Podcasting Expert Simona Costantini On Overcoming Challenges

Podcasting is a great way to share information, stories, advice, and other valuable tidbits that have made it popular in today’s content-driven world. For episode 7 of An Entrepreneur’s Vibes, podcast host, founder, and CEO of Volt Productions, Simona Costantini shares her journey into the podcast world. If you’ve ever wondered, “Should I start a podcast?”, you should definitely give the episode a listen and read below to get tips from a master.

Simona Costantini On How To Start A Podcast

Podcasters these days usually set out and decide that they will create podcasts but Simona didn’t necessarily take that direct route. Simona says, “I truly feel like the podcasting industry landed in my lap.” Simona created her podcast, Happiness Happens in 2018 which she says came out of a really dark period in her life. 

Simona started out as a freelancing editor on Fiverr for other people’s podcasts and went on to work in corporate working in marketing and PR communications. She worked for a real estate company right around the pandemic which allowed her to purchase a home. However, it was 2 hours away from the office and she wasn’t allowed to work remotely. She was at a crossroads and decided that she would contact her other podcast clients, and give them a better rate so they wouldn’t have to go through Fiverr. According to Simona, “Sometimes, we just break a few rules to sort of make our own path as long as it feels aligned.”

She continued to work on her clients and got more referrals and by March of 2021, she launched podcast services under Costantini Productions. She even grew her one-woman team to employ two other people and her production continues to grow today. Simona says she primarily works with women entrepreneurs, health, wellness, marketing, and more. Today, Costantini Productions has been rebranded to Volt Productions and Simona has courses that are basically podcast production for beginners where she breaks down every step it takes to build your own successful podcast. 

What Is A Podcast?

According to a Forbes Advisor article, a podcast is an “audio-only episodic series”, with either one or a few guests discussing different topics. Today though, video podcasts have become popular so podcasts aren’t necessarily audio-only. 

For Simona, an important essence of a podcast is its mission statement. You have to know what you’re creating, why you’re creating it, and who it is for. To create a successful podcast, you need to ask yourself what people will take from listening to your podcast and why they should even care to listen in the first place. These questions help decide the structure of your podcast before you can proceed to other fundamentals. 

More than the audio or the video of your podcast, there are other things to consider. It’s important to know what kind of equipment you need, what software you’re editing with, whether or not you’ll be featuring guests and a social media marketing plan are just some of the important things Simona highlights that you need to prepare to have a successful podcast.

How To Podcast

1. Choose Your Niche
   
   Picking a broad topic to discuss in your podcasts helps you create focused content and allows it to be categorizable and easy to find by people who are interested in that topic. A particular niche and focus establishes the host as an expert which can help in trust building in the long run.For Simona, her Happiness Happens podcast features different guests every episode and they talk about what happiness means to every guest.
2. Build An Online PresenceTo set a podcast apart from the rest it has to have a brand of its own, a name that perfectly encapsulates the discussions and is memorable. Choose unique branding elements like your podcast’s cover art, logo, color palette, and sonic branding.Simona launched another podcast that teaches beginners where to start. It’s a podcast that basically has lessons in each episode, and fittingly, the podcast is called “As It Relates To Podcasting”.As you scale your podcast, you’ll need to do things bigger and better consistently. Consider setting up a website, and get help from The Write Direction’s Creative Design Services for web design and website content writing.
3. Get Podcast EquipmentRecording a podcast doesn’t always have to start fancy. You can use a computer’s mic or even start from your phone. As you continue to scale or if you really want to have the best quality, then invest in great podcast equipment like a high-quality microphone and editing software.
4. Record and EditWith all the first 3 steps ready, you can now record. Depending on the route your podcast will take, you can do your research ahead of time, have a script ready, or simply wing it. Podcast skills, like any other skill, are learnable and you’ll get better with time and training.
5. Market Your PodcastMore than the quality of your equipment or set, Simona says marketing your podcast is a very important part of having a successful podcast. Simona says what really sets a podcast apart is the content more than anything and then the marketing of the show. “If you don’t talk about your podcast, how do you expect people to watch it, listen to it, or whatever?” So take the podcast master’s advice and share your podcast with the world by leading and hooking people in.The Write Direction is your one-stop shop for all your technical and business writing needs. In order to market your podcast, you’ll need to write compelling copies to attract listeners. We can help out with social media writing services so you can market your podcast to the right audience and you can even get advertising copywriting services to boost your podcast’s visibility.

The Biggest Challenge In Podcasting

Looking back to when she began her podcast career, Simona says the biggest challenge was the “fear of judgment and fear of being seen”. This can be a common dilemma people face. No matter how much they want to start their own platforms, they’re afraid of the perception people will have because, like Simona, they fear being seen in a totally different way. 

Especially since podcasts are a long-form type of content where you’re constantly speaking your mind and giving out opinions, it might even vary from the way your closest circle thinks. You might feel afraid of voicing and holding back because of this very valid fear. “It’s like we get ourselves in our own way”, Simona says, citing that it’s not the podcast setting up that is the most challenging for her. 

What was it that got her over this fear? Simona says, “The message was more important to me than the fear.” 

In 2024, a lot of prominent figures online have successful podcasts. For someone who hasn’t started building an online presence, hasn’t marketed a brand before, and wants to start, one of the best podcast tips is to make the podcast journey purposeful. Online consumers are also great at spotting people who show up as themselves instead of putting up a fake front so it’s important to stay true to who you are when you market a brand. Learn from a content creator and listen to a previous episode of An Entrepreneur’s Vibes where Austen Tosone shows you How To Show Up Authentically Online.

Listen To An Entrepreneur’s Vibes

Find out more about Simona’s career journey if you need entrepreneurial advice and tips on how to get started in the podcasting industry. Simona shares about what it takes to have a successful podcast and more valuable insights into her company. 

For all your technical and business writing needs, there’s only one way to go and that’s with The Write Direction! No matter the type of business documentation you might need, we’ll write it custom just for you.

Contact our team today and get your custom business writing done today!

FULL TRANSCRIPT FROM OUR PODCAST WITH HILARY MACKAY BELOW

Simona [00:00:00] We get ourselves in our own way. And I was thinking to myself, the message was more important to me than the fear. And when the message becomes more important than the fear that we have within, that’s when we know that we’re operating from a place of alignment, and service, and what we’re meant to put out into the world.

Patricia [00:00:32] Welcome to An Entrepreneur’s Vibes, the podcast that gives insight into the minds of visionary entrepreneurs and business leaders. Brought to you by The Write Direction, a leading professional and technical writing company based in North America. Each episode, we explore stories and experiences of those who dared to dream, took the leap and built their own empires. Join us in uncovering the secrets to success and lessons learned along the way. So, if you’re just starting out your entrepreneurial journey or you’re already a seasoned business pro, you’ll find inspiration, knowledge, and good vibes right here. Today we are thrilled to announce a new esteemed guest. She is a multifaceted entrepreneur, renowned podcast producer, and visionary CEO of Volt Productions. With a passion for amplifying voices and spreading inspiration, she has carved a remarkable path in the world of podcasting. Her journey began with the creation of her own podcast, Happiness Happens in 2018, and through this platform, she has not only shared her own wisdom, but has provided a stage for industry leaders to impart their valuable insights on achieving fulfillment and success. Join us as we explore her journey and the insights she has to offer aspiring entrepreneurs, and welcome to the show, Simona Costantini! Hi!

Simona [00:01:40] Hi! Thank you so much for having me. I’m so excited to be here with you today!

Patricia [00:01:43] We’re so excited! You’re like the first podcast host we’ve had on the show. Usually, I’m like, used to having the setup, but it’s so exciting to have someone, like, you know, have a similar setup and it’s, like, a pro in the industry. So, I’m so excited to have you today!

Simona [00:01:58] Oh, that makes me feel so good! And I have to say, if you’re watching this, normally my set is way different than this. I’m still – I just moved and I’m still getting the whole vibe down. But it’s okay. It’ll do.

Patricia [00:02:08] Our audio listeners are having a blast though, because everything sounds amazing. Well, can you share with us how you initially got involved in the podcast industry, and what sparked your interest in this medium?

Simona [00:02:20] You know, okay, that is such a good question, and I truly feel like the podcast industry landed in my lap. I never thought that I would be a podcaster, let alone a podcast producer. When I first started my podcast, Happiness Happens, back in 2018 and beginning of 2019, it came out of just a really dark time of my life. And so, when I started that show, you know, you just, you know what it’s like when you start something and then just doors start to open and you don’t really know how or why they start to open, but they do? And so, my journey into being a producer and working in the podcast space was from my love of podcasting. And I just had, you know, a Fiverr profile and I would edit for people and do their, you know, do their podcasts, and then I decided to take the leap. I worked in corporate, I worked in marketing, and PR communications, and all that. And this was all during, you know, the time when the world shut down and before that, and I ended up working for this really cool company. It was a real estate company, and I learned a lot about client experience when I worked there. And as I worked there, I ended up buying a house. It was about two hours away from where my job was. They wouldn’t let me, like, work outside of the office. I had to be in the office every day. So I was like, you know what? This is the time. Like, the time is now or never. You know, I really feel like we’re given different opportunities in different times in life to take leaps, and sometimes you just have to take them. And so, I did. I was like, well, I’m moving, and let me see what happens. So, I took my Fiverr business, I contacted all of my clients, and I said, “Hey, I’ll give you a better rate if you come with me direct.” And you’re not supposed to do that, but, you know, it’s okay. Sometimes, we just break a few rules to sort of make our own path as long as it feels aligned. But yeah, and then I just started, you know, editing for people 101, and then they would send me different referrals. And then I was like, well done, like, I think I’ve got something here. And I launched podcast launch services in March of 2021, booked out in 72 hours with five new launches and literally have not stopped since. It’s just grown and grown. And yeah, now I get to do this every day with my team of three, and we work with primarily women entrepreneurs, health, wellness, marketing, digital marketing, parenting spaces. So, yeah.

Patricia [00:04:43] Wow, that sounds…

Simona [00:04:44] It’s a journey.

Patricia [00:04:46] [00:04:46]That journey sounds, like, really scary. But now that you speak about it, it’s, like, so exciting as well. But could you share with us some of the challenges you faced when starting your podcast and even the production company and how did you overcome that? [13.1s]

Simona [00:05:00] [00:05:00]Love that! So, when I started the podcast, I think the biggest challenge was fear of judgment and fear of being seen, and it’s actually something that I see all the time, a lot of the time with the clients that we work with now. And it makes sense, because you’re being seen in a totally different way. You know, you’re showing up to the mic with different thoughts and perspectives, and those thoughts and perspectives may not be what your friends or family are used to you talking about, right? And so, it’s kind of like this push to a different identity, a different identity within yourself. And so, that for me was, like, one of the most scary things because I was talking about topics that my family had no idea that I was even interested in. And so, I had to overcome that piece first, because that part is what holds you back in all of the other areas too, right? Like, we say that the tech is so hard and so complicated, but it’s not really. It’s like we get our ourselves in our own way. And so, it was getting out of my own way and back into the path that I wanted to be on. And I was thinking to myself, you know, the message was more important to me than the fear. And when the message becomes more important than the fear that we have within, that’s when we know that we’re operating from a place of alignment, and service, and what we’re meant to put out into the world. So, that was the biggest challenge, was overcoming that internal fear, and fear of judgment, and fear being seen in a different way. But it pays off. It really, really does. And yeah, I’ll stop there. [99.2s]

Patricia [00:06:40] And you’re also the host of a second podcast, As It Relates to Podcasting. When did you establish this and how does that differ from Happiness Happens?

Simona [00:06:50] Yeah! So, Happiness Happens is a podcast where I interview experts, and entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in the world of happiness to understand what happiness means to them, but also why we crave it so much and why we feel like we don’t have it. And so, that podcast was an extension of my desire to help one other person in this world feel less alone and feel validated in their journey and who they are. That show launched at the beginning of 2019 and end of, you know, 2018. Then as I started the production company, I started to realize that people have a lot of questions about podcasting. And most specifically, how do I grow a podcast? How do I take my podcast and, you know, make a big impact with it? How do I get more downloads and more listeners, and how do I use these specific marketing tools, things like Pinterest, or paid ads, TikTok, YouTube, right? How do I do all of that when the information can feel so confusing? So, I started As It Relates to Podcasting with the desire for that show to be a response or like an answer to people’s questions. Right? So, if you want to learn how to use Pinterest for your podcast, the way that I do these episodes is in four-part series. So, I bring on one particular co-host every single month, which is different than Happiness Happens. Because every week on Happiness Happens, I have a different guest. So, I bring on different co-hosts every single month, and we deep dive into one specific topic related to the industry. So, one month specifically will be Pinterest, one month will be paid ads, one month will be, brand sponsorships, or guesting, or whatever. And so, you can go, and you can take a listen to that whole entire series, and it leaves you with more tangible things than just, you know, what’s covered in a 40 minute interview, because you can’t really get into the nitty gritty sometimes in 40 minutes. But in this show, you do. So, that’s the biggest difference between the two of them, is this, like, co-host vibe versus just interviewing guests.

Patricia [00:08:46] Wow, I think that’s, like, so interesting! And I feel like a lot of people really, like, learn from you through listening to that podcast, especially now that I feel like everyone, you know, has like gotten a mic. And whether they’re just like a celebrity, or whether they’re like an internet celebrity person, or they have a business, they’ve started using podcast as a medium to market their brand. So, I think this is a really great way to learn if you’re starting from scratch. [00:09:11]And how would you say podcasts impacted your professional and personal life since you started? [5.2s]

Simona [00:09:17] [00:09:17]Oh my goodness! It changed my entire life. I never anticipated where I would be today. I really didn’t. I always knew that I wanted to work for myself, but I never knew what that would be in or what I would be doing in this space. From a, like, personal side, it changed my confidence. It transformed the way I see the world. It allowed me to look at different perspectives and really see things from a different lens, and also to – we don’t have to dive too far deep into this, but last year, in 2023, I went through a divorce, and having my podcast was one of the key reasons why I was able to stay positive through that process. Or, you know, look to the bright side when it kind of felt impossible, because it’s really hard to stay sad, and to stay upset, and to stay angry when you’re interviewing people about happiness every single week, you know what I mean? So, it’s been a constant mindset reframe. And in every episode it’s something – I can take something away from it. And then on a professional side, I mean, I went from working in corporate and in the first year that I was in business, I exceeded my corporate salary. Like, that’s nuts! It was so crazy! And I never thought that would actually be a possibility for me to go out and to do something on my own and create something for myself, and help people every single day, like, on a professional level. I mean, I get to speak on stages now, I get to come on podcasts now, I get to launch new programs and, you know, help and serve different podcasters. So, like, it’s a complete 180 from where my life used to be, but it also feels in total alignment with where I’m supposed to be. You know?[104.6s]

Patricia [00:11:03] That’s really amazing! And I’m so happy that you found that alignment for you, and probably someone out there right now is listening and wanting to be on that same path. So, besides getting over the fear of judgment and the fear of getting seen, [00:11:16]could you walk us through the process of creating and launching a successful podcast? [3.2s]

Simona [00:11:20] [00:11:20]Oh my gosh! Yeah, absolutely! So, I will say what I’m going to share right now, I pull from and I can send you the link to it afterwards. But I have, like, a free launch guide that I developed because I get, you know, ask this all the time. And so in that guide, it’s a checklist of everything that I’m going to share with you. But essentially, one of the biggest pieces that I always like to start with is your mission statement for your show. What is it that you’re creating? Why are you creating it? Why should your listener care? Right? So, like, what are you creating? Who is it for? What are they going to learn and why should they care? And then from there, you can use that to create your intro script, outro, script, trailer, show description, right? Those are fundamental things that you need and then you need to sort out your equipment. So, what kind of mic and what kind of headphones do you want? What kind of editing software do you want, and what kind of recording software do you want? And then even more than that, once you have all those pieces, then you can sit down and you can record. Right? And I’m really simplifying it, because it actually isn’t that complicated. It’s just putting all these things together. So, once you have your intro, your outro, your trailer, and your show description, you can then sit down. You record with your mic, and your headphones on, and your recording software, and you just start, right? And then you can bring on guests if you want to do guest interviews, and you can record those as well. And then you start editing your content. So, you edit your content. And I like to, while you’re editing your content, I like to at the same time create like a launch plan, like a social media marketing plan, right? Because we need to figure out, like, how are we going to launch this podcast? Who’s going to be listening? What platforms are we using to launch it? Are we using TikTok? Are we using LinkedIn? Are we doing Pinterest, right? Are we on Instagram? How are we leveraging email marketing? All of those different components, like, are really important when it comes to your whole launch process. So, that’s how I would say to get started, like, figure out what your mission is, write your scripts, figure out your tech, sit down to record, but then also figure out your production schedule. So, what is your production schedule look like? What is being released and when? And this will allow you to stay ahead of your episodes, so that you’re not constantly going like, you know, every single week being, like, what’s being released this week? What am I doing this week? – Scrambling – You know, what questions do –  yeah, exactly, exactly! So, those would be my recommendations to start. [135.9s]

Patricia [00:13:37] Yeah, I totally understand being overwhelmed, and I feel like not just with podcasting, starting anything can be very, very overwhelming. But it’s all about, just like, compartmentalizing and like, you know, planning out the steps, and then when you lay out all the steps, it becomes easier to follow. So, I think that’s so amazing what you just shared. And [00:13:56]you have a diverse background. You have your studies in media, public relations, and you were also in digital marketing. How has that contributed to the success of your podcast and your entrepreneurship in general? [12.0s]

Simona [00:14:09] [00:14:09]So, I feel like having that diversity in my background allows me to understand marketing from a different lens, because that’s what I worked in. That’s what I did day in and day out. And communications, and client experience, and PR, and coverage, and all of those things. So, it’s allowed me to bring a really unique perspective to my clients, because I understand the production side, but I also understand the SEO side and the strategy side. Right? And I also understand listener habits and what will make a show good. Right? And how to dial in on your messaging, how to get your branding just right as well. All of those pieces are marketing, right? How to use colors together. The fonts that you want to use together. Like, there’s so many different pieces that I draw on from my past experience. But marketing is way more than just social media. Like, you have online marketing for sure, and you have social media, but it’s so much more than that, right? Like, you have social media marketing, but then you also have, you know, blogs, you have newsletters, you have email funnels, you have things like Pinterest, which I don’t really consider like full social media because it’s a search engine. Then you have YouTube, right? And you have how do we leverage transcripts? And, you know, how do we leverage the guests? All of those pieces, they’re all marketing. All of them. And so, you know, online marketing is one piece of the puzzle. But what do we do about paid ads, right? What do we do about all of those other things? And so, I think that having all of that experience in the past, because I’ve done so much different stuff, like I’ve done like product launches for a seating manufacturing company, and like, learning what goes into that, and like, the nitty gritty, and like, how to make something come to life from nothing, that is like that. There’s like a secret in there, you know what I mean? Like, that’s the way that you get things into the universe, into the world, right? So, yeah. [114.9s]

Patricia [00:16:05] [00:16:05]Well, in your experience, do you think it’s important to have, like, formal education or formal experiences when establishing your own podcast or just being in the creative industry, for example? [10.6s]

Simona [00:16:17] [00:16:17]I think definitely understanding the basics of marketing will help you. I don’t think you need to, like, go to school for marketing to do, you know, to market a podcast. But I think knowing and understanding the impact that platforms like TikTok, YouTube, YouTube shorts, Facebook, like, all of those things, still have LinkedIn, like Pinterest, all of that. It’s important to, like, understand it. But I also don’t think that you need to have formal training in it because there’s a lot of stuff that you can learn. But I think that, you know, one thing that I see a lot of is people are like, “Okay, well, I’m just going to launch the podcast, and I’ll do the marketing after.” But it’s like understanding that the marketing of your show actually is part of the show, and it’s part of your listener’s experience, right? Because people need to see something quite a few times before they take action on it, right? So, okay, you have your podcast, and you just put your episode out, but if you don’t understand anything about marketing or how to leverage that episode and put it out there, then you are missing a whole category of people. If you don’t understand how catchy titles work and what’s working on YouTube or whatever, wherever your podcast is, you’re missing out on audience share, right? And then, somebody else will come and get that. So, I don’t think you need formal training in it, but I think you need to understand it, and I think you also need to be constantly keeping up to date with that, and also with AI technologies and all of it. Like, the world is changing, and it changes fast. And so, the more you can stay up to date with everything that’s going on, I just think that you create a better experience for yourself and a better experience for your listener. [92.4s]

Patricia [00:17:50] Yeah, I think the creative industry is definitely more fast-paced, especially it’s a lot based on, like, trends as well. So, you just have to be, like, willing to adapt when you get into this type of like creative industry.

Simona [00:18:03] Well – Exactly.

Patricia [00:18:04] Could you – Yeah, sorry.

Simona [00:18:06] [00:18:06]No, I was just going to say I just want to add in, like, we were talking about before, like, the fear of judgment and being seen and all of that. It also happens on social media. And, I mean, I even get like tha. I’m like, oh, I don’t want to go on my stories, or I don’t want to create a TikTok, or I don’t want to do whatever. But then it’s, like, if you think about what’s behind all of that, honestly, people are not judging you. You know what I mean? Like, people are not judging you. Like, no one is judging you the way that you’re judging yourself, first of all. And also, people want to consume content, right? Like, look at how much time people spend on TikTok. So, instead of consuming it, why not be the one that creates it? Right? And I think that when you can start to, like, look at it differently, that okay, so you’re gonna put a video out, and maybe it’s going to suck, but then maybe the next ten will be really good, and then you never know what’s going to happen. Like, I have friends and they make well over 10K a month just in brand deals, you know. So, it’s possible! It happens. So, you just have to try. You just have to try it, because you never know. [51.8s]

Patricia [00:18:59] And with that, like, was there any, like, exercise you did. Because I mean, it’s easier said than done, right? And like, just get over it. Like, just do it. But it’s not always that easy. Like, you know, going against your internal monologue of like, oh, people are going to like, this is so cringe. For example, like, you get those kinds of thoughts. Like, I know it gets to – [00:19:19]it’s like a long process to say that you’ve gotten over that fear of judgment and the fear of being seen, but what was that process like for you? Like, what exactly did you do? [11.4s]

Simona [00:19:33] [00:19:33]I feel like I’m still doing it, like, every single day. Like, even when we got on our interview today, I apologize to you because I don’t have makeup on. Like, that’s a good thing for me. Like, I don’t like to show up on camera when I don’t have makeup on, but I’m also not someone who does my makeup every single day. I like to let my skin breathe. Like, I like to do all of those stuff, but so, I’ve created this story in my mind that I can’t show up on social media when I don’t have makeup on, so then, I never show up on social media, you know what I mean? Like, if I do it, if I post content, it’s typically from my podcast or, you know, it’s typically from, you know, something else that we’re creating or like B-roll content or whatever. So that said, if you don’t like being on, you know, camera and, like, facing the camera or whatever, is there a world where you can create content from a B-roll perspective, where you’re just taking a video of yourself doing some things that that you’re not fully in the camera, and you have a voiceover and you have, you know, text on your screen and call it a day? But things that I’ve done to get over that is, honestly, I will caveat and say, like, I feel like I still have to get over that every single day, and I still have to, like, hype myself up. But at the end of the day, I remind myself people are not sitting there being like, “Oh my god, look at her.” You know what I mean? Look how, like, this is such a stupid thing that she said or like, you know, it’s so dumb that she did this or look how she looks like this. Like, honestly, people don’t care. But then also just realizing that the message that you have to share is so much more important than the way you look. Right? It really, really is. And you can change so many people’s lives by just sharing your message. So, if you don’t like being on camera, find a different way where you can still get your message across. Like, there’s so many like faceless YouTube channels, faceless TikTok accounts, and all these things that people do that get the message that they want to get across without having to, you know, pull themselves too far out of their comfort zone. But I would also challenge you to, just to, to actually just try it. And I hate when people give me that advice, like, just do it. Because it’s like, hey, it’s easier said than done, but figure out where that story is coming from, right? What is that story in your mind? What’s it telling you that you can and cannot do? Is it serving you or is it holding you back? And is it a story that you actually want to keep having for the rest of your life? You know? If the answer is yes, then okay. And then if the answer is no, then you have your answer. [129.3s]

Patricia [00:21:43] Yeah, I think it’s all about just reframing your mindset. The thoughts you say to yourself become your reality. So, just practicing better thoughts like affirming thoughts. So, that’s really great advice. I’m going to try that out, because even I have sometimes, like, I get through those anxieties as well so… But I wanted to talk about your the Volt Productions company. Could you share with us the unique value propositions that your company offered to clients seeking podcast production and consulting services?

Simona [00:22:10] I love that question! So, Volt Productions is a rebrand. It’s brand new in 2024. We just rebranded the agency. It was previously under my name, and I have big plans for the agency, so I wanted to have, like, a really, like, strong, cool brand behind it. And really, what you’re getting with Volt Productions is a team of people that care about your podcast just, like, I care about your show just as much as I care about my show. And so, we look at everything through that lens. It’s very hands on. I work directly with all of the clients, and then I have an incredible team that I’ve, you know, that I’ve built over the last few years that are specialized in their specific areas. So, you have someone who’s specifically dialed in to what looks good from a branding perspective and social media templates. You have someone who’s dialed in on video editing, pulling clips, writing show notes. Like, you know, it’s very, it’s very targeted. And it’s also, I put a lot of care into everything that we craft. And we don’t just create just to create, we create with intention. And so, that’s the difference. Like, you’re not just getting like a run-of-the-mill podcast production agency that’s just gonna, you know, pay to have your episodes produced, and then they don’t care. There’s a lot of care that goes into it, and there’s a lot of love that goes into it. And when each show feels like my very own, like, there’s a lot of, I don’t know, there’s just a lot of, I feel like there’s a lot of power in that, because you’re getting more than just a producer, but like, you’re getting someone who’s partnering with you, in your brand, in your own vision, in your own mission, in your own message. And so, we work together as a team, and we fully integrate ourselves into – it sounds pushy, but it’s not. We integrate ourselves into what it is that you’re creating, and then we figure out how does the podcast fit amongst all the other things that you’re doing. How does the podcast fit and serve your audience in the best possible way, while also supporting the business that you’re creating too?

Patricia [00:24:06] [00:24:06]And how would you say Volt Productions differ from any other podcast production companies in terms of quality, innovation, and customer experience? [6.7s]

Simona [00:24:14] [00:24:14]Love that! I’ll start with customer experience. So, customer experience is something that’s really important to me. I’ve learned over my years in corporate how important it is for people to feel like they’re a part of something bigger, but also feel like they are being cared for on a soul level. And so, with the customer experience, that for me is such an important piece. I, you know, make sure that I’m the one taking the client calls, that I’m the one who’s doing all the onboarding stuff. Those are not things that I want to, like, hand off to somebody else to do. So, making sure that my client feels cared for and valued is really, really, really important to me. So, that’s the first piece. The quality side of it, I mean, we take great care in making sure that each episode is edited really, really well. And not even, like, over editing, and like, removing all of the things, but like, making sure that, you know, it’s not being cut off, like an episode isn’t being cut off in the middle of someone’s breath. You know what I mean? Where it’s like, sometimes, it can be a rough cut, and I spend a lot of time helping my clients, like, set up their studios, set up their mics, and making sure their sound sounds good, and all of the above. And so, when you take the time to do that, like the quality of the product that you’re going to put out there naturally just is really, really good. But that also goes for the graphics, making sure that everything is, you know, on trend, but even more than just on trend. Like, what is coming up? How do we change the industry? How do we do something different, right? How do we do it in a different way? And then how do we take those, you know, different graphics? How do we create a social media strategy that makes sense? So, there’s a lot of different stuff that goes into it. And so, I think those are the key things that set us apart. But I think the biggest thing that sort of sets us apart is that the agency is built off of my own personal values, and my top three values are kindness, care, connection. Those are my top three values in life. If it doesn’t have kindness, care, and connection, I don’t want it. And so, I won’t do it in my agency either. So, we lead every conversation with kindness, care, and connection. We lead every single challenge. You know, so on from that. I’ll give you an example. Earlier this week, I was editing a podcast episode for a new client, and we had a miscommunication on something, and something needed to be changed with the audio, and it needed like a whole entire re-edit. So, instead of charging my client again for a re-edit, even though, you know, I should have probably. I didn’t. Not because I don’t feel like I’m not worthy of the cost, but because it’s a new client, and I value the client relationship the most, and we both learned, you know. So, things that are always a learning experience. And so, how do you take those learning experiences and then implement them in a really, I don’t know, aligned way. And so, she walked away from that being super, super happy, and I walked away from that also being super happy because it was done to the best possible way that it should have been. You know? So, that quality piece is really important. [165.2s]

Patricia [00:27:00] I really admire the way you just, like, handle your business ethics. And we were talking about kindness, care, and connection, and that leads to happiness. [00:27:08]I wanted to talk more about Happiness Happens, actually. Could you tell us about the ethos of Happiness Happens, and what did you want to aim and achieve with each episode? [9.4s]

Simona [00:27:19] [00:27:19]So, when I first started Happiness Happens, I was mentioning to you before that it came out of, like, a really interesting time of my life. So, you know, I felt like I was alone in the thoughts that I had and the feelings that I had, and like, you know, was going through life. I felt isolated, but it was so weird, because I was so surrounded by people, and it’s a really interesting thing being someone who is generally more positive in life, and then, having feelings of unhappiness or sadness, or fear, or whatever else that feeling or emotion is and being told by other people that it’s like, “But you’re the happiest person I know, so like, how could you have all of those emotions?” And that was, like, something that people would tell me all the time. And so, when I started the podcast, It was kind of like a personal journal of everything that I was learning. I was in therapy, and I was, like, learning all these things, and I was like, hey, like, you need to hear these things too. And then they created the mission ethos, the basis for the whole show, which is helping one person feel less alone. If I helped one person feel less alone in their thoughts, and their emotions, and their feelings in what they experience on a day to day and make sure people feel and know that they are part of something bigger than what’s going on in this moment right now, I feel like I’ve done my job. And we get to do that every single week for thousands and thousands of people, which is really, really cool. And to get to do that and have that continue to be the mission that drives the podcast years later, I think is super powerful, especially when you think about how alone people feel on a day to day. People don’t feel like they’re heard or understood. They don’t feel like they’re seen. They feel like, you know, the black sheep of their family. They feel like they’re, you know, parents, family, friends don’t understand them. And then throw on a dream of being an entrepreneur on top of that. And it’s like, oh my god, like, what are you doing with your life, you know? Like, why would you do that? And so, it can feel isolating and can make you feel alone. And so, it can feel lonely. Sorry. And, I just really wanted people to feel like they found their place when they listen to the show. So, that’s ultimately what it is at the end of the day. [122.2s]

Patricia [00:29:22] I think that’s so needed. I feel like it’s so weird because, like, with social media, it feels like you’re so connected, but not necessarily. It doesn’t feel like a genuine connection. You’re constantly, like, seeing everyone’s stories and finding out what everyone else is doing, but it’s just, like, it doesn’t feel like a genuine connection. So, I feel like that podcast is, like, really important. I feel like a lot of people, maybe some of our listeners need that right now. So, definitely plugging your podcast in our description down below. I definitely would need that. I would love to binge on some of your episodes after we speak, but we were talking earlier about, like, scrambling to get, like, guests or like finding out what your next episode is going to be. [00:29:59]How do you go about selecting industry leading guests for your podcast, and what criteria do you consider when inviting them? [6.1s]

Simona [00:30:07] [00:30:07]So, I make sure that all of the guests actually – like, their message actually aligns to the podcast episode and then, like – sorry, to the podcast and then vice versa. I feel very lucky with Happiness Happens, because the show’s been around for so long, and it’s like more I think, like, when you go on to the, you know, the podcast layers and you search for a show about happiness or self-worth or whatever, and Happiness Happens comes up, and it’s been around since 2018, I get a lot of pitches for the podcast, which is great. But then, you know, I have to go in and, like, dig in and make sure that the person’s, like, message aligns. What are they like when they speak? I also have a little bit of like a, you know, online brand perspective to it as well. Like, I want to make sure that the people that I’m bringing on are going to be just as excited about the episode as I am, and they’re going to want to share the episodes, because that’s so important. It’s not the only way to grow your podcast, but it’s definitely like a way to grow your podcast. Is making sure that your guests are sharing and tapping into their own audiences and stuff too. And then if I’m thinking about it from like a client perspective and booking guests for their shows, so what I do is I have, like, a spreadsheet that I open up in front of me. I put down a whole bunch of podcasts. I just do a whole bunch of research keywords, like all kinds of stuff. I’ll put them into the podcast apps. Check and make sure that, you know, okay, this is more for getting on other podcasts, but I’ll give you that tip too, cause I’m sure someone would want that. So, going and making sure that the podcast episodes are still active, like publishing new episodes, and then I put them all in a spreadsheet. You know, you can get yourself booked on more podcasts, and then booking guests on my client podcast pretty much the same thing. So, I’ll take a spreadsheet. I’ll do a whole bunch of research trying to find guests about specific topics. So, I think about, like, the topics of conversation for each podcast, and then I will find the guests related to that topic, and then I’ll pitch them, and then we will do it, like, through that way. So, there’s a lot of ways to do it, but what I find the most helpful is doing it in batches first, because the more that you can send out, then you can follow up and then you can book yourself out for a few weeks, and then you’re not really scrambling for more guests and more content. But I think if you put like, you know, I don’t know, 2 or 3 hours a month aside to looking specifically for guests, like, you could find some really cool guests and book them in quite quickly. [133.2s]

Patricia [00:32:21] [00:32:21]And what role do you believe vulnerability and authenticity play in creating meaningful conversations with your audience through podcasts? [7.3s]

Simona [00:32:30] [00:32:30]I think there’s a really powerful spot that we sit in when we can come from vulnerability. And something that I heard recently was speak from the scar, not the wound. So, whatever you’re going to do, make sure that you’re approaching it from the lens of you being ready to talk about whatever specific thing you’re going to talk about. And I really value, personally, vulnerability. I value being able to make a connection with someone. I feel like when you can let your walls come down just a little bit, and it doesn’t mean you have to overshare every single thing about your life. But when you can let your walls come down just a little bit and create that, like, warm environment for your listener, but also for your guest, then people are more eager to share. You know, when I do, Happiness Happens, the number one thing I hear all the time from the guests that I interview is, “Oh my god, that was so much fun!” And it’s because I approach it the same way that you approach this conversation today, like, “Hey, how are you? Are you having a nice day? You know, I can’t wait to get into this conversation! It’s so nice to meet you!” Like, those are things that instantly make your guest feel comfortable, right? And so, thinking about whether it’s with a client, whether it’s with family or friends, a guest on a podcast, how can you create that sense of, like, warmth within yourself? Which leads to more vulnerability, more open conversation, more kindness without giving away your whole life, you know? [81.5s]

Patricia [00:33:53] I think that’s, like, so important when you’re hosting, you kind of set the tone. So, it’s, like, really important that you kind of, like, have an inviting energy if you want the guests to be just as vulnerable as the host, I guess.

Simona [00:34:05] Exactly, exactly.

Patricia [00:34:07] [00:34:07]And podcast is becoming increasingly popular. What sets apart, like, a successful podcast from the rest? Is it the host? Is it the the way they market the podcast? Is it their technical set-up? What is it exactly? [12.1s]

Simona [00:34:20] [00:34:20]Honestly, I would say, you know, I feel like people will go to tech right away and be like, “Oh, the backdrop has to be pretty or this or that and whatever.” And like, yeah, those things matter and they’re important. Like, of course you want your set to, like, look nice when you’re doing it. And again, I’m saying this with my set being like probably the most boring set that I’ve ever had as a background ever, but that’s okay. But what I really think sets it apart is the content that’s in it, and then paired with the marketing of the show. If you don’t talk about your podcast, how do you expect people to watch it, listen to it, or whatever? So, if you’re not talking about your own show, why do you expect other people to be talking about your own show? And then finding those, like, really cool moments within your podcast are also, I think, really important, and then taking those and, like, sharing them online. Like, how do you lead people in? How do you hook people in? How do you get them excited for what it is that you’re creating? So, I think it’s a combo between the content that you’re creating and then also the way that you’re sharing it online. If it looks boring and drab, people are gonna be like, “I don’t think so. I think I’m good.” You know? But taking, like, care and, like, attention to, like, actually produce, like, put effort into it, especially if it’s a reflection of you, your show, whether you’re doing it for personal or business, is an extension of who you are as a person or as a brand or as a business, you want to make sure that you’re putting your best foot forward. [80.4s]

Patricia [00:35:42] [00:35:42]And how do you keep your content fresh and keep the audience engaged and interested over time? [6.3s]

Simona [00:35:49] [00:35:49]You know, with Happiness Happens, I’ve changed the direction of the show so many times, and I think it’s really important to, like, tap into what you want to do intuitively. Like, if you feel like having a specific conversation, have that conversation, right? When your interests start to change, your show is allowed to change also. The more you let the evolution of things flow and, like, you know, let your own self, like, transform, there’s so much magic that happens from that place in terms of, like, the social media side. I mean, of course, like, we’ll hop on trends and making sure that, you know, we’re marketing things from, like, a bit of a different perspective too. For Happiness Happens, it is more of a lifestyle brand, so sometimes I’ll throw in, like, my own personal content and, you know, things that are not just podcast-related. And same thing with As It Relates to Podcasting. It’s part of a production company, so that’ll be, like, alongside different tips and things like that within the podcast industry. So, I think that from a content point of view, like, change up your graphics, use something different. People don’t want to see the same thing over, and over, and over again. And like, you can make changes, and sometimes changes are really good. [63.6s]

Patricia [00:36:53] [00:36:53]And as a entrepreneur and podcast host, how do you balance your various roles and responsibilities effectively? [6.5s]

Simona [00:37:01] [00:37:01]You know, I’ve been thinking about this idea of, like, balance and, like, does it even actually exist? And I’ve kind of concluded that balance isn’t really something that can be compartmentalized, you know? We all want this idea of balance, but the truth is, I know for myself as an entrepreneur, sometimes there’s just things that that need to be done, and they just need to be done, and it has to get done, and there’s seasons, right? So, I would say, like, if you’re in a slower, more calm season, like, embrace that, and enjoy that. If you’re in a more busy and chaotic season, be there for that, and roll with it. One thing that I’ve learned, and that has been really helpful, I guess, for me while I’m going through and, like, doing all the things we do every single day, I have a checklist that I have in Trello. So, Trello is a project management system, and it’s like a templated card in Trello that I create a new card every single week. And in that templated card, has all of the things that I need to do every, like, Monday to Sunday for the business specifically, like for client work specifically. So, I know exactly what I’m doing every single day. So, I think that when you can set your week up and know exactly what you’re going to be doing every day, you leave the end of each day feeling, like, productive and then setting that list up and making sure that list is accurate and good to go for the following day, for me, helps me, like, shut my brain off and move into something different. Another thing, I don’t know if you’re listening right now, if you can relate to this, but I used to work from the couch a lot, but then I found that it would, like, make me actually more stressed out because then my couch turned into, like, my office, and then my office was my office and my couch was my office. And then, like, I felt like my whole house was my office. And so, like, having dedicated spaces for things, and like, not – even though it’s like so much fun and like, it’s great, like, try not to, like, work in bed, try not to work from the couch, because then it just feels like your whole life is just work. So, that’s been helpful for me, is having, like, spaces, dedicated spaces to do work. [108.3s]

Patricia [00:38:51] I love that! I’ve always, like, listen to that advice. Like, having dedicated spaces. Like, whether you’re studying, working, eating, like, just put it in one place. Otherwise, whenever you go there, you’re just constantly going to think of that thing. So, it, like you said, keeps stressing you out. [00:39:06]But after every podcast, whether it’s for your show or for another company, what makes you say that was a successful episode? [8.0s]

Simona [00:39:15] [00:39:15]Oh, I feel like it’s, an intuition thing, but I really value when I’m on a podcast and someone says to me, like, “Oh my goodness, that was so much fun! I really enjoyed that!” That to me, I’m like, “Okay, cool!” Like, the other day I was interviewing someone yesterday, and we stopped recording, and she said to me, “Oh my goodness, your questions are so thoughtful!” And she’s like, “Your questions actually matter!” And I was like, “Oh!” I was like, “Well, that’s a really nice compliment!” And I felt I was like, “Wow, okay, that was really good!” But I think that when you, as a host, can hold space for a conversation and be able to dive into different areas, like different nitty gritty places, without making the guests feel uncomfortable or, like, they need to overshare. That, I feel, like, is a good interview. When you get a different perspective of something, something different than they would typically share, which for example, this whole entire podcast, I’ve shared things that I wouldn’t typically share because of you and what your energy is like. And so, like, it’s a good thing, right? So, you get a different side of someone when you can, when you can get past someone’s – Okay, so I’ll give you another example. I interviewed someone. He has a couple hundred thousand followers, and it was an interview for his book, and it was such a good – it was such a good conversation. And, so I said to him beforehand, I said, “We’re going to talk about your book, obviously, because I want to talk about your book, but I want to understand more about happiness, and like, what happiness means to you.’ And he was like, “Okay.” And so, I could tell in the beginning that he was trying to stay, like, on script, and he was trying to stay, like, you know, on topic or whatever. But I kept asking questions that would dive into different areas. Like, don’t be afraid to ask questions that dive into different areas. He ended up messaging me afterwards and he said, “That was an incredible interview. I really loved your questions.” Blah blah blah. He left me a rating and a review on the podcast and, like, just like, so don’t be afraid to, like, if you feel like asking a different question than what’s written down? Do that because that’s where you get the most, like, authentic answers from. [109.1s]

Patricia [00:41:04] You know what? I’m going to take your advice right now, and just ask you. Because you seem to ask this to your guests, like, [00:41:09]what does happiness mean to you? [1.6s]

Simona [00:41:12] [00:41:12]I love that, I love that! So, that is the first question that I ask every single guest that comes on my podcast. Did you know that? No. Oh my god, that’s so funny! Yeah, that’s literally, like, that’s literally the first episode – the first question that I’ll ask anyone that comes onto my show. I ask them, “What does happiness mean to you?” And for me, happiness means inner peace, and inner peace is found through how we live our lives every day, how we show up in our friendships, and relationships, and with clients, and business, and whatever. How we treat people. How we want to be treated, right? The kindness that we extend to other people. Like, for me, happiness, and I feel like I’m in my happiness when I’m in, like, my own inner peace and there’s no inner turmoil regardless of what else is happening in my life. Even though, like, sad things can be happening. There’s always a way to have peace, even with those things that are maybe more sad. So, that’s my definition. [55.4s]

Patricia [00:42:08] I love that! And speaking of thoughtful questions, [00:42:11]could you share any tips or best practices for effective podcasting, hosting, and interviewing? [4.5s]

Simona [00:42:16] [00:42:16]Yes! So, one key thing that I think is really important is having an anchor to end your podcast. Because a lot of the times people are, like, I don’t know how to end this interview or, like, I feel like it’s been going on for too long or, you know, they’ve already shared where I can connect with them. And like, we’re still talking, and it’s like, okay, like, how do I wrap this up? I like to have an anchor question at the end. So, I know in my mind that when I’m interviewing someone, the structure that I’m going to do it is, you know, we’re going to finish up like, you know, the conversation where it feels like a natural break. Then I’ll say, “Okay, can you share with my listener, you know, where they can find you?” And then they’ll say it and I’ll say – actually, let me backtrack there. I’ll say, before I ask you my last question, “Can you please tell my audience where they can find you?” So then, they’ll share that. And then, my anchor question for Happiness Happens is, “What’s one way you can create a little more happiness in your day, every day, starting today?” And then, they’ll answer that question and then I say, “Okay, that’s amazing! Thank you so much!” And then, they’ll say, “Thank you again!” And then, I will look to the camera, and then I just close it out, because I know that’s my cue. We’re done with the interview. Unless, like, it’s something, like, really sparks out from that, you know, from what they’re saying. I think also, too, is when I first started interviewing people, I used to get so excited about what they were saying that I would, like, talk over them all the time. Don’t do that. Give people space to talk. When you’re done with your thought, pause. Let people pick up where you leave off. You can edit it even if it feels awkward or whatever. You can edit it or whatever. But I think that it’s just really important to, like, give people the space to finish their thought. And of course, then you have people who ramble sometimes too much. So, try and find that natural break in there, too. I feel like I kind of rambled a lot in this podcast, but that’s okay. And then – but yeah, so you want that natural break, but then you also want people to be able to finish the thought that they have, so that they can give all of the information to the listener. Because a lot of the times, we cut people off right before it gets to the good part. [118.4s]

Patricia [00:44:16] I, yeah, I definitely agree. And we were talking earlier about, like, getting over your fear, right? But after that happens, so you get over the fear. [00:44:26]How do you handle, now, negative feedback criticism both personally and professionally in the podcast sphere? [6.9s]

Simona [00:44:33] [00:44:33]You know, I think about this often, because I feel like I live a life that is way more unconventional than most people. Like, I don’t really follow, you know, societal rules. I don’t really live my life in the way that most people do. And I think the first thing is, like, you just got to be good with that, and you just have to know that, like, people are not going to understand, but it’s also not their job to, you know? And it’s not your job to make them understand. And I really think about this, especially a lot lately. Do I really want to be taking advice or criticism from someone that I would never want to be in their shoes? Right? So, a lot of the times people who judge us, or people who are not kind, or people who have a lot of thoughts. Yes, they can be coming from a place of love, especially if it’s a family member and, you know, there can always be concern in that kind of stuff. But I really think about, you know, would this person ever want to, like, live their life in the same way as me? If the answer is no, it doesn’t matter. You know what I mean? Like, their opinion, their thought, while appreciated, doesn’t matter. And that takes a long time, in my opinion, to get to of this place of, like, you know, detachment if you will. But – and it’s so convoluted, because I feel like I still go through this, like, all the time. But at the end of the day, people who are going to be judgmental, people who are going to be negative, people who are going to talk badly about you are people that are either jealous or they wish that they could do what you were doing. You know what I mean? And so, it’s like I try and take it as like, “Thanks for the concern. But like, I’m good, and I’m going to keep doing what feels right to me.” As long as your integrity with yourself and that you’re being respectful and kind, then that’s – I think that’s the only thing that matters. That’s, for me anyways, that’s the only thing that matters.[96.6s]

Patricia [00:46:11] You know, I think it’s always so necessary to hear these thoughts, because I feel like no one who has gone through the struggle or who got over the cringe is ever going to make fun of someone who’s still trying, right? It’s always, like, the people who, you know, let’s say haters haven’t gone through that process, so they don’t they don’t understand. So…

Simona [00:46:30] [00:46:30]Exactly! And it’s like, okay, but you know, why make fun of someone who’s trying to do something different in life? Like, life is meant to be enjoyed, and explored, and trying new things. And just test something, like, you have no idea how your life can change. We look at our lives through this lens of where we are today, but you have no idea what your life is going to look like in six months from now, and all it takes is for you to just choose a different thought, choose a different choice, and to not pay so much attention or so much care to what other people think that you’re doing right or wrong in your life. Like, unless – someone has said this to me recently, like, unless they’re paying your bills, their opinions shouldn’t matter. And, like, I’m like, “Okay, yeah!” Like, that actually is very tangible for me. Like, you’re not paying my bills, so why are you telling me how to live my life? [44.0s]

Patricia [00:47:15] It’s not worth the time of day. Well, what advice would you give to aspiring podcasters who want to start their own shows but don’t know where to begin?

Simona [00:47:23] Am I allowed to plug my free resource? Because – Absolutely! Yeah, okay. Cause I was going to say, I feel like that’s a really good spot to start because, honestly, it’s a checklist. It’s an eight-week checklist that takes you through the entire process of starting and getting your, like, getting your podcast from, like, in your mind to actually start it. So, I would start there. But then the other thing I would say, too, is like, don’t get too caught up in all of, like, the nitty gritty. Things can change. Like, when I started Happiness Happens, I did not have video, I didn’t have a set, I didn’t have, like, half of the things, although video wasn’t really, like, as big as it is now back then, but you can always add. So it’s like, what is the path, like, of least resistance? And what is the way that you can do it in the way that’s most aligned to you? So yeah, so I would say go download my guide, because that’ll be really helpful to you, and then also just start. Just start and one foot in front of the other, and just keep going.

Patricia [00:48:16] I’m going to make sure all of those resources will be available. I’ll be linking that in our description. And how do you see the future of podcasts evolving and what trends do you anticipate in the coming years?

Simona [00:48:29] Ooh, I really like this question! So, definitely a lot more on the AI side. We’re already seeing, you know, AI-based podcasts and all that kind of stuff. Do I agree with them? Honestly, no, but that’s not here nor there. I think that video is going to continue to be something that’s really, like, prominent and that’s really out there. But what I think is going to set things apart is that vulnerability piece, and being able to speak from your heart and, like, relate to your audience instead of, you know, there’s a way that you can teach and you can inspire other people while feeling like everyone is on the same level of humanity, if you will. You know what I mean? Like, sometimes if you think about, you know, someone who’s teaching something, it can feel like there’s like a barrier in between. But I think the more that you can break down that barrier, and the more you can find ways to be relatable to the people that are listening to your content, that will resonate the most. And also, we’re going to see a lot more, I think, on like, the micro content influencer or content creator, because everyone has that at their fingertips now, right? And especially if you have a podcast, that’s something that you can do right away. And so, everyone has a message that they can share. Just make sure that the quality of your message is there too.

Patricia [00:49:38] And before I let you go, I like to ask this to everyone, what are the vibes looking like in the future? What legacy do you hope to leave through your podcast and entrepreneurship, and what do you aspire to achieve in the near future or ahead?

Simona [00:49:52] I love this so much! Okay, first of all, vibes are going to be real strong and real good! I am really excited for all of the things that are going to come that are going to happen. I’m excited to speak on more stages. I’m really excited to build out the Happiness Happens brand even more. I took a little bit of a backseat in building out that brand over the last little bit, because I focused on building out the production company first, like more, you know? And so, I’m just really excited to, like, create. I’m really excited to continue to build, and try new things, and launch new products, launch new services, and just really see, like, where life takes me, and like, where it goes. Another really cool thing that I just love is being a woman producer in this space, because there’s not a whole lot of us. There’s a lot of, you know, VAs, and, podcast managers, and stuff like that. But like, full blown, like, actual producers. We’re starting to see more of them, which is exciting. But I want Volt to be a household name. Like, I want Volt to be the name that people think about when they think about podcasts So, manifesting more awards, more speaking opportunities, TEDx talks, being on stages, building new businesses, traveling, living. That’s it.

Patricia [00:51:01] I love that! Sending good vibes to your way! Definitely seeing you making that happen. And before you go, is there anything you’d like to leave? A message to our listeners? Maybe want to plug any of your other services? Anything.

Simona [00:51:14] Yeah, sure! So, if you want to get in contact, please do. Send me a message on Instagram. It’s @simona__constantini or you can find me at voltproductions.co. So, we can chat there about all things podcasts. If you’re already a podcaster, I have a membership for podcasters where I share different resources every single week. Things to help you monetize your show, grow your show, launch your show, pitch decks, media kits. Like, all – literally like editing, you know, tutorials. Like, it’s so packed with resources, and it’s only 27 bucks a month. So, please join me over there. And I’m gonna end this podcast episode with a thought that I always say on Happiness Happens. And I hope that when you hear it, like, you just think of, like, the magic and the possibility of life, but what I end Happiness happens with is, “Happiness happens when you’re least expecting it.” And so, I hope today that you can really just think that, you know, happiness happens when you’re least expecting it, and life can surprise you when you least expect it.

Patricia [00:52:15] That’s beautiful! Thank you so much, Simona, for being here, for taking the time to grace our podcast and sharing your wisdom with our listeners. And of course, thank you to everyone who listened to us today! This has been your host, Patricia. And remember, for all your professional business and technical writing needs, there’s only one way to go and that’s with The Write Direction. See you guys soon! Goodbye!