Welcome, fellow pod nerds, to another episode of Pod Savvy Guide. Today, Steph, your pod-savvy guide, dives into a familiar feeling for many creators: imposter syndrome in podcasting. Steph shares her journey through early challenges, from technical mishaps to navigating intimidating interviews, and explores how overcoming these experiences shaped her confidence in podcasting.

Key Moments and Lessons:

• First Interview Nerves: Steph recalls her first interview with someone she admired, feeling overwhelmed by the setup and the stakes. Yet, through pushing past the anxiety, she realized that growth happens on the other side of discomfort.

• Learning Through Mistakes: From early audio issues to repetitive questions, Steph reflects on these moments as learning experiences that ultimately improved her skills. Every misstep became a lesson, reinforcing that mistakes are part of the journey.

• From Hobby to Career: When she started a real estate podcast for her dad’s business, Steph felt the pressure of working on something with professional stakes. Yet, this challenge helped solidify podcasting as an essential part of her life and career.

• Building Community: Starting the Utah Podcast Coalition was a huge leap. Despite feeling out of her depth, Steph found support in a community of podcasters who inspired her to see her strengths and keep pushing forward.

Encouragement for Fellow Podcasters:

Steph’s message is simple: imposter syndrome shows up when you’re growing. Each moment of self-doubt is a sign of progress and learning. Whether you’re just starting out or diving into a new aspect of podcasting, keep going. You have something unique to offer, and only you can share your voice in your own way.

Takeaways:

• Every podcaster faces imposter syndrome: You’re not alone.
• Mistakes are valuable lessons: Each mishap teaches something essential.
• Push through the discomfort: Growth happens beyond your comfort zone.
• Build connections: A supportive community can be a powerful motivator.

Stay Connected:

Follow Pod Savvy Guide for more insights, podcasting tips, and encouragement on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pod_savvy_guide/

Hey, Pod Nerds! It’s your Pod Savvy Guide, Steph, here, and today I’m sharing my favorite editing tool for in-person audio and video—Descript! This platform has seriously transformed my editing process, taking me from hours of cutting out filler words to getting it done in a fraction of the time. If you’re ready to save time on editing, boost your podcast quality, and discover a tool that makes editing as simple as deleting text, this episode is for you!

Episode Highlights:

1. Why Descript is a Game-Changer
   "Back when I started my podcast in 2017, editing could take up to 8 hours per episode! Descript cuts out the filler words and helps me edit audio and video in less time than ever."

2. Key Features of Descript

   • Text-Based Editing: Edit by working directly with the transcript—just delete text, and it’s gone from the audio or video!
   • Overdub: Seamlessly add or correct dialogue in your own voice.
   • Studio Sound: Enhance audio clarity by reducing background noise, even if your recording conditions weren’t perfect.

3. Follow Along with the Screen Share
   Not watching the screen? No worries! You can pause and come back when you’re ready to see Descript in action. I’ll be sharing a screen demo to walk you through its features live.

4. Challenge: Give Descript a Try!
   Try Descript out and see if it transforms your editing process. Whether you’re editing podcasts, videos, or tutorials, this tool has everything to make editing faster and easier.

Takeaway:
Descript makes editing as simple as editing a document, with powerful tools for creating polished, professional content. Try it out, and see how much time it saves!

Final Thoughts:
So, Pod Nerds, give Descript a try and let me know how it goes! This episode is all about leveling up your editing skills. Until next time, keep creating, keep learning, and I’ll catch you on the next episode of Pod Savvy Guide!

Hey, Pod Nerds! In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph takes a deep dive into the world of video podcasts, discussing the platforms, benefits, and trends behind why more people are watching podcasts than ever before. If you’re on the fence about adding video to your podcast, Steph’s insights on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts will help you decide if it’s the right move for you. As a self-proclaimed audio purist, Steph shares her own journey into video podcasting, surprising stats, and tips for making the transition smoothly.

Key Highlights:

Steph’s Video Podcasting Journey

As an audio-focused creator, Steph was hesitant to venture into video. But stats revealing a growing audience for video podcasts nudged her into exploring platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Her business, Reminisce Audio, was built around audio-only, making this new venture into video podcasting a significant change.

The Big Platforms: Spotify and YouTube

Spotify: Steph explains how posting video podcasts to Spotify through Spotify for Podcasters has become user-friendly. Spotify viewers can watch directly in-app, providing a seamless experience.

YouTube: As the most popular video platform, YouTube attracts a huge audience for podcasts, especially among younger listeners. Steph discusses how YouTube’s visual nature and in-the-room vibe make it ideal for engaging video podcast content.

Apple Podcasts and Video Content

Apple Podcasts has reintroduced video support, but it’s not compatible with video uploaded through Spotify for Podcasters. Since Steph mainly uses Spotify for Podcasters, she’s sticking with Spotify and YouTube for now but may explore Apple in a future episode.

Benefits of Posting on Both Platforms

Posting on both Spotify and YouTube maximizes reach and visibility. Spotify provides a direct way for podcast listeners to engage with video, while YouTube’s searchability expands access to new audiences already interested in video content.

Encouragement for New Video Podcasters

Steph understands the hesitation around video, especially for audio-focused creators. Her advice? Give it a try! She shares how adding video increased her audience’s engagement and encourages others to see if it works for them.

Takeaway:

Video podcasting is here to stay, with more audiences choosing to watch rather than listen. Whether it’s Spotify’s user-friendly integration or YouTube’s broad reach, video offers new ways to connect with listeners.

Final Thoughts:

Steph leaves listeners with a challenge to try video podcasting for themselves, offering practical tips to get started and encouraging feedback on what platforms work best for their audience.

Join Us Next Week:

Stay tuned for more tips and insights on making your podcasting journey as smooth and successful as possible!

In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph tackles one of the biggest challenges podcasters face: keeping up with social media scheduling. If managing multiple accounts and creating engaging content feels overwhelming, you're not alone. This episode introduces two powerful tools—SocialPilot and Loomly—that can make social media management simpler, more efficient, and less stressful.

Steph dives into SocialPilot, a comprehensive scheduling platform ideal for podcasters juggling numerous accounts or working with a team. With features like multi-account management, detailed analytics, and a social media content library, SocialPilot allows users to categorize and reuse posts, saving time and effort in the long run. While it comes at a higher price point, SocialPilot is perfect for podcasters looking to streamline their social media with advanced scheduling capabilities and in-depth performance insights.

Next, Steph explores Loomly, a more budget-friendly option that provides an intuitive approach to social media management. Designed with smaller teams and solo podcasters in mind, Loomly helps users generate content ideas, optimize posts for different platforms, and even offers a content calendar to keep everything organized. Its simplicity and affordability make it a great choice for those who want effective social media management without the extra cost.

Throughout the episode, Steph emphasizes the importance of finding a scheduling tool that fits your needs and frees up time to focus on creating content. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster managing multiple accounts or a solo creator, both SocialPilot and Loomly offer unique features to support your social media goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Social media scheduling can be manageable with the right tools.
• SocialPilot offers robust scheduling, multi-account management, and analytics, making it suitable for larger teams or those with complex needs.
• Loomly is affordable, user-friendly, and perfect for smaller teams or individual podcasters, providing content inspiration and scheduling features.
• Simplifying your social media strategy enables you to focus on connecting with your audience and producing high-quality podcast episodes.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with insights on how SocialPilot and Loomly can help you stay organized, save time, and enhance your social media presence.

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Hey, Pod Nerds! If you’ve got an interview-style podcast and want to improve as a host, this episode is just for you. I’m Steph, your Pod Savvy Guide, and today we’re diving into one of the most crucial skills in hosting: how to actively listen to your guests and avoid interrupting. Why active listening? Because it allows you to be fully present, creates deeper connections, and brings out the best in your guest’s story. This skill is challenging but incredibly rewarding when done right. Tune in as I share tips and personal insights to help you foster real, engaging conversations with your guests.

Episode Highlights: The Four Steps to Active Listening as a Host

1. Step 1: Practice Active Listening
   "When I’m actively listening, it feels totally different from any other conversation. I’m fully tuned in, and I can feel the difference." Active listening means focusing on the conversation rather than thinking of your next question. Pro tip: Repeat key points in your head or jot down a note to remind yourself where to go next without interrupting.

2. Step 2: Embrace the Power of the Pause
   Pausing after your guest speaks does wonders. It gives them space to expand, shows you’re processing what they said, and helps prevent interruptions—especially in virtual interviews. Plus, silence is so easy to edit out, so don’t be afraid of those quiet moments!

3. Step 3: Focus on Genuine Curiosity
   When you’re genuinely curious, you stay engaged and focused on the moment. Ask yourself, “What am I learning about them right now?” This mindset keeps the conversation flowing naturally and shows your guest you’re invested in their story.

4. Step 4: Trust the Flow
   Letting go of a rigid question list can create memorable moments. Sometimes the best conversations come from following your curiosity rather than sticking to a script. Relax and trust yourself to know what to ask next.

Takeaway:
Great hosting is about giving your guest the space to shine and truly listening to them. Embrace the pause, stay curious, use body language, and trust the flow of the conversation. Even after hosting hundreds of episodes, I’m still learning to perfect this! And remember, silence is easy to edit, so embrace those pauses.

Final Thoughts:
This episode is as much a reminder for me as it is for you! By the end of an interview, if you’re feeling that mix of drained and excited, you’ll know you gave it your all. Keep creating, keep listening, and I’ll see you on the next episode of Pod Savvy Guide!

Hey, Pod Nerds! In this episode, Steph introduces Vidyo.ai, a tool that’s transforming the way podcasters create video content. With Vidyo.ai, turning long episodes into engaging video clips for social media has never been easier. Steph shares how Vidyo.ai’s features help automate the editing process, making it perfect for busy podcasters who want to focus more on creating and connecting with their audience.

Key Takeaways:

1. Effortless Clip Creation
   Vidyo.ai automates clip creation, saving you time by quickly turning podcast episodes into short, shareable video clips.

2. Automatic Captions for Accessibility
   Captions are added automatically, making content more accessible and engaging—perfect for viewers who scroll with the sound off.

3. User-Friendly Design
   Vidyo.ai’s intuitive interface is designed for creators, making professional video clips achievable for podcasters at any level.

4. Boost Social Media Engagement
   Shareable clips maximize social media presence, helping podcasters connect with a wider audience.

5. Encouraging Community Sharing
   Steph encourages listeners to try Vidyo.ai and share their own favorite tools that make podcasting easier.

Final Thoughts:
Vidyo.ai offers a simple way to elevate your podcast’s video content. To learn more or try it yourself, check out www.vidyo.ai.

Ever felt that post-creation vulnerability hangover? You're not alone, and today, we’re tackling it head-on! Being a creator is vastly different from being a consumer. As creators, we can experience the highest of highs when we release new episodes and get positive feedback. However, with these highs come vulnerability hangovers, where we second-guess ourselves and wonder what people are thinking.

Steph’s Personal Experience: Since starting my podcast in 2017, I've faced these highs and lows. There are moments when I feel on top of the world, but then there are times when I spiral into self-doubt, sometimes for days, weeks, or even months. Recently, I got sidetracked on social media and started feeling embarrassed. I thought, "People probably think Steph's trying to be a podcast expert. How cute." And with recent weight gain, I worried about how I looked in my posts. But then, I fact-checked these thoughts with my real achievements: producing over 500 episodes and managing 13 different series. This helped me refocus on my why: helping 4,000 podcasters overcome their struggles.

Actionable Steps for Listeners:

1. Fact-Check Your Thoughts: Challenge your negative thoughts with the facts of your achievements and expertise.
2. Define Your Why: Clarify your purpose and who you want to help.
3. Create to Overcome: When in a funk, start creating to shift your mindset from consumer to creator.

Remember that people care more about the value you provide than the imperfections you worry about. Keep pushing forward, embrace your role as a creator, and stay savvy!

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Ever catch yourself thinking, "Ugh, why did I say that?" or feeling awkward with certain topics? You're not alone! That's why I brought in communication expert Carolynn Williams to help us.

Carolynn is a powerhouse keynote speaker for educators and students, known for her impactful storytelling and audience engagement.

Episode Highlights:

1. Curiosity in Conversations: Move beyond your script and ask guests to dive deeper into their thoughts. This makes your podcast more engaging and authentic.
2. Pre-Show Prep: Spend 15 minutes with your guest before recording to build rapport and ease anxieties. This results in a more natural and fluid conversation.
3. Mastering Storytelling: Slow down your storytelling and use tonal variations to enhance the narrative experience. Let your audience savor the story.
4. Tackling Sensitive Topics: Use courageous questioning to address sensitive subjects. Acknowledge the sensitivity and ask for permission to explore further.
5. Setting Clear Expectations: Plan extra time for in-depth conversations. Communicate the time commitment with your guest to ensure a smooth experience.

Effective communication is the backbone of any great podcast—it builds connections, fosters understanding, and keeps your audience coming back for more. So get out there and continue asking the courageous questions!

Connect with Carolynn Williams:

• Website: https://www.carolynnwilliams.com/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/carolynn.williams22/