Podcast
The McClain Method | Business Tools For Interior Designers
Hosted by John McClain · EN
Welcome to The McClain Method — the go-to podcast for interior designers who want to grow a profitable, polished, and well-run design business.
I’m your host, John McClain—award-winning interior designer, business mentor, author, and branding strategist. If you want to learn how to:
• price your interior design services
• attract high-value clients
• streamline your design process
• improve your client experience
• elevate your brand and visibility
• run your design firm with confidence
…you’re in the right place.
This podcast isn’t about pillows and paint swatches.
Here, we focus on the business of interior design—marketing, pricing, branding, sales, systems, visibility, mindset, and everything it actually takes to build a thriving design firm.
Each episode gives you clear strategies, actionable tools, and behind-the-scenes insights you can use immediately to grow your business and elevate your clients’ experience.
If you’re ready to step into your next level as an interior designer—and finally run a business that reflects your brilliance—welcome home.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
81: How to Avoid Common Interior Design Business Mistakes with Ronniesha Rivera
Sep 1900:56:52Tap to summarizeHow to Avoid Common Interior Design Business Mistakes with Ronniesha RiveraIn this episode of the McClain Method Podcast, host John McClain discusses overcoming difficulties in the interior design business with guest Ronniesha Rivera, founder of Vetted By Design. They talk about the importance of dealing with hardships, the challenges of finding good help, outsourcing effectively, and maintaining long-term profitability. They also delve into the specifics of hiring bookkeepers, accountants, and the crucial role of contracts. Ronniesha shares her insights on delegating, managing contractor relations, and the essential role of boundaries in maintaining a successful design business. She highlights the need for robust processes and the importance of investing in oneself. Additionally, they introduce Vetted By Design, a platform created to help designers find pre-vetted industry professionals, ensuring reliable and tailored support for various business needs.More about Vetted By Design and Ronniesha Rivera:Website: https://vetted-bydesign.com/If you are a vendor or company wishing to be added to Vetted By Design, mention The McClain Method for 15% off of your listing!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/Text Me a Message!Learn how to build a profitable, polished interior design business—without burning out. In this free training, John McClain shares the 3 secrets that took him from overwhelmed to booked out, including pricing tips, service structure, and mindset shifts that actually work.CLICK HERE to watch now at https://mcclainmethod.com/dbft-video-optinSupport the show🖥️ FREE ON DEMAND VIDEO TRAINING: How to Build a Six-Figure Interior Design Business CLICK HERE 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John!YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohnInstagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethodLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/
Transcribe →80: Do it Afraid: Navigating Fear and Change in Design with Katie Decker-Erickson
Aug 2901:11:58Tap to summarizeDo it Afraid: Navigating Fear and Change in DesignIn this episode of the McClain Method Podcast, host John McClain speaks with Katie Derek Erickson, founder of Success by Design. They discuss the importance of grit, perspective, and intuitive decision-making in business. Katie shares her journey from flipping houses to leading a multimillion-dollar commercial design firm and emphasizes the significance of sustainable design. The episode also touches on overcoming fear, the power of celebrating small wins, and the impact of having a defined 'why' in business. 14:18 Celebrating Success and Finding Joy18:12 Remote Teams and Effective Hiring27:11 The Power of Systems and Processes36:04 The Importance of Marketing Processes36:53 The Need for Structured Task Management44:38 Building Strong Relationships with Tradespeople53:40 Handling Business Challenges and Burnout01:00:32 The Power of Knowing Your 'Why'01:05:44 Rapid Fire Insights and ConclusionMore On Katie and her program and podcast: Success by DesignWebsite: https://successbydesign.coach/LISTEN HERE to John on Katie's Podcast: https://successbydesign.coach/podcast-library/b/attracting-luxury-interior-design-clients-with-john-mcclainInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/successbydesign_coach_podcast/?hl=en****Text Me a Message!Learn how to build a profitable, polished interior design business—without burning out. In this free training, John McClain shares the 3 secrets that took him from overwhelmed to booked out, including pricing tips, service structure, and mindset shifts that actually work.CLICK HERE to watch now at https://mcclainmethod.com/dbft-video-optinSupport the show🖥️ FREE ON DEMAND VIDEO TRAINING: How to Build a Six-Figure Interior Design Business CLICK HERE 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John!YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohnInstagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethodLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/
Transcribe →79: Clutter-Free Life: How Clearing Your Space Can Transform Your Mindset with Helen Sanderson
Aug 15, 202500:54:22Tap to summarizeEpisode 79: Clutter-Free Life – Transform Your Space, Transform Your Mindset with Helen SandersonIn today’s episode of The McClain Method Podcast, we’re diving into the powerful connection between your home environment and mental wellness. I’m joined by Helen Sanderson, the UK’s leading expert on the psychology of clutter and the author of The Secret Life of Clutter. Helen is here to show us how to clear the physical clutter in our spaces—and how doing so can lead to a clearer, more intentional mindset.Helen, known as "The Clutter Therapist," shares her unique approach that blends psychotherapy with interior design to help people declutter not only their homes but their lives. This episode explores:Why clutter is more than just physical stuff – it’s about what’s going on inside your head.How clutter can be a mirror for your mental state, and how clearing it can help you tap into your potential.The emotional journey of decluttering, from attachment to guilt to personal growth.Tips for interior designers on how to gently help clients face the clutter in their own homes without overstepping.The powerful role of mindset in design and how to create spaces that support both mental and physical wellness.Helen gives insightful advice on the Clutter Shift and the importance of compassionate guidance through the decluttering process. If you’ve ever struggled with the clutter in your home—or in your mind—this episode is for you!Resources Mentioned:Helen Sanderson’s Website: https://www.helensanderson.com/The Secret Life of Clutter – A must-read book by Helen Sanderson.The Clutter Shift Program – Helen’s signature program to help you declutter and shift your mindset.Text Me a Message!Learn how to build a profitable, polished interior design business—without burning out. In this free training, John McClain shares the 3 secrets that took him from overwhelmed to booked out, including pricing tips, service structure, and mindset shifts that actually work.CLICK HERE to watch now at https://mcclainmethod.com/dbft-video-optinSupport the show🖥️ FREE ON DEMAND VIDEO TRAINING: How to Build a Six-Figure Interior Design Business CLICK HERE 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John!YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohnInstagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethodLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/
Transcribe →78: How Instagram’s Search Engine Update Can Help You Get Found and Grow Your Business
Aug 1, 202500:29:07Tap to summarizeEpisode 78: How Instagram’s Search Engine Update Can Help You Get Found and Grow Your BusinessHey y’all, welcome back to The McClain Method Podcast! Today, I’m bringing you some amazing information from my YouTube channel and adapting it for the podcast. If you haven’t subscribed to my YouTube yet, check out https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn for more content with visuals!In today’s episode, we’re diving into a game-changing shift happening on Instagram: it’s becoming a search engine. Instagram isn’t just for scrolling photos anymore—it’s a powerful discovery tool for businesses, products, and services. I’m going to walk you through how Instagram’s search features have evolved, what this means for your business’s visibility, and how you can optimize your content to make sure you’re showing up in those search results. Plus, with AI now pulling from Instagram, your posts could show up in AI search results too!You’ll learn how Instagram’s search engine evolution can increase your visibility and grow your business. I’ll share practical tips for optimizing your profile, captions, and hashtags, and explain why Instagram’s object recognition and alt text are key to getting discovered.So, stay tuned and get ready to leverage Instagram’s search engine evolution to boost your audience reach. Don’t forget to share this episode with a friend or business owner who needs to know this!TO DO: After listening, take 15 minutes to audit your Instagram: update your bio, optimize a post’s caption, and add location tags to increase your visibility!Text Me a Message!Learn how to build a profitable, polished interior design business—without burning out. In this free training, John McClain shares the 3 secrets that took him from overwhelmed to booked out, including pricing tips, service structure, and mindset shifts that actually work.CLICK HERE to watch now at https://mcclainmethod.com/dbft-video-optinSupport the show🖥️ FREE ON DEMAND VIDEO TRAINING: How to Build a Six-Figure Interior Design Business CLICK HERE 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John!YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohnInstagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethodLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/
Transcribe →77: How to Sell Without Feeling Salesy: The Steve Jobs Strategy for Designers + Creatives
Jul 18, 202500:42:49Tap to summarizeWhat do interior designers, creatives, and wellness founders have in common? Most of them hate selling—but still need to do it daily.In this episode, John sits down with Christopher Francis, engineer-turned-entrepreneur and founder of Home Plunge, the world’s first cold plunge designed for your home bathtub. Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs and his own experience bridging product design with human connection, Christopher shares how to sell without being pushy, pitchy, or fake.Inside this conversation:✔ How to guide clients who “don’t know what they want”✔ The art of showing—not telling—your expertise✔ What every creative can learn from cold plunges and consumer feedback✔ Why authenticity is your best sales strategy✔ The power of solving real problems beautifullyIf you’ve ever second-guessed your prices, held back a bold idea, or felt icky about closing the deal—this episode is for you.More on HomePlunge:WEBSITE: https://www.thehomeplunge.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeplunge/To get your NOW $300 Discount using code: MCCLAINText Me a Message!Learn how to build a profitable, polished interior design business—without burning out. In this free training, John McClain shares the 3 secrets that took him from overwhelmed to booked out, including pricing tips, service structure, and mindset shifts that actually work.CLICK HERE to watch now at https://mcclainmethod.com/dbft-video-optinSupport the show🖥️ FREE ON DEMAND VIDEO TRAINING: How to Build a Six-Figure Interior Design Business CLICK HERE 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John!YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohnInstagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethodLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/
Transcribe →76: You’re Not Lazy—You’re Exhausted: Rethinking Productivity and Self-Worth with Katie McDonald
Jul 7, 202501:03:20Tap to summarize76: You’re Not Lazy—You’re Exhausted: Rethinking Productivity and Self-Worth📝 Episode Description / Show Notes:What if the real problem isn’t your motivation, your to-do list, or your morning routine?What if you’re not lazy—you’re exhausted?In this powerful conversation, John McClain sits down with wellness expert and founder of bnourished, Katie McDonald, to challenge everything we’ve been taught about productivity, hustle culture, and tying our worth to output.👂 In this episode:How self-care became another task on your list—and what to do about itWhy rest is the ultimate power move (yes, really)The real reason you keep falling to the bottom of your own priority listHow to stop measuring your worth by your productivityJohn and Katie’s personal routines that actually work for ambitious creatives✨ You’ll walk away with practical tips, fresh perspective, and permission to care for you—the person behind the brand.🔗 MORE ABOUT KATIE MCDONALD:Learn more about Katie: https://www.bnourished.comFollow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_bnourished/🎧 Listen now and remember: your worth isn’t measured by your output. It's time to thrive on your terms.Text Me a Message!Learn how to build a profitable, polished interior design business—without burning out. In this free training, John McClain shares the 3 secrets that took him from overwhelmed to booked out, including pricing tips, service structure, and mindset shifts that actually work.CLICK HERE to watch now at https://mcclainmethod.com/dbft-video-optinSupport the show🖥️ FREE ON DEMAND VIDEO TRAINING: How to Build a Six-Figure Interior Design Business CLICK HERE 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John!YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohnInstagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethodLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/
Transcribe →75: The Power of Your Voice: Storytelling in the Age of AI with Jude Charles
Jun 30, 202501:13:28Tap to summarizeACCESS MY FREE 5 PART PODCAST SERIES COURSE HERE! "5 Things I Would Do Differently I Were Starting My Design Business Today"https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/free-podcast-seriesEpisode 75: The Power of Your Voice: Storytelling in the Age of AI with Jude CharlesIn a world of AI-generated content and generic captions, how do you make your brand actually stand out? In this powerful episode, John is joined once again by storytelling expert and filmmaker Jude Charles for a heartfelt, thought-provoking conversation about what truly connects clients to your brand: your story.Together, they unpack:Why your voice is the one thing AI can’t replicateThe 3 Rules of Authentic Storytelling every creative entrepreneur should knowHow to uncover your lived experiences, values, and quirks to build trust and stand outWhy your origin story (even the messy parts) is marketing goldHow to attract dream clients—and repel the wrong ones—just by being yourselfThis episode will change the way you see your brand forever.More About Jude:Listen to Jude's original episode EP 15: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2212546/episodes/13666762Download Jude's free guide: https://judecharles.co/johnJude On IG: https://www.instagram.com/judecharlesText Me a Message!Learn how to build a profitable, polished interior design business—without burning out. In this free training, John McClain shares the 3 secrets that took him from overwhelmed to booked out, including pricing tips, service structure, and mindset shifts that actually work.CLICK HERE to watch now at https://mcclainmethod.com/dbft-video-optinSupport the show🖥️ FREE ON DEMAND VIDEO TRAINING: How to Build a Six-Figure Interior Design Business CLICK HERE 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John!YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohnInstagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethodLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/
Transcribe →74: Brand-New Instagram Changes for 2025: Why Your Posts Aren’t Getting Seen (and What to Do Now)
Jun 18, 202500:16:11Tap to summarizeEpisode Summary: If your Instagram posts feel like they’re disappearing into the void lately—you’re not imagining it. In this episode, I’m breaking down the just-revealed 2025 changes to Instagram’s algorithm and content strategy, based on a brand-new interview with Instagram Head Adam Mosseri on the Build Your Tribe podcast with Brock Johnson.From why hashtags aren’t helping anymore, to why Reels still matter (but only if you do this), to how Lives have lost their edge—this is your updated playbook. I’ll also share the one thing Mosseri didn’t say out loud, but every creative business owner needs to hear.Interior designers, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs—this episode will shift how you show up on Instagram moving forward.What You’ll Learn:The truth about hashtags in 2025 (spoiler: they’re not helping your reach)Why Lives aren’t being prioritized—and what to do insteadThe new “content ecosystem” approach to Reels, Stories, Posts & CarouselsThe strategy shift Instagram wants from you—and how to deliver itHow to use “Trial Reels” to test what works and grow smarterThe real reason your content isn’t getting seen—and the fixMentioned in the Episode:Build Your Tribe Interview with Adam MosseriThe McClain Method on Instagram: @themcclainmethodFree Download: Instagram Strategy 2025 Fast Action Checklist👉 Follow me on Instagram: @themcclainmethod 👉 Subscribe to The McClain Method wherever you listen to podcastsFREE DOWNLOAD: Instagram 2025 Strategies Checklist https://mcclainmethod.com/ig2500:00 Introduction: The Truth About Instagram in 202500:21 Welcome to the McLean Method01:16 Instagram's 2025 Strategy Unveiled01:55 Reels: The Dominant Force on Instagram02:35 The Decline of Instagram Lives03:11 Hashtags: Reality Check05:10 Optimizing Your Content Mix07:06 The New Instagram Content Hierarchy08:31 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts11:38 Actionable Steps for Your Instagram Strategy14:04 Conclusion and Next StepsText Me a Message!Support the show🖥️ FREE ON DEMAND VIDEO TRAINING: How to Build a Six-Figure Interior Design Business CLICK HERE 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John!YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohnInstagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethodLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/
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