Your Mic

How can you manage stress in your podcasting journey or professional life?

Lolita Guarin joins Freddy Cruz to share stress management strategies. She introduces the CALM method—control, acceptance/appreciation, limiting what doesn’t work, and multiplying what does. Lolita explains how childhood experiences and learned behaviors shape adult stress responses. She describes the importance of emotional regulation and recogn...

Why do so many new podcasters fail to grow their audiences and give up so soon?

Freddy Cruz argues it's because their shows are unfocused, dragging on without delivering value quickly. With listeners bombarded by countless distractions, no one has time to wait five minutes for the point. His solution: get clear, strategic, and to the value proposition within sixty seconds.

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What happens when one bold move puts an unknown name next to legends? Tommy Hilfiger was just another guy until a single Times Square billboard changed everything.

• We’ll look at why perception drives success before proof does.
• We’ll find out how podcasting today lets you bypass the gatekeepers.
• And we’ll see what it takes to stick with your message until the world catches on.

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Think about the last time you tried to get on a podcast. Maybe it was a cold email, or you spent hours crafting a pitch and still ended up with silence. Today, we'll break down what makes a podcast guest pitch stand out and the mistakes that send it straight to the rejection pile.

You’ll hear:

• What happens when a pitch misses simple details about a show

• Why building relationships matters more than a templated email

• ...

What happens when two podcast creators meet years ago, each taking a different path in Houston’s podcast scene? Raul Moreno, once in radio, set out to build a community for independent stories. Freddy Cruz began with military apparel, then turned his journey of recovery into a podcast that grew into something more. 

Together, they talk about:

• How trial and error shapes every episode and business move
• Supporting each...

Are you overwhelmed trying to promote your podcast on every social media platform?

So many of us wonder if we need to post several times a day, everywhere, just to get noticed. Today, you’ll hear why you can grow your show smarter by:

• Focusing on just two platforms instead of all of them

• Analyzing where your audience spends time

• Doubling down on what’s working for your podcast

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What makes retention rate a crucial metric in podcasting success?

Freddy Cruz explains that while reaching the first 1000 downloads is an exciting milestone, it's the retention rate that truly matters. Retention shows how engaging and valuable your content is to listeners. This insight helps podcasters refine their shows and attract potential sponsors.

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Speke Fest 2025, October 10 and 11 at the National Museum of Funeral History, promises an energizing mix of marketing, networking, and personal development. 

With keynotes from industry leaders and workshops aimed at empowerment, attendees will leave inspired to elevate their shows—or even launch something new.

Early bird tickets are available all June, making it the perfect time to join the revolution.

Why should podcas...

What do you do when a podcast guest goes off script, delivers content that clashes with your values, or shows up unprepared?

• Learn why being the gatekeeper of your podcast matters for your brand and reputation.

• Hear when and why you might have to shelf an episode—even if the guest spent time recording.

• Get tips on setting expectations and protecting your show before major problems hit record.

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What does it take to go from nervous interviewer to skilled podcast host with more than 250 episodes? 

D.C. Gomez shares what’s changed since her first podcast, how she connects with guests—even those who are shy—and why a little structure goes a long way. We also get into managing a busy creative life, and how giving away a million books became her mission.

You’ll also learn:

• The real process behi...

What does it mean to create a successful podcast?

It's not just about the numbers. It's the quality of the listener's experience. Today, we dive into what makes a show truly engaging.

• Discover why retention is as important as downloads.

• Learn how shorter episodes might be the key to higher engagement.

• Hear real examples from my journey in podcasting.

Stick around as we break down the analytics and discuss the art o...

This episode is a client spotlight of The Lighthouse of Houston's podcast Sightless Voices: Unleashing Potential.

Host Jennifer Parrish went from checking charts and stressing about rankings to connecting with people in ways she never expected. In this conversation, she shares what she’s learned about vibe checking, preparing her notes in braille, and what it takes to adapt when things get heavy.

We talk about overcoming publ...

What can Apple's marketing philosophy teach podcasters?

Empathy, focus, and impute.

It transformed Apple; it can transform your podcast. Get into the listener's head. Stick with one brilliant idea. Polish your show's sound and look. Join us as we dive into how these principles can grow your audience. 

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Shoot Freddy an email: freddy@spekepodcasting.c...

What can a 41-year old movie teach you about communication in the 21st century?

A lot, actually. 

You know, there are lessons buried deep inside classic films like The Karate Kid that go unnoticed by many. Mastering a craft is rarely glamorous, and sometimes it involves tasks that seem mundane. Finding a mentor is crucial, someone who guides without fanfare. And yes, setbacks are part of the process, but they prepare us for su...

Facing fears during a podcast journey isn't easy.

Overcoming nerves when hitting record or speaking to a guest can be challenging. The fear paradox is real, though facing it head-on can lead to growth. Embrace change like Ben Franklin said, "When you are finished changing, you are finished."

Everyone starts somewhere; even famous hosts were once beginners. When you subscribe to our show, you help us grow. 

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Picture a bright yellow Lamborghini, cruising by. There's no TV ad for it, yet it turns heads. Just like that, podcasting can reach its audience without big-budget promotions. It’s about knowing where your audience is and speaking directly to them.

In this episode of Your Mic, discover how to harness the power of storytelling and build a community. 

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Have you ever started something new and felt it just didn't hit the mark? Imagine launching a podcast and realizing something is off. During this episode:

• Learn how a pivot can change everything.

• Discover the power of editing and preparation.

• Understand the marathon journey of podcasting.

Stick around for a quick lesson on mastering the craft of creating a killer pod.

Key Takeaways

1. Effort Paradox and Podcast ...

Imagine the power of humor. Not just as a comic relief, but as a tool to engage and connect.

Today on Your Mic, we start with ancient Roman courts that faced disruptions due to the wit of Egyptian lawyers. Discover how this lesson in history translates to modern podcasting:

• Understand how humor makes us relatable and why self-deprecation can be key.

• Learn to tackle tough topics with a touch of humor to keep audiences e...

How do you prepare for a milestone like hitting 100 podcast episodes?

It's a journey that takes persistence and learning through every step. George Blitch has navigated this path with his Son of a Blitch podcast.

Today, George shares what he's learned about finding a niche, keeping the passion burning, and the patience required to grow. If you're a podcaster starting your journey, this episode offers insights you won't want to miss...