Interview Connections | The Leading Podcast Booking Agency

Suzanne Roberts, Principal of UnifyingSolutions, is a seasoned coach, author, facilitator, and speaker, with over five decades of experience in guiding organizations and individuals toward transformative change. Since 1979, she has worked with a diverse range of corporations, businesses, and non-profits, specializing in leadership development, cultural competence, and organizational resilience.She provides training and facilitation in The Great Reconnection™ and Consulting, helping individuals and teams cultivate vibrant, purposeful, and liberated lives and cultures.The Great Reconnection™ Coaching is more than just a coaching method—it’s a transformative pathway designed to help you reclaim YOU and step into your authentic power. Through this process, you’ll align with your deepest self, unshackled from the weight of external pressures and societal expectations.In this episode, Jess and Suzanne discuss:Being in a "trust recession" and why authentic online sharing builds the kind of connection that leads to real business relationships. Suzanne shares why vulnerability paired with a pathway forward is what moves people to reach out.How Suzanne launched her podcast in May 2024 for the sheer fun of it and has already reached 35 countries and 2,600 downloads, interviewing guests weekly with a monthly wisdom drop segment called Wisdom Drops.The unique pre-interview ritual Suzanne uses with every guest: a centering breath, a moment of presence, and an intention set together before recording begins. Jess shares why this was unlike anything she has experienced in hundreds of podcast appearances.Why there is no amount of strategy and tactics that will sustainably grow your business if your nervous system is dysregulated, and what it looks like to build a culture that is expansive rather than driven by pressure and burnout.Suzanne's 50-year evolution as a coach, from organizational development and team leadership to somatic work at the Strozzi Institute, to nervous system resets with a literal massage table in her office.Research Suzanne is now pursuing after discovering that leaders are spending 60 to 85 percent of their day in disconnection and often cannot identify their own signal to reconnect.Connect with Suzanne Roberts at https://unifyingsolutions.com/Book your Discovery Call with Jess at https://interviewconnections.com/call

In over 13 years of podcast experience, Jessica has never seen a marketing agency do what Deanna and Ashley are doing with their podcast. Ducks Unplugged isn't just a show about marketing; it's a living, breathing reflection of who Blue Duck Agency is and what it feels like to work with them.About our guestsDeanna Dolecki is president of Blue Duck Agency, a boutique female-founded marketing agency. A Gen X professional with over 25 years in marketing, Deanna leads with strategy, flexibility, and a refusal to take herself too seriously. Ashley Ruggeri is a senior marketing executive and millennial mom with over 15 years of experience building results-driven programs. Together, they run Blue Duck and co-host Ducks Unplugged, a show as authentic as the agency itself.What we coverWhy Deanna and Ashley launched a podcast to differentiate in an industry where agencies all sell the same thingsThe insight that changed how Jess sees their show: it's not that the podcast shaped their culture, it's that it mirrors itHow their low-prep, bullet-point-only approach produces more authentic (and more entertaining) episodes than scripted content ever couldThe basement studio story and why a corner of Ashley's son's toy room beats a professional studioTheir production process: batching four episodes per shoot, a dedicated producer named Cindy, and a director who has mastered the anglesWhy their ideal clients watch the podcast before ever getting on a call and what that means for their sales cycleThe dream client Deanna is absolutely going after (hint: it involves online dating)About Blue Duck AgencyBlue Duck is a full-service, results-based marketing agency specializing in acquisition, retention, and loyalty programs — with deep expertise in membership and subscription businesses. Every client works directly with senior staff. No hand-offs, no junior teams running your account.Subscribe to Ducks Unplugged on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DucksUnpluggedReady to leverage podcast guesting to attract dream clients? Schedule a call with Jessica now at http://interviewconnections.com/call

Episode Description:Podcast guesting is one of the most powerful networking strategies available to coaches today, but are you making the most of the time before and after the recording? In this episode, Jessica sits down with networking expert, speaker, and podcast host Michael Forman to talk about how to network with a servant's heart, turn pre-show conversations into lasting business relationships, and why a simple handwritten thank you note might be the highest-ROI move in your entire marketing strategy.What you'll learn in this episode:Why the best networkers lead with giving, not getting, and how to bring that mindset into every podcast conversationThe "gold nugget" question to ask a podcast host that immediately sets you apart from every other guestHow to make a host feel comfortable and truly seen during your pre- and post-show chatsWhy handwritten thank you notes have a 100% open rate (and how to actually get someone's mailing address)The simple follow-up sequence that keeps you top of mind without being pushyWhen to use a CRM vs. staying personal with your top 50 contactsTips from Michael's new book, From Airwaves to Income, on monetizing your podcastConnect with Michael: michaelaforman.comReady to turn podcast interviews into dream clients? Book a call at interviewconnections.com/call

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Episode OverviewSteve Guberman joins Jessica for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond business strategy. From an accidental agency exit to an unimaginable loss, to launching a coaching practice, Steve shares the real, unfiltered story behind his company, Agency Outsight, and why authentic human connection is at the heart of everything he does.Key Topics CoveredThe Accidental Exit Steve never planned to sell his agency. After nine years of building it, burnout hit fast — triggered by losing a seven-figure anchor client and the painful layoffs that followed. On his brother's advice, he put together a pitch deck and ran a "biz dev blitz" to agency owner friends, ultimately receiving three offers and selling to a PR firm he'd known and trusted for years.Life After the Sale Steve stayed with the acquiring firm for five years total — two years on an earn-out, then three more because things were going well. He shares what it felt like to finally let go of payroll stress and operate as an employee rather than a founder.A Season of Loss and Reinvention After leaving the agency in January 2020, Steve joined a new company with a clear CMO-track vision — but three months in, he lost his teenage daughter. Shortly after, COVID hit. He opens up about how that season of grief ultimately redirected his path, and why he's grateful for the unexpected support he found in that otherwise toxic workplace.Launching Agency Outsight After leaving the toxic job, Steve spent time in his garden, reconnected with agency owner friends in his New Jersey network, and was pointed to agency coach Kelly Campbell by multiple people simultaneously. That conversation gave him the blueprint. He launched Agency Outsight in October 2020 and hasn't looked back.Getting Coaching Clients: Then vs. NowEarly days: Personal network outreach, starting with a $600/month clientToday: The Agency Bytes podcast serves as a content library and shortest sales cycle Steve has ever experienced — prospects come in already soldAlso working well: Speaking, webinars, brand partnerships, and in-person events ("IRL over URL")On Selling Without Selling Steve completed Sandler sales training but says he no longer sells at all. If the fit isn't right, he'll refer prospects to five other agency coaches. He wants clients who are ready and willing — not regretful ones he had to convince.Books & Resources MentionedTraction by Gino Wickman (EOS)A Course in MiraclesThe Surrender Experiment by Michael A. SingerEckhart Tolle on Lewis Howes' podcastConnect with Steve Guberman🎙 Podcast: Agency Bytes💼 LinkedIn: @AgencyCoach🌐 Agency OutsightWork with Jessica Ready to get booked as a guest on top podcasts? Visit interviewconnections.com to book a discovery call.

Jessica Rhodes interviews Dr. Tom Sims, author of On Call in the Arctic, about storytelling, perseverance, trust, and the lessons entrepreneurs can learn from memoir. Tom shares what it was like to serve as the only doctor in Nome, Alaska, caring for thousands of people in extreme conditions with limited resources and no margin for error.This episode explores how powerful stories build trust, why memoir matters, and what business owners can learn from Tom’s experience about improvising, staying flexible, and persevering through uncertainty. It’s a moving conversation about leadership, purpose, and finding your way when instinct is all you have.In this episode:Why storytelling matters so much in podcast guesting and businessWhat makes a memoir powerfulLessons from practicing medicine in remote AlaskaHow to earn trust in skeptical environmentsWhy perseverance is essential in entrepreneurshipHow to reconnect with the reason you startedGet the book and connect with TomVisit ThomasJSims.com to learn more about Tom, his book On Call in the Arctic, and join his email list.If you enjoy this episode, grab the book, leave a review for Tom, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur or storyteller!Ready to share your story on podcasts? Book a discovery call with me now at https://interviewconnections.com/consult/

Podcast guesting helped Julia Blackwell grow her online wellness program from 15 members to over 120 clients.In this episode, fascia release practitioner and educator Julia shares how she transitioned from a local practice to an online business and why podcast interviews became her most powerful marketing strategy.Jessica Rhodes and Julia discuss:• How podcast guesting generates organic leads • The call-to-action that converts podcast listeners into clients • Why experts should focus on teaching instead of pitching • How Julia is now expanding into practitioner trainingIf you want to grow your business through podcast guesting, this episode shows what’s possible when you turn your expertise into conversations.Learn more about Julia:https://www.thefasciaremedy.com/Book a discovery call with Interview Connections:https://interviewconnections.com/consult/

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Jessica sits down with her business coach, Kevin St.Clergy, author and host of Beyond Blind Blaming, to talk about why so many entrepreneurs stay stuck even after investing time, money, and effort into “fixing” the problem.Kevin shares the origin story behind the Blind Blaming framework, why traditional “root cause analysis” often fails inside the same circle of influence, and the simple method he teaches to finally see what you have been missing: Reflect, Connect, Decide.They also talk about the real-world results Kevin experienced after hiring Interview Connections, including how a refined one-sheet helped generate over $20,000 in keynote sales before most interviews even went live, and why “readiness” is the most underrated factor in successful podcast guesting.What You’ll LearnWhat “blind blaming” is and how it keeps smart business owners stuck in the blame loopWhy you often cannot identify the true root cause from inside your current environmentKevin’s RCD method: Reflect, Connect, Decide (and how it creates transformation)The mindset shift behind MFD and why decisiveness changes everythingWhy podcast guesting works brilliantly for the “ready” client, and fails fast for the unready oneHow Kevin uses a 77-question readiness assessment + 90-minute intensive to build a 90-day planThe behind-the-scenes story of how Kevin found Interview Connections (and the ROI that followed)Timestamp Highlights0:00 Kevin shows Jessica his backend system that generates AI call prep plans and tracks referrals/upsells5:06 The “Readiness Assessment + 90-minute intensive” becomes Kevin’s main offer12:44 Jessica’s full introduction of Kevin and why she hired him as her business coach14:57 Kevin’s story: finding Interview Connections through Google, fixing the one-sheet, and getting booked fast20:24 The origin of Blind Blaming and how the framework became a book, program, and certification28:00 Jessica shares her dad’s principle: “Just decide” and asks Kevin about MFD28:22 Kevin breaks down RCD: Reflect, Connect, Decide and why outside perspective is required33:35 The “divine timing” story: Kevin’s connection to Jessica’s dad, Jim Palmer36:45 Kevin explains the $997 Readiness Assessment: identifying red flags and building a 90-day plan43:00 CTA strategy: when to send people to Amazon vs your own site, and how to bring buyers back for bonusesMemorable Quotes“How you do anything is how you do everything.”“When everybody in your sphere of influence is stuck in the same loop, it’s almost impossible to see a different way.”“Reflect, Connect, Decide. Awareness creates the transformation.”“Readiness is everything. Podcast guesting is wildly successful when the foundation is solid.”Resources MentionedKevin’s book and home base: Blindblaming.comTake the Business Readiness Assessment now at https://interviewconnections.com/business-readiness-assessment

Andrea Engstrom is the founder of BOLD Mastermind, the author of Bold Confidence, and the host of the Andrea Engstrom Show. Her mission is to help women entrepreneurs gain clarity, confidence, and powerful connections so they can build thriving businesses and lives on their own terms. She specializes in guiding women to turn their expertise into high-value coaching programs that generate significant income while supporting freedom, fulfillment, and intentional lifestyles.But this episode started with something that made me laugh…Andrea shared that she received my marketing texts three times a week for 13 months before signing up to work with Interview Connections — and she never unsubscribed.Why?Because she knew the timing would come.That story turned into a powerful conversation about:• Why consistent follow-up is NOT annoying when done with integrity• How nurturing your list builds long-term revenue• The power of podcast guesting to create alignment and authority• And why coaches have a responsibility to share their messageAndrea’s Origin Story: From Real Estate to $134K in 90 DaysAndrea didn’t stumble into coaching.She built a six-figure income in real estate investing after being inspired by a podcast interview. Later, after hearing Amy Porterfield say “bet on yourself” on The Ed Mylett Show, Andrea walked away from a six-figure position to launch her own coaching program.In her first:• 6 weeks → $63,000 in sales• 90 days → $134,000 in sales• 2 years → Her first millionAnd she did it organically.The 4 G’s of Magnetic Social SellingAndrea shares the exact messaging framework that helped her scale from $50K months to $100K months without feeling spammy in the DMs.Here are the 4 G’s:Gratitude – Thank them for engaging.Genuine Compliment – Notice something real about them.Good Question – Keep it simple. Open conversation.Gift – Offer value before asking for anything.No pitching. No weird energy. Just real conversation that naturally leads to opportunity.Client Acquisition Strategy for CoachesAndrea breaks down her three primary lead generation strategies:• Workshops (low-barrier, high-conversion events)• A strategically built Facebook group• Social engagement turned into conversationsAnd we dive into something I talk about constantly:If you don’t have a conversion strategy after someone discovers you on a podcast… you’re leaving money on the table.Workshops. Masterclasses. Salons. Live trainings.People need time with you before they buy.Team, Authority & Working Only 3 Days a WeekAndrea now works just three days per week and structures her calendar around only high-value activities:• Sales• Coaching• Strategic visibility (like podcast guesting)She shares how she built a small but powerful team to support:• CRM and automation• Marketing and copy• Appointment setting• Client experienceAnd how authoritative positioning (like booking through an assistant) increases conversions.Why Podcast Guesting WorksOne of the biggest takeaways?It wasn’t one of my solo episodes that sealed the deal for Andrea — it was hearing me guest on someone else’s podcast.That conversation created alignment.That’s the power of borrowed authority and authentic storytelling.If you’re a coach, your message matters.And podcast guesting is one of the fastest ways to multiply your impact.Connect with AndreaAndrea is hosting her workshop:100K in 90 DaysWhere she walks through exactly how she generated $134K in her first 90 days as a coach.Grab your spot at:andreaengstrom.comReady to get on podcasts? Schedule a Discovery Call with Jessica today at https://interviewconnections.com/consult/

In today’s episode, Jessica sits down with longtime Interview Connections client Scarlett Stanhope, also known as The Biz Hippie, a money and abundance coach who helps coaches and entrepreneurs transform their relationship with money so they can fully support themselves doing work they love.Scarlett shares how she pivoted from general life coaching into abundance and money coaching after seeing how many coaches were leaking cash, avoiding their numbers, and operating from scarcity. With a background in accounting and finance combined with deep mindset work, Scarlett brings her clients a blend of strategy and energetics to building sustainable coaching businesses.Together, Jessica and Scarlett unpack why scarcity energy can quietly repel clients, how avoiding your finances gives money control over your life, and why stepping into “legit business owner energy” is essential if you want people to trust you with their money.They also dive into the tactical side of growth, including how to track your marketing metrics, why guessing doesn’t scale, and how Scarlett uses podcast guesting and in-person networking as her top client-generation strategies.If you’ve ever felt stressed checking your bank account, unsure what’s really happening in your business, or tempted to chase random marketing tactics instead of following your data, this episode is a must-listen.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why your relationship with money directly affects your ability to attract clientsHow scarcity energy can quietly sabotage conversionsWhat it really means to step into “legit business owner” identityWhy knowing your numbers calms fear and creates clarityHow to track marketing and sales metrics instead of shooting in the darkScarlett’s two most effective ways to get clientsHow podcast guesting fits into a sustainable growth strategyWhy tracking your time, energy, and money together leads to smarter decisionsThe difference between guessing and scalingHow to plan for cash flow instead of reacting to financial stressWant to take your relationship with money to the next level?👉 Discover your Money Mindset Type with Scarlett’s free quiz: thebizhippie.com/quiz👉 Learn more about Scarlett’s signature program Empowered Abundance: thebizhippie.com/abundanceReady to get on podcasts? Book a discovery call at https://interviewconnections.com/consult