How To Impress a New Boss

Today, let’s talk about something that can make a big difference in your career journey: impressing a new boss. It can be nerve-wracking (to say the least!) to start a new job and meet a new boss, but there’s no better way to start on the right foot than to create a good first impression. 

First of all, it sets the tone for the rest of your time in the company. If you start with a positive impression, it can help create a strong foundation for future communication, projects, and interactions with your boss. It can also help establish trust and credibility, which is ESSENTIAL when working in teams or seeking new opportunities within the company.

Now, it’s important to acknowledge that not all bosses are the same. Some may be easy to impress with a positive attitude and strong work ethic, while others may require more time and effort in building a rapport. But regardless of your boss’s personality, it’s always beneficial to show a willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute in any way possible.

So today, we will be sharing practical strategies and impactful actions that can help you prove your worth to your new bosses. We will look at different things you can do and areas for improvement that can help you have the best working relationship with your new boss. 

How To Impress a New Boss

How To Impress a New Boss

So, let’s dive right in and discover some super helpful tips that will leave your boss wowed! 

Once you’ve learned all you can from this blog, we HIGHLY recommend heading over to the Career Contessa Podcast and the Work Party Podcast for more information on all things living your best work-life!

Be punctual and pay attention. 

This means tuning in to their communication style. Maybe they’re more laid-back and prefer a casual, conversational approach. Or maybe they’re all business, straight to the point. Whatever it may be, take note and adjust accordingly. 

Oh, and plan to arrive a few minutes early to meetings and appointments. This shows that you value your boss’s time and are committed to the work environment.

Check out this episode of Him and Her With Lauryn Evarts and Michael Bosstick with guest Nicole Walters for an inspiring talk about how to create the career and life you want!

Identify their working style. 

Every boss has their own unique working style and company culture, so take the time to observe and understand it. Are they detail-oriented or more big-picture? Do they prefer frequent check-ins or more independence? By identifying their working style, you can tailor your approach to align with their preferences. 

Listen to this episode of Career Contessa to learn the 10 questions to ask to better identify company culture BEFORE you commit to that new job!

Do things their way. 

Once you’ve identified their working style, adapt your approach accordingly. This doesn’t mean losing your individuality, but rather finding ways to incorporate their preferences into your work. It shows your boss that you’re flexible, attentive, and committed to their vision.

Be a team player. 

Take the time to get to know your team members and their strengths. A good working relationship with your colleagues can go a long way. Bonus points for lending a helping hand whenever possible. Being a team player is one of the best ways to become invaluable at work!

Share institutional knowledge. 

If you have experience or knowledge that can benefit the team or company, don’t hesitate to share it. Whether it’s a process improvement idea or industry insights, your boss will appreciate your initiative and value your contribution.

List of How To Impress a New Boss

Admit mistakes and learn from them. 

We’re all human, and mistakes happen. Instead of trying to cover up or deflect blame, own up to your mistakes. Show accountability, take responsibility, and focus on learning and growing from the experience. Your boss will admire your honesty and willingness to improve.

If this is something you struggle with, know you’re not alone. Listen to this episode of TSC: Him & Her to learn how to make mistakes, recover, and learn from them

Ask good questions. 

Curiosity is a superpower, my lovelies! Asking thoughtful and insightful questions shows your boss that you’re engaged, proactive, and invested in your work. It also demonstrates your desire to learn and understand the bigger picture.

Keep them updated. 

Your boss is busy, so make their life easier by keeping them informed about the progress of your projects. Regularly share updates, milestones, and achievements. Not only does it give them peace of mind, but it also showcases your organization and communication skills.

Build a positive rapport. 

Building a strong and positive working relationship with your boss is essential. Show genuine interest in their experiences, share your insights, and engage in open and respectful communication. Creating a comfortable and collaborative atmosphere will leave a lasting impression.

You can check out this roundup of podcasts to help you build more confidence and boldness every day. 

Communicate well and set boundaries. 

But, what if your new boss is difficult to work with? It can be challenging, but communication is key. Different bosses have different communication styles. This is key when you want to learn how to deal with a difficult boss. Ensure you establish clear boundaries as well. If it’s something more serious, consider talking to HR or exploring other career options.

Here’s a useful episode from Mind Body No Soul that explains the importance of setting boundaries and how to go about it. 

Impressing a new boss

Impressing a new boss takes time and effort, but isn’t impossible.

Don’t forget that impressing your boss is an ongoing process. Keep refining your skills, seeking feedback, and striving for growth. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a strong professional relationship. Patience, perseverance, and continuous improvement are key ingredients for long-term success. So, put in the effort with your work hours and watch as the efforts bear fruit. 

You can do it! And, if you need more inspiration, check out one of our many podcasts. You can also come back weekly to read our posts! We have a lot of content that can help you become the best version of yourself. But for now, it’s time to show your boss and the world who you are!

10 Shows Like The OC

Oh, we LOVE the drama, don’t we? No, not our real-life drama. We want fictional drama, and the more melo that drama the better. For a lot of us, one of our first introductions to the sensational and salacious world of teen dramas was The OC. 

Wasn’t that show the best??? We held on for FOUR seasons to see if Summer Roberts (Rachel Bilson) and Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) would finally get together, and if Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie) would ever make anything of himself. We engaged every week to see how these teen characters would overcome what we thought were super serious conflicts involving relationships, academics, and the cultural reality of living in Orange County, CA. (Okay, maybe not the reality.)

Though The OC is inarguably cheesy and over-the-top, there’s something about it that’s so fun and nostalgic. It takes us all back to a simpler time and the heavy drama makes us feel on a whole other level. So . . . if you’ve been craving a new show to dig into, we’ve got the top 10 shows you need to watch after The OC.

10 Shows Like The OC

Nostalgic Shows Like The OC

Nostalgic TV Shows Like The OC

Gossip Girl

The OC was created by Josh Schwartz, and so was Gossip Girl! It is such a fun watch because there’s a mystery surrounding these teen girls. There’s an elusive blogger observing every move, but they have no idea which of their friends is the backstabber. It’s sooo fun to make your guesses throughout the show because you seriously can’t figure it out with all the twists and turns. Plus, all the girls are prissy, upper-class divas, so there is TONS of caddy drama—which we aaalll love.

If you want to hear some true super-fans discuss what they love about this award-winning teen mystery/drama series, listen to this episode of Ride. Both Benito and Mary Beth STAN for this series. And . . . psst . . . you can binge the whole series on Max!

One Tree Hill

If you love the brotherhood vibe of The OC, One Tree Hill should def be on your must-watch list. The series follows brothers Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan (James Lafferty) as they navigate life with girls and basketball. Oh, yeah, this show is SO high school. These brothers compete in every aspect of life and start as classic sibling rivals, but slowly grow to appreciate one another. 

You can watch One Tree Hill on Hulu, Max, Prime Video, and Apple TV. It’s definitely worth binging, especially with your girlfriends. Wear your skirt over your jeans, pin up your hair with butterfly clips, pour everyone glasses of Malibu, and get your 2000s nostalgia party pumping. 

Dawson’s Creek

There are so many great themes played out in Dawson’s Creek! The principle is really simple, the show follows a group of misfits in a small town in New England. However, the show is able to juggle all these big conflicts like class diversity, mental health, divorce, death, coming out, young love, and more all in one coming-of-age story. It’s such an addictive show!

The series centers around Dawson Leery, who is an aspiring filmmaker with a tomboy best friend named Joey. They get into lots of trouble with their friends and battle with a budding romance, and both struggles will have you playing episode after episode. Watch it right now on Hulu, Max, Prime Video, or Apple TV. 

Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls is about a single mother and her smart teenage daughter who have a strong relationship that is #goals. They both have big goals they’re working to achieve and they support each other every step of the way. The show is funny and feel-good with lots of dramatic elements too. 

If you want a show you can watch with your mom or older sisters, Gilmore Girls is where it’s at. There’s nothing that says “girl power” like cross-generational women kicking ass and accomplishing their goals) with no help from no man! (Okay, there are a few great guys along the way too!) Anyway, you can binge Gilmore Girls on Netflix, Prime Video, and Apple TV. 

Current Shows Like The OC

Current TV Shows Like The OC

Outer Banks

This series is kind of like Goonies if the Goonies were like 100 times more caddy and dramatic. These North Carolina teens are finding buried treasure together in their coastal town. You’ll see sharp contrasts between wealthy and working-class teens striving toward the same mission as they’re chased by the law and their enemies. 

It may sound a little more intense than The OC, and it is, but it just adds to the drama. Trust us, you’ll still get all your teen angst . . . but with some higher stakes. It’s the best! This is a Netflix exclusive and ongoing, so you can make this your latest obsession! 

All American

What embodies the American teenage cliche better than high school football? For whatever reason, we all LOVE the drama that ensues on and off the field in this classic teen movie trope. This series is actually inspired by the real life of professional football player Spencer Paysinger and it showcases the cultural divide between the poor and wealthy sides of Beverly Hills High School. Check it out on Netflix! 

Riverdale

Did you ever read Archie comics? Well, this is nothing like that, but it was inspired by that! Riverdale uses the characters from the classic comics to create an ensemble cast that clash and collide in every episode. 

Not only do the characters struggle with romance, school, and family drama like The OC teens, but they also have to solve dark mysteries threatening their town. The mixture of teen mayhem and supernatural chaos is SUCH a blast. Watch Riverdale on Netflix, Prime Video, and Apple TV. 

Ginny & Georgia

Here’s another great series to watch after The OC if you want a good laugh! We all need a break from the melodrama (but don’t worry, there is plenty of teen angst in this series too.) Ginny & Georgia focuses on the life of a mother, her teenage daughter, and her young autistic son. The family gets a new start in an upper-class neighborhood after escaping a shady past, but, like always . . . that past catches up with them. 

Amanda Hirsch of Not Skinny But Not Fat always has the best taste in shows, so you know if she recommends something, it’s DEFINITELY binge-able. You can hear all about why Ginny & Georgia is one of her current favorite shows HERE

Reality Shows Like The OC

Reality TV Shows Like The OC

Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County

If you like fictional drama of The OC, we KNOW you love real-life teen drama too. Laguna Beach is a reality TV series from MTV that followed the lives of teenagers at Laguna Beach High School. Ooooh, yes. A real-life group of high schoolers, which means this shit wasn’t clean like 7th Heaven and other pure 00s content. No, these high schoolers swear, fight, and, you know, other stuff.

This series is full of controversy and it fully represents the beloved, yet problematic early 2000s MTV culture. Once you finish Laguna Beach on Paramount Plus, you can watch the spinoff called The Hills—but don’t stop there! (But, we and Amanda Hirsh LOVE The Hills.) Dear Media has a reunion podcast called Back at the Beach that is a MUST LISTEN. It’s seriously sooo good and brings some grown-up perspective to this wild reality series.  

Teen Mom

There’s a lot of teen drama on fictional TV shows, but teen pregnancy takes the cake for curating the most adolescent mayhem. Teen Mom highlights not only the struggle and beauty of brave teen moms, but also highlights their journey through relationships, school, establishing future goals, and discovering who they are. You’ll find yourself laughing, crying, and cringing with every episode of Teen Mom. You can watch it on Paramount Plus. 

Feed your nostalgia and need for teen drama with one of our favorite shows! 

If you’re looking for new show recommendations, and you loved The OC, we hope this list helped you find your next fav series that you’ll rewatch again and again. And, if you need something to binge at work too (yeah, probably not a good idea to be watching Riverdale on the job), check out our directory of the world’s best podcasts. (Our Bravo podcast episodes are a favorite of TV lovers.) Seriously, Dear Media has all your content covered. 

 

So You Started a Podcast, How Do You Choose What to Talk About?

Starting a podcast goes beyond getting the right podcasting equipment, having high audio quality, and creating your show’s social media accounts. For some, it’s their dream job, and their topics often reflect what they’re most passionate about. However, there are thousands of audio files out there with similar topics. So standing out is difficult to do, especially if you’re not considering having a unique and engaging range of topics within your niche.

So it’s time to decide: what are you going to talk about once you hit the record button?

When it comes to podcasts, it’s all about the content! Each podcast episode needs to be unique and offer great value to the listeners. But how do you choose what to talk about on your show? Picking the perfect topic for each podcast episode is key to creating a show that’s on track to become one of the most popular podcasts within your chosen niche.

The good news is that you don’t have to put too much pressure on yourself. Once you launch your podcast, it might take some time to get in the flow of things, but you’ll improve over time. Knowing what to talk about, what your audience is interested in, and feeling confident about it takes practice. You’re also in luck because there are tons of things you can do to aid your journey in knowing what to talk about during any given episode. Both globally in coming up with individual episodes, and what kinds of questions and content to discuss within each episode.

How Do You Choose What to Talk About On Your Podcast?

Before you record your first episode… you need to pick a topic. Sounds simple enough, right?

But, how do you choose what to talk about on your podcast?

An effective topic catches the audience’s attention from the get-go and urges them to listen to your show. You’ll want conversation starters on subjects that the listeners can easily connect with and feel invested in the story you – or a guest – are telling. We know it can be challenging to come up with topics like these when you’re feeling uninspired or creatively drained. So today’s post is here to help you through it! We are sharing a step-by-step guide with the best tips and tricks to help you choose what to talk about on your show. Find them below!

Start A Podcast In A Niche You’re Passionate About:

First things first, and let’s hope this one is pretty obvious. If you start a podcast, your show should be about something you have some passion for. People can feel the fire in your voice while your podcast covers what’s most important to you. If you feel uninspired, so will your audience. Plus, when you love what you’re discussing, it’s easier to come up with new topics and give your 100% on every episode. So be careful when picking your podcast niche. It should be a topic that lights you up, something you enjoy learning and talking about, and something you won’t get tired of. Your podcast niche and the subjects of each episode should spark that creative fire and push you toward reaching your full potential as a creator. More on unlocking your potential and peak creativity HERE. This will make the content brainstorming process a lot more enjoyable and help you avoid creative burnout!

Don’t Overthink It:

One of the best things about recording a podcast is its natural flow. Listening to a conversation evolve naturally is one of the reasons people love podcasts. So go with the flow, and let the conversation take on a life of its own. To have the confidence to be natural, make sure you keep any negative feelings at bay. If you need to loosen up before, have a drink. That’s fine! Some of the best conversations take place over a cocktail. If you struggle with imposter syndrome, listen to this episode to learn tips for overcoming it. Get comfortable being vulnerable and authentic. Keeping it real will get you farther than you think! More on vulnerability HERE.

Create Some General Guidelines:

To decide what you do and don’t want to talk about, you have to have some sort of framework for your topic choices and style. Is your podcast going for the “nothing is off-limits” vibe? Or are you targeting a more tame demographic, for example, mothers listening to their kids? Are you willing to get political? Do you want to discuss drama? Or are you only willing to be positive? If you have an idea of what is off-limits and acceptable, it will make choosing what to talk about on your show a lot easier. Will you find From there you can make a list of what is a YES or NO for your show?

Listen To Podcasts Within Your Niche:

This tip is practical but comes with a warning. Gaining inspiration from others and staying on trend is great. However, comparing yourself or copying is never ideal. You never want to copy or get too into what others are doing. But being involved in your niche, in general, is a great way to gain inspiration for your content. Research the topics other podcasts in your niche are talking about, analyze which content creates more engagement with the audience, and think about how you can take those talking points and give them your unique twist. Most platforms, like Apple Podcasts, are great about offering show notes for listeners as well. So whatever platform you’re using for research, make sure to check the show notes for sources and any additional details that can help your research. Once you’ve gained a sense of the type of content that thrives within your niche, you can start planning your own!

Bonus Tip:
Don’t worry too much about choosing the right platform for your niche. We’ve got you covered with a post on how to choose the right podcast platform for you and your needs!

Talk About The Things You’re Knowledgeable In:

This is a bit of a no-brainer but you should always take advantage of the subjects you know a lot about! You’ll come across as an expert in the field and prove to listeners your show is a reliable source of valuable information. So make a list of the topics you have the most experience in – start with subjects you feel most confident in. Then check to see if those subjects could be expanded into different talking points, each for an episode. Sooner or later you have a whole season mapped out!

Research What Topics Your Audience Is Listening To:

Your target audience will influence the way you plan, record, and edit your podcast. Creating a model persona to represent your ideal listener can help you identify the topics you should focus on and how you can improve their day-to-day life with your show. Analyze their potential routines and what hobbies they might have. Is your ideal listener into beauty? Does she follow other beauty influencers? Maybe that means she’s also interested in building a career in the beauty industry or developing a beauty product. You can imagine your ideal listener and build topics around what that ideal person might be into. Even if it seems tedious, it’ll come in handy when you’re lost on the next episode’s talking point!

Ask Yourself What The Goal Of Your Show Is:

This is just as important as knowing your niche and target audience! Your show exists for a reason and it should provide a specific value to the listeners. Do you want to inform your audience on a particular topic? Perhaps entertain them or give them a confidence boost? Or maybe your show is meant to inspire future activists. The objective of your podcast will determine your episode format as well as the topics you talk about.

See If There’s A Content Gap You Could Maximize:

If you listen to podcasts within your niche and research the topics your audience wants to hear about, then you should have a clear idea of what subjects are still unexplored. Granted, almost everything has been put out on the internet for potential listeners to discover. But remember you can always put a spin on any topic! If it’s something you’re interested in and can’t find the content out there from other creators in your niche, consider creating it yourself! If there’s a content gap in your niche that you can fill, it should 100% be the talking point for a future episode. Talking about lesser-mentioned things will make your show stand out from the crowd and gain traction quicker. It’s all about offering something unique and original to the listeners!

Book Great Guests That Drive Interesting Conversations:

Sometimes a conversation partner is simply all you need to keep your episode topics fresh! A natural conversation can drive the plot of an idea a lot more than we think. Plus, a great topic tells a story, connects with the audience, and makes them emotionally invested. So what’s better than the experiences of a guest that’s relevant and of interest to your listeners? Also, don’t be afraid of a little small talk in between major points. You want your guest to feel comfortable so that they’re contribution to the episode is organic and authentic.  If you need help deciding what to talk to your guest about, make sure you’ve done your homework on their background, businesses, life story, etc. You can also ask them any personal questions if it feels natural. And don’t worry if you’re lost when it comes to booking guests for your show. Read this article for the best strategies to get guests on your podcast!

What Problems Are You Solving:

As we mentioned before, all of your show’s content should offer great value to the listeners. So a clever way to come up with talking points is to answer the question: What is my audience’s problem and how am I solving it in this episode? Once you identify those two details, the topic of each podcast episode should be easier to point out.

Include Your Hobbies If They Are Relevant:

It’s always great to talk about the things you are the most passionate about! So if your hobbies feel relevant, your listeners will most likely be interested in them as well. Simply make a list of all the things you’re into, and figure out how to turn that into a series of conversation topics or actual podcast episodes. Love to work out and your show is about business? That’s fine! How about that dramatic comedy on Netflix you love for your podcast about the evolution of television writing? Maybe an episode topic is all about how fitness helps support business owners in their careers. Or how endorphins created through physical activity improve brain function? There are so many ways to tie your hobbies into your show.

Consider Doing A Personal Update:

Once you have an established audience, your listeners will want to know what their podcast host is up to behind the scenes. Especially if it is related to the usual content of your show! If it’s been a while since you’ve gotten more personal or you have some special news to share, it might be the perfect moment to do an update episode. This type of content doesn’t fit with every show’s format but it’s still good to consider it! Sometimes your audience will even enjoy a look back at your journey as a creator and business professional. For example, this episode of the Papaya Podcast where they reflect on one year of episodes. Not every episode has to be about “something” outside of your journey. Including your audience in your experience and your story can go a long way as well.

Stay Alert & Up To Date On Trending News:

Staying up-to-date is a must in the podcasting industry. Listeners love to engage with podcasts that always give them the TEA within a niche! Whether that is dedicating an episode to the upcoming fashion trends or discussing the most recent celebrity drama, a good podcast host never fails to keep an eye out for the hottest topics. So read the news in your niche and get updates on what’s happening. This way your audience knows feels like they’re getting the freshest takes on all the happenings.

Ask Your Readers:

If you’re feeling completely uninspired and not sure what to talk about, this tip is GOLDEN. The great thing about creating an audience is you have your very own focus group at your fingertips. So ask your community. If you have a guest coming on, drop a question box on your Instagram. Start a conversation with your community about submitting questions. Then make a list and refer to those questions in your show. Not sure what to talk about in an upcoming solo episode? Ask your listener what they want to hear next. Stumped on which guests to book? Your listeners can submit their dream guests for your show. Getting direct feedback from the people in your tribe is truly one of the best ways to get straight to the heart of the types of content in desire.

What are the topics you like to discuss in your podcast episodes?

That’s all for our favorite strategies to choose what to talk about on your show! Once you start a podcast, you’ll get the gist of it and it’ll be easier to brainstorm content for every episode. For now, stick to our guide and always check if the topics are relevant to your target audience! Have you recently started a podcast? Or are you a seasoned host? How do you pick the topics for each episode? Let us know all about it in the comments below!

For more podcasting resources, here are our favorite podcast recording tips and a list of everything you need to launch your podcast! Whether you’re a podcasting newbie or you just need a little help improving your show, this article will give you the essential strategies to achieve success.

Best Financial Podcasts for Beginners

Podcasts are a great way to learn new things! They are a free source of information and high-quality advice on many diverse topics, as well as being available anytime you need them. These days, plenty of finance experts have joined the podcasting revolution. This makes podcasts the perfect learning platform for those interested in starting a side hustle and gaining some financial freedom!

It’s always important to be financially literate, at least regarding your finances. This covers everything from day-to-day money management to savings and investments. For beginners, financial advice is a huge help in navigating this confusing world. Following the right blueprint and tweaking a few details will make a significant impact on your financial independence! For those paying off debts or even student loans, this information can be the key to gaining financial security. Listening to experts is a total game-changer!

Because we want you to achieve financial freedom and enjoy some of the most practical advice on money management out there, today’s post is all about that money mindset. Think tips, and tricks, and learn from the best in the business of MAKING MONEY. We are sharing a roundup of the best personal finance podcasts for beginners. So get ready to enter the world of stacking that cash and financial responsibility.

Best Financial Podcasts for Beginners

Work Party with Jaclyn Johnson

Work Party is the online hub for the new generation of working women. With a focus on redefining the meaning of work to make it the best deal for you, Jacklyn joins other entrepreneurial and professional women each week to discuss all things business. The episodes fly by with the best entrepreneurial and side hustle advice. Want to find joy in your finances? Then listen to this episode! Need to take control of your finances? This episode has everything you need to do so. You’ll take your professional life to the next level with this show focused on your financial hustle. show!

I Love You So Much with Kenzie Elizabeth

Kenzie is your new guide to the world of branding, entrepreneurship, and productivity. On ILYSM, she is joined by a new industry expert each week. You can find in-depth interviews with business and financial advice, straight from certified financial planners at the top. So this is the show for you if you need all the tips and tricks on how to grow a side hustle or make a bold career jump! If you want to kick off your ILYSM listening experience by learning how to break bad money habits, then listen to this essential episode about budgeting money management.

Money for the Rest of Us with David Stein

David Stein, a former chief investment strategist and money manager, is the brilliant mind behind the Money for the Rest of Us podcast. With over 25 years of experience in the investment industry, David offers practical money management advice for individuals and investors alike. His expertise in asset allocation, risk management, and retirement planning is unparalleled, making him a go-to guru for anyone looking to take control of their finances. Tune in to his podcast to gain invaluable insights from a seasoned pro. This episode is a great take on the financial weight of the pandemic.

Trading Secrets with Jason Tartick

Trading Secrets is one of the personal finance podcasts to go for the latest scoop on money management. Think of the most taboo money question you have. Expect to get your answer when you listen to this show! And, Jason doesn’t hold back. He covers everything from trading with student loans to building a business empire on blogging. One of our favorite episodes is with major investor and Shark Kevin O’Leary AKA Mr. Wonderful. You can expect to learn about the best money-making products and services, invest in the stock market, and pay off debts while having fun with Jason as your host. The secrets are all out!

TSC HIM & HER with Lauryn & Michael Bosstick

While The Skinny Confidential HIM  & HER Show isn’t solely known as a financial podcast, they do offer a ton of tidbits for beginners when it comes to finances. Michael & Lauryn are both successful entrepreneurs. On their podcast, they regularly interview experts in all fields while giving tips on money values from their real-life perspectives! So to say they’ve picked up a few tricks when it comes to finances would be an understatement. Take this episode on how to achieve financial freedom for example. You’ll walk away feeling inspired and savvy when it comes to becoming financially sound and independent.

Afford Anything with Paula Pant

Get ready to achieve financial independence with the help of Paula Pant, the one and only host of the Afford Anything podcast. Paula’s podcast is a treasure trove of knowledge, offering listeners invaluable insights on smart investing and strategic decision-making. From real estate investing and budgeting to entrepreneurship, Paula covers it all, providing practical advice that will help you reach your financial goals. Tune in to her podcast and start your journey to financial freedom today. Check out this episode where Paula gives advice on how she tripled her income, and what follows!

Pretty Smart with Danielle Robay

This weekly podcast is dedicated to women with a story as Danielle, a professional journalist, interviews remarkable and bold females. Turns out, many of them have something to say about entrepreneurship, credit cards and debt, real state finances, and all things money management. Just listen to Danielle as she interviews Ali Kriegsman on how to build an empire! As you can see, everyone can achieve financial freedom especially when you focus on the long-term strategies for building an empire. And this is the show to help you do this – in a pretty smart way!

Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian

Do you want to dive deep into entrepreneurship? Then this is the podcast for you! It’s packed with financial tips and is a must-listen for the hustlers at heart. Ali and Adrian will guide you through the rocky process of starting a successful business. This pair of bold entrepreneurs are not afraid to go there! You can listen to all the pros and cons of building a business. Expect the best entrepreneurial and financial advice from a brand-new industry expert each week. You’ll get the scoop on the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all! For financial content and tips, this episode on why millennials prefer to spend now than pay later is a must-listen.

So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

Meet Farnoosh Torabi, the powerhouse host behind the So Money podcast. Farnoosh’s mission is to help individuals achieve financial freedom and live their best lives, and her podcast is packed with practical advice on personal finance, career development, and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re looking to take control of your finances or take your career to the next level, Farnoosh has got you covered. Tune in to her podcast and start living your best life today. Our favorite episode is when she covers daily and bold moves to further your career!

The Femails with Lauren McGoodwin

If you want to learn more about how to manage your money goals while escalating your career, you need to tune in to The Femails! Lauren McGoodwin from Career Contessa is your host. You can imagine the level of expertise! There’s no career and business topic left off the table on this show. That includes finances. For some seriously on-point finance talk, try this episode on career advice you most likely haven’t heard. Specifically, how finances have a major impact on your career on how being financially stable impacts your decisions.

Real Pod with Victoria Garrick

Victoria is a fierce, sweet, and 100% real body image and mental health advocate. Now that her Division I volleyball days are over, she is your new favorite podcast host! Every Wednesday Victoria puts out fresh episodes ranging from bringing the realest chats with some of the most inspiring guests to talking about life, success, and being your true self. You can find more advice on personal growth HERE! Many of her guests are financial experts and successful entrepreneurs ready to share their wisdom with the world. And Victoria always makes sure to get the most real details during every interview! Kick off your listening experience with this juicy episode in collaboration with Tori Dunlap aka The Financial Feminist.

The Ramsey Show with Dave Ramsey

Are you looking for practical advice on budgeting, debt management, and wealth building? Look no further than The Ramsey Show, hosted by the one and only Dave Ramsey. This podcast is a treasure trove of practical advice on personal finance. David Ramsey shows his listeners a door into the world of financial literacy based on his philosophy of living debt-free, saving for the future, and giving generously to others. Whether you’re struggling with debt or looking to achieve financial freedom, Dave’s got you covered. Tune in to The Ramsey Show and start your journey to financial success today. He offers advice on how to recognize and beat spending addictions in one of our favorite episodes!

Life With Me with Marianna Hewitt

Marianna is an absolute boss businesswoman and an expert in everything related to the influencer marketing industry. She’s a long-term leading voice on social media and the founder of her skincare brand, Summer Fridays. Life With Me has a brand new guest each week. The guests are the leading voices of various industries and many of them have experience in entrepreneurship, business, and finances. One of our favorite episodes covers finances, specifically how to diversify your income through a side hustle! Marianna has a genuine personality and a candid attitude, you’ll never get enough of her financial advice once you tune in to her show!

Friend of a Friend with Olivia Perez

Olivia is your host and a bold entrepreneur, dedicated to sharing the stories of some of the best game-changers out there. This weekly podcast covers success stories from every background, from brand builders to influencers and entrepreneurs. Friend of a Friend is the place to listen to the experiences of other financial experts and take note of their advice. It’s up close and personal! You can’t talk about finances without mentioning monetization strategies. In today’s world, we’re all just trying to monetize ourselves, our time, and our skills in one way or another. But what about learning how to monetize what you love? Then listen to this episode if you need monetization tips!

What is your favorite financial podcast for money beginners?

That’s a wrap on the best financial podcasts for beginners!

Money management is a never-ending learning curve these days. So it’s best to stay up to date and keep learning about personal finances. With the financial advice from these fantastic shows, you can budget, pay off any debt, invest, save money, and achieve financial freedom!

Are you a financial newbie? What are some of your favorite money podcasts to stay informed and learn more about personal finances?

Tell us in the comments!

What Podcasts Are Millennials Listening To?

It’s no secret podcasts have been booming in popularity for years. Now they are among the leading entertainment mediums, news outlets, and knowledge sources for most of the American population. This is especially true for Gen X and Millennials! Young listeners aged 12-35 make up over 50% of monthly podcast listeners. Millennials are both listeners and podcasters, essentially fueling the podcast space. They are the demographic that listens the most to these shows, with one-third of millennials regularly listening to podcasts. Millennials also share their favorite shows on social media or by recommending them directly to their friends, as shown by how 40% of the people who listen to podcasts found out about them.

As you can see, Millennials are a vital part of the podcasting industry. If you’re a podcast content creator or host, it’s important to know what kind of shows they listen to and what content they enjoy the most so you can learn to cater your podcast to this massive demographic. If you’re an advertiser, it’s definitely a good idea to hone in on what the millennial generation is consuming. And finally, if you’re a millennial just looking for great podcasts, this post is for you! Today we’re sharing what Millennials are listening to nowadays! We’re listing the podcasts that millennials are tuning into weekly, sharing, and subscribing to. Keep reading to see the most popular podcasts with Millennials!

What Podcasts Are Millennials Listening To?

TSC Him & Her with Lauryn & Michael Bosstick

Lauryn and Michael don’t hesitate to talk about the stickier subjects. This weekly podcast covers everything from digital entrepreneurship and blogging to relationship advice and self-growth tips. All topics that Millennials love! As leading personalities in the digital space, they are regularly joined by influencers, experts, and industry leaders. Lauryn and Michael interview each guest with humor, vulnerability, and candid authenticity. This show is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, self-growth, lifestyle tips, and digital marketing. They really do cover a wide range of topics, which millennials love. You can get a full range of inspiration and motivation. One week they’re talking with David Meltzer about entrepreneurship, and the next week you might hear from a celebrity stylist. Really nothing is off limits and millennials are always entertained.

Work Party with Jaclyn Johnson

Millennials looking to master all things work and business needs to give this show a good listen. It’s the podcast to follow if you want to take your career to the next level and could use the advice of the latest generation of girl bosses. Jaclyn gives you the best tips on how to pivot your professional journey and take the reins of your career. She doesn’t shy away from mental health topics, like in this fantastic episode with Ashley Brooke. And, yes, Jaclyn interviews a brand new guest almost every week! So get ready to listen to a podcast hosting a lot of inspiring success stories and learn how to take practical action within business and finances.

The Femails with Lauren McGoodwin

The Femails is another great podcast for aspiring, career-driven millennials. On this show Lauren McGoodwin of Career Contessa deep dives into the world of women, work, and all things relating to building a successful and fulfilling career on your terms. She takes a real-talk approach to women’s career development that is relatable and actually useful and applicable to your own life. You’ll hear incredible stories from women regarding their explorations, failures, and triumphs.

For more podcasts for female entrepreneurs, this article has a great list.

With Whit with Whitney Port

Whitney made a name for herself on the reality show The Hills, so most Millennials have at least heard of her. But she didn’t stop there! She grew her own business outside of fashion and became a leading voice for all things entrepreneurship and personal growth. Whitney’s podcast is perfect for when you want to get inspired by listening to some down-to-earth conversations. Even a 1:1 mental health update is encouraging listen with Whitney as your host. She also covers a huge variety of topics! From relationships and parenthood to entrepreneurship, fashion, and wellness – this show has it all for millennials!

Trading Secrets with Jason Tartick

Every Millennial should know one or two key details about investing, trading, and finances. It’s just how the money industry is moving forward! Jason is an expert and not afraid to tackle all the taboo topics related to money and trading secrets. Plus, he’s a former Bachelor star so millennials know and love him! On his show, Jason explains everything you need to know about a specific topic in each episode, usually accompanied by a fellow financial expert. The concept of an inside scoop takes a whole new meaning on this podcast! You will learn all you need to know to navigate the tricky world of trading and investing. Ever heard of day trading with student loans? This is a great episode for millennials. Tune in to Jason’s show for your weekly listens on money and finances.

I Love You So Much with Kenzie Elizabeth

Kenzie is a lifestyle blogger and YouTuber that’s here to update you on all things to help you live your best life. Between her bubbly, candid personality and her honest content, she’s the best car ride or apartment clean-out buddy! You’ll find new guests during most episodes. Industry experts, artists, influencers, and entrepreneurs, ILYSM covers all your lifestyle content needs. Kenzie will be your new guide for branding, productivity, and even navigating the crazy world of the twenties.

The Uncomfortable Podcast With Dom Roberts

Getting uncomfortable doesn’t have to be a bad thing. And creative activist Dom Roberts is here to guide you through that process! Her podcast helps you confront some of today’s most sticky topics in order to grow and take a stand for what you believe in. Dom’s content is right in the middle of entertainment, news, and education. What matters is that Dom is here to lead the conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds and with more than one great story to tell. She covers many uncomfortable subjects and uses her personal experience to help find ways to overcome those uncomfortable feelings. But, this episode on mental health and recovering from burnout is specifically one of our personal favorites.

Real Pod with Victoria Garrick

Millennials love to get real. And it doesn’t get any more real than in Real Pod with host Victoria Garrick. She is a former Division I volleyball player went mental health and body positivity advocate. Get ready for practical advice and wellness tips, as well as a lot of coming down-to-earth related to social media and hustle culture. Victoria invites amazing guests every week, from athletes, celebrities, industry experts, and fellow mental health advocates. Her show is inspiring and, most importantly, 100% real! So brace yourself and tune in to one of her episodes. We recommend this candid conversation about unfiltered food freedom realizations!

The Ali Kolbert Show with Ali Kolbert

We all know Eat Pray Love. But what about Eat Pray Dump? Welcome to Ali Kolbert’s take on the journey through adulthood! As a stellar comedian, Ali gives out advice that might be tough to hear but is absolutely needed. She is joined by her sister, Jackie, on this deep dive into being a functioning adult (or at least faking it ‘till you make it). This show is hilarious but is also not afraid to go there and speak about the things no one dares to, which millennials love. Take this episode on leveling up and losing your ego as an example. Ali is here to help you grow and laugh in the process.

Also, if you feel like you need any more comedy shows in your life, check out our list of the best comedy podcasts.

The Art Of Being Well with Dr. Will Cole

Well-being is such an integral part of our lives amidst our fast-paced existence. It’s important for Millennials and really all generations to take better care of their physical and mental health. That’s where Dr. Cole’s show comes in! This podcast is your digital hub for all things related to your personal wellness journey. With new and exciting guests each week, Dr. Cole shares the latest ways to practice self-care and improve your overall health. Kick off your listening experience with this collaborative episode between Dr. Cole and Marianna Hewitt from Life With Me.

Life With Me with Marianna Hewitt

Many millennials already know Marianna through her blog and skincare brand. So it’s no surprise millennials also flock to her podcast. This podcast is packed full of inspiration for millennials. Marianna often interviews influencers and brand founders that millennials already know and love. Plus, she’s constantly sharing insight on topics millennials love discussing like brand building, social media success, skincare, makeup, fitness, blogging, and so much more.

Dear Gabby with Gabby Bernstein

Who wouldn’t want to have a personal life coach available through a quick audio file? Gabby is a bestselling author and international speaker dedicated to coaching listeners through life changes and tough moments. Her episodes are focused on practical tips for personal growth and inspiring advice to help you reach your goals. You will learn how to take action on your dreams and be more confident in yourself. This is the show for you if you are all about growth and maintaining a positive mindset!

The Blonde Files Podcast with Arielle Lorre

Arielle Lorre is here to cover all of your burning questions about wellness, lifestyle, beauty, and so much more. She engages in meaningful conversations to make sure you get the inside scoop and the best insights. From how to optimize your health, to whether or not to have kids, to beauty tips and brand building, she’s going there. Millennials love this podcast because of the unique candor and Arielle’s multifaceted interests. This show is a must-subscribe for anyone who wants to live their best life and look good doing it.

What are the best podcasts for Millennials?

If you’re a Millennial, we would love to know which shows are your favorite in the comments below. We can even add them to our list! And if you’re a Millennial and haven’t tuned into any of these shows, get on it! For any podcasters or brands out there, hopefully, this post was super insightful as to what Millennials are into. They are the biggest demographic of young listeners within the podcasting industry. So, it’s key to be aware of their preferences.

You can find these shows plus more on the Dear Media shows page.

How To Set Boundaries With Family

Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and boundaries. Respect and boundaries save and protect relationships because there are clear expectations of what is and is not acceptable. Setting boundaries is the best way to honor yourself and create fulfilling relationships. Relationships that add value to your life, make you feel good, that doesn’t drain your energy. Unhealthy boundaries in relationships can cause stress, unhappiness, and an overall feeling of suffocation. And for the record, boundaries are not just for friends and romantic relationships. Boundaries are essential when it comes to family. 

How To Set Boundaries With Family

Why Is Setting Boundaries Important With Family?

If the idea of seeing a certain family member only causes you to worry and get nervous, there is something in that relationship that needs to change. Toxic family connections lead to difficulties creating genuine relationships, and discomfort, & often end in a giant blowout. So it’s important to protect your mental health, avoid a family brawl, and maintain healthy boundaries as a priority. Blood may be thicker than water, but it doesn’t have to be thicker than the boundaries you set to protect your energy and mental wellness. So, today we’re getting real about how to set boundaries with family, tips, and techniques for maintaining boundaries, and how to communicate your boundaries with sternness, love, & comparison.

Start with yourself and practice self-awareness.

The first step to setting healthy boundaries is first and foremost taking a hard look in the mirror. Practicing self-awareness does not equal blaming yourself. It’s just a willingness to recognize your behavior with an honest outlook. So first and foremost should try to recognize how you’ve contributed to unhealthy boundaries in your family. For example, if you’re constantly over-sharing with an over-opinionated mother, take note. Maybe you’ve been overly critical of another family member’s actions. Do you have a codependent relationship with any family members? Or if you’re consistently involving your parents when you fight with a sibling, just acknowledge and recognize your patterns of behavior. It’s important for you to first recognize how you might be contributing to unhealthy boundaries with family members, and consider how you can act differently so healthy boundaries are encouraged for the entire family. 

This episode of ILYSM dives deep into setting physical boundaries, codependency, processing emotion, & more. It’s a great listen if those are things you’re currently struggling with.

Reflect on the reasons you want or need to set boundaries.

There are unhealthy relationships, and then there are abusive relationships. If the reason you’re setting boundaries is to have more healthy interactions with your parents and siblings, get more joy out of your familial relationships, and overall feel less drained and more fulfilled by your family relationships the tips on this list will help. If you’re experiencing any kind of trauma or abuse because of your family relationships, you may need more firm boundaries with the support of professionals. So keep that in mind as you’re considering how to set boundaries with family. 

Commit to honoring yourself.

To maintain your boundaries moving forward, you have to commit to honoring yourself, your values, and your needs. Commit to making yourself, your happiness, and your mental health and wellness your priority. Also, make sure to accept that it’s okay to make yourself the priority. It doesn’t mean you love your family any less. Choose to honor yourself and your needs so that you can show up more present, happy, and energized when you’re around your family. 

Identify your triggers and get ahead of them.

A trigger is any situation, comment, behavior, experience, or event that is difficult to deal with. We all have triggers. Maybe you grew up with a Dad that drank too much, so seeing your brother drinking heavily is a trigger. Or maybe you were in a relationship with someone with a narcissistic personality that would gaslight you. So having your feelings invalidated is majorly triggering. Whatever your triggers may be, it’s important to ditch any shame surrounding them. There is no shame in recognizing your triggers. Recognizing your triggers will help you set boundaries and react more positively in uncomfortable situations.

If one of your triggers is heavy drinking, for example, you can set a boundary to leave earlier on nights when everyone is drinking. Of course, a trigger can happen at any time and be completely unforeseen. You can’t always avoid them. However, if you can identify your triggers, you can hopefully reduce the number of times you’re in an uncomfortable situation.

Be confident in your ability to say no. 

Boundary violations often occur because people are afraid of offending the other person by denying their wants. Saying no can seem daunting, but it’s the best way to put an end to any unhealthy boundaries. If you can’t make that dinner, lunch, holiday, birthday, or special occasion because you have something personal going on, it’s okay to say no. If you have a family member that routinely makes poor decisions and relies on you to pick up the pieces, say no. Be ready to take a breath and say no to anything that is taking a toll on your life, time, goals, emotions, and mental health. Don’t let any family member walk all over you or guilt-trip you for denying their request

Communicate your needs in the relationship.

To maintain healthy boundaries with a family member, it’s necessary to draw clear lines for the kind of behaviors you won’t tolerate. You can’t expect others to respect your time boundaries if they don’t know you have them. For example, if you yearn for more structure in your life, it could mean simply saying “I won’t be able to commit to any last-minute plans moving forward because I’m committed to my schedule.” It could also mean voicing when you’re a person feeling uncomfortable, disrespected, or mistreated. Whatever behaviors, comments, expectations, or interactions you are determined to stop allowing, say it. Loud and clear. Say it intentionally, calmly, and with confidence. 

Be realistic and don’t ask people to change.

You can’t expect everyone to be on a personal growth journey or feel the need to act differently. And people won’t change simply because you say so. All you can do is set boundaries that personally impact you, and lead by example. Although we all wish our 65-year-old mother would suddenly act differently, she might not. So don’t constantly try to put the square peg in a round hole. Don’t set unrealistic standards and expectations that your family members won’t even attempt to meet. Instead, accept your family members for who they are and set your boundaries accordingly.

Voice when your boundaries feel violated.

Accountability is extremely important for maintaining boundaries in relationships. For everyone, including yourself, to take your boundaries seriously, you have to be willing to say when they are violated. The key here is to acknowledge that your boundaries were violated without contributing to a heated moment. Speak your truth honestly, without aggression, and with compassion and kindness in your voice. Don’t attack. Instead, focus on how you felt and what kind of interaction you prefer. This article is a great resource for using I statements in relationships.

Forgive the past, and focus on the future.

To move forward with your new boundaries and maintain a more healthy relationship, you can’t keep living in the past. If you have any unresolved anger or resentment, it’s time to focus on letting that go. Move and evolve into a future more healthy, respectful relationship. This doesn’t mean that you need to forget the past. It just means that you need to let go of any negative, low vibrational feelings towards family members you’re setting new boundaries with. 

Here is an episode of Real Pod that discusses how to heal a strained family dynamic, listen here: Forgiving Your Ex & Healing Strained Family Relationships with Spiritual Guru Sah D’Simone. 

Remember you are the one in control of your life.

You are in charge of maintaining the boundaries you created for your family. You control whether or not a person gets away with repeated boundary violations. It’s your choice to let it pass or take action and insist they have crossed the line.

This episode of Recovering From Reality dives deep into dysfunctional family dynamics and how to recover from them. If you want to learn more about the subject, listen here: And So It Is w/ Andrea Arlington.

Write a list of coping strategies.

Let’s face it, when you start to set boundaries you may hit some bumps in the road. It’s important to practice self-care when dealing with a lack of boundaries, arguments, or family members that don’t agree with enforcing your boundaries. Unresolved family issues can hurt your mental health and risk your other relationships if you can’t cope. A great way to always be ready to deal with a crisis is to write down a list of coping strategies that work best for you. Keep these strategies in mind any time things don’t go as planned and you need help to cope.

A few solid coping strategies are taking a relaxing bath, practicing meditation, going for a walk, listening to calming music, journaling, moving your body, and listening to your favorite podcasts.

Seek out your safety net. 

If you have several people you know you can rely upon, don’t be afraid of letting them know you are struggling. Reach out to your loved ones and ask for their support. The whole point of having a safety net is to be around them and feel safe, so be open with them. Boundary violations put a strain on your mental health, so it’s valid and necessary to feel supported during tough times. 

Allow yourself to do what’s best for you. 

Value yourself and your time. Don’t waste precious moments with those who refuse to set boundaries or don’t appreciate you. You have no obligation to family members, even if you are of the same blood. Healthy relationships come first. Prioritize the people in your life that make you feel your best, and don’t be scared to walk away from dysfunctional dynamics. At the end of the day, it’s your life and you should not struggle your way through it. Ignore the stigma and forge your path. 

What are your favorite strategies to set boundaries with family?

Those were some of our best tactics on how to set and maintain healthy boundaries with a family member or blood connection. It’s important to identify when someone has crossed the line and take action to establish a healthy boundary with them. A lack of boundaries can have a negative long-term impact on your mental health, so it’s necessary to act quickly and protect your closest relationships. Good luck with your family boundaries and remember to take care of yourself! 

What Is Toxic Productivity & How To Keep It in Check

Productivity can be addictive. And there’s a really fine line between efficient and overworked. Toxic productivity is when you have an unhealthy and obsessive desire to be productive at all times and in all areas of your life. Feeling guilty for watching a movie or never allowing yourself a day off are huge red flags! Those behaviors are signs of toxic productivity. And this can take a toll on both your physical and mental health. As well as on your personal relationships. Being overproductive is no way to live!

We know what all of you overly productive hustlers out there are thinking right now. There is seriously nothing more gratifying than checking off the items on your to-do list. Getting that sense of accomplishment. It can actually be high. However, hustle culture and the need to consistently be productive can get out of control. If you’re setting unrealistic expectations of yourself, tying your productivity to your self-worth, or experiencing guilt during your downtime, you might be suffering from toxic productivity and should consider getting it in check.

What Is Toxic Productivity & How To Keep It in Check

Toxic productivity is an unhealthy mindset that you need to be doing something productive at all times. Workaholic can definitely be a term used to describe toxic productivity. In recent years hustle culture has certainly contributed to toxic productivity leading many to burnout and unhappiness. More on toxic hustle culture HERE. However toxic productivity can manifest outside of work. There are many signs of toxic productivity, and the side effects can be serious. Think social isolation, unhappiness, feelings of not being good enough, anxiety, depression, and more ( source ).

Here’s how you can stop toxic productivity and create more balance in your life:

Cut yourself some slack:

Nothing flows when you don’t put yourself first. Avoid getting caught in the toxic cycle of trying to be productive during every minute of your day. Most of the time, you’ll be too tired to work efficiently, anyway! Cut yourself some slack and stop putting so much pressure on your shoulders. Actively tell yourself that you are enough, you’ve done enough, and that not everything needs to be complete at this moment. It’s okay to push things off, it’s okay to take a breath. Remind yourself that life isn’t just about what you do, it’s about what you experience and feel. If you need more tips for how to cut yourself some slack, this episode of Real Pod has a ton of info about how to stop being hard on yourself, redefine success, and be an overachiever.

Commit to regular downtime.

The intention is everything. So make a commitment to give yourself some time away from being productive. It might feel uncomfortable at first and you might feel the urge to be productive in your downtime. For serious cases of toxic productivity, some radical self-improvement may be required. However, if you set the intention to allow yourself downtime, you’ll have success over time.

Adjust your goals and expectations:

Let’s face it, we all struggle with unrealistic expectations. Whether it’s thanks to social media, what our family expects from us, or our own self-inflicted expectations. Setting the bar too high can be a good thing if you’re not too hard on yourself when you don’t reach those goals. However, it can also be a bad thing if you’re constantly trying to live up to some ridiculous standard. So take an honest look at your goals, and make adjustments if they’re set so high that realistically you’re setting yourself up to let yourself down. It’s also important to set goals that are related to your happiness and wellness. Take time to ask yourself the tough questions and find your own definition of success.

Listen to this episode of Because Life where Sydel and her guest discuss how to overcome feeling unproductive and not good enough. A little advice can go a long way! Here it is: I Am Deserving.

Take breaks:

No matter how productive you are during working hours, you still need to take breaks. Your performance and mental health suffer when you’re overworked. Taking short breaks on a regular basis reboots your brain and gets you ready to tackle the next task. Setting time aside for breaks requires time management and intention. You can schedule your breaks, use an app or time block tool, or stick to a routine that works for you, Also keep in mind that breaks are not only important during the work day. Take the weekend, go on a vacation, and enjoy a dinner with no distractions. It’s incredibly important that you find time to mentally check out productivity and just enjoy some downtime.

Start meditating:

One of the most obvious signs of toxic productivity is being mentally preoccupied with work. So training your brain to focus on something other than work is a great practice for anyone suffering from toxic productivity. Meditation is a powerful tool and practice to soothe and clear the mind. If you find yourself constantly restless or thinking about being productive, take a break and meditate. It doesn’t have to be an hour-long meditation. Just 10 minutes can do the trick. You’ll be amazed at the power of deep breaths and ignoring all intrusive thoughts!

Stop comparing yourself to others:

It’s your life, and it’s your journey. What other people are doing is irrelevant. So keep blinders on and focus on yourself and what makes you happy. When you compare yourself to others whom you perceive as doing more than you, you’re feeding the need to do more. So don’t compare yourself to other people in your family, at work, and in your social circles. Especially avoid comparing yourself to others on social media. You’ll never feel productive enough if you compare yourself to a curated feed on Instagram. Remember that everyone has their own path, struggles, successes, and failures. So it’s impossible to hold yourself to standards based on their journey instead of your own.

If you’re struggling with comparing yourself to others, this episode of ILYSM is a must-listen: Not Feeling Like You’re Doing Enough, Comparing Yourself, The Secrets to Tik Tok & Work Guilt.

Make self-care a daily habit:

Self-care is crucial when it comes to putting an end to toxic productivity. I mean let’s be real, one of the first signs you’re overworked are those dreaded eye bags. Your skin, fitness, hydration, and sleep can all suffer when you’re stuck in a cycle of being toxically productive. So make self-care a habit. Dedicate time to a wellness, fitness, food, or beauty routine. Schedule a regular spa session. A self-care habit can even include journaling, exercise, meditation, yoga, reading, breathwork, baking, and pretty much anything that makes you feel your best. Self-care is all about you, after all!

Kick off your self-care habits with this episode of With Whit: Liz Vaccariello And I Discuss The Highly Sought After Work-Life Balance And The Crucial Role Of Self Care.

Establish boundaries between your work life and personal time:

You’ll need a few guidelines for your ideal work-life balance. These are totally personal and based on what you believe you need in order to avoid toxic productivity. Maybe this means you do not work more than 40 hours per week. Or maybe you set the simple rule of not checking emails after 8 pm. Whatever your boundaries are, get clear and help yourself stay within them. Boundaries with yourself are crucial! For more on boundaries, see this post on setting boundaries with family.

Get at least 8 hours of sleep:

Listen, you won’t be productive at all if you don’t actually take time to rest. That’s just a fact! And one of the first signs of toxic productivity is that sleep isn’t made one of your priorities. So to get out of the toxic relationship you have with being productive, sleep is essential. The National Sleep Foundation advises that healthy adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Any less than that for a continued amount of time and your mental health and productivity will both be affected. So don’t let your work day mess with your sleep. It’s not worth it in the long run. Aim for the good old 8 hours a night and you’ll see what a difference it makes!

Are you curious about the science of sleep? On this episode of The Gabby Reece Show, they talk about all things related to sleep schedules, sleep avatars, sleep hacks, & everything you need to know about sleep with Dr. Michael Breus.

Hold yourself accountable:

This is the only way to ensure you will keep toxic productivity in check. Hold yourself accountable for your habits and keep track of them. Did you get enough sleep last night? Did you eat breakfast this morning? Have you meditated yet? Make a self-care to-do list and motivate yourself to put your well-being first.

Learn more about self-accountability in this episode of Recovering From Reality where Alexis joins Kat Von D to discuss the topic: Ep. 104 Self-Accountability and Sobriety with Kat Von D

Spend quality time with your loved ones:

Social isolation and putting important relationships on the back burner is definitely an indicator that you’re toxically productive. This especially can be an issue if you work remotely. Plus, having a safety net can make all the difference when struggling with toxic productivity. Check in with your personal relationships. Spending time, quality time, with friends and family and unplugging from your work life and social media. Be present and at the moment when you are with someone you care about. Sharing your free time with others will help you resist the temptation to go back to work.

The Dangerous Trap Of Toxic Productivity

Toxic productivity is a dangerous trap that many fall into, especially in our fast-paced modern society. The problem is, this kind of productivity can have serious consequences on our health and well-being. Burnout, stress, anxiety, and physical health issues are just a few of the negative side effects that come with pushing ourselves too hard. So, if you find yourself caught up in the toxic productivity trap, take a step back and remember to set realistic goals, take breaks, and prioritize self-care.

What are your tips for avoiding toxic productivity?

So that is our guide on how to deal with toxic productivity. Hustle culture might sound fun and motivating, but your mental health comes first. Always give yourself time to relax and recharge! Are you suffering from toxic productivity? Let us know your favorite ways to break the cycle of toxic productivity. We love reading your comments! Stay healthy, everyone!

30 Time Management Tips For Work Life Balance

Today’s work life and hustle culture has us all scrambling for the best ways to manage our time. We all want to fit it all in. But let’s be real, there are only 24 hours in the day. All of us want to crush it at work, spend time with the people we love, and maybe even get a workout or two in. When our schedules are pushed to the max, we may end up compromising the things that are important to us. There is a lot of pressure to take that after-hours conference call and skip family dinner. Or even skip your workout so you can get a late-night work session in. This type of leniency can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Living a fast-paced life with a poor work-life balance promotes overstimulation and eventually leads to disruption in your personal life.

Sometimes it can even feel impossible to be the perfect employee or entrepreneur without compromising your personal time. But, understanding how time management works actually helps you become a better worker even if that means having stricter availability and declining last-minute projects. When you learn to take control of your time you work smarter, not harder. You make room to think clearer and creatively, so you don’t risk procrastination. You’re also not rushing to make frantic decisions. And finally, when you protect your time you’ll end up getting more done and be much more fulfilled overall in life.

 

30 Time Management Tips For Work-Life Balance

Since we all struggle with juggling our work and personal lives, today’s post is all about dealing with poor time management effectively. We are sharing 30 of our favorite tried and tested time management tips for how you can achieve a healthy work-life balance. These are small actions you can start right away to be more productive at work and enjoy your personal time to its fullest. Give them a try!

1. Set your daily schedule in advance.

There’s nothing more deterring than approaching your day without a clue about where to start. Having no clear direction will cause you to feel overwhelmed. Right before your work day ends, take the time each night to write a to-do list for the following day. Prioritize your to-do list with important tasks, meetings, and key deadlines. This will help you feel confident about what to tackle first!

2. Know yourself and your productive hours.

We can’t all be early-morning birds! Everyone has a certain time of the day in which they are the most productive at work; those are your peak hours. Self-assess and schedule your work hours according to the time when you work best. If you can’t pick your work hours, apply this tip to your passion project or favorite hobby!

3. Cut off all distractions during work hours.

If you want to be more productive at work, staying focused will be crucial. You won’t be able to work efficiently if your phone buzzes with social media notifications every five minutes. Mute all notifications and prepare a distraction-free zone. You’d be surprised how much you can get done without your phone causing you interruptions.

4. Start with the tasks that have deadlines.

I know, we’ve all avoided that one dreaded task until we had no choice but to take care of it. But procrastinating on it will not help with your work-life balance. Knowing you have to get it done eventually will only cause you to worry and stress during your off hours until it’s complete. So if you have a task that has a deadline, it’s probably best to knock it out first!

5. Learn to delegate when necessary.

Sometimes, we might take on more than we can really handle. This is especially true if you are in a management position at work or you run your own business. But delegating will keep you away from unhealthy emotional and physical stress! If you don’t want to work during your personal time, trust someone else with a few tasks. This will also allow you to focus on other parts of the job or company that probably require your attention too!

6. Take regular breaks.

You don’t want to exhaust yourself during work hours and end up too tired to enjoy the rest of the day. Regular 5 to 15-minute breaks can reboot your brain and boost your productivity. There’s a reason the Pomodoro technique is so popular: taking breaks helps with time management. Breaks also help to keep the creative juices flowing and keep your energy from being stagnant! Choose your preferred interval and give it a try!

7. Use an app or project management tool to help manage your time.

Tools like Asana or Trello can help you organize all your important tasks and to-do lists in one centralized place. You can manage both your work and personal time there, too. It’s practical and you have it with you at all times! This will help to ensure you stay focused on what’s important and not waste any time on things that are not on your daily schedule!

8. Plan each week in advance.

It’s always a good idea to know what comes next, both with work and personal matters. Setting aside a bit of time each week to plan the next one will help you organize your time better. This way, you can improve your work-life balance without having to rush to complete any important tasks. Planning your week ahead of time is, of course, great for conference calls, meetings, and work projects. However, it’s even more crucial for planning your self-care routines like fitness, facials, and massages. As well as scheduling social time with family and friends, and even free time for yourself.

9. Set realistic deadlines.

Don’t commit to deadlines you know you won’t be able to see through. This will only make you come across as unreliable with your team members and coworkers. Plus you will be overwhelmed and overworked. It’s a pretty poor combination, right? Set realistic deadlines and commit to them.

10. Avoid multitasking with tasks that require your full attention.

Even though multitasking seems like a great idea to get a lot done, it actually means some of the tasks at hand are not getting 100% of your attention or effort. When you multitask you are causing your brain to overwork itself. This is a recipe for burnout and human error. Switching between tasks causes mental blocks that can actually slow you down! So for example, if you’re working on emails just focus on your inbox. Don’t try to switch between emails and any other tasks.

11. Choose when to multitask wisely.

Not all multitasking is bad. For example, sometimes its great to do something physical like going for a walk while you do something else that doesn’t require your legs or a ton of mental space. For example, maybe you go for a walk outside while you catch up with a friend over the phone. Or walk on the treadmill while you listen to your favorite podcast. You can even listen to your favorite podcast while in the shower or doing a beauty routine. This type of multitasking helps you accomplish multiple things that bring you joy and add value to your life.

12. Say no to what doesn’t serve you or your goals.

Being a people pleaser never made anyone achieve their dreams or achieve a healthy work-life balance. If you can’t commit to that extra assignment, say no. If you need a Friday night to work on your passion project, say no to that happy hour outing. Any task that doesn’t feel right or makes you feel like you’re putting something you really want to do on the back end, say no! When you put yourself first you will find yourself with a surprising amount of extra time. If you have a hard time saying no, read this post on how to set boundaries for more inspiration.

13. Stay committed to your plan of action.

If you had a plan for your day, don’t get discouraged by complications or nuances that may come up. Stick to the schedule you have mapped out for yourself! You will avoid overworking yourself in order to compensate for that time gap.

14. Automate as much as you can.

Sometimes the smallest of errands can put you behind schedule and mess up your entire work-life balance. To allow yourself time to focus on things with greater value, try to automate things you don’t necessarily need to take time out of your day to handle. For example, you can put your bills on auto-pay or have frequently used items like groceries and toiletries delivered straight to your house. Automatization can save you loads of time in the long run.

15. Don’t wait for inspiration to strike.

Effective time management is a skill that gives you the power to always be prepared and stay proactive. It prevents you from forcing inspiration or waiting for it to strike. If you are creative and you only work when inspiration strikes, then schedule dedicated time to think creatively. Schedule a block of time on the calendar to brainstorm. Delaying tasks because you lack inspiration creates a higher chance you won’t get it done at all, or anytime soon. Those tasks or projects will not finish themselves! Each time you put forth effort towards your task, you’re chipping away at it! Always show up for yourself, even on days you feel sluggish!

16. Get enough sleep.

Coffee can’t always be the magic cure for it all. Getting enough sleep will help you stay energized during the day and be more productive at work. You’ll be in a better mood too!

17. Have a morning and evening routine.

Creating a morning and evening routine is key to better time management skills. Knowing exactly what to do in the morning helps set the productivity tone for the entire day. It allows you to be present in little ways you may not think are important too. Like enjoying a cup of coffee, reading the newspaper, getting a workout in or taking a morning jog. If you don’t have a morning routine you may feel rushed to even make a cup of coffee to go!

The same goes for an evening ritual. Meditation, bedtime reading, or journaling are other great ways to connect with your evening. Spending quality time with yourself during the first and last minutes of the day allows you to reaffirm your daily goals and reflect on your actions!

18. Listen to a podcast when commuting to or leaving work.

Podcasts are great because they keep you company on your daily commute to and from work. Listening to your favorite show can change or improve your mood and get you motivated to begin your work day too! Most importantly though, finding time to work on yourself and learn new things can be really hard when you work full time and have a life. So finding time to learn something or gain inspiration without having to set aside special time for it is key. At Dear Media, there are a ton of podcasts to choose from. From business to personal development and spirituality or wellness to beauty, we got you covered!

19. Keep your workspace tidy.

A cluttered space reflects a cluttered mind. Having a tidy workspace boosts productivity because it’s challenging to work in a messy environment. Plus, messy doesn’t attract inspiration! You’ll feel more energized if your work area is clean and organized. When it comes to time management, doing everything you can to make yourself your most productive adds up.

20. Start time-blocking your day.

Setting up time blocks for everything you do might not sound like much fun, I know. But it works wonders for effective time management! Use time blocks for scheduling work hours, important tasks, errands, and even downtime. It’s important to set strict time limits on how much of your time you’re going to spend on any tasks in order to achieve a work-life balance.

21. Do similar tasks on the same time block.

This one further emphasizes our earlier tip to avoid multitasking. When you’re doing similar tasks, you’re able to get in a flow. So for example if you have to respond to 20 emails in one day, don’t answer them randomly throughout the day or create different time blocks for each email. Instead sit down and do the 20 emails in the same block. You’ll get in the flow and start answering them much faster! Otherwise, you are just doing too many things at once and you might get distracted easily.

22. Have your calendar keep you on track throughout the day.

It’s always good to know you are staying on schedule. However checking your calendar regularly during work hours to make sure everything is going according to plan decreases your productivity and takes you away from your important tasks. Instead, set up your calendar to send you notifications throughout the day when you need to end or start a new task. You can set up your notifications to remind you how much time you have left for a task, what tasks are coming up next, and even include the details of tasks in your calendar notes.

23. Set aside time for stress reduction activities.

Life is more than just work, productivity goals, and hustling. You need time to recharge to give the day your all! Scheduling relaxing activities will help you make self-care a priority. Activities like yoga, a drawing lesson, or meditation are all great ways to boost productivity.

For more info on this, The Femails has an episode specifically on How to Decrease Overwhelm & Increase Creativity.

24. Have backup tasks.

There will always be downtime during work hours. A great way to take advantage of downtime and shorten your to-do list is to tackle any mundane tasks you have on your plate. Answer emails, check your voicemail, and return client calls. These little tasks don’t require a lot of brain power, but they add up and can overwhelm you if there are too many that pop up last minute. Check them off your list and get them out of the way!

25. Move forward if you get stuck.

Some days we really aren’t in the mood for a specific task and we get stuck. If you’ve been working on the same thing for hours with no end in sight, skip ahead. Just do the next item in your to-do list and come back to what you’re struggling with later.

26. Meal prep.

Meal-prepping is a lifesaver during work hours! The last thing you need in the middle of a work day is to worry about lunch. It’s better to plan your meals ahead of time and have them ready to eat. Then just heat them up and enjoy. You’ve just saved yourself some precious time and money!

27. Make the most of your errands run.

Don’t go to the bank today and leave grocery shopping for tomorrow – unless it’s 100% necessary. Plan your errands in advance and take the time to do all of them at once. It will save you both time and gas.

28. Minimize your screen time.

Social media has that magic time-sucking quality, you know it. It’s suddenly 10 p.m., and you spent an hour on Instagram instead of sleeping. Mindless scrolling is the nemesis of effective time management. So try to avoid it by avoiding all electronics one hour before bedtime. You can also seriously try to avoid scrolling throughout the day in general.

29. Identify the top 5 priorities of each day.

It’s easy to get caught up with work or a to-do list and focus on the things you have to do and might want to do. So making to-do lists for things you have and want to do are great, but you should also always highlight your top 5 priorities for the day in general. Get up every morning and review your day, find the 5 priorities, and make sure you find and schedule time for them.

30. Tune in with your values and goals.

Pay attention to what you are spending time on. Is it your dream promotion? Your business? Perhaps you don’t even like your current job but lack the drive to do something about it. Ask yourself tough questions and be candid with yourself. Being honest with yourself will get you where you want to be in life. Effective time management won’t serve you if you are working towards something you don’t feel passionate about. Be in touch with your dreams and show up for yourself with the end goal in mind!

Learn more about building a business you are passionate about on this episode of With Whit: Staying Home With Whit | AmyAnn Cadwell On Building A Business Based On Your Passion

What is your best tip for effective time management?

Those were our 30 favorite time management tips for achieving work-life balance! Remember that separating your work hours from your personal life will save you from a lot of stress and constant tiredness. Trust us, your mental health will thank you for putting in the work!

One last thing before you go! Perhaps you prefer to listen to your way to a brand new time management skills. And we have the perfect episode To kick off your commitment to a healthier work-life balance with the following episode of The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast. Enjoy! Secrets To Personal Growth Time Management, & Productivity With Serial Entrepreneur David Meltzer.

The Best Podcasts For Female Entrepreneurs

Female-owned businesses are growing at a steady rate. In the last 20 years, the number of businesses owned by female entrepreneurs in the US has increased by 114%. Today, women entrepreneurs own 4 out of 10 businesses in the country. BOOM! That’s what I’m talking about ladies. Get it! This is amazing news! Especially because female entrepreneurs face unique challenges in the big bad world of business. So they should be celebrated for going above and beyond to achieve their lady boss status. 

Because it’s tricky to grow your own successful business, mentorship becomes a key advantage for female entrepreneurs. Having a mentor can help you improve yourself and your business strategy. However, not all mentorship has to be through personal interactions. Podcasts are the bridge between those who have something valuable to say and those eager to learn. Because when you listen to the experiences and lessons of a successful female entrepreneur, you get actionable tips and a better sense of direction. Podcasters like Abagail and Emylee on Strategy Hour, or Jenna Kutcher on The Goal Digger Podcast sharing their business journies are more than just side-hustle stories. They’re case studies for triumph. And we all want in on it.

So today’s post is all about entrepreneurship and the best podcasts for female entrepreneurs. You’ll find a roundup of the shows starring women who became prominent business leaders down below!

The Best Podcasts For Female Entrepreneurs

Share of Voice with Karin Eldor:

This show is all about discovering your voice and speaking your truth! Karin Eldor is your host. And as a journalist, she has a passion for sharing powerful voices and the way they express themselves. On Share of Voice Karin hosts conversations with game-changers, entrepreneurs, and creatives. You’ll find more than one successful female entrepreneur telling her story here! The guests are always ready to inspire the audience to be bold, get engaged, and follow their passions. In addition, this show will ignite that enterprising flame in you to express yourself unapologetically.

Kick off your listening experience of Share of Voice with this amazing episode about a female entrepreneur shaking the lingerie industry: How Lively Is Disrupting The $13B Lingerie Industry, With Founder Michelle Cordeiro Grant.

Work Party with Jaclyn Johnson

I mean, the title of this podcast says it all. This podcast is all about all things related to work. It’s the place where women come together to share their work experiences and celebrate each other’s success. Expect tons of practical tips for guiding you on your journey to creating an epic career and business. You’ll also hear from serious industry experts on topics like the importance of your reputation in business, how to scale your business, how to break boundaries and reach new heights for your products, and so much more.

Browse the latest episodes of Work Party HERE.

Life With Me with Marianna Hewitt:

Marianna is a successful influencer on social media, a long-time blogger, and a successful female entrepreneur. She co-founded the iconic clean beauty brand, Summer Fridays. And hosts her podcast Life With Me. Her show features a new guest every week, typically someone in her network of influencers, entrepreneurs, and inspiring personalities. Each episode sheds light on an impressive story. You can also learn about topics like influencer marketing, and how to create Instagram content. Or the secret to diversifying your income through side hustling. Her goal is to inspire listeners to be the best version of themselves. Her genuine approach to connecting with her followers is the reason people keep coming back for more! 

Tune in to this episode of Life With Me where Marianna sits down for a chat with the founder of the quintessential beauty blender. Ever wonder how it became such an iconic product? Find out here: How the Beautyblender Became an Iconic Product with Founder Rea Ann Silva. 

Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian:

Raising The Bar is a must-listen for any female hustler. Hosted by entrepreneurs, this podcast features everything you need to know to start your own successful business.  Think actionable tips, business strategies, and all the tricky stuff you wish business owners talked about. It’s all here for you. Alli and Adrian defined the show itself as a study of perseverance. So expect the messiest of details surrounding being a leader and a go-getter. The pair invites a new guest each week to tackle the secrets to success in entrepreneurship. 

Kick off your unfiltered entrepreneurial advice experience with this episode of Raising The Bar: Why Alli Put a Ring on Boutique Jewelry Brand, Becket + Quill | with Meredith Quill.

Him and Her with Lauryn & Michael Bosstick

This duo knows a thing or two about business. Lauryn is a successful blogger, published author, podcast host, and founder of her anti-inflammatory beauty line. Her husband Michael is a serial entrepreneur that has had his hand in many different businesses, podcast host, and of course co-founder of Dear Media. On their show, they interview the best of the best when it comes to entrepreneurship. You’ll also hear stories of founding companies, failure, massive success, and everything in between. This one is a must-listen if you’re looking for entrepreneurship and work-life advice.

For entrepreneurs we recommend this episode to kick things off: Emma Grede – Founder & Partner Of Good American, Skims, & Safely On How To Build A Career Of Your Dreams, Network, Hustle, Communicate, & Get It All Done In Style

Friend of a Friend with Olivia Perez:

This podcast will introduce you to the next generation of game-changers! Your host, Olivia Perez, is a co-founder of a fantastic community and is determined to share the best success stories with her audience. Expect inspirational talks, a new exciting guest every week, and a personal listening environment – just as if you were talking to a friend of a friend. The guests also share their social media marketing strategies, the secrets to having a side hustle, and how they got to the top of their industries. You can’t miss it as a female entrepreneur!

Get in the entrepreneurial flow with this episode of Friend of a Friend, where Olivia and her guest talk all about finding your unique creative voice: Finding Your Creative Voice with Streetwear Designer Melody Ehsani.

Everything Is The Best with Pia Baroncini:

In need of a push to follow your dreams? Everything Is The Best is the type of show that will inspire you to chase your goals and never look back. Host Pia Baroncini is an incredible example of what it takes to become a successful female entrepreneur as the founder of the clothing label LPA. In each episode, Pia sits down for a conversation with guests from all backgrounds. She dives deep into what makes them tick and has them share how they’ve been able to thrive in their field and which actionable tips they took to get there. So be prepared to get inspired and take a little homework with you!

This episode is a must-listen. It discusses how to turn a pandemic project into a successful business. I know we could all use some clarity on this topic, so enjoy!

Being Bumo with Chriselle Lim:

If you’re a female entrepreneur who is also a mother or planning to become one, Being Bumo will become your new go-to. Your podcast host is Chriselle, the ultimate mom, successful business owner, and creative. She will make navigating the world of parenthood while working much easier. This podcast also features expert professionals, inspirational leaders, and celebrities to talk about parenting and professional life. Plus you’ll realize you’re not alone on your parenting journey. Many of the episodes will probably reaffirm the exact challenges and struggles working moms go through on a regular. This show makes you feel connected and empowered as a working mom.

This episode discusses the challenges that working parents faced during the pandemic: Rebecca Minkoff on the Realities of Being a Working Parent In a Pandemic.

The Dissenters with Debra Messing and Mandana Dayani:

Get ready to challenge the status quo with this disruptive show! The Dissenters is all about those who break the norm, and who speak out and make a difference. Debra and Mandana highlight their biggest heroes each week. The pair share their stories and discuss the critical aspects of their success as dissenters. From Hillary Clinton to Eva Longoria, you’ll always be inspired while listening to an episode of this show!

Food Heaven Made Easy with Wendy and Jess:

Calling all foodies here! Being a female entrepreneur comes with a few distinct challenges. And living a healthier life while creating a business is one of them. Food Heaven Made Easy is the show to listen to for practical advice on how to become more balanced. Wendy and Jess team up with a new expert guest each week. They discuss how to take better care of yourself and tackle topics from a different angle during every episode. Welcome to your new wellness and entrepreneurship hub! No gimmicks or quick diet fads here, just pure education-based information to inspire you to live your best, healthiest life!

In this episode, Wendy and Jess share all the business advice that is crucial for entrepreneurs: Business Advice We Wish We Got w/ Blavity CEO Morgan DeBaun.

Lipstick on the Rim with Molly Sims:

Molly and her best friend Emese catch you up on everything related to the beauty and wellness world. Their podcast features the latest beauty trends and wellness advice. And the success stories of some of the most influential people in the industry. It’s a two-for-one kind of deal! You get the best of both worlds each week as the girls join a celebrity or industry expert guest.

If you are in the mood to learn about the power of friendships in business, give this episode a listen: Black Beauty Founder, Nyakio Talks The Power of Female Friendships and Clean Beauty.

Say Yas to the Guest with Patrick Starrr:

Get the scoop on the latest details of the beauty industry with Say Yas To The Guest! Join Patrick each week as he chats with a new guest. They range from top beauty CEOs to up-and-coming makeup influencers. Every guest brings their unique perspective on the beauty industry and their secrets to achieving success in this cutthroat field. You will laugh and have fun getting inspired by their stories!

Tune in to Say Yas To The Guest with this episode featuring Jen Atkin.

What is your favorite podcast for female entrepreneurs?

You’ll find yourself incredibly inspired after listening to these energizing podcasts! All these shows have amazing stories about successful female entrepreneurs and the challenges that come with building your own business.

Other great podcasts to look for are Second Life with the founder of Girlboss Radio, Sophia Amoruso, and Being Boss with Emily Thompson and Kathleen Shannon. All of their voices are raw and their struggles are real. So get ready to take the lead and get inspired!

Who will you listen to first?

 

How To Name A Podcast

Every epic podcast should have an eye-catching, memorable name. It’s no question that choosing a clever way to identify your podcast is a big deal. It’s the first thing a potential listener will notice when browsing through show titles to see what sparks their interest. A show-stopping podcast name gives you a greater chance to reel them in.

A great podcast name can showcase who you are, and what your show is about, and hopefully capture your target audience. The name sets the direction of your podcast and gives your audience an idea of what they can expect from the show. It can be creative, unique, cheeky, straight to the point, or packed full of personality. If you are still debating what you should name your podcast, no worries! This post will guide you through picking a catchy podcast name that will stand out in all the podcast directories out there. So let’s dive right in shall we?

How To Name A Podcast

Start With Brainstorming

You can never go wrong with a good brainstorming session. However, it’s important that you already have your podcast’s theme, episode format, brand, and defined target audience. Only then can you start coming up with potential names for the show. Give the brainstorming of podcast name ideas a few different attempts on different days. It’s really great to sleep on your brainstorming sessions to see how you feel after some rest. You can schedule daily brainstorming sessions to dedicate real time to thinking creatively or just write down every idea that comes to mind. A fun way to help you out when you are feeling stuck is to bust out the dictionary, thesaurus, or even a fun site like Rhymezone or a podcast name-generator website. Just do your best to get all your ideas out on the table, no matter how you feel about them.

Don’t Stress

Choosing a name for your podcast can feel like a lot of pressure. It’s a big moment, but it’s also an exciting moment. So enjoy it! You’ll love looking back one day and reflecting on how you came up with the name. Also, keep in mind, stress puts a serious damper on creativity. So kick back, have some fun with it, and let the creativity flow. Heck, even pour yourself a glass of wine if you need to during brainstorming sessions.

Make It Both Descriptive and Unique

The goal is for your podcast title to tell your potential listener what your show is about. But it should also reflect your unique flare! A fantastic name does both. Think about your podcast theme and what words would best represent it. Also, take into account the speaking style of your target audience and what words resonate best with that demographic. Finally, add a little of your personality to it. You are the podcast host after all. It should be fun and introductory. A great example of this tip is Raising Good Humans with Dr. Aliza. You can pretty much guess from the title that this podcast is going to be packed full of parenting tips. 

Consider Incorporating Your Brand Name

Maybe you already have a successful personal or business brand with an active following. You’re getting into the podcasting game as an addition to your already thriving brand presence. So to attract potential listeners to your podcast, you can include the name of your brand in the title. Those who already know your brand might feel more attracted to your podcast if the title includes your brand name too. It’s a simple matter of familiarity. Plus, it helps you keep things consistent within your brand messaging. You can learn more about branding HERE.

Chriselle Lim went this route with her parenting podcast Being Bumo. Bumo is the name of her parenting community and brand. In a word, it means to parent. This makes the name of her podcast “being parent”, which incorporates both her existing brand name and explains what the show is all about. You can also take the name of your brand and add something to it. For example, when Lauryn Bosstick of The Skinny Confidential started a podcast with her husband Michael, they chose to incorporate both her brand and a unique identity for the show. The show ended up being dubbed The Skinny Confidential Him & Her.

Think About Using Word Play

Incorporating a play on words into your podcast title can help make it more catchy. Alliterations, puns, slang phrases, and metaphors make a statement. This can help your show stand out from the crowd in the podcast directories. It’s a fun way to catch the attention of your potential listeners too! Just be careful not to make it too ambiguous or abstract or you risk confusing your existing following. 

Let’s take Jackie Schimmel’s podcast, Mind Body No Soul, as an example. The phrase Mind Body Soul is super common in the wellness world. Jackie puts a spin on it by switching it to No Soul. This reflects both the theme of her podcast, guided meditations, and its tone, which is very satirical of your typical mindfulness content. It’s an intriguing yet practical name. It’s also incredibly easy to remember because we’ve all heard the saying similarly many times.

Remember Title Length Matters

Use short and sweet as a rule of thumb. The shorter the podcast title, the easier it will be to remember. Shorter names will also display better on all podcast directories since most people will stream them from their smartphones. So try to keep the title length between 14 and 29 characters! 

Analyze Its Searchability

The searchability of a podcast refers to its SEO value on search engines for potential listeners. It also involves the searches people make on podcast directories and the suggestions that may appear on their feeds. Search engines consider your podcast’s title and description when analyzing whether it is related to a potential listener’s search. Consider including a keyword or two in your podcast title to improve its SEO.

For example, a good podcast like Work Party by Jaclyn Johnson is all about millennial women and their new approach to work. It’s considered a celebration of the modern working woman and all her trials, tribulations, etc. So including the word “Work” is super strategic from an SEO standpoint. Another great example is The Heal Podcast with Kelly Noonan Gores. This podcast is actually a continuation of the HEAL documentary and book. So again including the word “Heal” in the podcast title makes a lot of sense for search.

Include Keywords But Avoid Keyword Stuffing

Look, we all love SEO. But let’s not go overboard with keywords on a podcast title. It’s super obvious and can come across as inauthentic. And people need to see their favorite podcast host as someone genuine, not as a search engine pleaser. Apple Podcasts has also stated that it will remove all podcast names which are just a long list of keywords from its podcast directory. That’s a clear warning that keyword stuffing is not okay for your podcast title. This goes for both your overall show name and individual episode titles. Always keep things genuine.  

Try Saying It Out Loud

Podcasts usually travel by word of mouth. No surprise there right? So your podcast title has to sound great! You will consistently repeat the name of your podcast in every intro for each episode, anytime you promote your show, and anytime you talk about your brand in general. Further cementing the need for the name of your podcast to flow. The name should be easy to pronounce and each word should flow effortlessly. Say all the potential names over and over for a good while. By the end, you will probably discard a couple of names you thought were potentials. 

Pitch It To A Sample Of Your Target Audience

This is perfect if you already have an existing following. You can ask for a few volunteers and pitch them a couple of your favorite podcast titles. However, seeking opinions of people outside of your typical community can also provide you with great insight too! This may even spark up some new creativity and refresh some existing ideas. So don’t be afraid to ask people that aren’t already followers or are heavily involved in the space. Sometimes fresh eyes and ears can really inspire!

Check Podcast Name Availability

Before you choose a podcast title, make sure to check if it’s available. It would be truly disheartening to get set on a name, maybe even a design for your show’s cover art, only to realize the name is taken. Plus if you plan on monetizing your podcast, you’ll need to avoid any copyright and trademark issues. Always do your research beforehand. Once you know the final contenders for the podcast name, search to see if it’s already in use. It’s also a good idea to see if the name is taken on social media sites such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Giving your podcast its own Instagram or Twitter makes it a great way to send out announcements like upcoming episode info, a recap of the shows, and snippets of previous shows.

How To Trademark A Podcast Name?

Trademarking a podcast name is a great way to make sure that you get the credit you deserve for your hard work. If you’re thinking about registering your trademark podcast name, here’s what you need to know.

Trademark registration can be done through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). You’ll need to fill out an application with your podcast name and other identifying information. Once you’ve filed this application, it will be reviewed by an examiner at the USPTO who will determine whether or not your podcast name is eligible for trademark protection. If the examiner determines that it is eligible, then he or she will issue a certificate of registration for your podcast name, and your podcast will be considered your own intellectual property by law.

Are you ready to get creative and choose a podcast name?

There you go, future podcasters! Now you have the insider’s scoop on how to name a podcast. These tips will help you pick a podcast title that is unique, memorable, and authentic. If you have any other questions about starting a podcast, what kind of podcast apps to use, or how to name your podcast properly, let us know in the comments. We are happy to help! You can also head over to this article to get the best list of everything you need to start a podcast. Best of luck picking your podcast name! 

One more thing! If you want to learn more about starting a podcast from one of our very own Dear Media podcasters, you are in luck. Kick off your podcast creation with the following episode of Friend of a Friend with Olivia Perez: Want To Start A Podcast? Olivia Gives Her Best Career Advice.