The Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast is on fire right now with a perfect dose of sarcasm, wit, and lots of laughs. Hosted by Amanda Hirsch, this Instagram page turned full-on podcast is your home for all things pop-culture. Get ready to hear about all the latest and greatest celebrity drama, scandal, romance, and anything trending in this crazy world of entertainment. With Not Skinny But Not Fat, you will get your weekly recap of allll the streamy drama and hear from special guests like Rita Ora, Kristen Stewart, Addison Rae, Chrishell Stause, Carole Radziwill, Claire Holt, and more! This is one of the best reality TV podcasts around and every episode is entertaining from start to finish! If you’re not listening already, here’s a roundup of the 12 best, most popular, must-listen podcast episodes of Not Skinny But Not Fat!

The 12 Best Not Skinny But Not Fat Podcast Episodes

Squashing Beef & Rumors With Hannah Berner & Paige DeSorbo 

Ready for a little reality TV recap? Summer House is filled with drama, rumors, laughs, tears, and more – and so is this episode! Catch up with Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo of the Summer House as they talk about drama from the latest season, friendship, and new love interests.

CALLED OUT With Justin Anderson 

Remember that time Madison LeCroy had a nip slip on Instagram Live and sent the world into a frenzy? Yeah, us too! In this episode, Amanda sits down with Justin Anderson to get down to the nitty gritty of what actually happened and how Kristin Cavallari, Craig Conover, Austen Kroll, and Jay Cutler are also involved. The duo also discuss hair and lip tips, Nashville, and how to be a good BFF.

Deactivated Thrice and Thriving with Jackie Schimmel 

Meet Jackie Shimmel, podcast host of The Bitch Bible, influencer, creator, and comedian. In this week’s episode, Amanda sits down to bitch with Jackie about Instagram shadow banning, getting deactivated, and traveling as an influencer. Amanda also shares some pretty biiiig news with her fans in this episode…so trust us, this is not the episode to miss.

Bye Bravo With Carole Radziwill 

Are you obsessed with RHONY? If your answer is yes, then the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast is 1000% for you! Amanda keeps listeners up to date on allll the Housewives drama, and even gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look sometimes… like in this episode with Carole Radziwill! Get ready to hear about all things Carole Radziwill like her perspective about drama on the show, her life before RHONY, and all her favorite things.

OBSESSED WITH ADDISON RAE 

This week, Amanda sits down with Addison Rae – actress, artist, influencer, and Tiktok royalty. If you haven’t heard her new songs, or seen her in the new “He’s All That” on Netflix, we can bet you’ve seen at least one (or a dozen) of her insanely popular dancing Tiktoks that shot her to fame. Get ready to hear all about Addison, where she came from, how she’s achieving her dreams, and what she’s doing next!

NSBNF x @girlwithnojob: The Collab You’ve All Been Waiting For? 

Two podcasting queens in one episode, what else could you ask for? Amanda sits down with Claudia Oshry, author, podcaster, and creator of @girlwithnojob, to talk about the evolution of both their podcasts. They also talk about Kourtney and Travis, the new Kardashian Hulu deal, the Friends reunion, and more!

Very Shannon Ford 

If you love Very Cavallari, then you have to listen to this episode. Amanda sits down with ex Very Cavallari star, Shannon Ford to spill alllllll the tea about why and how she was fired and where she stands with Kristin Cavallari now. Shannon also dishes about the Madison LeCroy Instagram Live drama and finally sets the record straight about that video with Jay Cutler.

Keeping Up With the Kardashians With Comments By Celebs 

This episode features your weekly dose of reality TV and this time, it’s all about Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Amanda brings in the Kardashian experts, Emma Diamond and Julie Kramer, from Comments By Celebs to help listeners make sense of all recent relationships, drama, and scandal. You’ll hear about Scott and Sophia, a cheating Tristan, and our new fav power duo – KRAVIS.

SKOURT VS KRAVIS With E!’s Justin Sylvester

Amanda welcomes E!’s Justin Sylvester for a recap of the week’s most piping hot celebrity stories and gossip. You’ll hear about Demi Lovato’s frozen yogurt grudge, KRAVIS, SCORT, and the breakup of Jennifer Lopez and Aaron Rodriguez. Justin also shares how becoming a “lady sitter” (lol, what?) helped him gain popularity in the entertainment industry and what he’s up to now.

Soaps, Real Estate & Drama with Chrishell Stause 

In this episode, Amanda sits down with the one-and-only Chrishell Stause of Selling Sunset. Chrishell, in her true dramatic fashion, talks all things real estate, her opinion of new and original cast members, her favorite shows, finding a new man, and her next vacation spot. Plus, in this episode, Chrishell reveals some new and exciting news that you’re not going to want to miss.

RITA F**KING ORA IS HERE

In this episode, the brilliant Rita Ora joins Amanda to chat about her career and how it all began. She also gives us all the deets on on married life with her husband Taika Waititi, her odd obsession with Shrek, and SO. MUCH. MORE. Whether you’re familiar with this gorgeous pop icon or not, this is a super entertaining episode you don’t want to miss!

Kristen Stewart Is No Basic B

Kristen Stewart has been on our radar since she accepted the role as Bella in the Twilight movies, but if you haven’t been following her, you might be unaware of the total icon she’s become in Hollywood. She sits down with Amanda to talk about everything from her fave reality shows to her latest starring role that is raising more than a few eyebrows.

Why Do You Listen to Not Skinny But Not Fat?

From weekly recaps about all our favorite reality shows to spilling the tea on celebrity drama, Not Skinny But Not Fat is easily one of the best female comedy podcasts around. We love listening to Not Skinny But Not Fat to catch up with anything in the entertainment world that we might have missed throughout the week. Why do you listen to NSBNF? Maybe you loveeeee sipping that celebrity tea or maybe you really dig how Amanda explains all the drama. Either way, let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget, you can listen to Not Skinny But Not Fat almost anywhere! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Dear Media.

Hey y’all! Do you hear that?! That’s the sound of Texas calling your name! May 4th is quickly approaching and we’re more than ready to scoot our boots to Austin for Dear Media IRL. Well, we’re almost ready. We wanna listen to a few more podcasts to get ready, and what better podcasts to listen to than ones with that signature Texas aesthetic?

With a “go big or go home” vibe, Texas is like a different world. Locals work their asses off, whether on a ranch or in an office, and definitely know how to let loose and have fun. That vibe can also make for a fantastic podcast. It’s no wonder many podcasters, like Joe Rogan, Lauryn and Michael Bosstick, and our very own Dear Media Studio, have moved to Austin in recent years. 

It’s worth mentioning that countless celebs have found solace in Texas too. Hottie Scott Eastwood moved to The Lone Star State in 2018, saying “I think that’s why people who come to Texas really can fall in love with it,” he said. “There’s more community, people are more neighborly, people are nice. It slows life down a little bit. It’s not this fast-paced living in a big city like New York or Los Angeles.”

You can experience this for yourself while you’re in Austin for Dear Media IRL, but in the meantime, check out these podcasts with a Texas aesthetic to listen to while you wait for the big day to get here!

5 Podcasts with a Texas Aesthetic

The Skinny Confidential: Him & Her Podcast

Sure, we might be a little biased, but Lauryn Bosstick and her husband Michael Bosstick know what it takes to host an unforgettable podcast. Episodes of their mega-popular, top-rated The Skinny Confidential: Him & Her Podcast have been downloaded 200 million times!!! And, there’s no denying that their down-home, relatable vibe has a lot to do with it. When you consider this, it’s no wonder that Lauryn and Michael were itching to get out of LA and relocate their family somewhere that felt like a “sanctuary.”

In 2021, the dynamic duo behind Dear Media Studios said goodbye to Los Angeles and moved their family to Austin, Texas. Michael and Lauryn shared why they decided to move halfway across the country and how they decided on Austin as their new home in this episode of their podcast. Be sure to check out more episodes of Him and Her leading up to Dear Media IRL to fully embrace these bad*ss, independent entrepreneur vibes. Oh, and don’t forget your F*cking Yeehaw Dear Media hoodie. 

House Guest With Kenzie Elizabeth

We challenge you to find someone who loves Texas more than Kenzie Elizabeth. The podcaster behind House Guest with Kenzie Elizabeth (formerly the ILYSM podcast) is living her best life in Dallas and graciously shares an authentic BTS look at what the state has to offer. From her Insta to her YouTube channel, there’s just something about Kenzie that people vibe with. Unfortunately, she won’t be at Dear Media IRL, but you can bring her sport by rocking this Find Me in Texas tee! 

Her podcast is just as relatable as it is bingeable. Here are some of our fave episodes of House Guest with Kenzie Elizabeth: 

• Dicked Down in Dallas, Mental Health, Addiction, Self Awareness, & Believing in Yourself with Trey Lewis
• I’m the Happiest I’ve Ever Been and I’m Doing Everything I’ve Been Told Was Wrong
• The Ultimate Adult Friendship Episode

Transform

One of Dear Media’s newer podcasts, Transform, is already earning recognition as a must-listen. Its cohosts, Sami Spalter and Sami Clarke (a.k.a. the Samis) are twenty-something besties who aren’t afraid to have very real, very relatable conversations. And we’re all better because of it! With each episode of their podcast, they’re empowering women to be the best versions of themselves.

A little over a year ago, Sami Spalter relocated to Austin, Texas. Since then, her Insta has become a source of Texas to-dos and aesthetic photos. When you’re done stalking her feed (don’t worry, we do it too), be sure to tune in to the Transform podcast. And, of course, come meet them at Dear Media IRL! You can start from the beginning or check out these episodes:

• How to Have Self-Compassion and Self-Love
• How to Build Your Best Friendships

Texas Wine And True Crime

Calling all true crime fans! Texas Wine And True Crime is a podcast bringing together two of our favorite things. During each episode, husband and wife Brandy and Chris Diamond review Texas-grown wines while covering some of the most shocking true crime stories.

They’ve covered well-known cases like Jodi Arias and Scott Peterson, as well as dozens of true crime stories that you’ve never heard from the Lonestar State. It’s a must listen! (But, don’t let it scare you out of coming down here for Dear Media IRL.)

As A Woman

As A Woman is a podcast hosted by Dr. Natalie Crawford, a fertility doctor and co-founder of Fora Fertility in Austin, Texas. Her podcast, which has been downloaded over 4 million times, is dedicated to helping people understand their bodies and hormones, which is amazing given the amount of misinformation and polarizing opinions floating around these days.

As A Woman episodes cover a bunch of topics, including mental health, infertility, hormones, and so much more. She also frequently welcomes special guests to share their experiences or to chat about related topics. Dr. Natalie Crawford is a fantastic example of a strong, brilliant woman living her best life in Austin, Texas.

If you end up loving it, we have Dear Media podcasts in the same niche! Check out SHE MD and Fertility FM for more women’s health centered content!

Embrace all the Texas vibes before Dear Media IRL!

Are y’all excited or what!? Dear Media IRL is the ultimate live podcasting experience with some of your fave podcasters and other members of the Dear Media community. We’ve been preparing for this day since the minute last year’s DM IRL ended, so you can be damn sure we’re ready to boot scoot and boogie our way to Austin on May 4th.

You can read more about the event and what to expect on the Dear Media site. Be sure to check out the Dear Media blog while you’re at it. There’s A TON of awesome info there!!

Narcissists, or people who suffer from narcissistic personality disorder, are people with a serious mental health condition that involves a pattern of arrogance and self-centered thinking. Relationships with narcissists can be abusive and lead to a hella toxic phenomenon called trauma bonding. 

Trauma bonding is a unique bond between an abuser and an abused person where a deep attachment forms during the cycles of abuse. These happen most often in relationships where abusers waffle back and forth between affectionate and abusive, while those being abused typically have insecure attachment styles (check out this ep of We Met At Acme to learn more about attachment styles), low self-esteem, and are lacking in boundaries.

This combo can lead to dangerous codependency that can make attempting to leave difficult. The victim’s emotions may become tangled, leaving them confused. They may believe they cannot survive without this person. But, if they are being harmed, leaving is incredibly important for their health and safety.

Does any of this sound familiar? Are you, a friend, or family member at risk for a trauma bond with a narcissist? We hope not. But, just in case you’re in this situation, we want to help. We care about you, girl! We want you to be at your healthiest and safest. That’s why today, we’re sharing a guide to help you break free of a trauma bond with a narcissistic abuser.

How to Break a Trauma Bond with a Narcissist

Breaking free from abusive relationships can be a difficult and painful process. Ending a relationship is never easy, but when you’re finding it difficult to distinguish pain and control from “love,” it’s hard to think about anything else, let alone leaving. 

But, when you realize what’s actually happening, you have a chance to change it. That’s why learning what a trauma bond with a narcissist looks like is so important. You want to be able to identify the patterns and spot a narcissist early in the relationship.

What Does a Trauma Bond with a Narcissist Look Like?

A relationship with a narcissistic abuser from the abuser’s side looks like a cycle of abuse and manipulation interspersed with lots of punishments and rarely any rewards. On the victim’s side, signs of trauma bonding may look like feeling stuck in the relationship and being tense and overly cautious around the abuser. They may put a lot of effort into the relationship and get very little in return. 

All of this can take a toll on the victim’s overall health and wellness, especially their mental health. You can’t thrive in an environment that is constantly beating you down, after all. Their decreasing health may contribute to them staying in the relationship. While this may lead some to assume the victim is weak, trauma bonds can happen to anyone and are not a choice or sign of weakness—they’re a natural and common response to abuse. 

If you or a loved one is in this situation, don’t worry! It is possible to break out of toxic relationship patterns and free yourself from a trauma bond. 

How to Break The Trauma Bond with a Narcissist 

Become aware of the trauma bond.

The first step in breaking any trauma bond is to become aware of what’s happening to you. It’s important to recognize that what’s going on is a cycle of abuse, meant to hurt you just enough to keep you under control. 

To become aware of your trauma bond, you need to know the signs. Here are 7 signs of a toxic person to be wary of, and the 7 stages of a trauma bond you want to be on the lookout for. 

Write down your experiences.

Trauma bonding involves a lot of manipulation and gaslighting, which can make it difficult to determine what’s really happening and identify any patterns in behavior. Additionally, the dramatic pendulum of emotions can cloud your memory, making you forget the bad moments.

Writing down what happens throughout the day, every day, is a good way to begin to identify how much of the relationship is harmful, and what patterns the abuser might be using against you. 

Change perspectives.

If it were your bestie in this situation instead of you, would you be so cool with them stayng in the relationship? Probably not. Most likely, you’d want them OUT, ASAP. 

So, if you were giving advice to them, what advice would you give them? Be honest with yourself. Then, take that advice and run with it, babe.

Having a hard time keeping that perspective? Get this cozy Every End Is A New Beginning hoodie to remember that you are MUCH better off starting your new story!

Cut off as much contact as possible.

If you can go no contact, go no contact, girl. The more you talk to them, the harder it will be to escape the web they weave trying to get you back. Of course, we realize going no contact isn’t possible in every relationship—sometimes there’s a child or legal issues involved that prevent you from going 100% no contact. 

Still, limiting your contact with the narcissistic abuser is a hugely important step to breaking a trauma bond. Narcissistic abusers are masters of manipulation and can use their charm to convince you to take them back. Yet, every time you do, you send the message that they can get away with what they did, and they will take it a step further. 

Plus, in the seventh stage of the trauma bond, you become emotionally addicted to the trauma bond. Staying in contact with your abuser is flirting with your addiction—it makes it all the more difficult to get out.

It can be difficult to set these boundaries, especially when the abuser is not used to you sticking up for yourself. Here’s our article on how to set boundaries with a narcissist, or you can listen to The Papaya Podcast’s episode on Creating Boundaries & Trusting Your Intuition.

Practice self-love.

You may not know how to fall in love with yourself, but believe us, it’s possible. Why wouldn’t it be?! You’re a bad*ss bitch who deserves all the love a person can give. And YOU can give it to yourself!

Feel like you don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got LOTS to say on loving yourself. Here are our recommendations for learning to love yourself:

• Read & repeat 100+ Affirmations for Self Love.
• Listen to House Guest with Kenzie Elizabeth tell you Why Self-Love Isn’t Selfish.
• Learn 4 Ways to Self Love from Almost Adulting with Violet Benson.
• Finish up with How To Fall In Love With Yourself! from What We Said

Spend time with friends and family—LOTS of it.

Narcissistic abusers may try to isolate their victims so that there is a lower likelihood of anyone contradicting their lies. Isolation also leads the victim to become dependent on the abuser, as they go to them for all their human connection needs. 

To break this aspect of the cycle, victims can fill their time with visiting friends and family. This can help curb the desire to go back to the narcissist, as they can see what normal, healthy relationships look and feel like, as well as meet their needs for human connection. 

Rebuild your self-esteem.

Because narcissistic abusers tend to break down their victim’s self-esteem, it’s CRUCIAL that you participate in activities that can build back your confidence. These can be activities you may have loved, but abandoned as your trauma bond formed, or they can be new activities that can teach you that you can do hard things!

Here are some tips on how to rebuild your self-esteem:

• Listen to confidence-boosting podcasts.
• Try showing up for yourself.
• Learn how and why to get out of your comfort zone.

Seek professional help.

The truth is, there’s no shame in needing a little help (or a lot of help!) from a professional. TBH, we believe EVERYONE would benefit from a little therapy. So, if you feel like you’re still drowning, seek out an expert in dealing with these heavy feelings.

Still feel a little wary about talking to a professional? Here’s Why You Should Talk to Someone from Him & Her. It’ll teach you all about the importance of therapy and breaking down the stigma of mental health support. 

Join a support group.

It’s always good to know you’re not alone! And you’re really, really not, babe. Trauma bonds can seriously happen to anyone—but it may seem like no one in your life understands, because they haven’t been there. This is where help from a support group comes in. Members of the support group HAVE been there, and some have made it far in their recovery. Whether you’re attending for commiseration or inspiration, hanging with people who know how you’re feeling can make things so much easier to deal with.

Don’t let a trauma bond with a narcissistic abuser steal your light!

You deserve to live your absolute BEST life, queen, and having your personality trampled under narcissistic abuse is definitely NOT IT. Now that you’ve got some tools to end it, we’re wishing you all the happiest, healthy relationships that could come your way. You deserve it!!! 

But, we realize you’ve got a big mountain to climb ahead of you. If you need some inspiration to keep the faith that you CAN emotionally recover from a divorce or cope with a breakup, check out the podcast Good Morning, Monster. It’s a podcast detailing the emotional recovery of Catherine Gildiner’s most heroic and memorable patients. We know you can be just as heroic, girl! If you need more advice or even just need a dose of positivity, find more bingeable podcasts on Dear Media! 

Ever wonder why do podcasters wear headphones? Well, they do serve a purpose. As a podcaster, you probably already know the importance of investing in quality equipment. Using the right tools and equipment can have a significant impact on your podcast quality, popularity, and overall success. While they might seem like just a small part of the system, headphones are considered to be one of the most important pieces of equipment that podcasters use. Wearing headphones when recording and editing podcasts can have a multitude of positive benefits on your podcast. In light of this, we’re sharing a quick roundup of the top reasons you should be using headphones while recording and the benefits of doing so!

Why Do Podcasters Wear Headphones?

Monitor Audio While Recording

When recording a podcast, it’s super helpful to be able to monitor your audio while recording. With a good pair of audio headphones, you will be able to hear exactly what your sound effects, music, and voice will sound like to your listeners. Hearing yourself while recording will allow you to make those tiny sound adjustments along the way that keep your sound quality high. After all, sound quality is one of the biggest keys to a successful podcast!

No Worrying About Microphone Placement

Microphone placement can be a struggle when recording a podcast. If you put it too far away, your listeners won’t be able to hear you. But put it too close and listeners can hear you breathing. Using a pair of headphones with a built in microphone, like the Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones or the Sennhesier HD 280 PRO Headphones, can prevent any future worrying about getting that perfect microphone placement. Because the microphone is attached to your headphones, it is already in the optimal position to record hassle-free.

Avoid Speaker Bleed & Echos

Speaker bleeds and echoes are the worst and a sure sign of low production-quality. Echos and speaker bleeds can happen as a result of how you set up your podcast studio or when your microphone picks up any outside sounds (there tends to be a lot with remote recording!) or audio from your guests. For example, speaking to a guest over your computer speakers may cause your microphone to pick up echoes from the guests audio. Listening to your guest via podcast headphones, instead of playing the audio out loud, can completely eliminate this problem. Eliminating these imperfections before they happen will save you so much time editing on the back end!

Increases Sound Quality

Ask any pro and they will tell you: wearing quality headphones will increase your sound quality in so many ways! We’ve already mentioned how wearing headphones allows you to hear yourself and make adjustments, eliminate microphone flops, and prevent bleeds and echoes. But – there’s more! Wearing headphones can also help you keep your noise levels stable and out of the red zone, help you hear any “popping” you might be doing when saying certain words, and hear any ambient noise that might be affecting your audio. Your sound quality is one of the most important aspects of your podcast. So we recommend doing everything you can to keep your sound quality in tip-top shape!

Makes Editing Easier

Using headphones to edit your podcasts will save you so much time and frustration! Outside noises, “popping”, echos, bleeds, and more are sometimes super hard to hear when playing back your podcast without headphones. And you don’t want to miss any of these imperfections because your listeners WILL hear them. Headphones allow you to hear every little noise, good or bad. Plus, when you use noise-cancelling headphones, you can edit from pretty much anywhere without being distracted by those pesky background noises!

Don’t Forget Your Headphones!

So, as you can see, headphones are a super important piece of the puzzle when it comes to successful podcasting. Next time you’re recording or editing, make sure to grab those headphones and see the difference they can make for yourself! If you’re new to podcasting, we have everything you need to know to launch your podcast here on our Dear Media Blog! We have tons of content from podcast tips for beginners to how-to guides for creating episode titles, inviting guests, and so much more! Be sure to check out our recommendations for headphones above! Also continue your own research to find the pair that’s best for you! Good luck and happy podcasting!

The I Love You So Much podcast (ILYSM, for short) with Kenzie Elizabeth is all about helping you live your best life! ILYSM is one of the best confidence boosting podcasts and has over 170 episodes of inspiring content. Each and every episode will leave you wanting more! Get ready to hear about a wiiiiiide range of topics like branding, relationships, life tips, productivity, and mental health. Kenzie Elizabeth, podcast host, invites all types of intriguing guests like influencers, authors, artists, experts, etc. to share their experiences and inspire listeners. Keep reading for a roundup of the absolute best ILYSM episodes!

The 10 Best ILYSM Podcast Episodes

Food Combining with Kenzie Burke – 21 Day Reset, Eating Healthy, Creating Your Dream Life 

Welcome Kenzie Burke, a lifestyle influencer who has gained over 119,000 followers on Instagram by sharing her secrets for healthy eating. In fact, Kenzie Burke is a fan favorite and was one of the most requested guests by listeners of ILYSM. In this episode, she discusses how “food combining” can aid in digestion and lead to an overall healthier diet. And don’t worry, it doesn’t involve cutting out those delicious breads and pastas! You’ll also hear her top tips for fitness, health, and creating your dream life.

Master List with Maggie MacDonald 

Meet the one and only Maggie MacDonald, Youtube vlogger and influencer. With over 330 thousand subscribers, her brand is all things beauty, health, fitness, and lifestyle. Maggie sits down with Kenzie Elizabeth to share health and fitness tips and their must-have items that make life easier. They also dive into online privacy issues and what it’s like to start a Youtube channel.

Maggie MacDonald – Alcohol, Personal Growth, Health and Wellness, Motivation for 2021 & Setting Goals 

ILYSM fans LOVE Maggie MacDonald! With her humble nature and relatable advice, it’s no wonder she has racked up such a huge following. In this episode, Kenzie and Maggie talk all things personal growth from alcohol abuse to setting attainable goals.   This is a super inspirational, heartfelt, and honest conversation that will leave you wanting more!

Alisha Marie – Burn Out, Creating Healthy Work Habits, Mental Health Break, Growing An Online Platform & Healthy Routines 

Even from the very beginning, Kenzie Elizabeth has been hitting the mark by bringing on awesome guests. Welcome to the very first episode of ILYSM with special guest Alisha Marie. Alisha is a full-time Youtuber that makes hilarious and relatable videos about all things life, business, and beauty. This episode tackles burn out syndrome, signs that you need a break, healthy work habits, and how to grow a successful online platform.

Gals on The Go – Making Friends in Your Twenties, Living Alone, Comparison, Finding Motivation After a Rut & How To Gain Confidence 

In this episode, catch up with Danielle and Brooke, the hosts of the Gals on The Go podcast. The Gals of The Go podcast is all about lifestyle hacks and navigating life throughout those twenty-something years. Kenzie sits down with Danielle and Brooke to talk about living alone, how to make friends as a young adult, and how to move on from hard times. The trio also discuss the negative side effects of comparing ourselves to others and how to gain confidence through small life changes.

What We Said – Advice For Your Twenties, Letting Go Of Expectations of Your Own Life, Change is A Good Thing & Shedding False Narratives About Yourself 

If you love podcasts filled with relatable advice, girl talk, and inspiration – this is the episode for you! Meet Jaci and Chelsey, best-friends and podcast hosts of the What We Said podcast. What We Said and ILYSM are really similar lifestyle podcasts, which makes for a great crossover episode with Kenzie Elizabeth. In this episode, Kenzie, Jaci, and Chelsey talk about managing expectations in life, accepting changes as they come, and general advice for surviving your twenties.

The Morning Toast With Jackie Oshry – Queen of Pregnancy, Wedding Planning, Wellness & Books 

In this episode, you’ll meet Jackie Oshry – author, entrepreneur, Youtuber, and podcast host of The Morning Toast. The Morning Toast is one of the best female comedy podcasts with over 200 episodes that focus on current events and the relevant issues of the world we live in today. Kenzie and Jackie sit down for a talk about all things dating, wedding planning, pregnancy, and overall wellness.

Gals on the Go – Routines, Quarantine Must Haves, What We’re Learning, Making Real Friends 

Brooke and Danielle of Gals on the Go podcast really are always on the go! Kenzie welcomes the duo back in this episode for another round of girl talk and advice sharing. This week, the girls talk about all things quarantine from those must-have items to how developing new habits helped them survive. The girls also discuss how to develop true and lasting friendships and share their best general tips about life.

Remi Cruz- Weight Loss, Reinventing Yourself, Dealing with Negativity

If you love the ILYSM podcast, then you probably already know a little about the special guest featured in this episode! Remi Cruz or MissRemiAshten is a super famous lifestyle vlogger (and podcast host!). She has over 2.3 million subscribers on Youtube. She creates funny and entertaining videos mixing in comedy, anecdotes, lifestyle tips, cooking tips, the latest trends, and more! Kenzie sits down with Remi Cruz to talk about what it’s like to grow up on the Internet, how to deal with the haters, and accepting change. The ladies also have a conversation about weight loss and the unexpected positives and negatives that come with it.

Pretty Basic: Embarrassing Stories, Boy Updates, Working with your BFF

By popular demand, Kenzie welcomes back Alisha Marie AND Remi Cruz on this week’s episode of ILYSM. Alisha and Remi are the hosts of the Pretty Basic podcast – but their podcast is anything but basic! In this episode, the trio share what it’s like to work with your best friend, their most embarrassing stories, and their most awkward encounters with boys. Get ready to laugh and enjoy this hilarious girl talk episode!

BONUS: The Skinny Confidential | The Best Advice For Your Twenties, The Secrets To A Good Podcast & Making Your Dreams A Reality

After rebranding and coming back as House Guest with Kenzie Elizabeth, this podcast is truly better than ever! In this recent episode, Kenzie sits down with two of our other faves, Lauryn and Michael Bosstick of The Skinny Confidential. You’ll want tune in as they share advice for your twenties, insider secrets to podcasting, and how to find your true passion and pursue it.

Want more of ILYSM?

If you couldn’t tell, we absolutely LOVE the ILYSM podcast! Kenzie Elizabeth does an awesome job of picking interesting and relatable guests and we always look forward to her next episode! ILYSM is a must listen and it’s one of the best podcasts for female entrepreneurs looking for motivation and inspiration. Kenzie releases episodes of ILYSM each and every Wednesday and you can listen almost anywhere you listen to podcasts! You can find ILYSM on Apple Podcasts, Dear Media, or you can listen and watch the interview videos on Kenzie’s Youtube Channel. Don’t see your favorite episode? Have additional questions about ILYSM? Feel free to drop us a comment below!

Setting boundaries is important in any relationship, but especially in romantic relationships. Boundaries help keep everything positive while making sure you have a healthy, respectful, and dynamic relationship with your partner. When you both have set and followed boundaries, everyone is happy! 

Here’s the bummer though: setting and negotiating boundaries can be super hard! If you’re not careful, setting boundaries can make you seem controlling or domineering. That’s a big turnoff and totally not the intention of setting boundaries AT ALL. So, it’s important that you do this thing right. 

We’ve tackled setting boundaries with parents and setting boundaries with family, but today we’re focusing on romantic relationships. We’ll give you the DL on how to effectively set boundaries with your S.O., so you’re both feeling good about it. Here are some sure-fire strategies to setting boundaries without being controlling:

How to Set Boundaries in a Relationship Without Being Controlling

Understand the importance and purpose of setting boundaries.

The most important step when setting boundaries of any kind is first understanding why they’re necessary. Boundaries are sometimes mistaken as “rules” within relationships when that’s definitely not the vibe. 

The whole point of setting boundaries is to protect your personal spaces and your physical and mental well-being. Healthy boundaries allow you to form strong and healthy relationships that are built on trust and respect. And that’s what we all want, right? A super healthy and positive partnership—you need boundaries to achieve that. (Here’s more from We Met At Acme on what a healthy relationship looks like.)

Know what you want.

Self-reflection is another important step in setting boundaries in relationships. You should take some time to think about your personal boundaries. Consider what you’re comfortable with in a relationship, and what things would harm your well-being. It’s best to do this on your own, so you know you’re not pressured or influenced by your partner when deciding what’s good with you. 

For some valuable encouragement and insight on creating boundaries, listen to this episode of Him and Her. And for tips on how to trust your intuition when setting boundaries, check out this episode of The Papaya Podcast. Yes, as usual, our Dear Media hosts have the BEST advice!!!

Communicate your boundaries appropriately.

Good communication is super important to setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. Actually, it’s important for a healthy relationship PERIOD! Be as compassionate and respectful as possible when you talk to your partner, especially during important conversations. 

Another great tip for effectively communicating with your partner is to use “I” statements rather than “you” statements. “I need ___ because ___” is easier for your partner to take than “You need to ___ because ___.” The second statement can make them feel attacked and cause them to become defensive. We don’t want that! Here’s more from Kenzie Elizbeth from House Guest on healthy communication in a relationship. 

Listen to your partner’s needs. 

Setting boundaries in a healthy relationship should involve having a conversation with your partner. As you communicate what you need from your partner, give them time to do the same. Ask for honest feedback and listen to how they feel about the boundaries you want to set. 

This leads to the next tip, which is…

Be willing to compromise on some things.

Sure, it would be amazing if your partner simply accepted your boundaries and respected them without issue. But, it doesn’t always work that way. In these instances, it’s important to be open to compromise.

There will be some boundaries with very little to no wiggle room, like cheating. OF COURSE be firm on these boundaries. But, for other boundaries, there might be an opportunity for you to meet your partner halfway, i.e. how often you spend one-on-one time together. It’s a good idea to decide where you’re willing to compromise before you even have a convo with your S.O., because then you know the choice is actually yours and you’re not being pressured! 

Avoid threats or ultimatums.

Although this falls under proper communication, it’s worth mentioning on its own. A lot of couples make the mistake of using threats or ultimatums to try to ensure their needs are met. Unfortunately, this tactic does more harm than good. 

Think about it… no one likes to feel threatened. Avoid using lines like “if you don’t ___ then we’re done” and focus instead on the benefits of establishing and respecting boundaries within your relationship.

…but also know your deal breakers.

Okay, listen… some lines just can’t be crossed. Some deal breakers are pretty obvious; any kind of physical or emotional abuse needs to be an immediate deal breaker. Other kinds of behavior might not be as clear-cut. 

It’s important to know what YOUR deal breakers are and to stand by them. As you discuss your boundaries with your partner, be clear about your deal breakers. If your partner can’t respect them or even tries to convince you to change your stance, that’s a red flag that you shouldn’t ignore. 

Use these tips to help you set healthy boundaries in your relationship.

Just in case you need a reminder, you deserve to be happy in a healthy relationship with someone who genuinely cares about your well-being. Establishing healthy boundaries is an important part of that, but you want to make sure you go about it the right way, so you don’t come off as controlling. These tips can help you do just that!

For more tips on setting boundaries, check out our post on how to set boundaries with a narcissist. Then head over to the Dear Media blog for even more insightful and entertaining content! And, if you need all the reminders to respect yourself and your limits, grab this Boundaries crewneck from The Bad Broadcast. It’s one of our faves!

 

Documentaries are having their moment! Maybe you’ve noticed, maybe you haven’t, but documentaries are SUPER in right now. Why? They’re a great way to be informed on different issues in society, including mental health!

It is estimated that one in five people in the U.S. suffer from mental illness. That’s 20% of the population! Yet, despite how common it is, there is still a LOT of shame 

surrounding mental illness. 

This is where documentaries about mental illness come into play. They are SUPER important for reducing the cultural stigma and discrimination that comes with these issues. If you’ve listened to our best mental health podcasts, you know what we’re talking about! This stigma MUST be addressed.

That’s why we’re sharing a round-up of documentaries that cover some of these crucial mental health topics. Here are our current faves: 

10 Best Mental Health Documentaries

Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness

This docuseries, presented by Ken Burns, tells the stories of more than 20 young people (ages 11-27) who struggle with mental health challenges. It provides a look into their lives, as well as the perspectives of their parents, teachers, friends, and healthcare providers. This documentary offers a contrast to the discrimination and stigma surrounding mental illness to advance a shift in the public perception of mental health issues.

Want to learn more about how mental health affects young people? Listen to this episode of Twenty Whatever to hear more about twenty-somethings’ coping skills, mental health journeys, and struggles with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. 

Nadiya: Anxiety and Me

Nadiya Hussain is known for winning 2015’s season of The Great British Bake Off with her mad cooking skills, but behind the scenes, she struggles with debilitating anxiety and panic attacks. She’s been struggling with mental health issues since childhood, but kept it a secret for decades. In this documentary, Nadiya’s goal is to find out the cause of her anxiety, explore different treatments, and attend therapy, in order to manage her anxiety. 

Looking for solutions to your anxiety? Not Skinny But Not Fat has a great episode on Healing Anxiety w/ The Anxiety Healer. 

OC87: The Obsessive Compulsive, Major Depression, Bipolar, Asperger’s Movie

In this documentary, director Bud Clayman presents his struggle with OCD and Asperger’s Syndrome and how they interrupted his filmmaking career. This documentary provides an intimate account of the mental health issues Bud Clayman faced, and how they have affected his interpersonal relationships, work life, and sense of wellbeing. The documentary also includes interviews with mental health professionals who share insight into the disorders and their treatment options. 

If you enjoy stories of triumph after setbacks like this one, you’ll probably enjoy the podcast Good Morning, Monster as well. It’s a series based on the book Good Morning, Monster by Catherine Gildiner and details five heroic stories of emotional recovery. Start here with episode one!

Dave Harewood: Psychosis and Me

David “Dave” Harewood is an award-winning British actor. At 23, he suffered a mental breakdown and was successfully treated with antipsychotic medication. Thirty years later, he made the documentary “Psychosis and Me,” which explores the impact of mental illness and current available treatments. It’s a powerful documentary that gives you insight into a whole new world!

Out of the Dark

Out of the Dark is a 2022 documentary that shines a light on the lives of people with mental health struggles. It’s a youth-focused series that depicts personal stories of those struggling with mental health. The goal of this series is to create a dialogue and awareness, and to inspire the next generation to be vocal and open about their journey when they live with mental illness. And, seriously, it’s super inspiring.  

Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind

This documentary, told largely through Robin Williams’s own words, celebrates the life and career of Robin Williams, who died due to suicide in 2014. It features interviews with big name actors, such as Whoopi Goldberg, David Letterman, and Billy Crystal. It really shows you how some of the most seemingly happy people in our lives can secretly be dealing with huge struggles. 

Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated

In Simply Complicated, actress and singer Demi Lovato shares her story of her struggle with bipolar disorder, drug use, and eating disorders. This story doesn’t end there, though. This documentary also shares Lovato’s road to sobriety and a healthy life as she continues to live with bipolar disorder.

If you’re dealing with addiction or drug use (or any other mental health disorder) this documentary will definitely give you hope! For more inspiring stories, listen to the episode of Recovering from Reality called Self-Accountability and Sobriety and the episode of Real Pod called Living With Bipolar II, Overcoming Trauma, & Healing Family Wounds!

Facing Suicide

Facing Suicide explores the crisis of suicide by combining personal stories of people impacted by suicide and the profiles of scientists researching new insights into this mental health crisis. This documentary offers risk factors and prevention strategies as well, making it a must-see for anyone impacted by suicide or suicidal ideation.

Decolonizing Mental Health

Decolonizing Mental Health sets out to dismantle the prejudice, racism, and discrimination prevalent in the mental health industry. This is a real issue, guys! The 2022 documentary focuses on the transformative work of therapists and people of color. Its goal is to change the ways we define, assess, and diagnose psychiatric illness and health. 

Letters From Generation Rx

This 2017 documentary dives deep into the science behind antidepressants and their effect on the brain. It also details some of the horrific experiences patients and their loved ones have had to endure due to the hidden issues with these drugs. The documentary challenges the belief that medication is the best solution to mental health problems. 

If you or someone close to use is going through the healing process, this insight is super valuable. To hear another perspective on medication for mental illness, listen to this episode of Real Pod!  

If you’re looking for a good documentary, look no further!

We’ve got plenty of recommendations for you. These mental health documentaries and related podcasts are interesting, informative, and might challenge your thoughts on mental health or, they might tell you something you already know! You’ll have to watch and listen to find out.

Love documentary-style podcasts? You’ll be totally obsessed with Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story. It’s the story of Coco Berthmann, who became internet-famous when she shared her story of surviving sex trafficking. But, in 2022, Coco was arrested for raising money for a fake cancer diagnosis, calling her whole story into question. The podcast doesn’t bash her and her claims, but instead looks at the mental condition of Coco and how she could be pushed to lie about her past. 

Feel like these documentaries are telling YOUR story, too? It may be a sign you need a mental health day. Get some rest, girl! Not only do you deserve it, but you NEED it. And if you’re struggling, don’t forget to celebrate your wins when you have them. If you need help remembering, check out this Celebrate Your Wins shirt from Freckled Foodie & Friends!

Yay – you’re an entrepreneur! You did it! But wait, what? Now that you’re the boss, you’ve got a whole new list of stressors that are causing you to worry and feel anxious.  Entrepreneurs are often faced with different kinds of stresses, whether they are from constant work pressures, deadlines, managing people, etc. And you might be thinking, stress is a normal part of life, right? Yes, it is! But the real issue here is prolonged stress.

As humans, we just aren’t built to withstand chronic stress and when we do, it can have plenty of negative effects on our mind and body. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), chronic stress can have negative effects on almost all the systems in your body including your musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, reproductive system, cardiovascular system, and the list goes on! To make sure that your stress doesn’t get the best of you, check out our top stress management techniques for entrepreneurs below.

Entrepreneur Stress Management

What Is Stress Management?

As an entrepreneur, learning how to manage stress is especially important because you’re the boss; you’re the one that’s setting an example and leading the charge! Chronic stress can have mental and physical effects like soreness, muscle aches, headaches, anxiety, and even depression and these ailments can definitely reduce your productivity. Chronic stress can also cause irritability and lessen your sex drive. This, in turn, can create issues in your personal and professional relationships.

So, first let’s talk about what stress management even is. Unfortunately, you can’t turn stress and anxiety on and off like light. Stress management is a process. Stress is unavoidable. So it requires practice and training and it’s all about handling stress as it comes to avoid getting overwhelmed. Stress management is the process of finding the best stress management techniques that work for you, and then implementing daily tasks to reduce anxiety and other physical and mental health problems by preventing stress from creeping back in. Here are our top tips for how to manage stress as an entrepreneur!

Stress Management Tips For Entrepreneurs

Identify the Causes of Stress:

First and foremost, figure out where those main stressors are coming from. Is it your workload? Do you work long hours? Is it your employees? Or is it because you need employees? Take some time to find out exactly where that stress is coming from so that you can anticipate it and maybe even prevent it in the future. Some great ways to locate the sources of your stress are to do some writing when you feel stressed and practice some mindful meditation. Doing these things can clear your head, open your eyes to the real issues at hand, and help you see past that emotional vail. Check out this episode of Backbone Not Wishbone to learn more about avoiding stress when running a business.

Heed the Body’s Stress Signals:

Listen to your body! Our minds and bodies have built-in alarm systems that let us know when something isn’t right. According to WebMD, there are tons of symptoms associated with chronic stress like depression, digestive issues, headaches, trouble sleeping, high blood-pressure, weight gain, inability to focus, and the list goes on. Be sure to take these symptoms seriously and don’t let the stress overcome you!

Check out this episode of Dear Gabby to learn some fantastic solutions for stress and anxiety.

Take a Break:

Don’t forget to give yourself a break! You might be thinking that this tip is an obvious one, but as an entrepreneur, finding scheduling time to stop and disconnect can be really hard. Make sure to set aside time to do something for yourself that is NOT work related and that offers an escape from those stressors. Consider a long nature walk, hitting the gym, or just taking a few minutes to take a deep breath and focus on some deep thinking to calm yourself. Maybe even take some time to listen to an inspirational entrepreneurial podcast like this episode from Trading Secrets. For more ideas about how to make the most of your break, check out these 7 ways to show up for yourself.

Delegate What You Can:

Work smarter, not harder! You’re not in this alone, so why are you doing all the heavy lifting? Take some time to learn what toxic productivity is and how to keep it in check. Delegate those time-consuming tasks to employees or consider a virtual assistant from a website like Upwork. Sharing the load with employees can greatly reduce your stress and prevent you from spreading yourself too thin. To learn more about the benefits of delegating, check out this episode of Unzipped.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle:

A great way to reduce stress is to adopt an effective routine that works for you and that contributes to a healthy lifestyle. A healthy sleep routine can keep you feeling energetic and ready to take on the day. Good sleep is essential to helping you process and deal with stress better by making you less emotional and more motivated. Eat healthy foods and avoid fast food and processed food as much as possible to more effectively manage stress. Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet makes you feel good about yourself and gives you the energy you need to conquer the day. You can also adopt more specific routines like incorporating more mediation and mindfulness or this morning routine for success.

Find A Hobby:

Discovering a hobby or an activity that you enjoy releases endorphins to make you feel good in the short term, while helping reduce stress in the long term. No matter how much you love what you do, finding a passion separate from work is a great way to eliminate some of the causes of stress. A lot of entrepreneurs can greatly benefit from spending time doing things just for fun. Find something you enjoy, whether it’s yoga, hiking, painting, dancing, etc., and then incorporate your hobby into your regular routine.

Check out this episode of Balanced Black Girl to learn more about why we need hobbies for self-care.

Set Boundaries:

As an entrepreneur, you probably have a lot on your plate. It’s easy to become overwhelmed, which is why it’s more important than ever to set boundaries and learn to say no. For example, if you set aside time each day for self-care, block out your calendar or silence your phone to allow you to focus on your well-being without being interrupted.

Get Some Advice:

There are several ways you can get advice about managing stress. You can listen to podcasts on the subject, reach out to friends and family, read blogs, or speak to a therapist who can give you professional tips to help you understand how to manage stress (there is NO shame in asking for help). At Dear Media, we have a ton of helpful content for entrepreneurs. For advice about creating a more balanced work-home schedule, check out our top 30 time management tips for work life balance. For information on stress and mental health, feel free to check out our list of the best mental health podcasts. And lastly, for advice and inspiration about entrepreneurship, check out the best podcasts for female entrepreneurs.

If you’re an entrepreneur, how do you keep stress in check?

If you are an entrepreneur and have any incredible tips, please share in the comments below! The Dear Media community is all about lifting each other up so share the details pleas! The most important thing to remember about stress management is that you’re not alone; there are tons of people out there struggling with the same thing! And trust us, it gets easier! Stress management is a breeze once you’ve established what techniques work best for you and learned how to shift your mindset and stay focused. You’re an awesome entrepreneur who has already accomplished so much by simply becoming an entrepreneur. You got this! For tips on how to be a successful business owner, check out this episode of the Dream Bigger podcast.

Don’t be afraid to make the necessary changes so you can get out there and take risks! Listen to this awesome episode of Life with Mariana to learn why you should be taking risks as an entrepreneur. And for those days when it’s hard to leave the stress at the office, check out our blog about stress management techniques at home! If you have any additional tips, questions or comments, feel free to drop us a comment below!

If you’re big into podcasts, chances are you’ve probably heard of (or listened to!) This American Life. It’s an investigative podcast that takes true stories and makes them oh-so-intriguing, no matter what the topic. And there are a LOT of topics with over 300 episodes, This American Life has told sooooo many stories!

If you like podcasts that keep things smart, light, and entertaining, This American Life is a great podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you <3 listening to podcasts best, or you can listen to it a day early on The New York Times Audio App.

Dying for more? We thought so. That’s why we’re sharing a round-up of similar podcasts for you to binge! Continue reading to check them out. 🙂

10 Podcasts Like This American Life

I Am America

I Am America is a podcast hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross that aims to broaden our sense of community and deepen our understanding of identity, all while inspiring us with the possibilities of our country’s future. Each episode is an “audio portrait” of an American working to mend a social or cultural issue. Cool, right? It’s super empowering and insightful! 

Our recommendation: Nurturing Masculinity with Kier Gaines, “Injustice in Health” with Dr. Rachel Hardeman, and Ethics in AI with Timnit Gebru, PhD

Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story

If you like stories so intriguing they keep you on the edge of your seat, take a listen to Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story. It’s a podcast hosted by Sara Ganim and Karen Given that details the story of Coco Berthmann, who became famous for sharing her story of surviving sex trafficking. (Lauryn and Michael of Him & Her even interviewed her!) Yet, in 2022, Coco Berthmann was arrested for raising money for a fake cancer diagnosis, which called her entire life story into question. This one will have you on the edge of your seat! 

Our recommendation: start at Episode 1: Something’s Not Right!

Summer of Gold

The Summer of Gold is a history podcast collab between Dear Media and TOGETHXR.  Summer of Gold tells the story of the 1996 Olympic Games through the lens of the women Olympians who dominated that summer. These women trailblazed a path for female athletes today, resulting in the foundation of the WNBA and numerous gold medals. This is the definition of GIRL POWER. It’ll have you wanting to rock this ”Strong for A Girl” crewneck with pride!

Our recommendation: start at Episode 1: See it. Be it. 

Who’s On Content?!

Who’s On Content?! explores and dissects the influential, behavioral altering power of content through thought provoking, culturally relevant and industry shifting dialogues. (Yeah, that’s a mouthful, but seriously. It’s so interesting.)

It’s hosted by DBA’s SVP of Special Projects, Ernest “EJ” James. Who’s On Content?! will host relevant guests like social platform leaders; executives from top brands; media journalists and content creators contributing to the influential content shaping the global society we live in today. They’re all pumped to share their knowledge on how to navigate the digital world. (And, we’re pumped to hear it.) 

Our recommendation: The Content of Living and Inviting Positivity into Your Life Through the Content You Consume and How Content Investigator, Dulma Altan’s Content Makes the Industry a Little More Digestible, One TikTok at a Time

The Dissenters

If you love stories of heroes challenging the status quo and making the world a better place, this one’s for you. Debra Messing and Mandana Dayani host The Dissenters, a podcast where they get to talk to their heroes about the change they made in the world. These Dissenters will give you the courage and hope to find your purpose and chase your passion. Basically, it’s like, “You go, girl! Do your thing!”

Our recommendation: Mark Bustos: The Humanit-hair-ian, on The Power of Kindness and Dr. Edith Eva Eger: The Healing Survivor on Trauma, Healing, and Forgiveness

The Toast

The Toast is a hilarious pop culture news podcast hosted by Jackie O. and Claudia Oshry. With episodes released every weekday morning, you’ll be in the loop for all the latest hot goss. Plus, these two are full of laughs we literally can’t think of a better way to start your morning!

Our recommendation:  I Am Woman Hear Me Roar and FunnyD Deficient

The Moth

The Moth podcast feature re-airs of new episodes of The Moth Radio Hour, which has told THOUSANDS of stories since the show began in 1997. That’s right, this podcast has been around for over 25 years! With such a long-standing reputation for storytelling, it’s sure to impress. (Hear it from us, it is GOOD.)

Our recommendation: Truth and Power–Global Stories of Women and Unexpected Community

Serial

Serial is a podcast from the creators of This American Life. It’s an investigative journalism podcast hosted by Sarah Koenig that narrates a wildly interesting story over a series of episodes. It’s thought-provoking and totally binge-worthy! And, if you fall in love with this one, here are more podcasts like Serial!

Our recommendation: start with Episode 1: The Alibi.

The Shine Series

There’s so much to learn from those who are willing to break barriers and stand out amongst the crowd and one of the scariest places to do that is in the fashion scene. If you want to make it, you’ve got to be brave and risk falling flat on your face. The Shine Series hosts discussions about the struggles and successes of some of the fashion industry’s biggest trendsetters. Learn a thing or two about entrepreneurship, confidence, and perseverance with The Shine Series!

Our recommendation: Serena Williams on the G.O.A.T. of Shoes, Being Bold, and More

Good Morning, Monster

Some podcasts are so inspiring they can actually change your life. That’s what Good Morning, Monster is likely to do if you take a listen! Told from the perspective of Catherine Gildiner, Good Morning, Monster follows the emotional recovery of some of Catherine’s most heroic and memorable patients. If you’re looking for a feel-good podcast that may lead to some emotional recovery for you, too, check this one out! (And, then all the good vibes will give you an excuse to don this “Damn Good” crew!)

Our recommendation: start with Session 1: Madeline

Entertain yourself with the stories of these amazing people!

There you have it! 10 A list of AMAZING podcasts that will inspire you to be your best and change the world. These podcasts can change your life, because hearing other’s stories can lead you to chase your passion and connect with others. Whether you’re into stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, want behind-the-scenes details from different industries, or simply enjoy hearing about the lives of people like you, we’ve got something for everyone.

Looking for more? Check out our list of shows or hop over to the blog to see what’s new over at Dear Media! You won’t be disappointed.

Ending a podcast episode with a bang is important to set your podcast apart from others and keep those listeners coming back for more. Your outro is just as important as your podcast intro.  So we really recommend taking some time here to create an original and catchy closing. An awesome outro should leave your listeners wanting more and give your audience something to think about after listening. It’s also the perfect opportunity to thank your hardcore listeners for listening all the way to the end! So, today we’re sharing a few practical and creative tips you can use to wrap up your podcast episodes. Plus!! Bonus points – create a lasting impression on your listeners.

How To End A Podcast

Thank Your Listeners

First things first, you want to give your loyal listeners some credit for tuning in. But it should be so much more than just a quick “Thanks for listening!”. Share some insight into the difference your listeners are making for you and your podcast, and how grateful you are for their support. Your thank you should be authentic and meaningful.

Be Intentional

Always be intentional when you’re wrapping up your podcast. Remember that both your intros and outros should serve a purpose. Your podcast ending is your final opportunity to leave your listeners with a great taste in their mouth and make them want to come back for more. So, be intentional with your closing and choose your final words with care and creativity. A well thought-out and original outro can help you grow your audience and retain more listeners!

Recap the Episode

An easy way to wrap up your podcast is by giving your listeners a quick recap of the episode. Use this time to talk about the main bullet points you made throughout the episode, what you want your listeners to take away from the episode, and what made that episode so special. You can even give listeners a little run down of what they can expect from your podcast in the future or from an upcoming episode with a teaser for the next episode. This is a great way to help listeners actually remember what you talked about and keep your podcast fresh in their mind!

Close with a Call to Action

It’s also a good idea to create a call to action (cta) to engage with listeners and get them to remember your podcast! Listeners love a call to action because it’s a way to interact with their favorite podcast in addition to just listening. No matter your niche, there are many ways you can incorporate a call to action in your episode outro script. Call to actions can be designed to help grow your podcast. For example, maybe you ask listeners to subscribe or share your show. You can also encourage listeners to take the advice you gave throughout the episode, point them towards another awesome episode, suggest they visit your website, or plug things like small businesses, charities, and local events in your area! Check out this episode of the Real Pod podcast for an example of ending an episode with a call to action.

Create a Unique Sign-Off

Really set your podcast apart by creating a unique sign-off! Try to think of something fun and interesting that you can do at the end of each podcast. Something that will keep your listeners tuned in till the end and coming back for more. For some inspiration, check out the We Met At Acme podcast.  Host Lindsey Metselaar wraps up each episode with an entertaining round of rapid fire questions. Another podcast with an awesome sign-off is Absolutely Not! Host Heather McMahan ends most episodes by answering hilarious voicemails and calls from listeners on her hotline. Other creative ways to sign-off include using unique podcast outro music or fun sound effects that your loyal listeners will quickly become familiar with.

Plug Yourself and Your Podcast

Don’t forget that you can totally close out your  great podcast episode by simply plugging yourself and your podcast! This is just one of many ways to promote your podcast. Your outro is a great time to plug past episodes that your listeners should check out. Or give them a sneak peek into future episodes. You can also point them to your emailing list, website, blog, show notes, affiliate links, Youtube channel, eCommerce page, social media, etc. Give yourself a shout out and let your listeners know how they can stay up to date on your podcast! And lastly, be sure to remind your listeners to rate and review your podcast. This is key to growing your audience!

Plug Your Guests

For those podcast hosts that bring on special guests, your outro is the perfect time to plug your guests! If you don’t bring on guests, but you’d like to, check out our blog about how to get guests for your podcast! Most likely your guest will be someone who owns a business, works in an awesome industry, has a rad story or tell, or someone who just does something cool. Plugging their business or project could be really beneficial to their cause and help them gain followers and support! No matter your guest, we’re willing to bet they’d love some sort of a shout out.

For an example of a podcast that closes by plugging their guests, check out this episode of Life with Marianna. Be sure to point your listeners in the direction of your guest’s social media and emailing list, and let your listeners know how they can keep up with your guest beyond the scope of your podcast. And for additional tips about hosting guests, check out our blog about the best questions to ask in a podcast interview!

How do you end a podcast?

No matter how you choose to end your podcast, just remember that your outro should be purposeful! Ending a podcast can be as simple or as creative as you want to make it. But it should always promote engagement with your listeners and keep them coming back for more. These are just a few tips out of many that you can use to help you create an awesome and impactful outro. Consider trying a few different methods, and see what works best for you and your podcast by learning how to measure podcast performance. Let us know which method works best for you below!