Know Thyself: How to Build and Sustain a Community Through Podcasting with Bethany Hawkins

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a community through podcasting, most people will tell you to “just start talking.”But as this conversation with Bethany Hawkins reveals, building a community isn’t the hard part — sustaining it is.Bethany Hawkins, founder of Crackers In Soup, joins Community, Off Script for a conversation on storytelling, podcasting, discernment, sustainability, and what it really means to build communities rooted in alignment instead of performance.Together, we unpack why “know thyself” may be the most important principle in community building.From understanding your bandwidth and values to recognizing when a community no longer fits who you are becoming, this episode explores the deeper work behind creating spaces people actually want to stay in.We also talk about:How podcasting creates deeper storytelling and connection in a short-form content worldWhy knowing your “why” matters before building a communityThe difference between creating a community vs. sustaining oneUsing podcasts to intentionally build audiences for books, brands, and businessesWhy alignment, discernment, and energy matter in both clients and communitiesFinding your own rhythm without burning outThe importance of bandwidth, delegation, and understanding your season of lifeAt the center of it all is one reminder: Community isn’t just about gathering people.It’s about creating spaces rooted in clarity, connection, and sustainability.And that starts with knowing yourself.✨ Resources Mentioned🎧 Episode 3 with Brittney Oliver(Community, seasons, and finding your rhythm)https://open.spotify.com/episode/76Uda1eP7IHWlCMtmfHINa?si=zraMvYZFRcm7ggaNcuMaIQ🎧 Episode 4: Strategy(Why your “why” and transformation matter in community building)https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UUdg1S4n8hBFZ3OsMxJMk?si=wEDNahYLSpKukkWUhm8qVw📺 Global Mind Apparel on YouTube(Positive storytelling + uplifting short-form content)https://www.youtube.com/@globalmindapparel🌐 Bethany Hawkins + Crackers In SoupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crackersinsoup/Website: https://crackersinsoup.com/✨ Work With Lauren / Notedd🧠 Community Blueprint Session💼 Connect on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-strayhorn-mps/📬 Subscribe on Substack🎙️ About Bethany HawkinsBethany Hawkins is the founder and driving force behind Crackers In Soup, an award winning podcast production company dedicated to helping underrepresented women bring their voice and vision to life through podcasting. At Crackers In Soup, they believe that all marginalized women have a story worth telling, and they're here to make sure that story shines.