Advertise on podcast: Hashtag Authentic - for creatives, dreamers & business owners online

In this episode I’m chatting with my longtime friend Laura Pashby ( Small Stories with Laura Pashby) - an author, photographer, and creative, who you might also know online as Circle of Pines. Laura shares her journey from a craft blog in 2010 to becoming a published author, and how building an online audience helped her leverage opportunities like brand work, teaching courses, and ultimately, writing her wonderful books. Things we talk about: • Instagram Then vs. Now• Working through ‘platform fatigue’• Maintaining authenticity online• Migrating an audience from one platform to another - or from online to offline• The discipline of a weekly creative writing practice• Prioritising meaningful engagement over viral reach• Charging for your writing, and how Laura built confidence in this Links for this episode: Co-writing hour with me this Friday, 2nd May at 11:30am BSTMy Substack Soiree class - enrolling now!Hashtag Authentic Podcast on SubstackLaura’s Substack, Small StoriesLaura’s InstagramLaura’s books, Little Stories of Your Life and Chasing Fog*Laura’s websiteThanks for listening! * Connotes affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a purchase is made. Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

This week, I talked with author/photographer/YouTuber/knitwear designer Veronika ‘Kika’ Lindberg about her fluid and inspiring journey to success online, and how she’s evolved her work along the way. Kika’s open-minded and playful approach is so inspiring to me, and I’ve found myself returning to this conversation in my mind so much since we recorded it.I hope you love hearing from her too! Things we talk about in this episode: * Getting started on Instagram, and how it has changed * Growing a YouTube audience, and how to make video * Why Kika doesn’t use Reels or YouTube shorts very much (and why this is ok!) * Pivoting your focus and work, and letting your audience evolve with you * Changing path, and dealing with disappointment when things don’t go as planned * The loneliness and challenges of having to run a creative business by yourself * Getting a publishing deal, and the process of writing and sharing knitting patterns * The different revenue streams in Kika’s business * Running a business while caring for a baby * Establishing your expertise with your audience * Going with the creative flow in business and in life Subscribe for free and get podcast updates directly to your inbox, or upgrade to paid for even more! Links for this episode: * Kika’s Instagram, @Kutovakika * Kika’s YouTube * Kika’s website * Kika’s Ravelry * Knit This book * Knits to Wear book * My online classes * My Instagram, @me_and_orla * Substack page for this episode - come and leave a comment! Thanks for listening! Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

This week, I’m chatting to Dr Anita Goraya from ADHD Wellness & Wisdom , GP-turned Psychotherapist who specialises in helping people with ADHD. Both Anita and I have diagnoses of ADHD, so this is a topic close to our hearts, and I hope this warm and compassionate conversation will be helpful whether you’re neuro-diverse, awaiting a diagnosis or just interested to know more! Things we talk about in this episode: * Being diagnosed with ADHD later in life * The neuro-developmental nature of ADHD, its hereditary aspects, and some of the common misconceptions people might have * Anita’s transition from GP to therapist, and her own diagnosis process * The importance of self-acceptance, leveraging strengths, and scaffolding weaknesses * Practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms, such as mindfulness, problem-solving, and making use of tools and resources * The emotional impact of ADHD, the potential for neuro-plasticity, and the importance of seeking formal diagnoses and support. Links we mention in this episode: * Anita’s Substack ADHD Wellness & Wisdom * Anita’s website * Goblin to-do list tool * My Festive Marketing Guide & Planner * My coaching page, where you can book now for 50% extra coaching * Book a Discovery Call with me * My Me & Orla Christmas Cards * My new 2025 M&O photo calendar Thanks for listening and following along! Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

This week, I’m chatting to my friend Sarahbeth Larrimore, the wonder-woman behind Unabashed Apparel. The mantra for her work says it all: “Empowering women to design & sew. Our bodies are worthy of our finest frocks, just as they are.” Um, yes please!Sarahbeth and I had a juicy conversation about personal style and the benefits of sewing for self-expression, creativity and body acceptance. I know next to nothing about sewing, but by the end of this episode Sarahbeth had me completely convinced I should start stitching my own wardrobe - and I bet you’ll feel the same! Things we talk about in this episode: * How sewing and clothing design can be empowering in unexpected ways * Sarahbeth’s Queen Robe Project (enrolling now!), and how anyone can learn to sew * The differences between historical garments and modern made clothes * How clothes impact our body image and self worth * The role of sewing and mending for sustainability and customisation * My collection of vintage French under-dresses, and my upcoming collection of them for sale * The stories our clothes can tell about us as they age and change Links we mention in this episode: * Sarahbeth’s Instagram * Sarahbeth’s Queen Robe Project (enrolling now!) * Sarahbeth’s post on mending, and sustainable fashion * Sarahbeth’s Website, Unabashed Apparel * Sarahbeth’s Substack * My upcoming collection of vintage French nightdresses * My coaching page, where you can book now for January availability Thanks for listening and following along! Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

This is a republished episode from LFAHC In today’s episode we dive into listener questions all about Instagram - from building engagement up, feeling hopeful and excited about the platform again, coming back after a long break, adapting to creating more video content, whether to use hashtags anymore and lots more. Join Sara for her Instagram Summer School Class starts on Monday, the 29th, so you need to be quick. Would you love some encouragement and support in your business? Submit your letter for an upcoming episode here. More from Sara More from Jen Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

I first met Sarah D Rees through my class, The Insta Retreat, quite a few years ago, and we’ve worked together ever since. Sarah is a mental health nurse and CBT therapist with over 10 years of experience in private practice. Through her mentoring and coaching services, she supports other therapists in setting up and growing their private practices. Sarah struggled with the lack of a business plan and structure in her private practice, leading to dissatisfaction and confusion, and wanted to help others so they don’t have to feel the same way. Her book, A Therapist’s Guide to Private Practice: Building a Values-based Business, is out this week (Happy publication week, Sarah 🥳), so it seemed the perfect time to ask her on the podcast to hear about it and how she supports therapists. Things we talk about in this episode: * Challenges of setting up a private practice for therapists and coaches * Identifying values in business and personal life * Marketing strategies for private practice therapists * The benefits of niching for mental health professionals * Using Substack for email marketing and membership platforms * Using Substack for therapists to build communities and generate income * Therapist social media presence and boundaries * Mental health services demand, therapy training and book launch. Links we mention in this episode: * Sarah’s book * Sarah’s website, Instagram and Substack group for therapists * My Instagram Summer School The Instagram Summer School Instagram Summer School is my new 4-week refresher and revive-r for your instagram mojo! The whole of my bestselling Instagram Masterclass, The Insta Retreat, but condensed into 4 weekly highlight reels to get you straight to the good bits and set to work! With daily challenges, free templates, planners and guides, plus weekly AMA (ask me anything) calls with me, and mindset coaching calls with Katie Pulsifer, this is your sun-filled, breezy vacation from all the Insta drama! Check out all the details by clicking here ⬇️ PS. If you have done The Insta Retreat before, look out for emails about how to take part Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

I first met deep-dive master coach Katie Pulsifer when she was my instructor for certification at The Life Coach School. I recall being pretty intimidated. I’ve never been sky-diving or tried a bungee jump, but I’m pretty sure the adrenaline rush is comparable to coaching in front of Katie for immediate feedback in front of a group. 🪂 Katie’s recently gone solo, after many years working for a large coaching school, and as we caught up over Zoom I was struck by how her open, beginner’s mindset to social media is bringing so much ease and fun to her work. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all recapture a little bit of that early magic when we’re showing up on the internet?I asked Katie to come on the podcast to tell us more. Things we talk about in this episode: * How Katie found her niche and why it resonates with her deeply * Building a values-led business, and being ok with not doing things like everybody else * The mindset shift and learning curve in switching from employee to entrepreneur * Using Instagram, Facebook, newsletters and Substack to grow an audience in 2024 * The evolution of coaching techniques, including the self-coaching model, and how Katie adapts them to best serve her clients * The importance of trusting the process, being present, and allowing growth to unfold naturally Links we mention in this episode: Katie’s upcoming Mind at Ease masterclassKatie’s website, Facebook and InstagramThe Self Coaching ModelBev Aron’s Deep Dive Coaching Certification Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

I’m sharing something a little different today… the results of my ‘podcast affair’ with my Aussie bestie, the gorgeous Ms Keeley Rees . Bonded over our love of storytelling and creativity, Keeley and I and came together to create The Substack Soirée - a gathering of resources, classes and a shiny new podcast, in the hope of passing some of that passion along.I chose this very first episode to share here with you on Hashtag Authentic because I really think the fundamentals we talk through - which we’re jokingly calling our ‘commandments’ - are applicable to every and any platform out there online. So, whether you’re Substack-curious, have no intention of ever joining Substack or are a self-confessed Substa-holic, I hope this episode can offer you support, strength and encouragement for showing your creative side online.If you want to hear more from me and Keeley, be sure to Subscribe to The Substack Soirée and to the SSS podcast in your favourite podcast app. PS - Our special Winter Substack class is now enrolling, until Monday November 27th! Check out all the details on how you can join us here. Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

This week I talk to Katie Leamon, who turned her love of paper and pattern into her eponymous family-run stationery studio. Her notebooks have been a daily companion to me for many years, so it was really fun to chat with her about her designs, her process and the realities behind running a product-lead business with the family on board! Things we talk about: * Building from a home studio to printing and selling at scale * Designing products based on creative instinct * The rise of independent stationery makers and designers online * Selling wholesale vs. direct * Family business, and drawing the the lines between work and home life. * Taking time for creativity outside of work * Growing a team, and when to let things go * Katie’s new experiments in creating ceramic range * Launch strategies and learning from mistakes * Trusting your brand identity and staying authentic Links we mentioned: * My Substack Soiree class * Katie’s online store, Katie Leamon * Katie’s new ceramic range (I LOVE THIS CUP!) Listened and loved it? Let us know what you think in the comments below! Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Find Hannah’s 4 Week Refresh Programme here  Hannah’s Instagram: @hanbullivant Hannah’s website: hannahbullivant.com   Sara's Instagram:  Sara's Substack: Sara's classes and coaching: Sara's website: Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Things we talked about: The way multi-faceted careers can feel piecemeal (especially if parenting is added into the mix), or “like I’m doing five different jobs at once”Factoring in time to play as well as workExploring your home town like a holiday destinationTaking things home from real holidays that you might not expect (like appreciating the simple things, family meals, all your possessions in one suitcase)Avoiding habits of consuming everything and creating nothingMaking connections on Twitter (Lisa says, “I engage with people because I love it”)Pondering the idea that the Internet means we don’t get bored any more, and what that meansOn making things happen (Lisa was waiting for a radio job offer but it didn’t come, so she started a podcast)“People say you’re brave putting yourself out there, but I’m more afraid of not doing it”The importance of perseverance, and regularly doing the thing you fear (until you don’t fear it any more)We had a frank conversation about money. Despite living an outwardly glamorous life, Lisa says, “I don’t earn enough”Becoming an “accidental landlady”: her unexpected foray into property investment to build financial securityWe talked about the way women often hide our realities, keeping everything from messy kitchens to miscarriage behind closed doorsEverything has to start with just two views. Even the most viral video of all time had only two views at some point.And finally, the possibly-surprising-but-then-probably-not location that Lisa chose when I asked her about her favourite place in the whole worldWhere to find Lisa: On Twitter she's @lfnandOn Instagram she's @lisafrancesca_nand and @thebigtravelpodcastHer podcast: The Big Travel PodcastThe meditation app Sara mentioned: Waking UpWhere to find Sara: Sara on SubstackSara’s website: meandorla.co.ukSara's charity Christmas cardsMe and Orla 2023 CalendarSara on Instagram: @me_and_orlaSara on Twitter: @meandorlaOne to one business coaching with SaraThe Insta Retreat Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Things We Talk About In This Episode:Working with clients in the creative process and their reactions.How as humans we respond to visuals in a human way. Narratives that make it seem shallow to care about how things look. Like it’s superficial to care too much about the way you look and that this might mean you don’t have depth.Aesthetics are a luxury that comes after the essentials of survival and how you can still care about aesthetics, even if the first priority is survival.Creating worlds on Instagram for an escape, or for an imaginary world to exist in.Growing up in a third-world country and living without running water. Living and growing up in a country where safety isn’t guaranteed and that these things stay with you.That where we start is not always a reflection of where we’re going to end up.The importance of the client’s story, understanding and connecting with them.Taking lessons from pain. Looking for good and having empathy.Struggling with seeing our own magic and the stories we tell ourselves.Behind the scenes of Sell Your Sh*t, and how the coaching and lessons had an impact on Susan.Learning that our experiences of life are not always everyone else's experiences. That our normal isn’t everyone’s experience.How Susan joined Instagram as a way to communicate her journey. That starting to share and mingle with people helped her to feel it’s safe to share online.That Instagram gives us chance to take small baby steps into being seen or into vulnerability.How being in the spotlight can mean you lose the sense of freedom with your account.That Instagram can be like therapy, that the discoveries that come as a result of being in the spotlight can help you to understand what you want. It makes you confront a lot of the stuff that’s hiding under the surface.How people can reject your work but not reject you, and how we can get this confused, something that’s covered in Sell Your Sh*t.Starting a business on Instagram and running a product business.How preparing and getting ready is more about feeling ready, and how this is a process.Learning about yourself and how your messages connect with other people is something you can’t rush.Designing your brand from the inside out, so you can finally stop tweaking your brand. Challenging the there's one right way theory.    Links mentioned in this episode (and where to find Susan):Sell Your Sh*tSusan product lineSusan youtubeJoin Susan’s Email listWhy you need to join Substack with Farah StoreWhere to find Susan: Susan's website: bysusanmar.comSusan on Instagram: by.susan.marSusan on Youtube: by Susan MarSusan's Email List & Freebies: choose-your-own-journeyWhere to find Sara: Sara’s website: meandorla.co.ukSara on Instagram: @me_and_orlaSara on Twitter: @meandorlaSara on Substack: meandorla.substack.comOne to one business coaching with SaraSell Your Sh*t - enroling now Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Things We Talk About In This Episode:The importance that established news organisations find ways to use social media if they want to engage a young audienceTikTok has redefined the experience of social media, with short video content, and Instagram Reels and Youtube Shorts have followed suitHow Sophia found an audience on TikTok (and later on Instagram Reels) by talking to camera about her media storiesThe way we can gain insights into what makes a successful social media post by being a user of the platformThe importance of constant engagement on social media, both creating and consuming contentAcknowledging the fear and vulnerability that can come with being authentic and genuine onlineSophia’s tips for successful TikTok/Reel content: action or engaging content in every second, and lead with your most powerful image/shot/quote)Comparing the strengths and drawbacks of the different platforms, especially Reels and TikTokWhen creating Reels content or TikTok content, share that content on both platforms so you’ll meet both audiencesWhen it comes to sharing your opinions online, having a sense of purpose goes a long way towards building your confidenceHow Sophia has been promoting her book: reposting user content from her book launch on Instagram, a big thread on Twitter, traditional media appearances, and weekly TikTok videos (interspersed with other content so she doesn’t “spam” her audience)The challenges of Internet (and especially social media) censorship with any content relating to sex or sexual healthLinks mentioned in this episode (and where to find Sophia):Editing apps that help you create Reels or TikToks: SpliceTemplateCap Cut on Apple, and on GoogleHere’s where to find and chat with Sophia: Sophia on Twitter: @sophiasgalerSophia on TikTok: @sophiasmithgalerSophia's book, Losing It: Sex Education for the 21st CenturyWhere to find Sara: The Insta Retreat  - Currently on Pre SaleSell Your Sh*t - Currently on Pre SaleSara’s website: meandorla.co.ukSara on Instagram: @me_and_orlaSara on Twitter: @meandorlaOne to one business coaching with Sara Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Things we talked about: The value of owning your own audienceBuilding a brand for yourself around the work you’re doingThe growing online hunger for content by real people and the forging of real connectionsWe seem to be entering an era that Farrah calls, rather poetically, "the Time of the Writer": the world has passed the period of devouring all the content on the Internet, now we are more discerning, and only want to consume content that we genuinely enjoyThe continued return of demand for long-form contentThe return of community: the value of hearing from and engaging with your audienceGiving your best work away from free (yes!)The limitations of the stories that can be told in traditional mediaAnd related, the limitations of creating content when you're in competition for followers or clicksWhen you try to appeal to the masses, you bland outFarrah's tips for what works well on Substack: Niching works well. The more you niche, the more dedicated (as opposed to big) an audience you'll getPublishing twice a week tends to grow a "stickier" audienceUse social media to point people to your Substack contentUse your "About" page to set expectations and declare a manifestoClaim your real name, if you canWhere to find Farrah: Farrah's Substack platform, "Things Worth Knowing"Farrah on Instagram (for dog pictures and Substack information)Where to find Sara: Sara on SubstackSara’s website: meandorla.co.ukSara on Instagram: @me_and_orlaSara on Twitter: @meandorlaOne to one business coaching with SaraThe Insta Retreat  Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Where to find Sara: Sara’s website: meandorla.co.ukSara on Instagram: @me_and_orlaSara on Twitter: @meandorlaSara on SubstackThe Insta RetreatSell Your Sh*tOne to one business coaching with Sara Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe