Podcast Cafe: Insights from Podcasters for Podcasters

Hayleigh Hayhurst, Podcast Producer & Strategist
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Podcast Café, where we serve up everything you need to know about podcasting—from tips to strategies, for podcasters by podcasters. Hosted by Hayleigh Hayhurst, founder of Espresso Podcast Production, this show covers the art and science of podcasting in a fun, relatable way from podcasters for podcasters. Join our community of creators and let’s make podcasting something you love—and that works for you. Learn more at espressopodcastproduction.com.

  1. 13h ago

    90. Storytelling & Interviewing: A Live Panel at Podcasters NW with Erica C. Barnett and Ronit Plank

    This is a live recording from Podcasters NW, the largest networking group for podcasters in Seattle. About this episode: A journalist who never sends questions in advance. A memoirist who reads your entire book before she'll talk to you. And me, who shows up with curiosity and basically no prep because I'm also producing 25 other shows. I put these three approaches in a room together on purpose. Because podcasting is not one size fits all. We got into interview techniques, how to tell a story in every podcast episode, and how we roll with the punches during interviews (even the ones that don't go the way we imagined)/ This one was recorded live at Podcasters NW — the largest in-person podcasting and creator networking community in the Pacific Northwest. If you've ever wanted a room full of people who actually get what it's like to make a show, this is it. In this episode: Three completely different interview philosophies — journalist, memoirist, and "curiosity-first" What to do live, in the moment, when a guest goes off-script or shuts down on youThe exact moment that makes a podcast host say "I love my job"The awkward reality of an interview going not the way you were hopingHow to actually land a dream guest (it took one of us a full year and a second ask)The line we each have for when an interview just doesn't make the cut Join us at the next Podcasters NW event on July 22. It's free to join! https://july22podcastersnw.eventbrite.com This month's event was sponsored by Armoire — use code PODCAST2026 for a free month of clothing rental. Connect with Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Connect with Erica: https://publicola.com 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: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction ⁠ My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

    59 min

  2. 1d ago

    89. Kit Craft + Commerce Recap: Conference Takeaways, Podcasting Levels, and Why AI Content Needs a Strategy

    This week I'm bringing you part one of a two-part conversation, recorded live in Boise at Kit's Craft + Commerce conference. I sat down with my business bestie Jillian Minter, a business and money coach, to break down our biggest takeaways from the weekend. Listen to part 2 here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quantum-wealth-money-mindset-manifestation-business/id1871569964?i=1000774154738 In this episode, we get into: What it was like being surrounded by every kind of creator imaginable — podcasters, YouTubers, authors, food bloggers, and moreWhy "it all works" when it comes to picking your content avenue, and how energy and belief play into thatThe podcast monetization workshop that taught me a hard lesson about knowing your audience's level (and meeting people where they actually are, not where you assume they are)Why AI tools are genuinely useful — but only if you're using them with a plan, not just to push out more contentThe "act like a client in your own business" exercise that every business owner needs to tryJillian and I see this conference through two completely different lenses — podcasting and money/mindset — so we decided to split the conversation across both of our shows. Catch part two over on Jillian's podcast, Quantum Wealth, where we get into confidence, networking styles, and the new Kit features we're both obsessed with. 🎧 Listen to part two on Quantum Wealth: https://jillianminter.com/quantum-wealth-manifestation-podcast/ 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: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction ⁠ My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

    11 min

  3. Jun 11

    88. How to Create a Podcast Website in 20 Minutes with Jamie from Julip

    Most podcasters treat their online presence like an afterthought—a Linktree here, a Spotify link there. But if you're serious about growing your podcast, you need more than a wall of links. You need a website that actually tells your story, showcases your episodes, and opens doors to monetization. In this episode, I sit down with Jamie, the founder of Julip, to talk about why podcasters need a website (not just social media links), how to organize your episodes so listeners can actually find what they're looking for, and creative ways to monetize your podcast beyond traditional sponsorships. What You'll Learn: Why a Linktree isn't enough for serious podcastersHow Julip makes it easy to create a beautiful, mobile-friendly website in just 20 minutesThe importance of categorizing your episodes—especially once you hit 100+ episodesCreative monetization strategies: selling ad real estate on your website, not just in episodesHow to leverage guest appearances on other podcasts to grow your own showThe benefits of being a podcast guest before launching your own showJamie's journey from marketing to higher ed to launching three businesses I met Jamie in The Entreprenista League, a business and community membership where founders like you can access top-tier resources, media opportunities, and a community that will be there to support you as you grow your business. Join here: https://refer.entreprenista.com/2bvagj2con4u Try Julip: https://myjulip.com/julip Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myjulip/ Julipers using Julips for their podcast: suzyaisha Resources mentioned:  To sell a new service to your podcast clients, website in a day.Lucy being interviewed for Mayor of NYChttps://www.trupanion.com/ - pet insurance company 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: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction ⁠ My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

    27 min

  4. Jun 4

    87. Standing Out in a Crowded Niche: Lessons from Wellness Podcaster Brandee Hommerding

    Want to start a podcast but worried your niche is too crowded? In this episode of the Podcast Café, I interview Brandee Hommerding, host of the Healthy Buzz Podcast, about how to stand out in the competitive wellness podcasting space. If you're wondering how to launch a podcast when there are already shows in your industry, this conversation will change your perspective. Brandee shares her journey from thinking about podcasting for years to launching a successful wellness podcast that's approaching 50 episodes, and how she differentiates herself in an oversaturated market. What You'll Learn About Starting a Podcast in a Crowded Niche: - How to start a podcast when your niche feels saturated with competition - Why knowing your target audience is essential for podcast success - The importance of planning listener takeaways before hitting record - How to research podcast guests to maintain credibility and brand alignment - Why conducting research for solo podcast episodes builds trust with listeners - How to overcome perfectionism and actually launch your podcast - Using your podcast as a client resource and business tool - The mindset shift from "podcast planning" to "podcast launching" - How to create anti-diet culture wellness content that stands out - Building a podcast audience when you're not mainstream Key Podcasting Tips for Beginners: Before you record your next episode (or your first episode), ask yourself: What will my listener take away from this? Entertainment? Education? Inspiration? Having a clear goal for every episode is what separates successful podcasts from those that fade away. Don't just record to record—record with purpose and your listener in mind. Connect with Brandee: Interested in delicious, high-protein recipes? Download your 7-day high-protein plan here: https://beecollectivewellness.com/high-protein-meal-plan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beecollectivewellness/ 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: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction ⁠ My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

    35 min

  5. May 30

    86. The Art of Collaboration: Live from Podcasters NW with Carla Marie & Anthony

    This episode is different from every other Podcast Cafe episode because it's the live recording from the very first Podcasters NW event held on May 18th in Seattle. After six years of podcasting in the Pacific Northwest, I realized I didn't know many podcasters here, so I created the only dedicated space for podcasters to connect in person. I call it Podcasters NW. In this special recording, you'll hear a fireside chat with Carla Marie and Anthony, Seattle-based multi-platform creators who have been building content together for 17 years. They host The Morning Show Podcast (approaching its 1,000th episode!) and live stream on Twitch. Between the two of them, they've launched eight podcasts total and have incredible insights about what it takes to collaborate successfully—with each other, with other creators, and with their audience. To come to the next Podcasters NW event on June 18, register here. https://PodcastsNWJune18.eventbrite.com This will be a monthly series, so make sure you follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn to see when the next one will be: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/ Thank you to Carla Marie and Anthony for joining. Join them on Twitch every Tuesdays and Thursday at 8am PT twitch.tv/CarlaMarieandAnthony Connect with them here: https://www.flow.page/carlamarieandanthony Email them: hello@carlamarieandanthony.com 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: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction ⁠ My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

    47 min

  6. Apr 30

    84. From Weekly Episodes to Intentional Growth with Katherine Phillips, Faithful Flourish Podcast

    The real growth from podcasting isn’t what you see on the surface. Katherine Phillips is almost one year into her podcasting journey—and what started as a simple idea has grown into something much bigger. In this episode, she shares the real behind-the-scenes of launching Faithful Flourish, a podcast created for Orthodox Christian women navigating modern life. From figuring out her voice to building a community (without even liking social media), Katherine breaks down what it actually takes to start and sustain a podcast with purpose. We talk about the evolution of her strategy—from posting weekly episodes to shifting into a more intentional, quality-first approach—and how that decision is changing everything. Katherine also opens up about: Creating content that reflects your values (not just trends) Navigating social media when it doesn’t come naturally Building confidence as a new podcaster The power of curiosity and continuous learning Why podcasting is more time-intensive than people think What it looks like to grow a show and yourself at the same time If you’ve been feeling the pressure to “do more” with your podcast—or wondering if your voice actually matters—this conversation will bring you back to what’s important. Because sometimes, the most meaningful growth happens when you slow down and get intentional. Listen to Faithful Flourish Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faithful-flourish-a-podcast-for-the-modern/id1798544576 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: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠ My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

    30 min

  7. Apr 9

    83. How This Podcaster Sold Her Show & Built Two More with Anjel B. Hartwell

    What happens when you approach podcasting like a business asset instead of just a creative project? Angel rebuilt from a $7 month to creating award-winning podcast brands—and eventually selling one. In this episode of the Podcast Café, Anjel shares her unique journey of starting, growing, and selling her first podcast, Men on Purpose. Whether monetization is your goal or not, her strategic approach to podcasting offers valuable lessons about intentionality, guest relationships, and building something that truly serves your bigger vision.  In This Episode, You'll Learn: Anjel's story: from business collapse to launching a top-200 podcast in 6 weeksThe strategic decisions she made that helped her podcast serve her business goalsThe exact process of selling a podcast (co-hosted transition episodes, IP transfer, 90-day timeline)How she maintains relationships with hundreds of guests over timeWhy she focuses on conversions over vanity metrics (and why that matters for her goals)Her experience applying for and winning 21 podcast awardsThe reality of podcast sponsorships and why she chose a different path Connect with Anjel: Wickedly Smart Women: www.wickedlysmartwomen.com Leading Visionaries Podcast: www.leadingvisionariespodcast.com Website: www.creativeageleader.com Sellable Show Checklist: https://www.wealthylifementor.com/sellable-show-podcast-cafe 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: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠ My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

    40 min

  8. Apr 8

    82. I Taught Fifth Graders About Podcasting (And What They Taught Me Back)

    Ever wonder what podcasting looks like through fresh, unfiltered eyes? In this episode, I'm sharing my experience teaching fifth graders about podcasting during career day—and the surprisingly valuable lessons they taught me in return. Last week, I had the honor of introducing podcasting to four classes of fourth and fifth graders at a local elementary school. Armed with my Canva presentation and 25 minutes per class, I set out to teach kids about podcast production. What I didn't expect was how much their pure creativity, enthusiasm, and unfiltered ideas would remind me of what makes podcasting powerful in the first place. What You'll Discover: Why fifth graders already know what podcasting is (and how they consume it differently than we might think)The wildly creative podcast ideas kids came up with—from interviewing dogs about their favorite breakfast foods to exploring misunderstood animals like sharks and crocodilesWhat these young minds taught me about keeping podcasting fun, creative, and simpleWhy making your podcast understandable to a fifth grader is actually brilliant marketingHow to reignite your own creativity when you're feeling stuck or bored with your contentThe future of podcasting through the eyes of the next generation Key Takeaway: If a room of fifth graders can brainstorm podcast topics, titles, interview goals, and episode ideas in just 25 minutes, so can you. Stop overcomplicating your podcast. Make it fun. Make it simple enough that a kid could understand it. And never underestimate the power of pure, unfiltered creativity. The Challenge: Feeling stuck with your podcast? Try thinking like a fifth grader. What would make your show fun? What adjacent topics could you explore? Who would you want to interview if there were no limits? Get curious again. 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: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠ My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

    20 min
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About

Welcome to the Podcast Café, where we serve up everything you need to know about podcasting—from tips to strategies, for podcasters by podcasters. Hosted by Hayleigh Hayhurst, founder of Espresso Podcast Production, this show covers the art and science of podcasting in a fun, relatable way from podcasters for podcasters. Join our community of creators and let’s make podcasting something you love—and that works for you. Learn more at espressopodcastproduction.com.

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