Insights from leading experts, providing listeners with actionable strategies for personal and professional growth.

“It's truly a labor of love and if you're looking for an immediate revenue stream then think twice."

More details on Listen Notes.

Today Karena Calhoun, the creator of Go Be Great with Coach Karena shares her story of education podcast.

► Tell us about you and your podcast

I'm Karena Calhoun, married to my best friend and living in Richmond, Virginia. I'm a consultant and coach for women entrepreneurs who want to infuse confidence, clients and cash into their business. I'm also founder of the quickly growing, whole-heart centered, visibility focused Rise and Thrive Womenpreneur's Community on Facebook. Inside of this community we focus heavily on authentic networking with the introverted womenpreneur in mind, giving-more-than-we-receive type promotions and genuine connections.

The Go Be Great With Coach Karena Podcast is truly an extension of all that I am and all that I do. It serves as a global platform for empowering women to break through personal barriers such as limiting beliefs, aiming for a purposeful and authentic life as well as providing strategies for business growth.

I feature various global guests who share their stories and insights to enlighten women of all backgrounds.

The primary audience for this podcast is women looking for inspiration and guidance to lead a life of purpose and authenticity in their personal and business journey.

► Why & how did you start this podcast? 

I chose podcasting because it offers a powerful and personal way to connect with listeners and allows for sharing impactful stories and knowledge that will support women along their life and business journey.

It's also an excellent medium for expanding reach and building credibility on a global level. I believe the world is much smaller than we once thought prior to the internet and I'd like to do my part to connect with and impact it.

I've always been an avid listener of podcasts. They've inspired me and provided invaluable insights, which motivated me to start my own.
It just felt so natural and right to do it. My primary motivation for starting the podcast back in 2020 was to empower women to overcome inner challenges and live their authentic life. It took me about one month to plan, record and release my first episode.

When I started the podcast, I wanted to create a platform where listeners could learn, grow, and break through obstacles holding them back. I believe every person has the right to GO BE GREAT. But I also believe lots of people are waiting for internal and external permission to Go Be Great. I want to give them this permission through education, inspiration and empowerment!

► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?

I release a new episode of Go Be Great With Coach Karena on a weekly basis. My air date and time are Tuesdays at 10am EST.
The show can be found on all platforms including iHeartRadio and YouTube Podcasts.

From initial planning to final editing, it typically takes us about 4 hours to produce a single episode. I do the recording and then send it off to the editor because that just isn't my jam!

I've always been passionate about empowering others, so I make it a priority to carve out time to focus on the podcast. It's a labor of love and I invest monetarily and time into the podcast myself each month for hosting, editing, and marketing services combined.

However, if you'd like to be a sponsor, I'd love to talk with you!

► What do you gain from podcasting?        

I don't have sponsors at the moment, we have had them in the past. I'm open to the idea and it would have to be a complimentary business or influencer that I feel would truly benefit my listeners. Sponsors would need to be mutual opportunities that align with my vision and values.

Podcasting has tremendously benefited me in various ways. Business-wise, it's positioned me as an authority in my field, expanded my network, and provided a platform for sharing knowledge.

It's also fostered many friendships with guests and other podcasters. The continuous interaction with experts and listeners helps facilitate constant learning and growth, both professionally and personally.

I'm also a huge proponent for helping entrepreneurs have a bright light shine on them. My cup is filled when I see others shine bright.

► How does your podcasting process look like? 

I'm really big on processes and workflows. More specifically, working smarter and not harder.

I have a very detailed featured guest application. Guests typically find me and submit their application. My team reviews it for alignability and if approved then the guests will be sent a set of emails to help prepare them for the recording and then their recording is scheduled.
I don't hold pre-show interviews because I love to have what's called fireside chats on the Go Be Great With Coach Karena Podcast.

Once we record, the raw file is sent to editing and production.

I don't use any special software. I've tried some in the past but I found guests were having issues and it was too clunky. Currently I am using Zoom and StreamYard as they are both easy and the quality is really good.

► How do you market your show?

The majority of listeners come from Spotify. Some listeners find us through a guest who has shared a link to their own episode. They listen to the episode and then stay for more!

We use multiple avenues of promotion including social media and my email list.

► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?

My advice to aspiring and new podcasters is that patience can be a difference-maker in many endeavors and especially podcasting.
It's truly a labor of love and if you're looking for an immediate revenue stream then think twice. The journey is as important as the destination.

The experiences, growth, and relationships developed along the way can be just as, if not more, valuable than the end goal. Remember that the ability to adapt to new situations and information is more important than having a rigid plan.

Because this is a labor of love, remember the importance of self-care. Overwhelm can come in quickly so ensure mental and physical wellness is top of mind.

Lastly, consistency over intensity. Regular, consistent effort can be more effective than short bursts of intense activity. Value your genuine relationships. When you foster authenticity then you will see that relationships can offer support, open opportunities, and enhance your own personal and professional growth.

► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/riseandthrivewomenpreneurscommunity Rise and Thrive Womenpreneur's Community is where you can find me hanging out most days. From there you can explore my coaching and consulting hat and learn more about Go Be Great Coaching. https://gobegreatcoaching.com/podcast.html

If you're a womanpreneur and also maybe an introvert who would like to infuse confidence, clients and cash into your business, I'd love to chat with you. Discovering your hidden confidence and increasing your business growth is one of the highlights of my life.