School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast Big Lash Energy: One Million Downloads Fueled by Coffee and Compliments
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 downloads you might say she's unstoppable.
Do You Need a Video Podcast?
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.
Always Be Entertaining
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.
The Power of Being Authentic
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 Episode
Under the Makeup: A very Messy Life (Episode 1)
8 Super Annoying Things That Men Do
I 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 & Instagram
Sticker Mule (For Car Decals)
Switchy QR Maker, Link Tracker, and "Linktree" type tool
Fourth Wall Create Merch
Podpage Pretty Websites For Podcasters Who Don't Want To Learn How To Code
Tim Wohlberg's Just the Tip Podcast
Podcasting Tips From Jayna Marie:
Lead with vulnerability and authenticity
Sharing your true self and personal stories draws in listeners and forges real connections.
Serve your audience with purpose
Focus 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 there
Creativity thrives when you let go of perfectionism and follow your instincts.
Make sure every episode has a clear purpose
Aim for your episodes to make listeners laugh, cry, or learn—give them a reason to engage.
Prioritize storytelling and strong writing
Compelling, well-crafted stories are at the heart of a great podcast.
Break up solo shows with production elements
Use sound effects, music, and character voices to keep solo episodes interesting and dynamic.
Collaborate closely with your editor
Build a strong partnership for creative sound design and production ideas.
Release episodes on a consistent schedule
Consistency builds trust and keeps your audience coming back.
Build and engage a community
Foster relationships with listeners to create fierce loyalty and word-of-mouth promotion.
Be intentional about monetization and ads
Consider whether monetizing with ads fits your brand and your listeners’ experience.
Leverage your podcast to support your main business
Use your show to help connect with potential clients in your field.
Save and revisit listener feedback
Keep encouraging messages for motivation during challenging times.
Create desirable merch—only sell what you’d wear
Strong 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 bios
Setting up at relevant trade shows
Distributing podcast cards in swag bags with recommended episodes
Branding your car with podcast info and QR codes
Track your promotional results
Use QR codes to measure the effectiveness of your offline marketing efforts.
Encourage value-for-value support
Make it easy for loyal listeners to give back, whether buying merch or donating.
Host in-person events for your audience
Create memorable live gatherings to deepen connections and increase social media buzz.
Promote episodes long after release with social posts
Share throwbacks, listener DMs, and topical connections on your stories to boost ongoing downloads.
Show your creative process on social media
Build anticipation for new episodes and keep your audience actively engaged.
Know your target audience and stay on-brand
Be clear about who your podcast is for, and let that clarity reflect in your branding.
Prepare thoroughly before launching
Study podcasting fundamentals, plan your content, and understand your desired audience.
Don’t share every story—wait until you know the lesson
Only open up about painful moments when you’re ready to share how you grew from them.
Understand podcasting is hard work—stay motivated
Celebrate the impact you have, and let your listeners’ appreciation keep you going
Always 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 Podpage
If 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.
Question of the Month: The Future of Podcasting
Someone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it.
Worry Free Podcasting
Are 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.