Conquer Your Fear of Solo Podcasting w/ Josefine Holmberg

Misbah Haque  00:08

Josephine Welcome to the show. Welcome to another episode of Pod Mahal. I’m so excited to have you here today because you are someone who has a lot of different things going on, you’re a competitive bodybuilder, you’re also a celebrity trainer. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that I’ve had the pleasure of kind of getting to watch a little bit from afar, specially before you had a podcast, now that you do and all of those things. I’m excited to kind of dive into some of those different elements today. So thanks so much for coming on. I appreciate it.

Josefine  00:47

Thank you so much for having me. I’m so excited to share stuff.

Misbah Haque  00:51

For those who are kind of interested a little more in your bodybuilding journey, or kind of want to learn a little bit more about the prep and the mindset and all the different things that go into you, actually performing in a show, we did an in depth episode on mizunfiltered that you can listen to. But in this episode, I want to kind of focus on, Josephine as the creator, the trainer, the person who is just, you’ve tried a bunch of different things, you’ve really built some cool stuff for yourself, Instagram was one of those places, I think you’re very active, and you have a lot of great stuff going on. But I think what’s been fun to watch is like, and I don’t know, you can tell me if I’m wrong. But even though we’re all let’s say on Instagram, and it’s kind of putting yourself out there when you are on Instagram. 

Starting a podcast, for some reason feels like a whole another beast, like to some people I like people who have hundreds of 1000s of followers, some of them that I’ve worked with where mentally they’re also feeling the same fear as what we may when we’re (Oh, should I start one? I don’t know). Can you walk me through what that was like, because you were in a groove. And you still are, I think with your Instagram stuff. But when you decided, you had that first inkling of like, I’d be really cool to have a podcast, I think it’d be fun, or what were your initial kind of thoughts, sparks or motivations.

Josefine  02:13

So I’ve been wanting to start a podcast for a really long time. And I just didn’t know where to start, because I just want to be able to share more with more people. And so when I started to talk to you about it, I was like, still kind of unsure about it. But I’m so happy that we got connected because you kind of pushed me out of my comfort zone and in a good way.

Because you took it step by step. Because like, if you get pushed out in the wrong way, you might be discouraged to do it. But you, you, you always told me that you were going to be there with me and help me out. And that was actually what made me want to do it. And so I remember at first I was so overwhelmed still even because I always put that pressure on myself to know what I’m doing right away.

Misbah Haque  03:36

I know that because it’s like, it’s totally unknown. New files, new formats, new software, so many new things that are just like, completely new territory for a lot of people.

Josefine  03:54

Exactly. And then just like be, at first as well. I knew those things that I wanted to talk about. But once I started to record I was like, I don’t really know what to say I was thinking in my head. At first it was also about getting just passed because I was like I just need to say things that are perfect. The way they are supposed to be said, but then I was like no, I’m just gonna be me and record whatever comes to mind and doesn’t need to be perfect. I think that was like the biggest stepping stone or whatever you call it. That was the biggest thing in the beginning that I passed when I didn’t put the pressure on myself to be perfect. That’s when I started to feel like it was fun to record.

Misbah Haque  04:51

That’s really big. I want to back up for a second because you mentioned something really important. I don’t want to gloss over that fear even in the beginning, even though of course I map the hey, here’s logically what it looks like how it helps, you’ve wanted to do it here the steps to do it. You were kind of onboard with the idea of starting one a little bit, right? Like podcasting wasn’t this foreign thing to you. I think you listen to the Lewis Howes show, Jay Shetty, his podcasts, some of those, which is always a fun question. I like to keep on those forums because you get to know like, what’s this person into? 

Misbah Haque  04:51

That’s really big. I want to back up for a second because you mentioned something really important. I don’t want to gloss over that fear even in the beginning, even though of course I map the hey, here’s logically what it looks like how it helps, you’ve wanted to do it here the steps to do it. You were kind of onboard with the idea of starting one a little bit, right? Like podcasting wasn’t this foreign thing to you. I think you listen to the Lewis Howes show, Jay Shetty, his podcasts, some of those, which is always a fun question. I like to keep on those forums because you get to know like, what’s this person into? 

Misbah Haque  07:46

You even start the search process. Where do I begin when I want to start a podcast or whatever. You don’t even know what to search for. Were there any other obstacles? Because like you have any, not just any other obstacles, but any other useful ways that you’d recommend for other people that you may have overcome? Because there’s so many, you had the benefit? I think on your side, you knew what it was you wanted to do? 

There was this motivation, I think we had a vision for what it looked like, and you were very clear with that. And that was fun to see. And because of that, I wonder if it just kept like once you got started and once okay, my mic came,  now I can like when we got set up, I know what software to use or it feels familiar now. You’re rockin ‘you’re in a groove. So are there any you like? Is there any piece of advice you would give to someone who’s still in that stage of overwhelming parent paralysis analysis, if you want to call it stage?

Josefine  09:05

So first of all, I would say try to get inspiration from other people that make their own podcast. But also that was like the first thing I did and then the second thing is to get help because it depends on if you want to do it. Like if you want to do all the research and stuff by yourself but like having you like by my side. I wouldn’t be like where I am with a podcast today. Because I wouldn’t have started it. That’s for sure.

Misbah Haque  09:38

And I guess I tried as best as I could to break it down into small pieces. was uh, was that what helped or what was the most useful thing I guess that you got out of having someone I guess in your corner? Wasn’t even asleep until pressure like I got to do that somebody is like waiting on the other side for files or whatever?

Josefine  10:02

First of all, having someone there too, like, guide you through it, that was like the most helpful part, breaking it down, do that, I needed this, like directions like get the mic, like do this, all the small steps because when I was just thinking about the podcast, it’s so it’s so it feels like, such a huge task and nouns that you gave me, like, go get the mic. And next step, get riverside and all these, small steps made it more manageable? And like, that’s super helpful.

Misbah Haque  10:41

When did you feel like things were on a roll a little bit? You had some momentum building? After a couple steps, at what part when you recorded the first episode, when did you feel like, I’m in it. This is the thing.

Josefine  10:58

I think it was like after the first few episodes, when I also figured out because we talked a lot about back and forth how I wanted to, if I wanted to do  mainly interviews, or if I wanted to do more so like solo episodes. And that was really helpful. Because at first I was stressing out about the fact that I needed to book like guests, and I needed to manage that kind of time as well on top of my competitions traveling schedules. So I was like, we use it when we talk about these solo episodes, and I realized that, it’s actually like fun to do it on my own as well. And just like talking about my own experiences and like things that I have been through in my life. You should do that. If you feel comfortable doing it, like more comfortable doing it.

Misbah Haque  11:51

Because it’s so hard to do. Solo episodes are so tough to do, because a lot of people can’t get over the idea of like, I’m talking to myself and my camera. And like, it just feels weird. It’s not like talking to another person. And it’s harder to kind of mentally get yourself maybe even in that space. So I immediately knew because of your busy schedule already that I was like, guests are going to be cool, right?

But if you just follow that format, it can very quickly become overwhelming for you specifically in this situation, because you’ve got a lot of other stuff going on. And so the solo episodes are like you feel that sometimes the best because you when you have an idea, the power to record it right away versus like, alright, can you do next Tuesday at 11 am? Sorry, I had to reschedule. Let’s do it now, Thursday. That whole game, right.  It’s one of those things that I wanted to dive into with you. Is that format? How hard was it for you to maybe start with that format? As you said, you got the hang of it after a couple of episodes. But are there any tricks you use mentally to kind of get yourself in a zone when you’re recording your solo episodes?

Josefine  13:13

So at first, I thought it was really hard. And I was like, this just feels stupid, as you said, like talking to yourself. But what I started to think about was that I was talking to another person that someone was there and I was telling them, like because at first, I started with telling my story about my fitness journey and all that. And I think that’s the easiest way to start, just talk about things that you’re familiar with, like either around you or about you.

Misbah Haque  13:49

It’s such a great piece of advice because that’s something that you like other people can’t dispute, right? It’s something you should feel safe about. Like you feel a little bit safer kind of talking about it from that perspective, versus like, I’m Josefine and this is what I believe. And this is my philosophy with fitness. It’s like a way easier to be, let’s slow things down. And in that, I’m sure you have your moments where you’re like, this is a great teaching point, to kind of talk about. I want to kind of dig in a little bit into the connectedness. So for example, you do a lot on Instagram, right? You’ve got an app, we had the pleasure of helping you build your website, which by the way, looks beautiful. 

Check it out. It’s Josefinefitness.com. I love it because of its simplicity, and how the objective is on that page. If you’re interested in trying out Josephine’s coaching, you fill out an application here, right? Is that what you say? kind of like the high priority. When in your business where, like with podcasting, let’s say if you’re trying to connect it, over time you’re like, it’d be cool to maybe showcase that, on my website, I have coaching. Or I have an app. There are different strategies everybody uses. But for you, it seems like coaching is kind of like the top thing you’d like to have more of? Is that what you say? That’s correct?

Josefine  15:32

Yeah, that’s correct. 

Misbah Haque  15:34

So for you, walk us through a little bit, where we’ve talked about the podcasting world, you have a lot of experience in the Instagram kind of space, what has worked well for you there in terms of what you could share with people? Because I would say a lot of times, you’re doing both. If we’re being real, you’re doing the podcast, and you’re doing a little bit of Instagram, or some platform to help distribute or promote, or just, repurpose even some of the content. 

You have a very, I think, sophisticated approach where it’s just more it’s more than that, so walk us through that a little bit for someone who is maybe also considering getting better at Instagram to help connect their podcasts or to even do that, it plays a role in their strategy. What would you have to kind of say to that person?

Josefine  16:39

So for Instagram, I’m trying to just, first of all, just be me. And I found stories being extremely valuable, because that’s where you can actually talk to your followers and potential customers, and engage with them in another way, both through talking. And some do not feel comfortable talking about their stories. 

But that’s the first very first step, I would say, try to really get comfortable talking about your stories as soon as possible. Because, like things you share with people actually. They’re interested in what you share, like about your life, and it doesn’t need to be something to educate them. And it can actually be something that just happened during the day…

Misbah Haque  17:33

Don’t you feel like that’s an element that’s partly why podcasting is right? It’s longer, it’s not 15 seconds, but it’s like, you can bring that same energy or that vibe to it. So that’s where I think you also have some good practice, I guess, at just being on camera and kind of getting into that zone of like, hey, I’m here. This is what I’m doing. Hey, we’re about to step on stage. Hey, I’m doing my training session. So you would say stories if you were to invest a lot of time into like, you had one out? An hour a day to spend on Instagram? Where would you do it? Work on your stories?

Josefine  18:14

I wouldn’t say that. That’s an important part of it. Because if you have these intimate, like, if you have followers, they are going to go watch your stories. And like that’s the people that know you and with the stories, you’ll also build, like, and trust. So that is really important.

Misbah Haque  18:37

I was just gonna say what you like because Instagram is a great way to get to know you. Then now that you have a podcast, it’s like YouTube, right? That’s another thing your YouTube has like you’re at Crossing 100 subscribers. Which is amazing, like, so hard to grow on YouTube. For people who are listening who don’t have it’s so much harder. So it’s kind of like the numbers are different. 100 is equivalent to like 1000 or 5000 or something. 

Like on Instagram because so anyways, like you started when you started you were at like 20 or something like that. And I’ve watched you. It’s always interesting to watch that grow. And aside from the podcast, you are also using shorts and doing other stuff. You’re more you post what every day or something like that on store shorts.

Josefine  19:38

Yeah, exactly. 

Misbah Haque  19:41

So how do you repurpose a lot of that? Do you like what you’re doing on Instagram stories or something reels that go on your shorts?

Josefine  19:52

That’s what I do. Because that’s being like you. You have to repurpose, because coming up with content all the time, it’s really draining, honestly. Even like on Instagram, that’s what I was gonna say, I tried to keep posts simple and not overcomplicate them, you always kind of like, at first, I was thinking to myself that everything had to be perfect there as well. I had to come up with this super perfect content each day.

But if you try to be perfect, it’s not going to help them first of all. And then I think the more real you are there as well, the more YOU, YOU ARE, the better like the more people will engage and like the content that you share. But so yeah, I do repurpose a lot from Instagram over to YouTube shorts and YouTube shorts. I usually actually plan a week or so ahead, just not so I don’t have to post them every day and actually schedule them out for the week and then. 

Misbah Haque  20:58

You’re so ahead with how many episodes you’ve got recorded, which is a great place to be, by the way, that’s like the dream where you’re like, if I don’t record this week, or something like I’m not screwed, there are still plenty of episodes in the tank? How do you manage that, because you do have very busy periods where hey, a week up to a show, two weeks up to a show, like after the show, it’s a whole, you’re traveling. 

That’s another thing we were setting you up with, I think in the beginning is like equipment and setups pretty resilient to travel and being able to do it from wherever. So how do you I guess,   how do you what’s your overall recording flow or process like in your mind where… I’m going to record an episode when I think of the idea, or I write it out first, how do you like to approach it? Because there’s no right or wrong, but what’s your preference?

Josefine  22:02

If I come up with topics, and I don’t have time to record it right away, I do write them down. And that was your suggestion, which was great. Because I have a document where I do put all my ideas about topics that I do want to talk about. But if I really get into the zone, I’m trying to, if I don’t have time, I don’t have time, but if I know that I even have, 15 or 20 minutes, and I really, like I have a really good idea. And I feel like I’m gonna be in a good flow when I talk, then I definitely prioritize recording it right away. And those episodes, when I do that I usually don’t prepare before I just like talk, every day and actually schedule them out for the week and then.

Misbah Haque  22:44

That’s another thing I think is cool is like you’re building that skill of being able to do that, because that’s a skill in and of itself, is to snap into kind of gear, basically connect your mind in your mouth, right. So it’s like, whatever is kind of happening here is like directly coming out. And it’s, it’s, it’s how you want it to be said, like that’s a peak level of being able to express ideas and a true skill set that if you get good at that, on podcasts and stuff, you’ll be good at that on camera on stories and all that stuff. So I think it’s really cool that you take that strategy, because it makes it less stressful. Like I think IF listeners have been kind of following along, what we’ve done is remove all the obstacles from day one, or as early on as possible. 

So walk me through that a little bit because podcasts are a little different than Instagram and other mediums like that, where you get a quick reward of, I made the thing I posted the thing and people like it, they commented they shared or whatever. With podcasts, it’s like it’s more of like you’re working on an album or something, you’re putting it together, you’re writing the music, the lyrics, you’re in the studio then you’re editing and producing it. You have collaborations, you have people coming on your track, other rap artists, and then it’s a thing it’s, go check it out on Spotify. 

So how did you I guess sustain because it’s tough before? I think it’s like a true thing in Spotify and Apple where people can listen, where you don’t see it fully being a real thing but there’s still plenty of work as you remember to do before it’s even a thing. So how did you, I guess, like, keep yourself motivated during that time frame? When you’re just cranking away, you’re putting in the reps, you’re recording? How do you kind of stay focused on that?

Josefine  25:18

So something I want to add before as well is that the skill of just talking, as we said, I have not been comfortable and even more like, I guess so because I second guess myself just because I’m Swedish. And because of my accent, and all that. So it’s something that I find really valuable and which I’ve gained during this process with you and creating the podcast. So I’m super happy about that.  

Misbah Haque  25:53

So real quick, I think that’s another thing to not gloss over. Because it’s like, that’s what makes all of this so much more powerful, is your ability to show up and just be like, I’m just gonna do it. I’m just gonna record. If I fumble, you give people a heads up, that was something you were nervous about, I think. Before starting that was like, I don’t know, will it be like, I’m sure all the fears that come up with, you overthinking it, or being self-conscious when talking? Like, that’s a huge thing to overcome with each episode and show up as you are? I think that makes every other element of what we talked about a lot more powerful to give people context. But sorry, continue with what you’re saying.

Josefine  26:36

So what I was gonna say about, like, staying motivated and first of all, when I got into the flow of it, I just found it so fun. And then sharing my experience, my fitness journey, and the competitions and also bringing on guests who could share some like all their health journey and whatever they have going on in their life. But like a key part, I must say That’s like having you because like, you’re the accountability partner, just as people need a coach and fitness, you’ve been like, the accountability partner, for me. So I actually, like to keep creating episodes, if I was gonna do all this on my own. I honestly don’t know, I think I would have all the episodes in the folder, like just right there and not…

Misbah Haque  27:33

Which is still nice to have, but to have the raw content sitting. But I know what you mean. And I am so glad that I’ve gotten to help bridge that technical gap, because that’s what it mainly was. It’s like you need a setup to be able to show up and record that’s a big barrier for some people. What do I have to do to get so many options on Amazon? 

And then it’s like, you need a way to edit, and unlike who’s going to do it? Or are you going to learn it? What’s the basic part of that? And once you solve those two problems, it’s kind of smooth sailing from there. Like the setup is the hardest part. And then you’re just like, now you record like, it’s no issue, you have an idea. And there are more and more episodes in that folder that are popping up.

Josefine  28:23

Also like the part were not putting too much pressure on yourself when you’re recording and just like, seeing it as something fun and keeping it simple. That’s something I’m trying to do with everything now. Because like if you overcomplicate things, that’s when you start to procrastinate.

Misbah Haque  28:42

Have you had any moments because I always wonder about that? I’ve had moments with podcasts I listened to that have really just stuck with me, whether they’re quotes from it, or an idea discussed a certain way, what I mean? You hear it at the right time, and it’s just like the same as maybe you’re watching a YouTube video or a movie or and consuming a book or something. But for whatever reason, podcasts have always stood out to me in that way, because people seem to get deeper, they’re a little bit more human, where it’s like, hey, I’m not perfect. 

Like this is not gonna be that gray. Like you hear even really, people you have on a pedestal who feel that way when they’re behind a microphone. You’re like, your guard is down a little bit. So there’s a human quality to it. I think that people bring purely on audio I think the most and then on video two on video. I think you’re still a little bit self-conscious or like you’re Yeah, sometimes like, I’m being observed, but like the combination of the two people are really getting comfortable like exploring deeper topics like a lot of these things. I can imagine someone would post on Instagram… share a story. Like it just did. Maybe good. But it doesn’t. What do you think it is? Because you have experience with Instagram, it doesn’t fit the format.

Josefine  30:10

I guess like, for example, in a story, the story is only like a minute. So you don’t really have the time to share all that and otherwise, you need to do something like an IG TV or live I guess. But also with the live version, you can post it but it’s not really the same. There’s like, as you say, it’s like a deeper level to podcasts. The thing is also like with Instagram, if you do an IG TV say, or if you do a live show and you post it as a post, it’s going to disappear pretty quickly. But I feel like podcasts, if people find you, and they will like it if they start to listen to one episode, they will go back to your first step. I’ve done that with some of the people that I’ve listened to.

Misbah Haque  30:58

All the time. That’s how I watch movies and shows and like everything. That is such a huge point you mentioned because like, the timelessness, you’re right. It’s the same stuff, right? So this is where I think, you’re probably doing it in some way. But there are always opportunities when you talk about repurposing that we can all do where you stumble across great ideas in your pod, and then now you’ve got raw content of you and your zone you’re happy with. And whether it’s a clip or a quote card, or you did a life on that same topic, but this is your take, too. So you’re clear. 

How your ideas maybe a little bit. I don’t know, they’re great. If you feel good about it for Instagram Live, or whatever it might be. That does stick on your profile. But there is a lifespan to it. How far is someone gonna scroll back and not just how far is someone gonna scroll back? I like when someone likes stuff from three years ago, it can be creepy, right? If you’d like to monitor stuff, right? So that’s something you have to keep in mind is, you’re not going to receive genuine someone’s really interest like, people are passively consuming it and appreciating it. And sometimes it will come later on in the form of reviews or people reaching out on your stories or messages and DMS. Have you had any encounters where whether it’s feedback or like from others or yourself around like, oh my gosh, love this episode? Love this show. This made me think about this. Because that’s always cool to get. So I don’t know if I have your or you’re anybody. 

Josefine  32:50

So I actually saw like the first view, which was like, solo episodes, and about me and my fitness journey, a lot of people reached out that they could really relate. I actually also got some comments that they like my solo episodes better than, my guest episodes. Not I didn’t like them. But they actually like the solo episodes which made me happy because I was kind of nervous about them.

Misbah Haque  33:17

And that’s so validating because it’s like, so much easier to do. So funner in some ways in terms of like what you can you have just so much creative freedom but that is such a valuable thing and just analyzing, like, the behavior of how we consume content and what we’re drawn to, back in 10 years ago, that wasn’t a thing and podcast, it was all guest stuff. Solo episodes were kind of, you’re really like, testing the waters. That’s really hard. Now it’s like, it’s a format where people like it might take longer, I think you’re in a great position where, like, people are connecting with it, right? All the combinations are working correctly, where they’re connecting with it. 

But it wasn’t abnormal a couple of years ago, where, hey, it might take longer for your solar episode solo episodes to get traction, right. People might come in for the guests and all that stuff if you’re heavy in that, but then like, in the long run, people want more of the solo episodes. I’ve heard that you suffer from several different people who have shows and that’s always fascinating to me because that means that the person wants to connect with you, not just like the other people, the famous people you have or whatever, right? Which is really powerful. 

Josefine  34:43

It really is and that’s like going back to what we talked about like that’s what I think is so different with a podcast because you get that whom human connection on a deeper level, as you say because you can actually get to know the person because as you say, these things, you’re not really going to share them on, like you kind of share them briefly on Instagram, I guess just because it is such a short lifespan of both pot posts and stories. And like the podcast, it will be there and you will see the episodes are longer. And you’ll get to know the person more.

Misbah Haque  35:24

Do you remember a moment because I have a lot where, and you’re the one the feedback you’re mentioning that you got from your listeners, indicates the same thing, which is like, Hey, I kind of felt like someone said, what I was thinking, I heard someone say it in the way that my brain was feeling it or experiencing it, or the way they shared it.  I can see myself in that a little bit the same way when we watch a movie or a TV show. You empathize with the characters. You’re like, I can feel that pain, even though I’m not in that situation. 

So that is something really from a story perspective, or just the nature of it, how casual it is, and how it becomes a kind of like a conversation. Um, have you had a moment that was impactful were for yourself, you listened to a podcast, and it made a light bulb go off in your brain, or it was something that stuck with you or still sticks with you today, or you binge-watched all the episodes and you became a lifelong fan? Tell us about a moment or an experience that was really big for you, I guess, with podcasts in that way.

Josefine  36:40

Definitely. I think I have to go back to when I first started to listen to podcasts. And that was like 2014 Maybe and it was Lewis house. So why is that like such an important moment? And why it sticks out so much is because that was like the time when I started to think about moving to the US from Sweden. And that was like I was living in a small town. 

So it was such a huge step. But listening to him and the guests that he had on was like because they were talking about like, how it was, it was kind of like how to read the School of Greatness. It was everything related to how to live a great life kinda. So I guess it just pushed me out of my comfort zone there as well to just go after what I really wanted to do in my life. And I also at the same time was struggling with an autoimmune disease that wasn’t diagnosed. So something was wrong with me, but I didn’t know what it was. But listening to this podcast kind of helped me to keep going. And actually not give up I feel like.

Misbah Haque  37:59

Was it for you? Because he did a lot of solo episodes. And he’s someone who’s a real pioneer in that way where he did a mix of guest and solo, heavy guest and interview style ones but like he was someone who regularly showed up and just did short five, seven-minute check-ins. And I know what you mean when you’re struggling to hear a little pep talk like that from somebody you connect with or you’re like they’re on the same wavelength as I am powerful for you. Was it those types of episodes? Or was it guests they had on and, and stories you heard? What was it within the content sometimes that moved you.

Josefine  38:40

I think it was definitely a mix of both his solo episodes, and he’s like, the guest episodes, because in the guest episodes, you get to earn a little bit more and you got like from the guest that was on, but in his episodes, it was more about like this, just keep going and like as I remember the least like and go after your like dreams and goals like everything is possible as long as you work for it kind of like vibe.

Misbah Haque  39:12

I love that. And isn’t that cool? Like I am because that episode may have sparked that it may not be responsible for all of it, but it may have had 20% 25% weight, this is the next thing. You’re scared of it or you’re unsure and it just moved you to do the next thing in your life. So that’s really powerful because like, think about the type of change or action that you would want to create, like I guess, through Instagram or any medium coaches and trainers and all of us use it’s like, we have great stuff and we know it will help people we want people to use it and listen to it and act on it in some way. 

If it’s not exactly it, like, it’d be cool if it’s what we’re putting out there is appreciated. And if you think about it, too, probably Louis, that is such a valuable story, right? Where it’s like, oh my gosh, like you were sweet. I had no idea he’s in LA, you’re in Sweden at the time, like, total, like, like, Who would think now full circle, right? It’s like, oh, man, you’re in LA, and all this stuff happens. And maybe it was. I don’t know. I’m sure there were a couple of other things. But if you are connected to a show at times, or you hear it at just the right time, based on whatever else is going on for you. That’s what helps and can kind of shine a light on right. So they go after this next thing?

Josefine  40:47

I feel like that really pushed me and got me to move to LA. First, I moved to Stockholm, because I’m from a super small town in Sweden. But first I moved to Stockholm, kept listening to his podcast, and I just, like, kept working towards the dream to move to the US. So I feel like that really pushed me.

Misbah Haque  41:08

Do you remember how you found it? Like, how could that’s always a fascinating thing, how people find podcasts because back in the day was especially probably like when you were listening to it a little bit? It’s not everywhere. In terms of Instagram, you’re not hearing about it. It’s like this treasure that you discovered sometimes?

Josefine  41:29

So it’s actually a kind of funny story. So this is how I remember that I found it at least I think so. So I was starting to educate myself within training. And I don’t know if you’ve heard about Les Mills, but these are like those weight workout classes. So I was doing a Les Mills course in body combat. And that instructor for that course. And he was like, listening to this podcast. I don’t know how we started talking about it, but he was like, You should listen. And then I started. 

Misbah Haque  42:07

This was like, I’m like, cuz that’s, I thought you were gonna for one second say like, it came on when the song comes on? Like they’re playing a playlist, usually in the class. Oh, yeah. Even like the podcast came on. You’re like, what’s this? I gotta listen. But it sounds like afterward you like, do you remember not to you may not remember, but like, how did it come up? 

Because it’s one of those things where I’ve heard those stories about my show years later times where I wish I heard it earlier on, because it would have been a little boost in motivation. But like, I hear it years later, where it’s like, Hey, man, I actually,   how I found your show was, my friend was the one who was like, Hey, you should listen to this. And I’m like, I don’t know who your friend is. I’ve never met them. Right. And it’s a cool exchange of stuff that’s happening without you even knowing. So do you remember no pressure to but what was it? That led to Hey, you got to listen to this pod?

Josefine  43:06

I’m trying to remember that. But I think we did discuss personal development because I’ve been big into that for a pretty long time. And that’s, I think that’s how I came up.

Misbah Haque  43:24

Tell me this, cuz I always think about, like, do you associate the show? Lewis house show? Now with that instructor a little bit like, Oh, that was the person who told me about the show. Like, yeah, that still occurs in your mind? Not like you’re still like, it’s years later, or whatever. But like, it still is a thing that I think is cool. Like you give the gift to someone, when you give them a really good book, or a really good podcast, or a really good YouTube thing or whatever, because you didn’t even have to write it or put in any of the work. You just like, I think I know what you like. And I think you’re gonna really love this. And that’s always a fun thing as a fan, when you love a show to be able to give to somebody, hey, this is not everybody would like it’s not something that podcasts to me aren’t something sometimes that people blast on, like, show their social status hey, check out this pod, like people do that, right? 

But not all the time. It’s kind of sometimes a private listening journey of like, oh, this is my playlist of stuff that I like to listen to, and you, you can really have this. You don’t realize, I guess the change that is happening sometimes on the other end, but it makes sense, right? Because it’s like, well, if somebody is listening to you for 30 minutes an hour, like that’s a lot of times especially when you flip back to Instagram and we’re talking six seconds at a time, 15 seconds at a time, like, whatever you’re, you’re like somebody who actually tuned in, it might be less it is less than maybe Instagram numbers or whatever metrics you would compare it to. 

But I wonder, But in the long run, it’s always fascinating to see the trust that people have in the connection you have with people. When, let’s say some of those listeners actually become clients, or they become collaborators in some way, some of them reach out to the sponsors, you really never know who is listening on the other side. And those experiences are always fun, like, you’re going to continue to have them. But tell me, tell me this, when you think about what keeps you going with the podcast for you? It wasn’t initially I think, just like, there’s something different where you were you You knew this was a thing of vision that you and that we would take time to build, and it was this thing, but like, it’s not the same thing as maybe, hey, let me start doing Facebook ads. Let me start doing a new Instagram. 

Let me start this channel like a tiktok or whatever. Like, you knew, like, there wasn’t like, okay, overnight now, like I’m getting coaching clients all day, every day, from like this one episode that blew up, you knew it’s like, Hey, this is a steady game I’m playing. What did what for you was kind of because there has to be a stronger, intrinsic motivator if you’re doing it. Yeah. And that’s what usually weeds out people with podcasts is like, they want the quick flip of like, Okay, how much can I make from it right now? And it’s like, well, just like anything really, like people do that with Instagram. I mean, yeah, it’s not gonna happen overnight. But what kind of help you, I guess, move through that approach or still be like, Wow, this is like, what really matters to me with this thing.

Josefine  47:11

Honestly, it’s just because I want to help as many people as possible. And that’s like, something that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. And this is a way of sharing own stories and personal struggles or, experiences over time. And like, like, I feel like it’s, as we talked about, like, it’s a good, like, way of like, connecting with people on a deeper level. So I just like, so that part would just like wanting to really like to help and motivate and inspire as many people as I can, and reach more people, but also share, like whatever I do, what happens in my life, like how I feel? And then yeah, just be like real? Like I yeah, I just find it fun to share my experiences with the world.

Misbah Haque  48:12

And I think I said this to you and it sounds like that’s a little bit what I’m hearing. Podcasting allows you to be this like you can be as you want, and you are rewarded for it. It’s not like on some platforms like Facebook, right? If you are as you want, the platform is not really rewarding that you’re going to get blown up in the comments, people are trolling it, like your family will get involved in arguments and Sue, it has the potential for that, but podcasts are like, hey, what movies do you like, what do you what snacks do you eat? Like, what is your cheat foods? 

What do you do, like little things that you said in the stories that people like just kind of getting to know about your life? A podcast is that in some way to bridge the gap? Between let’s say, like, when you are you’ve got the coaching application, right? So if people are interested in coaching, they go there on your website, they fill it out a lot of times because I guess you are so active and stuff on Instagram like our for you is it really like everything is kind of DMS and stories and then it’s the coaching application. What have you found for yourself? What’s the flow that you kind of? Or what’s the flow for your funnel? That kind of works for you?

Josefine  49:37

I would say either like Instagram, as you say, and DMS, or like referrals, that’s like a huge part as well like and really building like the connection with each and every client that you have, because then they will refer you or like people will see that you really care and but yeah, a lot of comes from Instagram and DMS, I would say.

Misbah Haque  50:02

Nice. That’s very cool. And I’m excited to hear more as we kind of does another episode at some point where we, I think check-in, and we get to kind of be like, Okay, what happened since last time? And yeah, things like that, because there are so many ways that it’s been fun to chat today and learn from you in terms of like, Where were you at? What helps you kind of get over some of these humps? When it comes to just doing it just get started? 

Easier said than done. But what did it take? What would you leave people with? I guess what would you say to someone who is kind of still on the fence about working with us, or just getting to explore entertaining the idea of podcasting being a part of their content creation and kind of like, a staple in their long term plan? What would you say to that person? Any parting words?

Josefine  51:03

So first of all, if you think about it, you should do it. Because you just have to be you, and how to be you. So that’s the first step, I would say. And the second step is to get help, because you can’t do everything. If you want to grow your business, you can’t do everything on your own. Like, that’s something I realized, I’ve been trying to do everything on my own. But like, you can, if you want to, like to grow, and some things you don’t think is that fun? Or it doesn’t come easy to you. So don’t do it. Like do the parts that you like, no, and like the good app, and then get help for the rest. So that’s like, I’m so thankful for you and for you helping me start this podcast.

Misbah Haque  51:54

What made you choose cuz there’s so much out there, right. Like there are, there’s free courses, there’s cheaper courses, there’s paid expensive courses, there’s coaching,there’s done for you stuff like people on Fiverr What are you made, what made you choose, Pod Mahal and me and our team as kind of the people in your corner, I guess, versus the millions of other choices that you have out there.

Josefine  52:26

So first of all, like I really feel that I connected so well with you, you’re such an amazing person. And like that is really important to me, because you need to know that you can trust the person you work with and like that I felt right away that we kind of like connected and I knew you were going to be able to help me and that’s like something really valuable for me and I knew that you had like some background and like and I knew that you had been working with some people that I know from Instagram, like Marcus Filly, for example. And I knew that you knew what you were talking about. I felt that right away when we started chatting so just like all those pieces asked for, the know like and trust aspect I would say and like just getting a course wouldn’t help me I need this part one on one person more of a personal experience.

Misbah Haque  53:31

Totally and that makes sense. It’s one of those, it’s always good to see what’s the consumer behavior for? Like how do we choose people and select who’s on our team and Chief of Staff right versus like How do other people do that with us so that’s very valuable for me to hear thanks for sharing that I think the other thing I’m curious about is like when because I did I reached out to you write it you didn’t really know me before that and so what kind of the know like trust thing for you? You mentioned a couple of those but what were really the facts like some of the factors that made you go okay like this is this could be real this is something to take seriously I’d like to learn more about it. What is the thing that whether it’s checked your Instagram or I checked your website, we some people Google you, right? What was your kind of vetting process?

Josefine  54:42

Honestly, I think it was actually just like the call and that I could really connect with the podcast that we liked. And we talked about that and talked about Marcus, Filly and we have like so many similarities kind of and that’s also feel important that you can understand each other on a deeper level through that. But also, I could feel that you cared, you really cared about this and you really wanted to help me like, you can kind of sense that over a call as well, if what I mean. If you’re on a call and someone just wants to sell you something in order to make quick money, or if someone actually cares. So those are like the two main things that I would say. So it was just like, how did you approach me over the phone? And like it on Facebook as well.

Misbah Haque  55:37

I love that. And it’s so funny, right? It’s one of those things where that stuff, it’s you it does shine through whether it’s a little bit more fake, or whether it feels real, and you’re like, there might be something more to it. So it’s really cool that you had that experience and for you to share that. Thank you. I just said, so like, this is so valuable, I think for anyone listening, because that’s might I encourage people to look out for is like what makes you buy the meal that you did today, what made you choose the person you followed today, those are all ways you can kind of if you are creating or you’re having trouble with it, or you’re trying to take it to another level, that all informs your own process. So I like this, I don’t like this, I like this vibe. I hate that vibe. That’s all good stuff. So thank you for bouncing a lot of this stuff around with me and sharing kind of your experience so far. Is there anything you’d like to leave people with before we sign off?

Josefine  56:42

No, just what I said before, like, if you think about doing something, just do it and try it out. It’s definitely worth it. And even more like podcasts.

Misbah Haque  56:53

What’s the worst? I guess that could happen with a podcast, I don’t know what the fears are like, it could be some of what we talked about today. Or like, hey, nobody will listen, or you might not want to do it anymore. It’s kind of like it’s a little bit easier to leave than an Instagram right where you’re like I’ve made a new Instagram. And now I’ve got to feed this wheel every day. So try it out, do it. And here’s the other thing, actually, now that I’m thinking about it, you don’t even have to publish it. 

You could record the episodes, and then try it out, like that, you can edit, whether it’s you or somebody else like you or you can take it. I’ve done this several times where you record an episode a couple of times. You’re like I didn’t like that one. Or I said that was weird. Or let me just take another shot at it and the second one is better. So I love that. Just try, just do it. And if you need help, reach out to us at podmahal.com. And Josefine where can we follow you and your stuff? And when you’re up to. I’d love to share that with people.

Josefine  58:01

So if you want to follow my Instagram it is @iamjosefineholmberg. And then if you want to check out more about me and my coaching business and all that it’s Josefinefitness.com. And thanks to you guys. It looks amazing.

Misbah Haque  58:19

I’m glad you like it. Thanks for trusting us with it was the first Swedish website that we did. There’s Swedish for people. Anybody who’s read English, there’s also an English version to check that out. I’m so glad that stuff is up for you. It’s all cranking, it looks great. Thank you so much again, Josefine for coming on. We’re gonna definitely have you back in the future. But until then, I’ll see you next time.

Josefine  58:48

Thank you so much for having me on. And thanks for helping me to start this podcast.