Behind the Workflow

Simona Costantini and Taly Melo

Looking for expert insights on how to streamline, scale, and optimize your content production? You’re in the right place! Behind the Workflow is your go-to resource for podcast networks, agencies, content creators, and YouTubers who want to refine their workflows, improve efficiency, and keep their production running smoothly. Hosted by Simona Costantini and Taly Melo, this show dives into everything you need to know—from managing client workflows and scaling production to leveraging the best tools in the industry. Whether you’re a solo podcast manager, a content creator juggling multiple platforms, or running a full-scale agency, you’ll find actionable insights that help you work smarter, not harder. Each episode breaks down key strategies for burning questions like: How do podcast networks, agencies, and content creators keep their operations organized and efficient? What are the best systems for managing multiple shows, clients, and content platforms without stress? How can I streamline my workflow to save time and increase productivity? What tools and software should I be using to optimize my podcast and video production? How do successful agencies, YouTubers, and content managers scale their services while maintaining quality? This show isn’t about vague advice or unnecessary fluff—it’s all about real-world strategies, expert guidance, and proven techniques to help you simplify your process and focus on what matters. Through each conversations, you’ll gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into how top-tier professionals stay ahead in the ever-evolving podcasting and content creation industry. Tune in every other week as we cover everything from workflow automation, content planning, and video production to industry trends and client management. Plus, get access to insider tips and resources you won’t find anywhere else, so you can stay ahead of the game. 🚀 Brought to you by Northflow—the platform helping creators, podcast managers, and agencies refine their production process. Subscribe now and take your podcast and content production to the next level!

  1. Using Pinterest + SEO to Grow Your Podcast with Andi Smiley

    2025-12-17

    Using Pinterest + SEO to Grow Your Podcast with Andi Smiley

    Pinterest is an underrated growth channel for podcasters. In this episode of Behind the Workflow, Simona Costantini and Taly Melo chat with Andi Smiley, founder of The Friendly Podcast Guide, about using Pinterest and SEO to grow a podcast sustainably. Andi shares how she schedules content in advance, builds long-term traffic, and creates workflows that support real life without burnout. Perfect for podcasters who want a hands-off, search-driven growth strategy. Episode Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Behind the Workflow 01:46 Meet Andi Smiley and The Friendly Podcast Guide 03:26 How Andi discovered Pinterest for podcast growth 05:05 Why Pinterest users behave differently than Instagram or TikTok users 06:22 Managing broken links and redirects on Pinterest 07:51 Is Pinterest oversaturated? Why that mindset holds creators back 09:01 Andi’s full Pinterest workflow from idea to promotion 10:03 Static pins vs video pins and what performs best 12:18 Using AI for pin titles, descriptions, and SEO 13:10 Where to link pins: blog, YouTube, or podcast players 14:55 Delegation, motherhood, and building sustainable systems 17:36 Custom workflows for different podcasting styles 19:25 Why batching increases long-term consistency 22:25 Helping clients align Pinterest strategy with business goals 25:23 Pinterest analytics and measuring real engagement 27:31 Pinterest SEO vs podcast SEO 28:43 How big Pinterest really is for creators 29:29 Top three actionable Pinterest tips for podcasters 32:18 Seasonal podcasting and avoiding burnout 34:15 Is Pinterest right for you? Free checklist 35:59 Where to connect with Andi Smiley 37:42 Final thoughts and wrap-up Key Takeaways Pinterest supports scheduling and long-term discoveryPinterest users are action-oriented, not passive scrollersStatic pins still perform extremely wellSEO matters on Pinterest just like podcast platformsConsistency beats volumeSeasonal podcasting improves content quality and longevity 🔗 Andi Smiley Links The Friendly Podcast Guide (Podcast): https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/friendly-podcast-guide-teaching-women-how-to-grow-a-podcast-without-burning-out/7c114ad0-673a-013a-d753-0acc26574db2Free Checklist – Is Pinterest Right for Me?: https://friendlypodcastguide.com/is-pinterest-right-for-me-checklist/

    38 min
  2. How Ben Albert Uses Connection to Grow Communities and Podcasts

    2025-11-19

    How Ben Albert Uses Connection to Grow Communities and Podcasts

    We are taking a different angle on workflow this week. Ben Albert shows us how your mindset, your guest selection process, and your community strategy can become the heart of a strong podcast workflow, even without complex tools or automation. Ben is the founder of Real Business Connections and GrowGetters ONLY, and he has built a thriving podcast and community by focusing on something simple. Real human connection. In this conversation, he shares how he finds guests, why he avoids overly automated systems, and the small touch points that create long term relationships. We explore how his podcast and community support each other, how he repurposes content without burning out, and why he believes every creator needs their own combination lock approach to success. Inside the episode we talk about: How Ben rebuilt his career through podcasting and connectionThe importance of selecting guests you are genuinely excited to learn fromTwo powerful intake form questions that save time and deepen relationshipsWhy Ben avoids complicated systems and keeps communication personalHow his podcast and community work together as a growth flywheelWhat creators can do to build real trust with their listeners and guests TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to Behind the Workflow 00:40 Introducing Ben Albert 02:11 Ben’s story of starting Real Business Connections 03:00 Losing his job during the pandemic and launching a podcast 04:30 Why networking often feels transactional06:00 What real connection means in the context of professional growth 11:35 The VIEW framework and how it shapes connection 14:50 How Ben selects guests intentionally 16:30 The two intake form questions he uses and why they work 18:50 Why he keeps communication manual instead of automated 20:20 What happens after a guest books 22:40 The problem with funneling guests into automated emails 24:40 Balancing creativity with workflow structure 26:10 How to choose the right guests for your show 29:00 Business adjacent storytelling and why it connects with listeners 30:45 Ben’s post production process for clips and trailers 33:40 How he collaborates with editors 36:20 Should every podcast have a community 38:45 How his podcast and community feed each other 41:10 The small but meaningful touch points that matter 42:20 Ben’s three takeaways for creators and podcasters 44:28 Where to find Ben Albert 45:00 Closing thoughts CONNECT WITH BEN ALBERT Website: https://realbusinessconnections.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benalbert GrowGetters ONLY Community: https://weallgrowtogether.com SPONSORED BY NORTHFLOW Behind the Workflow is powered by Northflow, the content planning platform for creators and agencies who manage multiple shows and want more clarity in their day to day work. Plan your episodes, manage your assets, track tasks, and bring your team together in one place. Learn more at northflow.io.

    43 min
  3. Workflow Wednesday: Cindy Let Her Clients Run the Process... and Paid the Price

    2025-11-06

    Workflow Wednesday: Cindy Let Her Clients Run the Process... and Paid the Price

    In this first episode of the series "Workflow Wednesday", Taly Melo and Fran Melo unpack a real-world workflow used by “Cindy,” a podcast production agency manager juggling seven clients across multiple platforms. From Slack messages to scattered Excel sheets, Cindy’s system relied on memory and manual coordination—until it started breaking. This episode walks through the breakdown of that chaotic handoff process and how it was rebuilt using a structured system inside Northflow. Whether you run your own agency or manage multiple client shows, this episode gives you clear, actionable insight into: Consolidating incoming client requestsSetting and enforcing workflow boundariesReducing tool overload and scattered communicationSimplifying approvals and asset delivery You’ll also hear a candid discussion on what matters more than the tools themselves—and why getting clients to follow your process is just as important as building one. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Workflow Wednesday 01:00 – What this series is all about 01:40 – Meet “Cindy,” managing seven clients and multiple tools 03:20 – The four stages of a client handoff workflow 04:45 – What a chaotic workflow looks like in practice 06:50 – How client preferences create confusion 07:55 – The real issue: no boundaries or rules 10:25 – Why rule-setting starts with onboarding 11:10 – How to centralize client requests, files, and tasks 12:00 – How Cindy simplified everything inside Northflow 13:20 – Explaining contacts vs. members in Northflow 15:10 – Stat: 54% of teams say broken workflows reduce productivity (Formstack) 16:30 – Using templates and automation for consistency 18:20 – How to redirect clients back into your system 19:00 – Key takeaway: the importance of protecting your process 20:45 – Final thoughts 21:55 – Outro and next steps Key Takeaway A strong client handoff process does more than deliver assets. It protects your workflow, reduces friction, and creates a repeatable structure that your team and clients can trust. Build it, communicate it, and stick to it. This episode is powered by Northflow — the content planning platform built for podcast production agency owners who are done duct-taping tools together. From client requests to approvals and final asset delivery, Northflow helps you streamline your process in one central place. No spreadsheets, no Slack chases, no confusion. Try Northflow free: northflow.io Subscribe for more insights on podcast workflows, systems, and tools to help your agency scale smarter. Connect with Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gonorthflow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gonorthflow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northflow X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/goNorthflow Website: https://northflow.io

    18 min
  4. 021: 5 Game-Changing Podcast Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed (Northflow Update)

    2025-10-22

    021: 5 Game-Changing Podcast Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed (Northflow Update)

    Workflows don’t need to be complicated, they just need to work. In this episode of Behind the Workflow, hosts Simona Costantini and Taly Melo take you behind the build of the latest Northflow product updates designed to make podcast production smoother, faster, and more flexible. You’ll learn how to: Streamline your workflow with drag-and-drop task managementUpdate production timelines directly from the planning calendarReduce mental clutter using smart filters for tasks and showsSimplify file sharing with Google Drive integrationGet a first look at the brand-new dashboard UI built for creators and agencies Whether you’re managing one show or an entire production slate, these updates are built to help you stay organized, focused, and in flow. 👉 Try Northflow free at https://www.northflow.io 🎧 Subscribe for more insights on podcast workflows, systems, and tools that help creators scale smarter. We talk about: 00:00 Intro and what’s new at Northflow00:35 Why these updates matter for podcasters01:10 Drag and Drop feature overview02:20 Faster episode planning and calendar updates03:30 New filters for tasks and shows05:10 Google Drive integration explained07:00 Sneak peek at the new dashboard09:00 What’s coming next for Northflow10:30 Key takeaways and how to get early access Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gonorthflow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gonorthflow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northflow X: https://x.com/goNorthflow Website: https://northflow.io/

    20 min
  5. 020: The Secret Behind 100+ Podcast Guest Spots – Greg Wasserman of RSS on Workflows That Win

    2025-10-15

    020: The Secret Behind 100+ Podcast Guest Spots – Greg Wasserman of RSS on Workflows That Win

    In this episode of Behind the Workflow powered by Northflow, hosts Simona Costantini and Taly Melo sit down with Greg Wasserman, Head of Relationships at RSS.com, to uncover what really drives successful podcasts – and it’s not downloads, it’s relationships. Greg has appeared on more than 100 shows, giving him a front-row seat into what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to podcast workflows, guest onboarding, and monetization. Together, they explore the systems that keep podcasts running smoothly, from guest booking and prep forms to content repurposing and programmatic ads. You’ll learn: Why relationships are the #1 growth strategy for podcastersThe biggest workflow mistakes guests and hosts makeHow to create a 5-star guest onboarding experienceThe truth about programmatic ads and monetizing through RSS.comWhy strategy and systems separate great podcasts from forgotten ones #podcastworkflows #northflow #rssdotcom #gregwasserman #podcastsystems #podcastmonetization #podcastingtools #podcastagency #behindtheworkflow We talk about: 00:00 The truth about smooth vs. messy podcast workflows01:00 Meet Greg Wasserman, Head of Relationships at RSS.com03:00 From media sales to mastering podcast relationships05:00 Beyond ads and sponsors: new ways to monetize podcasts07:30 How agencies can help podcasters make more money10:00 Building authentic relationships that drive growth13:00 The most common guest onboarding mistakes16:00 What makes a 5-star guest experience20:00 Why strategy and systems separate great shows from forgettable ones28:00 The right way to handle guest communication and tech hiccups 41:00 Programmatic ads explained: how to monetize smarter48:00 Key takeaways: workflows, relationships, and strategy that win Connect with Greg Website: https://rss.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/  Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gonorthflow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gonorthflow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northflow X: https://x.com/goNorthflow Website: https://northflow.io/

    53 min
  6. 019: The Systems That Built a 6-Figure Podcast Agency | Mathew Passy on Workflows, Clients & Boundaries

    2025-10-08

    019: The Systems That Built a 6-Figure Podcast Agency | Mathew Passy on Workflows, Clients & Boundaries

    Discover how to streamline podcast production, master workflow systems, and scale your podcast agency with expert insights from Mathew Passy of Suite Recording and Conntap.  From workflows to systems, client management, and quality control, this episode breaks it all down for producers and podcasters who want to grow smarter, not just bigger. — Some podcasters stay small because they try to do everything themselves. In this episode of Behind the Workflow, Simona Costantini and Taly Melo sit down with Mathew Passy, host of Podcasting Tech and founder of Suite Recording and Conntap, to unpack what it really takes to scale your production business, build the right systems, and lead a happy team. Mathew shares how he built and sold his first podcast agency, why he believes systems are the secret to sanity, and how client experience—not downloads—is the real currency of success. You’ll learn: Why valuing your time is the key to long-term successHow to set boundaries with clients without losing businessThe systems and SOPs that keep multi-show teams running smoothlyThe difference between good production and great client experience #BehindTheWorkflow #MathewPassy #PodcastProduction #PodcastWorkflow #PodcastSystems #PodcastBusiness #PodcastAgency #SuiteRecording #Conntap #Northflow #PodcastEditing #PodcastStrategy #CreatorBusiness #PodcastTools #Podcasting2025 #PodcastingTips We talk about: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:40 How Mathew got started in podcasting05:30 Building Suite Recording and Conntap10:00 The importance of project management for podcasters14:00 Systems, SOPs, and templates that scale19:00 Pricing, boundaries, and client experience27:00 Balancing quality, consistency, and team happiness33:00 Mathew’s top 3 takeaways for podcasters35:00 Final thoughts + where to connect Connect with Mathew Website: https://suiterecording.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreea-coscai/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mathewpassy X: https://x.com/mathewpassy Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mathewpassy https://conntap.com/  Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gonorthflow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gonorthflow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northflow X: https://x.com/goNorthflow Website: https://northflow.io/

    38 min
  7. 018: Podcast Workflows & Marketing That Actually Drive Growth | Andreea Coscai (Eurowaves)

    2025-10-01

    018: Podcast Workflows & Marketing That Actually Drive Growth | Andreea Coscai (Eurowaves)

    What if your podcast workflows and marketing could actually fuel growth instead of adding to the chaos? In this episode of Behind the Workflow, Simona Costantini and Taly Melo sit down with Andreea Coscai, producer, marketer, and founder of Eurowaves, the newsletter spotlighting European podcasting. Andreea shares how she bridges the gap between the U.S. and European markets and reveals the systems and strategies that help podcasters grow with purpose. You’ll learn: The key differences between European and North American podcasting and what each market can learn from the otherHow workflows and organization free you up to be more creative (instead of less)Why newsletters are one of the most underrated podcast growth tools in 2025How to pitch podcasts with intention (and stop the copy/paste trap)Smart repurposing strategies that turn every episode into multiple pieces of contentWhy going global is the next big opportunity for indie creators and agencies Whether you’re an indie podcaster, a content marketer, or an agency owner, this conversation will show you how to stay organized, think globally, and market your podcast with impact. 🎧 Listen in and discover how to grow smarter, not harder, in today’s podcasting landscape. #PodcastGrowth #PodcastWorkflows #BehindTheWorkflow #PodcastMarketing #Eurowaves #ContentRepurposing #PodcastStrategy We talk about: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction03:29 The Power of Podcasting05:00 Creating Impactful Content08:50 Podcast Production and Repurposing Strategies21:46 Client Onboarding and Operations26:00 Signature Framework: Content to Community to Commerce30:05 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts Connect with Andreea Website: https://eurowaves.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreea-coscai/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreeacoscai/  Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gonorthflow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gonorthflow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northflow X: https://x.com/goNorthflow Website: https://northflow.io/

    38 min
  8. 017: How to Be Seen: Scaling Podcast Visibility & Sales with Tahjma VanBuren

    2025-09-24

    017: How to Be Seen: Scaling Podcast Visibility & Sales with Tahjma VanBuren

    What if your podcast episodes could do more than just sit on Apple and Spotify? In this episode of Behind the Workflow, Simona Costantini and Taly sit down with Tahjma VanBuren, founder of iMoves Management and host of How to Be Seen. Tahjma shares her signature Content → Community → Commerce framework and reveals how to transform every podcast episode into a content engine that drives visibility, trust, and sales. You’ll learn: Why podcasting is the most intimate and impactful content formatHow to repurpose episodes into blogs, emails, and social clips that actually convertThe #1 mistake podcasters make with repurposing (and what to do instead)Why visibility isn’t about you—and how to show up with confidence anywayHow to build workflows and systems that keep you consistent without the burnout Whether you’re a podcaster, agency owner, or content creator, this conversation will help you stop spinning your wheels and start getting seen in all the right places. 🎧 Listen in and discover how to turn your content into connection, and your connection into commerce. #PodcastGrowth #ContentStrategy #BehindTheWorkflow #GenerationalStorytelling #ContentPlanning #PodcastEntrepreneur We talk about: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction03:29 The Power of Podcasting05:00 Creating Impactful Content08:50 Podcast Production and Repurposing Strategies21:46 Client Onboarding and Operations26:00 Signature Framework: Content to Community to Commerce30:05 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts Connect with Tahjma Website: https://www.imovesmanagement.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahjma-vanburen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tahjmavanb  Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gonorthflow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gonorthflow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northflow X: https://x.com/goNorthflow Website: https://northflow.io/

    35 min

About

Looking for expert insights on how to streamline, scale, and optimize your content production? You’re in the right place! Behind the Workflow is your go-to resource for podcast networks, agencies, content creators, and YouTubers who want to refine their workflows, improve efficiency, and keep their production running smoothly. Hosted by Simona Costantini and Taly Melo, this show dives into everything you need to know—from managing client workflows and scaling production to leveraging the best tools in the industry. Whether you’re a solo podcast manager, a content creator juggling multiple platforms, or running a full-scale agency, you’ll find actionable insights that help you work smarter, not harder. Each episode breaks down key strategies for burning questions like: How do podcast networks, agencies, and content creators keep their operations organized and efficient? What are the best systems for managing multiple shows, clients, and content platforms without stress? How can I streamline my workflow to save time and increase productivity? What tools and software should I be using to optimize my podcast and video production? How do successful agencies, YouTubers, and content managers scale their services while maintaining quality? This show isn’t about vague advice or unnecessary fluff—it’s all about real-world strategies, expert guidance, and proven techniques to help you simplify your process and focus on what matters. Through each conversations, you’ll gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into how top-tier professionals stay ahead in the ever-evolving podcasting and content creation industry. Tune in every other week as we cover everything from workflow automation, content planning, and video production to industry trends and client management. Plus, get access to insider tips and resources you won’t find anywhere else, so you can stay ahead of the game. 🚀 Brought to you by Northflow—the platform helping creators, podcast managers, and agencies refine their production process. Subscribe now and take your podcast and content production to the next level!