Authentic Stories, Surprising Lessons, and Practical Takeaways for Business Starters
"Growth and improvement come naturally as part of the journey."
Today Caroline Biesalski, the creator of Inspired Choice Today shares her story of entrepreneurship podcast.
► Tell us about you and your podcast
The style and flow of the INSPIRED CHOICE TODAY podcast, can be summarized as engaging, insightful, and action-oriented. It offers a blend of inspiring interviews with influential global experts, thought-provoking discussions on change and growth, and practical tips for personal and professional development. The podcast is dynamic and conversational, with a focus on deep dives into relevant topics, both through interviews and solo episodes.
Each episode is designed to inspire, motivate, and equip listeners with actionable strategies, making it suitable for ambitious professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone eager for transformation. The flow is structured yet flexible, allowing for organic, in-depth conversations that explore the guests' experiences and expertise. Additionally, the podcast emphasizes building a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for growth and excellence, fostering connections and ongoing engagement.
Potential guests can expect a platform where their stories and insights will be highlighted to inspire a diverse and growth-minded audience. The style is welcoming and positive, aiming to create impactful and memorable conversations that resonate with listeners on a personal level.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I started my podcast during a solo road trip from Los Angeles to Colorado Springs and back. One night, while staying in San Diego for four days, I woke up at 3 a.m. on December 12, 2023, with one word on my mind: *podcast.* It was as if my intuition had finally spoken loud and clear, reigniting a dream I had carried since I was 15—to host my own radio show.
As a child, I was labeled shy and internalized that identity, which held me back from speaking up in school and even at university. Despite this, I earned degrees in business economics and psychology, excelling in writing while keeping my voice silent.
When podcasts first emerged in 2007, I fell in love with the medium. I became hooked, unable to stop listening. It felt like the perfect blend of creativity and connection. Yet, the idea of starting my own remained a distant dream—until that night in San Diego. My inner voice made it clear: it was time to take the leap.
Starting a podcast was my next logical step toward the big, beautiful goal I set for myself in 2021. Growth comes from stepping into the unknown and embracing discomfort, so I accepted the challenge. The very next day, I uploaded my first episode.
By the end of December 2023, I had recorded 50 interviews—every potential guest said yes! In just 11 months of 2024, I surpassed 500 episodes, and my momentum hasn’t slowed. My original goal of 1,111 episodes now feels like just the beginning of an incredible journey.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
When I started my podcast, I decided to use free software for recording, editing, and hosting. My setup included a computer and an external microphone—simple yet effective. Once I discovered my passion for podcasting, I made the decision to turn it into my livelihood.
During my 16-year journey as an entrepreneur (I previously ran an accounting company with six employees), I learned the importance of reinvesting earnings to grow a project. While my accounting business was successful, I found it uninspiring, so in 2023, I made a bold change: I started traveling across the U.S. and pursuing work that truly excited me.
Now, I’ve upgraded my podcast setup to reflect my commitment to this new venture. I switched to a premium hosting platform, invested in a high-quality microphone, and even launched a 24/7 YouTube livestream featuring my podcast episodes, available exclusively to paying clients.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
Yes, I accept sponsorships for my podcast. I use PodMatch to find my guests, and they are some of the most interesting and inspiring people I’ve ever had the pleasure of interviewing.
For me, podcasting is more than just a platform—it's a journey of growth. It has helped me improve my technical and speaking skills, overcome shyness, and connect with incredible clients and contacts from all over the world.
When I started, my podcast had 2,000 downloads per month. Now, it’s grown to 7,000 downloads and continues to rise steadily. I’m proud to share that my podcast is ranked in the top 5% globally on Listen Notes.
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► How does your podcasting process look like?
I find my guests through platforms like PodMatch and MatchMaker, but for my first 333 episodes, I reached out personally to friends and connections I had made on LinkedIn and Facebook. To streamline the process, I chose a user-friendly hosting platform and joined PodcastAI.com, which has been incredible, offering amazing features and support. PodMatch has also been fantastic, and I’m regularly in touch with the founders for guidance and advice.
To prepare for each episode, I start by connecting with my guests on social media, following them to learn more about their work and personality. I also create my own unique version of their bio, adding a personal touch that often surprises them during the introduction.
For the interview, I generate three customized questions tailored to the guest's expertise and include two standard questions focused on coaching, mentoring, and goal-setting. Each episode concludes with the guest sharing their final thoughts and advice with the audience.
► How do you market your show?
I market my podcast through multiple channels, including my LinkedIn newsletter, Facebook group, and other social media platforms. I upload the full episodes to YouTube and share short, engaging clips on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, X, and YouTube Shorts to maximize reach.
After publishing an episode, I reach out to my guests, sharing their personalized episode link—and sometimes even the raw recording—to create a collaborative experience. When connecting with potential listeners, I often recommend episodes aligned with topics they’re interested in, ensuring a personalized and meaningful introduction to my podcast.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Yes, I would absolutely recommend starting your podcast right where you are. Don’t wait until everything is perfect—you’ll never feel completely ready. Growth and improvement come naturally as part of the journey.
Focus on finding the best platform or channel to promote your podcast. There are plenty of resources, including books, that explain how to monetize podcasting effectively. In fact, I’m excited to share that I’ll be publishing my own book for the one-year anniversary of my podcast: *The INSPIRED CHRONICLES: 365 Days of Podcasting.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
www.podcast.inspiredchoice.today
interview@inspiredchoice.today
http://www.youtube.com/@inspiredchoice
https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/inspiredchoice
https://offer.reflection8.com/podcast-dfy/
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