Frugal Friends Podcast - Episode: "WE WROTE A BOOK!!!"

Release Date: January 7, 2025
Hosts: Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni | iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to the Episode

In this milestone episode of the Frugal Friends Podcast, hosts Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni celebrate the release of their debut book, "Buy What You Love Without Going Broke." This behind-the-scenes episode delves into the journey of writing and publishing their first book, offering listeners an intimate look into their experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

Announcement and Release of the Book

The episode kicks off with Eric announcing the exciting news:

Eric [02:31]: "We wrote a book."

Jen and Jill enthusiastically introduce their book, emphasizing that this episode provides a backstage pass to the creation process rather than diving into the book's content directly.

Behind the Scenes of Writing the Book

a. Why Write a Book?

Jill shares her motivation behind authoring the book:

Jill [05:04]: "This book is the culmination of valuing myself, what I bring to the table, valuing us and the amazing community and product that we have created over the last seven years."

Eric adds his perspective, highlighting the book as a way to solidify their knowledge and offer a cohesive resource:

Eric [09:20]: "I think a book allows you to really take a reader on a journey and expand upon concepts in a more kind of sit down time that you can really digest this information, make it your own, ask yourself questions, start to implement."

b. The Writing Process

Jill recounts the writing timeline and the iterative process they underwent:

Jill [12:33]: "We wrote it in three months, at the very last three months... we rewrote it again."

The hosts discuss the challenges of merging their distinct voices and backgrounds into a unified narrative, particularly in Chapter Three, which Jill describes as "the bane of our existence."

Jill [14:03]: "Chapter three was the bane of our existence."

c. Favorite and Challenging Chapters

Both hosts reflect on their favorite parts of the book. Eric expresses a fondness for Chapter Nine:

Eric [16:26]: "Chapter nine, contentment over complacency... how we approach and think about money... practice gratitude."

Jill resonates with the final chapter, emphasizing its transformative potential:

Jill [17:20]: "It's the final chapter... part three... I believe it will be the most life-changing for people."

Publishing: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing

Traditional Publishing Experience

Jill contrasts her past self-publishing endeavors with the traditional publishing route of their debut book:

Jill [25:23]: "It's a lot slower process... great to have a lot of other eyes on the book."

She highlights the benefits of traditional publishing, such as professional editing, broader distribution, and enhanced credibility:

Jill [28:09]: "Traditional publishing really can establish us in these traditional outlets."

Self-Publishing Insights

While appreciating traditional publishing, Jill remains an advocate for self-publishing, offering to support others in navigating its challenges:

Jill [28:11]: "I still believe in self-publishing and would love to help people who are self-publishing and traditionally publish it."

Book Promotion and Marketing Experiences

Eric's Perspective on Marketing

Eric candidly discusses his discomfort with marketing:

Eric [18:50]: "I don't care for marketing... it feels very self-promotion."

Despite his reservations, he acknowledges the necessity of marketing for their book's success:

Eric [19:53]: "But we've had to kind of get into the minds of people to be able to say yes to having us on their podcasts."

Jill's Enthusiasm for Marketing

In contrast, Jill thrives on promoting the book, leveraging her passion for the message:

Jill [20:32]: "I have enjoyed talking to my friends... get creative is really where I find like my fulfilling work."

She emphasizes ethical marketing practices, aligning them with the book's core values:

Jill [22:20]: "Use an ethical form of marketing and kind of reframe marketing to be ethical."

Celebrations and Events Post-Release

To mark the book's release, Jen and Jill outline their celebratory plans, including book signings across the Tampa Bay area:

Jill [53:55]: "We're gonna go sign in Tampa, Pinellas and Sarasota, all the books at every Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million."

They also mention private celebrations and upcoming events like their appearance at Nerd Night:

Jill [34:26]: "We're speaking tonight at Nerd Night, which is like a nerdy TED Talk style event."

Listener Feedback and Reviews

The episode features a heartfelt review from listener Georgie Cam, praising the podcast's impact on her financial habits:

Georgie Cam: "I've learned so much behind the psychology of spending and I feel so empowered... I know now that with values-based spending, that was a gadget. Well worth it to me."

Eric and Jill express their gratitude for such feedback, underscoring the podcast's mission to empower listeners:

Eric [51:05]: "Seeing how it's connecting with people... it's so meaningful to realize... you've actually made some big beneficial strides."

Future Plans for the Podcast

Looking ahead, Jen and Jill discuss potential directions for the Frugal Friends Podcast, including:

• New Episode Formats: Considering a Sunday reset episode focused on personal stories.

• Public Speaking and Financial Therapy: Jill expresses interest in public speaking and blending financial advice with mental health support:

  Jill [34:09]: "I'd love to do more public speaking... providing financial therapy."

• Continued Engagement: They seek listener input on future content and monetization strategies to sustain and grow the podcast:

  Jill [38:02]: "What do you guys want to see from us next?"

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to listeners, encouragement to purchase and review the book, and a final promotion of their book signing events. Jen and Jill reaffirm their commitment to helping listeners achieve financial independence and embrace frugality without sacrificing what they love.

Jill [49:01]: "Thank you so much for listening to this... take $25 out of your budget to buy a copy of the book."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Eric [02:31]: "We wrote a book."
• Jill [05:04]: "This book is the culmination of valuing myself..."
• Jill [12:33]: "We wrote it in three months, at the very last three months... we rewrote it again."
• Jill [14:03]: "Chapter three was the bane of our existence."
• Eric [09:20]: "I think a book allows you to really take a reader on a journey..."
• Eric [16:26]: "Chapter nine, contentment over complacency..."
• Jill [17:20]: "It's the final chapter... part three... I believe it will be the most life-changing..."
• Jill [20:32]: "I have enjoyed talking to my friends... get creative is really where I find like my fulfilling work."
• Georgie Cam [50:00]: "I've learned so much behind the psychology of spending and I feel so empowered..."
• Jill [49:01]: "Thank you so much for listening to this... take $25 out of your budget to buy a copy of the book."

Final Thoughts

Frugal Friends Podcast successfully marks a significant milestone with the release of "Buy What You Love Without Going Broke." Through candid conversations, insightful reflections, and heartfelt gratitude, Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni engage their audience, celebrating their achievements while setting the stage for future endeavors to inspire and empower listeners on their frugal living journeys.