Content with Heart Podcast with Mel Daniels

Mel Daniels

Content with Heart is a podcast about creating content that feels aligned, human and sustainable, without losing sight of growing a purposeful, profitable business. Hosted by content marketing guide and author Mel Daniels, this podcast supports small business owners who are tired of forcing themselves into marketing strategies that don’t fit. If content has started to feel heavy, confusing or misaligned, this space is here to help you reconnect with a calmer, more intentional way of showing up. Each episode explores content marketing through a human-first lens, blending strategy with self-trust. You’ll hear thoughtful solo conversations on topics such as content confidence, visibility without burnout, consistency that works with your energy, and how to simplify your content using frameworks like the client journey, minimum viable content, holistic content marketing and reimagining content instead of constantly creating from scratch. This podcast is especially for women in business who value honesty, connection and impact. Those who want to be known for something meaningful, not just add to the noise. Those who measure success not only by revenue, but by alignment, clarity and the relationships they’re building through their content. Episodes are short, reflective and intentionally less polished, creating space for real conversations rather than performance. You won’t find hype, hustle or one-size-fits-all advice here. Instead, you’ll find gentle guidance, practical insights and permission to ditch the shoulds and create content in a way that feels more you. If you’re looking for content marketing advice that prioritises connection over algorithms, and purpose alongside profit, Content with Heart is here to support you.

  1. 13H AGO

    How to reconnect with your content after a break

    Have you ever opened Instagram, hovered over the post button and then quietly closed the app again? If you’ve taken a break from your content and now it feels awkward, heavy or just plain weird to create again, this episode is for you. In this conversation, I’m talking directly to the small business owner who wants to show up again but doesn’t know how to start without making it a big deal. Maybe you feel behind. Maybe you think you owe people an explanation. Maybe you’re telling yourself you need a proper comeback. Here’s what I want you to hear: you don’t. This episode is about returning to your content without the pressure, the performance, or the apology tour. It’s about reconnecting, not restarting. Because content isn’t a streak you broke. It’s a relationship you paused. And you’re allowed to simply continue the conversation. Key Takeaways Breaks are normal. The friction comes from the story you attach to the break. You don’t owe the internet a big comeback or a detailed explanation. One small step is enough. Think Minimum Viable Content (Episode 167). Confidence rebuilds through small, safe repetitions. Not pressure. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Why coming back to content feels harder than stopping 00:58 Welcome and why this conversation matters right now 03:00 Breaks are normal seasons in business 05:39 Let go of the “big comeback” story 06:33 Content as a relationship, not a streak 07:57 Practical, gentle steps to reconnect 10:44 How confidence rebuilds through reconnection 12:17 Why imperfect is more than enough 13:34 Journal prompts to help you take your next small step If you’d like extra support, look at my book The Power of Content. It’s a beautiful companion if you’re rebuilding your relationship with visibility and want to do it in a way that feels aligned and human.   Links mentioned in this podcast The Power of Content   If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love: Episode 167 - How MVC saved my sanity (and my business) Episode 200 – What your content really needs from you in 2026   Ready to work with me? Buy my book The Power of Content Join my membership The Content Effect Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project   For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website   I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast. There are affiliate links in these show notes. I will receive a small compensation if you use these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you.

    15 min
  2. FEB 18

    My intentions to make content lighter in 2026

    Ever feel like your content has gone from exciting to exhausting? Like it’s another thing on the to-do list you secretly avoid? In this episode of The Content with Heart Podcast, I’m sharing why content can start to feel heavy, and what it’s really costing you when it does. From procrastination and inconsistency to burnout and disconnection, heavy content doesn’t just drain your energy. It chips away at your confidence. Last year, while juggling two casual retail jobs, I felt this first hand. Less time. Less energy. Less creativity. And I realised something had to shift. So in this episode, I’m sharing my five intentions for 2026 to make content feel lighter, more aligned, and actually enjoyable again. Because powerful content does not have to feel hard. Key Takeaways Why focusing on intention over metrics changes everything How to simplify your content using a Minimum Viable Content approach The small but powerful ways to protect your creative energy What consistency looks like when you stop forcing it and start finding your rhythm Why flexibility and grace are not weaknesses, but leadership Episode Breakdown 00:00 Why content feels heavy (and what it’s costing you) 00:48 The retail job season that made content feel like a chore 02:06 A lighter content philosophy: simplicity, alignment, mindset process 02:55 Intention #1: Purpose over metrics. Serve the person, not the numbers 04:52 Intention #2: Choose simplicity. Minimum Viable Content + less tool clutter 06:26 Intention #3: Protect your creative energy. Say no. Stop the scroll 08:58 Intention #4: Consistency without forcing it. Habit stacking + rhythm 10:55 Intention #5: Allow flexibility. Grace, content banks, reimagining 12:55 Reflection questions, book mention, and final encouragement If your content has been feeling heavier than it needs to be, this episode will help you reset. Take a listen then send me a DM on Instagram and tell me which intention you’re choosing this year. Links mentioned in this podcast The Power of Content   If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love: Episode 167 – How MVC saved my sanity (and my business) Episode 202 – How to start 2026 with content that feels easy   Ready to work with me? Buy my book The Power of Content Join my membership The Content Effect Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project   For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website   I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast. There are affiliate links in these show notes. I will receive a small compensation if you use these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you.

    16 min
  3. FEB 11

    The impact of energy on your content

    Ever clicked on a post and felt tense? Before you even knew why? Or read something and instantly felt calm and safe? That’s not an accident. That’s energy. In this episode of Content With Heart, I’m talking about something we don’t discuss enough in content marketing circles - the internal state behind your content. Because your audience doesn’t just read your words. They feel you. If your content feels rushed, pressured, or heavy, there’s usually something happening underneath. And when your content feels calm, grounded, and clear, that’s not luck either. That’s intention. That’s nervous system safety. That’s alignment. Trust is built in content that feels good to create and safe to consume. Key Takeaways Your energy shapes how your content is received, whether you realise it or not. Calm, regulated content builds trust faster than clever or urgent content. Process creates safety. Pressure creates noise. Authenticity isn’t about sharing everything. It’s about sharing from a place of integration, not activation. Episode Breakdown 00:00 The hidden energy behind your content 00:49 Why your audience feels you before they understand you 04:06 Five insights about energy and content 05:32 Nervous system safety and why it matters in business 07:48 Calm content attracts calm audiences 09:07 Creating through process, not pressure 11:05 Authenticity: regulated, not raw 15:07 Reflection questions to realign your content 15:41 Final thoughts on creating content with heart If this episode resonated, take a moment to notice how your content has been feeling lately. Not how it’s performing. How it feels in your body when you create it. And if you’re ready for a slower, steadier way to approach your content, you’ll love exploring more inside The Power of Content or joining me inside The Content Effect. Because content with heart isn’t about doing more. It’s about creating in a way that feels aligned, sustainable, and deeply human.   Links mentioned in this podcast The Power of Content The Content Effect   If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love: Episode 201 - How to start 2026 with content that feels easy Episode 200 – What your content really needs from you in 2026   Ready to work with me? Buy my book The Power of Content Join my membership The Content Effect Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project   For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website   I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast. There are affiliate links in these show notes. I will receive a small compensation if you use these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you.

    17 min
  4. FEB 4

    Start 2026 with content that feels easy

    Ever sit down to plan content and immediately feel stuck, scattered, or already behind? This episode is for that moment. With the kids back at school and business mode creeping back in, this conversation is a gentle nudge to look at planning a different way. Not a plan that looks good on paper and falls apart by week two, just a more grounded way to think about content planning so it actually supports you and your business. In this episode, I’m talking about why planning often feels harder than creating, how ease can be a genuine content strategy, and what it looks like to plan content in a way that fits your real life, not an ideal version of it. If you want content that feels simpler, lighter, and more sustainable this year, you’ll feel right at home here. Key Takeaways Why content planning feels heavy for so many business owners How choosing ease can create more clarity and consistency What it means to simplify your content without losing momentum How to find a rhythm that works with your energy, not against it   Episode Breakdown 00:00  Back to business and why getting back into content can feel hard 00:53  Welcome to Content With Heart 02:17  Why planning matters, and why it often goes wrong 03:15  Common content planning traps to watch out for 05:02  Reframing ease as a smart content strategy 06:38  Simple ways to make content feel lighter 09:54  Finding a content rhythm you can actually maintain 12:44  Reflecting on how you currently plan content 13:55  An invitation to the 90 Day Content Planning session   If this episode resonated, you might love the upcoming 90 Day Content Planning session inside The Content Effect, or spending some quiet time with my book The Power of Content. Both are there to help you create content that feels supportive, not stressful.   Links mentioned in this podcast The Content Effect The Power of Content DM on Instagram   If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love: Episode 167 – How MVC saved my sanity (and my business) Episode 200 – What your content needs from you in 2026   Ready to work with me? Buy my book The Power of Content Join my membership The Content Effect Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project   For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website   I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast. There are affiliate links in these show notes. I will receive a small compensation if you use these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you.

    15 min
  5. JAN 28

    What your content needs from you in 2026

    What if content didn’t have to feel so heavy this year? What if you didn’t need to push harder, show up more or fix yourself to make it work? Episode 200 marks a big moment for the podcast, and it also marks a shift. A new look. A new feel. And a more intentional conversation about content as we move into 2026. In this episode, I’m inviting you to step back from the noise and reconnect with what actually matters in your content. We talk about letting go of old expectations, releasing the pressure to do content a certain way and creating from a place that feels supportive rather than draining. This is about intention over obligation and remembering that content is meant to connect us, not exhaust us. Key Takeaways Why content often starts to feel heavy, and what’s really going on underneath that feeling How to release old “shoulds” that no longer fit the season you’re in A gentler way to think about content creation as support, not pressure Simple ways to bring more intention and lightness into your content for 2026 Episode Breakdown 00:00 Welcome to the new-look Content With Heart 01:30 Why this podcast is evolving and what’s changing 01:59 Letting go of heaviness and creating with clarity 04:11 Human connection in a noisy digital world 06:28 Reframing content creation for 2026 09:52 Practical ways to create content with intention 16:58 Reflecting on what your content really needs 17:44 Closing thoughts and a gentle invitation   If content has been feeling out of sync, overwhelming, or heavier than it needs to be, this episode is a calm place to start again. Press play and let’s step into 2026 with content that feels more like you.   Links mentioned in this podcast The Power of Content The Content Effect   If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love: Episode 167 – How MVC saved my sanity (and my business) Episode 199 - The end of an era and what’s next   Ready to work with me? Read my book The Power of Content Join my membership The Content Effect Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator   For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website   I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast. There are affiliate links in these show notes. I will receive a small compensation if you use these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you.

    19 min
  6. JAN 23

    TRAILER: The end of an era and what’s next

    Welcome to The Powerful Content Podcast  Subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified when a new episode is released each Thursday. Loved the episode? Leave me review and let me know your ‘aha’ moment!     Episode 199: A change is coming (and here’s why it matters)  Have you ever looked at your content and thought, this doesn’t feel like me anymore?  That’s exactly where I’ve been. And it’s why this episode exists.  In episode 199 of The Powerful Content Podcast, I’m sharing changes that are coming in 2026 - a new podcast name and a new look. But more than that, a shift towards lighter, more honest, less polished content that actually feels good to create.  Just like all things in life, this podcast has evolved. I’ve evolved.  So I wanted to share why trying to perform or be perfect eventually drains the life out of your content.  If your content has started to feel heavy, forced, or disconnected, this one’s for you.  In this episode, I talk about:  Why content sometimes stops feeling aligned  How different “eras” of content reflect personal growth  Letting go of perfectionism and performance  What’s changing with the podcast in 2026  How to reconnect with your intuition and values when creating  Reflection questions to help you realign your content  Episode breakdown:  00:00 A conversation about change and 2026  00:23 Welcome and what’s coming in this episode  01:41 Looking back on the journey of the podcast  04:20 The different eras of content and growth  06:31 Why change is needed sometimes  08:27 What’s shifting and what’s next  13:38 Reflection questions for content creators  14:25 Closing thoughts  15:02 How to stay connected and work with me  This episode is an invitation to release the pressure. And to remember that content gets to evolve as you do.  Have a listen, take what you need, and see what comes up for you.    And if you feel like sharing your reflections, I’d love to hear them.    Links mentioned in this podcast  The Content Effect  The Power of Content    If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love:  Episode 191 - Messy, honest and real. Reflections on life and business in 2025 with Annie Love  Episode 192 – 2025 - The year that was    Loved the episode? Leave a review!    Ready to work with me?  Buy my book The Power of Content  Join my membership The Content Effect  Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator    For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here:  Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website    I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast.   There are affiliate links in these show notes. I will receive a small compensation if you use these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you.

    16 min
  7. JAN 19

    BEST OF 2025: The secret to long term engagement

    Welcome to The Powerful Content Podcast  Subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified when a new episode is released each Thursday. Loved the episode? Leave me review and let me know your ‘aha’ moment!   Do you feel disheartened by the lack of likes on your social media posts? Well, maybe you’re looking at it the wrong way.  In this episode of The Powerful Content Podcast, Mel Daniels unpacks what it really takes to create content that stands the test of time, without running yourself into the ground.  She explores how business owners can stay visible and connected to their audience in a way that feels sustainable, meaningful, and true to their voice. Instead of chasing trends or constantly creating from scratch, Mel encourages you to embrace reimagination, listen closely to what their audience needs, and lean into the strength of your full content ecosystem.  Mel also shares her personal story of pausing full-time business and the surprising impact it had on engagement. She shows how building trust and staying anchored in your message can carry your content further than any quick-fix strategy.  You’ll also hear how Mel’s signature 4P Framework (Prepare, Plan, Produce, Process) supports long-term content strategy, along with powerful reflective prompts to realign your approach with their current season of business.  Episode Breakdown:  00:00 Introduction and episode overview  00:59 Welcome to The Powerful Content Podcast  01:59 Acknowledgement of Country  02:17 Personal updates and reflections  02:40 What long-term engagement really looks like  07:23 Using the 4P Framework to support sustainable content  13:53 Mel’s personal experience navigating a pause  15:52 Reflective prompts for deeper alignment  17:37 Outro and ways to connect    Links mentioned in this podcast  The Content Effect    If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love:  Episode 166 - Why I pressed paused on my full-time business (and what happened next)  Episode 168 - Reimagine your content: How to do less and still make an impact    Loved the episode? Leave a review!    Ready to work with me?  Buy my book The Power of Content  Join my membership The Content Effect  Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator  Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project    For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here:  Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website    I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast.   There are affiliate links in these show notes. I will receive a small compensation if you use these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you.

    19 min
  8. JAN 14

    BEST OF 2025 | Breaking free from conventional content strategies

    Ever feel like traditional content strategies are more of a trap than a help? Like you’re bending yourself into someone else’s idea of “success” instead of creating content that actually feels like you?  In this special episode of the Powerful Content Podcast, I’m sharing the audio from a 2025 summit presentation. I help you ditch the cookie-cutter strategies and show you how to take a heart-first approach to content so your message lands authentically, strategically, and in a way that actually moves your business forward.  I’m talking about why those conventional sales funnels can kill your creative flow and how my simple four-step framework makes content creation feel effortless, not exhausting.   Episode breakdown  00:00 – Introduction to the Best of 2025 Episode  00:52 – Welcome to the Powerful Content Podcast  01:52 – Shifting Perspectives: why doing it the “old way” doesn’t work  02:44 – Breaking free from conventional content strategies  07:14 – Understanding the holistic content approach  10:18 – Tackling content creation challenges without overwhelm  15:16 – The client journey vs traditional sales funnels  18:39 – Creating consistent content that’s aligned and authentic  28:45 – Final thoughts and encouragement  29:48 – Wrap up and ways to connect  Tune in, ditch the “shoulds,” and start creating content that actually feels like you.    Links mentioned in this podcast  Content Creator Archetype Quiz  The Content Effect    If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love:  Episode 185 – Ditch the sales funnels to create content that feels good  Episode 183 – How to stop socials sucking the life out of you    Loved the episode? Leave a review!    Ready to work with me?  Buy my book The Power of Content  Join my membership The Content Effect  Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator  Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project    For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here:  Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website    I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast.   There are affiliate links in these show notes. I will receive a small compensation if you use these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you.

    32 min

About

Content with Heart is a podcast about creating content that feels aligned, human and sustainable, without losing sight of growing a purposeful, profitable business. Hosted by content marketing guide and author Mel Daniels, this podcast supports small business owners who are tired of forcing themselves into marketing strategies that don’t fit. If content has started to feel heavy, confusing or misaligned, this space is here to help you reconnect with a calmer, more intentional way of showing up. Each episode explores content marketing through a human-first lens, blending strategy with self-trust. You’ll hear thoughtful solo conversations on topics such as content confidence, visibility without burnout, consistency that works with your energy, and how to simplify your content using frameworks like the client journey, minimum viable content, holistic content marketing and reimagining content instead of constantly creating from scratch. This podcast is especially for women in business who value honesty, connection and impact. Those who want to be known for something meaningful, not just add to the noise. Those who measure success not only by revenue, but by alignment, clarity and the relationships they’re building through their content. Episodes are short, reflective and intentionally less polished, creating space for real conversations rather than performance. You won’t find hype, hustle or one-size-fits-all advice here. Instead, you’ll find gentle guidance, practical insights and permission to ditch the shoulds and create content in a way that feels more you. If you’re looking for content marketing advice that prioritises connection over algorithms, and purpose alongside profit, Content with Heart is here to support you.