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Amy Porterfield just discontinued Digital Course Academy—and the internet has thoughts. But here's what I think: online courses aren't dead. What's dying is the low-touch, "here's your login, good luck" model. In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm pulling back the curtain on why I think DCA closed, what the future of online education actually looks like, and how I've built my own programs (like The Visual Edit) to prioritize real support, accountability, and results. If you've ever felt burned by a course you bought or you're wondering how to create offers that actually help people succeed, this one's for you. *Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: Why Amy Porterfield really discontinued DCA—and the transparency piece that was missing from her announcementThe difference between low-touch courses that flop and high-touch programs that get results (hint: it's all about support and accountability)How I structure The Visual Edit for a 70%+ completion rate—including weekly calls, personalized feedback, and community accountabilityWhy my Black Friday course sale brought in $22,500 with zero built-in support (and what that says about trust and community)The exact elements that make online programs work in 2026: capped enrollment, hands-on coaching, and leadership (not just lectures)Resources & Links mentioned in the episode: Episode 49: Interview with The Visual Edit alumni, Emily—hear exactly how hands-on support transformed her business and confidenceThe Visual Edit DOORS ARE OPEN—my 6-week high-touch experience for creating a cohesive visual identity (doors open now with $300 off extended. Capped at 30 women! Doors close Friday, Feb 6th.MISSED This Round of TVE? Hop on the waitlist for the next round!Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

Sometimes the hardest thing is to keep showing up when the world feels like it's falling apart. In this unedited (literally) episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm processing in real time what it means to stay visible in your business when everything outside your door feels completely wrong. I'm talking about the Minneapolis ICE raids, the fear people are experiencing, and why I'm moving forward with the launch of The Visual Edit even though it feels weird and uncomfortable. If you've ever struggled with whether to speak up, stay silent, or keep working when the world is heavy—this one's for you. Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: Why I've historically stayed silent on social media and how being an Enneagram 9 has shaped my need to avoid conflictThe moment I decided I couldn't stay quiet anymore—even knowing I'd lose followers and face criticismHow to hold space for heartbreak AND still show up for your business when you're the main providerWhat it means to find your people by saying the hard stuff, even when your voice shakesWhy launching during difficult times doesn't mean you don't care—and how to navigate that tension with integrityResources & Links mentioned in the episode: The Visual Edit DOORS ARE OPEN—my 6-week high-touch experience for creating a cohesive visual identity (doors open now with $300 off for the first 48 hours ONLY - soooo until Wednesday, Jan 28th @ 6 am EST). Only 30 spots available!Episode 49: Interview with The Visual Edit alumni, Emily—hear exactly how hands-on support transformed her business and confidenceConnect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

Drowning in "new algorithm" posts and conflicting advice about what you must do in 2026? Let's be real: you don't need a total content overhaul. In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm breaking down the six things that actually matter for service-based solopreneurs this year—and spoiler alert, it's not about posting more or buying fancy equipment. I'm sharing what's worked for me since 2020 (yes, the same strategy), why fewer high-intent posts beat constant posting, and how to stay visible without burning out. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the content noise out there, this episode will help you breathe easier and focus on what actually moves the needle. Check out the full show notes for this episode CLICK HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: Why people over information is the real strategy—and how to make your content defensible in a world where anyone can Google the "what"The truth about AI in content creation: how I use it for speed without sacrificing personality (and why I almost bought a $1,200 camera but didn't)How fewer, high-intent posts consistently outperform constant posting—plus my exact carousel strategy that reached 58K peopleWhy recurring series are your secret weapon for building momentum and inside jokes with your audience (with a low-effort tip jar method you'll love)The visibility micro-actions that prevent your business from fading slowly—because invisibility is expensive, my friendResources & Links mentioned in the episode: Get on the VIP waitlist for The Visual Edit (doors open January 25th) - where we make your visuals do the heavy lifting through brand systems and templates you can actually maintainJoin the waitlist for The Messaging Edit (returning late September) - my signature program for deep-diving into your messaging clarity and offer languageFollow Amanda's Tech Reel Series (tech and productivity coach mentioned in the episode)Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

Feeling like you need a ring light, perfect angle, and cinematic editing skills just to post a reel? Let's be real—you don't. In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm breaking down why your simplest way is actually your strongest way when it comes to showing up online. I'm sharing the exact framework I use to create consistent content without the overwhelm, plus the boundaries that protect my sanity (and my time). If you're tired of feeling behind because you can't keep up with the polished creators in your feed, this episode is your permission slip to own your way—and make it work. *Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE Things I cover inside this episode: Why over-complication is killing your consistency—and how to simplify your content creation process without sacrificing qualityThe exact framework I use to define my "strongest way" (hint: it's the method you'll actually do on your most average Tuesday)How to choose one boundary that protects simplicity—from time caps to template banksWhy owning your simple approach isn't a consolation prize, it's literally a strategy that's sustainable, scalable, and bankableHow to market your simplicity as your edge (because your audience actually wants clarity and predictability, not perfection)Resources & Links mentioned in the episode: The Visual Edit VIP waitlist - My live program for service-based businesses who want their visuals to finally match their message without becoming full-time content creators (opens late January)!Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

Ever feel like you know what you do and who you help, but you just can't figure out how to make your brand stand out online? You're not alone! In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm sitting down with Emily Odio-Sutton—my very first official podcast guest (besides my husband!)—to talk about her journey from overwhelmed content creator to confident Etsy Print on Demand expert with a scroll-stopping Instagram presence. Emily shares exactly how she went from staring at a blank screen, wondering "what should I post today?" to batching a week's worth of content in just one sitting using reusable templates and a plug-and-play system. If you've been craving structure, clarity, and a content strategy that actually feels doable, this conversation is for you. Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE! Things I cover inside this episode: How Emily built a six-figure Etsy Print on Demand business (and what the heck that even means!)Why she joined The Visual Edit even though she was already a Canva pro—and what she learned that changed everythingThe exact A/B week system that eliminated her decision fatigue and made content creation feel like clockworkThe two specific weeks inside the program that made everything "click" for her visual strategyHow investing in systems and expert guidance paid her back in time savings alone—and why that matters more than you thinkResources & Links mentioned in the episode: Follow Emily Odio-Sutton on Instagram at @ecommemily for Etsy Print on Demand tips and behind-the-scenes contentCheck out Emily's YouTube channel for in-depth tutorials and strategiesJoin The Visual Edit VIP Waitlist for our 6th round happening in January 2026!!!Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

Chasing an invisible revenue target and feeling like you're never making enough? Here's the truth: bigger isn't always better. In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm sharing my full 2025 year-end recap—the real numbers, what I stopped doing, and the one question that completely changed my business (and my nervous system). You'll learn how to define "enough" for your business, audit what's actually working, and build a business that fits your life—not the other way around. If you're ready to stop chasing the horizon and start leading with intention, this one's for you. *Check out the full show notes for this episode CLICK HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: How defining my "enough number" took me off the hamster wheel and gave me permission to choose the business I actually want to live insideMy full 2025 revenue breakdown by offer - what worked, what didn't, and why I made less by designThe exact questions to ask yourself in your own year-end audit (capacity, revenue mix, owned audience health, and boundaries)Why I'm backing off social in 2026 and doubling down on my podcast and email list insteadHow to choose better over bigger—and why that's not giving up, that's leadingResources & Links mentioned in the episode: My favorite year-end recap carousel templates for Canva - grab these 6 free templates to share your own wins and numbers with your audience in a fun, engaging way!Join The Visual Edit Waitlist: my once-a-year, crazy-hands-on program where we build your brand rules, core templates, file system, and publish-on-busy-days routine together (launching live mid-January with limited spots - join the waitlist for first access and early bird discounts!)Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

My worst live event nightmare came true—and I'm sharing the raw, unfiltered story while it's still fresh. I got kicked off my own Zoom workshop four times in front of 300 people during a live event for Canva World Tour. We're talking audio failures, connection drops, and me literally sweating through my clothes while 1600+ registrants watched the chaos unfold. But here's what happened next: my community held me together, I made three tiny pivots that saved the workshop, and I learned how to let go of control in real time. If you've ever been terrified of tech failing you during a live moment, this episode will show you exactly how to recover with grace (and why redundancy beats perfection every single time). Check out the full show notes for this episode, CLICK HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: The 3 tiny pivots I made in the moment that saved my workshop when everything was falling apart (including the unthinkable move I made as an over-preparer)Why redundancy beats perfection every time—and the specific backup systems I wish I'd had in place before going liveHow to let go when control is completely gone (and why gripping tighter actually makes you slower to respond)The mindset shift from "perform" to "serve" that calmed my nervous system enough to keep goingWhy your community is your safety net—and how to build that culture long before you need it (shoutout to Deb and Nicole!)Resources & Links mentioned in the episode: Canva Carousels That Convert workshop replay—watch the cleaned-up version without all the tech chaos!Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

If you've ever told yourself "I just need to be more disciplined" when it comes to showing up consistently online—I need you to hear this: It's not about willpower. It's about systems. In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm breaking down the exact content systems I use to stay consistent across my podcast, newsletter, and Instagram—even when life is absolutely chaotic (because honestly, when is it not?). You'll learn how I batch my content, the plug-and-play frameworks that keep me on track, and why waiting for your life to "calm down" is keeping you stuck. If you're juggling a full plate and craving a content rhythm that actually works for your real life, this episode is for you. *Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE! Things I cover inside this episode: Why consistency isn't about discipline or motivation—it's about building frameworks that work when life gets messyMy exact podcast batching system using 4 plug-and-play structures that eliminate decision fatigueHow I repurpose my podcast content into my weekly newsletter (3-2-1 Create format) to save massive timeThe Instagram content batching rhythm that keeps me showing up Monday through Saturday without flying by the seat of my pantsWhy starting your business during your busiest season might actually be the secret to success (and how I built mine while working 6-7 Zoom calls a day with two toddlers)Resources & Links mentioned in the episode: Episode 16: The Content Trifecta - How I Use My Podcast, Instagram, and Email Together to Save Time and Show UpEpisode 14: Cycles Syncing for Female Solopreneurs - A Smarter Way to Batch Create and Show Up OnlineAnna (my podcast coach) and Scott (my podcast editor) The Visual Edit (formerly Insta Canva Collective) - VIP waitlist for January 2026 cohort now openConnect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

"Should I start a membership?" If you've ever asked yourself this, this episode is your permission slip to pause and get real before diving in. Today, I'm sharing the unfiltered truth about running a paid community—what works, what doesn't, and the one thing I believe no one is talking about: your membership has to benefit YOU too. Click here for the full blog/show notes! Inside this episode: Why I refused to start a membership until it felt sustainableThe exact moment I knew I was readyWhat made 406 women join my community in just 2 weeksGreen & red flags that tell you if you’re ready to launch a membershipThe four things I do to keep my community alive without burning outThis is the episode I wish I had when I was on the fence about launching mine. So whether you’re dreaming of starting a membership, struggling to keep yours going, or just curious how The Content Coven came to life—press play. And remember: a community should support you just as much as it supports your members. Resources & Links mentioned in the episode: The Visual Edit - My signature live program (formerly called the Insta Canva Collective) that was the precursor to The Coven. This is where the community aspect first came to life.Heartbeat Platform - The platform I use to host The Content Coven. It's incredible for polls, engagement, and creating that community feel.The Create Connect Convert Method - The built-in curriculum inside The Content Coven with 3 modules and about 10 lessons that guide you through creating content, connecting with your audience, and converting followers into customers.Previous Podcast Episode 41 - I recently talked about why the "perfect expert" vibe is out, and connection is in. It ties directly into why communities are thriving right now.Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

Ever feel like fixing your face (or your feed, or your strategy) will magically fix your engagement? Yeah… I tried that. Spoiler alert: it didn't work.  In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm sharing a story I honestly never thought I'd tell on the internet—about Botox, burnout, and what really happens when you try to control your appearance instead of addressing what's actually broken in your business. If you've been in that place where your engagement tanked, your confidence is shaky, and you're wondering if changing something external will fix the internal chaos, this one's for you. Let's talk about what actually moves the needle (hint: it's not your face). *Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE Things I cover inside this episode: Why I got Botox during a business breakdown—and what I learned when my engagement didn't magically improveThe real reason behind algorithm dips and engagement drops (and why beating yourself up about it won't help)How acceptance is different from giving up—and why showing up imperfectly is better than hiding until you're "ready"My simple visibility checklist: color analysis, natural lighting, and the smoothing filter I actually use (zero shame)Why your face is your biggest brand asset—not because it's perfect, but because people connect with real expressions and authenticityResources & Links mentioned in the episode: My go-to Instagram smoothing filter that helps me show up confidently without overthinking how I look (link only works on mobile—check show notes!)Created Colorful color analysis to help you discover which colors make you look radiant on camera!Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

‼️TIME-SENSITIVE Resources & Links: 50% OFF Flodesk Unlimited Pricing - Lock in unlimited pricing for life at 50% off your first year ($19/month) with code THECREATIVEBODEGA before November 28th at midnight (affiliate link in show notes)$200 OFF Start and Grow Your Email List from Scratch - My self-paced program with 4 modules and bite-sized lessons taking you from freebie to weekly newsletter, now $200 off at $297 until 12/1/25!What if Instagram vanished tomorrow—would you still be able to sell? Real talk: social media is rented land, and your reach is controlled by an algorithm that shows your posts to maybe 3-6% of your followers on a good day. Your email list? That's the one channel you actually own, and honestly, it's the simplest path to sales when you keep it bite-sized. In this urgent episode, I'm breaking down why email matters RIGHT NOW—and sharing a deadline you absolutely cannot miss. Flodesk (my beloved email platform) is phasing out its unlimited pricing plan on November 28th at midnight, which means if you lock it in before then, you're grandfathered into unlimited emails and subscribers for life at just $19/month with my code.  Plus, I'm doing something I've never done: taking $200 off my Start and Grow Your Email List program for five days only. If you've been waiting to start your list or switch platforms, this is your sign. Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: Why email gives you the most control and lowest overhead compared to social media (and the math that proves it—spoiler: 53% open rates vs. 3-6% Instagram reach)My exact journey from hiding in my bathroom writing newsletters to sending 1,020 emails over four years with a 16,000-person listThe simple 3-2-1 newsletter format that keeps me consistent every single Tuesday without the overwhelm (3 ideas, 2 things I'm loving, 1 content tip)Two big myths busted: "I'm not a writer" and "I don't have time" (plus the 30-minute workflow that makes it actually doable)How to lock in Flodesk's unlimited pricing before November 28th and why this deal is literally too good to be true (but it IS true)Resources & Links mentioned in the episode: 50% OFF Flodesk Unlimited Pricing - Lock in unlimited pricing for life at 50% off your first year ($19/month) with code THECREATIVEBODEGA before November 28th at midnight (affiliate link in show notes)$200 OFF Start and Grow Your Email List from Scratch - My self-paced program with 4 modules and bite-sized lessons taking you from freebie to weekly newsletter, now $200 off at $297 until 12/1/25!Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

Spending hours in Canva every time you need to post? You're not alone! In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm breaking down my exact visuals-first system that cuts content creation time to about twenty minutes per post—without sacrificing brand recognition. You'll learn why your visuals should speak before your caption does, how to build a simple brand system that works on your busiest days, and the exact templates + workflow that keep you consistent without the overwhelm. If you're tired of starting from scratch every single time or feeling like your feed looks like a patchwork quilt, this one's for you. Let's make your brand recognizable at a glance. Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE.  Things I cover inside this episode: The Minimum Viable Brand Kit (MVBK) - how to decide your fonts, colors, and photo style once so you can publish on busy days without decision fatigueThe Core Five Templates system - design once, duplicate forever, and stop reinventing the wheel every time you need contentMy 20-minute Canva-to-publish routine that takes you from hook to exported post without the time suckWhy "casual doesn't mean careless" - how to keep a relaxed aesthetic while maintaining the recognizable vibe that builds trustThe exact folder system and organization strategy that saves you from hunting for designs (and cursing your past self!)Resource mentioned in the episode: Join The Visual Edit Waitlist: my once-a-year, crazy-hands-on program where we build your brand rules, core templates, file system, and publish-on-busy-days routine together (launching live mid-January with limited spots - join the waitlist for first access and early bird discounts!) Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

The number one ick on Instagram right now? Perfect expert vibes. Perfect tips, perfect tone, perfect designs—and honestly, it's all perfectly forgettable. If you've been feeling like your polished content isn't landing the way you hoped, this episode is exactly what you need. I'm sharing why connection is beating perfection in 2026, how to lean into messy authenticity without losing your brand vibe, and the exact headline formulas that are getting me 400+ likes and 140+ comments per post. Plus, I'm pulling back the curtain on my own struggle with this shift and the posts that proved vulnerability wins every time. Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: Why perfect expert energy is the #1 content ick right now—and what's working instead (hint: human first, expert second)The 4 posts I made this year that got 468 likes, 139 comments, and proved messy authenticity beats polishPost #1: The Messy Real StoryPost #2: The Bold, Perplexing HeadlinePost #3: The Confessional Curious PostPost #4: The Truth-Forward HeadlineMy "Connection First Kit" with intrigue-based hooks, expert-second framing, and vulnerability guardrails you can stealBefore and after headline makeovers across industries (leadership coaches, Pilates studios, real estate agents, therapists)7 connection-style posts to try this month—from confession + lesson to spicy takes and client mirrorsHow to keep your visuals cohesive while relaxing your tone (because I'm not abandoning my brand either!)Resources & Links mentioned in the episode: My fave Instagram Analytics Tracker ($19)—includes video tutorial on exactly how to track what's workingSubtle darkening filter for Instagram carousels (mobile link must be opened on a mobile to load)Trending Carousel Tutorial Reel - How to make casual, relatable carousels directly in Instagram StoriesConnect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

Posting and wondering "Is this even doing anything? Is anyone even seeing this? Am I getting any results?" If you've been feeling like your content is just... existing without actually working for your business, this episode is exactly what you need. I'm sharing the simple 4-bucket system I use to make sure every single post I create has a job to do. No more posting just for the hell of it! You'll learn the exact rhythm I rotate through every week so your content grows your audience, builds your email list, deepens trust, and actually converts - instead of just training one arm at the content gym and wondering why nothing else is working. Check out the full show notes for this episode. Things I cover inside this episode: The 4 buckets of post types that every successful content strategy needs (and why most creators only use one)My exact weekly rhythm using real examples from my strategy pillar - so you can copy and paste this approachWhy 6,825 people have downloaded my freebie (hint: it's not because I mentioned it once in my bio)The gym analogy that will change how you think about balanced content foreverA sample 5-day posting schedule you can implement immediatelyWhy educational posts alone won't convert, and sales posts alone won't reach new peopleResources & Links mentioned in the episode: "60 Post Real Caption Starter Ideas" freebie (6,825+ downloads & counting)The Messaging Edit program waitlist for 2026Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

Do I need to do a Black Friday promo? Is my audience expecting it? And if I do, what on earth should I offer that won't burn me out? If these questions have been floating around your brain (like they have mine), this episode is exactly what you need! I'm sharing my Black Friday brainstorming ideas - six simple, adaptable sale ideas that work whether you're a coach, creator, or somewhere in between. Plus, I'm pulling back the curtain on my own Black Friday strategy, including the exact 5-email sequence I'm planning and the honest truth about my $20,000 Black Friday win versus my $5,000 flop (and what made the difference). Check out the full show notes for this episode. Things I cover inside this episode: 6 low-lift Black Friday sale ideas you can customize to your business (no 20-email sequences required!)My exact email strategy breakdown - when to send, what to say, and why repetition is your friendThe simple bundle strategy that generated $20,000 in 4 days (and why I almost overcomplicated it)How to create urgency and scarcity without feeling sleazy or pushyWhy your Black Friday success has nothing to do with your offer and everything to do with your audience warmthThe one big truth about Black Friday that most creators miss (hint: it can't fix a cold audience)Resources & Links mentioned in the episode: FloDesk email platform (50% off first year)Start & Grow Your Email List (From Scratch) self-led course Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!