Podcasting Up An Octave

Sonivia

A podcast for women and queer people who are ready to take up space in podcasting and share their voices with the world while making the best sounding show they can.Rue Spence started Sonivia after years of not feeling represented in the podcasting industry and not finding tutorials that suited her voice. She's worked with other women and queer podcasters as a podcast editor, podcast consultant, and podcast launch specialist to help other people take podcasting up and octave, and now she's here to help you make podcasting feel like magic.

  1. 06/03/2025

    76. Hot Takes About Podcasting in 2025

    Podcasting in 2025 doesn’t have to be hustle, grind, niche-down-or-die energy. It can be bold. Soft. Strategic. Fun. Sustainable. In this spicy solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s actually working for podcasters who want to create from a place of alignment, not obligation. If you’ve been stuck in overthinking, overposting, or trying to shrink your brilliance into a tidy little niche... this episode is a call to unbox yourself. I’m sharing the hot takes I’m seeing play out across my clients, my listeners, in my own business, and why the old podcasting rules might not be worth following anymore. In this episode, we’re talking about: Why overposting is overrated (especially if you're doing it all solo)The perspective over niche mindset shift that’ll set your content freeHow your growth era might actually be your nurturing era... and that’s okayWhy monetizing too soon can backfire (and what to do instead)The one hot take I’ll die on: You don’t have to DIY foreverHow to know when it’s time to ask for help, and what that help can look likeThis episode is for you if: You’re burnt out on posting 3x a week You’re sick of playing by rules that don’t feel made for youYou’re craving a podcasting rhythm that honors your season, your energy, and your voice You’ve been wondering if your show still fits or how to make it fit youYour podcast doesn’t need to be boxed in to be brilliant.  It doesn’t need a 5-figure sponsor to be successful.  It just needs to sound like you, when you’re ready, with a mic in hand and a point of view worth sharing.  I’ve got tools to help you strip it all back, realign your strategy, and find your voice again—louder and more unapologetic than ever: 🔗 Book a Day of Voxer – 24-Hour Strategy Support for Burnt-Out Podcasters Wanna Chat or Be on the Show? I’m opening up space for cozy, unfiltered convos with podcasters who’ve got something to say. Whether you’ve hit your first 100 downloads or you’re running a multi-show empire, your story belongs here. DM me: @SONIVIAStudios Email me: rue@sonivia.com Learn more: www.sonivia.com Music Credit: Up An Octave Theme by Rue Spence with additional vocals provided by Darnell Spence Up An Octave is hosted by Rue Spence of Sonivia. Up An Octave is a podcast for women and nonbinary people who are ready to take up space in podcasting to share their voices with the world.

    12 min
  2. 05/27/2025

    76. Podcasting As Self-Care

    Cuddle up, babe. I’m coming to you mid-deployment, post-norovirus, and in full-on solo mom mode to talk about something that hit me mid-convo with the brilliant humans of Salon Confessions: Podcasting can be part of your wellness routine. You don’t need a fancy studio or a 5-figure sponsor to treat your voice like it matters. You just need to show up for yourself, mic on, heart open. If you’ve been struggling to record consistently, questioning your value, or wondering if podcasting even “counts” if you’re not monetizing, this episode is your permission slip to breathe, reset, and keep going. In this episode, we’re talking about: Why podcasting is self-care and why that matters more than any algorithmHow accountability and sacred space help you rebuild trust with yourselfWhy your mic can be a mirror, a journal, and a ritual all in oneWhat happens when we deprioritize ourselves (and how to shift back with love)How to podcast through hard seasons, imperfectly and with graceWant to Make Podcasting Feel Like Self-Care?  I’ve got tools to help you reimagine your show on your terms:  🔗 Book a Day of Voxer: 24-Hour Strategy Support for Podcasters   Wanna Chat or Be on the Show? I'm opening up space for casual interviews with podcasters about their journeys, blocks, breakthroughs, and behind-the-scenes stories. Got a mic and a perspective? I’d love to hear from you. DM me: @SONIVIAStudios Email me: rue@sonivia.com Learn more: www.sonivia.com Take up space. Hold the mic. And thank you, always, for helping me take podcasting up an octave. Music Credit: Up An Octave Theme by Rue Spence with additional vocals provided by Darnell Spence Up An Octave is hosted by Rue Spence of Sonivia. Up An Octave is a podcast for women and nonbinary people who are ready to take up space in podcasting to share their voices with the world.

    14 min
  3. 05/13/2025

    75. How I Rebuilt My Podcast's Brand, And How You Can, Too

    When your podcast (or your business) no longer feels like you, it’s time to change the vibe. In this super personal episode, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of my recent rebrand: from loud neon to soft granola, from performing to aligning, from what I thought would sell to what actually feels like home. If you’ve ever felt like your podcast or brand is wearing a costume, or like your content creation process feels heavy and inauthentic, this one’s for you. In this episode, we’re talking about: Why your podcast brand might feel misaligned, and how to know when it’s time to change itThe difference between branding that looks good vs. branding that feels goodHow childhood trauma and people-pleasing can sneak into our aesthetic and content choicesWhat to do when your visuals, content, or clients no longer feel like a fitThe psychology of brand evolution, creative self-permission, and building something that holds future youThis episode is for you if: You’ve outgrown your podcast branding but feel scared to pivotYou’re showing up online as a version of yourself that isn’t quite real anymoreYou’re tired of performing and ready to create from a place of truth and clarityYou want to make sure your podcast reflects who you are becoming, not just who you wereReady to rebrand your podcast? Start with these reflection prompts: What part of your brand feels heavy or disconnected?Where are you shrinking, diluting, or “performing” just to stay on brand?What would your podcast look like if you weren’t worried about fitting in?When you start answering those questions with honesty, your next evolution starts to take shape. Want My Help with Your Podcast Rebrand?  Whether you need clarity on your voice, alignment on your visuals, or support mapping out your next move—I’ve got you. My Day of Voxer service is the perfect space to unpack your vision and strategize your next chapter (no Zooms, no pressure). 🔗Book Here  Let’s Keep the Conversation Going DM me on Instagram or Threads: @SONIVIAStudios Email me: rue@sonivia.com You deserve to evolve. You deserve a podcast that feels like an extension of you. This is your permission slip. Music Credit: Up An Octave Theme by Rue Spence with additional vocals provided by Darnell Spence Up An Octave is hosted by Rue Spence of Sonivia. Up An Octave is a podcast for women and nonbinary people who are ready to take up space in podcasting to share their voices with the world.

    20 min
  4. 04/29/2025

    74. The Hidden Costs Of DIY Podcasting

    You started your podcast with big dreams, but somewhere along the way, it started feeling heavy. Maybe you're doing every single thing yourself: recording, editing, writing show notes, promoting, scheduling guests, managing social media... and you're exhausted. In this episode, we’re getting real about the hidden costs of DIY podcasting. I’m not here to guilt trip you or sell you a "one size fits all" solution, but I am here to help you recognize where your energy is leaking, where support could change the game, and why doing it alone isn’t the badge of honor you think it is. 🧠 Inside this episode: Why so many podcasters end up doing everything solo (and why it’s not your fault)The sneaky ways DIY podcasting leads to burnout, creative block, and missed opportunitiesHow the mental load of managing your show silently drains your energyA simple Podcast Energy Audit you can do in 15 minutesDifferent types of podcasting support at every budget (from free to full-service)How to know whether it’s time to get help or let something go altogether 🎁 Want My Eyes (and Expertise) on Your Podcast?  If you’re ready to stop carrying your podcast on your back like Luisa and the donkeys in Encanto, my Day of Voxer service might be the magic you need. Spend 24 hours with me in your back pocket—no Zoom calls, no pressure—and get personalized support to finally move through your biggest podcasting bottlenecks. Book a Day of Voxer Here  Let’s Keep the Conversation Going DM me on Instagram or Threads: @SONIVIAStudios Email me: rue@sonivia.com You don't have to do everything yourself to prove you're serious.  You just have to keep showing up for your podcast, your people, and yourself. Music Credit: Up An Octave Theme by Rue Spence with additional vocals provided by Darnell Spence Up An Octave is hosted by Rue Spence of Sonivia. Up An Octave is a podcast for women and nonbinary people who are ready to take up space in podcasting to share their voices with the world.

    15 min
  5. 04/22/2025

    73. The Truth About Podcast Guilt

    You told yourself it would be a short break… but now it’s been weeks (or months), and your podcast is still collecting dust. The guilt? It’s real. But here’s the truth: pausing your podcast doesn’t mean you failed. In this episode, I’m breaking down podcasting guilt: what it is, how it sneaks into your creative process, and how to come back to your show with compassion, clarity, and confidence. Whether you’ve ghosted your feed or are just feeling a little “meh” about your mic lately, this episode is the pep talk you need. Inside this episode: The real reasons podcasting guilt shows up (hint: it’s deeper than missing an episode)Why executive dysfunction and identity can make podcasting feel impossibleHow perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking keep you stuck in shameA gentle journal prompt guide to reconnect with your original podcast visionWhy you don’t need to return with a rocket-launch plan3 soft re-entry options that make your comeback easier and more sustainableA reminder that your capacity isn’t a character flaw—and neither is taking a breakThis episode is for you if: You’re feeling disconnected from your show but still love the heart behind itYou’ve paused and want to return, but feel too ashamed to open your host accountYou want to build a podcasting workflow that actually fits your life nowWant to Reset Your Podcast With Support? If you're nodding your head and thinking “this is me,” I’ve got you. Book a Podcast Reset and get a personalized roadmap to return to your show with intention, ease, and strategy. Let’s Connect DM me on Instagram or Threads: @SONIVIAStudios Shoot me an email: rue@sonivia.com Tell me where you're at with your podcast. I always want to hear your story. Your voice still matters. Your show is still worthy. Music Credit: Up An Octave Theme by Rue Spence with additional vocals provided by Darnell Spence Up An Octave is hosted by Rue Spence of Sonivia. Up An Octave is a podcast for women and nonbinary people who are ready to take up space in podcasting to share their voices with the world.

    9 min
  6. 04/15/2025

    72. The Biggest Lie In Podcasting

    If you’ve been thinking the only way to grow your podcast is to go viral, rack up thousands of downloads, and master the almighty algorithm… this episode is your wake-up call. The biggest lie in podcasting is that high download numbers = success. In reality, a huge audience that doesn’t convert, engage, or align with your goals isn’t helping you grow. It’s just inflating your ego, and your burnout. This week, we’re busting the biggest myth in the podcasting world and shifting your focus to what actually matters: traction, alignment, and impact. In this episode, we’re covering: The real metrics that matter more than download numbersWhy tiny, dialed-in audiences convert better than stadiums full of strangersThe difference between virality and visibility, and which one actually helps your businessWhat to track instead of downloads to see sustainable growthHow to tighten your content strategy so your podcast works for youWhy your call-to-action might be sabotaging your growth (and how to fix it)Episode Resources: Download the 12-Week Content Planner – Get your episodes flowing toward your goal Day of Voxer – Let’s fix this together. Get private, personalized podcast strategy support for 24 hours Book Your Voxer Day Journal Prompts from this Episode: What do I actually want my podcast to do for me in this season?What topics do I want to be known for?Who is my podcast really speaking to? Am I still excited about that person?What’s working (and what isn’t) about my podcast right now?If I had 100 more of the right listeners, what would I want them to know or do?Let’s Keep the Conversation Going DM me on Instagram or Threads: @soniviastudios Email me: rue@sonivia.com You don’t need to go viral. You need to go deeper. Music Credit: Up An Octave Theme by Rue Spence with additional vocals provided by Darnell Spence Up An Octave is hosted by Rue Spence of Sonivia. Up An Octave is a podcast for women and nonbinary people who are ready to take up space in podcasting to share their voices with the world.

    10 min
  7. 04/08/2025

    71. What’s a Podcast Reset And Does Your Show Need One?

    If your podcast has started to feel a little meh—like you’re just going through the motions or stuck in a creative rut, you’re not alone. This episode is your permission slip to pause, reassess, and RESET. Because sometimes the best way forward is to realign with where you are now. You don’t need to rebrand. You don’t need to burn it all down. But you might need a refresh that helps your podcast catch up with who you are today. Whether your downloads have plateaued, you feel disconnected from your audience, or you’re just not having fun anymore… this episode walks you through what a podcast reset actually is—and how to know if it’s time. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ What a podcast reset actually means (and how it’s different from a rebrand) ✅ The telltale signs you’ve outgrown your current format ✅ Why skipping episodes might mean something’s off ✅ Where to start if your show feels out of alignment ✅ Practical ways to reset your show without losing momentum ✅ Why your podcast should evolve alongside your brand, business, and life Quick Reset Experiments to Try This Week: Rewrite your podcast description so it actually sounds like youReview your top 5 episodes—what’s working, and how can you replicate that magic?Map your current workflow and circle every part that feels heavyAsk yourself: what do I really want this podcast to do for me right now?Ready for a Reset? Grab the free checklist from last week’s Podcast Glow Up episode to see if a few easy tweaks do the trick—or if a reset is calling your name. Download the Glow Up Checklist Want me in your corner?  Join the waitlist for Podcast Reset in a Box, my new DIY toolkit that walks you through a full reset step-by-step. Hop on the waitlist Or book a Reset Audit, and I’ll personally review your show, give you a custom strategy, and help you make your podcast feel like magic again. Learn more about Reset Audits Let’s Keep the Conversation Going DM me on Instagram or Threads: @soniviastudios Email me: rue@sonivia.com Music Credit: Up An Octave Theme by Rue Spence with additional vocals provided by Darnell Spence Up An Octave is hosted by Rue Spence of Sonivia. Up An Octave is a podcast for women and nonbinary people who are ready to take up space in podcasting to share their voices with the world.

    8 min
  8. 04/01/2025

    70. 10 Tips to Glow Up Your Podcast

    If your podcast has been feeling stale, off, or just not quite you anymore this is your sign that it’s time for a glow-up. No rebrand required. This week, I’m walking you through 10 quick and impactful ways to refresh your podcast and realign with your vision without needing to blow it all up and start from scratch. Whether your intro feels outdated, your show notes aren’t pulling in the right listeners, or your cover art needs a facelift, you’ll walk away from this episode with a checklist of upgrades that breathe new life into your show. In this episode, we’re covering:  The real reason you don’t need to start a whole new show to growWhy short intros with intentional wording matter more than everHow to use SEO-rich show notes to attract the right listenersThe call-to-action mistake I see podcasters make all the time (and how to fix and moreGrab the Free Podcast Glow-Up Checklist Want to knock out a refresh this weekend? This checklist breaks down all 10 steps so you can glow up your podcast today, without the burnout. Let’s Keep the Conversation Going DM me on Instagram or Threads: @SONIVIAStudios Email me: rue@sonivia.com Need some photos? Go check out the amazing Light Rae Exposures Music Credit: Up An Octave Theme by Rue Spence with additional vocals provided by Darnell Spence Up An Octave is hosted by Rue Spence of Sonivia. Up An Octave is a podcast for women and nonbinary people who are ready to take up space in podcasting to share their voices with the world.

    18 min
5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

A podcast for women and queer people who are ready to take up space in podcasting and share their voices with the world while making the best sounding show they can.Rue Spence started Sonivia after years of not feeling represented in the podcasting industry and not finding tutorials that suited her voice. She's worked with other women and queer podcasters as a podcast editor, podcast consultant, and podcast launch specialist to help other people take podcasting up and octave, and now she's here to help you make podcasting feel like magic.