the softer cast: podcast advice for small-business owners & creatives

Here's a secret very few people know: I'm taking a sabbatical from Softer Sounds in 2026.During that time, this show will be on hiatus. So this is your last call to submit a question and get free podcast advice.➡️ Click here to submit a voice message by 12/12

Ten years ago today, the very first podcast episode I ever created was published. (You can still listen to it right here.)To celebrate, today through Small Business Saturday (Nov 29), I've lowered the price of our podcast launch course, Your Podcast is a Portal, to only $99 USD.⠀⠀It will teach you all the technical aspects of podcasting. But even more than that – it includes my tender approach to the vulnerable parts of making a show. Because podcasting is not just for white, middle-aged men or Gen Z podcast bros. It's not only for the ideologically-oriented, the technically-savvy, or the pointlessly-chatty.⠀⠀Podcasting is for the sensitive people, the softies, the weirdos, the freaks, the outcasts, the geniuses, the dropouts. ⠀⠀Podcasting is for everyone on the margins and beyond.⠀⠀Podcasting is FOR YOU!⠀⠀When you create your own show, you're not entering the manosphere arena of podcasting.⠀⠀You're carving out your own sacred space to share.⠀⠀And you don't have to do that alone.⠀⠀Softer Sounds is here to stand behind and beside you in that journey.⠀⠀It begins with taking the first step: ⠀⠀Open your podcast portal today. (only $99 through 11/29/25)

Today’s question comes from Rachel of the Money Healing Club podcast. She’s back asking about private podcasts and how to make them — because she noticed I just launched one for my membership the Interweb.Tune in to hear my thoughts on:What a private podcast is & 2 types of themHow to set up your own private podcast with Helloaudio, Captivate, or TransistorWays that people can sign up to hear itHow to handle metrics, cancellations, and more    FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Today’s question comes from Stephanie of NoseyAF. She’s wondering how I handle the publication and promotion workflow for my podcast Off the Grid. And can she copy my process? (Yes!)Tune in to hear my advice on:Why I write a blog post and email for every episode of my showHow far ahead I work on episodes and schedulingWays to prioritize your podcast tasks with the nice, necessary, ideal frameworkThe difference between podcast promotion and marketingWhy I place ads for my episodes in ilovecreatives   FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Today we're taking on podcast seasons! Are they good? Bad? Better for some shows than others? 🧐Should your podcast probably be publishing every week forever if you really want to grow?? 😅Let's talk about it! Tune in to hear Amelia's take on:The purpose of seasons & how to take breaksWhether or not you lose listeners between seasonsReasons you might want to publish in a consistent rhythmThe benefits & drawbacks of an ongoing schedule  FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

In this episode, we're answering two questions for all our friends out there launching new shows or new seasons of your show:What's the point of a podcast trailer? & Are podcast launch parties cool anymore?Tune in to hear Amelia's take on:Two purposes for podcast trailers 🎬Taking inspiration from Trailer Park Podcast 🏁Why you probably want to host a launch party 🎈A simple recipe for podcast success 🧾  FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

We love podcasts of all sizes! But what happens when you invite someone on your show and they ask you how many listeners you have? 🫣Tune in to hear Amelia's take on:How to right-size your audience 🧮What to emphasize instead of download numbers 🤗Two ways to reframe your pitches if potentials guests are asking about your audience size 🖼️Why you might want to refocus your podcast growth efforts 🌱  FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

What are we all doing with our show notes? ...and why are some of them so long?Today’s question comes from Rachel of the Money Healing Club podcast. She’s curious about best practices for podcast show notes — including what we should put in them and what we shouldn't. Tune in to hear Amelia’s advice on:Why your show notes should always start with a hook 🪝What everyone's doing wrong with bullet points 🎯Our hot take on timestamps 🔥How many links is too many links 🔗Why you really need two versions of your show notes 🗒️The importance of copywriting vs content-writing ✏️  FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Sometimes I joke that half my job is giving people permission to skip a week of their podcast. So in this episode, I'm diving into the questions I hear most often as a producer:How often should my podcast episodes release? Does it need to be every week? And what if I'm not consistent...? Tune in for clear advice on the pros and cons of weekly, biweekly, and monthly release schedules. And stick around for a permission slip to take things at your own pace — even if it's rather inconsistent.  FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Today’s question comes from Charelle. She’s starting her second podcast and wondering how to invite people onto the show when she doesn’t have any episodes live yet. 🤔Tune in to hear Amelia’s advice on:The best guest invitation processHow to write a guest invite emailWays to share your show before it’s liveHow to pitch when you do have episodes publishedThe worst things a pitch can be  FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Today I'm answering the question — should I host my podcast on Substack? Or if you already have a show — should I move my podcast to Substack? If you've been considering podcasting on Substack, you'll definitely want to tune in to learn:What Substack is (in case you don't know!)Why cost is a major factor in choosing Substack to host your podcastHow to think about email in relationship to your showWhy you need to consider ads & listener behaviorHow Substack streamlines listener support & paid subscriptionsAnd then let me know what you decide to do! Is Substack for you? Not for you? Use the info below to reach out and let me know!  FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

If you’re feeling podfade, we can help! Tune in to this episode to learn six ways to avoid, heal, or come back from podcast burnout, including:Advice on changing your release scheduleTips for taking a break from your showHow to know if you need to hire supportWays to get more listener support & feedbackWhy you might want to move to a seasonal scheduleHow to have more fun with your podcast  Big hugs to everyone experiencing podcast burnout. We’re cheering you on!   FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Do you wish your show could be featured in Apple’s “New & Noteworthy” or Spotify’s “Episodes You Won’t Want To Miss”?In this episode, we’re talking about what it means to be featured in Apple & Spotify, why you might want that for your show, and how to make it happen.Listen and learn:The top Apple & Spotify featuresWhy you might want to be featured thereHow to submit via Apple’s form & Spotify’s formKey elements of a great pitch Tune in for a dose of pod-promo-wisdom. Then if you’re ready for more great ideas, check out our new DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization course! You can use the code SOFTERCAST10 for $10 off registration.  FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Do you wish your podcast could make you money, instead of costing you money? 💵And is that really possible if your show doesn’t have thousands of listeners?? 🤷‍♀️In this episode, we’re talking about the three most popular methods for podcast monetization — including what audience size you’ll need for each one, and how to decide which method is right for you.Listen and learn:The 3 most popular methods for podcast monetizationHow many listeners you need to get paid sponsorsA few models for gaining paid listener supportWhy direct sales & marketing are so under-rated Tune in for a dose of pod-wisdom. Then if you’re ready to bring these ideas to life, check out our new DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization course! You can use the code SOFTERCAST10 for $10 off registration.  FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Do you wish your podcast had a few (or a lot) more listeners? 🧐Well you're in luck. Today we're tackling everybody’s favorite topic — podcast growth.In our opinion, there are two key components of podcast growth — having a great show and having a consistent marketing practice.So in this episode, Amelia guides us through:How to create a podcast that always attracts new listenersThe 3 focus areas for any strong showThree popular podcast marketing strategies to try Tune in for a quick, practical podcast lesson. Then if you want to learn more, check out our new DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization course! You can use the code SOFTERCAST10 for $10 off registration.    FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Happy New Year, Softer Cast fans! Today on the pod, we're tackling a question that’s been landing in our inbox a lot lately — It seems like everybody has a podcast now. Is it too late to start mine? We hear this question too often, and we want to help you decide if it’s the right time to start your show. So in this quick episode, Amelia will walk you through:If it’s too late to start a podcast (spoiler: it's not)3 guiding questions to ask before you start your showWhere to begin when you’re ready to podcast   FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Welcome back to The Softer Cast! Today we’re popping in between seasons to answer a question that's been landing in our inbox a lot lately — can I record my podcast on Zoom?So in this episode, Amelia's exploring the pros & cons of recording on Zoom, as well as some great alternate recording platforms.Tune in as she shares:The best & worst things about recording on ZoomTwo Zoom hacks you definitely want to do if you're recording thereWhy you might want to change recording platformsOur recs for the best podcast recording apps   FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Welcome to final episode of season one of The Softer Cast!This month’s episode explores how to pitch sponsors for your show — even if you don’t have a large audience.Tune in as Amelia shares:Why relationships matter more than metricsThe power of the personal endorsementWhy right-fit is more valuable than a large audienceHow to pitch multi-channel sponsorships   FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

There are a lot of ways to make a podcast. And most of them are…kind of challenging and convoluted.But podcasting doesn’t have to be hard! So this month’s episode answers the question — what’s the most easeful podcast workflow?Tune in as Amelia shares:Why everything begins with your concept & contentHow much you should prep for your recording sessionsThe easiest-to-use recording equipmentOptions for editing with ease (and why you might not need to edit anyway)The podcast hosting platform I recommend for maximum ease   FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

You know what’s the worst? Coming up with an AMAZING name for your podcast and then realizing it’s already in use. This month’s episode is all about what to do when the pod name of your dreams is taken. Tune in as Amelia shares:Legal considerations around naming your show (AKA the almighty TM)How to be a polite & friendly part of the podcast industry (AKA pod naming etiquette)Some questions to consider when repurposing a name   FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Calling all our podcaster friends! This month we’re answering your biggest question — what’s the best way to grow my podcast?Tune in as Amelia shares:The best CTAs for audience growthHow guests can be good (& bad) for your showWhy your pod should have a really great lead magnetHow to set clear goals & realistic expectations for growth   FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

We’re back with a super practical episode, pod friends! Everything you need to know about submitting your show to Apple Podcasts & Spotify (& any other directories you’d like to be listed in).Tune in as Amelia shares:Whether or not you upload your episodes to Apple & Spotify (spoiler: you don’t)Why you need a podcast hosting platform for your show (spoiler: that’s how your eps get on Apple & Spotify)Her favorite podcast hosting platforms & how to choose the best one for your showInstructions for submitting to Apple & Spotify   FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

It’s slow down season, y’all! So today’s episode is all about how to take a podcast break without sacrificing your stats in the process.Tune in as Amelia shares:Why breaks are so important for podcastersHer two-step process for taking a breakA hot tip for making the most of your time away   FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

This one goes out to all our babes who love a good bargain. Great news, you can make a podcast for FREE!Tune in as Amelia walks you through:Why it bugs her when people emphasize expensive equipmentThe two tech tools you need to launch a podcastHow to record with those toolsWhy podcasting should be more easy & accessible     FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Are you thinking of hiring a podcast editor? Pretty sure you need one? Wishing you could afford one? In today’s episode, Amelia unpacks how to know it’s time to take the leap and hire support for your podcast. Tune in for Amelia’s take on:Two things every good podcast editor will do for youHow to determine what kind of podcast support you needThe one thing that motivates most people to hire an editor (spoiler: it’s burnout)5 “official” signs it’s time to hire a podcast editor   FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Monday, Tuesday, Podcast Day?! In today’s episode, we’re talking about what day of the week you should release your podcast. And why it might not be the same day as everyone else!Tune in for Amelia’s take on:The most popular day of the week to release new episodesHow to know when your ideal listener is most likely to listenTwo other important factors to have in mind when you plan your release schedule   FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Downloads, downloads, and more downloads. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how many downloads your podcast should have (spoiler: there’s no “right” number). Then we unpack how to read your analytics, assess your show’s progress, & set goals for where you want to go.Tune in for Amelia’s take on:If you should care about downloads at allWhich analytics are helpful to track (and which aren’t)How downloads relate to ads & sponsorsSetting download goals that work for you & your show    FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Why is everyone suddenly talking about putting their podcast on YouTube? And should you be doing that, too?Tune in for Amelia’s take on:Why podcasters are pivoting to videoWhat tech can make video podcasting easyHow we put The Softer Cast on YoutubeWhen you should & when you shouldn’t record videoHow to decide if video podcasting is right for you    FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

Welcome to The Softer Cast! In our inaugural episode we’re diving into the deep end to talk about why it’s a great — and a not-so-great — time to start a podcast.Tune in for Amelia’s take on:Why more people than ever are listening to podcastsWhy podcast listeners are better for business than other audience membersHow many podcasts there really are & if you should care about that3 good reasons to start a podcast & 3 bad reasons to start a podcast    FREE SUPPORT🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice messageCOURSES & MORE🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with —  DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media