Welcome to the world of Big Lash Energy, where Jayna Marie takes us on a no-holds-barred journey through the ups and downs of her life and career. As a makeup artist, Jayna decided that her life was too colorful not to share, and she jumped headfirst into podcasting.It's like she hit the ground running, with tons of awards, 200 episodes, and one million downlaods you might say she's unstoppable.The conversation kicks off with Jayna reflecting on the pressure to include video in her podcasting journey, but she confidently asserts that real connection comes from authentic storytelling, not flashy visuals. It’s refreshing to hear someone challenge the norm and embrace the art of audio storytelling.As the episode unfolds, Jayna shares her experiences with vulnerability, especially in her first episode, where she bared her soul and laid it all on the line. She describes it as feeling like she jumped off a cliff, and honestly, who hasn’t felt that way about sharing their truth? This episode dives into the nitty-gritty of her life, tackling topics that range from relationships to personal growth, all while maintaining a sense of humor that makes you feel like you're chatting with a friend over coffee.Jayna emphasizes the importance of being relatable and not shying away from difficult topics, making for a conversation that is both entertaining and enlightening. What really makes Jayna stand out is her approach to audience engagement.She’s built a loyal following by sharing snippets of her life and encouraging conversations around her podcast episodes. Jayna is all about creating that connection with her listeners, which is a breath of fresh air in a sea of cookie-cutter AI content. And let’s not forget her unique marketing tactics; she even uses dating apps to promote her podcast, turning the world of swiping into a strategic move for gaining listeners. It’s hilarious and clever, showing us that sometimes, the best marketing is just being yourself.This episode isn’t just about podcasting; it’s about authenticity, vulnerability, and the power of storytelling. If you’re looking for inspiration in your own podcasting journey, or just want a good laugh, tune in to hear Jayna Marie's incredible story and the lessons she’s learned along the way.So whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just curious about what it takes to create a meaningful show, Jayna's insights are golden. She proves that podcasting is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to connect, share, and inspire others through your unique voice. Join us as we delve into the world of Big Lash Energy and discover what makes Jayna Marie a standout in the podcasting community. It's a wild ride, and you won't want to miss it.Mentioned In This EpisodeBig Lash Energy PodcastUnder the Makeup: A very Messy Life (Episode 1)Faking the "OH!" Face8 Super Annoying Things That Men DoI Ran Out Of Time To Say I Love You: It's My Party, I'll Cry If I Want To (her latest episode as of this recording)Jayna's Makeup Site & InstagramSticker Mule (For Car Decals)Switchy QR Maker, Link Tracker, and "Linktree" type toolFourth Wall Create MerchPodpage Pretty Websites For Podcasters Who Don't Want To Learn How To CodeTim Wohlberg's Just the Tip PodcastPodcasting Tips From Jayna Marie:Lead with vulnerability and authenticitySharing your true self and personal stories draws in listeners and forges real connections.Serve your audience with purposeFocus on providing value for others and fill gaps you wish someone had filled for you.Don’t overthink—trust your gut and put your work out thereCreativity thrives when you let go of perfectionism and follow your instincts.Make sure every episode has a clear purposeAim for your episodes to make listeners laugh, cry, or learn—give them a reason to engage.Prioritize storytelling and strong writingCompelling, well-crafted stories are at the heart of a great podcast.Break up solo shows with production elementsUse sound effects, music, and character voices to keep solo episodes interesting and dynamic.Collaborate closely with your editorBuild a strong partnership for creative sound design and production ideas.Release episodes on a consistent scheduleConsistency builds trust and keeps your audience coming back.Build and engage a communityFoster relationships with listeners to create fierce loyalty and word-of-mouth promotion.Be intentional about monetization and adsConsider whether monetizing with ads fits your brand and your listeners’ experience.Leverage your podcast to support your main businessUse your show to help connect with potential clients in your field.Save and revisit listener feedbackKeep encouraging messages for motivation during challenging times.Create desirable merch—only sell what you’d wearStrong branding and personal endorsement make merchandise more appealing.Be creative with your marketing strategies:Utilize unconventional ideas, such as:Sharing your podcast link in dating biosSetting up at relevant trade showsDistributing podcast cards in swag bags with recommended episodesBranding your car with podcast info and QR codesTrack your promotional resultsUse QR codes to measure the effectiveness of your offline marketing efforts.Encourage value-for-value supportMake it easy for loyal listeners to give back, whether buying merch or donating.Host in-person events for your audienceCreate memorable live gatherings to deepen connections and increase social media buzz.Promote episodes long after release with social postsShare throwbacks, listener DMs, and topical connections on your stories to boost ongoing downloads.Show your creative process on social mediaBuild anticipation for new episodes and keep your audience actively engaged.Know your target audience and stay on-brandBe clear about who your podcast is for, and let that clarity reflect in your branding.Prepare thoroughly before launchingStudy podcasting fundamentals, plan your content, and understand your desired audience.Don’t share every story—wait until you know the lessonOnly open up about painful moments when you’re ready to share how you grew from them.Understand podcasting is hard work—stay motivatedCelebrate the impact you have, and let your listeners’ appreciation keep you goingAlways Research Your Guest (from Dave)The question AI gave me to interview Jayna were nothing compared to the questions that came up after I listened to her show.Mentioned in this episode:See Your Show On PodpageIf you host a podcast, your website should work as hard as your episodes do. At Podpage, we automatically create a beautiful, professional site for your show — complete with episode pages, transcripts, audio players, SEO optimization, and built-in tools to grow your audience. No design work. No plugins. No ongoing maintenance. In less than a minute, you can see exactly what your podcast would look like on Podpage. Go to podpage.com/preview and generate your free preview site now. (No Credit Card Required) See your show the way it should look.PodpageQuestion of the MonthOne of our favorite questions, "What are your top podcasting pet peeves? You know the things that make you press fast forward, delete, or maybe even unfollow... share your frustration with these tactics along with a little bit about your show and your website (so I can add a link in the show notes). You can upload a pre-recorded version or press record on the website. I need your answer by March 27th, 2026Question of the MonthWorry Free PodcastingAre you ready to take your podcasting dreams to the next level? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. With over 19 years of experience, I’ve helped countless individuals plan, launch, grow, and monetize their podcasts the right way. My comprehensive courses cover everything from content creation to tackling technology, ensuring you sound professional and confident. Join our supportive community of podcasters, access weekly group coaching, and receive unlimited one-on-one consulting. Don't let fear hold you back. With my 30-day money-back guarantee, you can start your podcasting journey risk-free. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/join and be on your way to podcast success.School of Podcasting