Ready Set Coach Podcast

Emily Merrell and Lexie Smith
  • 5.0 (32)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Ready Set Coach Podcast is your backstage pass to the world of coaching. Hosted by business coaches and Ready Set Coach Community co-founders Emily Merrell and Lexie Smith, this podcast dives deep into what it takes to build a successful coaching business. From tactical strategies and real-world lessons to candid conversations with coaches from all backgrounds, we cover it all. Whether you're coaching-curious, balancing it as a side hustle, or coaching full-time, this show is your go-to resource for inspiration, insights, laughs, and actionable advice. Learn more about the Ready Set Coach Community at Readysetcoachcommunity.com

  1. APR 23

    The Secret Pricing Strategy Every 6-Figure Coach Uses with Dr. Kyle Elliott

    Dr. Kyle Elliott doesn’t just coach executives—he transforms careers with the precision of a Google engineer and the flair of a Disneyland planner. From humble beginnings on Fiverr offering $5 resume reviews, Kyle built a career coaching empire that now supports high-level clients from companies like Meta, LinkedIn, and Google. But his real superpower? Teaching coaches how to price based on value, not hours. In this episode of the Ready Set Coach Podcast, Kyle breaks down the myths around pricing, explains why mini 360s might just be your branding cheat code, and shares his unique “three-column decision grid” to help both clients and coaches navigate big career moves. Lexie and Kyle get candid about coaching burnout, quality over quantity, and why personal connections matter more than any Instagram reel ever will. In this episode, we discuss: What’s the smartest way to price coaching services? How can coaches transition from hourly work to outcome-driven pricing? What should go into a mini 360 review? Is LinkedIn really worth it for building a coaching business? What’s the “three-column grid” and how can it help you figure out your next career move?

    29 min

  2. APR 16

    Small Podcast, Big Money: Why You Don’t Need 10k Followers to Monetize with Dany Albertina

    What if your next client discovered you on YouTube — not Instagram? In this high-value episode of the Ready Set Coach Podcast, Lexie flips the mic and interviews podcast producer, consultant, and YouTube strategist Dany Albertina. Based in Buenos Aires and fluent in both Taylor Swift and retention metrics, Dany breaks down exactly why every coach should be leveraging podcasting as a visibility and lead-nurturing tool. Packed with behind-the-scenes consulting tips, this conversation covers how to use open loops, timestamps, and binge-worthy formats to keep listeners hooked, and why Kristen Davis’ podcast (yes, Charlotte from Sex and the City) missed the mark on YouTube. Dany also breaks down what Kylie Kelce did right when launching her show Not Gonna Lie — and understanding how to make content binge-worthy with open loops and retention-driven hooks, Dany shares the same growth strategies she uses with her clients. Expect zero fluff and all facts — including how even small podcasts can monetize from month one, why your follower count is overrated.  In this episode, we discuss: Why should coaches start a podcast — even if no one’s listening yet?What makes an engaging podcast format in 2025?How do you use retention strategies to grow on YouTubeHow do you turn a podcast into a lead-nurturing machine?How do you monetize a podcast without a huge following?

    25 min

  3. APR 9

    The #1 Trust-Building Mistake New Coaches Make

    Coaches who pretend to know everything? Total red flag. Lexie Smith breaks that myth wide open. In this solo minisode, Lexie gets real about what actually builds lasting client trust—and spoiler alert—it has nothing to do with having all the answers. With Emily off on new-mom duty (congrats, baby Frankie!), Lexie holds it down with four essential coaching strategies you can’t afford to skip. From owning your boundaries to actually remembering what your clients said last week, this episode is a sharp wake-up call and a warm accountability hug all in one. Consider it your coaching refresh—because thriving in business starts with trust, not perfection. In this episode, we discuss: What should a coach do when they don’t know the answer?How do you establish trust with new clients online?What boundaries should coaches enforce with clients?What are the best practices for following through with clients?How do I audit my own coaching effectiveness? Join the FREE Exclusive Network of Coaches   Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunityJoin the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.com

    8 min

  4. APR 2

    Why Most Solopreneurs Fail at Finances—and What No One Tells You with Melissa Mittelstaedt

    Melissa Middlestadt doesn’t just talk money—she demystifies it. In this no-BS episode, Melissa unpacks what every solopreneur really needs to know about their finances—from why separating your personal and business bank accounts isn’t just a suggestion, to how avoiding your cash flow could be the exact reason your business won’t grow. Lexie and Melissa dig into the emotional weight behind money, sharing why your financial habits likely stem from your childhood, and how to rewrite your story with small but game-changing shifts. Melissa breaks down the differences between financial consultants, bookkeepers, and advisors, and shares her go-to “money relationship scale” to help you measure where you’re at—no shame, just clarity. Plus: her top book recs for money mindset that don’t suck. In this episode, we discuss: What’s the difference between a financial advisor, a bookkeeper, and a financial consultant?How do I separate my personal and business finances as a solopreneur?What are the first steps to improving my money mindset?Why is cash flow such a big deal for small business owners?What books actually help with financial literacy for coaches?Join the FREE Exclusive Network of Coaches   Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunityJoin the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.com Learn more about Melissa Mittelstaedt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_melissamitt/  Website: https://www.melissamitt.com/

    28 min

  5. MAR 26

    Why Your Course Isn’t Selling (And How to Fix It)

    Everyone’s talking about passive income—but are they telling the whole story? Emily Merrell and Lexie Smith peel back the glossy Instagram filter and dig into what it actually takes to launch a successful course or low-ticket offer as a coach in 2025. Emily breaks down the myth of “build it and they will come,” while Lexie throws some real math at our course creation dreams—yes, we’re talking ad spend, ROAS, and whether your 1K followers will cut it. Together, they dissect the economics of digital products and deliver a no-BS roadmap to making course sales work without betting your whole business on it. This episode is for the coach who’s been tempted by $49 course promises, wondering if their audience is ready—or even wants it. Spoiler: market research matters, and so does managing your expectations. In this episode, we discuss: How big does your audience need to be to make passive income from courses?What’s the real cost behind a “$100K course launch”?Should you spend money on ads or start with organic sales?How many courses do you need to sell to hit your income goals?Is your course idea even something people want? (And how to find out.) Join the FREE Exclusive Network of Coaches  Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunityJoin the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.com

    21 min

  6. MAR 19

    Virtual Assistant vs. Digital Business Manager: Which One Does Your Business Need?

    Coaches, are your backend operations a hot mess express? You’re not alone. Erica Farrell, a certified Online Business Manager (OBM), joins Ready Set Coach Podcast to expose the common operational struggles coaches face—and more importantly, how to fix them. Erica walks us through the fundamental difference between OBMs and VAs and why hiring a VA without proper systems in place often leads to frustration and burnout. She explains why OBMs serve as the operational heartbeat of a growing business, handling everything from project management to team coordination, so entrepreneurs can focus on their zone of genius—coaching. We also dive into the importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and why skipping documentation can sabotage your business. Plus, Erica introduces her Operational Style quiz, a must-take assessment to help you understand how you naturally function in business and whether you’re truly ready to hire operational support. 🔍 In this episode, we discuss: OBM vs VA: Which one does your business actually need?Why hiring a VA without a system in place leads to disasterHow SOPs can save you from micromanaging (and burnout!)Are you ready to hire operational help? Take the Operational Style quizJoin the FREE Exclusive Network of Coaches   Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunityJoin the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.comTake the Operational Style quiz: https://airtable.com/appwasXTLW26rHed0/shrTlk6kxazN5L6uJ  Erika Ferrell is a Strategic Operations Coach & Certified OBM, I help ambitious entrepreneurs transform chaos into clockwork. She helps transform your business systems into streamlined operations & guides your team into sustainable success.  Website: https://www.erikaferrellandco.com/ Instagram: @erikaferrell_andco  https://www.instagram.com/erikaferrell_andco/

    18 min

  7. MAR 12

    Setting Boundaries in Bed & Business | How Sex Coaching Changes Everything with Teacher Byrd

    Teacher Byrd, founder of Sex Ed with Byrd, isn’t here to tiptoe around the awkward conversations—they’re here to transform them. As an environmental studies teacher turned sex education coach, Byrd built their business on the belief that pleasure is a birthright, confidence starts in the bedroom, and real sex education is long overdue.  In this episode, Emily Merell and Byrd dive into how shame-free coaching helps clients navigate communication issues, low libido, and relationship struggles—without the outdated, fear-based narratives from traditional sex ed. Emily and Byrd also tackle the unexpected connections between sexual confidence and success in business, how setting boundaries (even a waitlist) is the ultimate power move, and why de-stressing might just be the secret to a better sex life. Whether you're a coach, entrepreneur, or someone just trying to ask for what you need—this episode is packed with insights that go beyond the bedroom. In this episode, we discuss: Why is sex coaching different from therapy?How does sexual confidence impact business success?What’s the connection between stress and intimacy?How can women set boundaries in business and relationships?What’s missing in traditional sex education?Join the FREE Exclusive Network of Coaches   Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunityJoin the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.comTeacher Byrd [they/them/theirs/elle], a Sex Education and Relationship Coach committed committed to helping diverse singles and partners achieve healthier communication and more intimacy. Website: https://www.sexedwithbyrd.com/   Instagram: @sxedwithbyrd

    20 min

  8. FEB 19

    How to Build an Email List as a Coach (Grow & Monetize in 2025!)

    Struggling to grow your email list? Learn proven email list-building strategies that every coach needs to know! 🚀 Join the FREE community https://www.readysetcoachprogram.com/ In this episode of the Ready Set Coach podcast, Emily Merrell and Lexie Smith reveal essential email list-building tactics for coaches. With social media platforms constantly changing, building an owned email audience ensures you maintain direct access to potential clients and leads. They compare popular email platforms—including Flodesk, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, and Substack—breaking down their pros, cons, pricing, and best use cases. Plus, they share step-by-step strategies to attract subscribers, leverage your network, and create high-converting lead magnets. If you're a coach looking to build, grow, and monetize your email list, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed!  What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why coaches NEED an email list (and why social media isn’t enough). ✅ The best email platforms for coaches—Flodesk, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign & Substack.  ✅ Smart strategies to grow your email list using social media, events, and partnerships. ✅ How to create high-value lead magnets that actually convert.  ✅ The BIGGEST mistake coaches make when trying to build an email list.  🔹 Follow Em & Lex on Instagram: @readysetcoachcommunity 00:00 - Introduction01:45 - Why Coaches Need an Email List03:30 - Best Email Platforms for Coaches07:15 - How to Get Your First Subscribers10:50 - Lead Magnet Mistakes to Avoid14:20 - Social Media vs Email List Growth18:05 - Final Thoughts & Next Steps

    26 min
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5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

The Ready Set Coach Podcast is your backstage pass to the world of coaching. Hosted by business coaches and Ready Set Coach Community co-founders Emily Merrell and Lexie Smith, this podcast dives deep into what it takes to build a successful coaching business. From tactical strategies and real-world lessons to candid conversations with coaches from all backgrounds, we cover it all. Whether you're coaching-curious, balancing it as a side hustle, or coaching full-time, this show is your go-to resource for inspiration, insights, laughs, and actionable advice. Learn more about the Ready Set Coach Community at Readysetcoachcommunity.com

Information

  • Creator
    Emily Merrell and Lexie Smith
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Ready Set Coach Podcast
  • Show Website
    Ready Set Coach Podcast