The Friendly Podcast Guide

Andi Smiley
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The Friendly Podcast Guide

Hi, I'm Andi Smiley, the Friendly Podcast Guide! I’ve been in the podcasting world for 5 years. I help moms start, launch and grow a podcast that is fun and fulfilling. Whether you’re just starting or a few years in, I share tips, stories from my own journey and insights from podcasters I admire. My goal is to help you create and grow a podcast that is everything you want it to be, while still being sustainable. No burn out here!

  1. 19H AGO

    Write Your Best Episode: Tips & Experiments w/ Whitney Archibald

    How do you actually sit down and write an awesome podcast episode? The short answer…experiment a lot. The long answer is this episode. And one of my favorite parts is when Whitney breaks down how to create an amazing podcast episode out of a bad interview. Whitney Archibald is the host of 2 podcasts: The Family Lab and The Y Magazine Podcast. She has been podcasting for 6 years so she has had plenty of time to figure out what works and what doesn’t.  Topics discussed in this episode: Solo podcast episodes Interview podcast episodes Narrative podcast episodes Writing a podcast episode How to save a bad interview Podcast interviewing tips Here’s the one thing you should implement in your podcast if you’re feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start and that is to experiment. Try something new. The best way to figure out what your listeners like is to try something new and see how they respond. And don’t get me wrong this doesn’t have to be big experiments. This could be something as simple as changing up the way you say your outro, or choosing a topic that feels a little outside of your comfort zone. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to track how your listeners react to it and track what you think about it too. Then you’ll know if you should try to incorporate it into your podcast or not. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:27) Writing interview episodes (10:27) Creating solo episodes (20:23) Creating a narrative episode (28:37) One thing you should do Links:  Free 30-minute Podcast Jumpstart Session The Family Lab The Y Magazine Podcast For the Love of History how to start a successful podcast, podcast, podcast tips, starting a podcast tips, tips on starting a podcast, advice for starting a podcast, podcast download numbers, podcast seo, podcast marketing strategy, video podcasting, podcasts on YouTube, search engine optimization podcast

    30 min

  2. APR 8

    3 Podcast Mistakes That Almost Broke Me (And How I Fixed Them)

    How do you avoid burning out as a mom with a podcast? In this episode I give you 3 mistakes that I made that led to me burning out and how to avoid them.  When you follow the advice in this episode you will avoid so much of the stress and overwhelm that I dealt with in the first year of my podcast. Topics discussed in this episode include: Seasonal podcast format Launching a podcast How to start a podcast Podcast download numbers Podcast editing Here is the one thing you should implement in your podcast if you're feeling overwhelmed and you're not sure where to start, and that is having a seasonal format. That break is not only so that you can rest, which is very, very important, but it's also to give your brain a break from putting out content so that you can refill your creative cup so that you're ready to put out your best content again for the next season. If you don't have that break, eventually you're probably gonna run out of ideas, which is kind of the worst thing that can happen for a podcaster. So you need to take those breaks so that you have time to recharge and give your brain a break from trying to think of new ideas so that when you do come back, the ideas are just gonna flow. I can promise you that because that's what happened to me when I finally took my first break.  I came back with so much energy and excitement around my podcast and. You deserve to have that energy and excitement around your podcast too, not just when you first start your podcast, but every season after that Timestamps (00:00) Introduction (01:37) Have a seasonal format (07:30) Podcast Jumpstart Sessions (08:30) Don’t look at download numbers (11:22) Use Descript for editing (13:11) The one thing to implement Links Podcast Jumpstart Sessions Descript (affiliate link) how to start a successful podcast, podcast, podcast tips, starting a podcast tips, tips on starting a podcast, advice for starting a podcast, podcast download numbers, podcast seo, podcast marketing strategy, video podcasting, podcasts on YouTube, search engine optimization podcast

    15 min

  3. APR 1

    How to Name a Podcast + The Story Behind My Podcast's Name

    Your podcast name is the first thing people notice—so no pressure, right?? In this episode I’m telling the story of how I named my podcast along with some other vulnerable stories like how many downloads the Friendly Podcast Guide got last month and how much money I’ve made so far this year. Topics discussed in this episode Starting a podcast Podcast experiments How to name a podcast Podcast download numbers Storytelling in a podcast Email marketing for podcasters Here’s the one thing you should implement in your podcast if you’re feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start. Use Chat GPT to make your life easier. You can use it to help you name your podcast, name your episodes or even make your email more concise. Timestamps (00:00) Introduction (01:41) Use Chat GPT to name episodes (02:59) Podcast download numbers (05:27) How much money I’ve made (05:52) Podcast coaching calls (06:24) Podcast experiments (09:37) How to name a podcast (14:09) Implement this one thing Links: The Popcast with Knox and Jamie, Recasting The Hunger Games Characters episode The Friendly Podcast Guide on Instagram Grab the Name Your Podcast tool How to name a podcast, how to start a successful podcast, podcast, podcast tips, starting a podcast tips, tips on starting a podcast, advice for starting a podcast, podcast download numbers, podcast seo, podcast marketing strategy, video podcasting, podcasts on YouTube, search engine optimization podcast

    16 min

  4. MAR 25

    Wins, Fails & What I’d Do Differently: My Season 3 Launch

    When I wrap up the launch of a podcast season I always like to take some time to evaluate how it went. What went well, what went poorly and what I can learn from all of that. So, I decided to walk you through my process in this episode. Topics discussed in this episode: Podcast launch strategy Stress-free podcasting Creating a podcast trailer Seasonal podcast format How to start a successful podcast Having a growth mindset Here's the one thing you should implement in your podcast if you’re feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start. As you are launching your podcast (or launching the next season of your podcast) the most important thing for you to remember is that your worth is separate from your download numbers. Take it from someone that is still working on remembering this. Download numbers are just information, they in no way reflect if you are an awesome person or not, they just tell you if the things that you tried during that launch worked or not. Timestamps: (00:00) How my launch week went (02:23) What went well (04:50) What didn’t go so well (07:46) Podcast Jumpstart Session (08:45) What I learned Links My episode all about launching your podcast Free podcast launch calendar The Friendly Podcast Guide on Instagram how to start a successful podcast, podcast, podcast tips, starting a podcast tips, tips on starting a podcast, advice for starting a podcast, podcast download numbers, podcast seo, podcast marketing strategy, video podcasting, podcasts on YouTube, search engine optimization podcast

    17 min
  5. How to Build Your Podcast Community w/ Jamie B Golden

    MAR 18

    How to Build Your Podcast Community w/ Jamie B Golden

    We get to learn how to build a podcast community from Jamie B Golden. She has been in the podcasting world for more than 10 years and she was kind enough to share her best podcasting advice with us today.  Jamie is the co-host of The Popcast with Knox and Jamie, a podcast that is not only delightful, but also pays Jamie’s rent.  Topics discussed in this episode: How to build a podcast community Innovating with your podcast Knowing your podcast audience Advice for podcasters Creating a podcast Here's the one thing you should implement in your podcast if you’re feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start. And that is editing. You need to edit out more than you think you should. And I’m not talking about getting rid of all of the ums and the pauses, I honestly think you should keep some of those in, because that helps the conversation sound more natural. What I’m talking about is getting rid of anything that isn’t moving the conversation forward. My chat with Jamie had so many fun moments in it that I had to cut, because they weren’t applicable and they were slowing down the energy, but I had to be brutal in my editing to make the best possible episode. So be brutal with your editing. Your listeners will thank you and then tell their friends about your awesome show. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:06) Podcast Jumpstart Sessions (02:01) Get to know Jamie B Golden (06:21) Why I love the Popcast (07:53) Podcasting is fun (12:20) How to build a podcast community (21:02) Community is invested in the Popcast (26:07) Advice for podcasters (28:46) One thing I disagreed with (29:54) The one thing you should do Links: Podcast Jumpstart Sessions Search Engine Podcast The Popcast with Knox and Jamie how to start a successful podcast, podcast, podcast tips, starting a podcast tips, tips on starting a podcast, advice for starting a podcast, podcast download numbers, podcast seo, podcast marketing strategy, video podcasting, podcasts on YouTube, search engine optimization podcast

    32 min

  6. MAR 11

    What the Barbie Movie Teaches Us About Podcasting

    Love it, or hate it, the Barbie Movie did an amazing job of marketing. The summer it came out there wasn’t anywhere you could go that you wouldn’t run into something that had to do with the Barbie Movie. And this is a great example of what can happen for you and your podcast when you take the time to launch your podcast. I just wrapped up the successful launch of Season 3 of the Friendly Podcast Guide so while it was fresh on my mind I wanted to talk about why it is such a good idea to intentionally launch your podcast. Topics discussed in this episode: Podcast marketing Seasonal format for podcasting Podcast launch Advice for starting a podcast Podcast Jumpstart Sessions How to start a successful podcast Here's the one thing you should implement in your podcast if you’re feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start. When you are launching your podcast (or launching the next season of your podcast) make sure to start talking about it a month before your first episode drops! This gives you plenty of time to hype it up and talk about it and it gives your people plenty of time to hear about it and get excited about it with you. Timestamps (00:00) Inspired by the Barbie Movie  (01:26) What it means to launch a podcast (02:55) Give yourself a month to launch (03:44) Podcast Jumpstart Sessions (04:44) Podcast launch calendar (09:09) Stories for your launch (12:35) The one thing I would take away from this episode Links: Schedule Your Podcast Jumpstart Session Friendly Podcast Guide on Instagram Free Podcast Launch Calendar Keywords how to start a successful podcast, podcast, podcast tips, starting a podcast tips, tips on starting a podcast, advice for starting a podcast, podcast download numbers, podcast seo, podcast marketing strategy, video podcasting, podcasts on YouTube, search engine optimization podcast

    14 min

  7. MAR 4

    Honest Podcasting: My Numbers, My Break & a Giveaway!

    Take a peek behind the curtain as I tell you about the stats for the episodes that came out during my winter break, how much money I’ve made since January and what I did during the break. Topics discussed during this episode: Podcast downloads Seasonal podcast format Podcast recommendations Combating perfectionism Podcast experiments DIY podcasting course Podcast planner Podcast coaching calls Podcast marketing Takeaways from this episode: Download numbers have nothing to do with your worth as a human Adding stories to your episodes make your episodes more compelling The seasonal podcast format is best for mom podcasters Experimenting with your podcast is the best way to improve your show Pinterest is a great way to market your podcast Timestamps: (00:00) Get to know Andi (02:49) How many downloads my episodes got (04:34) How much money I’ve made (05:47) How many podcast coaching calls I’ve done (06:32) Podcast Jumpstart Sessions (07:32) Experiments I’m trying in March (10:27) Season 3 giveaway (12:29) What I did during my break Links: The Silt Verses: https://www.thesiltverses.com/ Jen Morris Interview: https://friendlypodcastguide.com/how-to-conquer-self-doubt-as-a-mom-in-business/ Podcast Planner Affiliate Link: https://createdbykristakirky.com/?ref=ANDISMILEY Podcast Planner video on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFdXPsFPRjn/ For the Love of History Podcast: https://www.fortheloveofhistorypod.com/ Permission to Pause: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/meagan-hubbard/episodes/Introducing-Permission-to-Pause-e2t2gp1 Keywords how to start a successful podcast, podcast, podcast tips, starting a podcast tips, tips on starting a podcast, advice for starting a podcast, podcast download numbers, podcast seo, podcast marketing strategy, video podcasting, podcasts on YouTube, search engine optimization podcast

    16 min

  8. SEASON 3, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Season 3 Coming Soon!

    The wait is almost over! Season 3 of the Friendly Podcast Guide will be back on March 4th. Get ready to learn about podcasting in a way that fits into your life instead of the other way around. For more behind the scenes follow me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendlypodcastguide/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@friendlypodcastguide

    3 min
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out of 5
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About

Hi, I'm Andi Smiley, the Friendly Podcast Guide! I’ve been in the podcasting world for 5 years. I help moms start, launch and grow a podcast that is fun and fulfilling. Whether you’re just starting or a few years in, I share tips, stories from my own journey and insights from podcasters I admire. My goal is to help you create and grow a podcast that is everything you want it to be, while still being sustainable. No burn out here!

Information

  • Creator
    Andi Smiley
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    176
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Andi Smiley
  • Show Website
    The Friendly Podcast Guide

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