57. Podcast Ads, Categories, and Cover Art: What You Need to Know

The word that has been buzzing in my head lately is autonomy. In this solo episode, I open up about what has felt especially hard in this season of motherhood and why reclaiming even small pieces of independence can feel transformative. I share personal life updates, reflect on growth inside my business, and walk you through some behind-the-scenes podcast strategy including branding, monetization, downloads, and ranking. Plus, I celebrate hitting a 2026 goal early and invite you into what comes next before wrapping with this week’s 4 F’s: food, fun, fashion, and fiction.

Key Topics Covered

• A vulnerable reflection on parenting and the tension of losing personal autonomy
• The launch timeline for a brand new show joining Pivot Ball Change
• Whether you should refresh your podcast cover art and how to decide
• What a master intro is and why it strengthens your show’s professionalism
• How many ads are appropriate and the best placement within an episode
• Why you shouldn’t skip ads as a listener
• Listener question: Do guest interviews increase downloads?
• My most downloaded episodes so far and what they reveal
• How podcast categories impact rankings and discoverability
• The 2026 goal I already achieved and how you can be part of what’s next
• A sheet pan gnocchi recipe and a surprisingly addictive kale salad
• Fashion brands I’m loving as a mom in this season
• Home decor recommendations that elevate everyday spaces
• Current TV shows and a fiction read I can’t put down