![\"this](\"https:\/\/libsyn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Still-Growing-Album-Cover.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This series is all about showcasing Libsyn podcasters. Its sole purpose is to introduce these awesome podcasts to the world as well as share their podcasting insight to empower the community!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n In May of 2013, my husband went away on a business trip to Europe for an entire week and when he came back home, I had started the podcast.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how it happened:<\/p>\n Ha – Why not!?<\/p>\n Let me give you two personal reasons and then two professional reasons why podcasting is a great option for me.<\/p>\n First, for me personally, once I listened to a few gardening podcasts, something just clicked for me \u2013 I knew I could do it.<\/p>\n I learned TV production and oratory skills back in high school (we had a TV studio right inside the school) and some of my first jobs (a hundred years ago) involved doing playback at radio stations. So, in many ways, there was an easier technical barrier to entry for me with podcasting.<\/p>\n That said, I had to awaken skills I honed a long time ago \u2013 editing, diction, using a mixer, etc. I was a bit rusty \u2013 but it helped to have those experiences.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s another personal benefit that I\u2019ll mention \u2013 especially for the folks who are thinking about podcasting but who also have real situational constraints \u2013 financial, time, personal, etc.<\/p>\n I\u2019m a stay-at-home mom. The emphasis here is on the \u201cstay-at-home\u201d part. I\u2019ve got four kids \u2013 and while they\u2019re not babies and toddlers anymore \u2013 my job is nowhere near done.<\/p>\n Just yesterday, I experienced one of my most challenging days as a Mom and the kids are 14,12, 10, and 8. I like to say that I\u2019m raising giants \u2013 and by that I mean not only that the kids are super tall, but also the huge job of raising good people.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a monumental task.<\/p>\n At the same time, I\u2019m extremely curious. I\u2019m a voracious reader and podcast listener.<\/p>\n Learning new things and meeting new people are very invigorating to me. As much as I would love to dash off to conferences or book signings, and spend thousands on a mastermind group (hello? \u2013 3 kids in braces!), I\u2019m not going to do that. I know from my days as a successful HR leader, how important stability is to business \u2013 and it\u2019s equally important to families. So, the bulk of my nights are devoted to homework and supper \u2013 and all the other emotional, social, and spiritual experiences that are part of being a mom.<\/p>\n So, here\u2019s where podcasting enters the picture: I can continue to reap the psychological benefits of growing and learning and meeting new people \u2013 in my case, awesome gardening experts from all over tarnation – without leaving the house or sacrificing my premium evening time with kids.<\/p>\n I won\u2019t even mention the part about not having to get all dolled up\u2026<\/p>\n On the professional side, I had a mentor once who went on to become the Chief People Officer at AOL back in the late 90\u2019s. One day, we were discussing how to know when you should quit a job. His advice was so sound, it still resonates with me – and I\u2019ll use it here to share what podcasting does for me professionally.<\/p>\n First, consider whether you are continuing to grow and learn. I think starting a show is such a creative and challenging endeavor. I\u2019m continuing to build my expertise \u2013 both in horticulture and in podcasting.<\/p>\n There is always something new to learn and both fields are constantly evolving.<\/p>\n Second, the question we should always be asking ourselves is, \u201cAm I happy doing this?\u201d<\/p>\n For me, podcasting has opened so many doors within my field of expertise \u2013 to greater learning, to new friends, to exciting connections, to building authority. It\u2019s been a great way to attract interest in my blog \u2013 6ftmama.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n The tagline for Still Growing<\/a> is \u201cdedicated to helping you and your garden grow\u201d.<\/p>\n The guests for the show are people I come across in my own life.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll see a flyer, read an article \u2013 of course, my Mom is always sending me clippings of potential guests \u2013 and I\u2019ll start to think about interviewing them for the show. If I feel that curiosity about a person \u2013 that little sense of connection with someone \u2013 I trust my intuition and try to track them down for an interview.<\/p>\n One thing I\u2019ve found<\/strong> is that the guests for Still Growing are so generous about sharing \u2013 their time (the show is an hour long), their resources and their experiences. For me, that\u2019s what every show is about \u2013 the gift of sharing.<\/p>\n Therefore, every guest interview is a gift and every show is a gift<\/strong>. People are going to take what they hear on the Still Growing<\/strong> podcast and do something with it \u2013 they\u2019ll show their own kids how to garden, get involved in starting a community garden, or simply make better choices about gardening. It\u2019s making a difference.<\/p>\n My shows offer some unique personal touches, too<\/strong>. I usually start the show with some updates straight from my blog. You know, gardeners are such lovely people<\/strong>\u00a0-really true nurturers at heart.<\/p>\n Podcasting is a great medium for gardeners because I think that connection so much more personal \u2013 and powerful \u2013 than just blogging alone.<\/p>\n It never fails to surprise me that the show has listeners from around the world \u2013 places you wouldn\u2019t believe \u2013 and listeners get a glimpse of what\u2019s going on in my life as a Minnesota gardener. They get to know me and hopefully when the show ends, they feel like they\u2019ve listened to a friend<\/strong>.<\/p>\n My husband and I have weekly date nights and we are big movie-goers. We\u2019ve always loved outtakes and extras at the end of movies. So, when it came time to produce Still Growing<\/strong>, I wanted to end the show with some bonus audio or special clips.<\/p>\n It\u2019s another way to deepen the connection with folks<\/strong>. One of my favorite extras after the show is to feature something sweet from the kids \u2013 a poem or a story, maybe a joke or two. As a mom, it\u2019s a bonus for me \u2013 kind of like an audio scrapbook<\/strong>. (I should really make a tape of all their bonus extras).<\/p>\n As long as I can still coerce the kids into reading a garden poem or two, I\u2019ll keep at it. It\u2019s amazing to think that they\u2019re growing up in a time where creating media is so accessible<\/strong> and so incredibly simple.<\/p>\n They\u2019re learning fantastic skills \u2013 quite brilliant, really \u2013 from these making these little extra tidbits at the end of the podcasts. I\u2019m so lucky; I get to share my passion for podcasting and gardening with the kids \u2013 that\u2019s pretty special to me.<\/p>\n Listen, when I knew I was going to start a podcast \u2013 I had enough rusty knowledge from my broadcasting background to try to cobble together the equipment and resources that I needed from FREE – yep, totally FREE – content online.<\/p>\n My favorite FREE resources about equipment and how-to advice include:<\/p>\n I\u2019ve ordered all of my equipment from Amazon.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s my shopping list:<\/p>\n Here\u2019s my Mixer \u2013 it\u2019s not huge and \u2013 like a girl – I took a labeler to it so it\u2019s easier to remember what each input\/output\/button is for.\u00a0 I\u2019ll have to write a post about that some day\u2026<\/p>\n I LOVE my field recorder!\u00a0 I carry it with me all the time! Life changing \u2013 and tons of uses beyond podcasting!<\/p>\n BACKUP Baby!\u00a0 I paid a tech guy to help me get my backup going. I ordered 2 hard drives. They back up my Mac while I sleep. One works for a week and the other sits in a fire safe. I rotate them every week. Great system \u2013 easy and affordable.<\/p>\n BONUS Equipment<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Podcast Directories<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Get your show on all the best directories. Here are some great articles to reference:<\/p>\n Social Media<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n FB is great. Don\u2019t forget about Pinterest. It\u2019s surprisingly powerful for podcasts.<\/p>\n Guests<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Tell your guests SPECIFICALLY how they can help promote the show \u2013 with links and feedback.<\/p>\n Mentor List<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n This past month, I\u2019ve put together a mentor list \u2013 folks from all different industries and with all different strengths \u2013 and I\u2019m specifically asking them for ideas on how to grow the show.<\/p>\n That\u2019s it.<\/p>\n That\u2019s the focus \u2013 great ideas are so available and people like to help each other. In turn, I help people all the time. Good karma!<\/p>\n Libsyn<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n So, there\u2019s this video that\u2019s called Libsyn Wants to Promote your Podcast<\/a>.\u00a0 Watch it and do it.<\/p>\n Local Media<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most helpful podcasts I have listened to was from Learning with Leslie is an interview he did with Lauren Greutman<\/a> of episode 147<\/a>. Holy Toledo. It works.<\/p>\n Posting an Excerpt and Link to my show on The Patch<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n I strategically post my show notes in \u201cThe Patch\u201d in targeted communities all across the country. Unbelievable traffic from this awesome community resource.<\/p>\n ID3 Tags in iTunes<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Descriptive ID3 Tags really help folks find you!<\/p>\n Here\u2019s mine:<\/p>\n Host Name: USE FOR ARTIST, ALBUM ARTIST, and COMPOSER Short Cut Keys \/ Macros<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Promotion takes a ton of dedication, repetition, and detail. Make it a little easier by setting up some Short Cut Keys or Macros on your iMac.<\/p>\n If I enter 6d<\/strong> then this comes up:\u00a0 Jennifer Ebeling \u20136ftmama.com<\/em><\/p>\n If I enter 6f<\/strong> then this comes up:<\/p>\n Home & Garden Blogger | Master Gardener | Host of Still Growing\u2026 a weekly gardening podcast dedicated to helping you and your garden grow (available on iTunes & Stitcher). Stop by 6ftmama.com for information & inspiration for your home & garden<\/em>.<\/p>\n 6t<\/strong> generates my tagline: helping you and your garden grow<\/em>.<\/p>\n Guests<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n A thought came to me this past year about getting reviews for the show and I realized I was really missing a key endorsement \u2013 from my guests.<\/p>\n All in, my shows take me a week to produce and my guests get some professional exposure.<\/p>\n Today, I make sure to ask my guests to support the show by leaving a review in iTunes. I note this in my interview packet and in the email to the guest announcing the show publication.<\/p>\n So, at a minimum, they probably hear me ask for a review at least three times.<\/p>\n Scripted interview packet<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n I think putting together a scripted interview packet has served me so well \u2013 both in securing guests and getting guest referrals.<\/p>\n My guests know exactly what the content of the show will look like (with a little room for spontaneity). My interview packets are so slick.<\/p>\n The album cover, logo, tagline and general info are on the first page.<\/p>\n Page 2 covers standard requests \u2013 headshots, graphics, links, social media, and my request that they leave a review for me in iTunes. Then then the packet has two questions per page \u2013 with room for the guest to write responses.<\/p>\n Professional and Easy Peasy.<\/p>\n Own your brand\/podcast hashtag<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Recently, I heard an interview with a social media expert (can\u2019t remember who!) and he mentioned how it important it is to own your hashtag. I really believe this is powerful. So that will be a focus for this year \u2013 show posts and tweets unified with a single brand hashtag!<\/p>\n Have a meaningful Tagline<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Neither 6ftmama or Still Growing would tell you that gardening is one of my areas of expertise. So, it\u2019s super important that I include my tagline – helping you and your garden grow \u2013 on everything regarding the show. It\u2019s in my promos, in the show itself, it\u2019s in the header for my site, etc.<\/p>\n Leverage Talkwalker Alerts<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Ileane Smith talked about this useful tool way back in July of 2013 on her podcast<\/a>.<\/p>\n This past month, Michael Stelzner talked about it on his show<\/a>.<\/p>\n I love Talkwalker and Michael even said he thought it was way better than google alerts. I agree.<\/p>\n I use it for guest research and promotion ideas. For example, if you\u2019re doing a show about new typewriters \u2013 put an alert on new typewriters. You\u2019ll instantly get the places that might be great promotional partners delivered directly to your inbox. Smart and simple.<\/p>\n Be Proud of Your Work<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Years ago, I worked with a dear friend who was convinced that pride and loyalty were two key (and often missing) components to success. I think pride and loyalty are so foundational to promoting your show.<\/p>\n It\u2019s so difficult to promote something if you feel something less than pride for it. I\u2019ve been in that situation before and it\u2019s miserable.<\/p>\n I\u2019m proud of my show.<\/p>\n I love that folks can listen to it and learn something.<\/p>\n I love that it\u2019s positive and collaborative and open and accessible.<\/p>\n For me, it\u2019s like talking about one of my kids. I could go on and on about them. I think the show you\u2019re producing needs to be like that.<\/p>\n C\u2019mon \u2013 when you boil it down, all these shows on Libsyn servers are little labors of love, so, be proud of the good work you\u2019re doing \u2013 right where it is today.<\/p>\n Like the kiddos, it might be a little immature, or funny, or serious \u2013 whatever \u2013 but it is yours and it\u2019s worth promoting.<\/p>\n So\u2026 as I say to my kids, I might be six feet tall, but I am still growing!<\/p>\n How\u2019s that for an fabulous interview? Whether you are a gardener, a wanna-be gardener or had simply thought about gardening once<\/em> in your life, you need to subscribe to this show ASAP.<\/em><\/p>\n She\u2019s the kind of podcaster that is passionate, will undoubtedly continue to grow and her material will only get better.<\/em><\/p>\n At the very least connect with the amazing Jennifer Ebeling on twitter<\/a> or her Facebook pages here<\/a> and here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nQ & A with Jennifer Ebeling from The Still Growing Podcast<\/h2>\n
\nWhen did you start podcasting?<\/h3>\n
\n
Why did you start podcasting?<\/h3>\n
What\u2019s your show about?<\/h3>\n
What\u2019s your podcasting set-up? Hardware, software, CMS, etc.<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
How have you promoted your podcast?<\/h3>\n
\n
\nJennifer Ebeling: 6ftmama, Master Gardener & Blogger
\nShow Name: USE FOR ALBUM and GROUPING
\nStill Growing\u2026 with Jennifer Ebeling: A Weekly Gardening Podcast Dedicated to Helping You and Your Garden Grow: Gardening | Garden | Blogging | Lifestyle Design | Education<\/p>\nWhat do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?<\/h3>\n
\n
\nI realized something after having four kids in five years, transitioning from my career in Human Resources to be a stay-at-home mom, getting my very first dog, celebrating over 20 years of marriage to my high school sweetheart, and now starting a podcast: Milestones are not finish-lines<\/em><\/strong>. \u00a0And, there is no end to learning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
\n