She almost quit her podcast after years of slow growth.

Then she gave it one last year, brought in expert help, and 8×’d her downloads.

Now? She’s ranked #2 in her category, has 400+ episodes under her belt—and her podcast is finally bringing in high-ticket clients.

If you’ve been wondering whether your show is worth investing in… this episode will inspire you to take the leap.

Laura Mixon Camacho, PhD, is an executive communication strategist who helps high-performing leaders sharpen their executive presence and step into top roles with confidence. She’s the creator of Executive Presence Mastery, a bespoke program designed to prepare ambitious professionals for the executive suite.

We talk about what it really takes to grow a podcast over the long haul—especially when it supports a business—and how she kept going when most podcasters would’ve given up.

Laura’s podcast, Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence, is ranked #2 in the world for communication skills and sits in the top 2% of all podcasts globally.

Her client list is as diverse as it is impressive: ABI, Bosch, Comcast, Google, Hilton, Medtronic, Nestlé, and Society of Women Engineers—to name just a few.

She lives in Mt. Pleasant with husband, Ruben. Her favorite hang out is on the beach at Sullivan’s Island.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Laura rebooted her podcast after a plateau and skyrocketed her downloads
• The shift that helped her show finally convert listeners into coaching clients
• Why short, strategic episodes can boost retention and rankings
• How she comes up with fresh content ideas for three episodes a week
• Why knowing your audience intimately is the secret to long-term growth
• Why podcasting is perfect for people who don’t want to be “on” all the time

Connect with Laura:

hello@speakupwithlaura.com

Mobile: 252-258-4704

Instagram: Speak Up With Laura

X/Twitter: Speak Up With Laura

Linkedin: Laura Mixon Camacho, PhD

Website: www.speakupwithlaura.com

Podcast: Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

In this episode I’m joined by longtime indie podcaster Bubbawheat, who has been podcasting since 2012 and is a brilliant example of what it means to stay consistent, go niche, and keep creating for the love of it.

Bubbawheat shares how he got started with a superhero movie blog (Flights, Tights, and Movie Nights), which evolved into several podcasts, including FilmWhys, It’s Time to Rewind, and his newest creative challenge, Reel Crime Scenes.We talk about:

• How he built a 200+ episode podcast focused entirely on time loops
• His process for breaking down movies one minute at a time
• The value of finding your voice in solo vs. group podcasts
• How to research, script, and edit efficiently (without burning out)
• Collaborating with fellow indie podcasters—and even film actors
• Staying motivated when you’re podcasting in a small but loyal niche

Featured Projects by Bubbawheat:

• It’s Time to Rewind – Time loop TV + movies, one loop at a time
• Reel Crime Scenes – A creative true crime-style podcast based on fictional plots
• FilmWhys – A cult classic/superhero movie swap podcast

He also shares what it’s like creating content for a super-specific audience and why niche creators shouldn’t chase trends or fame—just make content they genuinely love.

Connect with Bubbawheat:

Listen to his podcasts: https://linktr.ee/bubbawheat

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bubbawheat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@bubbawheat

Join the Facebook Group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠It's Time to Rewind⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.facebook.com/groups/849400315988924/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Your podcast doesn’t have to fit in a box—and that’s a good thing.

If you’ve ever held yourself back because your idea didn’t feel “niche enough,” or "no one has done this before" this one’s for you. Whether you’re multi-passionate, pivoting, or still figuring it out, this episode will shift your mindset and help you get clarity without boxing yourself in.

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

You do not have to wait until your offer is perfect or your business is fully built to launch your podcast. In fact, starting before you feel “ready” might be the smartest move you can make.

In this quick Espresso Shot episode of Podcast Café, I’m breaking down why podcasting as you grow—not after—can help you build credibility, clarify your message, and attract your dream clients. If you’ve been waiting to be seen as an expert before starting your show, this is your sign to stop waiting.

Thinking of launching your podcast but don’t want to commit long term? Check out The Espresso Series – a done-for-you, limited series podcast offer built to help you show up as the expert (even before you feel like one).

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Do you feel like everything needs to be perfect before you launch your podcast?

In this episode of Podcast Café, I’m joined by Fernanda Bertrand—life coach, speaker, and host of The Highest Self Project—for a conversation that will encourage you to stop overthinking and just start.Fernanda shares how she launched her podcast from her car with a $20 mic, and why letting go of perfectionism helped her stay consistent for over 40 weeks and counting. Her story is the perfect example of how starting scrappy is totally okay—as long as you actually start.

As a podcast producer, I help clients bring structure, strategy, and polish to their shows—but I also know that showing up with your voice matters more than having a studio setup on day one. This episode is your reminder that there’s room for both growth and grace in podcasting.

In this episode:

• Why Fernanda finally stopped waiting and started recording
• How podcasting became a personal growth tool and creative outlet
• The simple (but intentional) systems she uses to stay consistent
• Her thoughts on launching without video, tracking metrics, or heavy production
• What it really means to “fail forward” and evolve your voice over time
• How scripting with AI saves her time and energy each week

Connect with Fernanda:

Listen to The Highest Self Project: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-highest-self-project/id1752578207?i=1000710239971

Follow Fernanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fernanda.bertrand/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

We’re officially halfway through 2025—and now is the perfect time to take a step back and plan the rest of your podcasting year with clarity and intention.

In this quick Espresso Shot episode, I’m walking you through how to map out your podcast strategy so it actually aligns with your goals and your life. Whether you want to grow your audience, sell your offer, or simply stay consistent while juggling a full calendar, this 4-step framework will help you get focused fast.

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: ⁠⁠https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44⁠⁠

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠⁠⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: ⁠⁠https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ⁠⁠

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Does showing up on stage, on camera, or behind the mic make your heart race? You're not alone—and this episode is for you. Host Hayleigh Hayhurst sits down with Linda Ugelow, the brilliant mind behind Delight in the Limelight, to explore how to overcome the fear of being seen and heard.

Linda shares her powerful personal story of pushing past public speaking anxiety, unpacking childhood conditioning, and reclaiming her voice with confidence. You'll learn how to move beyond managing fear to clearing it entirely—and how to show up as your most authentic self on stage, online, or anywhere you feel called to speak.

In this episode:

• Why many of us lose the natural confidence we had as kids
• How to uncover the root of your fear of visibility
• The difference between managing fear and resolving it
• Tools like EFT tapping, expressive arts, and voice work
• Why filler words happen and how to speak with clarity and presence
• The surprising connection between your childhood and how you show up today
• How to build confidence whether you're a podcast host, public speaker, or just getting started

Whether you're prepping for your first podcast or your hundredth, this episode will inspire you to own your voice, speak boldly, and—yes—delight in the limelight.

Connect with Linda:

Website: https://lindaugelow.com

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: ⁠⁠https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44⁠⁠

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠⁠⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: ⁠⁠https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ⁠⁠

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/