E157 - Community Engagement, Monetizing and the Cool Beans of Podcasting with Guest CO-HOST - Renea Linsom - Win Some with the Linsom's Podcast

EPISODE 157 - Community Engagement, Monetizing and the Cool Beans of Podcasting with Guest CO-HOST - Renea Linsom - Win Some with the Linsom's Podcast Renea Linsom joins host Dave Campbell on the How To Podcast Series to share the heart and hustle behind her relationship podcast, "Winsome with the Lonesomes." Co-hosted with her husband Jay—a partially paralyzed man in a wheelchair—the show captures their corn-ball charm, unfiltered authenticity, and resilience through life's "spaghetti junction" of challenges, from car accidents and pandemics to hospital stays. What started as Renea's realization that their intergenerational, interracial story (she in her thirties, he in his fifties) fills a gap left by younger YouTube vlogs like Cole & Charisma evolved into a platform for real-talk on marriage quirks, like clashing over leftovers, all delivered with positivity and a smile.Renea opens up about overcoming her initial doubts—"What do I have to say?"—pushed by a mentor insisting everyone has a voice. They record spontaneously from the heart, no rigid scripts, just glimpses into their lives that spark listener connections: surprise messages from Instagram followers saying, "You were speaking to me!" Podcasting amplifies their fun, cutting-up dynamic, peeling back "Shrek-like layers" while building unexpected bonds—like fans she never knew were tuned in.On growth, Renea urges aspiring podcasters: don't wait for perfection or ducks in a row—start with what you have, like her tablet's recorder app. Embrace the "law of allowing": flow without micromanaging, viewing bumps as alignment boosters, not derailments. Build communities via Facebook groups for deeper engagement (she admits needing consistency there), aim to own your traffic on a website, and tools like Speakpipe for voice messages make fans feel like celebrities. Monetization via Red Circle awaits at 500 downloads, plus affiliate marketing opens doors. Above all, anchor to your "why" amid dark waters—surround yourself with encouragers, ignore haters, and persist, as rewards like meeting gems like Dave await those who launch.Key Takeaway: Jump in imperfectly, stay true to your why, build real community connections, and let authenticity flow—your voice matters and will find its people.https://open.spotify.com/show/0dsEAWREUhTBGn0SQ0SvHo___Everything you need to start a podcast - ⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠Leave Dave a message - ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave⁠Get a podcast review of your show! - ⁠https://podcastfeedback.ca/⁠