What does it really look like to start a podcast while raising a family, and is it worth it if it is not making money yet? In this episode, I am joined by my first international guest, Victoria Phipps, host of the Mum Means Business podcast, who joins us from the UK. She is a mom of two, a business owner, and someone who instantly feels like a longtime friend. Victoria shares the honest behind the scenes reality of launching her podcast, from the tools she invested in to how she is thinking about monetization in the early stages. We also talk about identity and how easy it is to lose sight of who you were before becoming a mom, and why creating something that is just yours matters. Together, we unpack the pressure to justify the time spent on a podcast that is not yet generating income, the importance of following what feels fun, and the confidence that comes from simply starting. We also get into the real logistics of making a podcast happen with young kids at home, from childcare to scheduling challenges, and why continuing to prioritize your creative outlet ultimately makes you a better mom.

Key Topics Covered

• Launching a podcast as a busy mom.
• The early stages of podcast monetization.
• Tools and resources worth investing in when starting a podcast.
• Reconnecting with your identity after motherhood.
• Building a business while raising young children.
• Using your podcast to nurture and convert your audience.
• Letting go of the pressure for immediate ROI.
• Gaining confidence through podcasting.
• The logistics of recording with kids at home.
• Why creative outlets make you a better mom.

Links:

Follow Victoria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoria_phipps/

Follow Mum Means Business on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mummeansbusinesspodcast/

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Great podcast hosts know how to guide a conversation in a way that feels natural, thoughtful, and deeply engaging, and today’s guest does exactly that. I’m joined by my friend and fellow podcaster, Liz Emmerich, a professional clinical counselor, registered play therapist, mom of three boys, and the host of the Experience Motherhood podcast. Liz shares how she approaches podcasting while balancing life as a mom, especially during seasons when childcare is limited. We talk about the “both/and” reality many mothers experience: wanting to be fully present with their children while also pursuing meaningful passions outside of motherhood. Liz also opens up about stepping away from social media to focus on building her email list, the strategies that have helped her grow it, and how she decided it was worth investing in outsourcing her podcast editing. Along the way, she shares how her background as a therapist shapes the thoughtful questions she asks guests, how she’s landed some impressive names on her show, and what goals she has for her podcast this year.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why the “both/and” mindset resonates so deeply with moms who want to nurture their families while pursuing personal passions.
• Liz’s realistic approach to podcasting during seasons with less childcare.
• The strategies she used to grow her email list after stepping back from social media.
• How she decided outsourcing podcast editing was a worthwhile investment as a frugal business owner.
• What therapists understand about asking better questions and how it translates to stronger podcast interviews.
• Liz’s authentic approach to inviting well known guests onto her podcast.
• What has been more challenging about podcasting than she originally expected.
• Her goals for the Experience Motherhood podcast this year.
• A new goal for the Pivot Ball Change network that will support all podcasts inside the community.

Links & Resources:

Liz’s Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe: https://www.thewaytohisheartblog.com/mexican-stuffed-shells/

Read The Wishing Game: https://amzn.to/3PzhWUs

Follow Liz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experiencemotherhood/

Listen to Liz’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/experience-motherhood/id1678603043

Join Liz’s Email List: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/kac05b818m

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

What does it really look like to pause something successful, trust your gut, and come back even stronger? I’m joined by powerhouse entrepreneur Stephanie Ross, CEO of Small Business Sister Circle, author, podcast host, realtor, and mom, to unpack her bold podcast rebrand and relaunch. Stephanie shares what led her to step away, why now was the right time to return, and how she approached this new season differently by recording the audio version of her book through her show, leaning into more solo episodes, implementing affiliate ad partnerships, and hiring support. We also dive into what it truly takes to host a large-scale event like the upcoming Sister Circle Summit in La Crosse, Wisconsin, from the pressure of year six to the energy required to create a safe and transformative space. Our conversation expands into the realities of motherhood and entrepreneurship, how becoming a mom reshapes your capacity and definition of success, and why protecting your energy as a leader matters more than ever.

Key Topics Covered:

• The mindset behind choosing a strategic pause instead of pushing through burnout.
  
  
• Lessons learned from hosting a multi-day summit in a small-town market.
  
  
• Why delegation becomes non-negotiable as your event and business grow.
  
  
• The internal pressure that increases with longevity and reputation.
  
  
• How to intentionally prepare before attending a live event to maximize ROI.
  
  
• A practical strategy for introverts to confidently enter high-energy networking spaces.
  
  
• Balancing visibility with privacy as the face of a community.
  
  
• Navigating evolving ambition alongside changing seasons of life.
  
  
  

Links & Resources:

Riverside Referral Code: https://riverside.sjv.io/WOXq0P

Get your copy of the Pivot Ball Change Editing Guide: https://www.pivotballchange.com/howtoeditpodcasts/p/how-to-edit-podcasts-with-pivot-ball-change

Use code KRYSTLE to get $50 off your Sister Circle Summit Ticket: https://sistercircle.co/home/?page_id=2317

Follow Stephanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieleaross/

Visit Stephanie’s Website: https://www.stephanieleaross.com/

Follow Small Business Sister Circle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallbusiness.sistercircle/

Get Your Copy of Stephanie’s Book, Seasons of a Soul-preneur, Here: https://amzn.to/4shWnWG

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Growing a podcast while raising two young kids and running a business is no small feat, but Caitlin Sloan proves it can be done with the right systems and strategy. In this episode, I sit down with the host of The Brainy Ballerina podcast and founder of The Brainy Ballerina to unpack the exponential growth she has experienced over the past year and the intentional moves behind it. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, where she also teaches for Madison Ballet, Caitlin shares how her show has elevated her authority in the ballet world, attracted sponsors, and become a powerful extension of her brand. We also have a full circle moment connecting over our shared ballet roots, which makes this conversation even more special.

Key topics covered:

• The systems she uses to maintain weekly consistency as a CEO and mom of two.
• How she strategically encourages guests to promote their episodes.
• A creative review strategy that led to a surge in five star ratings.
• Where imposter syndrome shows up for her and how she works through it.
• Her unconventional approach to booking high quality guests.
• A social media carousel concept that converts followers into listeners.
• The sponsor outreach template that helped her confidently land partnerships.
• Why outsourcing one episode per month was financially smarter than doing it all herself.
• What the transition to working with Pivot Ball Change looked like behind the scenes.

Links & Resources:

Riverside Referral Code: https://riverside.sjv.io/WOXq0P

Calf Friendly Boots: https://www.dolcevita.com/products/gyra-wide-calf-boots-dk-brown-suede?_gl=1%2Aym6c6o%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_gs%2AMQ..?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rakuten&utm_content=LTK&ranMID=41563&ranSiteID=QFGLnEolOWg-46rrQwPW759A.sS0EcJtkg

Join The Brainy Ballerina Book Club: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/the-brainy-ballerina-book-club?srsltid=AfmBOoptFWrWM27cc3BV2wsjSo16bt4k-UNNoa6ojVkK1ePX-cR2YiRH

Follow Caitlin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrainyballerina/

Follow Cailtin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrainyballerina

Visit Caitlin’s Website: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

The word that has been buzzing in my head lately is autonomy. In this solo episode, I open up about what has felt especially hard in this season of motherhood and why reclaiming even small pieces of independence can feel transformative. I share personal life updates, reflect on growth inside my business, and walk you through some behind-the-scenes podcast strategy including branding, monetization, downloads, and ranking. Plus, I celebrate hitting a 2026 goal early and invite you into what comes next before wrapping with this week’s 4 F’s: food, fun, fashion, and fiction.

Key Topics Covered

• A vulnerable reflection on parenting and the tension of losing personal autonomy
• The launch timeline for a brand new show joining Pivot Ball Change
• Whether you should refresh your podcast cover art and how to decide
• What a master intro is and why it strengthens your show’s professionalism
• How many ads are appropriate and the best placement within an episode
• Why you shouldn’t skip ads as a listener
• Listener question: Do guest interviews increase downloads?
• My most downloaded episodes so far and what they reveal
• How podcast categories impact rankings and discoverability
• The 2026 goal I already achieved and how you can be part of what’s next
• A sheet pan gnocchi recipe and a surprisingly addictive kale salad
• Fashion brands I’m loving as a mom in this season
• Home decor recommendations that elevate everyday spaces
• Current TV shows and a fiction read I can’t put down

Links & Resources:

Riverside Referral Code: https://riverside.sjv.io/WOXq0P

Autonomy Article: https://theeverymom.com/loss-of-autonomy-motherhood/?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=linkinbio&utm_campaign=team

Caroline Chambers Substack (sheet pan gnocchi & kale salad): https://whattocook.substack.com/

Uncommon James Candle: https://uncommonjames.com/products/warm-sugar-cookies-candle

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Sometimes the hardest diagnosis becomes the clearest calling. In honor of Heart Health Awareness Month, I’m joined by Katelyn McMahan, host of Tiny Little Hearts, who shares how her daughter Goldie’s severe congenital heart defect diagnosis at 18 weeks changed the trajectory of her life and ultimately inspired her to create the very community she couldn’t find. We talk about what it was like for her to launch her podcast with the support of Pivot Ball Change, how investing in help gave her clarity and accountability, and why she later chose to take ownership of her editing using our guide. From unexpected friendships and speaking opportunities to landing her first affiliate partner, Katelyn’s story is a powerful reminder that purpose can rise from the most painful seasons. She also opens up about Goldie’s feeding journey, life with a G-tube, and shares a few personal favorites you’ll love.

Key Topics Covered

• Goldie’s severe CHD diagnosis at 18 weeks and how it reshaped Katelyn’s life
• Why Katelyn created Tiny Little Hearts when she couldn’t find the support she needed
• The emotional and logistical overwhelm of launching a podcast
• What it was like working with Pivot Ball Change from day one
• The accountability factor that comes with investing in podcast support
• How the Pivot Ball Change editing guide empowered Katelyn to edit her own episodes
• The unexpected community and friendships formed through podcasting
• Being invited to speak at two local heart walks
• Monetization, authenticity, and landing her first affiliate partnership
• Goldie’s feeding journey and navigating life with a G-tube
• An amped up spaghetti bolognese recipe recommendation
• Why Katelyn loves Nuuly and how she uses the subscription service

Links & Resources:

Riverside Referral Code: https://riverside.sjv.io/WOXq0P

Get your copy of the Pivot Ball Change Editing Guide: https://www.pivotballchange.com/howtoeditpodcasts/p/how-to-edit-podcasts-with-pivot-ball-change

Launch your podcast with Pivot Ball Change today! https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Nuuly: https://www.nuuly.com/rent/referrals/invite

Listen to the Tiny Little Hearts Podcast: https://tr.ee/dDl4zwUjGx

Follow Tiny Little Hearts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinylittleheartspodcast/

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

In this episode of Pivot Ball Change, I’m joined by Shanna Hutcheson, host of the Wellness for the Win podcast, registered dietitian, mom of two boys, and a creator known for showing up online with refreshing honesty. We talk about why podcasting does not have to be an all or nothing commitment, especially in seasons of life that require flexibility. Shanna shares her unexpected journey into becoming a medical mama, how that experience reshaped her priorities, and what it has looked like to let certain things go while still running a business and podcast. We also have a candid conversation about transparency online, monetizing through shared links without guilt, and the reality that podcasting takes far more time and strategy than most people expect. From delegating editing to choosing recording and hosting platforms, Shanna breaks down why podcasting is still worth the effort for her and what success looks like in this current stage of life.

Key topics covered

• Alternative podcasting schedules and formats that support busy seasons
• Shanna’s journey as a medical mama and how it changed her business priorities
• Showing up authentically online, even when life feels heavy
• Navigating monetization and affiliate income with honesty and transparency
• The real time investment required to run a successful podcast
• Delegation, strategy, and outsourcing podcast editing
• What it feels like to hand your podcast over to an editor
• The low barrier to entry for starting a podcast
• Recording and hosting platforms Shanna recommends
• Defining podcast success based on your current season of life

Links:

Get Shanna’s Orzo Recipe Here: https://wellnessforthewin.com/one-pot-italian-chicken-sausage-with-orzo/

Follow Shanna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessforthewin/

Shanna’s Blog: https://wellnessforthewin.com/

Listen to the Wellness for the Win Podcast: https://tr.ee/OO_eYEHHq_

Sponsor:

Visit CASACAMPO'S website: https://visitcasacampo.com/

Follow CASACAMPO on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitcasacampo/

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

What do you get when you mix a CPA, a homeschooling mom of three, two podcasts, and a “try anything once” mindset? In today’s episode, I’m joined by my friend Teran Sands - CPA, content creator, and host of What Your CPA Wants You to Know and Well This Wasn’t the Plan. She shares what it’s like to co-host two different podcasts and how her path led her into podcasting in the first place. With over 364,000 Instagram followers and a rapidly growing online presence, Teran breaks down why she approached the launch of her second podcast differently than her first, why waiting for things to be perfect can hold you back, and how she treats her content like a real business by using data to guide growth. We also dive into navigating negative comments, why online success rarely happens overnight, and how consistency and experimentation fueled her momentum. We wrap things up with a live coaching session focused on monetizing her homeschooling podcast, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the same strategic questions and ideas I use in my one-on-one podcast consultations.

Key Topics Covered

• Co-hosting multiple podcasts with different dynamics
  
  
  
• Launching a podcast before everything feels “perfect”
  
  
  
• Treating podcasting and content creation like a real business

• How to legally pay your children through your small business
  
  
  
• Handling negative comments and online criticism as a creator
  
  
  
• Why growth on social media doesn’t happen overnight
  
  
  
• Using analytics and numbers to guide content strategy
  
  
  
• Outsourcing podcast production and the time it can save

• Creative and outside-the-box podcast monetization ideas

Links:

Follow Teran on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teransands/

Listen to Teran’s CPA Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0NzUggPyGYZungtsy4yYB8?si=99c3daebbea04c25&nd=1&dlsi=5f9800eba7424a79

Listen to Teran’s Homeschooling Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/well-this-wasnt-the-plan/id1832360658

Teran’s Freezer Meal Prep: https://stan.store/teransands/p/get-my-freezer-meal-guide-now?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnjIWzABVbPXgAJt9Zt0iyr9A7zTEAipRpxEyRe61fs8lIpttemxxPb0_tclg_aem_pmy6xSWhqkwV7FzMjdLl8Q

Sponsors:

Visit CASACAMPO'S website: https://visitcasacampo.com/

Follow CASACAMPO on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitcasacampo/

Let’s Connect!

Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/services

Follow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/

Visit Pivot Ball Change’s Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/