Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin - Podcast for Podcasters about Podcasting

What happens when a client runs your work through AI and sends you back an 18-page document of feedback? Well, it happened to me, and it sparked a much bigger conversation about how we're using AI in our businesses.

I'm a huge fan of AI. I use it in my own business, and I've seen firsthand how much time it can save. But I've also caught myself relying on it a little too much, especially when creating podcast content, emails, and social media posts. And when I started noticing my own content sounding just like everyone else's...

Is it possible for small podcasters to make money off of their podcast? Yes! But in today’s episode, I’m breaking down why the traditional ways of media sponsorship don’t work for smaller podcasts. Instead, I’m sharing the anti-CPM approach that has created success for podcasters and their sponsors alike.

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.

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What is the Podcast Launch Kit, and why am I rebuilding it? Today’s episode is a behind-the-scenes look into my decision to completely re-record my course for launching your podcast. I’m sharing the history of the course, why a simple refresh wasn’t enough, plus what’s changed this time around. If you’ve been thinking about launching a podcast, listen in to this episode and be sure to add your name to the waitlist today.

Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about...

With dozens of tools available to create your podcast, which ones should you choose? In today’s episode, I’m sharing the current platform stack we use at Gaffin Creative, plus what we recommend to our clients. I’m covering our choices for recording, hosting, editing, and audio cleanup. 

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.

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Recordin...

I’ve seen a lot of change in the podcasting industry over the last decade. For business owners especially, these changes have created greater opportunities for your podcast to support your business. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the most significant changes from the past decade, plus what it means for your podcast in 2026 and beyond. 

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.<...

I don’t want to guess what you want from this show—I want to hear it directly from you. While attending the Empowered Podcasting Conference, I had a realization: I don’t actually know who all of you are. I might know the listeners who DM me on Instagram, respond to an episode, or regularly share feedback, but there are so many of you listening quietly behind the scenes. And if I’m going to make this show as useful and relevant as possible, I want to change that.

So, I created a quick listener survey t...

How do you know if your podcast is actually helping your business? There are a handful of signs that tell me almost immediately whether a podcast is supporting the business behind it, or just simply existing as another task alongside it. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the 7 signs that your podcast is out of alignment with your business. 

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 Clo...

It's one thing to talk about what strategic podcast decisions look like in theory. It's another thing entirely to watch someone actually make them—and see the results play out in real numbers, real sponsorships, and a real business.

That's exactly what happened with Ali Haney, host of the Brand & Market podcast and a Podcasting for Business alumna. Over the last year, Ali went from a podcast pulling in 25 to 30 downloads per episode to one that's landed a paying sponsor, far more than doubled its download average, and become a genuine lead generator for her business. Th...

If your podcast disappeared tomorrow, would your business feel it? Or would it just be one less thing on your to-do list? That question gets at the heart of what separates a podcast that's content from a podcast that's a business asset. If your show isn't intentionally connected to how you attract, nurture, and convert your audience, it's not really functioning as part of your business—it's just something you're creating alongside it.

This is a continuation of a bigger idea: your business strategy should drive your podcast, not the other way around. That's the philosophy. Jo...

When was the last time you made a business decision before you made a podcast decision? In today’s episode, I’m talking about how your podcast should support your business - not the other way around. Plus, how I’ve seen clarity in business help my coaching clients make better decisions for their podcasts. 

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.

Fin...

What if the thing you're known for is actually limiting the impact you're meant to make? For a long time, I believed my business was about podcast production. And while podcasting will always be at the heart of what I do, I've realized something much bigger: I've never just been helping people launch podcasts—I've been helping them build authority.

In this episode, I'm sharing the mindset shift that's been reshaping my business and why I've stopped thinking of podcasting as the destination. Instead, I now see it as one of the most powerful tools business ow...

Do you still need to podcast when your business is at capacity? In today’s episode, I’m sharing why I think you should continue to podcast even when that is the case. Plus, why I’m still sitting down to record despite the fact that Gaffin Creative is currently operating on a waitlist.

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 I...

Do you think you could make the same impact in a five-minute podcast episode that you could in a 20-minute one? So many podcasters equate longer episodes with more value. But in today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can make an impact in just five minutes. 

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.

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What are...

What if I told you that one of the smartest things you can do for your podcast is publish less? I know, that sounds completely backwards. But in today’s episode, I’m sharing why it might just be the thing that helps your podcast. Plus, I’m sharing something that I think every podcaster needs a little more of… permission. 

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 Clo...

A podcast is truly one of the most powerful business tools available. In today’s episode, I’m featuring my client Colie James and the Business-First Creatives Podcast, with an episode that dives into exactly how significant a podcast can be. Colie chats with marketing expert Polly Pollock about how podcasts and other types of long-form content are key to creating deep connections and driving real business growth. 

This episode originally aired on episode 302 of the Business-First Creatives Podcast. 

Today's episode is brought to you by Mic Check Society, our community for podcasters who ar...

I'm a little late to celebrating 5 years of Clocking In, so in honor of 5 years, I’m sharing 5 things I wish more podcasters knew in 2026. These are the lessons I find myself repeating over and over again in client calls, podcast audits, strategy sessions, and other conversations with podcasters. And they might make a difference for your podcasting in 2026!

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 Cloc...

Is video actually necessary for podcasting in 2026? In today’s episode, I’m sharing my answer to that question, and it might surprise you. Because simply turning on a camera isn’t a growth strategy. 

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.

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Video isn’t the strategy, it’s the format (1:11)

Podcasting and YouTubing are...

Is your podcast aligned with your business goals? In today’s episode, I’m giving you a preview of my Podcasting For Business Private Podcast. Listen in on the first episode of this private series and learn why it is so important to intentionally integrate your podcast into your business ecosystem. 

Download the Private Podcast: gaffincreative.com/privatepod

Join the Waitlist for Podcasting for Business Program: gaffincreative.com/coaching

Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our servi...

What makes someone keep listening to a podcast? In today’s episode, I’m talking about how podcasters can create deeper connections with their listeners. Because if you’re using your podcast to grow your business, gaining the trust of your listeners truly matters. 

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.

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Trust is built in small mome...

What if your podcast doesn’t actually need more episodes — it needs more intentionality? In today’s episode, I’m talking about one of the biggest mistakes I see podcasters making when it comes to business growth. So many creators are publishing incredible content consistently, yet they’re still struggling to generate clients, visibility, authority, or revenue from their show. And honestly, I think it’s because most podcast advice is still far too focused on downloads alone.

I’m sharing why intentional strategy matters so much more than simply creating more content and how podcasters can start trea...

Your podcast is capable of so much more than simply publishing weekly episodes. In today’s episode, I’m sharing why I believe so many business owners are dramatically underestimating the role their podcast can play in growing their brand, building trust, and generating long-term opportunities. If your podcast currently feels like “just another marketing task,” this conversation is going to completely shift the way you think about your show.

I’m talking about the difference between simply creating content and intentionally building a platform that supports your entire business ecosystem. Because your podcast can become your autho...

Should you hire help, or just keep doing all the work for your podcast yourself? This episode is part of a small finance series, and today I’m talking all about outsourcing. Why even if you can handle the work yourself, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. 

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.

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The DI...

Have you ever opened your bank account and immediately felt your stomach drop? Today’s episode is part two in the small finances series, and I’m talking all about business finances. I’m talking about what it’s like to see the money come in, and then immediately go back out. And it’s not that the money is just disappearing; it’s being invested and making an impact. 

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 f...

If you’re running a business and still swiping your debit card for everything, you might be leaving serious benefits on the table—and I know because I did it for years. In this episode, I’m kicking off a brand-new finance series by breaking down how I use business credit cards as a strategic tool—not for debt, but for smarter spending, better cash flow visibility, and real rewards that actually support my life and business.

I’m walking you through exactly how I think about credit cards, the specific cards I’ve used, why I upgraded...

Are you considering joining a podcast network? In today’s episode, I want to equip you with all the information you’d need if that opportunity ever comes up. I’m breaking down what a podcast network is, how they work, and how to evaluate whether it’s the right fit for your show.

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...

Are you feeling weird about your business right now? You might be in a season of business you don't recognize, yet don't know how to handle it. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down four common seasons of business and how each requires something a little different from you. Plus, how your podcast can support you through each one. 

Ready to get unstuck? Join the waitlist for coaching: gaffincreative.com/coaching

Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our servi...

What makes a guest unforgettable—in a good way? If you’ve been following our series on podcast guesting, today’s bonus episode is the perfect wrap-up. You’ll hear from Joy Michelle—business coach and host of the Called to Both podcast—in an episode I asked to re-air here on Clocking In. Joy breaks down the often-overlooked art of being an excellent podcast guest with clarity and intention.

This is your crash course on what it really means to be prepared, present, and professional when you’re given the mic on someone else’s platform.

This ep...

Are you intentional with your podcast pitching? In today’s episode, I’m walking you through how to pitch the right way, whether you’re pitching guests onto your show or yourself onto someone else’s. Plus, I’m sharing how to be mindful when outsourcing your pitching with a PR company, virtual assistant, or team member.

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.

Are you being the best podcast host you can be? In today’s episode, I’m sharing my top tips for selecting, pitching, and communicating with guests in a way that protects your reputation, relationships, and audience. Because how you host is a reflection of how you lead. 

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.

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Get clea...

Have you ever shown up ready to record—only to realize the host didn’t know the topic, didn’t prep, and wasn’t actually ready to host the conversation? That’s what today’s episode is all about.

On this replay from the Laylee Emadi Podcast, I sit down with my friend and podcast client Laylee Emadi to unpack an experience she's seen multiple times recently as a podcast guest: hosts who outsource without oversight, skip alignment, and miss the responsibility that comes with leading a show.

Whether you’re a podcast host, a frequent guest...

Happy International Women’s Day! Do you know the stats for women in podcasting? Today, we’re diving into the gender gap in podcasting, plus my reflections after 5 years of Clocking In. 

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.

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Celebrating 5 years of Clocking In (1:08)

The stats of women behind the mic (2:22)

Women in...

What makes a podcast sound professional and effortless? In today’s episode, I’m diving into three pillars of podcast quality: audio, content clarity, and intention. I’m sharing how you can easily boost the quality of your next recording and create a voice that listeners trust.

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.

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Creating high qual...

Are you podcast and email marketing working together? In today’s episode, I’m teaching you 5 strategies to leverage your podcast and email marketing together. You’ll learn how to drive downloads, convert listeners into buyers, and turn your podcast into your best lead generator. 

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.

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The state of email mark...

Your best content doesn’t have an expiration date—so why let it sit dormant in your feed? Today, I’m breaking down a super simple strategy for increasing downloads on your older content through your existing audience.

We’ll walk through how to reference older episodes in a way that adds value, feels natural, and guides listeners without overwhelming them. Plus, I’m giving you a plug-and-play formula for how to do it and examples you can steal.

Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creati...

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.

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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/ssbts

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 resourc...

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.

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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.

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Where I record Clocking In (1:12)

Apple...

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...

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.

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