Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin - Podcast about Podcasting for Podcasters

What makes a guest unforgettable—in a good way? If you’ve been following our series on podcast guesting, today’s bonus episode is the perfect wrap-up. You’ll hear from Joy Michelle—business coach and host of the Called to Both podcast—in an episode I asked to re-air here on Clocking In. Joy breaks down the often-overlooked art of being an excellent podcast guest with clarity and intention.This is your crash course on what it really means to be prepared, present, and professional when you’re given the mic on someone else’s platform.This episode originally aired as episode 95 of Called to Both with Joy Michelle.Gaffin Creative's Podcast Gear Recommendations:https://gaffincreative.com/podcast-equipment-for-beginners/Mentioned in this Episode:Episode 6: Your Business Needs a “Power HourShure MV7 Mic Logitech Blue Yeti Mic Logitech Web CamPowerPitch Email TemplatesConnect with Joy:Instagram: instagram.com/joyymichelleYoutube: youtube.com/channel/UC-Ou6jRKxcjMrVMxWxLO_fQFacebook: facebook.com/joymichellephotographyCoach with Joy: joymichelle.co/coachingReview the transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/ptnDsYyzrW0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you intentional with your podcast pitching? In today’s episode, I’m walking you through how to pitch the right way, whether you’re pitching guests onto your show or yourself onto someone else’s. Plus, I’m sharing how to be mindful when outsourcing your pitching with a PR company, virtual assistant, or team member.Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Normalize outsourcing (because it’s not the problem) (1:39)Pitching guests onto your podcast (2:20)Pitching yourself onto other podcasts (5:02)Mentioned in this Episode:Podcast Guest Research Assistant: linkConnect with Haylee:Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboardInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinWebsite: gaffincreative.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you being the best podcast host you can be? In today’s episode, I’m sharing my top tips for selecting, pitching, and communicating with guests in a way that protects your reputation, relationships, and audience. Because how you host is a reflection of how you lead. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Get clear on the actual goal of your podcast (2:07)Guest selection is a leadership responsibility (3:06)Pitch with context, not just credentials (3:51)Confirm the topic before you hit record (4:58)Host the conversation - even if it’s not perfect (6:05)If you mess up, repair the relationship (8:55)The Podcast Guest Research Assistant (9:48)Mentioned in this Episode:Podcast Guest Research Assistant:Connect with Haylee:Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboardInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinWebsite: gaffincreative.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever shown up ready to record—only to realize the host didn’t know the topic, didn’t prep, and wasn’t actually ready to host the conversation? That’s what today’s episode is all about.On this replay from the Laylee Emadi Podcast, I sit down with my friend and podcast client Laylee Emadi to unpack an experience she's seen multiple times recently as a podcast guest: hosts who outsource without oversight, skip alignment, and miss the responsibility that comes with leading a show.Whether you’re a podcast host, a frequent guest, or a business owner who shows up publicly, this episode will give you language, clarity, and confidence to:Understand how host preparation (or the lack of it) impacts reputation and relationships.Navigate awkward guest situations with professionalism and integrity.Build systems that protect your audience, your relationships, and your time—without sacrificing genuine conversation.Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Mentioned in this Episode:Podcast Guest Research Assistant GPTPodcast Guest Rejection Email TemplatesReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/l2jfLkw0e54 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy International Women’s Day! Do you know the stats for women in podcasting? Today, we’re diving into the gender gap in podcasting, plus my reflections after 5 years of Clocking In. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Celebrating 5 years of Clocking In (1:08)The stats of women behind the mic (2:22)Women in podcasting (3:21)The team of women at Gaffin Creative (4:15)Bringing more women in (not kicking men out) (5:18)Women belong in the podcasting space (6:18)Mentioned in this Episode:Recording Academy Women in the Mix: grammy.com/news/women-in-the-mix-study-2022Northwestern University Breaking The Sound Ceiling: northwestu.edu/blog/breaking-the-sound-ceilingSounds Profitable “The Creators” Report: thepodcasthost.com/business-of-podcasting/sounds-profitables-the-creators-reportUSC Annenberg Inequality In Popular Podcasts?: assets.uscannenberg.org/docs/aii-inequality-PodcastsWomen’s Audio Mission: womensaudiomission.org/aboutMidia Research: midiaresearch.com/blog/podcast-industry-tackles-underrepresentation-but-will-every-voice-be-heardConnect with Haylee:Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboardInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinWebsite: gaffincreative.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a podcast sound professional and effortless? In today’s episode, I’m diving into three pillars of podcast quality: audio, content clarity, and intention. I’m sharing how you can easily boost the quality of your next recording and create a voice that listeners trust.Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Creating high quality audio (2:29)Recording with content clarity (7:38)Crafting with intention (10:40)Building a system that works for you (11:53)Quick wins to implement today (14:07)Mentioned in this Episode:Clocking In Episode 198: Which Podcast Mic Is Worth Your Money? gaffincreative.com/198-which-podcast-mic-is-worth-your-moneyConnect with Haylee:Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboardInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinWebsite: gaffincreative.comReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/LT2nM0w1WYn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you podcast and email marketing working together? In today’s episode, I’m teaching you 5 strategies to leverage your podcast and email marketing together. You’ll learn how to drive downloads, convert listeners into buyers, and turn your podcast into your best lead generator. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: The state of email marketing in 2026 (1:00)Repurpose your podcast into email content (2:45)Drive downloads to older episodes and feed your funnels (7:19)Convert listeners into buyers (10:49)Turn your podcast into your best lead generator (12:42)Segment your list (14:23)Mentioned in this Episode:Gaffin Creative Podlinks: gaffincreative.com/podlinksCustomize Your Podcast Player Icons: gaffincreative.com/podlinks-canva-templateConnect with Haylee:Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboardInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinWebsite: gaffincreative.comReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/MnkeoLB5oG8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your best content doesn’t have an expiration date—so why let it sit dormant in your feed? Today, I’m breaking down a super simple strategy for increasing downloads on your older content through your existing audience.We’ll walk through how to reference older episodes in a way that adds value, feels natural, and guides listeners without overwhelming them. Plus, I’m giving you a plug-and-play formula for how to do it and examples you can steal.Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: The simple strategy for growing downloads on old episodes (1:38)The formula for mentioning an old episode (2:25)Creating compilation content from old episodes (4:48)Practical advice for sharing old episodes (5:52)Mentioned in this Episode:Episode 143: Can Your Podcast Generate You Revenue? [Becoming a Paid Podcaster]Episode 194: Reflecting on 2025Connect with Haylee:Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboardInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinWebsite: gaffincreative.comReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/mBU5XeyNH88 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you losing listeners in the first five seconds of your show? Today’s episode is all about the impact that the opening of your show can make on listener retention. I’m diving into hooks: how to create them with intention and examples you can use when you record next. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Why you shouldn’t start with your podcast intro (1:35)How I recommend you start your episodes (2:19)What makes a great hook (3:02)Four types of hooks for your podcast (3:34)Tips for creating intentional hooks (4:51)Opening with a clip from the episode (6:18)Mastering the first 20 seconds (7:49)Connect with Haylee:Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboardInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinWebsite: gaffincreative.comTranscript: https://share.descript.com/view/LJSzClq9Bp0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When was the last time you looked at your podcast numbers? In today’s episode, I’m walking you through a simple review of your numbers and what to do with that data. Plus, get an inside look at a data review call within Soundboard Society, the coaching program for podcasters. Register for our Data Review Call on February 2nd: gaffincreative.com/ssbtsClocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Why your monthly data matters (1:38)Which numbers to pay attention to (2:28)What do you want your podcast to do this year? (3:39)Marketing with a realistic capacity (4:36)Questions for reviewing your data (5:30)Behind-the-scenes of Soundboard Society (7:12)Mentioned in this Episode:Register for our Data Review Call: gaffincreative.com/ssbtsConnect with Haylee:Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboardInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/2tW4vw10rye Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to launch your podcast in 2026? Today’s episode is a behind-the-scenes look at The Podcast Planning Challenge, happening next week. In this challenge, we’re taking a look at your podcast asset essentials, your content plan and strategy, and the overall blueprint for finally launching the podcast you’ve been dreaming about.Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Your podcast is a business asset (1:08)Yes, you should start a podcast (2:05)The Podcast Planning Challenge (2:33)Now is the perfect time to plan your podcast (4:07)Mentioned in this Episode:The Podcast Planning Challenge: gaffincreative.com/challengePodcast Launch VIP Day: gaffincreative.com/podcast-launchConnect with Haylee:Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboardInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinTranscript: https://share.descript.com/view/CbRI9Y2XW8i Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you wondering which microphone is the best for your podcast? In today’s episode, I’m putting some of the most common options to the test. Listen in for a side-by-side comparison of the more budget-friendly microphone choices available to podcasters. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Where I record Clocking In (1:12)Apple Macbook Pro (2:43)Apple Corded Headphones (3:19)Apple Airpods (4:11)Apple Airpod Pro (5:19) Logitech Yeti (5:57)Samson Q2U (7:45)Shure SM58 (8:45)Mentioned in this Episode:The Podcast Gear We’re Using On Clocking In: gaffincreative.com/podcast-gear-list-for-clocking-in-with-haylee-gaffinPodcast Gear and Equipment for Beginners: gaffincreative.com/podcast-equipment-for-beginners Apple MacBook Pro: amzn.to/4rUO9EvApple EarPods: amzn.to/3XatnToApple AirPods: amzn.to/4rTzwBtApple AirPods Pro: amzn.to/4rgt1s9Logitech Blue Yeti: amzn.to/3S2XZUPSamson Q2U: amzn.to/3zHCaDWShure SM58: amzn.to/4eP5EzLShure SM7B: amzn.to/3JrDG1RConnect with Haylee:Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboardInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinTranscript: https://share.descript.com/view/zD6gdKtl6JN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your podcast actually profitable, or is it just busy? In today’s episode, I’m sharing a sneak peak of the Podcast Profits Workshop. This workshop is designed to help you better align your podcast with your business goals, and make the necessary tweaks to see more conversion and revenue from your podcast. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Why alignment is step one of your profitability (1:29)The business and offer alignment exercise (4:07)A further sneak peak into the Podcast Profits Workshop (5:48)Mentioned in this Episode:Podcast Profits Workshop Registration: gaffincreative.com/roi-workshop/Traffic Light Worksheet: gaffincreative.com/traffic-light-exerciseConnect with Haylee:Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboardInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinReview the transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/Zsmvy9CPbxn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before you start planning out your next quarter of podcast content, I want you to pause. Take a deep breath. And remember that your podcast isn’t just a marketing task on your checklist—it’s a platform with the power to transform your business.In this episode, I’m reflecting on the courage it takes to podcast, the progress you’ve already made, and the belief you need to carry into 2026. Whether you released one episode or fifty this year, I see you. You showed up. You built something real and that’s worth celebrating.Connect with Haylee:Gaffin Creative: gaffincreative.comInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/MGBRtG98l3U Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we wrap up the year, I just want to wish you a joyful and restful holiday season. I hope you find time to unplug, be present with your loved ones, and celebrate every win—big or small—from this past year.We're taking a short break, but I’ll see you in 2026 as we dive into a brand new year of creativity, growth, and incredible podcasting.And if working with us has been on your mind—whether you're ready to join our 2026 program or start as a production client—there’s still time to get the ball rolling.Until then, happy holidays and cheers to an amazing new year!Connect with Haylee:Gaffin Creative: gaffincreative.comInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/58cOBRQYSy0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you curious about what my business finances looked like this year? In today’s episode, I’m recapping where I spent my money in 2025. Plus, how I more intentionally invested based on my “why.” Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Tools (3:20)Travel (5:16)Coaching (13:12) Communities (15:27)Paid visibility (16:58)My team (18:24)Looking ahead to 2026 (20:12)Mentioned in this Episode:Get on the waitlist for Mic Check Retreat: gaffincreative.com/retreatEpisode 152 What My Year of Investing in My Business Looked Like: gaffincreative.com/152-what-my-year-of-investing-in-my-business-looked-likeConnect with Haylee:Gaffin Creative: gaffincreative.comInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinSoundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboardReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/9UwGoZaM7LF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.