In this episode of The Lead Jen Podcast, I sit down with Alexa Curtis—former Radio Disney host, podcaster, and founder of Chief Swag Officer, the #1 brand for customizable mic flags and covers.

Alexa shares her incredible entrepreneurial journey, from starting a fashion blog at age 12 to hosting a national radio show and now running a successful business that helps creators and brands visually stand out. We dive into what she learned behind the mic at Disney, how to be intentional when interviewing guests, and why a polished, branded presence matters so much in podcasting.

We also talk about something a lot of creators face: platform dependency.

Alexa opens up about losing her Etsy store overnight, which brought her sales to a halt. I shared a similar story—losing a TikTok account with over 200,000 followers—and how that experience shifted my approach to audience growth and lead generation.

If you’re building a brand or business, you’ll want to hear why owning your audience through your podcast, website, and email list is non-negotiable—and how podcasting can become your most powerful lead generation tool.

This episode is packed with insights, lessons, and a serious reality check about what it really takes to build a brand that lasts.

If you’re ready to maximize your podcast’s potential and PROTECT your brand + business this episode is a must-listen!

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Follow Alexa & Chief Swag!

https://www.instagram.com/alexa_curtis?igsh=MXM3aTZmcmZrY28xYg==

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Also feel free to reach out to me if you're looking to start, grow, or rebrand your podcast!

ALL my consult calls are FREE!

hookmediaproductions@gmail.com

My mic is cool right? ESPECIALLY for your business and brand building.

Shop here : https://chiefswagofficer.com/CHIEFJENNIFER

CODE: CHIEFJENNIFER

Software I Recommend :

https://libsyn.com/

https://riverside.fm/

You can check out Hook Media Productions HERE :

https://www.hookmediaproductions.com

www.instagram.com/hook_media_productions/

I have TONS of sponsorship experience working with both small local sponsors and multi-million dollar brands like Ghostbed and Liquid I.V.

The biggest lesson?

Sponsors care about ROI and audience alignment. It’s not about size—it’s about strategy.

In this episode, I’m diving into realistic and effective ways to monetize your podcast—whether you're just starting or ready to level up.

The first real opportunity to generate income?

It’s through lead generation.

I break down how I use podcasting to drive traffic to products, build email lists, and grow social media engagement that actually converts.

Then, I get into sponsorships—and I’m keeping it real. I share my personal experience working with both small local deals and multi-million dollar brands like Ghostbed and Liquid I.V. The biggest lesson? Sponsors care about ROI and audience alignment. It’s not about size—it’s about strategy.

I also reveal creative ways to secure sponsorship-style deals without trading money—like inviting CEOs or marketing execs on the podcast, featuring products naturally in episodes, and repurposing content that includes subtle product placement.

One of my favorite monetization strategies? Affiliate marketing. It’s low-risk and high-reward when done right. Throughout this episode, I emphasize the importance of audience trust and choosing brand partners that actually make sense for your niche. If you're running a women’s health show, you won’t hear me recommending an ice cream sponsor—same goes for business podcasts promoting baseball gear.

This episode is your no-fluff guide to making money with your podcast the SMART way.

If you’re ready to maximize your podcast’s potential and turn it into a client-generating machine, this episode is a must-listen! __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Also feel free to reach out to me if you're looking to start, grow, or rebrand your podcast!

ALL my consult calls are FREE!

hookmediaproductions@gmail.com

Software I Recommend :

https://libsyn.com/

https://riverside.fm/

You can check out Hook Media Productions HERE :

https://www.hookmediaproductions.com

www.instagram.com/hook_media_productions/

If you’re a business owner or personal brand looking to use your podcast as a powerful lead-generation tool, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you level up.

In this episode, I am joined by business coach of NextLevelUniversity, speaker, and podcast host Alan Lazaros to discuss how entrepreneurs and personal brands can leverage podcasting to generate leads and grow their businesses.

Alan shares his journey from corporate tech—to building a successful coaching business and podcast empire with Next Level University, which has released over 2,000 episodes. He introduces his Passion → Purpose → Profit framework, explaining why aligning your business with your passion is key to sustainable success.

Alan also breaks down his Flywheel Method for business and content growth, emphasizing the importance of consistently creating, sharing experiences, and building authentic relationships.

The conversation highlights why social media is non-negotiable for business growth, even if you don’t love it. Alan stresses that you don’t need to be at the "top of the mountain" to help others—you just need to be a step ahead.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

The Passion → Purpose → Profit model for long-term business success

Alan’s Flywheel Method for creating authority and generating leads

Why social media presence is essential for podcast and business growth

How consistency compounds over time

If you’re ready to maximize your podcast’s potential and turn it into a client-generating machine, this episode is a must-listen! __________________________________________________________________________ PODCAST EPISODE REFERENCES

Check out Alan & Next Level University HERE

https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/

__________________________________________________________________________

Also feel free to reach out to me if you're looking to start, grow, or rebrand your podcast!

ALL my consult calls are FREE!

hookmediaproductions@gmail.com

Software I Recommend :

https://libsyn.com/

https://riverside.fm/

You can check out Hook Media Productions HERE :

https://www.hookmediaproductions.com/

www.instagram.com/hook_media_productions/

Just one weekly video podcast can ELIMINATE the constant need for content creation - whether you’re doing it yourself or relying on a marketing team.

In this episode, I break down a comprehensive strategy to transform your podcast into a powerful lead generation tool—while cutting down your marketing efforts by 80%!

I explain how recording just one weekly video podcast can eliminate the constant need for content creation, whether you’re doing it yourself or relying on a marketing team.

I share my top three repurposing strategies: first, converting podcast episodes into blog posts to drive website traffic.

Second, leveraging podcast content for email campaigns—because unlike social media, your email list is an asset you truly own.

Third, repurposing podcast content into social media clips to boost brand awareness and attract more clients.

I also share how reinforcing the importance of owning your audience through email marketing. I discuss how email campaigns help build trust, engage your audience, and move potential clients closer to working with you.

Beyond that, I explore additional ways to repurpose your podcast content—turning it into books, courses, webinars, and graphics—proving that one piece of long-form content can open endless business opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

✔ How to repurpose your podcast into blog posts to grow your website traffic

✔ Why email marketing is your most valuable business asset

✔ How to turn podcast content into high-converting social media posts

✔ The power of owned media vs. social media platforms

✔ Additional ways to monetize your podcast through books, courses, and webinars If you’re ready to maximize your podcast’s potential and turn it into a client-generating machine, this episode is a must-listen! __________________________________________________________________________ PODCAST EPISODE REFERENCES

Step By Step How To Start A Business Podcast In 2025 :

https://youtu.be/OhBEG2L6oqo

Step By Step How Convert Your Podcast Into A Blog Post :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqPD1ryxqLc

TikTok: What Businesses Must Do | Lessons Learned From My Ban https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwObfeVuFMw

How To Create Scroll Stopping Social Media Content:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD_WQhMrxM0

__________________________________________________________________________ Also feel free to reach out to me if you're looking to start, grow, or rebrand your podcast!

ALL my consult calls are FREE!

hookmediaproductions@gmail.com

Software I Recommend :

https://libsyn.com/ https://riverside.fm/

You can check out Hook Media Productions HERE :

https://www.hookmediaproductions.com/

www.instagram.com/hook_media_productions

Remote vs. In-Studio Podcasting – Which is Right for You?

In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of remote vs. in-studio podcast recording, sharing real-world experience with both formats.

I explore why remote podcasting offers greater flexibility and accessibility, making it easier to book high-profile guests who prefer the convenience of recording from anywhere. Plus, I discuss the cost differences, highlighting how studio setups can cost thousands while a solid remote setup can be achieved with just a quality microphone, an iPhone, and a laptop.

The episode also covers the importance of consistency in podcasting and why Riverside FM is a top choice for remote recording.

For those on the fence, I suggest a hybrid approach—using a studio for solo episodes and remote recording for guest interviews.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Remote podcasting expands guest accessibility and lowers costs

✅ Studio setups offer high-quality production but can be expensive

✅ Riverside FM is a recommended platform for remote recording

✅ Consistency matters more than a fancy setup—your audience cares about the content, not the aesthetics

✅ A hybrid approach can be the best of both worlds

🎙 Subscribe for weekly podcasting tips every Thursday!

Also feel free to reach out to me if you're looking to start, grow, or rebrand your podcast!

ALL my consult calls are FREE!

hookmediaproductions@gmail.com

Software I Recommend :

https://libsyn.com/

https://riverside.fm/

You can check out Hook Media Productions HERE :

https://www.hookmediaproductions.com/

www.instagram.com/hook_media_productions/

This ENTIRE podcast you're watching right now was recorded using nothing but my iPhone!

You don’t need a $5,000 camera or fancy gear to start podcasting—just your phone and a solid strategy!

In this episode, I break down how you can record a high-quality podcast using nothing but your phone—no expensive equipment required!

I walk you through the step-by-step process of recording, sharing essential tips to ensure great audio and video quality. I demonstrate how to set up your phone for recording, explaining key considerations like positioning it horizontally, keeping it plugged in, and enabling airplane mode to avoid interruptions.

Stability is crucial, so I recommend using a stand or tripod.

For those looking to improve audio quality, I suggest using a lavalier microphone—either wired or wireless—though it’s completely optional.

Finally, I take you through my post-production workflow, including how I transfer files using AirDrop and edit using Premiere Pro.

The bottom line?

You don’t need a $5,000 camera or fancy gear to start podcasting—just your phone and a solid strategy!

Tune in now to learn how to launch your podcast with what you already have!

Subscribe NOW for more tips on podcast growth, and stay tuned for the next episode!

Also feel free to reach out to me if you're looking to start, grow, or rebrand your podcast!

ALL my consult calls are FREE!

hookmediaproductions@gmail.com

Software I Recommend :

https://libsyn.com/

https://riverside.fm/

You can check out Hook Media Productions HERE :

https://www.hookmediaproductions.com/

www.instagram.com/hook_media_productions

If you're not repurposing your podcast episodes, you're leaving valuable opportunities on the table! Make your podcast WORK for YOU!

Leverage your long-form podcast to handle the creativity, marketing, and advertising for you!

In this episode, I break down five effective strategies for repurposing podcast content to grow your business and generate leads.

Podcasting is one of the most versatile content creation tools, allowing you to maximize a single recording across multiple platforms.

Key Takeaways:

📌 Transform Podcast Episodes into Blog Posts – I explain how to transcribe your podcast, use AI for SEO optimization, and edit the content into engaging blog posts that boost search rankings and website traffic.

📌 Create High-Converting Social Media Content – Learn how to repurpose key moments from your podcast into social media clips, carousels, and quotes to keep your audience engaged and drive new listeners to your show.

📌 Leverage Email Marketing for Audience Growth – I share how to turn podcast content into weekly email campaigns, building a loyal audience and driving more conversions.

📌 Design Downloadable Infographics & PDFs – Discover how to package podcast insights into lead magnets, making it easy for your audience to save, share, and revisit valuable content.

📌 Explore Additional Repurposing Opportunities – From online courses to eBooks, I highlight ways to monetize and expand your podcast content beyond traditional formats.

Owning your podcast and email list is crucial for long-term business success. By repurposing content effectively, you can increase visibility, engagement, and revenue without constantly creating from scratch.

Social Media Repurpose Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD_WQhMrxM0&t=8s

Subscribe now for more tips on podcast growth, and stay tuned for the next episode!

Also feel free to reach out to me if you're looking to start, grow, or rebrand your podcast!

ALL my consult calls are FREE!

hookmediaproductions@gmail.com

Software I Recommend :

https://libsyn.com/

https://riverside.fm/

You can check out Hook Media Productions HERE :

https://www.hookmediaproductions.com

www.instagram.com/hook_media_productions/

How to Craft High-Converting Podcast Intros In this episode, I break down my expert strategies for creating effective podcast intros that hook listeners and boost conversion rates. Drawing from my extensive experience in radio and television, I share a proven method that isn’t widely used in the podcasting industry—but absolutely should be!

What You’ll Learn:

Why structuring your podcast intro correctly is crucial for audience retention

🎯 How to use news broadcast techniques to grab attention immediately

✂️ The 3-key highlight strategy—choosing compelling sound bites to preview the episode

🔊 The importance of tight editing to remove filler words and awkward pauses

🎶 How to select the right background music to enhance your intro’s impact

📈 Why this method has been so successful across different media formats

By implementing this strategy, you’ll ensure your podcast intros are engaging, professional, and keep listeners hooked from the start.

Give it a try, monitor your audience retention, and see the difference for yourself!

Subscribe now for more tips on podcast growth, and stay tuned for the next episode!

Also feel free to reach out to me if you're looking to start, grow, or rebrand your podcast!

ALL my consult calls are FREE!

hookmediaproductions@gmail.com

Software I Recommend :

https://libsyn.com/

https://riverside.fm/

You can check out Hook Media Productions HERE :

https://www.hookmediaproductions.com/

www.instagram.com/hook_media_productions/