Social Media Strategy 101
Why this episode matters
Most creators say they want a strategy but don’t actually know what that means. Today’s podcast episode breaks down how to think about social media before you worry about growth, trends, or monetization.
What is covered
Who this episode is for
Bottom line
This isn’t about hacks or algorithms. It’s about building a strategy you can actually stick with and enjoy.
Need more help? Join the Muthership Creator Studio and learn, level up and make your efforts amount to something meaningful!
JOIN HERE: https://muthership.mn.co/
In this week’s podcast, I break down how to create social media habits that actually stick — inspired by Atomic Habits and adapted specifically for content creators.
We’re talking:
Why “trying harder” is the wrong strategy
How to make content creation feel almost automatic
The tiny shifts that remove friction and eliminate burnout
How consistency gets easier when the effort gets smaller
If posting feels overwhelming, or dependent on “being in the mood”… this episode will change how you think about content.
Want help putting this into practice?
The New Year Content Challenge is underway right now inside the Muthership Creator Studio.
✔️ Daily prompts
✔️ Weekly content plans
✔️ Accountability + support
✔️ Weekly meetings with me to ask questions
Use code NEWYEAR10 for $10 off your first month.
👉 Join us here: https://muthership.mn.co
Recording & Editing Tips Every Creator Should Know
In this episode, Helen shares practical filming and editing tips drawn from decades in professional production—simplified for today’s content creators.
What you’ll learn:
Plus, Helen shares two unsponsored favorites and encourages creators to head into the New Year with confidence, creativity, and a focus on making content that feels good to make.
On Camera Confidence!
In this holiday-themed episode, Helen shares honest, encouraging guidance for creators who struggle with confidence on camera—especially those who feel awkward, intimidated, or frozen when they hit record.
You’ll hear real talk about pushing through discomfort, releasing expectations around views, and why confidence is built through practice—not perfection. Helen also shares a meaningful Unsponsored By spotlight on Alec’s Gift Baskets, a purpose-driven business supporting people with disabilities, veterans, and second-chance employment.
FIND ALEC'S GIFT BASKETS HERE: https://www.alecsgiftbaskets.com/
In this episode, we cover:
This episode is a reminder that confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build, one imperfect video at a time.
✨ Happy holidays, and get ready to step into the new year with clarity, courage, and creative momentum.
🎙️ Podcast Outline — Why You’re Not Growing on Social Media
INTRO
MAIN TOPICS COVERED
1. The Real Reason Growth Stalls
2. What Big Brands Actually Look For
3. Influencers vs. Creators Today
4. Value: The Most Important Ingredient
5. Flip the Script: Ask Yourself the Big Question
6. Trust Takes Time — And It’s Worth It
7. Play the Long Game
8. Holiday Challenge Reminder
JOIN US HERE and use HOLIDAY10 for $10 off your first month!
This week on the podcast, we’re talking about one of my favorite topics:
How to transition from being a content consumer to a content creator.
If you’ve ever felt the nudge to start posting—or you're already creating but want to rethink your approach—this episode will give you a fresh perspective. It’s also a perfect one to share with someone who’s just getting started and isn’t sure where to begin.
Here’s what we get into:
It's a simple framework, but a powerful one—and it’s exactly what I wish every new creator understood before posting their first video.
Feel free to reply or comment with your questions—I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
🚫 The “bad advice” episode:
I’m breaking down the most common pieces of social media advice that need to go — and why they’re messing with your head more than helping your content.
⚠️ How fake “rules” spread: Why fear-based, clickbait-y tips (“you’ll get shadowbanned if…”) travel so fast — and how to spot creators who are optimizing for their views, not your growth.
❤️ Spam-liking, shadowbans & other myths: What actually happens when you like a bunch of videos, and the real line between normal behavior and “bot” behavior.
💬 “Engage from the bottom up” & other fake hacks: Why tricks like this only boost the creator who said it — and do absolutely nothing magical for your own account.
👀 Should you only follow people in your niche? I explain how that advice quietly turns you into a copycat, fuels comparison, and limits your creativity.
🎵 “Use this audio to go viral”: The truth about trending sounds, why they can sometimes help, and why anyone promising virality is… let’s just say, stretching it.
🧠 Red-flag language to watch for: Why “always,” “never,” and “guaranteed” are your cue to be skeptical — and how I personally fact-check advice before I believe it.
📈 What actually works long-term: The unsexy but real stuff — consistency, clearer storytelling, better pacing, authentic energy, experimenting, and focusing on impact over viral hits.
These are the kinds of things we dig into in this episode, so if you’ve ever felt confused or discouraged by conflicting social media advice, this one will feel like a big exhale. 🎧📺
Join the studio and learn to create better content:
https://socialize-studio.mn.co
Why Branding Matters in Your Personal Brand
Welcome to the first episode of the newly branded Muthership Creator Strategy podcast! 🎉
It feels perfectly fitting that we’re kicking things off with an episode all about—what else?—branding.
In this debut rebranded episode, Helen breaks down one of the most misunderstood parts of being a creator: your personal brand. And spoiler—it's not about logos, color palettes, or fancy visuals. It’s about the feeling you give people every time they land on your content.
Helen shares how she unintentionally became a brand long before she ever named it, why even small posting choices can shift how others perceive you, and how staying true to who you are online helps your audience instantly recognize your “vibe.” From defining your brand through your personality, tone, mission, and style, to understanding how consistency builds trust, this episode is a grounded, personal look at what branding actually means for creators.
She also opens up about her own evolution—from baking videos to tutorials to the full-circle moment when everything from the studio to the newsletter naturally gravitated back to “The Muthership.” It’s a candid conversation about ego, humility, clarity, and letting your brand grow with you instead of forcing it into a box.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
If you’ve ever felt scattered, off-brand, or unsure how to define your creator identity, this first episode will help you find clarity and confidence—while staying true to yourself.
Tune in and welcome to the new era of the Muthership!
Episode Overview
Rebrand Updates
Unsponsored By Picks
3. Main Topic: Content Strategy Basics From This Week’s Audits
Key Things Creators Must Clarify:
Quality reminders:
Closing
🎙️ Why Every Creator Should Learn Transitions (Even If You’re Not in Fashion or Beauty)
🧴 Unsponsored By
Remembrin Daily Cleanse Deep Body Wash
Helen shares her hilarious discovery of this “anti–old person smell” body wash after seeing a viral video about “old man smell” and learning that persimmon can help neutralize it. The verdict? She loves it — and it’s officially Julie-approved. Slightly exfoliating, fresh-smelling, and now stocked in every shower she owns (plus one for her mom, who doesn’t yet know the “real” reason she’s getting it!).
📰 Big Announcement
Helen reveals the upcoming brand consolidation and rebrand:
🎬 Main Topic
5 Reasons Every Creator Should Learn Transitions — No Matter Your Niche
1. They’re Scroll-Stopping.
Eye-catching, fast edits grab attention in the first two seconds — crucial for any creator on TikTok, Reels, or Shorts.
2. They Level You Up.
Even a simple, well-executed transition instantly makes you look like a more advanced creator — regardless of your niche.
3. They Spark Creativity.
Transitions force you to think differently: how to tell a story visually, connect clips creatively, and make vlogs or product videos more dynamic.
4. They Keep You Sharp.
Learning new editing skills keeps your brain active, your content fresh, and your workflow efficient — no matter your age.
5. They Build Loyalty + Support.
Showing your creative journey (even imperfectly) inspires your audience, builds community, and encourages engagement.
💡 Helen’s Takeaway
“Transitions aren’t just for beauty influencers or fashion creators — they’re for everyone. They make your content stronger, sharper, and more engaging. So love the player, love the game.”
🚀 Challenge of the Month
Join the Transition Challenge HERE: https://stan.store/themuthership
Week one is wrapping up, but it’s not too late to jump in.
🎟️ Use code TRANSITION10 for $10 off your first month in the Muthership Creator Studio.
Catch the replay of the first live session and start mastering your transition skills today.
👉 And hey — if you already know your transitions, gift the Studio to a creator friend this holiday season!
🧡 Episode Overview
Helen’s back (a little hoarse but always showing up!) with her latest Unsponsored By discoveries and a deep-dive on how to run great group Lives on TikTok — from planning to moderating to managing guests with grace.
💄 Unsponsored By: Lip Finds of the Week
🎥 Main Topic: Group Lives Etiquette & Strategy
1. Hosting Your Live
2. Moderators & Boundaries
3. Setting Expectations for Your Community
4. Viewer & Guest Etiquette
5. Managing Drama & Protecting Energy
🌟 Helen’s Takeaway
Whether you’re the host or a guest, a Live should feel like a friendly dinner party — not a free-for-all. Set expectations, stay gracious, and remember: good boundaries make good broadcasts.
Episode Title: Batch Creating Content: What Works (and What Doesn’t)
🗓️ Episode Summary
Helen is back from her travels and diving right into one of the most talked-about topics inside The Muthership Studio this month — batch creating content. In this episode, she shares her honest experience of batch creating tutorials before her trip, what she learned about the process, and why it’s both a powerful tool and a mental shift for creators.
She also kicks things off with a hilarious “Unsponsored By” segment featuring her travel deodorant saga — proving that even something as simple as deodorant can teach us about consistency, flexibility, and having a good backup plan.
💡 Key Takeaways
1. Why Batch Creating Matters
Batch creating can save your sanity during busy periods or travel.
It’s especially helpful for creators with a consistent niche or tutorial-based content.
Think of it as “content insurance” — your rhythm stays intact even when life gets hectic.
2. The Emotional Disconnect
Helen admits that batch creating made her feel a bit disconnected from her content — it didn’t feel fresh when posting later.
The lesson: it’s okay if batch-created content feels less spontaneous; the audience doesn’t notice — but you might.
Her sweet spot? About a week’s worth of content at a time, not two.
3. How to Do It Efficiently
Plan 4–5 videos in one shoot, especially if they follow a theme or tutorial style.
Don’t overcomplicate wardrobe changes — no one’s tracking your shirt!
Caption and save your videos to drafts so all you have to do later is hit “Post.”
4. Customize for Your Niche
Creators with structured content (like tutorials or coaching) benefit most from batching.
“In-between” content — trends, behind-the-scenes, spontaneous posts — can stay flexible.
Example: If you’re a relationship coach, plan a mix of speaking videos, trends, and voiceovers on your main topics.
5. Scheduling vs. Drafts
Helen prefers drafts for TikTok and Instagram, since she’s active daily.
For YouTube, she uses the scheduler — perfect for longer-form uploads that aren’t part of her daily rhythm.
🗂️ Muthership Studio Strategy Spotlight
Inside the Socialize Studio, Juli shares a practical batch creation planning method:
Make a list of your upcoming posts by day of the week.
Decide what type of video fits each slot (tutorial, trend, voiceover, etc.).
Keep your strategy visible — it keeps you accountable and creative.
🎬 What’s Coming Up
Helen teases next month’s Studio theme: Transitions!
It’s a topic she didn’t want to miss during her trip, so it’s rolling into November — expect tutorials, examples, and creative challenges designed to level up your editing skills.
JOIN HERE: https://socialize-studio.mn.co
✈️ Opening Notes
Helen kicks off this episode laughing at herself because she’s deep in batch creation mode!
Yes, this episode was recorded on the same day as last week’s, and she didn’t even change her shirt (she’s airport-ready, okay?). But as she explains, the reason she shares that is to teach transparency: your audience never has to know when or how you batch create, but learning how to do it efficiently is a game changer for content creators.
💛 Unsponsored By: Skinnytaste – High Protein Cookbook
Helen gives a heartfelt shout-out to her friend and inspiration Gina Homolka, the creator behind Skinnytaste.
Gina started as a blogger while working a full-time job, built a massive community, and now continues to evolve with each cookbook release - her latest being The Skinnytaste High Protein Cookbook.
Helen shares a sweet story about receiving an unexpected PR package from Gina (complete with a scale and water bottle), and how she once spotted Gina on a magazine cover at the grocery store!
Takeaway: Support other creators who uplift others in their space. Gina’s success is built on generosity, authenticity, and adaptability which are traits every creator can learn from.
🎬 Main Topic: 7 Tips for Better Lip Sync Videos
💡 Pro Tip:
If you want to improve your on-camera confidence and timing, lip syncing is a fantastic training tool. It sharpens your sense of rhythm, body awareness, and delivery. These are skills that translate directly into talking videos.
🎯 Creator Challenge:
Try a lip sync this week!
Pick an audio that makes you smile or tells a story and tag @themuthership so Helen can come give you some love.
🎙️ The Social Media Strategy Podcast — “What Not to Do on Social Media”
Episode Summary:
In this energetic and laughter-filled episode, Helen (aka The Muthership) records just before jetting off to Greece! 🌍✈️ She dives into a passionate and practical list of “what not to do” on social media — straight from her creator heart and years of experience coaching others through content strategy. From avoiding loud music and over-edited videos to skipping that “Hi guys!” intro, this episode is full of teachable (and hilarious) moments for creators of all levels.
🏖️ Opening: Batch Creating Before Greece
Helen kicks things off with excitement — by the time you’re hearing this, she’s in Athens beginning a 12-day Greek Islands adventure! She’s prepped tons of tutorials ahead of time thanks to batch creating, the current theme inside Socialize Studio. This month’s studio sessions are focused on planning smarter, not harder, and next week’s session will even be led by her daughter Juli, who’s a pro at analytics and content strategy.
👉 If you haven’t joined the Studio yet… now’s the time!
JOIN US HERE!
💄 Unsponsored By: BeautyStat Skincare
This week’s Unsponsored By segment spotlights a brand Helen genuinely loves — BeautyStat, founded by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson (@roncosmeticchemist on Tiktok) From the balancing cleanser to the wrinkle-relaxing moisturizer and new vitamin C lip serum (with that perfect citrus scent 🍊), Helen gushes about how much she loves the ingredients, packaging, and lightweight travel-friendly design — all coming with her to Greece.
🧴 Verdict: 10/10 recommend.
🚫 Main Topic: What Not to Do on Social Media
Helen’s “rant-with-love” list of creator don’ts is equal parts practical and relatable. Here are the highlights:
💡 Key Takeaway
This episode is a reminder that good content isn’t just about what you do — it’s about what you avoid doing. Each of these tips helps creators build genuine connection and credibility without falling into common traps.
Today, I’m kicking things off in the Unsponsored By segment with a surprise fashion find (yes, pants!) from Vuori—plus a little lesson in how to actually pronounce the brand. From there, we’re diving into the heart of this episode: why it’s never too late to make a first impression on social media.
Every video you post is someone’s very first encounter with you, and that means you always have a fresh opportunity to connect, stand out, and build trust. I’ll share personal stories (yes, even the pajama-dancing ones), editing tips, and five ways to make your content instantly more impactful.
📝 Episode Notes
👉 SIGN UP HERE FREE for The Style Evolution!
Intro & Unsponsored By
Helen kicks off with her “Unsponsored By” segment, introducing Pistache, an Italian linen brand she recently discovered and loves for its breathable, versatile pieces.
Guest Spotlight
Helen welcomes her friend and colleague Elysha Lenkin, a personal stylist with 30+ years of experience in fashion and TV commercial styling. Elysha helps midlife women show up more powerfully in their lives by aligning style with confidence and attitude.
The FREE Style Evolution Sign up HERE!
Main Discussion – Camera Ready Mindset
· Camera ready is an attitude: Being prepared for opportunities, whether a Zoom call or a surprise video.
· Physical + energy: Clothing choices matter, but so does the confidence and presence they give you.
· Authentic casual vs. sloppy casual: Intentional styling doesn’t have to mean “perfect,” just thoughtful.
Practical Styling Tips
· Creative Brief: Define your go-to colors, styles, and silhouettes that reflect your brand.
· Colors: Choose tones that complement your complexion. Teal is a universally flattering color.
· Patterns: Keep prints simple and non-distracting for video.
· Accessories & Balance: Use the “point system” to guide accessorizing. Avoid overloading; balance statement pieces.
· Belts & Shape: Belts can add shape and polish, even if you’ve avoided them before.
· Test on Camera: Mirrors can be deceiving—always snap a selfie or video test to see how an outfit really plays on screen.
Personal Stories & Lessons
Helen and Elysha share experiences from commercial sets and personal shopping trips, highlighting how intentional styling elevates presence, confidence, and even shifts self-perception.
Event Highlight – The Style Evolution
Elysha introduces her free upcoming virtual event: The Style Evolution.
· Runs October 6–10 with 13 experts across fashion, lifestyle, wellness, photography, and more.
· Daily video interviews (about 25 minutes each) available for 48 hours.
· Includes live Q&As and community discussion in a Facebook group.
SIGN UP for the FREE STYLE EVOLUTION HERE!
Takeaway
Being camera ready is about intention, confidence, and energy. A few mindful choices in clothing and styling can help you show up authentically and powerfully—on social media and in life.
This week, Helen kicks off the episode in true Muthership style—by showing up in a dental lab coat. Why? Because the Unsponsored By products of the week are all about oral care. From toothpaste that changed her life (literally) to the softest toothbrushes on the planet, she shares behind-the-scenes stories from working on Sensodyne and Pronamel shoots—and how those experiences shaped her own daily habits.
But after the laughs and lab coats, Helen gets real. What do you do when social media starts to feel overwhelming, draining, or just plain exhausting? In this episode, she shares strategies (including some from Juli’s newsletter wisdom) for resetting your energy, keeping your content fresh, and protecting your mental health while staying consistent as a creator or small business owner.
🦷 Unsponsored By Products
✨ Main Topic: When Social Media Makes You Spiral
Strategies to reset, refresh, and keep creating:
🌟 Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding balance. Social media is powerful, but it shouldn’t steal your energy or your joy. Whether you reset with a break, try new formats, or lean into community, the key is to keep showing up in a way that feels good for you.
And remember: joining the Studio always guarantees a recharge. Weekly meetings, live lessons, and community conversations will leave you feeling motivated and inspired.
👉 Don’t miss this week’s Saturday meeting at 11AM ET! A special weekend session where we’ll dive into community building and review Instagram Live behind-the-scenes tutorials.
Today's episode dives into editing basics for creators — why keeping things simple, intentional, and well-paced can make your content stronger and more engaging.
Unsponsored By Segment
Editing Tips for Creators
Community Highlights
Final Thought
September Reset + Building Community
Happy September! 🎉 For me, September feels like a mini New Year — a chance to reset, refresh, and get back on track.
In This Episode:
This month is all about growing your own community — join the Studio to learn, share, and celebrate wins together.
Content gear that is not sponsored, but will help you level up your content game!
Click here listen to the full debrief on the scam that took my pride along with 15 hours of my life: https://yourstruly.transistor.fm/episodes/86-did-we-just-get-scammed
Click here to view it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bINNjxirRBE&list=PLlBCxxLwC-ffe2WHY4ckPCoy3-cQ-rSAX
Segment 1: Unsponsored By (Products I Love)
• Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant & Deodorant Cream
o Why it’s different from roll-ons
o Personal story of borrowing another deodorant = never again!
o Not sponsored, just a long-time loyal fan
• Lume Whole Body Deodorant
o Praise for the founder who changed the industry
o Best for people with stronger odor issues
o Applicator options (cream rub-on vs roll-on)
o Prefers unscented
Segment 2: New Tech Find
• Snaply Lens (Screen Mirroring Attachment)
o Clips/suction to back of phone for back-camera filming
o Lets you see yourself framed properly without using front camera
o Why it’s useful for creators
o Not an affiliate link — just a practical tool
Segment 3: Core Gear for Creators
• Tripods
o Sunpak + selfie stick topper → long-time staple:
o SmallRig tripods (different sizes & pros/cons)
White (discontinued), black version still available
Tilt limitations on some models
Bluetooth clicker = convenient
o Ring light + tripod combo (good for selfies, glasses wearers can bounce light off ceiling)
• Microphones
o Started with wired lavalier mic (trustworthy, simple)
o Now using Hollyland Lark M2 wireless mic
Dual transmitters for interviews
Magnetic clips for flexible placement
Works with iPhone, Android, laptop
o Audio tip: always set to mono (not stereo)
• Lighting
o Prefers natural daylight
o If shooting at night: Neewer LED panel (small, adjustable warmth & brightness)
• Extras / Nice-to-Haves
o Stylus (for editing or precision work)
o Screen mirroring tools (like Snaply)
o Stabilizers (recommend Insta360 stabilizer, not DJI Osmo — unreliable in personal experience)
Segment 4: Big Picture Reminder
• You don’t need all the gear to start creating
• Viral content often made with nothing more than a phone
• Gear can support but won’t replace good storytelling & editing skills
• Take small steps: start with one useful item, build up over time
• If you love gear & want to go “all in” at once — that’s okay too!