Why hitting pause is (almost) always the right move

My girlfriends will laugh reading this because they know exactly what I’m talking about. I can ramble. Big time. I’ve been guilty of sending voice messages that go on for 10+ minutes, sometimes longer. (And bless them, they still listen and are still my friends!!)When you’re podcasting, especially when you’re doing an unscripted, “just winging it” solo episode, it’s so easy to slip. You’re in the flow, you’re talking to your listeners as if they’re right there in the room with you, and it feels so natural. Which is a good thing! Because podcasting is supposed to feel personal, casual, human.But…there’s a fine balance. And that’s where hitting pause comes in.Hear all about it in this episode where I share about an episode I hit pause on and what you should always ask yourself before you air your next episode.Free resources: https://reginalarko.com/free/Reach out to me at: [email protected]

In this episode, I explore what it means to lead (and live!) with more gentleness in the middle of it all. The life, the work, the constant change we’re navigating in an AI-driven world that’s accelerating at lightning speed.And then, in the most unexpected moment, a leadership lesson shows up, straight from my kids’ room.Through the mess and the noise, as well as the calm, you’ll hear leadership in action. And it all begins with one question.I wonder how you would answer it today?Mentioned in this episode: Courage Map. Grab it here.More resources: https://reginalarko.com/free/

When we talk about visibility, we often hear about marketing strategies and algorithms. There are recommendations for how often you should post, how many comments you should leave on LinkedIn, how to “show up consistently.”But the part we rarely talk about is this:sometimes it’s hard to let yourself be seen (or heard) in a way that feels true to who you are now.Hands up if you didn’t leave that comment because you were worried someone might judge you. Or you didn’t post that opinion piece, fearing the trolls. Or you stayed quiet in a meeting even though you had something meaningful to say.And maybe, like many of us, you’ve built your credibility over years in a certain field, and it now feels risky to admit that your views have evolved.You’ve changed.But the world still sees you as who you used to be.Sometimes, it’s not the fear of being unseen that holds us back — it’s the fear of being seen differently.Because something shifted.Something that might not even be work-related (a divorce, a move, a sickness, a burnout, a loss, a new beginning).And suddenly, you find yourself standing in a quiet in-between.You’ve outgrown your old voice and you’re still learning how to use the new one.You’re not quite sure what you want to say… or how… or if you even dare to say it out loud.That’s what I explore in this latest episode of Lead with Your Voice, a reflection, a thinking-out-loud about what it means to give yourself permission to be seen and heard, again.In ways that still feel uncertain, but more aligned with the person you’re becoming.Offerings & free resources: ⁠⁠⁠https://reginalarko.com/start/⁠⁠Any questions? Contact me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠Connect with me on ⁠LinkedIn

What better way to celebrate International Podcast Day than with a live recording alongside podcasters I deeply admire?Proudly presenting:Maaike Steinebach, Voice of Femtech at WorkValentin Farkasch, Creator of Orbit for CreatorsTogether we dive into:+ A GORGEOUS Rick Rubin quote+ Rules, and how to break them+ Creation and creativity+ Audio and video + Success metrics and return on investment+ and much more. If you’ve ever wondered whether starting a podcast is worth it, or if you’ve already started but feel like you’ve lost some spark, this conversation will inspire you to play by your own rules and create on your own terms.+++++Looking for support & community on your Podcasting journey" Work with me! https://reginalarko.com/startFree Podcasting Resources: https://reginalarko.com/free/Starting soon: Join my 6 weeks Podcasting for Beginners class over at Johns Hopkins University / Odyssey

Every few months, the podcasting world buzzes with a new “must-do” trend. I know, you’ve seen them too.Join the Community! This is your space to start leading with your voice. Not long ago, I scrolled past a post saying something along the lines of Podcasting today isn’t what it was 10 years ago. Don’t take advice from people doing it the old-fashioned way.Ouch.Well, the person was selling a shiny YouTube podcast optimisation package, so… yeah, I rolled my eyes and kept scrolling.But it got me thinking. Am I irrelevant if I don’t follow every new trend? Am I just stubborn? A late adopter? Out of touch?Maybe. But I still do things my way. And that has kept me not just relevant, but aligned.Because I don’t ignore the industry. I read the research. I test new tools. I get excited about what’s emerging. But I’ve also learned to mute the 'should's' and focus on what actually feels right for me, my podcast, my business.That’s what this week’s episode is about: 3 podcasting trends I don’t follow. Not because they’re bad. But because they don’t fit me (and maybe they won’t fit you either).This episode is your gentle reminder that relevance doesn’t come from chasing every shiny thing. It comes from learning how to hear your own voice in all the noise.⁠Join the Community! This is your space to start leading with your voice. ⁠

Here’s something we don’t talk about enough in podcasting: those quiet, personal moments when someone invites your voice into their life.HERE you find free Resources for your Podcasting & Voice Leadership journey.Your listeners make an active choice to press play. Maybe they’re commuting, maybe they’re folding laundry, maybe they’re sneaking in a walk between meetings. Wherever they are, they want you with them. I feel this in my own life as a listener:✨ My business coach has a brilliant podcast. I love tuning into her episodes between our 1:1 sessions. Her voice feels like an anchor, a steady reminder that I’m not alone. ✨ There’s a couple I follow who talk about parenthood and entrepreneurship. Their conversations keep me company while I tidy up the kitchen. ✨ Late at night, when the house finally quiets down, I put on a philosophical podcast. Their words ground me and help me reconnect to myself. ✨ And at lunchtime? Comedy podcasts. Just a few minutes of laughter and I’m reset for the day.These voices are my companions. My pillars.And it’s such a privilege to know I get to be this voice for my listeners too. Just the other day, someone wrote to tell me she listened to my episode at the beach. Another while driving. Another on her daily walk. Can you feel the intimacy of that?In this episode of Lead with Your Voice, I share how you can honour this privilege. Because when you stop broadcasting and start connecting, that’s when listeners feel seen. That’s when they come back. That’s when they reach out, collaborate, and want to learn from you.And as you press play and start listening, ask yourself: Where are your listeners taking you today?Offerings & free resources: ⁠⁠⁠https://reginalarko.com/start/⁠⁠Any questions? Contact me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠Connect with me on ⁠LinkedIn

When I started my podcast back in 2016, I doubted everything. Would anyone listen? Was my voice even worth putting out there? Could I really keep it up when life was already so full?Grab free resources for your own Voice, Podcasting & Leadership journey here.That little 'podcast passion project' I started in a bedroom while my baby was napping has grown into a podcast in the top 5% worldwide.But it wasn’t a straight line. I’ve had plenty of “maybe I should just quit” moments along the way.That’s why in this week’s episode I’m sharing the 6 lessons that helped me move from doubting myself to building a podcast that has lasted 8 years (and counting!).These lessons aren’t just about growth. They’re about the mindset shifts, the messy realities, and the ways to keep showing up consistently, even when ...you feel like no one’s listening ...you’re not sure where this is all leading ...life throws you curveballs Because your podcast goals might be totally different from mine. But no matter if you (want to) podcast for personal branding, new clients, speaking gigs, sharing stories that are missing in today’s media, or maybe just learning a new skill. Whatever your reason, these 6 lessons will help you stay in it for the long run.🎧 Listen here: From Doubting to Top 5%: 6 Podcasting Lessons That Will Help You TooLet me know what resonates and if you disagree, please tell me that too. I’d love to hear where you’re at right now. And if you’ve got podcast questions on your mind, just send them my way so I can help.Offerings & free resources: ⁠⁠https://reginalarko.com/start/⁠Any questions? Contact me at ⁠[email protected] with me on LinkedIn

My Podcasting for Beginners class is back at Johns Hopkins University / Odyssey! Sign up here: https://events.jhu.edu/form/PodcastingforBeginners-OdysseyFall25Whether you're passionate about storytelling or looking to strengthen your personal brand, this class will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to start your own podcast confidently. From finding your niche and planning content to recording, editing, and launching your show, each week covers crucial steps with hands-on assignments and practical resources.Replays will be available if you miss a class. Find all my offerings here: ⁠https://reginalarko.com/start/Any questions? Contact me at [email protected]

 A Podcast is never just a Podcast. It invites you in to learn so much about yourself. And in Sara Coggiola’s case, it’s a beautiful creative endeavour to find her voice - in several languages. You will hear us discuss The Power of Stories, Living Between Cultures, The Gift of Support, Finding Home in Language, Community & Co-Creation. Whether you’re living abroad, juggling languages, or seeking personal growth, this episode will offer comfort and solidarity.Connect with our guest Sara CoggiolaWebsite: https://between-cultures.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-coggiola-cpcc/Find Sara's Podcasts here:https://between-cultures.com/podcast-2/Connect with Regina Larko on LinkedIn HERE.⁠More free resources for your Podcasting journey available ⁠HERE.⁠

Have you ever felt like your voice is gone? Not literally, but the voice that once felt sure, grounded, and clear… now sounds shaky, silent, unsure?This episode is for that moment.Whether you're about to speak up in a meeting, hit record on your first podcast, or say something vulnerable on someone else’s stage, and your chest tightens, your thoughts spin, your courage hides…This episode will help. Just press play. Want to go deeper? If you want to build trust in your voice, speak with confidence, and lead conversations that matter, on your own podcast, on someone else's, or in life.→ Work with me: https://reginalarko.com/start/Connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠ReginaLarko.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠Facebook