The Smart Influencer Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Christina Hitchcock & Corinne Schmitt

The Smart Influencer Podcast was created to help online influencers work smarter and scale faster.  Each week you’ll hear inspiring interviews with experts and influencers and leave with actionable tips and strategies you can implement immediately.We dive into a variety of topics including SEO, social media marketing, monetization strategies, content creation, email marketing, mindset, organization, business management and more.  You'll learn the strategies and tactics that pro bloggers use to level up their blogs.  The Smart Influencer Podcast drops new episodes every Tuesday.

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How to Build a Content System So You Can Create Once and Show Up Everywhere
#295
Today at 10:00 AM

You don't need to create more content. You need a system that lets one piece of content show up everywhere.

In this episode, Christina and Corinne break down the content system they use to create once and let that single piece of content carry across every platform, email, social, and beyond. They get into what makes a system like this actually hold up, not just work for one lucky week, and why most creators are stuck creating from scratch when they don't have to be.
What you'll learn:

How to build a content system...


Brand Before Influence: Why Your Brand Has to Be Clear Before Your Content Can Truly Convert
#294
10/20/2026

If your marketing feels harder than it should, the problem might not be your content—it might be your brand.

In this episode, we dive into why so many visibility, conversion, and growth challenges can be traced back to a lack of brand clarity. We break down what a real brand system actually is (hint: it’s much more than a logo and color palette), how strong branding creates trust and recognition, and why clear brands make marketing dramatically easier.

We also talk about the moment many founders, creators, authors, and product-based business owners hit a ce...


When to Fix It, When to Scrap It: 7 Signs Your System Has Quietly Stopped Working
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10/13/2026

The system that used to save you time might be the exact thing slowing you down now.

In this episode, Christina and Corinne break down how they actually know when a system inside their business has stopped working, and the specific signs that tell them it's time to rebuild instead of just patching it. They get into why a system can work great for months and then quietly fall apart, how to tell the difference between a system problem and a discipline problem, and what they look for before deciding to scrap something they built.
What...


Stop Performing for Social Media and Start Talking Like Yourself
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10/06/2026

Somewhere along the way, social media started feeling like a performance. The perfect hook. The trendy audio. The polished “creator personality.” And before you know it, your content doesn’t even sound like you anymore.

In this episode, we’re talking about how food creators can grow on social media without becoming robots, trend chasers, or carbon copies of everyone else online. Because the creators people actually connect with? They sound like real humans.

If social media has started to feel exhausting, forced, or disconnected from who you really are, this episode will help you get back...


Your Recipes Can Do More Than You Think. Here’s How.
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09/29/2026

Your recipes shouldn’t stop working for you once you hit publish.

In this follow-up conversation with Peter from Allspice, we’re catching up on what’s changed since his last visit and exploring how a recipe operating system can help you get more value from the content you’ve already created. We talk about going beyond individual recipe posts with tools like recipe lists, meal plans, and pantry tracking, and how those features can create a better experience for your audience.

We also dig into a bigger issue every creator should be thinking about: audience...


The Audience Growth Trick Nobody Uses Enough
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09/22/2026

What if the fastest way to grow your audience isn’t creating more content… but getting in front of someone else’s audience instead?

In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most overlooked growth strategies for creators and online business owners: collaborations. From bundles and virtual summits to podcast swaps and strategic partnerships, we’re sharing how smart creators grow faster by working together instead of trying to do it all alone.

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The Anti-Preneur Framework: The New Rules of Financial Freedom
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09/15/2026

If you’re doing all the “right” things—building your career, earning more, staying busy—but still not building real wealth, this episode will challenge everything you’ve been told.

We’re breaking down the Anti-Preneur Framework: a smarter, more strategic approach to financial freedom that doesn’t rely on hustle, burnout, or chasing the next big thing. Because career success alone doesn’t create wealth—and in many cases, the system is working against you.

In this conversation, we unpack the hidden forces keeping high earners stuck, why traditional advice falls short, and how to structure your in...


The CEO Habit That Helps Us Work Smarter Every Day
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09/08/2026

Most people start their workday reacting. This habit helps us lead instead.

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the simple morning briefing process that keeps our businesses focused, organized, and moving forward—without constant chaos. We’re sharing how we prioritize what actually matters, stay aligned on projects and decisions, and avoid getting buried in busywork before the day even begins.
It’s not complicated. It’s not a three-hour morning routine. It’s a practical CEO habit that helps us work smarter, make better decisions, and create momentum every single day.

If...


Turn Your AI Chats Into Systems That Work While You Don't
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09/01/2026

The way you're using AI right now is already outdated, and it's costing you time you don't have to lose.

In this episode, Christina and Corinne break down the shift from chatting with AI tools to building agentic workflows that run entire tasks without either of them sitting at the computer. They get into exactly what used to get outsourced or paid for that now runs through AI, and how fast the digital product landscape is changing underneath every creator's business.
What you'll learn:

The real difference between using AI as a chat tool...


Inside Our Claude Setup: What We Use, When & Why
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08/25/2026

The way you're using Claude right now is probably costing you time you don't have to lose.

In this episode, Christina and Corinne break down the exact system they use inside Claude to run White Birch Media Group, covering the three tools that confuse almost every creator: Skills, Projects, and Cowork. They get into what each one is actually built for, why using the wrong one creates more work instead of less, and how to know in five seconds which one a task calls for.
What you'll learn:

The real difference between a Skill...


AI as a Systems Play, not a Productivity Play
08/18/2026

Most people are using AI to save a few minutes here and there. Smart business owners are using it to build systems.

In this episode, we explore the difference between using AI as a productivity tool and using it as a systems tool. Because the real power of AI isn't helping you write one email faster—it's helping you create repeatable processes that save time, reduce decision fatigue, and make your business run more efficiently.

We're sharing how we've integrated AI into our workflows, where it creates the biggest leverage, and why thinking bigger than "pr...


Design a Business That Runs Without Constant Decisions
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08/11/2026

If your business only works when you’re constantly making decisions, it’s no wonder you feel overwhelmed.

In this episode, we’re joined by Abriana Sanford to break down why most business problems aren’t actually business problems—they’re systems problems. Because productivity isn’t about doing more, it’s about deciding less.

We’re talking about why most systems fail (hint: they’re built for your “best day,” not your real life), and how to create systems that actually stick. The kind that reduce decision fatigue, remove friction, and keep your business moving—even when you’re...


You're Not Bad at AI. You're Using It Wrong
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08/04/2026

If AI has ever left you frustrated, underwhelmed, or wondering what all the hype is about, this episode is for you.

Because the problem probably isn’t AI—it’s the way most people are using it.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the mindset shift that changes everything: treating AI like a collaborator instead of a search engine. We’ll show you why bloggers often get generic, disappointing results, how to communicate with AI more effectively, and what happens when you start briefing it like a contractor or creative partner instead of tossing random pro...


Better UX, New Revenue, Smarter Tools—The Future of Recipe Blogging
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07/28/2026

The recipe blogging world is changing—fast. And the creators who adapt are the ones who will win.

In this episode, we’re diving into what’s next for recipe bloggers, from improving user experience on WordPress sites to exploring new monetization pathways beyond traditional ads. We’re also taking a closer look at tools like Allspice Labs and how they’re helping both bloggers and home cooks create a better, more seamless experience.

We unpack the bigger shifts happening across the industry—AI, mobile apps, and changing user behavior—and what they mean for your content...


How to Use Your Analytics Predictively Instead of as a Rear View Mirror
#281
07/21/2026

Your traffic could be quietly slipping away right now, and you wouldn’t even know until it’s gone.


In this episode, Christina and Corinne sit down with Grayson Bell to break down two traffic killers most publishers never see coming: missed seasonal search windows and content decay, where a page loses rankings over time even when nothing on it has changed. They also get into how to use GA4 and Search Console predictively, so you catch problems before they show up in your numbers instead of after.

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Beyond Ads: 7 Revenue Streams You’re Probably Ignoring
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07/14/2026

If ads are doing the heavy lifting in your business, it’s time to change the game.

In this episode, we’re breaking down seven overlooked revenue streams that can diversify your income, stabilize your business, and give you more control over how you make money. Because relying on one source—especially ads—can leave you vulnerable and stuck.

We’re talking about practical, proven ways to expand your revenue without starting from scratch, using assets you already have and audiences you’ve already built.

If you’re ready to stop putting all your eggs in o...


Make Every Reader Feel Like Your Favorite
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07/07/2026

Most bloggers are still using a “broadcast” approach to marketing—one message sent to everyone and hoping it sticks. But what if every reader felt like the content was created just for them?

In this episode, Adam Sobel joins us to talk about the power of hyper-personalized marketing and how bloggers can use it to build stronger connections, increase engagement, and drive more conversions.

We dive into how personalization goes far beyond simply using someone’s first name in an email. Adam shares practical ways to tailor your emails and website experience based on what your aud...


We Love You… But You’ve Got to Stop Doing This
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06/30/2026

We’re saying this with love… but it needs to be said.

In this episode, we’re calling out the habits, patterns, and “harmless” behaviors we keep seeing that are actually holding you back. The ones that feel productive in the moment—but quietly stall your growth over time.

This isn’t about judgment. It’s about awareness.

We’re sharing the small mistakes, common excuses, and mindset traps that might be keeping you stuck—and what to do instead if you’re ready to move forward. You might laugh, you might cringe a little, but you’ll d...


Stop Writing for Pageviews - Start Writing for Profit
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06/23/2026

If your content is getting traffic but not generating meaningful revenue, this episode is for you.

We’re joined by Rami Nuseir from Stay22 to talk about the shift creators need to make from chasing pageviews to building content that actually converts. Rami shares how tools like Stay22 help bloggers monetize travel and location-based content more effectively, along with practical tips for writing articles that naturally lead readers toward action.

We also dig into bigger-picture strategy — how to choose the right niche, why some articles quietly outperform others, and what separates content that simply gets read...


The Real Reason Some Bloggers Grow Faster Than You
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06/16/2026

Ever feel like other bloggers are growing faster than you—and you can’t quite figure out why?

In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s actually driving that growth—and spoiler: it’s not luck, talent, or some secret you’re missing. The difference comes down to a few key decisions most people overlook.

We’re talking about the patterns we see over and over again: what fast-growing bloggers focus on, what they ignore, and how they create momentum without doing more work than everyone else.

If you’re ready to stop comparing and...


Build a Business That Works With Your Brain—Not Against It
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06/09/2026

If traditional marketing advice has ever left you feeling behind, overwhelmed, or like you’re doing it “wrong,” this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale.

In this conversation with Polly Pollock, we unpack why so much mainstream marketing advice quietly sabotages neurodivergent entrepreneurs — and what to do instead. We dive into the three pillars of algorithm-proof marketing, how to build sustainable visibility without burning out, and why owned assets like email lists create stability that social media never will.

Most importantly, we talk about building real systems that honor your energy, your capacity...


You Deserve Time Off—But Can Your Business Handle It?
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06/02/2026

You should be able to take time off. The real question is… can your business handle it?

In this episode, we’re putting ourselves to the test: what would actually happen if we unplugged for 7 days? We’re walking through the systems, team support, and automations that would need to be in place—and getting honest about how close (or far) we really are.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about building a business that doesn’t depend on you being “on” 24/7.

If you’ve ever felt like stepping away would cause everything to fall a...


Stop Chasing Followers. Start Using Your Strengths
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05/26/2026

If you think you need 100,000 followers before you can make real money as a creator, this episode will change your perspective.

In this conversation with Chelsea Clark, we break down how creators actually operate — the strengths that set them apart, the blind spots that hold them back, and why a massive audience isn’t the golden ticket everyone thinks it is. We’re talking about how to identify what you’re naturally good at, how to lean into it strategically, and how to monetize effectively without chasing vanity metrics.

Because the creators who build sustainable income a...


The Digital Product You're Sleeping On (And How to Build It in a Weekend)
#272
05/19/2026

There’s a digital product opportunity you’re probably overlooking—and it’s simpler (and faster) to create than you think.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the kind of product that doesn’t require months of work, complicated tech, or a huge audience to sell. We’ll show you how to identify the right idea, validate it quickly, and build it in a single weekend using what you already have.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about momentum.

If you’ve been putting off creating a digital product because it feels overwhelming...


How She Grew Fast on Instagram—and Turned It Into Real Revenue
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05/12/2026

Growing on Instagram is one thing. Turning it into real, sustainable revenue? That’s a whole different game.

In this episode, we sit down with Emily to break down the five strategies that helped her grow quickly on Instagram and build a genuinely loyal audience — not just followers, but people who actually care. She shares how she leveraged that growth to monetize her blog within a year, diversified her income through multiple revenue streams, and made the strategic decision to hire help before burnout derailed her momentum.

If you want growth that leads to income — and a...


The Lazy Genius Revenue Plan: Make More Without Doing More
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05/05/2026

If you’re tired of feeling like the only way to make more money is to do more work, this episode is your permission slip to stop.

We’re breaking down the Lazy Genius Revenue Plan—a smarter, more sustainable way to grow your income without adding more to your plate. This isn’t about hustling harder or chasing every new idea. It’s about identifying what’s already working, tightening what’s leaking, and focusing your energy where it actually pays off.

If you’re ready to make more money with less chaos, less burnout, and a w...


Resilient on Purpose: The Mindset Tools That Carry You Through
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04/28/2026

Hard seasons are inevitable. Staying stuck in them isn’t.

In this episode, we sit down with Kelly Martins to talk about what it really means to be resilient on purpose. We’re diving into how to find the silver lining in difficult situations, why a daily mindset practice isn’t optional if you want long-term success, and the exact tools Kelly reaches for when life feels uncertain.

This isn’t about toxic positivity or pretending things aren’t hard. It’s about building the internal strength that allows you to move forward anyway. If you’re navig...


Missed the Summit? Here’s What You Need to Know (And How to Catch Up)
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04/21/2026

If you missed the Smart Influencer Summit, don’t worry—you didn’t miss everything.

In this episode, we’re recapping the biggest moments, lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights from our very first summit. From powerful takeaways to unexpected highlights, we’re sharing what made this event so special—and why the conversations are still continuing.

We’ll also tell you exactly how you can catch up, including access to the virtual ticket and how to secure your spot for the 2027 summit before it sells out.

If you’ve been wondering whether this event is worth it, thi...


Behind the Scenes of a Bestselling Cookbook (And What It Took to Get There)
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04/14/2026

Think publishing a cookbook is all cozy recipes and pretty photos? Think again. In this episode, we’re joined by bestselling author Sam Milner, who’s sold over 250,000 books worldwide, to take you behind the scenes of what it really takes to bring a cookbook to life—and sell it. We’re talking about the difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing, building a strong relationship with your publisher, and why authors absolutely need to know how to market themselves. Whether you're dreaming of writing a cookbook or already deep in the process, this is your no-fluff guide to getting it done—...


Why Authors Need to Think Like Marketers (Not Just Writers)
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04/07/2026

Writing the book is only half the job—selling it is the other half. In this episode, we’re joined by Stephanie Moon to talk about what most authors get wrong when it comes to marketing, and how to fix it. From treating your publisher as a partner (not a magic wand) to starting your marketing plan before the book is even done, we’re breaking down what it really takes to get your book into readers’ hands—and why thinking like a marketer is no longer optional for authors who want real results.

If you’ve got a book—o...


The Tools Smart Creators Are Using to Grow Their Lists and Revenue
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03/31/2026

In this episode, we’re joined by Ben Jabbawy from Grocer’s List to break down the features that are helping creators grow their email lists faster—and turn those lists into real revenue. From viral “comment for DM” workflows and story reply opt-ins to save-to-email tools and paid memberships, we’re digging into what’s working right now and what’s coming next. Whether you’re looking to streamline list growth or scale your monetization strategy, this conversation is packed with smart, actionable ideas you’ll want to implement ASAP.

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If Revenue Isn’t Growing, Traffic Isn’t Your Problem
#264
03/24/2026

If your traffic is up but your revenue isn’t, this episode might sting a little.

Because the problem probably isn’t traffic.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the Traffic Trap — the belief that more visitors will magically fix your business. The truth? If revenue isn’t rising alongside your pageviews, you don’t have a traffic problem. You have an alignment problem.

We’re talking about what’s actually breaking between attention and income, why chasing more eyeballs can keep you stuck, and how to shift from volume-focused thinking to conversion-focus...


Not All Emails Are Created Equal—Here’s What Actually Pays
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03/17/2026

If you’re sending emails every week but your revenue feels inconsistent, unpredictable, or underwhelming — this episode is your wake-up call.

Not all emails are created equal. Some build engagement. Some build trust. And some directly generate revenue. If you don’t know which is which, you’re not running a strategy — you’re guessing.

In this episode, we break down the Email Monetization Matrix and show you how to identify which emails move the needle, which ones warm your audience, and which ones are just filling space. Because when you understand the role each email plays...


The Real Reason You Feel Behind (And It’s Not Your To-Do List)
#262
03/10/2026

If you constantly feel behind, overwhelmed, or like you’re juggling too many things at once — this episode is going to hit home.

Because the truth is… it’s not your to-do list.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the real reason you feel stuck in task mode and why managing more tasks isn’t the answer. Overwhelm usually isn’t about having too much to do — it’s about not deciding what actually matters. When everything feels important, nothing gets real focus.

We’re talking about the mindset shift from task manager to decision...


Stop Working Harder. Build These 3 Systems
#261
03/03/2026

If you feel like you’re working nonstop but your blog still feels fragile, chaotic, or overly dependent on you — this episode is for you.

Thriving bloggers don’t work more hours. They build better systems.

In this episode, we break down the three core systems every sustainable, growing blog has in place. These aren’t fancy tools or complicated workflows. They’re foundational structures that create consistency, stability, and revenue without constant hustle.

If you’re tired of feeling like you’re holding everything together with duct tape and willpower, this is your permissio...


Why Retreats Aren’t a Luxury—They’re a Strategy
#260
02/24/2026

In this episode, we’re joined by Tara Bench from Foodie Creatives to talk about the power of stepping away to move forward. We’re diving into why retreats and in-person experiences aren’t just a nice break—they’re a strategic move for building community, sparking collaboration, and avoiding burnout. Tara shares behind-the-scenes insights from the Foodie Creatives Retreat, the impact of surrounding yourself with like-minded creatives, and how hiring the right help can shift everything.

If you’ve been running on empty, craving connection, or wondering what’s next—this conversation is the reset you didn’t know you...


Stop Blaming Traffic. Start Fixing What’s Broken
#259
02/17/2026

If your traffic is growing but your revenue isn’t, the problem probably isn’t your pageviews—it’s your funnel. In this episode, we’re walking you through a simple, no-dashboard-needed approach to find the biggest monetization leak on your site. No tools. No spreadsheets. Just real talk about how people move through your content—and where they’re silently dropping off. You’ll learn how to spot the break, choose one fix that actually matters, and finally start turning traffic into income that feels consistent and intentional.

This isn’t about doing more. It’s about tightening wha...


The Branding Wake-Up Call Every Creator Needs to Hear
#258
02/10/2026

Most people think a brand is just a logo or a color palette—but that’s surface‑level noise. Your brand is how the world perceives you, what you stand for, and the strategy behind how you show up and connect with your audience. In this episode, we sit down with Katie Trant to break down what a brand actually is (and what it isn’t), why a personal brand still counts as a real brand, and why any brand—especially a personal one—needs intentional strategy to work effectively. Whether you’re just starting or scaling, this is your wake‑up c...


The YouTube Strategy That Grew Her Blog, Her Email List, and Her Bank Account
#257
02/03/2026

Maria Lucey launched her YouTube channel with zero experience—and just months later, it helped her walk away from her full-time job. In this episode, Maria shares the exact strategies she used to turn YouTube into a powerful growth engine for her blog, email list, and income. From driving traffic with just one video, to landing brand deals, building authority with Google, and busting every excuse you’ve heard about why you “can’t” do YouTube—this episode is packed with tactical takeaways and serious inspiration.

If you’ve been sitting on starting a channel, this is your sign to h...


You’re the Expert - Now Let’s Make Sure Everyone Knows It
#256
01/27/2026

You know your stuff—but if no one knows you’re the expert, it’s time to change that. In this episode, we’re joined by Samantha Milner to talk about how to position yourself as the go-to voice in your niche. From getting featured in the media to landing radio interviews and becoming the person people call when they need a quote, a guest, or a go-to authority—we’re sharing exactly how it’s done. Plus, we're spilling behind-the-scenes stories from our own media appearances and what we’ve learned about showing up with confidence and credibility.

If you...