Episode 367: End of an Era – A Fond Farewell to Our Podcasting Journey

Private Practice Startup Podcast
Hosts: Dr. Kate Campbell & Katie Lemieux
Release Date: December 14, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 367 of the Private Practice Startup Podcast, hosts Dr. Kate Campbell and Katie Lemieux announce the heartfelt decision to retire their beloved podcast after eight impactful years. This episode serves as a reflective farewell, celebrating the journey, achievements, and the vibrant community they've built alongside mental health professionals worldwide.

Announcement of Retirement

Katie opens the episode with an air of anticipation and emotion, stating:

"This is a very important and big announcement episode. So if you're joining us for the first time, welcome. And if you've been a long listener, this will probably come as some very big news." [00:38]

Dr. Kate Campbell adds her sentiments, revealing her unusual experience of feeling butterflies before the episode:

"I haven't had butterflies before a podcast episode in like, years... I have butterflies before this episode." [01:34]

Together, they declare that Episode 367 will be their final podcast installment, marking the end of an era for their listeners.

Reasons for Retirement

The decision to retire the podcast stems from multiple factors:

1. Content Saturation:
   After producing over 367 episodes, Kate and Katie felt they had covered a vast array of topics essential to building a private practice. Kate reflects:

   "We've realized that we really feel like we're in a place where we've saturated the content making process for the podcast..." [02:32]

2. Business Growth and Focus:
   Both hosts have expanded their primary businesses beyond the podcast. Kate discusses the growth of Bayview Therapy:

   "We have three locations and 32 clinicians at this point. And I'm wanting to continue to scale that and potentially add some additional offices..." [06:32]

   Similarly, Katie expresses her desire to focus on leadership opportunities and other impactful areas.

3. Work-Life Balance:
   Managing multiple ventures alongside personal lives became increasingly challenging. Kate shares her struggle with "decision fatigue and just gives me brain fog" due to juggling various responsibilities (22:19).

Reflection on the Podcast Journey

Kate and Katie take a nostalgic walk down memory lane, reminiscing about their eight-year journey since launching the podcast in 2016. They highlight the evolution from a structured format to a more conversational and authentic style, embracing imperfections that resonated with their audience.

"Our podcasts have evolved. They used to be much more structured and now they just kind of flow and they're more conversational..." [17:50]

Memorable Episodes and Guests

The hosts celebrate the diverse and inspiring guests who have graced their podcast:

• Dr. Sean Davis: Their first guest, who returned multiple times, leaving a lasting impact.
• Mike Michalowicz: A favorite business author known for his insightful contributions.
• Maureen Werbach: Remembered for podcasting from unconventional locations like a closet and a backyard.
• Roy Huggins: Honored for his legacy despite his passing.
• Dr. Annalyn Schooley: A pivotal figure who brought Kate and Katie together in their professional journey.

Katie shares a particularly memorable moment:

"We had a woman who did like fashion design and helping people dress for their best. And during the episode she went, meant to say, dress your best, but she was like, and you have to dress your breast. And it was just like a very funny moment." [17:50]

Evolution of the Podcast

Initially focusing on pre-licensure courses and structured business advice, the podcast gradually embraced a more relaxed and authentic tone. Kate remarks on the shift towards realness and the importance of authenticity:

"People love authenticity and they love realness and mistakes and imperfections. Makes it perfect." [17:50]

This evolution helped in building a loyal and engaged community, fostering genuine connections and lasting friendships with guests.

Gratitude to Team, Sponsors, and Listeners

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to expressing heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the podcast's success:

• Team Members:
  Katie and Kate acknowledge their dedicated team, including podcasting editors, assistants, social media managers, and coaches. They highlight the indispensable role of individuals like Ruth, Ina, Amy Crane, and Jennifer Schwallenberger in navigating the complexities of podcast production and marketing.

• Sponsors:
  Although sponsors were briefly mentioned, the hosts ensured that their contributions were recognized as integral to the podcast's sustainability.

• Listeners:
  The hosts extend immense gratitude to their loyal listeners, the "Startup Nation," whose support and feedback fueled their passion:

  "We just are so grateful for you all, Startup Nation, and your loyal listenership and support throughout the years..." [20:42]

Future Plans

With the podcast now retired, Dr. Kate Campbell and Katie Lemieux are redirecting their focus to their primary businesses:

• Dr. Kate Campbell:
  Plans to scale Bayview Therapy, potentially adding more locations and enhancing services to better support clients and clinicians.

• Katie Lemieux:
  Intends to concentrate on leadership roles and creating a broader impact in various professional arenas.

Both emphasize the importance of aligning their professional endeavors with their personal lives to achieve better balance and fulfillment.

"I'm looking forward to having less tabs open in my brain and really being able to give more to the areas that I am focusing on moving forward." [22:19]

Conclusion

As they bid farewell, Kate and Katie reflect on the significance of their podcasting journey, acknowledging the deep connections and the substantial legacy they've built. They reassure listeners that previous episodes remain accessible, ensuring the valuable insights and lessons continue to benefit aspiring private practitioners.

"This is our legacy we're leaving behind. You know, we're leaving behind 367 episodes. Chock full of all sorts of business and marketing advice and our stories..." [23:46]

The episode closes with a mix of sadness and optimism, embodying the bittersweet nature of endings and new beginnings.

Notable Quotes

• Katie on the announcement:

  "This is a true mic drop. Literally and figuratively." [28:17]

• Kate on the decision:

  "It's very bittersweet... It's time and we both feel on the same page that it is time to retire the podcast." [07:16]

• Reflection on authenticity:

  "People love authenticity and they love realness and mistakes and imperfections. Makes it perfect." [17:50]

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey.
Visit www.PrivatePracticeStartup.com for continued resources, free training, and attorney-approved Private Practice paperwork to support your private practice endeavors.