The Program Design Podcast
Welcome to the Program Design Podcast. I'm your host, Lauren Monique- teacher and curriculum writer turned program mentor and business strategist for coaches, educators and online experts. Whether you're looking to create your first ever group coaching program or scale your current offer for more freedom, revenue and consistent income, this is the podcast for you. Here you'll find practical strategies and encouragement mixed with a bit of manifestation and intuition to help you design and grow a program you love. encouragement and inspiration Let's dive in!
99 - Why Your Helping Profession Background is Your Biggest Business Asset
I hate to admit it, but for a while in business I regretted becoming a teacher.
Not that I disliked teaching (I still enjoy it as a coach!) but I felt stuck.
I had been in business school... Why hadn't I stayed the course? Now "all I could do what help teachers". At least... That was the story I told myself.
Not only was it completely untrue, my helping profession background is actually an ASSET as a business owner. I just didn't see it right away.
In this episode, you'll h...
98 - How to Price Your Program When You've Always Undercharged
If you're anything like me, one challenge you may come up against a lot:
Undercharging.
Friends and coaches might often tell you to raise your prices... But it feels uncomfortable. Or unfair. Or exclusive.
Or maybe... You feel good about your price point, but you're not at point yet where your program or service is actually profitable.
If that's you, you need to hear this episode.
In this episode, we'll dive into...
How one product I was charging $30 for 8 years ago eventually went o...97 - Multiple Program Ideas? Here's How To Choose The Right One
A common challenge that can come up for us when we go from working 1:1 to a more leveraged offer...
Is choosing the right idea.
Because when we start our businesses, we often think that it's about finding the "right" idea... the right one to be successful, right?
But as you continue in business, you've likely noticed you have the opposite problem. It's not about having a great idea.
For entrepreneurs... It's about choosing amidst all your possible ideas!
So in this episode, you'll hear...<...
96 - I'm Taking 4 Weeks Off with My Kids This Summer (Here's How): Part 1
I'm gonna be honest... Usually I don't actually want to take that much time off with my kids over the summer.
I know. That sounds terrible.
But not because I didn't want to spend time with them, but because I had always been at home part time with them in some way before they went to school.
And kids under 5 are exhausting! I always wanted at least a little bit of childcare in the summer.
But now that they're both in school... I wanted to find a way to have 4 weeks...
95 - The 3 Fears That Keep You Maxed Out With 1:1's (And How to Make the Leap)
If you're like many of my clients, you know you can support people 1:1, and it's the main revenue source in your business...
But you're tired of trading time for dollars. The only way you get paid, is if you show up to work.
That can work well up to a point, but if you're listening to this podcast, you likely want to create something more leveraged. More scalable.
A program that gives you more freedom in your days too.
You might have the idea, the vision... but these fears can keep yo...
94 - What Therapists Turned Coaches Need to Know Before Designing a Group Program
So you're thinking of moving to a group program. Amazing! Actually taking the leap and designing my group program completely changed the trajectory for my business.
But if you're a therapist, you likely feel very comfortable in the academic space of learning and then doing.
Entrepreneurship often feels like the opposite! After working with dozens of therapists, I've noticed a few trends of what to consider when you move to a group offer. Let's dive into what you need to know as a therapist turned coach.
In this episode, you'll hear...<...
93 - How To Fill Your Program When You're Selling To Consumers (Not Coaches)
Selling to businesses and entrepreneurs is not the same as selling to consumers.
It's just not!
But so many of us are in programs learning from coaches who have always sold to...
Coaches.
Or at least, have always sold to businesses and entrepreneurs.
Selling to a consumer, "B2C" (business to consumer, instead of B2B, business to business), might feel harder, but it doesn't have to be.
You might just need strategies specific to that industry.
In this episode, you'll hear...
92 - Why Sales Calls Convert Better Than a Buy Button (even if you'd rather just send a link)
One recommendation I always make in my programs:
Run sales calls.
And I have to say... I get a bit of push back on it, and I get it. Sales calls can be time consuming, they can drain you and if you don't love the idea of selling... nerve wracking!
I regularly see ads on IG with something along the lines of "how to sell high ticket, without sales calls".
But sales calls, especially when you're in the starting days of your programs, can massively improve your conversion rate.
<...
91 - How I Organize My Days, Weeks and Months as a Coach (in 25 Hours a Week): Part 3
Have you ever felt like you're running out of time in your day... or that it's hard to balance marketing with delivery... or maybe you're newer in your business and you're wondering how you should really be spending your days at your desk (now that you get to choose how to spend it)?
Or maybe... You're curious to see how other people are spending their days as entrepreneurs?
In this series I'm diving into how I organize my days, my weeks and my months as a coach so that you can feel organized and focused...
90 - How I Structure My Live Trainings So Clients Get Results (Not Just Notes): Part 2 - My Exact Formula
One of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to live trainings and events?
There's a big emphasis on "speaking on stage". On delivering content. Listening to someone speak can be great, sure, but...
It's not exactly transformational.
And somehow, people have equated teaching with speaking. Or more specifically... Lecturing.
But you know what lecturing produces? Notes.
Not results!
In this series, I'm sharing exactly how I structure my live trainings (for paying clients) so they actually get results, and not just pages of notes or ideas.<...
89 - How I Structure My Live Trainings So Clients Get Results (Not Just Notes): Part 1
One of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to live trainings and events?
There's a big emphasis on "speaking on stage". On delivering content. Listening to someone speak can be great, sure, but...
It's not exactly transformational.
And somehow, people have equated teaching with speaking. Or more specifically... Lecturing.
But you know what lecturing produces? Notes.
Not results!
In this series, I'm sharing exactly how I structure my live trainings (for paying clients) so they actually get results, and not just pages of notes or ideas.<...
88 - The Visibility Series: How To Stand Out When You're Using Facebook Ads
One of the main obstacles I hear from coaches who are launching or scaling programs:
Fear of visibility - in some shape or form.
If you're just starting, it can feel paralyzing to go from deciding "I'm launching a group program" to actually putting yourself out there and doing it.
And quite frankly, people freeze in this phase. I don't want that for you!
And it happens again in the scaling phase. When you start getting in front of new audiences, a fear of visibility can come up again... Just in a...
87 - The Visibility Series: Starting Your Group Program
One of the main obstacles I hear from coaches who are launching or scaling programs:
Fear of visibility - in some shape or form.
If you're just starting, it can feel paralyzing to go from deciding "I'm launching a group program" to actually putting yourself out there and doing it.
And quite frankly, people freeze in this phase. I don't want that for you!
And it happens again in the scaling phase. When you start getting in front of new audiences, a fear of visibility can come up again... Just in a...
86 - Is It Time To Get A... Job? How to Know if You're Cut Out to Be an Entrepreneur
Have you ever hit the moment where you think...
"Maybe I'm just not cut out for this".
Maybe you're just "not meant" to be an entrepreneur. Maybe you should just go back and get a job. Maybe it's something that is meant for other people, but not for you.
Maybe you're feeling that way right now.
I want you to know that this is SO common, and I've absolutely been there.
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why I used to worry this same t...85 - I Spent $15K and Uncovered a Money Block I Didn't Know I Had: Here's How It's Affecting Your Sales Too
If you've ever worried about what someone might say about your program price, or about raising your prices... or even felt uncomfortable after actually stating your price (what if it wasn't what they were expecting??)...
This podcast episode is for you!
In this episode, you'll hear:
What this program is and why I decided to invest in itHow I discovered a money belief that has been blocking my next level of growth (and that I've actually had all along) The questions you can ask yourself to uncover your own block too (and h...84 - What To Include In a Live Experience (Without Making It a Webinar): Part 2
One of my favourite ways to connect with your audience?
Live experiences.
Now I don't necessarily mean in person (though that is fantastic too), but especially experiences where potential clients can get to know you, be in your energy, and interact with you.
It can be a presentation, but in this scenario we're chatting about smaller, less formal events: think workshops or lunch and learns.
This is Part 2: Sell Without A Pitch
In this episode, you'll hear...
Why selling directly in a live experience is...83 - What To Include In a Live Experience (Without Making It a Webinar): Part 1
I don't have to tell you that in the age of AI, personal connections are more important than ever to fill you group programs.
One of my favourite ways to connect with your audience?
Live experiences.
Now I don't necessarily mean in person (though that is fantastic too), but especially experiences where potential clients can get to know you, be in your energy, and interact with you.
In can be a presentation, but in this scenario we're chatting about smaller, less formal events: think workshops or lunch and learns.
...
82 - What I Do If I Wasn't Making Consistent Sales in 2026
One of the main challenges I hear from coaches and mentors running online programs:
Their revenue isn't consistent each month.
Sometimes they have a good month, but other times, there aren't any sales or potential clients coming in... and it's a huge source of stress.
I have absolutely been there- but it does not have to be like that (even if you think you're "bad" at marketing).
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why most coaches aren't making sales regularly, and why a Repeatable Sales System w...81 - Your Clients Want to Keep Working with You... What Should You Offer Once A Program Is Done?
Often we focus our energies on getting sales, on getting those first clients in the door.
But what if you finish your 12 week program... and your clients are asking: "What's next?"
First off - what a great problem to have!
Should you feel bad that you don't necessarily have anything to offer them? Should you just have them redo the program (but what if it just feels like a repeat for them)? Should you create something else... but you're not sure of what that could even look like?
<...
80 - 7 Traits of Successful Group Program Coaches
After helping entrepreneurs create signature programs over the last 2 years -
I've noticed a trend.
Some coaches actually create and scale their programs... While others don't.
The coaches who actually launch the program they set out to create (and then go on to scale it!) don't necessarily have more education than you, more expertise than you... They might not even have as much business experience as you.
What they do have in common are traits. Specific ways of operating and seeing the world that allow them to m...
79 - How a Health Coach Grew Her Program to 9 Different States and 100s of Students with Ali Hively
If your ideal client isn't a consumer, but is actually an organization, district or school- this is a fantastic episode for you!
In this week's Case Study episode, I interview Ali Hively, a previous client, teacher and health coach and founder of Rise Girl: a program that empowers girls (grades 3 and up) with confidence, connection, and healthy habits through evidence-informed programs they love.
When we first worked together, Ali had a lot of content already created. Once we streamlined it and her process, she's now been able to focus solely on her main...
78 - Should You Still Be Running Your Business As Usual?
This one is coming off the back of a recent masterclass I ran... When I woke up feeling like -
"Should I really still be running my business as usual?"
I mean... It seems crazy when people are literally being killed in the street.
But I worked through this and landed on my favourite affirmation that has helped me through my most recurring money block.
And if you're anything like the thoughtful, kind and caring clients I tend to attract, it's likely a big block for you too...
77 - How I Organize My Days, Weeks and Months as a Coach (in 25 Hours a Week): Part 2
Have you ever felt like you're running out of time in your day... or that it's hard to balance marketing with delivery... or maybe you're newer in your business and you're wondering how you should really be spending your days at your desk (now that you get to choose how to spend it)?
Or maybe... You're curious to see how other people are spending their days as entrepreneurs?
In this series I'm diving into how I organize my days, my weeks and my months as a coach so that you can feel organized and focused...
76 - How I Organize My Days, Weeks and Months as a Coach (in 25 Hours a Week): Part 1
Have you ever felt like you're running out of time in your day... or that it's hard to balance marketing with delivery... or maybe you're newer in your business and you're wondering how you should really be spending your days at your desk (now that you get to choose how to spend it)?
Or maybe... You're curious to see how other people are spending their days as entrepreneurs?
In this series I'm diving into how I organize my days, my weeks and my months as a coach so that you can feel organized and focused...
75 - My Word for 2026
Do you choose a word for your year? I really wanted to share this episode with you in December 2025, but it wasn't quite ready yet. I was very much in the doing doing doing (which definitely relates to the word I'm choosing this year!)...
I needed the time to pause and reflect over the break to refresh and get really clear on where I'm going this year- and I know it was exactly what I needed.
In this episode, you'll hear:
My word for the year and the lesson...74 - What I Would Prepare In Advance If I Was Launching a Program in 2026
One of the main challenges I hear from coaches who have launched programs before:
Their past mentors have recommended they build it as they go... but it doesn't feel professional... And is a major cause of stress.
It does not have to be that way! And it doesn't mean preparing your entire program in advance either.
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why building as you go can stress you out... and why creating it all first can leave you overthinking or giving up The exact elements I wo...73 - 5 Lessons After Doubling My Revenue in 2025
It can be so tempting to move onto the next thing in your business-
Especially when it doesn't feel like it's "working". The next launch, the next strategy, the next shift.
But I know for me, when I actually take the time to look back, that's when I know what to focus on for the next year... and what to stop repeating.
In this episode, you'll hear:
The identity shift that quietly guided my best decisions this year- long before the strategy made sense on paperThe financial...72 - How To Set Up Your Program To Scale: Group Program Systems [Delivery Systems Part 2]
In last week's episode, Part 1 of Delivery Systems, we looked at delivery systems for your 1:1 work to save you time each week-
(Because one of the challenges to creating a more scalable offer is actually having the time to create it when you're already maxed out at 1:1's!)
In Part 2, we're diving into Group Program Delivery Systems- how to think about systems so that your program is set up to grow, without sacrificing a quality client experience.
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why Delivery S...71 - How To Make Time For Program Creation When You're Maxed Out With 1:1s [Delivery Systems Part 1]
Here's the challenge of creating a more leveraged offer so that you can spend less time in 1:1 work:
There's a lag time.
There's a creation period- where you're likely balancing your 1:1 clients with designing and launching your new group program.
We often have to do more upfront work to have it pay off later, even if you're not fully creating your program before you launch.
The solution? Upgrading your Delivery Systems.
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why Delivery Systems can be...70 - I Changed My Podcast Name! Here's Why and What You Can Learn From It
Introducing... The Program Design Podcast!
After 69 episodes of Align and Inspire, I was ready to evolve the name- but it's so much more than that.
If you're a coach or mentor who has been feeling stuck between two niches, overthinking, or wondering if it's time to pivot, this episode is absolutely for you.
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why I decided to change the name of the podcastWhy coaches get stuck in the idea phase of their next offer and what to do insteadSimple tips to name your own podcast...69 - I Stopped "Playing Business"
Ever feel like you're "playing" business?
Like you're working on your laptop, but there's a part of you that feels like you're kidding yourself? Or like it's really more of a hobby... and not a "real" business?
If you're in that place - I get it. It's not like you have a brick and mortar that you're driving to, physically unlocking and then working every day.
It can feel a bit... pretend when you're building an online business- especially if you're not making the money you want yet.
The challenge with...
68 - What Tech Do You Need For Your Group Program?
A big hurdle for some when you create a group coaching program? Tech.
Even if you are reasonably "techy" the sheer amount of options for your group program can be time consuming to look through...
But if you're telling yourself you're "bad at tech" (because yes, it's a belief, not a fact!) it can feel like a massive block.
In this episode, you'll hear:
What main types of tech platforms you need for different stages of business: when you're creating your first group program, and what you...67 - A Pilot, a Group or a Signature Program... What's the Difference?
In this podcast, you've likely heard me use the terms group program, pilot (or beta) program, and signature program...
So what's the difference?
And which one is right for you?
In this quick episode, you'll hear:
The difference between a group program, a pilot program and a signature program... and even an online courseHow to know which one is right for youWhat you need to get started as a scalable group offerMentioned In This Episode
Registration is now open for Pilot Program Design - m...
66 - How To Sell In Your Webinars Without Feeling Salesy with Colin Boyd
If you know you want to fill your group coaching program but at the same time, you hate the idea of actually having to sell it...
Or worry about coming across as pushy... or salesy...
This podcast episode is for you.
In this episode I interview Colin Boyd, creator of Sell From Stage Academy and author of the brand new book, One Presentation Away. His strategies can help you whether you're presenting in virtual webinars like I do or on live stages and in person workshops.
Colin is a mentor of m...
65 - What I’ve Learned from Creating 6+ Group Program Outlines in a Month for Clients
One of the key ways I'm supporting my clients to design signature programs this year is by co-creating results focused program outlines. My clients love this level of bespoke support and in September, I created 6 program outlines for 6 unique businesses.
And you know what I've noticed?
Even though they are different businesses, the challenges people faced were similar. Some could see the final vision of what they wanted to create, but they felt lost in the details to actually getting it off the ground. Others knew it would work 1:1, but when they went to do...
64 - Want More Sales? Streamline Your Offer Suite
If you're anything like I was, you're focusing a lot of your energy on making more sales in your coaching business.
And new sales are obviously... awesome.
But I wonder... what if you're overlooking the power of repeat sales as a coach?
Or if you're focusing so much on creating new offers for your same audience... rather than creating offers that naturally flow together?
That is the power of an Offer Journey!
In this episode, you'll hear:
What I mean by "Offer Journey" a...63 - How to Renew Your Clients (Without Feeling Awkward) [The Renewal Series]
One of the keys you might be overlooking to fill your programs more easily?
Renewals!
It's so much easier to sell to an existing client rather than a new one- I've read it can even cost 5x more to acquire a new customer than retaining an existing one.
Now, I personally don't see it as "acquiring a customer" but when you can include renewals in your program rather than always looking for new clients, you'll be able to fill your program more easily, make your revenue more consistent and deliver deeper transformations for...
62 - How to Structure Your Program for Renewals (While Still Being Valuable for Alumni) [The Renewal Series]
One of the keys you might be overlooking to fill your programs more easily?
Renewals!
It's so much easier to sell to an existing client rather than a new one - I've read it can even cost 5x more to acquire a new customer than retaining an existing one.
Now, I personally don't see it as "acquiring a customer" but when you can include renewals in your program rather than always looking for new clients, you'll be able to fill your program more easily, make your revenue more consistent and deliver deeper transformations...
61 - Cycle Sync Your Business with Renae Fieck
If you've ever felt sure of yourself and your vision one week...
And spiralling in self doubt and "maybe I should just go back to a job" energy the next week...
Cycle syncing can change the came for you! It comes down to listening to your body and working within a rhythm, rather than pushing through each day.
Whether you're new to the idea of cycle syncing in your business or you're thinking about to make it work for you, this episode is a must listen!
In this episode you'll...
60 - How I Structure My Days, Weeks, and Months as a Coach and Mom Running a Signature Program
Are you building your business alongside car naps, school pick ups and soccer practices?
Me too!
I often see business coaches share how helpful it is to have a 2 hour morning routine, or how hard they needed to work to get them the freedom they have in their lives now.
That is just not my reality, and if you're reading this, my guess is it isn't yours either!
Since I've started, I've had a few different business models: lower ticket digital products, a membership, done for you work, group programs... and...
