Selling the Couch Melvin Varghese, PhD

Since the beginning of this podcast in 2015, I’ve thought a lot about how I can use YouTube to maximize the impact of STC. I’ve pondered many questions about the sustainability of this endeavor and whether I should be creating separate content on YouTube or simply repurposing these podcast episodes on YouTube.
As a result of coaching, taking courses, and obsessively (nerdily) studying YouTube, I have decided to finally leap into YouTube in 2024. In today’s session, I’ll share what went into this decision for me and what you should consider as a current or aspiring therapist podcaster. 
You’ll Learn:
How our fears are usually rooted in some sort of trauma or feeling unseen or unheardTop considerations for me in starting out on YouTube:YouTube is intentionally appealing to podcasters and is becoming an ever more popular podcast platform.Putting a video editing team in place (Flocksy) makes the jump to YouTube much easier.YouTube (owned by Google) is very beneficial for discoverability and SEO.I plan to use the best of both playlists (podcasts, YouTube) and feed platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn).I plan to use “Walden months” to prioritize self-care and big projects. (My inspiration is the commitment to be a fully present family man and what I learned from Tim Ferris’ 2020 blog, 11 Reasons Not To Become Famous.)How I plan to keep you updated and document my YouTube journey in the weekly STC Newsletter Why I’m grateful for the support of STC listeners on this new path that has me feeling vulnerable, nervous, and fearful
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists:
Looking to launch a successful podcast?
Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists:

Many of us aspire to add public speaking as a way to grow our impact beyond the therapy room, but it can be overwhelming to get started. Join us to learn more from today’s guest!
Our Featured Guest
Jasmin Haley
Jasmin Haley has an interesting career that blossomed from her years in healthcare doing public speaking around the topics of substance use and HIV. From that platform, she launched her business consulting business to help others become better public speakers by honing in on their legacy messages. Her framework, the Heart Framework, emphasizes crafting your public speaking message to align with your heart and your authentic self. Our conversation covers why the public speaking platform can be so impactful, Jasmin’s practical tips about storytelling, and how to seamlessly merge podcasting with public speaking. 
Website and Free Resources
You’ll Learn:
Why public speaking is currently a trendy thing to do, fueled by social media exposureWhy your voice is an impactful marketing tool from the moment you start a businessHow Jasmin learned humility and honed her communication skills to reach different segments of the populationWhy public speaking success depends on how well you know your audience and can reach their heartsHow Jasmin learned to speak with power and humilityWhy a podcaster/business owner should enter the world of public speakingJasmin’s tips for becoming a better storyteller and transformational speakerHow to figure out your “path of least resistance” to best position yourself to leverage your messageHow Jasmin got clarity about her niche as a speaker consultant by asking, “What is it that I want to be known for?”
Resources:
Connect with Jasmin:
Website
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists:
Looking to launch a successful podcast?
Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists:

It’s not unusual for a podcaster to rebrand and head in a new direction after podcasting for a while. The big questions in this transition are around the logistics of the rebranding process. Today’s session is a coaching call with a member of our Healthcasters Podcasting Course who is unsure about the best way to handle this big transition. Join us as we talk it out and figure out her best next steps!
Our Featured Guest for Today’s Coaching Call:
Marie Vakakis, MA, AMHSW
Marie Vakakis is the founder of The Therapy Hub, and she’s a group practice owner who lives in Australia. She has been doing her podcast, Inside Social Work, for about five years, but she’s decided to rebrand to reach a bigger audience. We will discuss whether she should start a whole new podcast since she has chosen to go in a different direction. We’ll also talk about monetization strategies around podcasting and lining up specific episodes with paid endeavors, such as speaking engagements and online courses. I think you’ll enjoy this look at the entrepreneurial journey, content creation, and podcasting.
You’ll Learn:
How Marie became a podcaster and learned to be courageous and vulnerableWhy Marie wants to change and rebrand with a different podcast name and target the general public instead of early-career social workersWhy Marie needs to pinpoint her new vision and assess the long-term sustainabilityThe two tiers to Marie’s new goal: intentionally grow her practice and intentionally grow her transition to public speaker, educator, and course creatorMelvin’s suggestions for creative ways Marie can grow her practice around content creationMelvin’s advice for Marie about introducing her new missionHow Marie can model for her clients why it is important to embrace change in the rebranding processHow Marie can coordinate podcast content with courses, public speaking, and coaching calls in ways that plug her individual products and services and help her stand out with her established expertiseWhat Marie sees as her next important big step
Resources:
Marie's Website
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Looking to launch a successful podcast?
Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists:
https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop

Building relationships with journalists can be an open door to having your work featured, spotlighted, and available to a wider audience. The opportunities and possibilities are endless, but how do we build those authentic relationships? I hope this session will be helpful and informative for you as we learn more from today’s guest!
Our Featured Guest
Aisha R. Shabazz
Aisha R. Shabazz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Philadelphia area. In addition, she is a private practice strategist, business coach, and strategic consultant for leaders in the mental health industry. In today’s conversation, she shares her business journey and how imposter syndrome plagued her as she put her talents out into the world. She discusses pitfalls that therapists encounter, along with how we can work through our insecurities in building relationships with journalists. 
You’ll Learn:
How the pursuit of her dream job naturally progressed into Aisha’s learning to promote herself in media coverageHow a comment on a LinkedIn post by Arianna Huffington became the impetus for Aisha to fulfill her dreamsWhy “the page is not judging you” and “start small” became overriding mindsets in Aisha’s writing endeavorsWhat kept holding Aisha back from putting her writing out into the worldHow HARO (Help A Reporter Out) provides an outlet for bloggers and business owners to get featured in publications and news outletsThree tips from Aisha on building relationships with journalists:Starting with HARO is advantageous because there is an established structure to the process.Realize that there is no guarantee of a good ROI with every opportunity you pursue; look at it as “planting seeds” and waiting for long-term results. Realize that not every opportunity will contribute to your SEO; some will boost your positive impact in the world. Why your goal should be to serve a larger purpose in the world rather than to seek constant external validation for your workWhy the best starting point is something that lights you up with excitementWhat Aisha’s goals are for her podcast, Beyond the Session
Resources:
Connect with Aisha: Website
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Looking to launch a successful podcast?
Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists:
https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop
Mentioned in this episode:
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➡️ Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit

 ➡️ Looking to launch a successful podcast?
Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists:
https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop
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Today’s topic is a popular one that affects many people. I’m not ashamed to say that I have struggled with mental health and depression. It’s especially important to know how to balance mental health and the challenges of entrepreneurship. Join us for this incredibly open and honest conversation.
Our Featured Guest-Rebekah Shackney, LCSW
Rebekah Shackney has struggled with depression, which runs on both sides of her family. She’s here to share her story and how her life and business have been impacted. She will help guide us and share what she has learned in building a successful practice around therapy and DBT groups. If you hear those voices of doubt and fear in your head, join us to hear Rebekah’s helpful insight about the delicate dance of managing mental health and the demands of entrepreneurship.
Rebekah Shackney
You’ll Learn:
● How Rebekah’s struggle with genetic depression began
● Why one of the worst parts of depression is believing the lies that depression tells you
● How motherhood intensified depression for Rebekah as she experienced postpartum depression as she tried to balance work and parenthood
● How Rebekah started out in private practice but didn’t feel successful or “good enough”
● How she was paralyzed by envy of others and their success
● How she found the energy and determination to make changes and adjustments
● Why Rebekah started a podcast, A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice
● How she changed her money mindset to squelch the voices of doubt and fear
● Techniques that Rebekah has used to confront fear and get through it
● How Rebekah can show up and do what she wants to do in life to serve and help others
● How DBT can help people take ownership, accept their situation, and take steps to make changes
● Rebekah’s #1 piece of advice to clinicians: “Pay for the supervision you need and deserve.”
Resources:
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Looking to launch a successful podcast?
Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists:
https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop
Mentioned in this episode:
Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind
If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.
If you like what you hear, subscribe to the show!
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the show where ever you listen to your podcast. This will keep you up to date on all the latest releases and news going on in the STC world!

I have to admit that the topic of personal finance excites the nerd in me. I love reading and learning more about all things around finance! Investing intelligently and planning for retirement are often intimidating areas in which we can always benefit from expert advice. Join us to learn how you can make solid investment decisions and better prepare for your future.
Our Featured Guest-Dave Frank, Certified Financial Planner
Dave Frank is the founder of Turning Point Financial Life Planning, which focuses on helping clinicians in private practice manage their retirement and finances. Dave has the heart to empower therapists around money and finances so they can be more present and centered in all areas of personal and professional life. In today’s show, we will begin by looking at the information and misinformation about investing that have come forward during the pandemic. Dave shares strategies for financial management, including why investing in the stock market is a good idea. Our conversation turns to retirement options for solo and group practitioners and a brief look at cryptocurrency.
Turning Point Financial Life Planning
Use the promo code “STC” for 20% off Dave’s Quick Start Coaching Intensive!
You’ll Learn
●     Why most people don’t know the basics of sound investing
●     Why “passively managed, low-cost, tax-efficient mutual funds” are the best tools for long-term investing---(Dave explains the terminology!)
●     The difference between investing and gambling for long-term financial goals
●     The important question about investing: What are my goals?
●     The basics of mutual funds
●     A sound and simple investing strategy that Dave recommends
●     Why your allocations should shift to funds with less volatility and less return as you near  retirement age
●     Dave’s investment advice for beginners about getting started with target-date accounts and emergency savings
●     Why solo practitioners should be careful not to overcontribute to a retirement account
●     Dave’s opinion about investing in cryptocurrency--does it make sense for therapists?
I know that many of us want to launch a successful online course whether it's to share our message with a larger audience or to diversify our income beyond 1:1 work.
Speaking from personal experience, I also know that there are a ton of barriers to getting started: the tech, the mental hurdles, being unsure of whether our course will make money, or even how to market and grow our online course.
Online Course School is a live 8-week cohort-based experience where you'll gather with other therapist course creators to create your online course. It includes teaching workshops from Mel and the STC team, weekly assignments, and opportunities to work together to get things done.
By the end of our time together, you'll have your lessons and modules outlined, know what tech, software, and platform you need to record your online course, have a working sales page, and have a concrete growth plan for your online course.
We'll be launching our first cohort in Sept 2021 with six members. If this sounds like something you'd love to be a
part of, please check out my free A to Z Online Course Guide.
The guide will help you learn from my mistakes over the past 6+ years of being an online course creator and the lessons I've learned from moving the Healthcasters podcasting course from a $297 first sale to over 275 students and passing the $200k revenue mark in 2021.
Resources:
Want to launch your online...