The Playhouse Podcast: Real conversations with creative business owners growing through community and networking
The Playhouse Podcast features real conversations with creative business owners about what's actually working in their businesses. Hosted by Deanna Seymour, founder of The Playhouse community.Whether you're learning how to grow your business as a designer, coach, writer, podcaster, or solopreneur, this show is for creative entrepreneurs who want to build something sustainable without losing their minds to social media.Most creative business owners aren't looking for business as usual. We're not interested in dedicating our lives to the algorithm, and we're not interested in surface-level small talk.We want to grow our businesses through relationships, referrals, and real...
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The Playhouse Free Tier Experiment Results Are In… with Deanna Seymour
<p>I’m officially announcing the end to the free tier inside The Playhouse and I’m sharing the data that’s led to the decision.</p><p><b>In this episode:</b></p><p>0:23 - The fate of the Playhouse free tier (and why it's ending)<br/>2:27 - The improv troupe analogy that sparked the whole experiment<br/>4:24 - 5ish months of real membership data, broken down<br/>11:05 - When my funnel went upside down: paid members dropping to free<br/>12:30 - The new Thursday schedule and what's coming next</p><p><b>Links:</b></p><p><b>Episode about...
The New Playhouse Thursday Schedule (and the Data Behind It) with Deanna Seymour
<p>I'm taking you behind the scenes and digging into the data around a big schedule change coming to The Playhouse this summer! </p><p><b>In this episode:</b></p><p>0:32 - Vulnerability alert: why the Playhouse isn't growing in a sustainable way</p><p>6:46 - The top 3 reasons members leave (and their exit feedback responses)</p><p>13:21 - The Think Tank stats that surprised me... and not in a fun way</p><p>14:36 - Why "67 events in 90 days" isn’t as impressive as it sounds</p><p>15:57 - The new Thursday Playhouse schedule and why this container will hop...
Good Messaging Isn’t Good Enough Anymore with Jen Liddy
<p>Good messaging used to be enough. In 2026? You need messaging that actually sounds like you, calls in the right people, and makes your audience immediately feel seen.</p><p><b>In this episode:</b><br/>0:00 Why “good enough” messaging stopped working in 2026<br/>4:58 The problem with vague messaging like “overwhelmed”<br/>9:49 Why specific messaging attracts better-fit clients<br/>12:21 Jen’s MVP framework: Messaging, Voice, and Positioning<br/>26:09 Why constant how-to content is hurting your marketing</p><p><b>We also kept the conversation going with a Live Q&A where we talked about:</b><br/>How to make your messaging...
Websites That Grow With You with Rene Morozowich
<p>You don’t need a massive website to look legit. You need something simple that actually reflects where your business is right now.</p><p><b>In this episode:</b><br/>0:00 Why you don’t need a big, complicated website<br/>2:18 How doing too much leads to burnout fast<br/>6:00 What your website actually needs when you’re starting<br/>11:50 Letting your website evolve as your business changes<br/>16:05 What to check when you update your site</p><p><b>We also kept the conversation going with a Live Q&A where we talked about:</b></p>How to update...
The Burnout Types Nobody Talks About with Megan Winkler
<p>Burnout isn’t just being tired, and most people don’t realize how many different ways it can show up. I’m talking with Megan Winkler about the real types of burnout, how to spot them earlier, and how to actually recover without making it another thing on your to-do list.</p><p><b>In this episode:</b><br/>0:00 The different types of burnout most people don’t even realize exist<br/>2:00 Why burnout isn’t just physical and how it actually shows up<br/>7:14 Why women and creatives are more prone to burnout<br/>11:00 The subtle signs you’re heading t...
Stop Losing Your Sh*t as a Mom (Mindfulness for Overstimulated Moms) with Kayce Hodos
<p>Losing your shit as a mom is way more normal than people admit. I’m talking with Kayce Hodos about mindfulness, mom guilt, and how to handle those overwhelming moments without expecting yourself to be perfect.</p><p>In this episode:<br/>0:00 Why losing your shit as a mom is more normal than you think<br/>2:00 What mindfulness actually is (and why it’s not woo or complicated)<br/>4:00 What to do in the exact moment you feel yourself about to snap<br/>7:14 Why supporting the mom matters more than “fixing” the kid<br/>12:00 The small shifts that actually make par...
Five Steps to Aligned Decisions with Adam Dickinson
<p>In this 5 Minute Hot-take, Adam Dickinson (Future Self Strategist) delivers a rapid-fire guide on making truly aligned career decisions, which is especially valuable for those transitioning out of government roles or into new leadership opportunities. Forget endless job board scrolls and cold applications. Adam uncovers his five steps to cut through the noise. Discover how to “trace the thread” of your own work, read your body’s cues, and lean into opportunities that feel light rather than forced. Whether you’re re-entering the private sector or simply seeking your next true-fit gig, these strategies will help you trust your timing a...
Why Time Blocking Doesn't Require a Rigid Schedule with Maria Medina
<p>Is time blocking too rigid for creative business owners? In this 5 Minute Hot Take, Maria Medina, a networking and business coach and founder of The Coaching Network, shares how time blocking isn’t about controlling every minute but creating space for what actually matters. Drawing on firsthand experience, Maria reveals practical tips to set flexible blocks, protect your creativity, and avoid burnout by taking back control of your calendar. Tune in for advice that will help you design your day with more intentionality and freedom.</p><p><br/></p><p>Learn more about Maria at: <b>thecoachingnetwork.com/</b><br...
How to Find Content Inspiration with Kate Markel
<p>Craving fresh content ideas but feeling stuck? In this 5 Minute Masterclass, Kate Markel from Task Lemonade, a social media pro, pulls back the curtain on her top three sources for endless inspiration. Whether you're a small business owner, creator, or marketer, Kate shows you how to tap into the best of Reddit, Answer the Public, and YouTube comments =to never run out of things to say (and sell) on your socials. Say bye to content droughts and hello to scroll-stopping, audience-serving posts...No ads required!</p><p>Learn more about Kate at: <b>tasklemonade.com/</b></p> <p><b>🪩 Joi...
How Play and Experimentation Can Help You Get Your Groove Back with Laura Khalil
<p>Feeling stuck in a rut or burned out by constant goal-chasing? In this episode of Friends of the Playhouse we are joined by marketing consultant and play advocate, Laura Khalil, who shares how she got her groove back through an experiment: having 100 open, agenda-free conversations with strangers. Laura breaks down how genuine, playful connection (not strict goal-setting and complicated systems) can unlock creativity, boost business, and fill your cup in ways you can't predict. If you crave more fun, realness, and human networking in your business, this episode is your permission slip to try something different.</p><p><br/><...
