Hashtag Authentic - for creatives, dreamers & business owners online

Things we talk about in this episode:Annabelle's journey to becoming an accidental floristThe pitfalls of renovating an old houseThe joy of engaging in the nature around youCreativity and 'dignity in the doing'Finding beauty in the mundaneUsing real life experiences to connect with your audienceAnnabelle's podcast, and the challenges of public speaking when you're really more of a writerBeing a 'webtrovert' (an introvert who blossoms online)Forming real friendships through social mediaManaging self-criticismLinks mentioned in this episode:Annabelle's book - A Tree in the House: Flowers for your home, special occasions and every day*Annabelle and Gillian's podcast - Dispatch to a FriendGillian Bell's instagram - @gillianbellcakeFiona Pickles Instagram - @firenzaflowers The Moth SnowstormLit Up podcastEmily DickinsonMy Open KitchenMy Instagram - @me_and_orla This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

My book, Hashtag Authentic*My blog and website meandorla.co.uk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Things we talk about in this episode:Chupi's journey so far, and how she was inspired by her mumBeing homeschooled in IrelandHer early years in business, writing a cookbook as a teenager and being scouted for Topshop at 21Working alongside her husbandWhy you should focus your dream on what you are really good atWhy you should employ people who are better at their job than you areHow social media has helped Chupi's business growWinning awards including Irish Tatler Women of the Year Award, and why it can be more powerful to loseThe obstacles and prejudices Chupi has faced as a female creative entrepreneurWhy creative businesses should be taken seriouslyLinks mentioned in this episode:Chupi's online jewellery (trust me, you want to click!)Chupi's Instagram @chupiWhat To Eat When You Can't Eat Anything*, the cookbook Chupi wrote in her teensNiki Groom's Instagram @miss_magpie_spyand Hashtag Authentic PodcastThe Magdalene LaundriesChupi's Woman of the Year Award - Irish TatlerHipstamaticThe Guardian's Past Notes columnFrom Bee With Love's Instagram @frombeewithlove(formally Bookish Bronte)My book, Hashtag Authentic*My blog and website meandorla.co.uk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Things we talk about in this episode:Naomi's background in media, marketing and journalismNaomi's role in Me & OrlaHow the Insta Retreat helped Naomi grow her Instagram and her businessThe 'Instagram vernacular', and the importance of creating for your audienceWhy it's vital to recognise and acknowledging your dreamsThe importance of leaving scope for your dreams to evolveThe magic of indulging your passions and interestsLinks mentioned in this episode:My next Instagram class, enrolling 1st October 2019Naomi's InstagramNaomi's website My book, Hashtag Authentic* (yes, I'm probably going to link to this in every show notes for the rest of eternity...what of it?)My blog and website meandorla.co.uk* denotes affiliate links This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

My next Instagram class, enrolling 1st OctoberMy first Instagram post back My book, Hashtag Authentic* (yes, I'm probably going to link to this in every show notes for the rest of eternity...what of it?)24/7: Late Capitalism and The End of Sleep*TiredTrauma on Tumblr* denotes affiliate links This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Things we talk about in this episode:Dominique's journey to 500k + followers.Behind the scenes of All that is SheSetting and following Instagram trendsPlaying the Insta game, and why being authentic is better than following trendsIntroducing 'boy Dom'Juggling a family life whilst running a business from homeMoney shame, and why it's difficult to talk about financial successWhat Dominque's average day looks likeThe real story of how much work a sponsored post takes to createPutting all your eggs in one digital basket/platformHow the algorithm has affected Dominque's accountThe impact of the ASA guidelines on sponsored contentHow Dominque has personally grown over the last three yearsLinks mentioned in this episode:My next Instagram class Dom's previous conversation on the podcastMy book, Hashtag Authentic*My Instagram (@me_and_orla)Domique's Instagram (@allthatisshe)Our sponsor for the event, Mirabeau wine My highly technical rosédeliciousness scale All that is ThreeScenes from the ceilingMrs Hinch's InstagramThe Slow Traveler's Mrs Hinch articleBook - Weapons of Math Destruction*Taylors of Harrogate * denotes affiliate links This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

My book, Hashtag Authentic*Dolly's book, Everything I Know About Love*Dolly's new novel, Ghosts - available for preorder hereMy Instagram (@me_and_orla)Dolly's Instagram (@dollyalderton)Dolly's Twitter (@dollyalderton)Brene Brown / vulnerability hangovers* Our sponsor for the event, Mirabeau wine My next Insta Retreat class* Indicates affiliate links This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

http://www.podstrike.net/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Things we talk about in this episode:Reading from Hashtag Authentic's introductionHow I started out on Instagram by seeking beauty in an uncompromising environmentMy previous job, working in speech therapy for the NHSWhy communication is central in everything I do Why I believe it's ok to create a 'highlight reel'Why visuals are the best communication toolMy chronic illness (dysautonomia), and how this impacts on my workWhat my average day looks likeSpoon theoryMy initial vision in setting up my business, and my career pathThe need for a new wave of honest marketing and businessWhy I don't need a digital detoxHow to start out on Instagram from scratch (audience question)Why there will always be an Instagram community for you, no matter what your interest (audience question)My future dreams and ambitions (audience question)The importance of not being soley led by what your audience wantsWho inspires me (audience question)Why going "off piste" in search of inspiration brings the best resultsLinks mentioned in this episode:My book, Hashtag AuthenticMy Instagram (@me_and_orla)Laura's Instagram (@laurajaneauthor)Our sponsor for the event, Mirabeau wine The rosé deliciousness scale Laura's writing coursesPOTSSpoon theoryIra Glass quote - The GapPet crows and ravensTori AmosAni DifrancoElizabeth Day - How to Fail podcast espiode Raven Smith This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Things we talk about in this episode:Why Otegha left her career in advertising for freelance lifeStarting a business by following interests and opportunities, instead of by intentWhen your personal brand is your real self, and how this can help weed out inappropriate clientsNot worrying about being liked by everyone - and not putting everyone else's needs above your ownReclaiming words like 'marketing' and 'entrepreneur', and the different ways to build a business that balance personal and commercial imperativesThe changing metrics of businesses, and the things small business owners are nailing over bigger businessesHow small businesses and entrepreneurs benefit from being more nimble and agile - an essential skill for the digital worldHow Otegha self-published her first book as a special project, through a Squarespace website, promoting it entirely by herselfHow the book got picked up by a publisher, and the transition from self-published to being represented by a bigger publishing houseOtegha's upcoming book, a money memoir, and what we all need to talk about moneyWhy we're all scared of talking about money, and the shame, guilt and baggage we all secretly carryLinks mentioned in this episode:Women Who -"a URL and IRL community for creative working women" (love this tagline!)Roxanne Gay - Bad FeministOtegha's book, The Little Black Book: a toolkit for working womenOtegha's upcoming money memoir, We Need to Talk About MoneyDear Sugar's podcast episode with Oprah WinfreySomething I wrote for Stylist mag about how becoming the breadwinner changed my marriage Order my book UK / US / Australia This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Things I talk about in this episode:A reading of one of the sections in Hashtag Authentic - Our Visual CultureWhy I ended up working directly with a publisher without an agent - and why I'll do it differently next timeWhat happened when my publisher retired mid-way through the processHow self doubt showed up for me during the writing process, and how I (re)learned to advocate for myselfWhat the book's about, and digging into the different chaptersOne of my fave photos I've ever takenHow I'm publicising the book on social mediaWhy any book around Instagram needs to tackle imagery, photography and editingMy hopes for the book and its messages around Instagram and wider social mediaLinks mentioned in this episode:Pre Order my book UK / US / AustraliaMy upcoming Live book events This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Things we talk about in this episode:Erica's move from working as a journalist and fashion editor to running her own 'mini magazine' on her Instagram & blogThe impact of showing your real self onlineMoving away from London - and how this brought Erica clarity on her brand and voiceBeing a 40-year-old, size 12-14 fashion blogger - and why there's the need for every kind of body on InstagramWays to make money as a fashion influencer - sponsored posts, ongoing brand partnerships, affiliate links etc.The importance of due diligence when choosing sponsorships and partnershipsTransparency about sponsored content, and respecting your audience's trustThe lack of transparency around adverting and product placement in traditional media such as magazines and music videos, and the inequality of the conversations around it'Fast fashion' and why we all should be buying fewer clothesThe problem of money when it comes to choosing between fast fashion and more ethical brandsUsing your "influence" in positive ways, and to change the industry Why fashion and interior design is not superficial or frivolous Managing the demands of family life as a self-employed personLinks mentioned in this episode:Stacey Dooley Investigates - Fashion's Dirty Secrets Erica's manifesto for moving away from fast fashionMarks & Spencer, one of Erica's long term brand partnersHow Erica explains her sponsored work to her audienceMy paid partnership post with Starbucks (ad)Brene BrownErica's InstagramProduct placement in Katy Perry's videos - check out the pointlessly gratuitous logo belt and glasses shots in the club scene!Erica's BlogPre Order my book UK / US / AustraliaMy upcoming Live book events This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Things we talk about in this episode: What is Pinterest, and why you should be using it Advice and top tips on how to get the best out of Pinterest for your business Updates on new Pinterest tools How to organise or repurpose your boards An introduction to Pinterest Themes The joy of planning your pins and boards Using Pinterest as a visual search engine Why you should upgrade to a business accountLinks mentioned in this episode:Lauren Laverne on PinterestPinterest 100 - The top trends for 2019Talonted LexPinterest best Practice blog postCarrie - Wish Wish WishIfttt - Connecting Pinterest to InstagramZoe's Pinterest boardReena's Pinterest boardPre Order my book UK / US / Australia This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Things we talk about in this episode:Anna's new book - An Edited LifeHow Anna got started onlineHow our favourite platform online can change and evolveThe importance of following your interestsHow Anna built an audience that has grown and evolved with herThe importance of planning and structure when managing your social media accountsHow to do YouTube if you're camera-shyDealing with critical comments/reviewsAnna's epic organisation skills, and how we can all be a bit more like herThe importance of reflection and celebrating our achievements, instead of always chasing the next big goalWhere to draw the line with what to share online, and how we can all find our own comfort zone with itThe magic of following your gut instinctsWhether everyone has a guilty messy place, like 'Monica's Cupboard' in FRIENDS.Links mentioned in this episode:An Edited Life - Anna's bookFree organisation worksheets on Anna's siteAnna's recent video on her work organisation techniques At Home With - Anna's podcast with Lily PebblesRescueTime productivity AppMarie KondoPre Order my book UK / US / Australia This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Things we talk about in this episode: Laura's new book - Just Eat It Laura's career path and journey to Intuitive Eating, and how podcasting shaped her career Defining 'diet culture' why it's unhealthy for you, and it's relationship with the patriarchy Challenging BMI negativity, and why it's a poor indicator of risks to health and disease Laura defines Intuitive Eating, and it's physical and mental health benefits How to spot bad nutrition advice Busting the myths around diets, 'unhealthy foods' and alternative therapies The relationship between food and mental health Dealing with negative responses to her postsLinks mentioned in this episode: Just Eat It - Laura's book Don't Salt My Game - Laura's podcast Laura's Sunday Times interview with Dolly Alderton The London Centre for Intuitive Eating Health and Care Professionals Council and The Association for Nutrition The Angry Chef Dr Anjali Mahto Laura's articles - We Need To Talk About 'Refined Sugar Free' & Think You Have a Sugar Addiction? Here's Why Cutting Out Sugar Might Actually Backfire[Pre Order my book][1] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Things we talk about in this episode: Farrah's new book - The Discomfort Zone Farrah career path, and the role failure and discomfort have played The 'London bubble', and why you don't need to be in it to succeed in print media Breaking down the barriers of starting out in journalism, and the need to diversify the media The challenges faced by young people today, and the concept of "generation snowflake" Whether women - or anyone - can ever really 'have it all', or should even want to Why we all need to have a 'failure CV' What lies outside of our comfort zone, and why we need to dive into it The relationship between old and new media, and why Farrah is positive about influencers and bloggers The creation of the Cosmo Influencer AwardsLinks mentioned in this episode:The Discomfort Zone - Farrah's bookFarrah's InstagramMy InstagramMy bookThe Insta Retreat This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

The New Year is a natural time for setting goals, plans and intentions - so why do so few of us wind up making them actually happen? And worse, why do they always feel so grim? This week I chat with stylist and writer Hannah Bullivant about her 'January Book' ritual, how it's helped her in her family and professional life, and how setting kind and compassionate goals for ourselves can lead to the kind of leaps forward that we've often been craving. We also talk about finances, self doubt, launching ebooks and online courses, plus mailing list building and more. Full show notes at meandorla.co.uk/podcast59 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Kate Watson Smyth is a powerhouse in the interiors world. A blogger, journalist, podcaster, author and interiors consultant, Kate has the kind of in-depth knowledge and strength of voice that can only come from years of creativity, hard work and life experience. In this episode she shares her route to where she is today, the importance of tenacity and showing up, and how to carve out your own space online with plenty of her trademark humour, insight and passion. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Dasha Pears is a conceptual photographer with a unique and magical voice and style. This week Dasha shares how she stays true to her creative voice and delivers value and magic – whether she’s creating for her own pleasure, for her devoted Instagram audience or for one of the brands she works with worldwide. An unmissable episode for anyone at an early stage of building their creative dreams, struggling to find their true style, or who is curious to know about the process behind such incredible, evocative imagery. Full show notes at https://meandorla.co.uk/podcast57-2/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Public speaking falls outside of the boundaries of the comfort zone for many of us, but is an indispensably valuable skill in many creative careers. In this episode, Viv Groskop, journalist and writer turned stand up comedian, shares the different ways we can show up and truly own the room – without having to compromise on who we truly are. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Working for yourself can mean years of feast and famine, financially - and nobody seems to mention it. This week I talk to fashion designer turned illustrator Niki Groom, about what makes the difference, sticking with your dreams, and building a secure financial future. Full show notes: https://meandorla.co.uk/podcast55-2-2/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Comparison and envy can sneak into pretty much any area of our lives, and it's seldom pretty. Comparison coach Lucy Sheridan has made it her life's work - and the focus of her business - to get to the heart of those feelings, and help people live a life free from its clutches. https://meandorla.co.uk/podcast54/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Neal Whittington is the creative mind behind online stationery wonderland, Present & Correct. I’ve followed him online for a long time not only for his store’s range of glorious paper goods, but because his social media is always a treasure trove of unusual links, on-brand curiosities and visual delights. In this episode we talk about the magic of content curation as well as creation to support and elevate an online brand. Neal shares his tricks for finding shareable content, staying active on social media and creating a unique and instantly recognisable brand. https://meandorla.co.uk/podcast53-2/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

When you don't know what your talent is, with Carly Rowena by Sara Tasker This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

My guest this week has spent ten years researching writing, and the psychology of happiness. Author and Academic Megan C Hayes believes the two can be firmly intertwined, and has developed a framework - the Positive Journal® approach - to help anyone pick up a pen and start feeling more positive. In this episode we explore her background online, the psychology and neuro-science behind writing your heart out, and how it can all come together to make magical things unfold. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Find your why, with Kayte Ferris. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Syreeta Challinger started her lifestyle brand and online studio, Moments of Sense and Style, following a total upheaval of her and her partner Rob's life. Life changed in a heartbeat when Rob suffered a severe stroke and brain haemorrhage whilst on holiday in Sydney, Australia, miles from home, friends and family. Since then both Syreeta and Rob have had to find a new home, new ways of living and a new sense of purpose in their life together, and M.O.S.S. became the phoenix that emerged from the ashes. Together, with Syreeta's incredible optimism and determination at the helm, they've build a business that is all about light in the darkness and appreciating the beautiful moments in life. I haven't edited Rob's audio for pauses etc, because a) there's nothing wrong with pauses, and b) they show the reality of conversation with a communication impairment, and I think that's something we don't hear enough. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Instagram gets a lot of criticism for having too much styled content and not enough reality - but sometimes staged, planned imagery can still be heartbreakingly honest. Artist and photographer Carolyn Mara uses her camera and Instagram as away of working through the difficult parts of her life, and expressing emotions or experiences that are harder to put into words. This week we talk about how she discovered this technique, how it has helped her, and why she believes we all need creativity in order to be whole. Shownotes: https://wp.me/p5XVXq-3ql This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Photographer and videographer Flore has had an eclectic journey through marketing and running an online textile store to the work she does now, and along the way one thing has been essential to her growth: workshops, with other creatives. This has left her with a burning passion to create these types of events herself, to help fellow floundering creatives connect, skill up and develop their ideas to make their big dreams come to fruition. This week we chat about why the difficult business model is still essential, and what we can all gain from being involved. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

How many of us dream of someday writing a book? For this week's episode I sat down with Abigail Bergstrom, head of publishing at Gleam Titles, the forward-thinking literary division of digital-first talent agency Gleam Futures, to grill her all about the inside world of publishing, the future of books, and how online creatives can find a route in to making those book dreams a reality. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

This week I talk to Venice-based food writer and blogger Skye McAlpine. Skye's first cookbook, 'A Table In Venice' came out last month, and represents years of work developing her skills as a cook, writer and photographer through her blog and Instagram account. We unpack the process of writing a book, teaching yourself photography and creating the perfect Sunday lunch. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

My guest this week is Carolyn Stritch, aka The Slow Traveler. She’s a freelance photographer based in the North of England, although her account often depicts dreamy locations from idyllic destinations around the world. She might seem to be living the Instagram dream life, an impression she’s aware of, and wanted to question a little in a recent 'self sabotage' project she staged on her 200k+ Instagram account. I called her up to try and understand more about her motivations, what she learned from it and more about her photography work away from the 'gram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Kate Swoboda, aka Kate Courageous, started out as a life coach but found herself consumed by the question of courage. Kate's work and our conversation in this episode looks at courage as it relates to personal development, releasing overwhelm, business and marketing, money mindset, wellness, increasing emotional resilience, and healthy goal-setting using habit-formation techniques. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Do you ever feel like you've missed the boat on Instagram? 21-year-old Bronte Huskinson has grown her account from 0 to over 30k since early 2017, leading to a book photography business, influencer work, a blog and a strategically planned future writing career. We first met when she took my Instagram course in late 2016, and so I called her up to talk about how it's never too late and why there's everything still to play for on a platform like Insta. Special shoutout to my budgie Jack who chatters noisily in the background of this episode! Come and chat with me and Bronte to tell us what you think! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

My guest’s voice might be familiar to some of you. Andrew Johnson has built an empire of apps, combining his background as a clinical hypnotherapist with his love of tech and self proclaimed “Apple fanboy” interests. His soft Scottish accent has been a staple on my iPhone for a number of years now, guiding me through meditations on topics such as anxiety, relaxation, sleep problems and negative thinking. He’s an expert both in his work of meditation and in building an online business, and I was really interested to find out how these two seemingly opposite things might intersect for him. I called him up to talk both about the fascinating model of an app-based business, and about how meditation and mindfulness can help us all be more productive and creative in our own work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

"You can't underestimate the power of human connection and how you make people feel." Samantha Kelly is an Irish entrepreneur, TED X speaker and Twitter expert. Her first business was creating a pack for girls beginning their period - a brave step in Ireland, where conservative religious values around women's sexual health often still prevail. From there she went on to craft an expertise in social media, and build a network for other women working for themselves looking for support, advice and resources that traditional networking events failed to provide. She shares her wisdom, her outlook and her tips for success in this joyful and candid conversation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Charlotte Jacklin took the decision in 2017 to take Betty Magazine from a print publication to an online brand. We talk about jumping before being pushed, being totally unglam on Instagram Stories and the surprising pleasure of Facebook groups. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

If you've ever spent any time on Pinterest, Instagram or reading recipe blogs, you're probably familiar with Beth Kirby's work. What you might not realise is that she built her incredible, unstoppable, heartbreakingly aspirational brand off the back of a diagnosis of Bipolar disorder and a failed marriage with zero photography experience - and she's more than happy to tell you about it! Beth's work has inspired me for a long time, so it was a lot of fun to finally get to chat with her 1 on 1, and share our passion for the world of online community building for anyone who feels like they don't fit in with the norm. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

My guest this week is author and broadcaster Emma Gannon, who has used the internet as a springboard to multi-hyphenated success. Emma’s written for every major publication going. Her first book, Ctrl Alt Delete came out in 2016 to much critical acclaim, and her podcast of the same name has taken the charts by storm ever since. Now finishing work on her second book, we talk today about success, money, multi-hyphenated careers and our shared experiences and observations of carving one out. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

This week I chat with metalsmith and fellow digital marketing nerd Megan Auman. Pinterest is far and away the number one traffic referrer for Megan's jewellery business - so much so that she's gone on to teach classes in her strategies. We talk about all our favourite platforms, the differences between them, and the rare and magical marketing strategies out there that can also be tools for self love. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

"We think our worth is from how hard we burn ourselves into the ground." This week I caught up with my friend and creative coach Jen Carrington for one of the whirlwind conversations we always have when we're together. We both talk fast and dive into tangents, so this is a much more informal natter than the usual 'interview' you might be used to here, but it's jam-packed with insight, experience and hopefully, things to make you nod and smile along. Jen and I also share details towards the end of a very exciting new joint podcast project we have planned for the New Year! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

It's a solo episode this week, and a pretty technical one too, looking at some of the big changes we've seen on Instagram over the past year. In this episode I'll cover a bit of an algorithm update, shoppable photos, what's going on with the 'top 9' hashtag grid, the new features for Stories and Live, and how you can use some of these things to help your account grow. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

My guest this week is author, journalist and storyteller Laura Jane Williams. I first met Laura when we were both presenting at the Blogtacular conference a couple of years back, shortly after the publication of her first book. Since then she's written a second, follow-up memoir and taught the secrets of her storytelling magic at workshops, classes and courses online. She writes with spellbinding beauty across multiple platforms, including the most exquisitely crafted instagram captions, so I called her up to dig into some of her secrets, and get the low down on her journey so far. And in case the opening quote above wasn't enough of a heads up - a warning for occasional adult language in this episode too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

One of my favourite things about this podcast is that it gives me the excuse to have really interesting conversations with people whose work I adore. This week is the perfect example, and something of a fangirl moment for me, as my guest this week is writer and journalist Jon Ronson. If you're lucky, you'll all have come across his work already - his books include The Men Who Stare At Goats, The Psychopath Test, So You've Been Publicly Shamed and Frank, some of which have already been adapted into successful movies. His most recent film credit is 'Okja', which came out earlier this year to adoration and critical acclaim. His newest venture is The Butterfly Effect, a podcast series looking at the way the internet has revolutionised one very specific industry, and the lives of a lot of very normal folk along the way. Watching Jon's work evolve over the last few years I've really been struck by the role the digital world has had to play in it and how at home he is in the digital landscape. I wanted to find out how he felt about the internet, and both the role it plays in his work, and the wider world. Plus, he's just a funny, fascinating person to talk to - and to listen to - so you're in for a treat! Also, as a heads up - this episode has some occasional adult language. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Nik and I met when we were both presenting on a panel in London a few months back, and I loved what he had to say. So much of what Nik and I had to say dovetailed together perfectly, and I immediately knew I needed to bag him for the podcast so you could all soak in some of his wisdom on all things internet, social media and influencer marketing too. In this episode we talk about how Instagram and social media have evolved, and the role influencer marketing has had to play in that. Nik shares some great insight from his experiences of working with brands and agencies, and a heap of key lessons for anyone trying to grow an audience or create content for sales online. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Dolly Alderton is a writer, author, director and journalist, with a weekly podcast to boot. I met her earlier this year when we were panelists at an event in London alongside Emma Gannon, and I found so much of what she said in her answers really resonated and stayed with me. As you'll hear in the following conversation, she's a witty, self possessed and savvy woman, living the dream as a freelance writer & creative in London. Her first book, Everything I Know About Love, is out in the Spring, and so I called her up to find out how she got to that milestone, what wisdom she's learned along the way, and whether she'd like to be my new best friend how she juggles so many dynamic projects at once. Also, a heads up that there's some marvellous adult language scattered throughout this episode . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Tara Swiger is a coach for people who make or create products they're passionate about, helping them to build profitable businesses. Her episode on finding your right people is one of my all time favourites I've recorded so far, so I invited her back on to tackle some of the issues I hear about again and again from people in our community here - specifically, how to sell ourselves without feeling awful, and dealing with vulnerability. Tara always brings incredible value to everything she does, and I promise this episode will uplift, inspire and fill you with enthusiasm for selling your work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

One subject we've touched upon in previous episodes, and that I see coming up again and again with the people who take my courses or the women I mentor is this issue: 'what do I call myself?' In this week's mini episode, I'm sharing why I encourage everyone to take themselves and their work seriously, and not shy away from the big job titles of our dreams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Fiona Humberstone empowers entrepreneurs to create powerful brands. A bestselling author and fearless entrepreneur, we met, somewhat randomly, on a ship in the Thames earlier this summer, where I was struck by her insight, enthusiasm and warmth. I called her up to give us all a crash course in branding, colour psychology and what it can offer our creative work and businesses. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

This week's episode is a bit of a fangirl moment for me - Hadley Freeman, author, journalist and Guardian columnist is somebody whose writing and wisdom has inspired me for a number of years. She kindly gave me some of her time to talk about her career path, sharing your opinions for a living, and dealing with feedback from commenters and twitter trolls alike. Also, just a heads up that there's some adult language in this episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com