Podcast Freedom

My guest today is a chef, life coach, and future podcaster.  On top of having a solid and consistent social media game, she has built a successful coaching business where she works with clients both in and out of the kitchen - and her passion for both really comes through in today's episode.  I am talking about Chef Vanessa Lee and through her business - The Seed - she is helping clients learn that cooking AND self-love can truly change your life.  Now, while this is very interesting and important work in and of it self - and I have actually had the opportunity to cook live with Vanessa and I would encourage you to check out her cooking classes and give it a shot yourself - you can find her at @theseedbyvanlee on instagram and theseedbyvanlee.com -  the main reason we started talking is because she wanted to figure out if podcasting was something that made sense for her and her business.  She is a chef, yes, and that may not scream “START A PODCAST” - but you'll hear in today's conversation why podcasting makes sense for Vanessa and why it may be right for many business owners out there. Today's conversation is intriguing and has something for everyone - it will be especially helpful if you are considering starting a podcast, but not sure if its right for you or how to get started.  Vanessa's journey is unique - but includes lessons that are relevant for all of us.   Download the FREE Podcasting Pyramid model and worksheet, check out the podcast services offered by Level Up Recording, and schedule a free brainstorming/consultation session at levelup-recording.com

My guest today is Craig Daigle, who has built a tribe simply by showing up as himself in an authentic and unfiltered way.  After losing over 130 pounds, it was never his goal to lead others to do the same, but by sharing his story, he found others start to gravitate toward him.  Craig has since gone on to grow a successful health and fitness coaching business in the network marketing space and it all started when he decided to take ownership of everything in his life and stop allowing himself to blame external factors for the challenging circumstances he faced.  Anything worth pursuing is going to be hard; whether that's getting yourself in shape, starting a business, or launching a podcast.  But today we talk about “choosing your hard” and why that choice will determine whether you live a life of regret or a life of fulfillment.  I like to call Craig a “future podcaster” because, though he hasn't started a podcast yet, I can certainly see it in his future.  I think you will see why when you listen to today's conversation.  Although, he is not a podcaster (yet), we discuss how some of the same principles that have made him successful in the coaching space can be applied to launching and growing a podcast.  Connect with Craig: Instagram @unfilteredlifecoach Facebook @unfilteredlifecoach Clubhouse: @unfilteredcoach Download the FREE Podcasting Pyramid model and worksheet, check out the podcast services offered by Level Up Recording, and schedule a free brainstorming/consultation session at levelup-recording.com

My guest today is an author, speaker, business and life coach, and on top of that he's been podcasting consistently for over 5 years.  You can find his books “The Leap of Your Life” and “The 1% Rule” on Amazon and check out his podcast “The Resist Average Academy” where he is dropping at least 1 episode a week.  My guest is none other than Tommy Baker, who, on top of all that I just mentioned, has been a big part of my life and business for the past almost 2 years.  Tommy is the model of consistency and in our conversation today we talk about some of the key ingredients that have helped him remain consistent for 5 years of podcasting.  We also talk about some strategies he has used to land some big name guests and secure consistent advertising, which has allowed him to make his podcast what he refers to as his “pillar platform.” Tommy has a very successful coaching business and like so many business owners, his podcast started out as a marketing tool to drive customers to his business - but because of his consistency and creativity, it is turned into much more.  This conversation is packed full of useful tips and information, whether you've been in the podcasting game for a while or you're just getting started.  Connect with Tommy at www.resistaverageacademy.com Download the FREE Podcasting Pyramid model and worksheet, check out the podcast services offered by Level Up Recording, and schedule a free brainstorming/consultation session at levelup-recording.com Follow me for podcasting tips and info on Instagram @leveluprecording  

Podcasting can be overwhelming - let's face it.  There are over a million active podcast and almost as many ideas about what the ideal podcast should look like, how to structure and grow your podcast, and how to best connect with your audience.  That's why less than 6% of podcasts are actually still around after 2 years.  But when you really break it down, every successful podcast consists of three key elements.  Three things that every podcaster needs to address and consider in order to have a successful, long-lasting podcast - one that will defy the odds and bring the freedom that we seek as podcasters.  These three elements are at the core of the Level Up podcasting philosophy - I recently developed a model to help depict and explain how to leverage each of these elements to design a podcast that is primed for growth, sustainability, and success.  Today, I want to give you an overview of this model and explain why QUALITY, CONTENT, and RELATIONSHIPS should be at the core of everything you do in podcasting. Download the FREE Podcasting Pyramid model and worksheet, check out the podcast services offered by Level Up Recording, and schedule a free brainstorming/consultation session at levelup-recording.com

If you're in podcasting, there's a good chance that you would like to grow your podcast.  This week, we cover several tactics from the book, Podcast Growth, which was recently released by The Podcast Host.  These tactics range from mobilizing “true fans” in word of mouth marketing for your podcast, to building an online community of listeners, to the classic paid ad campaign…and many things in between.  There is sure to be at least one tactic that you can apply to your growth strategy to take your podcast to the next level! Level Up LIVE: Join me on ZOOM to have your podcasting questions answered in real time - More information, the schedule, and the zoom link for these sessions can be found at @leveluprecording To check out the podcast services offered by Level Up Recording or to schedule a free brainstorming/consultation session, visit levelup-recording.com

This week I am joined again by Kale Tanner - father, husband, marine veteran, and host of the Rise Unite Defend podcast - for part two of an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that gets into the technical side of podcasting.  We break down Kale's approach to content development and why staying true to ourselves should be at the center of any content development strategy.  We also discuss the importance of having a responsible, yet growth-focused mindset surrounding finances if you are looking to take your podcast - or any business venture - to the next level.  Finally, though a relative newcomer to the podcasting game, Kale has some great advice for new podcasters or anyone considering starting a podcast. Follow Kale on Instagram at @riseunitedefend Level Up LIVE: Join me on ZOOM to have your podcasting questions answered in real time - More information, the schedule, and the zoom link for these sessions can be found at @leveluprecording To check out the podcast services offered by Level Up Recording or to schedule a free brainstorming/consultation session, visit levelup-recording.com

Join me this week for part one of a two-part conversation with Kale Tanner, host of the Rise Unite Defend podcast and more importantly, husband, father of two, and Marine Corps veteran.  In the first part of our conversation, Kale and I discuss the importance of community and how the same techniques used for building community in other areas of life can be applied to building a community around your podcast.  We also discuss the importance of learning from those who have come before us in podcasting and may be a little farther along in their journey.  Kale shares why it was important to develop a podcast that encourages people to consider different viewpoints and why we should not wait for perfection to get started. Finally, we are all going to face struggles and obstacles on the path to getting where we want to be, but if we stay connected to our “why,” the journey will not only be more likely to lead to the desired destination, but it will be much easier to enjoy the process. Follow Kale on Instagram at @riseunitedefend Level Up LIVE: Join me on ZOOM to have your podcasting questions answered in real time - More information, the schedule, and the zoom link for these sessions can be found at @leveluprecording To check out the podcast services offered by Level Up Recording or to schedule a free brainstorming/consultation session, visit levelup-recording.com

Along with content and sound quality, relationships are one of the most critical elements to success in podcasting.  Whether it is with guests, other podcasters, sponsors, or listeners, the degree to which a podcaster pays attention to relationships will often correspond to the degree to which success is achieved.  Today, we focus on the latter - the relationship between the podcaster and his or her guests.  We take a “keys to relationship” model that could apply to any type of relationship and view in the context of the podcaster-listener relationship.  The model is comprised of 5 key relationship elements: Communication, Quality Time, Laughter, Generosity, and Commitment.  Learn how critical the relationship is with your listeners and pick up some tips for how to optimize your efforts in each of these relationship building areas!

This week, hear the second part of my conversation with aspiring podcaster, Johnny Bell.  Hear how the drive, ambition, and focus on quality that he used to develop the concept and content quality of his show carries over to the technical side.  We discuss his quest for the right equipment and the considerations for finding the balance between quality of sound and quality of content.  Some of the topics we cover in the second half of our conversation include: Technical considerations for starting a podcast; Investing in the right equipment and being adaptable; The importance of getting comfortable with your podcasting equipment and being “behind the mic”; Making mistakes and learning through them; The differences of equipment needs for podcasting in a studio versus out on the road, as well as the virtual versus in-person guest interviews; Comparing tools for remote recording, such as Zencastr, Squadcast, and Zoom; Plus, though relatively new to the podcasting game, Johnny has some great advice for new (and experienced) podcasters. Follow Johnny on Instagram at @the_curious_ulsterman Follow Chad on Instagram at @leveluprecording Level Up LIVE: Join me on ZOOM to have your podcasting questions answered in real time - More information, the schedule, and the zoom link for these sessions can be found at @leveluprecording To check out the podcast services offered by Level Up Recording or to schedule a free brainstorming/consultation session, visit levelup-recording.com

Join me this week for part one of a two part conversation with aspiring podcaster Johnny Bell, from Northern Ireland.  Johnny is beginning his podcasting journey with the goal of becoming his own boss - and the research, hard work, and dedication he has shown early in his journey suggest that it is a question of not “if” but “when” he will achieve that goal.  Johnny has spent an incredible amount of time preparing for the launch of his show and many of the factors he has considered and worked through over the past few months are things that we have (or should) all considered, no matter where we are on our podcasting journey.  Some of the topics we cover include: The steps and considerations that should be involved when developing a concept for your podcast; Receiving judgement from people, no matter what you do, and why that should fuel, rather than prevent, your leap into the spotlight; The importance of finding and sharing your unique perspective when there are likely others already discussing the same topics; The importance of taking your time, doing research, and planning before just diving in to your launch - and what is the appropriate balance between preparation and messy action; The value of working with other podcasters and taking advantage of cross-promotion; Why dropping the ego is critical to building the relationship with your listeners and improving the quality of your podcast; Why it is so important to build the relationship with your audience and how to strengthen that relationship; How to take feedback and suggestions from your audience, and discerning what to apply and implement. Follow Johnny Bell on Instagram at @the_curious_ulsterman Level Up LIVE: Join me on ZOOM to have your podcasting questions answered in real time - More information, the schedule, and the zoom link for these sessions can be found at @leveluprecording To check out the podcast services offered by Level Up Recording or to schedule a free brainstorming/consultation session, visit levelup-recording.com

This week, I sat down with Jazz and Bossanova songstress, Gemma Sherry, whose world tour came to an abrupt halt due to COVID and she was faced with the decision to either sit back and wait for things to normalize - or shift her focus and take advantage of the situation.  She chose the latter.  In our conversation, Gemma and I discuss how many of the lessons she has learned on her journey from the Australian outback to New York City can be applied by podcasters who are on a similar path.  We dig into some mindset and marketing strategies that Gemma has found to be effective and discuss ways in which they can be applied to all areas of life, including podcast and business growth.  Some of these topics include: Seeing opportunities where others see obstacles and become discouraged; Connecting with your audience and strengthening relationships by allowing your audience to see behind the curtains; The importance of establishing yourself as an expert in your field; How to set yourself apart from “entry-level” talent within your industry; The importance of learning from your competition and not allowing yourself to become blinded by envy; Why it is important to set goals and make their achievement non-negotiable; How creating urgency is critical to accomplishing goals and moving on to bigger and better things; The importance of personal development and finding community to build in accountability and support mechanisms - and help celebrate your wins; And plenty more! ---- To connect with Gemma Sherry or buy any of her music, go to https://gemmasherry.bandcamp.com/ or visit her website at gemmasherry.com For more podcasting tips, to enter to win a free podcasting microphone and stand, or to just stay connected, follow Chad on Instagram at @leveluprecording Join me live every Wednesday (noon ET) in December to have your podcasting questions answered in real time - More information and the zoom link for these sessions can be found at @leveluprecording To check out the podcast services offered by Level Up Recording or to schedule a free brainstorming/consultation session, visit levelup-recording.com

Does sound quality really matter in podcasting? Well, if you ask most listeners and today's guest, a trained and experienced audio engineer who has worked with some of the biggest names in music, the answer is a resounding YES.  Chris Curran runs the Podcast Engineering School, where he emphasizes the importance of quality in all areas of podcasting, including sound. Chris also hosts his own podcast, the Podcast Engineering Show, and works as a podcast engineer for companies who are looking to making podcasting a part of their marketing strategy.  On this episode, we dig into  his experience in these areas and discuss how podcast content has become the central hub of content creation for many of the companies that he has worked with - and why virtually every company he has worked with has been thrilled with the impact that podcasting has had on their marketing.  We also get into some questions from listeners, discussing considerations for setting up a recording space when recording with more that one person in a room, the drawbacks of recording two people on one microphone, and freedom in designing a format for your new podcast. To connect with Chris Curran, visit www.podcastengineeringschool.com For more podcasting tips, to enter to win a free podcasting microphone and stand, or to just stay connected, follow Chad on Instagram at @leveluprecording Join me for LEVEL UP LIVE every Wednesday in December at noon (ET) to have your podcasting questions answered in real time - More information and the zoom link for these sessions can be found at @leveluprecording on Instagram. To check out the podcast services offered by Level Up Recording or to schedule a free brainstorming/consultation session, visit levelup-recording.com

You have a great podcast! But how do you bring in more listeners so that more people can benefit from that amazing value that you offer?  On this episode, we break down ten tips that you can implement TODAY to help get the word out about your podcast, bring in more listeners, and ultimately help more people! And even better, most of these tips will cost you absolutely nothing, but can yield incredible benefits.  Tip 1: Release several episodes on launch day Tip 2: Subscribe, rate, review Tip 3: Network with other podcasters Tip 4: Cross promote relevant podcasts Tip 5: Invite a guest, be a guest Tip 6: Add value in online communities Tip 7: Use video: Convert your episodes to YouTube videos & create video teasers Tip 8: Tease with Audiograms Tip 9: Add value on social media Tip 10: Offer giveaways on social media For more podcasting tips or to just stay connected, follow Chad on Instagram at @leveluprecording To check out the podcast services offered by Level Up Recording or to schedule a free brainstorming/consultation session, visit levelup-recording.com

On this episode, we break down 10 tips to help you crush the launch of your new podcast.  There are so many podcasts being launched every day, what are you going to do to make sure that yours stands out above the rest?  These tips are a great place to start: Tip 1 - Know what the heck you do and how it will benefit your audience; Tip 2: Identify your customers' biggest challenges and develop content around solving them; Tip 3 - Don't wait for perfection; Tip 4 - Choose the right equipment, but don't break the bank; Tip 5 - Use a trailer to prime your audience and activate your feed; Tip 6 - Manage your time: record episodes in batches; Tip 7 - Identify the right guests for your show; Tip 8 - Don't try to cover everything in one episode; Tip 9 - Develop a formula and stick to it; Tip 10 - Be Consistent; For more podcasting tips or to just stay connected, follow Chad on Instagram at @leveluprecording To check out the podcast services offered by Level Up Recording or to schedule a free brainstorming/consultation session, visit levelup-recording.com

For the debut episode of Podcast Freedom, Chad sits down with Ashlie Molstad and Colleen Lood, hosts of the podcast You Can Sip With Us.  This podcast has just wrapped up its second year and is closing in on 2.5 million downloads, with no signs of slowing down soon.  Chad talks with Ashlie and Colleen about what it has taken to remain consistent over two years, while experiencing numerous significant changes in their lives, including moves, deaths in the family, and each having a child.  They credit consistency as one of the biggest factors in the podcast's growth and discuss the importance of adaptability and remaining true to themselves throughout the journey. Other topics covered include using Patreon to strengthen the connection with their listeners, the importance of loving the process, things that they wish they knew when starting their podcast, and how podcasting is contributing to freedom in their own lives. This is a special conversation, as You Can Sip With Us is the first podcast that was launched by Chad and Level Up Recording.  Ashlie and Colleen are a testament to what hard work, consistency, and commitment can lead to.  For more podcasting tips or to just stay connected, follow Chad on Instagram at @leveluprecording To check out the podcast services offered by Level Up Recording or to schedule a free brainstorming/consultation session, visit www.levelup-recording.com

On this debut episode, we discuss how this podcast can help you level up your own podcast and help you create freedom in your life.  This show is for anyone who is pursuing podcasting as a means to make their lives better in some way.  Whether you are considering starting a podcast or already have a podcast and are looking to take it to the next level.  During this debut episode, we also work through an exercise to create urgency in accomplishing tasks toward the achievement of a goal.  This podcast is brought to you by Level Up Recording.  To learn more about how Level Up Recording can help you find freedom in podcasting, visit www.levelup-recording.com You can always email me at chad@levelup-recording.com Join me on Instagram for tips, hacks, and inspiration https://www.instagram.com/leveluprecording/