Click Tease: Weekly Digest of Branding, Marketing & Content that Converts

40 Episodes
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By: Michelle Pualani & Joanna Newton

Hot takes, fresh insights, and strategies that actually work — served weekly.Click Tease is your unfiltered, real-time digest of what’s trending in personal branding, content creation, and marketing for coaches, creatives, and online service providers. Co-hosted by branding strategist Michelle Pualani and digital agency founder Joanna Newton, this show breaks down the latest tools, viral trends, creator moments, algorithm updates, and everything that’s making waves right now.If you want to stay ahead of the curve — and make content that clicks and converts — this is your weekly tea. 🎧 Listen in. ☕ Sip something. 💻 Take notes.→ Subscribe to our companion Substack to get each...

002: The One About AI Content Creation, TikTok’s US App, & Kesha’s Indie Comeback
Last Thursday at 9:00 AM

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Wondering if robots will replace your reels — or if TikTok might vanish overnight? This episode spills the tea on AI tools, a potential U-S-only TikTok, and how Kesha just turned label drama into a branding masterclass.

You’ll learn how to protect your audience if platforms shift, why quantity still beats perfection, and the sweet spot where “strategic unhinged” content outperforms polished feeds.

Timestamps
 08:05 – Algorithm wants an a...


001: The One About RYZE Coffee, Alex Cooper, & Instagram’s Edits App
#1
07/07/2025

When was the last time you saw a mushroom mascot make a better ad than your favorite brand? In this episode, we break down what marketing really is in 2025 — and why “being yourself” isn’t enough unless you’re strategic about how you show up.

If your content feels bland, the algorithm agrees. You’ll learn why storytelling is dominating the feed, how to create a character-driven brand that gets remembered, and the reason new Instagram features (like Edits) might be your biggest growth hack.

Timestamps:

08:15 – Why “Marketing is Media” and your funnel is bor...


Gabs Hayes & Growing Your Business with the Productivity Quickie
07/04/2025

Transform your productivity by focusing on what matters most—without burning out. Discover how to prioritize the tasks that actually move your business forward, break free from endless to-do lists, and leverage time-saving methods like the 80/20 principle and content batching. Whether you’re overwhelmed or just ready to work smarter, you’ll find actionable strategies for balancing business, personal life, and your own well-being.

After losing her son seven years ago, Gabs’ priorities fundamentally shifted: time over money, doing over dreaming, and memories over material things. Today, this entrepreneurial mom is building the Overwhelmed & Over It village parents...


Agnes Maas & Gamifying Your Digital Product with Jiffy Courses
06/30/2025

Joanna Newton sits down with Agnes Maas of Jiffy Courses Online to explore how she and her husband transformed a niche digital product into an international sensation. Agnes shares actionable insights on solving real-world problems in online education, the power of staying focused on a niche, and proven strategies for scaling a digital business worldwide. If you’re looking to take your digital offer global—or want to learn from a founder who’s done it—this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for female entrepreneurs, coaches, and creators.

Website: Jiffycoursesonline.com

Freebie: Gamify Lite: https...


Leveraging Resilience: Spotlighting the Melanie Perkins & Canva Success Story
06/23/2025

Every rejection is a step closer to revolutionizing your industry—just look at Melanie Perkins’s story.


In this episode, we unpack the remarkable journey of Melanie Perkins, the female tech CEO who got over 100 rejections before launching Canva, a revolutionary design platform now used by more than 100 million people worldwide. Tune in for actionable insights on handling setbacks, the importance of consistency, building a winning team, and daring to dream big. This episode is a must-listen for female entrepreneurs, coaches, and creatives ready to turn obstacles into opportunities.


Time Stam...


Her First Update: Sabrina Carpenter & Man's Best Friend
06/18/2025

Join Joanna solo as she unpacks the heated conversation surrounding Sabrina Carpenter’s new album cover for “Man’s Best Friend.” Is it empowering, satirical, or setting women back? Joanna explores the double standards female artists face, why provocative content gets people talking, and how bold creative choices can fuel both controversy and visibility. Whether you agree or not, this episode challenges you to consider how your own brand can make an impact by sparking real conversation.


Time Stamps:
01:00 Sabrina Carpenter’s Brand Evolution
02:00 “Man’s Best Friend” Album Cover Controversy
03:00 Is It Empowerment, Sat...


Embrace Innovation & Big Ideas: Jamie Kern Lima’s Journey from Rejection to Billion-Dollar Success
06/16/2025

Unpack the incredible story of Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics. From facing repeated rejection to building a billion-dollar brand, Jamie’s journey is a masterclass in staying true to your vision, innovating boldly, and persevering when the odds are stacked against you. If you’re ready to embrace big ideas and lead with authenticity, this episode will leave you inspired and empowered to keep going—no matter the setbacks.


Time Stamps:

02:11 Jamie Kern Lima's Early Career

02:45 The Birth of IT Cosmetics

04:50 Breaking Beauty Standards

10:30 The QV...


Should You Use AI for Content Creation? What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
06/09/2025

We break down the real pros and cons of using AI for content creation, and why originality and creativity matter more than ever. Get honest insight on the ethical and environmental impact of AI, plus practical tips for using these tools without losing your unique voice. If you want to stay innovative while keeping your brand authentic, listen now.


Time Stamps

00:54 The Debate on AI in Content Creation

04:18 The Ethical and Creative Concerns of AI

11:44 AI's Environmental Impact

14:19 Using AI as a Support Tool<...


How Nervous System Regulation Creates Business Growth with Guest Trish Lynn
06/02/2025

We’re diving deep into how nervous system regulation can transform not just your personal well-being, but your entire brand presence and business growth. We sit down with Trish Lynn to uncover why past traumas can make your content invisible—and how practical healing strategies can help you finally show up, share your story, and build real authority online. If you’re ready to move from survival to self-expression in your business, this episode is for you.

Guest: Trish Lynn, CEO The Trish Lynn – Business Therapist & Content Strategist
Instagram: @thetrishlynn
“When you heal your nervous system, yo...


Navigating Public Scrutiny: Lessons from the Blake Lively Controversy
05/26/2025

We break down the recent controversy involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni—and how it relates to building and protecting a personal brand. From public perception to media backlash, we talk about navigating online heat while staying rooted in your values and voice. If you’re a female entrepreneur or creator building a platform, this one’s for you.


Time Stamps:

01:30 Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Allegations

03:25 Impact on Personal Brands

06:40 Public Perception and Media Influence

07:30 The Role of Authenticity in Personal Branding

17:35 Recent Develo...


Launch Strategies & 3 Non-Negotiables for a Successful Digital Launch
05/19/2025

We’re getting into the real must-haves for a profitable and aligned digital launch. Whether you’re selling a course, membership, or resource—these are the three things that can’t be skipped if you want sales (and sanity). We share examples, mistakes we’ve seen, and give you a behind-the-scenes peek at Joanna’s client’s $20K pre-launch that didn’t involve a single email or Instagram post.

Join Joanna’s Waitlist: https://www.millennialmktr.com/launch-flow

Time Stamps:

00:00 – $20K Pre-Launch Without Emails or Posts

00:59 – 3 Things That Every Launch Needs

01...


Mastering Podcast Guesting: Positioning Yourself as an Expert and Authority
05/12/2025

Learn how to position yourself as a must-have podcast guest and turn interviews into powerful tools for building trust, authority, and your personal brand.

Time Stamps:

00:55 Pitching Yourself to Podcasts

01:50 Positioning Yourself as an Expert

03:31 Building Confidence and Authority

05:15 Sharing Stories and Case Studies

20:56 Technical Tips for Being a Great Guest

25:40 Effective Calls to Action

Join the list, get the tea, tips & tools that convert: https://clickteasepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork
📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com
🌐...


Podcast Pitching & Positioning: How to Get Booked as an Expert Guest
05/05/2025

We’re breaking down how to pitch yourself as an expert podcast guest—even if you’re not sure what makes you “the expert.” From crafting a pitch that gets a yes to building a credible digital presence, we’re sharing everything you need to land and leverage podcast features for your brand.

Time Stamps:
 01:07 The Power of Podcasting for Creators
 03:09 Building Trust and Credibility Through Podcasts
 04:46 Maximizing Podcast Appearances for Your Brand
 06:21 Crafting the Perfect Podcast Pitch
 13:18 Finding the Right Podcasts for Your Niche
 22:32 Engaging with Podcast Hosts and Communities


Sue Richey & Building a Local Brand That Scales Online with Courses
04/28/2025

We sit down with Sue Richey to dive into how she built a thriving local property management brand, scaled her business through smart marketing, and expanded her reach nationally with digital education.

Learn More About Sue:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RicheyPropertyMgtWebsite: www.RicheyPM.comGetting Great Tenants CourseProperty Management Mastery Course

Time Stamps:
 00:28 Sue Richey's Background and Expertise
 02:54 Business Growth and Evolution
 09:26 Building a Local Brand
 22:04 Marketing Strategies and Future Plans

Join the list, get the tea, tips & tools that convert: https://clickteasepodcast.substack.com/subs...


Sara Blakely & Failing Your Way to a Billion-Dollar Brand
04/21/2025

We’re talking about what it really takes to succeed — and why failure is part of the process.

Sara Blakely went from selling fax machines to building Spanx into a billion-dollar brand. Her story is a reminder that rejection and missteps are fuel, not flaws. 💥

We unpack how failing early builds resilience, why perfection is a myth, and how to keep going when the world says no. Plus, her new venture Sneaks is giving “Sneakers meets stiletto” energy 👟✨


Time Stamps:
00:45 Sara Blakely: From Humble Beginnings to Billion-Dollar Empire
01:35 The Importance o...


Overcoming Ageism & Perfectionism in Business: Lessons from Netflix Shows ‘Younger’ & ‘Running Point’
04/14/2025

We’re tackling the unspoken rules women face—straight from the storylines of Younger and Running Point on Netflix. Michelle and Joanna dive into the double standards around age, credibility, and perfectionism that hold women to impossible standards while men get more room to stumble and grow.


Time Stamps:

02:06 Deep Dive into 'Younger'

04:16 Ageism in the Workplace

07:37 Exploring 'Running Point'

09:30 Women in Sports and Media

09:57 Age Bias and Internal Narratives

16:36 Double Standards and Perfectionism

22:00 Appearance and Credibility

28:46 Burden of P...


Reese Witherspoon & The Perfect Book Club Funnel
04/07/2025

🔥 How Reese Witherspoon went from Hollywood A-lister to powerhouse entrepreneur—rewriting the script for women in media & business.


Time Stamps:
01:10 Breaking Stereotypes and Empowering Women
03:01 The Impact of Media on Female Representation
08:32 Reese Witherspoon's Strategic Business Moves
10:40 Lessons for Digital Business Owners
20:25 The Importance of Mission-Driven Business
25:09 Thinking Big and Long-Term Strategies

Join the list, get the tea, tips & tools that convert: https://clickteasepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork
📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com
🌐 Joanna: millennialmktr.com

📅 10-Day Course Creation Challeng...


Zaria Parvez & How Duolingo’s Viral Strategy Redefined Branding
03/31/2025

We’re breaking down how Duolingo went from a language app to a social media powerhouse—all thanks to some seriously unhinged (and genius) marketing. Dig into the bold, chaotic, and wildly effective strategy that turned Duo the Owl into an internet icon. Learn about the mastermind behind it all, Zaria Parvez, and how her fearless approach skyrocketed engagement, daily active users, and revenue. From the power of creative risk-taking to why authenticity wins every time, we’re unpacking what personal brands can steal from Duolingo’s success to stand out and scale.


Time Stamps:


How Successful Women Plan Their Weeks for Maximum Productivity
03/25/2025

This week on Her First, we’re pulling back the curtain on how we actually manage our time as business owners, because let’s be real—if your schedule is running you, you’re already losing. We’re breaking down our exact weekly planning process, daily workflows, and the tools that keep us sane (shoutout to Google Workspace, Motion AI, and monday.com). We’re also tackling the sneaky productivity killers—context switching, never-ending to-do lists, and not protecting your energy. Whether you’re a founder, a creator, or just trying to get your life together, this episode is packed with stra...


Personal Branding & Gallup CliftonStrengths: Play to Your Talents in Business with Sara Harvey
03/17/2025

We’re diving into the magic of CliftonStrengths with none other than Sara Harvey—a Gallup-certified strengths coach and team trainer. We’re breaking down how this tool helps you identify your natural talents, boost productivity, and actually enjoy how you work. We even put ourselves under the microscope, sharing our own strengths profiles and how they shape our personal brands and business moves. This episode is packed with insights to help you lean into your strengths and work smarter, not harder.

In addition to being a former C-suite executive and now business owner, Sara Harvey is a Gall...


Beyoncé & Crafting Ownership Over Your Assets
03/10/2025

We’re talking all things Beyoncé—because who does branding better? We break down how Queen Bey went from a Houston girl with big dreams to a global icon running her own empire. We’re diving into the genius behind her brand: owning her intellectual property, navigating industry bias like a pro, and balancing mystery with authenticity to keep fans (and the internet) on their toes. Plus, we’re pulling out the best lessons entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners can steal from her playbook—because if Beyoncé can do it, so can we.


Time Stamps:

01...


Avoiding Burnout: Essential Strategies for Entrepreneurs with Sue McLachlan
03/03/2025

In this episode of the Her First Podcast, Joanna is joined by Sue McLoughlin, a Kajabi expert and digital nomad, to discuss the pressing issue of burnout among entrepreneurs. Sue shares her personal experiences with burnout, the importance of setting boundaries, and tailoring business strategies to one's own nature. The episode underscores the necessity of self-care, setting up sustainable business practices, and the pitfalls of trying to imitate others' success.

Sue is a Kajabi expert and strategist who’s been helping creators build and grow their online businesses since 2019. Sue’s all about making Kajabi work for you...


Leila Hormozi & Building a Personal Brand Around a $200M Empire
02/24/2025

On this episode of Her First, we’re getting into the powerhouse that is Leila Hormozi. If you don’t know her, she’s the co-founder of Acquisition.com and, alongside her husband Alex Hormozi, has built multiple businesses into absolute beasts. We’re breaking down her no-BS approach to personal branding—think trust over clout, engagement over vanity metrics, and why consistency is the real flex. Plus, we’re diving into her mindset strategies: handling criticism like a boss, embracing discomfort, and playing the long game when it comes to scaling a business. If you’re ready to level up, hit...


Personal Brand Building Part Two & Actionable Steps to Influence
02/17/2025

On this week's Her First, we're talking personal branding – the real deal.  We're breaking down how to actually build and grow your brand, not just exist online.  Think auditing your current vibe, creating a visual identity that pops, developing a content strategy that isn't snooze-worthy, and, of course, networking like a pro.  We even pulled inspo from the big leagues – Tim Ferriss, Taylor Swift, Amy Porterfield – you know, the works.  We're getting into what makes content actually engaging, how to chat with your audience (and have them actually listen!), and how to use those platforms to your advantage.  Oh, and don't f...


Personal Brand Building Part One & How to Create a Foundation of Trust
02/10/2025

Personal branding isn’t just for influencers—it’s the key to building trust, growing an audience, and making money online. In this episode of Her First, we break down the three must-have pillars of a powerful personal brand: knowing your core values, defining what makes you unique, and getting crystal clear on your audience. We’re also calling out the biggest branding myths (spoiler: “just go viral” is trash advice) and showing you how to build a brand that actually converts. If you’re ready to stop winging it and start treating your brand like a business, this episode is you...


The AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) & Personal Branding with Integrity for Influence or Impact
02/03/2025

In this episode of Her First, we’re diving into the powerhouse that is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—aka AOC. We break down how she went from bartending to becoming one of the most influential politicians of our time, all while keeping it real. From her grassroots campaign to her bold stance on issues like the Green New Deal and rejecting corporate PAC money, AOC’s personal brand is as strong as her policies. We’re talking about the power of authenticity, storytelling, and standing firm in your values—whether you’re in politics or building your own business. Because let’s be real, the...


Sabrina Carpenter & Her Bombshell Branding for a Glow-Up to Stardom
01/27/2025

In this episode of Her First Podcast, we dive into Sabrina Carpenter's incredible career and the evolution of her personal brand. From her Disney Channel beginnings to becoming a global sensation, Sabrina’s journey is full of lessons for anyone building their brand. We break down her strategies, like crafting a signature style, collaborating with top artists, and sharing just enough of her personal life to keep her audience hooked so you can learn from her stardom ways.


Time Stamps:

01:13 Sabrina Carpenter's Early Career and Breakthrough

03:27 The Importance of Star Qu...


Mel Robbins & The Let Them Theory
01/20/2025

We’re diving into Mel Robbins’ ‘Let Them’ Theory from her latest book and breaking down how high-achieving women can use it to tackle personal and professional challenges. We’ll chat about Mel’s inspiring journey from burnout to becoming a powerhouse motivational speaker and personal growth guru. Along the way, we’ll unpack the magic of setting boundaries, managing your mindset, and focusing your energy on what really matters. Whether you’re a female entrepreneur juggling all the things or just trying to stress less and win more, we’ve got tangible strategies to help you thrive. Plus, we’ll explore how...


The TikTok Ban & Why Owning Your Audience Matters
01/13/2025

We’re tackling the buzz about a possible TikTok ban in 2025 and what it means for all of us—small business owners and creators who’ve built so much on the platform. We’ll break down the national security talk behind the ban (in plain English, don’t worry) and, more importantly, chat about what you can do to stay ahead. Think email lists to own your audience, exploring other platforms, and boosting your personal brand so you’re not stuck relying on just one app. We’ve got tips to help you roll with the punches and keep your business...


Alessia Lupoboni & Creating a Multi-Six Figure Business on YouTube
01/06/2025

Welcome Alessia Lupoboni: Co-Founder Lazy Dancer Tips & Profitable Talents, Former Professional Ballet Dancer, YouTuber & Online Business Consultant


In this episode, we chat with Alessia Lupoboni, pro ballerina turned co-founder of Lazy Dancer Tips, about her journey from pirouettes to profits. Alessia opens up about losing and rediscovering her identity while transitioning from ballet to running a coaching business with her husband, Jacopo. She shares the personal struggles that inspired her thriving online ballet platform and highlights how authenticity and resilience are game-changers for business owners. Perfect for anyone navigating big transitions or craving a...


Goal Setting for 2025 & Visualization with Actionable Steps
12/30/2024

The best approach for goal-setting in 2025—without making it feel like another boring chore. We’re building on last episode’s reflections (so if you skipped it, go back and do your homework) and get real about visualizing our future selves. Crafting “I am” statements, breaking down goals into bite-sized chunks, and keeping it focused with quarterly themes. Reminders that progress isn’t a straight line—so grab your journal, pour a coffee (or tea), and join us as we map out a year of wins, growth, and maybe a little grace.


Time Stamps:

00:50 The...


Year End Reflection & Reviewing Your Milestones
12/23/2024

We’re taking a look at 2024 and reflecting on all the ups, downs, and “what was that?!” moments of the year. We chat about why reflection is the key for growth. From celebrating wins to learning from challenges, we’ll help you create a timeline of milestones, dive into personal growth, and even tackle the tricky stuff—like evaluating relationships and work-life balance. This is your prep session for an epic 2025, complete with tips to celebrate your progress and get your goals ready to slay.


Time Stamps:
00:41 Reflecting on 2024: Why It's Important

05:49 Cr...


Ariana Grande & Manifesting Your Dream Role
12/16/2024

We’re diving into Ariana Grande’s rollercoaster of a career—because let’s be real, being a child star, pop icon, and now Glinda in Wicked is no small feat. We talk about everything from her rise to fame and surviving the chaos of the music industry to handling public scrutiny and bouncing back from major challenges. Her story is basically a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and how to keep going when life throws shade (or scandals). Oh, and of course, we’re dishing on how her journey can teach us all a thing or two about personal branding...


Jessica Noon & Why It Sucks to Work with Founders
12/09/2024

Ever had some issues working with founders—those idea-generating machines who keep you on your toes. Together with Jessica Noon, we explore the ups and downs of managing opportunity costs, staying aligned with company values, and balancing personal branding with effective leadership. With a mix of personal stories and practical strategies, we unpack how founders can avoid falling into the ‘cult of personality’ trap, manage their ideas without overwhelming their team, and foster a balanced, self-aware leadership style that supports growth and collaboration.

Connect with Jessica:
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/daybreak_jess/
Linked...


Project 2025 & How Changes in Administration Affect Your Business
12/02/2024

We’re diving into Project 2025—a roadmap laid out by a conservative political organization—and unpacking what it could mean for business owners like us. From reproductive rights and healthcare to education and labor laws, we explore the ripple effects these potential changes could have on you personal and professional life. We talk about staying informed, preparing for shifts in laws and regulations, and finding balance in the chaos. Plus, we share tips on spotting opportunities in uncertain times and staying true to your values while navigating it all.


Time Stamps:

01:13 Understanding Projec...


Tori Dunlap & The Importance of Financial Literacy for Women
11/25/2024

We’re diving into the all-important topic of financial literacy for women and why it’s time to shift our mindsets around money to use it as a tool for empowerment. Drawing inspiration from Tori Dunlap and her push for financial education, we explore everything from building savings and investing wisely to understanding how politics impact women’s financial stability. Packed with practical advice and resources, this episode is all about helping women take control of their finances, tackle economic challenges, and feel confident navigating the money game.


Time Stamps:

00:35 Empowerment Through Financial Literacy

0...


Barbara Clarke Ruiz & Working with Industry Giants
11/18/2024

We’re excited to welcome Barbara Clarke Ruiz, CEO of BC Swirl Incorporated, to the podcast! Barbara takes us through her amazing career in the global activewear world, where she’s worked with giants like Adidas, Nike, and Eleven by Venus Williams. From her early days to leading big projects like designing for Walmart and boosting sales with Kohl’s Tech Gear, Barbara’s story is packed with big moves and bold choices. She also shares her leap into entrepreneurship with her pet treat brand, Lick You Silly, and her latest adventure in children’s book publishing. This episode is full of...


Personal Power Part Two: Long Term Growth Strategies
11/11/2024

We dive deeper into the concept of personal power and how to sustain it over time. Building on a previous episode that covered the basics of reclaiming personal power, today's discussion focuses on the continuous process of maintaining alignment, overcoming setbacks, and leveraging both intuition and analytical data for long-term success. We explore practical strategies for self-care, productivity, and creating supportive environments, aiming to help high-achieving women stay empowered in both their personal and professional lives.


Time Stamps:

01:15 Recap of Personal Power Part One

02:58 Continuing the Journey of Personal Power<...


Kamala Harris & The Influence of Leadership
11/04/2024

We dive into the journey and impact of Kamala Harris as the first female, Black, and South Asian U.S. Vice President, exploring the unique challenges and criticisms she faces as a woman in leadership. Reflecting on Kamala’s story, we share insights on how diverse representation can shape leadership and offer practical lessons for business owners, coaches, and creators.


Call Her Daddy Snippet: Kamala Harris Talks 'Humble' vs. Childless Women on 'Call Her Daddy'


Time Stamps:
00:53 Kamala Harris's Background and Career

02:18 Criticism and Public Perception

03:56 Ka...


Chappell Roan & the Double Standards of Fame
10/30/2024

Today we’re chatting about the double standards and pressures that high-achieving women face—especially when they're in the spotlight. Highlighting Chappell Roan, we chat about the scrutiny female musicians deal with, from political expectations to public criticism. We also get real about juggling careers, motherhood, and handling relentless media glare. Plus, we dish out tips on how to stay grounded, set boundaries, and focus on what really matters: personal goals, self-love, and redefining success on your own terms. It's about finding happiness without losing your sanity!


Time Stamps:

02:45 Chappell Roan's Rise to F...