Podcast Junkies - Storytelling Interviews & Conversations with Podcasters Podcasting Passionately

📺 Watch & Subscribe on YouTubeEver wish you could find more joy—rather than stress—in building a business or podcast, even when the obstacles keep coming? Let’s get real about what it actually takes to grow, adapt, and stay inspired.In this episode, host Harry Duran welcomes Jodi Katz, founder of Base Beauty and host of the “Where Brains Meet Beauty” podcast. Jodi is a pioneering creative force in the beauty, wellness, and personal care industries, and her show is a staple for candid, career-focused conversations with the people shaping the beauty world.The main focus of the episode centers on how staying agile and being willing to pivot are essential skills for longevity as a business owner and podcast host. Jodi opens up about her nearly two decades of leading an agency, the evolution of her podcast through in-person, virtual, and live audience formats, and the “therapy” she gets from deep, honest conversations that serve both herself and her listeners.Beyond that, Harry and Jodi dive into the nuts and bolts of running a creative agency, the rise of influencer marketing, how to build meaningful industry connections without traditional networking, and the real anxieties that come with leadership—plus her strategies for staying well, centered, and resilient behind the scenes. You’ll also hear her thoughts on why vulnerability and measured confidence matter more than ever.Ready to feel seen, inspired, and entertained by honest stories from the trenches of entrepreneurship and podcasting? Listen now and hear strategies you can use to boost your own creativity and find more joy in the journey!Episode SponsorFullCast – https://fullcast.co/Key TakeawaysEmbrace Change and Agility in BusinessJodi Katz emphasizes the absolute necessity of being able to pivot and remain agile. Staying ahead of the trends and proactively evolving your processes, services, and expertise is vital—if you sit still, your business becomes stagnant.Build a Podcast Format That Works For YouThe evolution of Jodi Katz's podcast—from remote recordings, to studio sessions, to live "listening party" events—demonstrates the value of experimenting with formats. Find the setup that brings you joy, engages your audience, and matches your strengths.Leverage Your Podcast as a Relationship and Learning ToolJodi Katz uses her show as “free business coaching and free therapy,” focusing on genuine, one-on-one conversations. Use your platform not just to educate others, but to learn, build connections, and grow yourself.Know Your Audience and Target Guests Beyond the Usual SuspectsFrom the outset, Jodi Katz chose to spotlight not just celebrities and figureheads but also behind-the-scenes experts and lesser-known industry contributors. This approach gives voice to a wider community and builds more authentic relationships.Prioritize Preparation and Self-Care for High-Performance DaysWhen hosting back-to-back live podcast recordings, Jodi Katz recommends explicit self-care strategies: prep healthy snacks and drinks, hydrate, get solid rest, and build in reset moments between sessions. This prevents burnout and keeps your energy consistent for both yourself and your audience.Tweetable Quotes"We build belief systems for our clients so that this community of fans has something to grab on to. They're part of the culture too. We do that with value and velocity, because everything has to happen so fast.""In my podcast, I get to be me. I am just myself. The way I am with you is the way I am at CVS, and I just want to be me in my day job too.""My superpower is listening so closely that it makes the conversation feel complete. I want to make sure that my listeners close the loop, that the questions inspired get answers."Resources MentionedInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/basebeautycreativeagency/?hl=enLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-katz-7526933/Podcast Junkies Website: podcastjunkies.comPodcast Junkies YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Podcastjunkies/Podcast Junkies Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcastjunkiesjunkies/Podcast Junkies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcastjunkiesPodcast Junkies Twitter: https://twitter.com/podcast_junkiesPodcast Junkies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcastjunkiesThe Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/Podcast Index, Value4Value & NewPodcastApps: https://podcastindex.org/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

📺 Watch & Subscribe on YouTubeEver wonder if building wealth, balancing family, and launching your dream business is really possible—or just a myth? I’ve asked myself the same thing, and this episode brings the answers you need.Join me as I sit down with Wendy Papasan—team leader, real estate investor, philanthropist, and host of the Empire Building podcast. Wendy is a powerhouse in the real estate world with years of experience building successful businesses while staying grounded in her family and personal growth. She’s a sought-after mentor for women in business and is celebrated for her practical, empowering leadership style.In this episode, we dig into the journey from Wendy’s entrepreneurial roots—starting with her first high school business—to building a real estate empire (that started with a $50K flip and grew to 19 doors and 2,500 families served!). Wendy unpacks how developing the right habits, from net-worth tracking to prioritizing date nights, enabled her and her husband, Jay, to reach millionaire status in just six years. You'll hear candid insights on failure, recalibrating goals, and why living below your means trumps chasing big paychecks.But that’s not all—Wendy also shares her experiences launching two podcasts (and why she wishes she stuck with the first one!), creating strong business boundaries in her marriage, leading a team of female entrepreneurs, and harnessing the power of focus thanks to lessons from “The ONE Thing.” She opens up about the often-overlooked bravery behind entrepreneurship, the underestimated power of compounding effort, and finding fulfillment through giving back and coaching others.Ready for actionable inspiration, honest advice, and a dash of real talk about life and business? Press play and learn how to build your own empire—without losing your sanity or your sense of humor. Tune in now!Episode SponsorFullCast – https://fullcast.co/Key TakeawaysTrack Your Net Worth MonthlyWendy emphasizes the importance of tracking net worth regularly, not just focusing on income. This habit helps keep you aware of your financial progress and encourages smarter asset-building, rather than simply increasing earnings and spending.Live Below Your Means and Invest the SurplusConsistently living below your means allowed Wendy and her husband to invest extra income into growing their real estate portfolio. She recommends prioritizing investments over lifestyle inflation to build sustainable wealth.Failures Are Learning Opportunities, Not End PointsWhen Wendy’s first house flip was unsuccessful, she didn’t give up. Instead, she viewed the experience as a valuable lesson and pivoted to buy-and-hold strategies. The key is to see setbacks as a way to learn and improve.Compounding Habits Lead to Big Results Over TimeSuccess is a result of repeatable activities done over time. Wendy highlights how tracking net worth, investing, giving, and prioritizing relationships all compounded to create her family’s empire, stressing the power of habits and patience.Set Specific Goals and Revisit Them TogetherWendy and her husband committed early on to becoming millionaires by tracking progress as a couple and setting intention-driven goals. Their practice of annual goal-setting getaways kept them aligned and moving forward together—showing the value of planning and partnership.Tweetable Quotes"Success is repeatable activities done over time. Everything compounds—it’s amazing how wealth compounds, how working out compounds, how investing in yourself compounds.""I've always had the mindset that you fail your way to success. For me, a failure looks more like a learning experience, a learning opportunity.""A lot of people think being brave is the absence of fear, but being brave is really about the fear always being there, and you're just doing it anyway. The more hard things you do, the better you get at doing hard things."Resources MentionedLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/papasanInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/wendypapasan?igsh=OGM3ZXNqcXdod29mFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/wendypapasanThe Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan, and others - https://amzn.to/4aeuV9VThe One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan - https://amzn.to/3XyXmFOPodcast Junkies Website: podcastjunkies.comPodcast Junkies YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Podcastjunkies/Podcast Junkies Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcastjunkiesjunkies/Podcast Junkies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcastjunkiesPodcast Junkies Twitter: https://twitter.com/podcast_junkiesPodcast Junkies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcastjunkiesThe Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/Podcast Index, Value4Value & NewPodcastApps: https://podcastindex.org/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

📺 Watch & Subscribe on YouTubeEver wondered how to balance your passion for work with your personal life—especially when your business partner is also your spouse?This week on Podcast Junkies, I’m joined by Gaby Proctor, host of Real Estate Talks and seasoned real estate expert, who offers a candid look into her journey from corporate marketing to thriving real estate entrepreneur in Austin. With over fifteen years in media and more than a decade in real estate, Gaby specializes in helping first-time buyers, investors, and the Hispanic community navigate the U.S. property market.We dive deep into the unique challenges (and rewards) of running a business with your spouse, how to maintain healthy boundaries between home and work, and strategies for leveraging your marketing background to stand out in a crowded field. Gaby also shares her experiences creating a bilingual real estate podcast, building authentic community, and the power of niching down in a saturated industry.Plus, we explore additional insights from Gaby’s time at longevity and wellness events, the value of staying adaptable in your business journey, and practical advice for podcasting—like building an email list, engaging listeners, and protecting yourself from social media uncertainty.Ready to hear how Gaby keeps it real in both work and life? Tap and listen to the full episode now!Episode SponsorFullCast – https://fullcast.co/Key TakeawaysLeverage Niche Podcasting to Stand OutGaby Proctor shared how creating a podcast specifically about real estate in Spanish for the United States helped her fill a unique gap in the market. Starting with a niche keeps your target audience focused and makes your content easier to find for those seeking that specific info.Build Community and Audience Engagement Beyond DownloadsHarry Duran encouraged offering value through easy-to-access downloads, inviting your audience onto your email list, and hosting virtual meetups like “Happy Hour with Gabby.” Cultivating a community around your podcast builds loyalty and direct relationships outside of social platforms.Collaborate and Partner to Sustain Long-Term ProjectsGaby Proctor emphasized the benefit of teaming up with a co-host for accountability and support. When motivation dips, having a collaborator helps you push through lulls and stay consistent.Get Feedback and Learn About Your Audience’s NeedsProactively ask listeners for feedback and guidance on topics they’re seeking, as suggested by both speakers. However, Harry Duran recommended actionable ways to tailor your episodes—like using outcome-based episode titles, related downloadable resources, and email sequences—to better understand and serve your listeners.Don’t Build Your Business Solely on Rented PlatformsAfter Gaby Proctor lost access to her social media accounts, the conversation highlighted the importance of diversifying your online presence. Focus on building your own channels, such as an email list or website, since you truly own your audience there and aren’t subject to the whims of platform algorithms or policies.Tweetable Quotes"I love learning about how to grow spiritually, intellectually, or by taking care of your health. I really liked the concept of longevity at the event—it’s not just about living longer but improving every aspect of your life: business, health, relationships, work.""I realized I was in marketing because I was helping clients promote their business with different ideas, packages, and strategies. I thought all that time I was in sales until I moved to real estate and saw the importance of marketing myself and sharing helpful information so people know why they want to work with us.""I have a duty to share as much legitimate information as I can because there are a lot of scams out there. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We’re very honest with the audience; not everything is butterflies and rainbows, and bad things can happen in real estate, too."Resources MentionedLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabyproctor/Podcast Junkies Website: podcastjunkies.comPodcast Junkies YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Podcastjunkies/Podcast Junkies Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcastjunkiesjunkies/Podcast Junkies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcastjunkiesPodcast Junkies Twitter: https://twitter.com/podcast_junkiesPodcast Junkies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcastjunkiesThe Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/Podcast Index, Value4Value & NewPodcastApps: https://podcastindex.org/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

📺 Watch & Subscribe on YouTubeEver feel like the future of your job or business could be snatched away by AI before you’ve had a chance to adapt? I know I do—and in this episode, we’re diving headfirst into exactly what you need to watch out for.This week on Podcast Junkies, host Harry Duran sits down with Matt Rouse, host of the Digital Marketing Masters podcast, AI futurist, author, and yes—AI Chicken Wrangler. Matt Rouse brings a unique blend of digital marketing expertise and real-world insight into what technology is doing to reshape small businesses and creative careers.The main theme explores how AI is fragmenting social media, transforming local marketing, and pushing business owners to reevaluate where they invest their time and energy. Matt Rouse shares his track record for predicting tech trends (he got 13 out of 15 AI predictions right years before they happened) and offers practical advice for anyone running a local business, a niche startup, or even starting their own podcast.But this episode isn’t just about doom-and-gloom predictions or runaway robots. Harry Duran and Matt Rouse get personal about parenting in a tech-driven world, universal basic income, and why understanding how to work with AI (rather than ignore it) is now an essential business skill. They also unpack how real relationships, local connections, and creativity might just be the human edge in a future dominated by algorithms.Curious where your job, your marketing efforts, or even your family's future sits in this rapidly changing landscape? Hit play and future-proof your thinking—this is a conversation every business owner, marketer, and creative needs to hear.Episode SponsorFullCast – https://fullcast.co/Key TakeawaysReevaluate Your Marketing Channels:Matt Rouse stresses that social media has become highly fragmented, making it essential for business owners to reassess where they invest their marketing time and resources. Instead of sticking to traditional platforms, focus on niche-specific or local platforms where your target audience actually spends time.Prioritize Local Marketing for Local Businesses:If you run a local service business or have a physical location, shift your energy towards local marketing strategies (like optimizing Google Business pages and partnering with local influencers). Generic, broad social media marketing isn’t as effective anymore for localized businesses.Use Automation Tools to Save Time and Increase Results:Take advantage of solutions like SMB Autopilot (developed by Matt Rouse), which automates and optimizes local SEO. These kinds of autopilot tools deliver results and monthly reports without manual effort, freeing up business owners to focus on their actual work and families.Learn to Work with AI (Don’t Ignore It):The people who know how to leverage AI in their businesses and workflows will have a significant advantage. Matt Rouse advocates treating AI as a partner—explaining tasks to it and learning how to get the best results. Ignoring AI or underestimating its pace of growth can leave you behind.Focus on Customer Language and Needs, Not Personal Preference:Understand that you are not your customer. Your preferred platforms and lingo might not match your audience’s. Invest time in audience research, listen to your client base, and adapt your marketing language and channels to where your customers actually spend their time online.Tweetable Quotes"You really need to speak the language of your customer and identify where and what they're doing. Remember that you are not your customer—your opinion of the best place to go on social isn't the choice. The choice is where your customer goes.""There has never been a time in my child's life when she talked to a piece of electronics and it didn't either answer her or understand what she's saying. AI has been a thing that's in daily life since she's been able to remember. That's crazy.""The more things are fake, the more people are going to want and pay for things that are real."Connect with MattLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmrouse/Resources MentionedPodcast Junkies Website: podcastjunkies.comPodcast Junkies YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Podcastjunkies/Podcast Junkies Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcastjunkiesjunkies/Podcast Junkies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcastjunkiesPodcast Junkies Twitter: https://twitter.com/podcast_junkiesPodcast Junkies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcastjunkiesThe Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/Podcast Index, Value4Value & NewPodcastApps: https://podcastindex.org/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

📺 Watch & Subscribe on YouTubeSometimes the glue holding my relationship together feels more like Scotch tape—how do I keep things passionate, connected, and real when life (and business) gets in the way?On this episode of Podcast Junkies, I sit down with Ellen Dorian, host of Make More Love, relationship coach, and entrepreneur with decades of experience helping high-achieving business owners navigate love, sex, and personal fulfillment. Ellen’s always been the ear friends turned to for advice, and she’s since transformed that talent into a thriving career guiding individuals to better, more authentic relationships.We dive deep into the reality that intimacy can become routine and how introducing novelty—even on a monthly basis—can reignite the connection. Ellen shares candid stories from her own journey, demystifies the three-year rule in relationships, and reveals why strategic annual planning isn’t just for your business, but for your love life, too. Plus, we tackle topics like escaping “roommate syndrome,” the challenges of relationship growth for entrepreneurs, lessons from college, and why taking your clothes off (sometimes literally!) can help you focus.You'll also hear why direct mail might be making a comeback, tips for overcoming tech overwhelm when starting a podcast, vulnerable reflections on aging, and how editing your own podcast can teach you more than you ever expected. This episode is packed with honest insights and practical wisdom—perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered how to balance their personal and professional ambitions while keeping their relationship front and center.Ready to hear Ellen’s powerful strategies for sustaining love and intimacy—plus actionable tips you can implement today? Hit “play” and join us for this heartfelt and insightful conversation! Listen now to PJ382: Ellen Dorian.Episode SponsorFullCast – https://fullcast.co/Key TakeawaysSpice Up Your Relationship RoutineHarry shares a practical relationship tip: even if you have a routine that works in your intimate life, make it a point to try something new at least once a month. Whether it’s a new activity or revisiting something you used to enjoy, fresh experiences can revitalize connection and intimacy.Treat Your Relationship Like a Business—Strategic Planning Works!Harry applies his business coaching experience to relationships by encouraging regular “strategic planning” sessions with your partner. He suggests sitting down at least once a year to set rolling three-year goals, create a 12-month plan, and break them down into actionable projects. This keeps both partners aligned and allows you to course-correct regularly.Understand the Real Issues Behind Business StrugglesHarry points out that business owners often struggle with focus and growth because of unresolved relationship issues at home. By addressing the root personal challenges—instead of just business strategy—you unlock better clarity and decision-making in your professional life.Start Before You’re Ready and Just Keep GoingBoth Ellen and Harry discuss the challenges of launching a podcast (or any creative project). Their advice: Don’t get stuck aiming for perfection. Work through technical hurdles step by step, use cohort or group support if possible, and remember that every episode won’t be perfect. Publishing regularly is more important than waiting until everything is flawless.Edit Your Own Content—At Least at FirstHarry and Ellen both recommend editing your own podcast episodes when starting out. Doing this helps you catch verbal habits (like rambling or being repetitive), improve your narrative flow, and get more comfortable with your authentic voice. Tools like Descript can make the process more approachable and empower you to continually refine your messaging.Memorable Quotes"If you're in a relationship that involves sex, have it—because sex is the glue that holds intimate relationships together. Without it, you're just friends or roommates. And no matter how good or comfortable your routine is, try something different at least once a month. A little new stimulus can raise your whole sex life to another level.""The reason people kept coming to me for advice is because I let them get the whole story out before jumping in. I became good at asking, 'What else?' so everything was on the table, which made people more open to actually listening and making positive changes.""Entrepreneurship is challenging and it's not for everyone, but it's worth the effort to find balance. Don’t let your business be your whole life—even when it feels like it needs to be. Pay attention to your relationships and your own well-being, because that ultimately leads to a more fulfilling journey."Connect with EllenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellendorianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellen.dorian.7LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ellendorianResources MentionedMake More Love Podcast: https://www.makemorelove.show/Podcast Junkies Website: podcastjunkies.comPodcast Junkies YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Podcastjunkies/Podcast Junkies Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcastjunkiesjunkies/Podcast Junkies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcastjunkiesPodcast Junkies Twitter: https://twitter.com/podcast_junkiesPodcast Junkies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcastjunkiesThe Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/Podcast Index, Value4Value & NewPodcastApps: https://podcastindex.org/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCastDiscover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/