Podcast Cafe: Insights for Podcasters from Podcasters

Your podcast isn’t a contract you signed in blood, it’s a creative tool that’s meant to grow with you.

In this short + punchy Espresso Shot episode, I’m diving into what it really means to let your podcast evolve alongside your business. Whether your offers shift, your audience changes, or your voice becomes stronger, your podcast can (and should) move with you, not against you.

I’m breaking down:

• Why you don’t need to start over ...

This episode is a little different... in the best way. A few weeks ago I threw a party to celebrate 5 years of my business (!!) and set up a mic for my friends, clients, and people I adore to leave me voice messages. What they shared? So sweet, so thoughtful, and honestly, exactly what I needed to hear. You’ll hear their messages, some of my own stories, and a whole lot of love. 💛

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to wor...

In this full-circle conversation, I sit down with my second-ever client, branding powerhouse Ati Grinspun, to talk about how she’s built a magnetic business—and how podcasting has played a major role in it. From her early days as a flare bartender to becoming a personal branding coach and speaker, Ati gets real about what it takes to grow a business from the ground up.

We talk about how podcasting can amplify your personal brand, at...

A podcast can be the perfect way to grow your personal brand, but only if you’re starting at the right time. In this quick-hit Espresso Shot episode, I’m sharing what that timing actually looks like and how to know when you’re truly ready to launch.

Spoiler: it’s not about having a massive audience, perfect branding, or 52 episode ideas. It’s about clarity—on who you're talking to, what you're saying, and how you're serv...

Today’s episode is a little different—because we’re celebrating a major milestone… Espresso Podcast Production turns 5 years old!What started as a college podcast project (shoutout Wrestling Winedown) turned into a full-time business that’s helped hundreds of creators launch, grow, and amplify their voices through podcasting.

And today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my journey—from being a shy student to a top 3% podcaster an...

Ever wondered what starting a podcast could lead to if you just kept going? In this episode I sit down with Lauren, host of the So Can I podcast and a social media strategist, to talk about how she went from recording her first episode on Zoom to building a podcast-driven brand and community that’s lasted over three years.

We talk about:

• How Lauren launched So Can I after shifting from health coaching to content creation
• Her jour...

I know you want more podcast listeners—because every podcaster does. But what you don’t need is another “just be consistent!” pep talk.

In this espresso shot episode, I’m giving it to you straight: the 3 most effective ways to grow your podcast without doubling your workload or chasing gimmicks. These are actionable, proven strategies I use with my podcast clients—and they actually work.

This one’s for the podcasters who already have...

She almost quit her podcast after years of slow growth.

Then she gave it one last year, brought in expert help, and 8×’d her downloads.

Now? She’s ranked #2 in her category, has 400+ episodes under her belt—and her podcast is finally bringing in high-ticket clients.

If you’ve been wondering whether your show is worth investing in… this episode will inspire you to take the leap.

Laura Mixon Camacho, PhD, is an executive communication st...

In this episode I’m joined by longtime indie podcaster Bubbawheat, who has been podcasting since 2012 and is a brilliant example of what it means to stay consistent, go niche, and keep creating for the love of it.

Bubbawheat shares how he got started with a superhero movie blog (Flights, Tights, and Movie Nights), which evolved into several podcasts, including FilmWhys, It’s Time to Rewind, and his newest creative challenge, Reel Cr...

Your podcast doesn’t have to fit in a box—and that’s a good thing.

If you’ve ever held yourself back because your idea didn’t feel “niche enough,” or "no one has done this before" this one’s for you. Whether you’re multi-passionate, pivoting, or still figuring it out, this episode will shift your mindset and help you get clarity without boxing yourself in.

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsa...

What if your podcast could build your business before you even have an offer?

In this episode of  Podcast Cafe, I’m joined by Christi Johnson, business coach and host of The Dream Biz Podcast, to talk about how starting her show helped her find clarity, build authority, and ultimately launch a sustainable coaching business.

What began as a passion project during the pandemic turned into the training ground and marketing engine for he...

You do not have to wait until your offer is perfect or your business is fully built to launch your podcast. In fact, starting before you feel “ready” might be the smartest move you can make.

In this quick Espresso Shot episode of Podcast Café, I’m breaking down why podcasting as you grow—not after—can help you build credibility, clarify your message, and attract your dream clients. If you’ve been waiting to be seen as an expert befo...

Do you feel like everything needs to be perfect before you launch your podcast?

In this episode of Podcast Café, I’m joined by Fernanda Bertrand—life coach, speaker, and host of The Highest Self Project—for a conversation that will encourage you to stop overthinking and just start.Fernanda shares how she launched her podcast from her car with a $20 mic, and why letting go of perfectionism helped her stay consistent for over 40 weeks...

We’re officially halfway through 2025—and now is the perfect time to take a step back and plan the rest of your podcasting year with clarity and intention.

In this quick Espresso Shot episode, I’m walking you through how to map out your podcast strategy so it actually aligns with your goals and your life. Whether you want to grow your audience, sell your offer, or simply stay consistent while juggling a full calendar, this 4-step fr...

Does showing up on stage, on camera, or behind the mic make your heart race? You're not alone—and this episode is for you. Host Hayleigh Hayhurst sits down with Linda Ugelow, the brilliant mind behind Delight in the Limelight, to explore how to overcome the fear of being seen and heard.

Linda shares her powerful personal story of pushing past public speaking anxiety, unpacking childhood conditioning, and reclaiming her voice wit...

Most podcasters treat their show like a never-ending task on their to-do list. But what if your podcast could be the most powerful asset in your business? If you want your show to drive leads, build authority, and scale your brand—it’s time to think bigger.

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: ⁠⁠https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44⁠⁠

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠⁠⁠h...

Welcome back to the Podcast Café! Today, I’m joined by lifestyle blogger and podcast host and my client, Betsy —creator of The Bets Life—to chat about turning personal storytelling into a meaningful brand, growing a podcast through community, and staying consistent by doing things your way.

Betsy launched her blog in 2020 and added a podcast to her brand in 2022, which Espresso Podcast Production has produced since the start! Four s...

Welcome back to the Podcast Café! In this Espresso Shot episode, we’re diving into one of the most common questions I get from clients and listeners alike: How long should your podcast episodes be?

The short answer? It depends. But in this episode, I’m giving you a clear framework to help you decide what length works best based on your audience, content style, and goals. Whether you’re creating bite-sized tips or deep-dive interview...

What if your lack of self-trust is the very thing holding you back from launching—or growing—your podcast? In this episode, Dawn Ledet, the host of The Self Trust Solution podcast, joins me to explore the connection between self-trust, personal growth, and podcasting success.

Dawn shares how her own wake-up call led to a life dedicated to helping others build self-trust, and how that translates directly to showing up, staying consis...