How A Chance Intern Suggestion Sparked A 15-Year Podcast And A Thriving Community with Lorraine Ball

Send us a textA 15-year podcast doesn’t happen by luck. It starts with a single nudge—in Lorraine Ball’s case, an intern suggesting, “You like to talk… you should have a podcast”—and evolves through experiments, misfires, and a relentless focus on what truly serves listeners. We trace that arc with Lorraine as she shares how an iPhone and Blog Talk Radio turned into a durable content engine that fuels speaking, community, and business growth.We dive into the early lessons from live call-ins and why she pivoted to recorded conversations to protect pacing and quality. Lorraine breaks down the difference between authenticity and aimless chatter, showing how to be yourself while respecting the listener’s time. She explains how purpose anchors a show—whether the goal is booking talks, nurturing a local network, or driving leads—and how calls to action should change as your strategy does. We talk platform choices and why her community hub lives on LinkedIn, not in a Facebook group that drains energy.You’ll hear a practical blueprint for repurposing: transcripts into blog posts, one-minute audiograms, AI-assisted summaries, thematic bundles, and timely re-releases that revive evergreen episodes. Lorraine shows how to turn interviews into articles, newsletters, and even a collaborative book that sparked cross-promotion and long-term relationships. We also look ahead: more video, but with stronger branding and less cookie-cutter styling; audio staying vital because multitasking is real life; and hosts who win by delivering clear value, consistent quality, and a strong point of view.If you want your show to outlast trends, this conversation gives you the tools: define your audience, align each episode to a purpose, make your best ideas live twice, and always end with a meaningful next step. Subscribe, share with a fellow creator who needs focus, and leave a review with one takeaway you’ll implement this week. What will you repurpose first?Connect with Lorraine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/Websites : lorraineball.com (Personal)morethanafewwords.com (Company)Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textDoubt creeps in around episode 20, when the mic feels heavy and the numbers feel small. That’s the moment Chris Miles would tell you to lean in. Our conversation traces how he went from disillusioned financial advisor to cash flow expert, retired twice, rebuilt after the recession, and then used a steady, values-driven podcast to power 90% of his business—without chasing vanity metrics.We dig into the turning points: the kitchen-table talk that exposed the limits of “do everything right,” the real estate awakening that prioritized cash flow over hope, and the early radio reps that led to his first shows. Chris breaks down how Money Ripples found its voice, why naming his audience “ripplers” changed community engagement, and how one hallway encounter kept him from quitting. You’ll hear how consistent episodes became a living FAQ, how a single clear call to action unlocked inbound demand, and why borrowing audiences—like guesting on Entrepreneurs on Fire—can create spikes that actually convert.If you’re a creator or entrepreneur wondering whether a niche show with modest downloads can move the needle, this is your proof. Chris explains how to launch with intent, build anticipation, and turn listeners into participants through masterclasses, private groups, and client-only events. Most of all, he makes the case for the long game: serve first, measure what matters, and let trust compound. The result isn’t just more leads; it’s a durable community of people who want freedom and impact—and who arrive ready to work with you.Subscribe for more conversations on podcast strategy, community building, and business growth. If this resonated, share it with a friend and leave a quick review—it helps new listeners find the show and keeps these stories coming.Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textWords are cheap; clarity is rare. We sat down with communication pro Corine La Font to unpack how direct, relevant messaging can change your results in meetings, sales, and the podcast chair. From the first laugh to the final takeaway, we press on a simple promise: say what matters, respect time, and let listening do the heavy lifting.We start by naming the everyday clutter that muddies messages—overlong intros, busy-life monologues, and the impulse to justify instead of answer. Corine offers clean alternatives you can use today: offer three specific times instead of a saga, cut bios to the essentials, and make relevance your rule. On sales, we compare notes on the power of silence after the ask and why overselling sounds like doubt. For leaders and creators, we explore crisis communication and reputation management, showing how extra details can open needless loops while a precise statement contains risk and builds trust.Then we go deeper into the craft: intentional listening and reading the room. Corine breaks down how to hear what isn’t said, how to track energy in a live crowd, and how to style shift without losing your voice. Hosts learn why conversation beats scripts for real chemistry, and guests learn how to answer the question asked, not the one they wish they were asked. We also talk energy management—how introverts and extroverts alike can reset between recordings, stay present, and keep their message crisp.If you’re ready to communicate with precision and warmth—on stage, on mic, or in the boardroom—this conversation is your field guide. Subscribe, share with a friend who overexplains, and leave a review with one phrase you’re cutting from your vocabulary this week.Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textPredicting the future of podcasting is easy when you chase hype; it’s harder—and more useful—when you follow results. We dive into what 2026 will actually reward: clearer voices, sharper strategy, and communities that turn listeners into collaborators. After a year of industry correction, the signal is obvious—authority beats volume, and intention beats noise.We start by reframing technology’s role. AI adoption is up, workflows are faster, and the toolset is richer, but tools don’t make taste. You’ll hear why strategy still sits in the driver’s seat, how to use AI for frameworks and speed without losing your voice, and where preparedness separates great hosts from the pack. Then we get specific about hosting craft: better questions, tighter arcs, relevant takeaways, and a stronger respect for your audience’s time. Flashy is out; intentional is in.Next, we unpack guesting as a business strategy. It’s not about how many shows you visit; it’s about alignment, outcomes, and credibility transfer. We share a simple playbook for choosing the right rooms, turning appearances into real opportunities, and tracking what matters beyond downloads. From there, we zoom into community-led formats—public reach supported by private depth—where live sessions, co-created segments, and member feedback fuel rapid iteration and long-term loyalty.We also preview the maturing metrics landscape and why podcast success will pivot from loudest to clearest. Expect smarter attribution, better cohort insights, and language that reflects relationships, not just raw counts. Plus, we invite you to our January Podcast Alliance session (link below) And we share details on our concierge Executive Podcast Package beta for leaders ready to scale their authority.If you’re aiming to grow trust, sharpen your voice, and make your show count in 2026, this conversation lays out a practical path. Subscribe, share with a friend who cares about craft, and leave a review telling us your single biggest goal for your podcast this year.Podcast Alliance Quarterly MeetUp & Mastermind Where Podcasters, Podcast Guests and content creators meet, collaborate and network!  Wednesday January 21st, 2026 11am - 1pm EST  3 amazing speakers! Networking! Collaborations! $47 CAD Click the link to grab your ticket:https://e.sparxo.com/Podcast-AllSupport the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textTrust just outperformed reach, and the ripple effects across podcasting were impossible to ignore. We step back from the noise and share a clear-eyed look at how 2025 reshaped the medium: ad dollars didn’t vanish, they got picky; sloppy, reactive launches faded; and intentional, voice-led shows built momentum by earning credibility one conversation at a time.We walk through the economic realities that forced sharper strategy, showing why advertisers concentrated spend on proven hosts and why niche podcasts won more meaningful outcomes with fewer downloads. As traditional media continued to erode and AI flooded feeds, listeners doubled down on long-form audio for context, nuance, and human tone. That shift elevated experts who serve a specific audience with clarity, rather than chasing mass appeal or empty virality.Community took centre stage as algorithms stalled. Smaller, community-driven shows converted better because they focused on the right listener. We dig into how to use podcasting as a relationship engine, where know-like-trust beats top-line numbers, and share a real-world example of a modestly sized show landing high-value clients through consistent, relevant content. We also outline our pivot into strategic podcast guesting—moving away from random appearances toward aligned stages that deepen credibility and open new opportunities for both host and audience.Rounding things out, we introduce a new executive-level, concierge podcast model built for leaders who want on-location capture, higher production value, and a clear strategy without the duct tape. We wrap with an invitation to the upcoming Podcast Alliance event—featuring sessions on live, on-location podcasting and best practices for hosting—and a look ahead to 2026 priorities: tighter focus, stronger communities, smarter use of AI, and a relentless commitment to trust.Podcast Alliance Quarterly MeetUp & Mastermind Where Podcasters, Podcast Guests and content creators meet, collaborate and network!  Wednesday January 21st, 2026 11am - 1pm EST  3 amazing speakers! Networking! Collaborations! $47 CAD Click the link to grab your ticket:https://e.sparxo.com/Podcast-Alliance-January2026Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textReady for a mindset shift that actually sticks? We sit down with coach and entrepreneur Roman Fischer to unpack how real motivation is built, not borrowed—and why the long game beats quick fixes in both health and podcasting. Roman shares how a spark from his younger brother ignited an 11-year journey, the exact practices he uses to keep clients on track, and why clarity on how you want to feel matters as much as any number on a scale or download chart.We explore the power of defining your why in concrete, emotional terms, then writing down past obstacles and the specific ways you overcame them. That simple practice turns journaling into mental rehearsal, strengthens resilience, and makes the next hard thing feel possible. Roman also makes a strong case for short nature resets: sunlight, a brisk walk, even a mindful moment with your feet in the grass can lower anxiety, improve sleep, and restore focus. Pair that with a podcast or audiobook and you’ve got a practical ritual that lifts both your body and your craft.Throughout the conversation, we connect the dots between sustainable fitness and sustainable creative work. Success rarely shows up overnight. Consistency, small wins, and patient iteration do. Whether you’re trying to lose fat, gain muscle, or build a show that resonates, the path is the same: simple habits done daily, a mindset that welcomes slow progress, and routines that make starting easy. Roman’s final takeaway sums it up: motivation gets you going, but consistency keeps you growing.If this resonated, tap follow, share the episode with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Got a guest suggestion or want help starting your own podcast? Check the show notes for links and let’s talk.Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textEvent planners don’t have time to watch your full TED talk. They need three minutes that prove who you serve, the problem you solve, and the transformation you deliver. We sit down with Cam Beaudoin, founder of The Frequent Speaker, to map the exact steps that turn a jumble of clips into a demo reel that books bigger rooms and better podcasts.We start with intent: are you chasing large conference stages or thriving in virtual training? Cam explains how to align your reel with your goals, showing either stage craft—movement, energy, and crowd interaction—or virtual mastery with clean, close-up delivery and crisp audio. From there, we break down the story spine that converts: a seven-second hook that calls your audience by name, problem definition that cuts through noise, proof that you’re the guide they need, and a direct call to action. You’ll hear why planners want clarity over montage, how fee tiers dictate brand expectations, and what truly signals “bookable” within seconds.Cam shares smart ways to create proof when you lack big-stage footage: rent a professional studio, capture a two-camera interview, and layer in podcasts, media hits, and focused B-roll that reinforces authority. We cover what to avoid—generic stock, celebrity name-drops that redirect attention, and “friends-and-family” crowds that feel staged. You’ll also learn when to refresh your reel, how much to invest as your fee grows, and how podcasters can use a guest reel to climb into premium shows by demonstrating specific value for listeners.If you’re ready to stop sending long links and start sending proof that sells, this conversation gives you the blueprint. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s levelling up their speaking, and leave a review with the hook you’ll use in your next reel.Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textLooking for proof that traditional media still moves the needle? We go straight to the source with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, to unpack how press releases win coverage in a world where TikTok clips sit beside front-page headlines. Mickie shares the inside mechanics of newswires, why bloggers and influencers now receive journalist-level access, and how small brands can punch above their weight without burning their budgets.We break down the anatomy of a high-performing press release: a sharp headline, a tight 500-word body, a quote that actually says something, and links that carry specs and visuals without clogging the story. Mickie explains why the best product announcements include a simple use case with outcomes and data, how to elevate your narrative with credible industry stats, and when to route technical details to a clean landing page. If press releases feel mysterious or outdated, this conversation resets the frame: journalists still fish in two main ponds, and your job is to show up with bait they can use.We also dig into process. Learn how to build a small, local media Rolodex and become the expert reporters call on deadline. Get a step-by-step approach to using AI as a drafting assistant—structure first, iterate paragraph by paragraph, and spend extra time on quotes and headlines. Then steal Mickie's most reliable tactic: an industry survey release that consistently produces multiple articles and valuable backlinks. The payoff is real: earned media drives credibility, lifts conversions, and reduces churn when you share placements with leads and customers.Ready to turn attention into trust? Listen now, subscribe for more smart strategies, and leave a review to tell us which outlet you want to land next.Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textWant conversations that feel like smooth sailing and still deliver punchy, practical value? We brought on sailor and coach Terry Barkman to unpack how his life on the water shaped a guesting playbook built on service, clarity, and trust. He believes great interviews start with a mindset shift: be a giver, not a taker; focus on the audience; and treat the host as a collaborator, not a gatekeeper.We dig into the art of preparation without over-planning. Terry prefers a short pre-call to confirm fit, audience needs, and tone, followed by a light day-of warm-up to keep ideas fresh. He shares why sample questions are useful for alignment but explains how scripting answers can flatten the energy of a live conversation. You’ll hear how to translate your expertise into stories and moments that land, plus how to balance confidence with humility so you add value without hijacking the mic.We also get practical about boundaries and trust. Terry outlines how he vets shows, sets clear lines around sensitive topics, and avoids the traps of forced vulnerability or clickbait conflict. He offers three crisp steps for first-time guests: craft a strong media one sheet or PodMatch profile, define deal breakers and must-haves, and pitch with empathy that centres the listener. Along the way, we explore the “sailboat effect” as a metaphor for conversation design: read the conditions, trim your sails, and move together toward insight.If you’re ready to stop winging it and start guesting with intention, this conversation is your chart and compass. Subscribe for more behind-the-mic strategies, share with a friend who’s booking their first interviews, and leave a review with your top takeaway so we can keep building episodes that serve you.Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Send us a textWhat if you stopped chasing magnetic north—the shifting pull of trends, approval, and quick wins—and locked onto a true north you can actually describe? That’s the pivot David Ask lays out as we unpack the real difference between grit and resilience, and how creators can build a voice that lasts in a noisy podcasting world.We start with David’s retail success story and the hard lessons that came with it, then move into a simple, powerful model: grit is the long push toward a worthy outcome; resilience is the speed at which you bounce back to your shape after a hit. The shape matters. Without a defined identity—values, convictions, and the work that gives you goosebumps—every setback feels personal. With it, you rebound faster, choose better, and keep shipping even when guests cancel, interviews fall flat, or formats change.Along the way, we draw a line between starting with who and starting with why. When you start with who, your why stops being borrowed from giants and becomes grounded in your own strengths. That shift powers a virtuous loop: acting as yourself creates a specific dent in the world, and that feedback reinforces your identity. We talk about resisting the urge to copy big shows, using authenticity to guide content and guest choices, and reframing on-air mistakes as human moments that build trust. We also explore how to raise grit at home and in teams by “mining for gold” in others, revealing their strengths instead of performing for applause.If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or creator trying to build a durable show, this conversation gives you practical cues and a deeper compass. Define your true north, bring grit to the climb, and use resilience to return to form quickly when you fall. If this resonated, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a steadier compass today.Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:[email protected] you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72