Abbey the Podcast Lady

Abbey Graves

Thinking about starting a podcast for your brand or business? Welcome to Abbey the Podcast Lady, where I help entrepreneurs, coaches, and creatives turn that podcast dream into a polished, professional reality. Abbey the Podcast Lady is all about breaking down podcasting to help beginner podcasters get a better idea of the industry and how they can find their place in it. We do case studies talking about how different podcasts operate, what they are doing well that you can apply to your own show, and what they could improve to spark ideas of where you can improve as well. We also offer tips, tricks and interviews with podcasting pros to help get started on the right foot. It is educational and approachable sharing real life experiences in the industry. Whether you’re starting from scratch or rebooting your mic, you’re in the right place. Let's press record. Sign up for the newsletter: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/newsletter/ Connect with Abbey: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/ Podcast Website: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/podcast/

  1. 6d ago

    How to Gamify Your Business and Make Entrepreneurship Fun with Paul Pape

    Take Paul's Quiz: https://gamifybusiness.com/quiz/ Takeaways Why most creatives struggle with traditional business educationHow gamification can make entrepreneurship easier to understandWhy building a loyal audience matters more than chasing viralityWhat happens when a creative entrepreneur turns business into a role-playing game? In this episode, Abbey sits down with Paul Pape, creator of Gamify Business, designer, author, consultant, and self-described barkeep for entrepreneurs. Paul shares how helping creative business owners led him to build an entirely new framework that teaches entrepreneurship through gaming concepts. Together they discuss why traditional business education fails creatives, how storytelling creates stronger brands, and why social media metrics are often distracting entrepreneurs from what actually matters. Paul also introduces his Rule of 100 concept and explains why finding your first 100 true fans may be more valuable than chasing millions of views. If business plans, marketing language, and growth strategies have ever felt overwhelming, this episode offers a refreshing approach to building a business in a way that feels human, engaging, and sustainable. Key Topics Covered: Gamifying entrepreneurship for creative thinkersWhy traditional business advice misses the markThe Rule of 100 for sustainable audience growthBuilding a business without losing your identityStorytelling and personal brandingWhy podcasts work as a business growth toolBusiness personality types and entrepreneurial strengthsCreating systems that support neurodivergent entrepreneurshttps://abbeygravesproductions.com/

    30 min
  2. May 24

    Be the Disco Ball: Community Building Lessons for Entrepreneurs

    Takeaways Why strong communities create more opportunities than traditional networkingHow the DISCO Framework helps entrepreneurs build deeper relationshipsThe unexpected business growth that comes from showing up consistentlyIn this special live keynote episode, Abbey Graves shares her signature DISCO Framework for building meaningful community connections that create lasting impact in both life and business. Drawing from stories as a podcast producer, DJ, entrepreneur, volunteer, and community leader, Abbey explains why the most successful people are not necessarily the wealthiest, but the people surrounded by the strongest villages. Through personal stories about fundraising, entrepreneurship, social media, grief, friendship, and leadership, Abbey breaks down the five elements of becoming a “disco ball” in your community: Decide to show up. Invest before expecting return. Use social media as a village-building tool. Create connection consistently. Offer light to others. This keynote is a reminder that relationships are not built during emergencies. They are built through ordinary moments and intentional connection. Key Topics Covered: The loneliness epidemic and rebuilding real communityWhy showing up creates opportunities money cannot buyThe Seven Hour Rule and building trustGrowing a business through genuine relationshipsSocial media as a modern village squareCreating opportunities for others behind the scenesLeadership without burnoutHow to know what deserves your time and energyb

    49 min
  3. May 14

    How Storytelling Shapes Confidence, Presence, and Success with Sandra Bargman

    Takeaways Sandra Bargman shares how acting, ministry, and storytelling all connect through authentic human connection.The BIG Approach teaches people to communicate through Breath, Intention, and Genuineness.Podcasting became a transformative outlet for Sandra during COVID and helped amplify her voice and mission. In this inspiring episode of Abbey the Podcast Lady, Abbey Graves sits down with actress, interfaith minister, storyteller, and podcast host Sandra Bargman for a powerful conversation about voice, presence, spirituality, and personal transformation. Sandra shares her fascinating career journey from performing on stage and touring with legendary talents to becoming an ordained interfaith minister and communication coach. She explains how her passion for storytelling and helping others led her to develop her signature BIG Approach: Breath, Intention, and Genuineness. The conversation dives into how authentic presence impacts communication, why storytelling matters in both business and life, and how podcasting helped Sandra step into her own voice during the pandemic. Sandra also discusses spiritual curiosity, past life regression, empowering women to speak up, and why every person has meaningful stories worth sharing. This episode is packed with insights for podcasters, entrepreneurs, creatives, speakers, and anyone looking to communicate with more confidence and authenticity. Key Topics Covered: Sandra Bargman’s journey from acting to ministryThe connection between creativity and spiritualityWhat makes someone truly magnetic and memorableThe BIG Approach: Breath, Intention, and GenuinenessStorytelling as a tool for connection and leadershipPodcasting as a platform for personal growthEmpowering women to use their voicesAuthentic communication and presenceSpiritual exploration and curiosityThe importance of being heard and seenhttps://abbeygravesproductions.com/

    23 min
  4. May 7

    Podcast FAQs: How Long Should Episodes Be and How Often Should You Publish?

    Takeaways A mix of solo and interview episodes creates consistency and authority in your niche.Podcast episode length should serve the content, not an arbitrary time requirement.Sustainable publishing schedules help creators avoid burnout and stay consistent.Summary of the Episode In this FAQ-style episode of Abbey the Podcast Lady, Abbey Graves answers some of the most common questions new podcasters ask when they’re preparing to launch a show. From deciding between solo episodes and interviews to figuring out how often to publish, Abbey breaks down the realities of podcast production in a practical and approachable way. She shares why a blended podcast format often works best for consistency, how creators can avoid burnout by choosing a realistic publishing schedule, and why there’s no “perfect” podcast episode length. Abbey also discusses scripting versus speaking off the cuff and explains what truly makes a podcast engaging for listeners. Whether you’re starting your first podcast or refining your current format, this episode offers actionable podcasting tips to help you create a show that feels authentic, sustainable, and valuable to your audience. Key Topics Covered: Solo podcast episodes vs interview podcastsHow long podcast episodes should beCreating a realistic podcast publishing scheduleWhether podcast episodes need scriptsHow to make a podcast more engagingAvoiding podcast creator burnoutBuilding audience connection through podcastingSign up for the newsletter: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/newsletter/ Affiliates: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/affiliates/ Connect with Abbey: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/ Podcast Website: https://abbeythepodcastlady.com Podcast gear recommendations: https://www.amazon.com/shop/abbey-thesmalltowntourist/list/SXFRAQOS5X5J?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d

    10 min
  5. Apr 30

    The Unexpected Networking Power of Starting a Podcast

    Takeaways Podcasting can become a powerful networking tool, even when that is not the original goal.Guest conversations can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships, and community visibility.Starting a podcast can help establish your authority and grow your brand in meaningful ways.In this episode of Abbey the Podcast Lady, Abbey Graves shares an unexpected benefit of podcasting: networking. Drawing from her background in radio broadcasting and her transition into podcasting, Abbey explains how starting The Small Town Tourist helped her build authentic relationships, become more visible in her local community, and create new career opportunities. What began as a storytelling platform eventually led to a full-time podcast production business and opened doors to collaborations she never anticipated. Abbey reflects on how podcasting gave her a reason to connect with people, share stories that mattered, and establish herself as a recognized voice in St. Cloud. This episode is an encouraging reminder that podcasting is not just a content platform. It is also a strategic way to grow your network, build authority, and create momentum for your business or brand. Key Topics Covered: Abbey’s background in radio broadcastingThe transition from radio to podcastingHow The Small Town Tourist created real networking opportunitiesTurning podcast connections into business growthBuilding visibility and authority through a podcastWhy podcasting is a smart tool for entrepreneurs and creatorsUsing conversations and storytelling to grow your brandSign up for the newsletter: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/newsletter/ Affiliates: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/affiliates/ Connect with Abbey: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/ Podcast Website: https://abbeythepodcastlady.com Podcast gear recommendations: https://www.amazon.com/shop/abbey-thesmalltowntourist/list/SXFRAQOS5X5J?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d

    8 min
  6. Apr 23

    The $10K an Hour Filter Every Business Owner Needs to Know

    Takeaways Entrepreneurs can unintentionally build a business that steals their time, energy, and presence at home.The 10K an Hour Filter helps founders identify which tasks to keep and which tasks to delegate.The Two-Week Vacation Test reveals where your business still depends too heavily on you and helps expose system gaps.In this episode of Abbey the Podcast Lady, Abbey Graves talks with entrepreneur George Rivera about how business owners can reclaim their time, reduce chaos, and become more present in their personal lives. George shares his journey from scaling multimillion-dollar companies to realizing that financial success meant very little when it came at the expense of family, peace, and presence. George explains the concept of founder prison, where a business becomes so dependent on the founder that stepping away feels impossible. He breaks down his Buy Back Time Formula, including the $10K an Hour Filter, a framework that helps entrepreneurs determine which tasks are truly worth their time and which should be delegated. By focusing on high-value activities and removing low-value responsibilities from his plate, George was able to work less, gain clarity, and grow his business even more. Abbey and George also discuss the importance of building systems early, especially for newer entrepreneurs, and why the Two-Week Vacation Test is one of the best ways to measure whether your business is truly sustainable. This conversation is full of practical advice for entrepreneurs, founders, and small business owners who want to scale without sacrificing the relationships and moments that matter most. What George is listening to: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8QLHHbDVE_Y&pp=0gcJCdsKAYcqIYzv Key Topics Covered: George Rivera’s journey from entrepreneur to time freedom advocateWhat “founder prison” looks like in real lifeThe emotional cost of building a business without boundariesHow the 10K an Hour Filter worksDelegation, leadership, and letting go of controlThe Two-Week Vacation Test and absence rehearsal strategyHow to build better business systems from the beginningWhy founders must choose between scaling freedom or scaling chaosSign up for the newsletter: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/newsletter/ Affiliates: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/affiliates/ Connect with Abbey: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/ Podcast Website: https://abbeythepodcastlady.com Podcast gear recommendations: https://www.amazon.com/shop/abbey-thesmalltowntourist/list/SXFRAQOS5X5J?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d

    26 min
  7. Apr 16

    Starting a Podcast in 2026: Common Questions New Podcasters Ask

    Takeaways You do not need a big audience to start a podcast, but you do need a clear audience in mind.Podcasting success comes from consistency, systems, and a long-term mindset.Choosing a podcast niche starts with passion, expertise, and a topic you can keep talking about over time.In this episode of Abbey the Podcast Lady, Abbey Graves answers frequently asked questions about getting started with podcasting. She covers how to know if you are ready to launch a podcast, whether you need a large audience before starting, how to decide what to talk about, and whether a podcast should support your business or simply be for fun. Abbey also shares practical advice on choosing a podcast niche and evaluating whether your podcast idea is strong enough to last in the long run. This episode is a valuable resource for beginner podcasters looking for clarity, direction, and encouragement before launching their show. Key Topics Covered: How to know if you are ready to start a podcastWhy a defined audience matters more than trying to reach everyoneWhether you need a large audience before launchingWhy podcasting is a long-term growth strategyWhat to do if you are unsure what to talk aboutWhether your podcast should support your business or be just for funHow to choose the right podcast nicheHow to tell if your podcast idea has long-term potentialSign up for the newsletter: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/newsletter/ Affiliates: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/affiliates/ Connect with Abbey: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/ Podcast Website: https://abbeythepodcastlady.com Podcast gear recommendations: https://www.amazon.com/shop/abbey-thesmalltowntourist/list/SXFRAQOS5X5J?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d

    8 min
  8. Apr 9

    How to Reclaim Your Time as a Podcaster and Grow Your Business

    Takeaways Hiring a podcast producer can save creators hours of editing and technical work each month.Professional podcast production helps experts present their message with more confidence and credibility.Repurposing podcast episodes into social media content can expand reach and improve discoverability.In this episode of Abbey the Podcast Lady, Abbey Graves sits down with client Dr. Mark A. Hicks to talk about his journey from DIY podcasting to a more professional, sustainable production workflow. Mark shares how he used to spend hours recording, editing, and second-guessing every episode before outsourcing the production side of his show. They discuss the value of hiring a podcast producer, the difference professional tools and editing can make, and how batching podcast recordings helped Mark reclaim time for other projects. That added time allowed him to publish a book, complete a second manuscript, and launch the Learning Love Foundation, a nonprofit focused on healthy relationships, burnout prevention, and child advocacy. Abbey and Mark also explore podcast content repurposing, social media strategy, podcasting as a platform for authors, and how remote podcast recording makes consistency possible even with a demanding travel schedule. This episode is a valuable listen for podcasters, authors, coaches, and thought leaders who want to grow their message without doing everything alone. Key Topics Covered: DIY podcasting challengesHiring a podcast producerSaving time with batch recordingProfessional podcast editing and audio qualitySocial media content repurposingPodcasting for authors and thought leadersUsing a podcast to support a book launchRemote podcast recording setupBuilding a mission-driven brand through podcastingDr. Mark A. Hicks’ book and Learning Love FoundationChapters00:00 Introduction and Mark's Podcasting Background 01:11 Starting Out: DIY Podcasting Challenges 02:01 Finding Help: The Power of the Right 'Who' 02:46 Time Savings and Business Impact 03:30 Mark's Books and Nonprofit Initiatives 04:20 Transition to Professional Podcasting 05:38 Remote Recording Setup and Tips 08:13 Social Media Strategy for Podcasters 10:58 The Value of a Professional Podcast 11:52 Podcasting and Book Publishing Synergy 13:34 The Freedom of Owning Your Platform 14:26 Travel-Friendly Podcasting Equipment 16:03 Remote Work and In-Person Recordings 16:49 Favorite Podcasts and Final Tips 17:48 TPL Video Intro.mp4 Sign up for the newsletter: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/newsletter/ Affiliates: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/affiliates/ Connect with Abbey: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/ Podcast Website: https://abbeythepodcastlady.com Podcast gear recommendations: https://www.amazon.com/shop/abbey-thesmalltowntourist/list/SXFRAQOS5X5J?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d

    18 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Thinking about starting a podcast for your brand or business? Welcome to Abbey the Podcast Lady, where I help entrepreneurs, coaches, and creatives turn that podcast dream into a polished, professional reality. Abbey the Podcast Lady is all about breaking down podcasting to help beginner podcasters get a better idea of the industry and how they can find their place in it. We do case studies talking about how different podcasts operate, what they are doing well that you can apply to your own show, and what they could improve to spark ideas of where you can improve as well. We also offer tips, tricks and interviews with podcasting pros to help get started on the right foot. It is educational and approachable sharing real life experiences in the industry. Whether you’re starting from scratch or rebooting your mic, you’re in the right place. Let's press record. Sign up for the newsletter: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/newsletter/ Connect with Abbey: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/ Podcast Website: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/podcast/

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