What happens when you make the show you wish existed—then let it grow with you?

Heather Harrington, host of Hot Mess Espresso, joins me in the Podcast Café to get real about mental health, pivoting your niche, and marketing a deeply personal show without burning out.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

The origin of “Hot Mess Espresso” and why a memorable, punny brand beats “safe but forgettable.”

Pivoting with integrity: how Heather expanded beyond BPD-only content as her healing progressed—without abandoning her audience.

Vulnerability with guardrails: what to share now, what to process offline first, and how to handle the “fallout” with grace.

Editing philosophy: keep the human moments, cut the chaos (and when “raw” needs a light filter).

Marketing that works (indie edition):Using TikTok Lives to build a loyal listener base from 1,100 followers to true community.Repurposing 4–5 short clips/week across TikTok, IG Reels, and YouTube.

Posting casting calls on Threads and “gently bullying” friends to boost reach.

Why batching + scheduling your assets is non-negotiable.

Monetization for personal shows: Heather’s path to her first sponsor, what ambassadorships/affiliates are really for, and how to build a simple “brand deal résumé.”

Community as a safety net: designing chat norms so your audience supports each other when you can’t be on 24/7.

Mindset shifts: the most surprising thing podcasting taught Heather—she’s capable.

Connect with Heather

Podcast: Hot Mess Espresso

TikTok & Instagram: @hotmess.espresso

YouTube: youtube.com/hotmessespresso

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ 

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com