In this full-circle conversation, I sit down with my second-ever client, branding powerhouse Ati Grinspun, to talk about how she’s built a magnetic business—and how podcasting has played a major role in it. From her early days as a flare bartender to becoming a personal branding coach and speaker, Ati gets real about what it takes to grow a business from the ground up.

We talk about how podcasting can amplify your personal brand, attract aligned clients, and help you stand out in a saturated space without relying on constant content creation or exhausting online strategies. This is an honest, powerful episode about growth, clarity, and showing up as your full self in your business.

In this episode:

• How we first started working together (and the evolution since!)
• Why podcasting is key to Ati’s brand and client journey
• Common branding mistakes new podcasters make
• The importance of clarity before launching a show
• How the Be You Brand Podcast supports her offers and builds trust
• Behind the scenes of the Be You Brand Live Conference in Las Vegas
• The mindset work behind scaling to $80K months

Connect with Ati:

Be You Brand Live in September: https://atigrinspun.com/beyoubrandliveevent/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ati.grinspun/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

A podcast can be the perfect way to grow your personal brand, but only if you’re starting at the right time. In this quick-hit Espresso Shot episode, I’m sharing what that timing actually looks like and how to know when you’re truly ready to launch.

Spoiler: it’s not about having a massive audience, perfect branding, or 52 episode ideas. It’s about clarity—on who you're talking to, what you're saying, and how you're serving.

We’ll dive into:

• Why podcasting is a powerful tool for personal brand growth

• The key signs you’re actually ready to start a podcast

• What makes a podcast bingeable (and why that matters for sales)

• The 3 questions I ask every client before they launch

• How a limited series podcast can save you time, build trust, and support your offers

• The behind-the-scenes strategy behind my Espresso Series offer https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/espresso-series

Whether you’re still dreaming of launching or you’re ready to finally hit “record,” this episode will help you decide what’s next—and why your voice deserves to be heard.

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Today’s episode is a little different—because we’re celebrating a major milestone… Espresso Podcast Production turns 5 years old!What started as a college podcast project (shoutout Wrestling Winedown) turned into a full-time business that’s helped hundreds of creators launch, grow, and amplify their voices through podcasting.

And today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my journey—from being a shy student to a top 3% podcaster and founder.In this honest, unscripted solo episode, I’m reflecting on:

How I accidentally started my business

The evolution from VA to podcast strategist

The mindset and mentorship that made it possible

Why community and connection are the realROI

The power of investing in yourself

Why we need to celebrate our wins more oftenHow podcasting is one of the best networking tools

🎂 Here’s to 5 years—and many more to come. Thanks for being a part of it.

People & Coaches Mentioned:

Azalee Maslow: https://www.instagram.com/azaleemaslow

Keyera Patrick: https://www.instagram.com/keyerapatrick/

Kate Perkovic: https://www.instagram.com/kateperkovic/

Karina Baldwin: https://www.instagram.com/trueadventureco/

Kelly Adams: https://www.instagram.com/kellyadamscoaching/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Ever wondered what starting a podcast could lead to if you just kept going? In this episode I sit down with Lauren, host of the So Can I podcast and a social media strategist, to talk about how she went from recording her first episode on Zoom to building a podcast-driven brand and community that’s lasted over three years.

We talk about:

• How Lauren launched So Can I after shifting from health coaching to content creation
• Her journey from cold-emailing hundreds of fitness influencers to confidently reaching out to dream podcast guests
• The evolution of her interview style—from question lists to active listening
• The moment she almost gave up, and the advice that helped her keep going
• Why adding video and collaborative posts changed the game for her promotion strategy
• How podcasting helped her build a business without even realizing it at first

Plus, we share our mutual love for Bravo, why early episodes are always cringey (and why that’s okay), and how podcasting builds connection, confidence, and community over time.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about whether podcasting is worth it, this episode will remind you: if she can do it, so can you.

Connect with Lauren:

Website: http://laurencunningham.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socanipodcast/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠W

ebsite: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

⁠My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

I know you want more podcast listeners—because every podcaster does. But what you don’t need is another “just be consistent!” pep talk.

In this espresso shot episode, I’m giving it to you straight: the 3 most effective ways to grow your podcast without doubling your workload or chasing gimmicks. These are actionable, proven strategies I use with my podcast clients—and they actually work.

This one’s for the podcasters who already have a few seasons (or years!) under their belt and want to make their episodes go further.

Resources:

My social media for podcasters episode with Emma Tessler: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-cafe-insights-for-podcasters-from-podcasters/id1778973741?i=1000704790533

My anti-social media episode with Amelia Hruby: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-cafe-insights-for-podcasters-from-podcasters/id1778973741?i=1000678565607

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

She almost quit her podcast after years of slow growth.

Then she gave it one last year, brought in expert help, and 8×’d her downloads.

Now? She’s ranked #2 in her category, has 400+ episodes under her belt—and her podcast is finally bringing in high-ticket clients.

If you’ve been wondering whether your show is worth investing in… this episode will inspire you to take the leap.

Laura Mixon Camacho, PhD, is an executive communication strategist who helps high-performing leaders sharpen their executive presence and step into top roles with confidence. She’s the creator of Executive Presence Mastery, a bespoke program designed to prepare ambitious professionals for the executive suite.

We talk about what it really takes to grow a podcast over the long haul—especially when it supports a business—and how she kept going when most podcasters would’ve given up.

Laura’s podcast, Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence, is ranked #2 in the world for communication skills and sits in the top 2% of all podcasts globally.

Her client list is as diverse as it is impressive: ABI, Bosch, Comcast, Google, Hilton, Medtronic, Nestlé, and Society of Women Engineers—to name just a few.

She lives in Mt. Pleasant with husband, Ruben. Her favorite hang out is on the beach at Sullivan’s Island.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Laura rebooted her podcast after a plateau and skyrocketed her downloads
• The shift that helped her show finally convert listeners into coaching clients
• Why short, strategic episodes can boost retention and rankings
• How she comes up with fresh content ideas for three episodes a week
• Why knowing your audience intimately is the secret to long-term growth
• Why podcasting is perfect for people who don’t want to be “on” all the time

Connect with Laura:

hello@speakupwithlaura.com

Mobile: 252-258-4704

Instagram: Speak Up With Laura

X/Twitter: Speak Up With Laura

Linkedin: Laura Mixon Camacho, PhD

Website: www.speakupwithlaura.com

Podcast: Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

In this episode I’m joined by longtime indie podcaster Bubbawheat, who has been podcasting since 2012 and is a brilliant example of what it means to stay consistent, go niche, and keep creating for the love of it.

Bubbawheat shares how he got started with a superhero movie blog (Flights, Tights, and Movie Nights), which evolved into several podcasts, including FilmWhys, It’s Time to Rewind, and his newest creative challenge, Reel Crime Scenes.We talk about:

• How he built a 200+ episode podcast focused entirely on time loops
• His process for breaking down movies one minute at a time
• The value of finding your voice in solo vs. group podcasts
• How to research, script, and edit efficiently (without burning out)
• Collaborating with fellow indie podcasters—and even film actors
• Staying motivated when you’re podcasting in a small but loyal niche

Featured Projects by Bubbawheat:

• It’s Time to Rewind – Time loop TV + movies, one loop at a time
• Reel Crime Scenes – A creative true crime-style podcast based on fictional plots
• FilmWhys – A cult classic/superhero movie swap podcast

He also shares what it’s like creating content for a super-specific audience and why niche creators shouldn’t chase trends or fame—just make content they genuinely love.

Connect with Bubbawheat:

Listen to his podcasts: https://linktr.ee/bubbawheat

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bubbawheat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@bubbawheat

Join the Facebook Group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠It's Time to Rewind⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.facebook.com/groups/849400315988924/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Your podcast doesn’t have to fit in a box—and that’s a good thing.

If you’ve ever held yourself back because your idea didn’t feel “niche enough,” or "no one has done this before" this one’s for you. Whether you’re multi-passionate, pivoting, or still figuring it out, this episode will shift your mindset and help you get clarity without boxing yourself in.

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/