Create and Consume | Life in the World of Social Media

Austen Tosone | Content Creator and Writer
  • 4.6 (9)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Create & Consume is a podcast about what we make, watch and buy in the era of digital content. Each week, host Austen Tosone will talk about a new topic related to the world of digital media. As a YouTuber and writer, she's tapped in to the latest in pop culture, fashion, and influencer marketing. From personal style and beauty products, to what's in Austen's online shopping cart, to stories from her previous careers as a magazine editor and content director, listen in for her hot takes and genuine thoughts about life in NYC in the age of scrolling, shopping, and all things social media.

  1. 2D AGO

    Rebrand for 2026: ins, outs goals & more - Ep 84

    Welcome to a brand new year! In this episode, we’re diving into your 2026 rebrand—not by starting over, but by refining what already works. As the new year begins, we’re tapping into that January 1st energy and using it intentionally. I’m walking you through how to choose a word of the year, set meaningful goals, create your 2026 ins and outs list, and map out things to look forward to in the year ahead. If you’re craving clarity, direction, and a fresh mindset for 2026—without starting from zero—this episode will help you rebrand your year with purpose and momentum so you can show up as your best self. Mentioned in episode 84: The Glow Up Series playlist Offline week in my life TikTok cake trend YouTube blog feature The Influencer Income Accelerator Goal setting tutorial video Notion goals & planning template In my reading era episode How to protect your peace episode Follow Create & Consume: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest Follow Austen: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Blog Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/ Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

    46 min

  2. 12/18/2025

    End-of-year creator reset routine and guide - Ep 83

    Where did the year go?? In today’s episode (the last one of 2025!!) we’re doing a full creator reset routine to close out the year together. First, I’ll walk you through how to actually celebrate your wins (because you definitely had more than you remember!). Then we’ll reflect on the past twelve months with a year-end audit to figure out what worked, what didn’t, and where you want to go next. This will help you identify what was a good use of time, money and energy so you can replicate the successes in the new year. Finally, I’m sharing my go-to end-of-year creator checklist—from digital decluttering to updating your media kit to help you step into the new year feeling organized and inspired. I’m taking next week off for Christmas but will be back on Thursday, January 1st with a fun start of the year episode for you all! Mentioned in episode 83: Festive weekend in my life vlog Holiday party GRWM vlog Christmas in NYC guide Notion goals & planning hub 1 year of podcasting Podcasting day in the life Steven Bartlett interview Behind-the-scenes photo shoot vlog Quarterly reset Notion template Clean my Mac Follow Create & Consume: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest Follow Austen: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Blog Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/ Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

    48 min

  3. 12/11/2025

    A realistic guide to becoming a morning person - Ep 82

    Want to become a morning person without forcing yourself to wake up at 4am? In this episode, I’m breaking down a realistic and sustainable approach to building morning habits you’ll actually look forward to. We’ll talk about the mindset and motivation behind waking up earlier, how gratitude can transform your mornings, and the core pillars of a morning routine that truly works for you. I’m also sharing why your morning routine shouldn’t look the same every day and how rotating routines based on your mood, energy, or schedule can make mornings feel easier and more intuitive. From creative mornings to active mornings, weekend resets, travel days, and everything in between, you’ll learn how to build a flexible “menu” of routines that support you no matter what life looks like. Whether you’re trying to create healthier habits, boost productivity, or simply start your day feeling more grounded, this episode has everything you need to finally become a morning person—in a way that feels natural and sustainable. Mentioned in episode 82: Dove blog post Stranger Things recap video Stanley cup Currentbody red light mask (code Austen for a discount) Under eye masks Vitamin C serum Trader Joe’s hit list episode Nuuly Follow Create & Consume: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest Follow Austen: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Blog Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/ Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

    43 min

  4. 12/04/2025

    The evolution of influencer marketing from 2015 vs 2025 - Ep 81

    Influencer marketing has changed a lot in the last decade—from highly curated Instagram grids and daily blog posts to short-form video, UGC, and performance-driven brand partnerships. In this episode, I’m breaking down what influencer marketing looked like in 2015 vs what it looks like in 2025, and how creators can adapt to the modern creator economy. We’ll talk about the rise of blogs and DSLR-era Instagram, why it was easier to grow online in 2015, how brand deals were handled back then, and what made content feel more authentic. Then we’ll jump to 2025 and look at the explosion of short-form video, the shift toward sales and conversion metrics, the rise of UGC creators, paid usage, whitelisting, and why follower count matters less than ever. Whether you’ve been creating for years or you’re new to the space, this episode will help you understand the biggest shifts in social media and how to navigate the creator landscape today. Mentioned in episode 81: The holiday hub First Time Caller book NYC intern diaries episode TikTok ban update episode Time article Creator tips YouTube playlist Income ideas YouTube video Campaign wrap up template Follow Create & Consume: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest Follow Austen: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Blog Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/ Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

    49 min

  5. 11/27/2025

    Christmas in New York City holiday guide - Ep 80

    After today I am calling it the official kickoff to the holidays. In this festive episode of Create & Consume, I’m sharing my ultimate Christmas in NYC guide—from the best ice-skating spots and must-try hot chocolate to holiday markets, photo-worthy decorations, and a few hidden gems most visitors miss. I’m also breaking down my top tips for avoiding crowds so you can enjoy the magic of the city without the stress. If you’re planning a trip to New York during the holidays or just want that cozy Christmas-in-the-city vibe, this episode has everything you need to make the most of the season. Also, Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I’m so grateful that you’re here. Mentioned in episode 80: Date night passport Working in retail episode Vlogmas video with Palace Christmas tree Plaza seasonal decor Follow Create & Consume: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest Follow Austen: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Blog Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/ Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

    38 min

  6. 11/20/2025

    NYC fashion intern diaries: a look back on my college internships - Ep 79

    “Bag, coat!!” In this episode, I’m taking you inside my NYC fashion diaries and sharing the six fashion and publishing internships I completed during college from 2013–2016. From early mornings in Manhattan showrooms to learning the ropes inside glossy magazine offices, I’m breaking down what each internship taught me, how each one influenced the career I have today and the behind-the-scenes moments I’ll never forget. If you’re curious about getting started in fashion, want a peek into the publishing world, or were wondering how realistic The Devil Wears Prada actually is, this episode is packed with real stories, lessons, and industry insights. Mentioned in episode 79: Autumn weekend in my life vlog Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow Zero Waste Daniel Hunter Bell blog post Ariana Grande behind-the-scenes video First Nylon article I wrote Devon Ivie’s articles Working in retail episode Follow Create & Consume: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest Follow Austen: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Blog Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/ Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

    57 min

  7. 11/13/2025

    Gossip Girl top 3 rankings - Ep 78

    Hey Upper East Siders, Gossip Girl here, and I don’t know about you but I’m still not over this show that ended 13 years ago. Since I just recently finished a Gossip Girl rewatch, I thought this would be the perfect time to share some of my thoughts on the show and what better way to do it than to pick top 3 favorite moments, characters, episodes, storylines and more throughout the series in this fun, chatty look back. Did Blair really change throughout the series? What was up with the fake death plot? And which holiday episode is the best? I’m answering all of these questions and more as we chat through some of the best, worst and most jaw-dropping moments from this iconic NYC TV series. Mentioned in episode 78: My blog Mediavine tips IG post The Third Gilmore Girl book Gossip Girl Spotify playlist Follow Create & Consume: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest Follow Austen: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Blog Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/ Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

    48 min

  8. 11/06/2025

    TikTok’s tipping point: US ban and sale update - Ep 77

    It seems like just yesterday, many of us downloaded a popular Chinese-owned app called TikTok for the first time in 2020. Maybe you found yourself humming “yeah I’m bored in the house and I’m in the house bored” without realizing it or you were trying to learn the the renegade dance choreography in your room watching Addison Rae on repeat. When you look back on the short and powerful history of TikTok, it’s impossible to deny the social platform’s impact on the creator economy and on culture at large. From the initial mention of a TikTok ban to the now impending sale of TikTok’s US division to conservative American investors, where do things stand with TikTok now? Will the for you page algorithm be impacted? How should content creators prepare? In today’s episode we’re breaking down the latest updates about the TikTok ban and what users from the app can expect when the deal goes through later this year. Mentioned in episode 77: What are you wearing TikTok The Life of a Showgirl episode Forbes TikTok article Wired article on sale The Guardian article on valuation Follow Create & Consume: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest Follow Austen: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Blog Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/ Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

    41 min
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4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Create & Consume is a podcast about what we make, watch and buy in the era of digital content. Each week, host Austen Tosone will talk about a new topic related to the world of digital media. As a YouTuber and writer, she's tapped in to the latest in pop culture, fashion, and influencer marketing. From personal style and beauty products, to what's in Austen's online shopping cart, to stories from her previous careers as a magazine editor and content director, listen in for her hot takes and genuine thoughts about life in NYC in the age of scrolling, shopping, and all things social media.

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