can I interview now? I get really excited about that. And I don't worry so much about the logistics as much as I did. I mean, things like the podcast lab helps that a lot because the imposter syndrome stopped me and also, well, how am I gonna do this? Okay, even if I come up with content that I think I can talk about, how am I gonna do it? And so that made it so much. Now I just don't have to worry about it at all. - It's funny too, because the intimidation is so real, but I tell people, I'm like, starting a podcast is easier than you think. There's technical words and things that throw people off and make them like, put their hands in the air, like, I'm out, I don't know what an aggregator is, I'm out. And a lot of those things are like a one-time thing that if you get walked through it, it's done and dusted. And then you really get to focus on the thing that you want to do, which is to get your voice out into the world. What has your audience's response been? Because reading a blog is one thing, but hearing somebody's voice and having your listeners invite you into the intimate parts of their life, whether they're driving or washing the dishes or spending time with their family, like what has that been like? - It never gets old to hear someone say, "Oh, I was listening to your podcast and I just," because I know, like I walk in the mornings and I have a good hour and a half, I need to fill. And so I'm listening to podcasts. And I think I'm in their ears, like, what? What? But the response has been so warm and just people really appreciate when you're honest and you tell your story. And I'm that way with our guests. I'm like, oh my gosh, thank you for spending this time with me telling me this story. And then I kind of forget, oh yeah, then we have the listeners who are gonna listen to this. But when we're telling it, even when it was not new, we'd had our blog since 2017 and then started in recent years, the podcast. And when we did, they were like, I had no idea you were going through that. And I'm like, but I blogged about it all the time. But sometimes it's a different demographic. Sometimes people have time to listen in their car or while they're walking. And sometimes they don't ever look at your blog. So it's just a, it's been very warm. I think the imposter syndrome makes you think the worst situations of what are people gonna say? And honestly, they don't ever think those things that you think that they're thinking. So it's been really warm. Even from our launch, like we launched with your plan, like what we need to do. We need to put these three podcasts in the pipeline, release them, those three. But then just so many things you talked about with leading up to it. We did a virtual podcast launch party and people showed up online and I couldn't believe it. I was like, if they're showing up to this, maybe people are gonna listen to it. - Yes. - Oh my gosh. One thing you touched on that I think is so beautiful is the power of story. And I think that we live in such a 15 second reel, like looping audio type world where it's like you can't get the full story out, even in written form. It's really hard to do, right? It's hard to share your heart and the feelings and the tension and all these things just through words. And so I think you touched on something so beautiful of like the power of storytelling. And even when you look at culture and history, like story is this vessel that really legacy. And I think a lot of people discount the power of sharing that and sharing it in such a personal way, which podcasting allows. I just think it's really awesome. - And I'll tell you something on a personal note, it's been wonderful for our business, our new adventures. But on a personal note, my dad and I, not that anything is wrong with our relationship, but he just didn't talk. I didn't think he was ever having conversations with me. And every Tuesday, he listens to the episode and he has gotten to know me more in a way that he never did because of the podcast. And so I tell people that. I'm like, even if you think that one situation has helped me, it is sort of therapeutic. Then it does so many things for your business. I mean, I can talk about this forever, but just from what it can do for backlinks for your blog, it's another extension for people to find you, like the show notes and then them clicking your website. I mean, our number one way of having revenue is monetization of our website, like our blog. And so that feeds that. It's like the number three source for us. Number two is Pinterest, check it again to the Pinterest page. (laughing) - You are a good student, Shannon. What has it been like? So you hit a huge milestone. You surpassed a hundred episodes. You are yearing 150. What is the biggest thing that you've learned in terms of showing up consistently? 'Cause you were doing it blogging, but it's a little bit different when it comes to a podcast. - I will tell you, you can ask my husband. You can ask anyone in my life. I have never been completely consistent with anything than I have this podcast. I have shown up, I should say weak 'cause my husband does sometimes. But no, I have shown up every week, every week. COVID, grieving, really hardships in my life. I remember traveling and I learned this from you. It's like, just do it. So there was one time I wasn't at home and I just did it in my car with the phone. And you know what? Nobody noticed that the sound wasn't that great. Nobody noticed because they were just hearing my story. And so I have been so consistent. And so what that has taught me is that, wow, if I'm consistent and can now look back and say, okay, I always heard the statistics. Well, if you make three episodes, well, if you hit seven, well then, oh, okay, if you hit 13, but then you don't hear anything past that. It's like, oh, if you show up once a week, then you'll have a good chance of surviving it. I'm like, I love it. It's not surviving it. It's doing it. And so now it sort of trickles into other things of my life. Like, oh, if I do this, like my garden, if I actually go and tend to it, and the consistency is there, now I have proof. Now I have something I can look at and go, I was consistent for, you know, 150 weeks. What? That's insane. I mean, for me it is. Yeah, well, I feel the same way. I have had mentors where I'm like, I don't want to have to commit to showing up to anything. And they're like, how many years have you been podcasting? How many, how many hundred weeks? Like, you know, and so it gives you this ability to do the reps and just show up. And I think that that is something that is very under discounted when it comes to entrepreneurship. And I think that it just helps build the muscles that you need to be consistent in other areas of your life. What would you say, Shannon, if somebody's listening to this and they are maybe even considering or like, there's a teeny idea of them starting a podcast. What would you say to them? I would say what you said in the podcast lab is you've just got to do it. Like you just do it. If I had known the things I knew and just known that just showing up is the biggest part, I would have done it two years before I did. Maybe even more than that. But definitely I was thinking about it two years before I started it. And so that's the thing is just do it. Because even just the repetition and that consistency, it just becomes no big deal. I would just say just do it. Even if you don't, you know, it's like anything. You think everything's going to be so perfect. And I need, I need the perfect studio. I need the perfect, you don't. It's really about learning the logistics. Like you said about setting things up. And then once you have those workflows and all of those things that are just, it's just like a well oil machine and you just have to show up. I would say just do it. - Yes. I'll take care of all the details for all y'all. All I want you to do is get your voice out into the world. Shannon, where can everybody find out more about you? Subscribe to your podcast, tune in. Give us all the places. - Yeah, so I would say the main hub, ArnerAdventures.com. And then we're on all the regular social media platforms under Arner Adventures. But the podcast information, everything to subscribe is at ArnerAdventures.com. Congratulations. I genuinely feel like I know you. I have such a deep respect for you and the work that you've done. And just thank you so much for showing up for yourself, for showing up for your community and for showing up for us today. - Jenna, likewise, I can't say it enough. Everything has really been learned from you. So I really appreciate it. - Oh, you are amazing. How inspiring were these podcasters? If you've been sitting on the sidelines, wondering if you have what it takes to start your own podcast, I hope today's episode gave you the nudge that you needed to realize you can do this too. Each of these amazing business owners started right where you are, with a passion, an idea, and a whole lot of questions. And now they've turned those ideas into real thriving shows. And the best part is you don't have to do it alone. That is exactly why I created the podcast lab to give you a clear step-by-step roadmap to go from dreaming about your podcast to launching it with confidence. If you wanna learn more about the podcast lab, the first place to go is my free class. It is podcasting101, how to start, record, and profit from your show. You can save your seat right now at freepodcastclass.com. That's freepodcastclass.com. I will walk you through the step-by-step process. I'll show you how launching your show is way easier than you're making it out to be. And I'll share more about the podcast lab with you. Save your seat at freepodcastclass.com. I can not wait to see you there. And of course, until next time, Gold Digger, keep on digging your biggest goals. And if starting a podcast is one, I've got just the thing for you. Join me inside at freepodcastclass.com. Thanks for pulling up a seat for another episode of the Gold Digger podcast. I hope today's episode fueled you with inspiration, gave you information that you can turn into action and realigned you with your true north in life and business. If you've enjoyed today's episode, head on over to golddiggerpodcast.com for today's show notes, discount codes for our sponsors, freebies to fuel your results and so much more. And if you haven't yet, make sure you're subscribed so that you never miss a future show. We'll see you next time, Gold Diggers. (upbeat music) (upbeat music)
