the softer cast: podcast advice for small-business owners & creatives

Your Podcast is a Portal ⊹ ₊ ⟡ ⋆

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Ten years ago today, the very first podcast episode I ever created was published. (You can still listen to it right here.)

To celebrate, today through Small Business Saturday (Nov 29), I've lowered the price of our podcast launch course, Your Podcast is a Portal, to only $99 USD.

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It will teach you all the technical aspects of podcasting. But even more than that – it includes my tender approach to the vulnerable parts of making a show.

Because podcasting is not just for white, middle-aged men or Gen Z podcast bros. It's not only for the ideologically-oriented, the technically-savvy, or the pointlessly-chatty.

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Podcasting is for the sensitive people, the softies, the weirdos, the freaks, the outcasts, the geniuses, the dropouts.

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Podcasting is for everyone on the margins and beyond.

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Podcasting is FOR YOU!

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When you create your own show, you're not entering the manosphere arena of podcasting.

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You're carving out your own sacred space to share.

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And you don't have to do that alone.

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Softer Sounds is here to stand behind and beside you in that journey.

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It begins with taking the first step:

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Open your podcast portal today.

(only $99 through 11/29/25)

What is a private podcast? & How do I create one for my course/membership?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Today’s question comes from Rachel of the Money Healing Club podcast. She’s back asking about private podcasts and how to make them — because she noticed I just launched one for my membership the Interweb.

Tune in to hear my thoughts on:

What a private podcast is & 2 types of them
How to set up your own private podcast with Helloaudio, Captivate, or Transistor
Ways that people can sign up to hear it
How to handle metrics, cancellations, and more

FREE SUPPORT
🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today
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COURSES & MORE
🌈 Learn to launch your own pod with — Your Podcast Is A Portal
💸 Grow your show & make more $$$ with — DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization
⭐️ Get Amelia’s new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media

How do you promote your episodes? & Can I copy your workflow?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Today’s question comes from Stephanie of NoseyAF. She’s wondering how I handle the publication and promotion workflow for my podcast Off the Grid. And can she copy my process? (Yes!)

Tune in to hear my advice on:

Why I write a blog post and email for every episode of my show
How far ahead I work on episodes and scheduling
Ways to prioritize your podcast tasks with the nice, necessary, ideal framework
The difference between podcast promotion and marketing
Why I place ads for my episodes in ilovecreatives

Is it better to have podcast seasons or publish without breaks?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Today we're taking on podcast seasons!

Are they good? Bad? Better for some shows than others? 🧐

Should your podcast probably be publishing every week forever if you really want to grow?? 😅

Let's talk about it! Tune in to hear Amelia's take on:

The purpose of seasons & how to take breaks
Whether or not you lose listeners between seasons
Reasons you might want to publish in a consistent rhythm
The benefits & drawbacks of an ongoing schedule

Should I create a podcast trailer? & What about hosting a launch party?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 13 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we're answering two questions for all our friends out there launching new shows or new seasons of your show:

What's the point of a podcast trailer? & Are podcast launch parties cool anymore?

Tune in to hear Amelia's take on:

Two purposes for podcast trailers 🎬
Taking inspiration from Trailer Park Podcast 🏁
Why you probably want to host a launch party 🎈
A simple recipe for podcast success 🧾

Is my podcast audience too small for guests?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

We love podcasts of all sizes! But what happens when you invite someone on your show and they ask you how many listeners you have? 🫣

Tune in to hear Amelia's take on:

How to right-size your audience 🧮
What to emphasize instead of download numbers 🤗
Two ways to reframe your pitches if potentials guests are asking about your audience size 🖼️
Why you might want to refocus your podcast growth efforts 🌱

What should go in my podcast show notes?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

What are we all doing with our show notes? ...and why are some of them so long?

Today’s question comes from Rachel of the Money Healing Club podcast. She’s curious about best practices for podcast show notes — including what we should put in them and what we shouldn't.

Tune in to hear Amelia’s advice on:

Why your show notes should always start with a hook 🪝
What everyone's doing wrong with bullet points 🎯
Our hot take on timestamps 🔥
How many links is too many links 🔗
Why you really need two versions of your show notes 🗒️
The importance of copywriting vs content-writing ✏️

How often should I release my episodes? & Do I need to be consistent every week?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Sometimes I joke that half my job is giving people permission to skip a week of their podcast. So in this episode, I'm diving into the questions I hear most often as a producer:

How often should my podcast episodes release? Does it need to be every week? And what if I'm not consistent...?

Tune in for clear advice on the pros and cons of weekly, biweekly, and monthly release schedules. And stick around for a permission slip to take things at your own pace — even if it's rather inconsistent.

What’s the best way to invite guests onto my podcast?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Today’s question comes from Charelle. She’s starting her second podcast and wondering how to invite people onto the show when she doesn’t have any episodes live yet. 🤔

Tune in to hear Amelia’s advice on:

The best guest invitation process
How to write a guest invite email
Ways to share your show before it’s live
How to pitch when you do have episodes published
The worst things a pitch can be

Should I host my podcast on Substack?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Today I'm answering the question — should I host my podcast on Substack?

Or if you already have a show — should I move my podcast to Substack?

If you've been considering podcasting on Substack, you'll definitely want to tune in to learn:

What Substack is (in case you don't know!)
Why cost is a major factor in choosing Substack to host your podcast
How to think about email in relationship to your show
Why you need to consider ads & listener behavior
How Substack streamlines listener support & paid subscriptions

And then let me know what you decide to do! Is Substack for you? Not for you? Use the info below to reach out and let me know!

How do I come back from podcast burnout?

Amelia Hruby — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0500

If you’re feeling podfade, we can help! Tune in to this episode to learn six ways to avoid, heal, or come back from podcast burnout, including:

Advice on changing your release schedule
Tips for taking a break from your show
How to know if you need to hire support
Ways to get more listener support & feedback
Why you might want to move to a seasonal schedule
How to have more fun with your podcast

Big hugs to everyone experiencing podcast burnout. We’re cheering you on!

How do I get my podcast featured by Apple & Spotify?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Do you wish your show could be featured in Apple’s “New & Noteworthy” or Spotify’s “Episodes You Won’t Want To Miss”?

In this episode, we’re talking about what it means to be featured in Apple & Spotify, why you might want that for your show, and how to make it happen.

Listen and learn:

The top Apple & Spotify features
Why you might want to be featured there
How to submit via Apple’s form & Spotify’s form
Key elements of a great pitch

Tune in for a dose of pod-promo-wisdom. Then if you’re ready for more great ideas, check out our new DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization course! You can use the code SOFTERCAST10 for $10 off registration.

What's the best way to monetize my podcast?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Do you wish your podcast could make you money, instead of costing you money? 💵

And is that really possible if your show doesn’t have thousands of listeners?? 🤷‍♀️

In this episode, we’re talking about the three most popular methods for podcast monetization — including what audience size you’ll need for each one, and how to decide which method is right for you.

Listen and learn:

The 3 most popular methods for podcast monetization
How many listeners you need to get paid sponsors
A few models for gaining paid listener support
Why direct sales & marketing are so under-rated

Tune in for a dose of pod-wisdom. Then if you’re ready to bring these ideas to life, check out our new DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization course! You can use the code SOFTERCAST10 for $10 off registration.

How do I grow my podcast audience?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Do you wish your podcast had a few (or a lot) more listeners? 🧐

Well you're in luck. Today we're tackling everybody’s favorite topic — podcast growth.

In our opinion, there are two key components of podcast growth — having a great show and having a consistent marketing practice.

So in this episode, Amelia guides us through:

How to create a podcast that always attracts new listeners
The 3 focus areas for any strong show
Three popular podcast marketing strategies to try

Tune in for a quick, practical podcast lesson. Then if you want to learn more, check out our new DIY Podcast Marketing & Monetization course! You can use the code SOFTERCAST10 for $10 off registration.

Is it too late to start a podcast?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Happy New Year, Softer Cast fans! Today on the pod, we're tackling a question that’s been landing in our inbox a lot lately — It seems like everybody has a podcast now. Is it too late to start mine?

We hear this question too often, and we want to help you decide if it’s the right time to start your show. So in this quick episode, Amelia will walk you through:

If it’s too late to start a podcast (spoiler: it's not)
3 guiding questions to ask before you start your show
Where to begin when you’re ready to podcast

Can I record my podcast on Zoom?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to The Softer Cast! Today we’re popping in between seasons to answer a question that's been landing in our inbox a lot lately — can I record my podcast on Zoom?

So in this episode, Amelia's exploring the pros & cons of recording on Zoom, as well as some great alternate recording platforms.

Tune in as she shares:

The best & worst things about recording on Zoom
Two Zoom hacks you definitely want to do if you're recording there
Why you might want to change recording platforms
Our recs for the best podcast recording apps

How do I pitch podcast sponsors when I have a small audience?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to final episode of season one of The Softer Cast!

This month’s episode explores how to pitch sponsors for your show — even if you don’t have a large audience.

Tune in as Amelia shares:

Why relationships matter more than metrics
The power of the personal endorsement
Why right-fit is more valuable than a large audience
How to pitch multi-channel sponsorships

What’s the easiest way to make a podcast?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 16 May 2023 07:00:00 -0500

There are a lot of ways to make a podcast. And most of them are…kind of challenging and convoluted.

But podcasting doesn’t have to be hard! So this month’s episode answers the question — what’s the most easeful podcast workflow?

Tune in as Amelia shares:

Why everything begins with your concept & content
How much you should prep for your recording sessions
The easiest-to-use recording equipment
Options for editing with ease (and why you might not need to edit anyway)
The podcast hosting platform I recommend for maximum ease

What if another podcast already has the name I want to use?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0500

You know what’s the worst? Coming up with an AMAZING name for your podcast and then realizing it’s already in use.

This month’s episode is all about what to do when the pod name of your dreams is taken. Tune in as Amelia shares:

Legal considerations around naming your show (AKA the almighty TM)
How to be a polite & friendly part of the podcast industry (AKA pod naming etiquette)
Some questions to consider when repurposing a name

What are the best ways to grow my podcast?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Calling all our podcaster friends! This month we’re answering your biggest question — what’s the best way to grow my podcast?

Tune in as Amelia shares:

The best CTAs for audience growth
How guests can be good (& bad) for your show
Why your pod should have a really great lead magnet
How to set clear goals & realistic expectations for growth

How do I get my podcast listed on Apple & Spotify?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0600

We’re back with a super practical episode, pod friends! Everything you need to know about submitting your show to Apple Podcasts & Spotify (& any other directories you’d like to be listed in).

Tune in as Amelia shares:

Whether or not you upload your episodes to Apple & Spotify (spoiler: you don’t)
Why you need a podcast hosting platform for your show (spoiler: that’s how your eps get on Apple & Spotify)
Her favorite podcast hosting platforms & how to choose the best one for your show
Instructions for submitting to Apple & Spotify

How do I take a podcast break without losing listeners?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0600

It’s slow down season, y’all! So today’s episode is all about how to take a podcast break without sacrificing your stats in the process.

Tune in as Amelia shares:

Why breaks are so important for podcasters
Her two-step process for taking a break
A hot tip for making the most of your time away

What’s the least expensive way to create a podcast?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0600

This one goes out to all our babes who love a good bargain. Great news, you can make a podcast for FREE!

Tune in as Amelia walks you through:

Why it bugs her when people emphasize expensive equipment
The two tech tools you need to launch a podcast
How to record with those tools
Why podcasting should be more easy & accessible

How do I know it’s time to hire a podcast editor?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0600

Are you thinking of hiring a podcast editor? Pretty sure you need one? Wishing you could afford one? In today’s episode, Amelia unpacks how to know it’s time to take the leap and hire support for your podcast.

Tune in for Amelia’s take on:

Two things every good podcast editor will do for you
How to determine what kind of podcast support you need
The one thing that motivates most people to hire an editor (spoiler: it’s burnout)
5 “official” signs it’s time to hire a podcast editor

What day of the week should I release my podcast episodes?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Monday, Tuesday, Podcast Day?! In today’s episode, we’re talking about what day of the week you should release your podcast. And why it might not be the same day as everyone else!

Tune in for Amelia’s take on:

The most popular day of the week to release new episodes
How to know when your ideal listener is most likely to listen
Two other important factors to have in mind when you plan your release schedule

How many downloads should my podcast have?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Downloads, downloads, and more downloads. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how many downloads your podcast should have (spoiler: there’s no “right” number). Then we unpack how to read your analytics, assess your show’s progress, & set goals for where you want to go.

Tune in for Amelia’s take on:

If you should care about downloads at all
Which analytics are helpful to track (and which aren’t)
How downloads relate to ads & sponsors
Setting download goals that work for you & your show

Should I put my podcast on Youtube?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Why is everyone suddenly talking about putting their podcast on YouTube? And should you be doing that, too?

Tune in for Amelia’s take on:

Why podcasters are pivoting to video
What tech can make video podcasting easy
How we put The Softer Cast on Youtube
When you should & when you shouldn’t record video
How to decide if video podcasting is right for you

Should I start a podcast?

Amelia Hruby — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 09:21:24 -0500

Welcome to The Softer Cast! In our inaugural episode we’re diving into the deep end to talk about why it’s a great — and a not-so-great — time to start a podcast.

Tune in for Amelia’s take on:

Why more people than ever are listening to podcasts
Why podcast listeners are better for business than other audience members
How many podcasts there really are & if you should care about that
3 good reasons to start a podcast & 3 bad reasons to start a podcast