Welcome back to the Podcast Café! Today, I’m joined by lifestyle blogger and podcast host and my client, Betsy —creator of The Bet’s Life—to chat about turning personal storytelling into a meaningful brand, growing a podcast through community, and staying consistent by doing things your way.

Betsy launched her blog in 2020 and added a podcast to her brand in 2022, which Espresso Podcast Production has produced since the start! Four seasons and 50+ episodes later, she’s built a powerful platform for storytelling, creative collaboration, and local influence from her home base in Santa Barbara. In this episode, we talk about the evolution of her brand, how she approaches solo vs. guest episodes, why she embraced seasonal podcasting, and the real truth behind making podcasting sustainable.

Whether you’re a lifestyle content creator, a blogger thinking about starting a podcast, or someone trying to blend your personality into your brand—this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• Why Betsy started her blog and how it naturally led to her podcast
• How she integrates affiliate marketing and brand partnerships into her show
• Why podcast seasons help her stay consistent without burnout
• The power of solo episodes for building audience trust
• Her research-heavy process and the importance of preparation
• How she uses her podcast to show different facets of her personality
• Advice for new podcasters on finding your voice and staying in it for the long run

Connect with Betsy:

Visit Betsy’s website: https://thebetslife.com

Follow Betsy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebetslife/

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/

Welcome back to the Podcast Café! In this Espresso Shot episode, we’re diving into one of the most common questions I get from clients and listeners alike: How long should your podcast episodes be?

The short answer? It depends. But in this episode, I’m giving you a clear framework to help you decide what length works best based on your audience, content style, and goals. Whether you’re creating bite-sized tips or deep-dive interviews, there’s a strategy behind your ideal episode length—and it starts with understanding your listeners.

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/

What if your lack of self-trust is the very thing holding you back from launching—or growing—your podcast? In this episode, Dawn Ledet, the host of The Self Trust Solution podcast, joins me to explore the connection between self-trust, personal growth, and podcasting success.

Dawn shares how her own wake-up call led to a life dedicated to helping others build self-trust, and how that translates directly to showing up, staying consistent, and creating content that truly connects. If you’ve been sitting on a podcast idea for months (or years) or struggling with confidence around your next move, this episode will reframe your mindset and give you tools to take bold, aligned action.

In this episode:

• Why clarity comes after taking action—not before
• The truth about "lobby noise" and how it’s blocking your creativity
• What it really means to bet on yourself and build self-trust
• How to stop overconsumption and start creating
• A framework for planning podcast content from intuition, not pressure

Connect with Dawn:

www.theselftrustcoach.com

https://www.instagram.com/dawnledetcoach

Free 7 Day Self Trust Boost: https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/self-trust-boost-series

My book Master Your Inner Dialogue on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0khdG2T

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/

Think you need a sales page, a funnel, and a polished offer to launch something new? Not quite. In this quick Espresso Shot episode, I share why your podcast is actually the best place to test new concepts—before investing time or money into building them out.Whether you’re considering a new offer, a shift in your niche, or a fresh content framework, your podcast can give you real-time data, audience feedback, and the clarity you need to move forward confidently.

You’ll learn:

• Why your podcast is your best “low-pressure testing lab”
• 3 ways to test new ideas on your show
• What signs to look for to know if something’s resonating
• How to use your podcast to refine before you sell
• Why testing leads to better launches and more sales

Pick one idea you’ve been sitting on. Record a solo episode about it. Ask your audience to DM you or click a link. That’s all it takes to start validating your idea.📈 BONUS TIP: Episode 20 is all about podcast metrics that matter—check it out next to learn how to track what’s working.

Check out Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller. Get it through your library or Audible: http://www.audibletrial.com/QyNjxo

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/

What if the secret to building confidence, connection, and community was just hitting “record”?

This week on Podcast Café, I’m joined by business mentor, serial entrepreneur, and podcast host Katy of #ActuallyICan. Katy's journey into podcasting didn’t start as a marketing strategy — it started as a way to share truth, connection, and the real stories that often get left off the highlight reel.

From launching multiple businesses to producing a podcast that’s evolving right alongside her life and work, Katy gets candid about burnout, pivots, and giving herself permission to do things differently — including stepping fully into her voice.

We cover:

• Why podcasting is more than just a marketing channel — and how Katy learned to trust her voice
• The evolution of #ActuallyICan and why it’s okay to shift directions
• Building businesses that align with your real life (not just your revenue goals)
• Her top advice for starting a podcast and avoiding burnout
• The surprising power of podcasting to build deeper relationships — with yourself and your audience

If you’ve ever wondered whether starting a podcast is “worth it,” this episode will give you the realest insight you need.

Connect with Katy:www.katyripp.com

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

Learn more about her community here: https://katyripp.com/community

Katie's recommended Podcasts: The Magic of Manifestation

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/

What if the thing holding you back from launching your podcast is the exact reason you need to start it now?

In this episode of Espresso Shot, I’m busting the myth that you need a perfectly clear niche, flawless branding, or the “right” plan before you hit publish. The truth? Clarity comes from action — and messy beginnings often lead to the most meaningful transformations.

Whether you're still thinking about starting a podcast or you’ve launched but feel the pressure to be perfect, this is your reminder: you’re allowed to evolve.

In this episode:

• Why perfection is the biggest block for new podcasters
• How pivoting isn’t failure — it’s proof you’re listening and growing
• Why solo episodes might be your strongest content yet
• What successful hosts have in common
• Why connection, not polish, should be your biggest focus

I am currently listening to Gary Vee's Day Trading Attention book, get it through your library or Audible: http://www.audibletrial.com/QyNjxo

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/

What if the key to building real influence and business connections wasn’t coffee meetings, but a microphone? That’s exactly what happened for today’s guest, Angela Duncan.

On this episode of Podcast Café, I’m sitting down with Angela, host of Empower Her Money Podcast, to talk about how she used podcasting as a powerful tool to network, grow her brand, and empower women around money and business. Angela shares why she intentionally built a podcast brand separate from her real estate business, how she books powerhouse guests like Elena Cardone, and what strategies helped her podcast hit the top 5% globally.

We dive deep into why every podcast needs a clear intention, how to blend business growth with authentic connection, and the tactical moves Angela makes to nurture her podcast network even after the interview ends.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast — or you're wondering how to make your current show a real business asset — this conversation is full of insights you can start applying today.

In this episode:

Why Angela separated her podcast brand from her main business

How podcasting became a door-opener to high-level rooms and mentorships

The strategy behind launching five episodes a week without burning out

How giving value first (free resources, promotions) can build trust and grow your audience

Actionable ways to stay connected to past guests and turn your podcast into a long-term networking tool

Connect with Angela:

Empower HER Money Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/empower-her-money/id1695971432

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

Website: https://www.empowerhermoney.com

Links: https://linktr.ee/empowerhermoney

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/

If you knew that podcasting could change your business before you ever hit record… would you still be waiting to start?

In this Espresso Shot episode, I’m breaking down the real ways podcasting builds trust, boosts visibility, and gets you in rooms you never thought you’d be in. From landing dream clients to creating relationships with industry leaders — podcasting isn’t just a content platform… it’s a business growth accelerator.

Whether you're thinking about starting a podcast or want to reignite the one you already have, this is the reminder you need to see what’s possible on the other side of the mic.

In this quick episode, I cover:

• How podcasting builds authority before you ever meet someone

• Why guest interviews are the best networking hack

• The visibility compounding effect (SEO + social reach)

• What happens when your voice gets stronger — and you start showing up differently

And if you're thinking, "But I don't have the perfect setup yet..." this episode is especially for you.

Listen now — and then come back tomorrow for my conversation with Angela Duncan from Empower Her Money, where we dig even deeper into how podcasting opens doors.

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/