Podcast
Podcast Cafe: Insights from Podcasters for Podcasters
Hosted by Hayleigh Hayhurst, Podcast Producer & Strategist · EN
Welcome to the Podcast Café, where we serve up everything you need to know about podcasting—from tips to strategies, for podcasters by podcasters. Hosted by Hayleigh Hayhurst, founder of Espresso Podcast Production, this show covers the art and science of podcasting in a fun, relatable way from podcasters for podcasters. Join our community of creators and let’s make podcasting something you love—and that works for you. Learn more at espressopodcastproduction.com.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
85. How to Brand Your Podcast with Morgan from Six Figure Brand
3w ago00:31:04Tap to summarizeDon't neglect your podcast branding!In this episode of the Podcast Café, I sit down with Morgan Specht, host of the Six Figure Brand podcast and agency owner, to discuss what it really takes to create a strategically branded podcast.We talk about what it looks like to build a 6 figure brand, why she trademarked her podcast, the difference between branding and brand strategy, why you shouldn't start a podcast before doing foundational brand work, and how to audit your podcast to ensure clarity and consistency.If you're thinking about starting a podcast or want to make sure your existing show is strategically positioned, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.In This Episode, You'll Learn:The foundational brand work you need to do before launching a podcastWhy Morgan trademarked her podcast nameMorgan's marketing strategies that are working (including a clever approach to sharing episodes on Threads)How to audit your brand and podcast for clarity and consistencyThe importance of launch strategy over perfecting your first episodesConnect with Morgan: https://www.instagram.com/spechtand.co/Listen to her podcast: https://www.instagram.com/sixfigurebrandpodcast/Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklistWebsite: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProductionMy favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQProduced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com
Transcribe →84. From Weekly Episodes to Intentional Growth with Katherine Phillips, Faithful Flourish Podcast
Apr 3000:29:44Tap to summarizeThe real growth from podcasting isn’t what you see on the surface.Katherine Phillips is almost one year into her podcasting journey—and what started as a simple idea has grown into something much bigger.In this episode, she shares the real behind-the-scenes of launching Faithful Flourish, a podcast created for Orthodox Christian women navigating modern life. From figuring out her voice to building a community (without even liking social media), Katherine breaks down what it actually takes to start and sustain a podcast with purpose.We talk about the evolution of her strategy—from posting weekly episodes to shifting into a more intentional, quality-first approach—and how that decision is changing everything.Katherine also opens up about:Creating content that reflects your values (not just trends)Navigating social media when it doesn’t come naturallyBuilding confidence as a new podcasterThe power of curiosity and continuous learningWhy podcasting is more time-intensive than people thinkWhat it looks like to grow a show and yourself at the same timeIf you’ve been feeling the pressure to “do more” with your podcast—or wondering if your voice actually matters—this conversation will bring you back to what’s important.Because sometimes, the most meaningful growth happens when you slow down and get intentional.Listen to Faithful Flourish Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faithful-flourish-a-podcast-for-the-modern/id1798544576Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklistWebsite: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProductionMy favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQProduced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com
Transcribe →83. How This Podcaster Sold Her Show & Built Two More with Anjel B. Hartwell
Apr 900:39:38Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you approach podcasting like a business asset instead of just a creative project? Angel rebuilt from a $7 month to creating award-winning podcast brands—and eventually selling one.In this episode of the Podcast Café, Anjel shares her unique journey of starting, growing, and selling her first podcast, Men on Purpose. Whether monetization is your goal or not, her strategic approach to podcasting offers valuable lessons about intentionality, guest relationships, and building something that truly serves your bigger vision. In This Episode, You'll Learn:Anjel's story: from business collapse to launching a top-200 podcast in 6 weeksThe strategic decisions she made that helped her podcast serve her business goalsThe exact process of selling a podcast (co-hosted transition episodes, IP transfer, 90-day timeline)How she maintains relationships with hundreds of guests over timeWhy she focuses on conversions over vanity metrics (and why that matters for her goals)Her experience applying for and winning 21 podcast awardsThe reality of podcast sponsorships and why she chose a different pathConnect with Anjel:Wickedly Smart Women: www.wickedlysmartwomen.comLeading Visionaries Podcast: www.leadingvisionariespodcast.comWebsite: www.creativeageleader.comSellable Show Checklist: https://www.wealthylifementor.com/sellable-show-podcast-cafeConnect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklistWebsite: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProductionMy favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQProduced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com
Transcribe →82. I Taught Fifth Graders About Podcasting (And What They Taught Me Back)
Apr 800:19:53Tap to summarizeEver wonder what podcasting looks like through fresh, unfiltered eyes? In this episode, I'm sharing my experience teaching fifth graders about podcasting during career day—and the surprisingly valuable lessons they taught me in return.Last week, I had the honor of introducing podcasting to four classes of fourth and fifth graders at a local elementary school. Armed with my Canva presentation and 25 minutes per class, I set out to teach kids about podcast production. What I didn't expect was how much their pure creativity, enthusiasm, and unfiltered ideas would remind me of what makes podcasting powerful in the first place.What You'll Discover:Why fifth graders already know what podcasting is (and how they consume it differently than we might think)The wildly creative podcast ideas kids came up with—from interviewing dogs about their favorite breakfast foods to exploring misunderstood animals like sharks and crocodilesWhat these young minds taught me about keeping podcasting fun, creative, and simpleWhy making your podcast understandable to a fifth grader is actually brilliant marketingHow to reignite your own creativity when you're feeling stuck or bored with your contentThe future of podcasting through the eyes of the next generationKey Takeaway:If a room of fifth graders can brainstorm podcast topics, titles, interview goals, and episode ideas in just 25 minutes, so can you. Stop overcomplicating your podcast. Make it fun. Make it simple enough that a kid could understand it. And never underestimate the power of pure, unfiltered creativity.The Challenge:Feeling stuck with your podcast? Try thinking like a fifth grader. What would make your show fun? What adjacent topics could you explore? Who would you want to interview if there were no limits? Get curious again.Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklistWebsite: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProductionMy favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQProduced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com
Transcribe →81. The Reality of Running a News Podcast with Brian Callanan
Mar 2600:37:19Tap to summarizeIf you've ever wondered what it takes to run a local news podcast, or any podcast that carries real responsibility, this conversation is for you.This week, I'm sitting down with Brian Callanan, host of Seattle News Views and Brews, a podcast that's been delivering weekly updates on Seattle's civic and political landscape for seven years. Brian brings over 30 years of journalism experience, and in this episode, he pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to create a podcast that people trust.We talk about the hours of research that go into each 30-minute episode, how he stays objective in an increasingly polarized media environment, and why authenticity matters more than a perfect setup when you're starting out.In This EpisodeThe real research process behind a weekly news podcastHow to stay objective when covering political topicsWhy authenticity is the #1 prerequisite for starting a podcastThe biggest challenge of sustaining a weekly showBrian's take on using AI in journalism and podcasting Connect with Brian:Website: https://www.briancallananmedia.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/callanan13/Learn more about Loop the Lupe: https://olgseattle.org/loop-the-lupeConnect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:Apply to work with us: xhttps://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklistWebsite: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProductionMy favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQProduced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com
Transcribe →80. 5 Questions to Ask Before You Start Your Podcast
Mar 2500:11:44Tap to summarizeBefore you invest in the mic, book the guests, or design the logo... pause. There are five questions worth asking that will save you time, energy, and help you create something you can actually sustain.In this solo episode, I'm walking you through the questions I wish someone had asked me before I launched my first podcast. These aren't meant to scare you away—they're meant to set you up for success.Whether you're planning an interview show, a solo podcast, or something educational, these questions will help you build a podcast that feels authentic, sustainable, and aligned with what you actually want to create. In This Episode:What authenticity really means when it comes to your podcast topicThe difference between starting energy and sustaining energyHow to know if your podcast topic requires serious research or prep timeWhen your podcast carries responsibility to your audience—and what that meansWhy "good enough" might be exactly what you need to finally startConnect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklistWebsite: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProductionMy favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQProduced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com
Transcribe →79. Two Podcast Producers Talking About Podcast Strategies, AI Tools, Best Practices & Pet Peeves
Mar 1900:49:38Tap to summarizeWhat happens when two podcast producers sit down to talk shop? You get an honest conversation about what it really takes to run a podcast.In this episode, I'm joined by Chris Creary, host of The Faith Fight Podcast and I Made a Podcast, and founder of Podcast Production Lab. We dive into the realities of podcast editing, using AI tools like ChatGPT for show notes, creating clips with Headliner and Opus Clip, and the boundaries that keep us both from burning out.Whether you're a podcaster, thinking about starting a podcast, or curious about podcast production as a business, this conversation is full of practical tips, real talk, and a reminder that your voice is more powerful than you think.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The Journey to Podcast ProductionPodcast Production & Editing StrategiesAI Tools for Podcast ProductionRunning a Podcast Production BusinessSeasonal Podcasting vs. Evergreen ContentPodcast Best Practices & Pet PeevesBuilding Community Through PodcastingListen to my episode on Chris's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brewing-better-podcasts-how-espresso-podcast-production/id1714880275?i=1000713221542Connect with Chris:I Made A Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/imadeapodcast/Faith Fight Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/faithfightpodcast/Podcast Production Labs: https://www.instagram.com/podcast_production_labs/Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklistWebsite: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProductionMy favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQProduced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com
Transcribe →78. Podcasting in the Classroom: How UNLV Is Preparing the Next Generation of Creators with my college professor, Dave Nourse
Mar 1300:50:22Tap to summarizeBefore podcasting became my career, it was something I experimented with in college. In this episode, I’m sitting down with one of the professors who helped shape that journey and who now teaches podcasting at UNLV.Podcasting has changed a lot over the past decade, and now universities are starting to teach it.In this episode of Podcast Café, I’m sitting down with Dave Nourse, a professor at the UNLV School of Journalism and Media Studies, who teaches a college course focused on podcasting. Dave actually taught one of the audio classes I took when I was studying journalism at UNLV, so this conversation feels like a true full-circle moment. We talk about how podcasting evolved from an experimental medium into something universities now consider an essential part of media education.What does a podcasting class actually look like? What do students learn about podcast strategy, storytelling, and production? And how is the industry changing as video, AI, and new platforms reshape the way people create and consume podcasts?We also explore how younger audiences think about podcasts differently and what creators need to understand as the medium continues to evolve.In this episode:How podcasting became part of university journalism programsWhat students actually learn in a podcasting classWhy storytelling and audience strategy matter in podcastingThe difference between audio-first and video-first podcast audiencesHow AI and new technology are influencing podcast productionWhat success really looks like for a podcastWhy many podcasts stop after only a few episodesLinkedIn: Dave Nourse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-nourse-unlv/UNLV Journalism & Media Studies: https://www.unlv.edu/jmsConnect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklistWebsite: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProductionMy favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQProduced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com
Transcribe →77. The Podcast Monetization Strategy Most Creators Aren’t Trying with Ellen Yin, Cubicle to CEO
Mar 1200:46:02Tap to summarizeMost podcasts rely on ads, sponsorships, or selling something on the backend.But what if the podcast itself was the product?In this episode of Podcast Café, I sit down with Ellen Yin, host of the Cubicle to CEO podcast, to talk about a monetization strategy most podcasters haven’t seriously considered yet: a premium podcast subscription.After nearly 7 years of publishing free content and over 400 episodes, Ellen made a bold shift—moving her full case study interviews behind a paid subscription model, while still sharing preview episodes publicly.It’s an experiment that’s changing how she thinks about podcasting, media, and sustainability.We talk about what it actually takes to make a premium podcast work, the mindset behind charging for podcast content, and the types of creators this model might be best suited for.If you’ve ever wondered:Can a podcast become its own business model?What happens when you stop relying on ads to fund your show?And who should (or shouldn’t) consider a paid podcast?This conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible.In this episode, we explore:Why Ellen decided to experiment with a premium podcast subscriptionThe realities of producing a podcast for 6+ yearsWhat has to be in place before charging for podcast contentThe difference between a podcast marketing tool vs a podcast productHow Ellen structures free preview episodes vs paid contentWhat most podcasters misunderstand about monetizationThe surprising role community plays in paid podcast modelsWhen starting a podcast might not be the right move at allAbout Ellen YinEllen Yin is the founder of Cubicle to CEO, a media company built around her top-ranked business podcast for entrepreneurs.Her show features case study interviews with founders, where she asks the business questions you can’t Google—focusing on strategies implemented in the last 3–18 months that led to measurable growth.After years of producing free content, Ellen is now testing a premium podcast model designed to make the show sustainable long-term.Connect with EllenPodcast: Cubicle to CEOInstagram: @cubicletoceoPremium subscription: cubicletoceo.co/podcastConnect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklistWebsite: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProductionMy favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQProduced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com
Transcribe →76. How Joe Smarro Turned Pain Into Purpose, Powerful Storytelling, and a Platform That Helps Others Heal
Mar 600:46:03Tap to summarizeHow do you share your story in a way that actually helps people instead of just trauma dumping?In this episode of Podcast Café, I’m sitting down with Joe Smarro, a TEDx speaker, author, former police officer, Marine combat veteran, and podcast host — to talk about storytelling, mental health, public speaking, and how podcasting can become a powerful platform for connection and impact.Joe shares how childhood trauma, military service, and years of therapy eventually led him to speaking on stages across the country, hosting a podcast, and helping leaders understand resilience, healing, and emotional intelligence.If you are a podcaster, speaker, entrepreneur, or someone thinking about starting a podcast, this conversation is full of insights on how to tell meaningful stories that truly connect with an audience.In this episode, we talk about:Joe’s journey from trauma to becoming a TEDx speaker, author, and podcast hostHow therapy helped him process his story before sharing it publiclyThe difference between powerful storytelling and trauma dumpingHow podcasting helps build relationships and grow your networkWhy vulnerability can give other people permission to speak upJoe’s advice for anyone who wants to start a podcast or become a public speakerWhy podcasting doesn’t have to be expensive or complicatedThe surprising lesson podcasting taught him about curiosity and lifelong learningJoe Smarro is a Marine combat veteran, former San Antonio police officer, TEDx speaker, author, and CEO of SolutionPoint+. During his 11 years with the San Antonio Police Department, he helped build the department’s nationally recognized Mental Health Unit.Joe is also featured in the Emmy-award winning documentary Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops and is the author of the Amazon bestselling book Unarmed: De-escalation Techniques to Cultivate Courage, Compassion, and Connection. Today, he travels the country speaking and training organizations on mental health, resilience, and leadership.His mission is to help reduce suicide among first responders and create healthier, more resilient communities. When he’s not speaking or writing, you’ll most likely find him on a golf course.Website: www.joesmarro.com | www.solutionpointplus.comMy Emmy-Award winning Documentary: https://youtu.be/0FH2iBAN4mc?si=lmsIHMLBJp95k2UAMy TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/zjqKzNJef28?si=QQ-cJMhnIOb3JAnkListen to Truly Mental: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/truly-mental/id1476295263 NPR's story on Ketamine: https://www.npr.org/2025/10/03/nx-s1-5561085/why-ketamine-got-popularConnect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklistWebsite: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProductionMy favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQProduced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com
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