Keep.On.Going.
It's a roller coaster of emotions and that's OK.
It’s been a week and if you’ve been here for awhile, you’ll know how I feel right about now. Like many of you, I am up and down in my emotions and that’s OK. As my therapist says, “allow yourself to feel your feelings.” I’ve cried. I’ve been angry. I’ve been hopeful. I’ve been motivated. All.The.Things.
If you’ve been here for awhile or even just joined, you know where my opinions and beliefs stand. I’m an advocate for all and have no problem speaking up. My greatest worry is for my kids right now. What will their public school education look like? What will their rights look like? I feel grateful to live in California where Governor Newsom is already taking steps to take action and last week I joined a Zoom call to listen to his plans. I’ve been politically active, but more so in the past 8 years and this election has motivated me to continue to be active, to hold elected officials accountable and to continue to speak up not only for myself and my children, but also for those whose voices need to be elevated and heard.
For me, the struggle right now is figuring out how to balance these feelings while still running my business, showing up for my family, keeping myself healthy, etc. I’m watching what I consume…I’m not turning on the news and limiting my social media intake, for the most part. I’m trying to ensure we eat well at home although having Halloween candy within arms reach is definitely not helping that! I’m being intentional with what I read in regards to who I follow and indulging in books as well. I’m also making plans on what’s next…
Today, I want to share with you some podcast stats that we witnessed during this election (this isn’t depressing! My hope is that if you weren’t believing in podcasts before, you will now!), the content I’m consuming, my podcast plans and the books I’m reading…
Podcasts - Hello Politics!
I’ve said for many years that I think politicians would benefit from doing more podcast interviews. When done correctly, they allow the guest to share who they are in their own words. They’re long form content (around 30 minutes instead of soundbites) which allow for longer answers. The majority of podcast hosts aren’t journalists who have scripted their questions but people like you and me. Personally, I think hearing a conversation between a smaller podcast host and a politician might give us much greater insight as to who they are, what they believe in and what we can expect from them.
This week, I’m heading to Syracuse to speak to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for the Northeast about the trust in podcasts vs traditional media. I just wrapped up my presentation slides and created some graphics that I wanted to share with you.
When we look at the average age of podcast listeners versus other media outlets, podcast listeners are half the age of those watching cable news! Who is the audience you’re trying to reach? If it’s younger, then you should be looking at podcasts.
Not only is the median age younger, but the number of people showing up are drastically higher when we compare the three networks vs the two podcasts that the Presidential candidates went on. Now, in all honesty, landing interviews on either of these two podcasts is extremely hard so for reference, my agency has had podcast interviews for clients from January 1 to November 11, 2024 go live and reach 6.56M listeners. This number is spread out over 25 clients, which means each one is averaging a reach of over 250K podcast listeners.
A survey was done with registered voters and again, the results show that podcasts are trusted and have the power to influence. I think we are going to see a greater shift toward not only podcasts but to smaller shows who hold this influence.
Content Consumption
I try not to subscribe to a ton of newsletters but these ones have been filled with hope, inspiration, good info and I encourage you to check them out. I’m a paid subscriber to all of them because I believe in these women!
is co-author of Democracy In Retrograde and has an incredible Substack where she shares insight into politics, advocacy and more. Her book is currently buy 3 for the price of 2…I’ve bought a copy and copies for friends! Highly recommend if you’re wanting to do more but are not sure how to do it or what kind of advocacy is for you (i.e. you don’t want to knock on doors!). is the founder of Moms Demand Action, organizer of White Women For Harris and author of Fight Like A Mother. She has some incredible interviews with women who are taking action. If you’re in San Jose, consider joining me on November 20th to meet Shannon! Tickets are here. is one of my favorite human beings and her messages always make me feel calm and reminds me that it’s good to indulge in myself…with candles and good clothing while also taking care of my mental health. Her Substack of will tell you what you should focus on for content consumption! You can also check out my interview with her on My Simplified Life. is another of my favorite humans and continues to share her immense knowledge on all things book and publishing related. Now, more than ever, we need to hear your voice, so if writing a book is the way you want to do that, please follow Leigh!Expanding My Podcast
I’m taking action by expanding My Simplified Life. Starting in December, we’re moving to two interviews per week and I’ll throw in bonus episodes which will be solos from yours truly. My show has always focused on how your past and your present don’t define your future. You do. My guests share their life lessons and journeys and I always walk away with a greater knowledge and understanding of what they’ve gone through. I want to build more empathy in the world which is why I’m committing to hearing more stories and sharing them.
I’m going to focus on authors but welcome non-authors as well. I already have the next 13 episodes lined up with many more in the works. I’m reading books, listening to audiobooks and doing all of the prep work that I always have for these interviews. I’m sure there will be a time where I can’t read all of the books but until that day, I’m going to keep reading! I’m sharing the books on my Instagram page as well on the podcast.
Speaking of the podcast, if you’d be inclined to hit the 5 stars on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, I’d greatly appreciate it! I’ve also started releasing the videos of the interviews on YouTube and Spotify!
October & November Books So Far…
Since I’ve discovered audiobooks, I’m reading more than ever before! Most of these authors you’ll get to hear on a future episode! I’m also using the Libby app and checking out books from the library with it…so handy and a great reminder to use your local libraries!
New Happy by Stephanie Harrison
Not Yours To Keep by Zelly Ruskin
Everything Happens For A Reason by Kate Bowler
Natural Selection by Elin Hilderbrand
Postmortem: What Survives The John Wayne Gacy Murders by Courtney Lund O’Neil
The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave
The Stories We Cannot Tell by Leslie Rasmussen
Life In Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin
Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown
Confessions Of A Forty Something F**ckup by Alexandra Potter
The Parent Compass by Cynthia Muchnick
The Last Sandstorm by Jasmin Faulk-Dickerson
What’s on your reading list? Send me your recommendations to read and interview! I have a list of 2025 releases already started! And if you have a 2025 pub date, let me know and don’t forget about Podcast Book Tours™!
I’m here supporting you and cheering you on, whether it’s on your book journey, podcast journey or figuring out a way to take more action. You’re not alone!
Thanks, Michelle. You cover a lot of ground here and delivered just what I needed today.