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[2:35] Previous Q&A Episodes:
Episode #10: Health & Wellness Q&A
Episode #20: Mediation & Mindfulness Q&A
Episode #30: Business & Leadership Q&A
Episode #40: Travel Q&A
New!
Episode #60: Goal Setting Q&A
Episode #70: Solo Female Travel Q&A
Episode #80: My Monthly Wellness Box
[3:06] Question #1: What Made You want to Create a Podcast?
I've always loved the idea of having my own show because I love podcasts and that's how I consume most of my content. It was just a matter of figuring out how to do it. But let me tell you, if I can figure it out, then you can also figure it out!
From a business perspective, I saw how quickly podcasts were growing. I've had many different blogs in the past and even though the reader count was growing, the blogs weren't reaching as many people as I wanted it to. So then I decided to make the blog into a podcast!
I think it's really cool how there is this evolution of the way we share and grow, and I'm excited for my brand, and voice, to be apart of that.
I started with a weekly “live” show on Instagram and Facebook, with the intention of taking the audio from the Live Shows and move them into the podcasting software so that I could launch with 5 episodes right from the get-go! In my research I was taught to launch with 3-5 episodes because if the listeners like you, they'll want to binge your content.
“Everything is figureoutable.” – Marie Forleo
[5:53] Questions #2: Can Men Listen to Your Podcast Also?
Yes! Of course! This show is for anyone and everyone who is interested in elevating their health, their wealth, and their happiness.
Shout out to my dad who has been a loyal listener since day 1! 🤗 💗
[6:54] Questions #3: What Does Your Podcast Production Look Like?
The system that works well for me and is where I'm at right now:
Step 0: or “Pre Production”
I aim to produce 1 month of episodes in 1 week. Which means, I set up all the episodes in one week, and when I'm ready to do the live shows I am prepared with my notes and I know what I'm talking about. This looks like putting my podcast tasks into my calendar and guard this time like a tiger guards her cubs. So I call this my “Tiger Time” or it's whenever I go into my “Creativity Cave.” Nothing else gets scheduled besides my self care and my podcast producing. I also make sure my social media is organized for that week! It helps me stay focused in my zone of genius and not spending too much time looking at what other people are doing. Meal prepping helps a lot too, basically anything you can do to keep you on track with your goals. On Sunday I write a list of everything that needs to get done each day so that on Monday when I'm sitting at my desk, I know exactly what needs to be done. Emails, appointments, meetings, etc. are all scheduled outside of my tiger time.
Step 1: Content Creation Mode
This looks like me planting myself at my desk until I've come up with 4-5 topics and titles for the month. Mostly there are 4 Wednesday in each month, but sometimes there are 5. Once you get the creativity juices flowing, it becomes so much easier. I schedule 4 hours in a row for this piece. Once I have the 4-5 topics, I create separate Google Docs for each one with the episode topic/title of each. Sometimes I'll add dot jot notes to the topic in its respective notes. This sometimes includes photos, or screenshots. If something comes up in conversation or email or I see something that inspires me to write an episode, then I will include this in the jot notes also.
Step 2: The Nitty Gritty
This is when I make all the blog thumbnails and YouTube cover photos and social media posts for each episode. Also Pretty Links and show notes. Pretty Links create a custom link for each episode and it helps me simplify the show notes page URL, each link is based on the episode number, for example this episode is www.valerielavignelife.com/50 because it's episode 50! I also write out all the weekly emails for each episode.
Step 3: The Live Show
These are done on Facebook and Instagram every Wednesday at noon! This step is unique to my podcast, and most podcasts aren't like this. It is a lot of work! I do some batching in the summer time, where I take a break from the live show.
After the live show I go into Step 4: Editing & Post Production
I strip the audio, add the intro and outro for the podcast and I save it as an mp3 file and uploaded to my host site: Liberated Syndication. Then I embed the video and audio into the show notes page. The show notes page is the “hub” of the episode. This is where I keep all the links, and everything else I talk about in the episodes!
This summer I took two months off from the live show, but I still had podcasts running. I batched the two months worth of episodes before the summer so that it would automatically release each week. It was definitely a time saver! It's easier to pre-record than to do a live show each week. However, I really enjoy doing the weekly live shows. That being said, I'm not sure how sustainable it will be, but we will see!
Right now, the marketing is all word of mouth and through my social media posts/page. I'm still learning!
[15:43] Questions #4: What Equipment and Software do You Use to Create Your Podcast?
Equipment:
Blue Yeti Mic & Pop Filter
Logitec Webcam
MacBook Pro & iPhone
My Monthly Wellness Box is my “computer stand” LOL
2 Cork Yoga Blocks for holding up my iPhone
Sometimes I set up my Tripod
Software:
Photo Booth for video recording, straight from my MacBook
Garage Band for audio recording and editing, also comes with my MacBook. Some people use Audacity, and it comes recommended, but I haven't used it myself.
Libsyn for uploading and hosting the podcast.
Sometimes I use iMovie for pre-recordings and editing the fun bloopers when I was batching content.
[19:15] Questions #5: Will You Have Guest Speakers on your Show?
Yes. I will have guests on my podcast. The Women's Empowerment Blog had guest authors and I will be hosting guests on the show. I've decided that this will not be part of the live show. The guest episodes will be more like bonus episodes in the beginning, and you'll have to subscribe to the show where you listen to it so that you stay updated with the new episodes as they launch!
Q #5 Part 2: How can I Be a Guest, or How can I Nominate a Guest for the Show?
NEW! Nominate yourself or a guest: send me a message on instagram! The more information, the better.
[20:42] Questions #6: Where Can I Listen and Download Your Podcast?
All the episodes and show notes are available here: www.valerielavignelife.com/podcast
As well as wherever you're currently listening to podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
[21:08] Questions #7: Do You Have Any Tips for Someone Who Wants to Start Their Own Podcast?
Tip #1: JUST START!
Don't wait until you think you're ready. My only regret is that I didn't start sooner.
Tip #2: LEARN AS YOU GO!
You will get better with practice. I cringe when I hear past episodes LOL
Tip #3: HAVE FUN!
Figure out what works best for YOU and just enjoy it! Hit record, have fun. Do what you want.
Resources for when you're just starting out:
John Lee Dumas's Podcast: Entrepreneurs On Fire & free podcast training
BOOK: Let's Talk Podcasting by Amy Cupido
[24:42] Questions #8: When and Where Can I Watch Your Live Show?
Wednesdays at 12:00 PM EST
www.facebook.com/valerielavignelife
www.instagram.com/vallavignelife
EDITED JUNE 17th 2020: THERE ARE NO LIVE EPISODES AT THIS TIME, ALL OTHER LINKS REMAIN THE SAME AND HAVE BEEN UPDATED. FOLLOW ALONG FOR UPDATES ON SOCIAL (linked above) OR SUBSCRIBE TO THE EMAIL LIST USING THE YELLOW BUTTON BELOW!
[25:07] Questions #9: How Do You Come Up with Your Podcast Content?
I keep a running Google Doc and iPhone Notes with ideas and inspiration.
I LOVE getting feedback and ideas from the listeners! It means so much to me when I can connect with who is listening to the show, which is one of the reasons I love the live show format, because it's more interactive.
Other places/ways I get inspiration for episodes:
In the shower
During yoga or meditation
When I spend time in nature
I ask/poll my social media community
Conversations with clients, customers, friends, team, etc.
[28:15] Questions #10: Evolution of the Women's Empowerment Podcast: What can we expect to hear and see in upcoming episodes?
Guests! Guest episodes as bonus episodes for the show! 🥳
Episode #43: How to Attract Your Girl Gang
Travel! I will be travelling in early 2020 and I'm considering taking the live show on the road, not totally clear on the details yet but that is up and coming for the new year!
