Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin - Podcast about Podcasting for Podcasters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can your podcast be more than just content? In today’s episode, we’re taking a look behind the curtain into how I’ve turned my podcast into one of my business’s most valuable assets. I’m sharing not only how my podcast is central to my marketing ecosystem, but also how I use it to reach my business goals and dreams. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: My podcast as the center of my marketing ecosystem (1:22)Using my podcast as a testing ground (3:21)Shaping my thought leadership through the podcast (5:47)Your podcast can be so much more than content (7:42)Connect with Haylee:Gaffin Creative: gaffincreative.comInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinSoundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboardReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/ukHxqCGxpig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens to your business when life forces you to stop? In today’s episode, I’m reflecting on what it was like to move through grief this year in one of the hardest years of my life. Plus, the perspective I gained on my life and business now that 2025 comes to a close. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: When everything around me stopped (1:15)Getting the call during Mic Check Retreat (4:45)Grief doesn’t care about your calendar (6:05)Building a business that can hold you (7:27)Perspective from the hardest year of my life (9:48)Mentioned in this Episode:Episode 151 Dropping Everything & Finding My Why: gaffincreative.com/151-dropping-everything-finding-my-whyConnect with Haylee:Mic Check Society: gaffincreative.com/mcsInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/uz78Pb9Vhxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your podcast wasn’t a fast‑track trend but a long‑haul relationship? Today I’m honored to bring you an episode from one of my longtime clients and dear friends:Quianna. She’s just wrapped up four years of showing up every Monday on her show! In this episode, Quianna shares what it’s really taken to build a podcast that lives beyond the hype, why visibility beats virality, why consistency compounds even when growth feels slow, how community wins over competition, and how your business evolves as you do.You can find the full show notes and transcript for this episode at quiannamarie.com/podcast!Review The Show Notes:Four Lessons I’ve Learned About Business (5:30)Four Things I’ve Learned About Life (11:26)Four Thank Yous (14:56)Four Dreams For The Future (16:47)Content Clarity Call Giveaway (21:30)Four Affirmations For This Season (24:17)Mentioned In This Episode:Easy B-Roll Ideas For Business Owners: quiannamarie.com/brollThe Green House Resource Garden: quiannamarie.com/shop50% off your first year of Flodesk: quiannamarie.com/flodeskApply to be on the podcast: quiannamarie.com/podcastEpisode 213 What Taylor Swift Taught Me About Showing Up Online: quiannamarieblog.com/2025/10/20/213-what-taylor-swift-taught-me-about-showing-up-online-the-life-of-a-showgirlEpisode 212 Letting Go To Make More with Nata Salvatori quiannamarieblog.com/2025/10/13/212-letting-go-to-make-more-with-nata-salvatoriEpisode 4 Radical Curiousity with Natalie Franke: quiannamarieblog.com/2021/10/04/004-radical-curiosity-with-natalie-frankeEpisode 2 My First Art Gallery (Was In The Bathroom at Trader Joe’s): quiannamarieblog.com/2021/10/01/002-my-first-art-gallery-was-in-the-bathroom-at-trader-joesConnect with Quianna:InstagramFacebookTikTokPinterestConnect with Haylee:Gaffin Creative: gaffincreative.comInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/AVZtgW18alA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your audience getting mixed messages? In today’s episode, I’m talking to service-based business owners who are ready to treat their podcast like a business asset, not just a hobby. I’m diving into how to make sure that your podcast sounds like you and that your messages are aligned across every channel. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Inconsistencies add up (1:23)Start with brand anchors (2:29)Update your intros, outros, and offers (3:47)Do a brand consistency audit (4:57) Choose one brand word (6:05)Mentioned in this Episode:Episode 192 How To Use Your Podcast To Strengthen Every Touchpoint In Your Business: gaffincreative.com/192-how-to-use-your-podcast-to-strengthen-every-touchpoint-in-your-businessConnect with Haylee:Gaffin Creative: gaffincreative.comInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/0knxdxszTD3 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your podcast could power your marketing, client education, and sales conversations? In today’s episode, I’m talking to service-based business owners who are ready to treat their podcast like a business asset, not just a hobby. I’m breaking down the main phases of your client journey and how your podcast can impact each touchpoint along the way. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Main phases of your client journey (1:07)Your podcast in marketing (1:31)Your podcast in the sales process (3:34)Your podcast in the client experience (7:58)Your podcast in retention and referrals (11:00)Review the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/FrIEEoLrogWConnect with Haylee:Gaffin Creative: gaffincreative.comInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you think your podcast isn’t working, think again. In today’s episode, I’m talking to service-based business owners who are ready to treat their podcast like a business asset, not just a hobby. I’m covering the ways that your podcast can be integrated into your business and the possibilities that come from leveraging it correctly. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Integration vs. isolation (1:17)Isolation in marketing (2:09)Integration in marketing (3:50)Integration with your client experience (5:30)Building a central hub as a thought leader (6:49)Your podcast’s big vision and impact (8:57)Why isn’t your podcast working? (9:35)Mentioned in this Episode:The Podcast Growth Program: gaffincreative.com/growthConnect with Haylee:Gaffin Creative: gaffincreative.comInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/dzQF3GZMWuO Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if real growth in your business would come from dreaming bigger? In today’s episode, I’m sharing the moment from a recent conference that stopped me in my tracks. At that moment, I knew: I’ve been playing too small and I’m ready to dream bigger. For my business, and for yours. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: The moment the story hit me (1:21)I need to be the big dreamer (1:52)Where I’ve been playing small (3:14)Dreaming bigger at Gaffin Creative (4:20)Dreaming big in your own business (5:28)Mentioned in this Episode:The Podcast Growth Program: gaffincreative.com/growthConnect with Haylee:Mic Check Society: gaffincreative.com/mcsInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/x3eHXMvH794 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do CEOs create impact with their podcast? In today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can use your podcast as a CEO-level visionary tool instead of just another marketing task. I’m diving into the mindset shift that CEOs use to create opportunity from their podcast and step into the thought-leader role. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Reframe the role of your podcast (1:13)CEOs use podcasts differently (3:35)Consider how opportunities multiply (6:09)Stepping into the CEO visionary role (8:33)Mentioned in this Episode:The Podcast Growth Program: gaffincreative.com/growthEpisode 188Episode 150 What It Looked Like to Become a Full-Time Podcast Producer: gaffincreative.com/what-it-looked-like-to-become-a-full-time-podcast-producerConnect with Haylee:Mic Check Society: gaffincreative.com/mcsInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinReview the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/BzXwP0Hm0Xa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The best ROIs from podcasts aren’t just in the download numbers. In today’s episode, I’m sharing four hidden returns that podcast hosts often overlook. Whether you book a speaking gig, a new client, or even just build brand authority - there is a lot more that podcasts have to offer. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Find It Quickly: Authority (1:53)Connection (2:55)Content (6:43)Client (9:45)Mentioned in this Episode:Episode 180 Using Your Podcast Like An Evergreen Marketing Machine: gaffincreative.com/180-stop-winging-it-start-using-your-podcast-like-an-evergreen-marketing-machine-part-1Connect with Haylee:Mic Check Society: gaffincreative.com/mcsInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the final day of the Podcast Planning Challenge! Today’s bonus episode is here to highlight what's happening on day three of the challenge—where we’re focusing on scripting and writing podcast content, including your intro, outro, and trailer. I’ll be guiding you through ideas in today’s prompt, how to structure each, and what to make sure you include!Sign Up for the Challenge: gaffincreative.com/challengeBook a Podcast Launch VIP Day: gaffincreative.com/podcast-launch/Connect with Haylee:Mic Check Society: gaffincreative.com/mcsInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinGaffin Creative: gaffincreative.comReview the Transcript: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's day two of the Podcast Planning Challenge! Today’s bonus episode is here to highlight what's happening on day two of the challenge—where we’re focusing on the podcast content, including your selecting from the primary categories offered on podcast players, checking out music options, and brainstorming content topics!Sign Up for the Challenge: gaffincreative.com/challengeBook a Podcast Launch VIP Day: gaffincreative.com/podcast-launchConnect with Haylee:Mic Check Society: gaffincreative.com/mcsInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinGaffin Creative: gaffincreative.comReview the Transcript: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're coming at you this week with a few special bonus episodes, brought to you by my Podcast Planning Challenge, happening this week! Today’s little bonus is here to highlight exactly what’s happening in the challenge, along with the particulars of today’s challenge prompt! If you're ready to plan your podcast over the next three days, head to gaffincreative.com/challenge to sign up!Sign Up for the Challenge: gaffincreative.com/challengeBook a Podcast Launch VIP Day: gaffincreative.com/podcast-launch/Connect with Haylee:Mic Check Society: gaffincreative.com/mcsInstagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffinGaffin Creative: gaffincreative.comReview the Transcript: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.