In this behind-the-scenes brainstorm, we’re six (okay… seven) episodes deep… and none of them are public yet. Why? Because we’re intentionally building momentum before we ask the internet to have opinions about it.

This episode is a mix of podcast launch strategy + real talk about the mental trap creators fall into: chasing feedback, trends, and approval—until their content stops sounding like them.

We dig into why batching episodes before launch can actually protect your identity, how “people pleasing” sneaks into content decisions, and the practical steps to launch a podcast the right way (Episode 0, feed approval, launch date strategy, and release cadence).

If you’re launching anything—podcast, YouTube channel, short-form series—this one’s a reminder: you don’t need permission to start. You need a why that can survive opinions.

What We Cover

• Why recording multiple episodes before publishing is a psychological advantage
• How a shaky “why” makes you vulnerable to getting pulled in every direction
• The surprising truth: content creation can be an exercise in removing your people-pleasing identity
• Why trends (like “tiny mic” gimmicks) can inflate vanity metrics—but dilute your audience quality
• The difference between:
  • content made to attract “everyone”
  • content made to attract the right people (who stick around)
• Podcast launch logistics:
  • hosting platforms + RSS feeds
  • approval delays across Spotify/Apple/etc.
  • why an Episode 0 trailer helps
  • setting a launch date to concentrate early listens
• Release strategy suggestions:
  • launch with multiple episodes (3–5) so new listeners can binge
  • Tuesday releases for business audiences (less Monday chaos)
  • building a comfortable editing buffer (2 weeks recommended)
• The one launch detail we still haven’t solved: the podcast name

Key Takeaways

1) Momentum beats validation.
If you only create when you get feedback, you’ll stop the moment feedback slows down—or turns negative.

2) Your “why” is your content filter.
Without it, every comment becomes a steering wheel.

3) Don’t try to be for everybody.
The goal isn’t mild interest from 1,000 people. It’s deep trust from 10.

4) Forced content eventually breaks.
If you’re constantly performing for trends or approval, burnout is just a scheduling issue.

5) Launching is a system—not a vibe.
Episode 0 + approval runway + set launch date + backlog = calm creator energy.

Notable Quotes

• “If your why isn’t solid… it’s going to get real easy to start getting pulled in different directions.”
• “This is an exercise in removing your people-pleasing identity.”
• “You don’t want everybody. Not everybody is ever going to connect with your message.”
• “Make content that’s going to make 10 people really happy… and don’t worry about the other part.”

Links & resources

• Try Cosmo (Free AI Marketing Assistant): https://moonwardmedia.com/cosmo-access/
• Download our video funnel guide https://bit.ly/42mibqz
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MoonwardMedia

In this episode, Andy and Irina discuss their organic content strategy, focusing on the process of onboarding new clients and creating a comprehensive content plan. They outline a three-phase approach: strategy creation, style guide development, and content execution. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a long-term commitment to content creation and the need for a clear understanding of client goals and expectations.

Keywords

content strategy, client onboarding, organic content, strategy creation, style guide, content execution, long-term commitment, client goals, content plan, video production

Takeaways

• Our content strategy is built on a three-phase approach.
• The first phase involves creating a detailed strategy for clients.
• We emphasize the importance of understanding client goals.
• A style guide is developed in the second phase to ensure consistency.
• Content execution begins in the third phase, using established templates.
• Long-term commitment is crucial for successful content creation.
• We tailor strategies specifically to each client's business needs.
• Client feedback is integral to refining our content strategy.
• We aim to educate and build trust with our content.
• Our process includes regular check-ins to align with client goals.

Links & resources

• Try Cosmo (Free AI Marketing Assistant): https://moonwardmedia.com/cosmo-access/
• Download our video funnel guide https://bit.ly/42mibqz
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MoonwardMedia

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on a question we hear all the time:

“How do you create a content calendar?”

But as the conversation unfolds, we realize something important—we’ve been answering the wrong question.

This episode is a live, behind-the-scenes brainstorming session where we unpack why content calendars don’t work in isolation, why “just hiring an editor” often creates frustration, and why everything ultimately comes back to one thing: your why.

We talk through:

• why most content should be evergreen
• why scheduling weeks or months ahead reduces pressure and improves quality
• why the first video always takes longer (and should)
• why consistency matters more than speed
• and why content without a clear purpose leads to confusion, burnout, and poor results

This is not a step-by-step tutorial. It’s an honest conversation about what actually goes into building a content system that works—both for clients and for us.

What you’ll learn in this episode

• Why content calendars are systems, not spreadsheets
• The difference between hiring an editor vs building a content engine
• Why the first phase of content creation feels slow (and why that’s intentional)
• How templates, style guides, and prep work unlock long-term consistency
• Why asking “When do I get my first video?” is the wrong question
• How unclear goals create “rocking the boat” content decisions
• Why content strategy fails without a clearly defined why
• When video content isn’t the right solution for a business

Core insight from this episode

A content calendar only works after you’ve answered these questions:

• Why are you creating content?
• Who is it for?
• What outcome are you trying to achieve?
• How does video support your business—not replace it?

Without those answers, a calendar is just dates on a page.

Links & resources

• Try Cosmo (Free AI Marketing Assistant): https://moonwardmedia.com/cosmo-access/
• Download our video funnel guide https://bit.ly/42mibqz
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MoonwardMedia