My Podcast Story
Wisdom
Recent Episodes
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your podcast real and meaningful, you’ll want to hear this honest conversation with Neena Perez, host of Straight Talk, No Sugar Added. In this episode, we talk about why being your authentic self—even when it’s uncomfortable—makes all the difference in podcasting. Neena shares how her journey from personal pain to podcasting purpose keeps her focused, even when the numbers are small or growth is slow.
One big takeaway: you’ll learn why showing up consistently and telling the truth, no matter how messy or imperfect, can be your podcast’s greatest strength. We also dig into handling criticism, keeping your old episodes online (even the ones you might cringe at now), and building real relationships with your guests and listeners—not just chasing the next big number.
If you’re a podcaster feeling unsure about your impact or your growth, this episode will remind you why your story and your truth are worth sharing.
Connect with Neena Perez
Website: https://straighttalknosugaradded.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/neenaperez
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neenaperez/
If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.
There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.
Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join
If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq
Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory
Chapters
00:00 Introducing Neena Perez’s Story
01:08 Who Is Neena Perez?
01:28 What Straight Talk No Sugar Added Means
02:16 Naming the Podcast: No Sugar Added
03:19 Podcast Origins and “Memoirs of a Fat Girl”
04:11 Revisiting Old Projects and Evolving
07:21 Neena’s Deep Why for Podcasting
08:38 Healing, Accountability, and Early Listeners
10:02 Podcasting as a Faith Journey
10:40 Podcasting for Personal Growth
12:00 Embracing Change and Evolving Episodes
13:42 Audience of One: Letting Go of Numbers
16:14 Focusing on Real Impact
17:24 Listeners as Real People, Not Just Numbers
18:05 Chasing Illusions vs. Staying Authentic
20:04 Authentic Stories vs. AI Content
22:31 The Value of Real Experience
24:49 Dealing With Trolls and Criticism
25:45 Tools and Tech Behind Neena’s Podcast
29:00 AppSumo Finds and Podcast Workflows
32:42 Automating Guest Booking and Management
35:26 Repurposing Evergreen Content
36:23 Shorts and Bringing Episodes Back
37:47 Roundups and Episode Revivals
38:02 Blogging to Extend Reach
39:17 Relationship Building and Guest Follow-Up
41:46 Missed Opportunities and Keeping Track
43:46 Top-Chain vs. Bottom-Chain Networking
45:14 Building Community and Helping Other Women
46:25 Forgetting the Numbers and Focusing on Skills
47:28 Social Media Myths and Realities
49:32 Neena’s Podcast Makes Some Money
51:01 Final Reflections and Advice to Beginners
52:27 Where to Find Neena Online
52:59 Closing the Episode and Next Steps
If you’re a podcaster or thinking about starting your own show, this episode with Michael Klassen will give you practical ideas for taking your podcast from idea to reality. We dig into how Michael turned six years of blog content into the 5am Podcast, and what it was like starting with no audio or video experience. You’ll hear why patience and consistency helped him grow to hundreds of daily website visitors, and the systems he uses to keep production running smoothly.
Michael shares the simple tech and workflow behind his episodes—from scheduling guests to using AI tools for titles and descriptions—and how he balances creativity with audience needs. If you’re wondering how to get more listeners, or how to make your website work for your podcast, you’ll pick up a ton. Plus, we talk about growing your audience with email (even if you haven’t started one yet) and how old articles and SEO can keep traffic coming back.
Two takeaways to listen for: how repurposing written content can be the perfect on-ramp to podcasting, and the importance of measuring (and setting) goals—even if you’re just starting out.
Connect With Micheal Klassen
Website: https://5ampodcast.com/
Twitter:https://x.com/5AMPodcast1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/5am-podcast/
If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.
There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.
Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join
If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq
Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory
Chapters
00:00 Behind Michael Klassen’s podcast journey
01:17 What the 5am Podcast aims to do
02:04 Turning a website into a podcast
03:54 Early inspiration for 5am Podcast
04:52 Patience and growth focus
06:46 Defining “more” and measuring impact
08:27 Crafting and planning each episode
10:07 Michael’s podcast production workflow
12:58 Tools: Calendly, Riverside, Canva, Claude
14:26 Using AI for SEO and descriptions
16:50 Publishing episodes on the website
18:25 What the 5am Podcast website looks like
20:02 Visitor experience and improving the site
21:18 Expectations when launching the show
22:54 Building an audience and email list ideas
24:08 Where visitors come from and analytics
26:37 Website traffic strategies and SEO basics
30:13 The power of returning visitors
33:57 Audio platform growth and building relationships
35:36 Podcast monetization and early income streams
37:09 Launching products and adding value
39:09 Expanding to radio syndication
41:01 How radio deals and syndication work
44:01 Tracking radio listenership
45:40 Promoting the show and cross-platform strategy
48:01 Consistency, content, and growth focus
52:04 Advice for new podcasters
55:21 Where to find Michael and final thoughts
If you’ve ever questioned your podcast’s name or felt stuck in the rebranding process, you’ll get a ton of value from this episode with Cheryl Fisher, host of Mind Your Midlife. Cheryl shares her honest journey from launching a show with a broad focus to finding clarity and doubling her listener numbers through a strategic rebrand — plus, some surprising truths about what it actually takes to grow your podcast audience.
Listen in to learn:
Why niching down your podcast makes a world of difference (including real numbers on growth after rebranding).
Practical, budget-friendly strategies Cheryl used to boost downloads and what actually moved the needle (spoiler: not just social media). There’s also a thoughtful look at how to know your show’s “how” and why it matters for growth, plus listener-first advice on experimenting with ads and partnerships. Whether you’re considering a rename or struggling with slow audience growth, Cheryl’s story gives you both permission and practical ideas to take the next step.
Connect with Cheryl Fisher
Website: https://www.mindyourmidlifepodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylpfischer/#
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindyourmidlifepodcast/
If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.
There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.
Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join
If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq
Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory
Chapters
00:00 Meet Cheryl Fisher & Her Podcast
01:12 The Naming Struggle: Podcast Purgatory
02:30 Researching and Renaming the Show
03:16 What Mind Your Midlife Is Really About
04:25 The Old Name and Why She Rebranded
07:43 Niche Down for Growth
08:18 How Cheryl Helps Her Audience
10:47 Podcast Formats: Solo vs Interviews
11:17 Why Cheryl Started Podcasting
12:26 Hopes, Expectations & Podcast Goals
13:58 Rebranding When You’re Small
15:22 Advice for New Podcasters on Naming
16:16 Two Years In: Consistency and Growth
16:32 Choosing a Podcast Category
18:45 Dreaming Up a Custom Category
21:40 Audience Size & Growth Numbers
22:54 Marketing Tactics That Really Worked
24:02 Results from Paid Ad Campaigns
26:12 Download vs Follower Strategies
28:47 Budgeting Time vs Money
30:08 When Should You Spend on Growth?
34:28 Podcast Cross-Promos: What Works
36:05 Podcast Recommendation Newsletters
39:06 Borrowing Audiences to Grow
40:26 The Power of Specific Podcast Missions
42:02 Balancing Content, Growth, and Editing
46:30 Does the Podcast Make Money?
47:37 Podcasting as a Personal Brand Builder
51:45 Authority, Thought Leadership & Guesting
54:15 The Podcaster’s Confidence Boost
55:17 Where to Find Cheryl’s Podcast
56:07 Wrapping Up & Invitation for Chapter Two
If you’re looking for honest insight into how real podcasters build, grow, and evolve their shows, you’re in the right place. In this episode, I talk with Elias Marty, host of Politically High Tech—a podcast that weaves together politics, technology, and human development in a unique way. If you often feel stuck between the loud extremes of conversation, you’ll appreciate Elias’ honest take on representing the “silent majority” and what it takes to balance nuance and growth.
Listen in for his straightforward lessons on making your podcast financially sustainable, including how starting an LLC and monetizing with platforms like Pod Match can help. We also dive into how feedback, even the critical kind, shapes better sound, video, and overall listener experience—something every creator can relate to. By the end, you’ll walk away with practical ideas on audience growth and what it really means to stay motivated through tough podcasting seasons. Elias’ story proves that indie podcasters can find their voice and momentum by being authentic, open to feedback, and persistent.
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliasmarty/
If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.
There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.
Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join
If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq
Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Show Intro
00:45 Meet Elias Marty
01:12 Podcast Format Explained
02:32 Mixing Politics, Tech, and Development
02:45 Inspiration Behind the Show
04:28 Evolution and Adaptation
04:34 How the Podcast Began
05:39 Starting to Make Money
06:07 Using Pod Match and Monetization
08:22 Pod Match’s Impact on Growth
09:41 Changing Formats and Listening to Feedback
11:22 Adding More Value to Episodes
13:16 The Podcast as a Business
16:35 Audience Demographics and Changes
17:50 Download Numbers and Growth
19:07 Major Growth Levers and Tools
20:52 Recording, Editing, and Distribution Workflow
22:52 Posting Schedule and Consistency
23:03 Why Podcasting?
25:24 How Podcasting Changed Elias
28:36 Plans and Projections for the Future
32:40 Balancing Guests and Perspectives
32:49 Responding to Feedback and Improving Audio
34:37 Advice for New Podcasters
37:23 Building a Team and Learning by Doing
38:50 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Elias
41:46 Outro and Next Steps
If you’re a podcaster who’s ever wondered how to find your unique groove, streamline your workflow, or monetize on your own terms, this episode is for you. In my conversation with Terri M. Brown, author and host of Online for Authors, we dig into what really happens behind the scenes — from being a podcast guest, to guest host, to finally running the show. You’ll hear how Terri simplified her production to fit her solo workflow, and why embracing a “just get it out there” mindset can make all the difference for indie creators.
Listen in for practical tips on how to keep your podcast sustainable (even if you’re not a tech whiz or have a limited budget), plus real talk about the creative power of using tools like AI and text expanders. You’ll take away actionable ideas for:
Streamlining your podcast process so it actually fits your life.
Monetization strategies when you have a small but passionate audience.
Building real connection with your listeners and guests for long-term growth.
Connect with Terri M Brown
Website: https://www.terimbrown.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/TeriMBrown1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TeriMBrown/
If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.
There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.
Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join
If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq
Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory
Chapters
00:00 Kicking Off Terri’s Podcast Story
01:17 What Is Online for Authors?
02:44 Why Podcasting Became Her Platform
04:16 Becoming a Guest Host
05:56 Taking Over the Podcast
07:59 Streamlining Production and Editing
09:30 Balancing Time, Tools, and Costs
12:00 Finding What Social Media Works
14:20 Rethinking Audience Growth Strategies
15:22 Wearing All the Podcasting Hats
17:05 Monetizing: The “Skip the Line” Model
21:08 Trusting Others with Your Podcast
23:07 Challenges with Hiring Help
26:27 Online for Authors Listener Transformation
28:00 Building Community and Extra Value
34:16 Making the Show Better Over Time
36:52 Behind the Scenes: Tools & Costs
40:00 Using Text Expander to Save Time
42:26 More Ways to Streamline Communication
45:09 Embracing and Learning New Tools
47:14 AI: Fears, Uses, and Benefits
52:22 Final Thoughts on Podcast Value
55:45 Terri’s Advice to Aspiring Podcasters
57:35 Where to Learn More About Terry
58:17 Wrapping Up the Episode