The Powerful Content Podcast

Your Year, Your Timeline: Ditching January Pressure

How do you really feel about the start of this new year? Excited? Overwhelmed? Stuck? In this episode of The Powerful Content Podcast, I’m diving into the pressure-filled world of New Year resolutions and why it’s perfectly okay if you’re not ready to dive into goal-setting just yet.
I’ll be sharing my own experiences with the ‘New Year, New You’ message and how, after a busy holiday season, I’ve learned to take a slower, more intentional approach to starting the year. We’ll talk about what it means to give yourself permission to pause, focus on small but meaningful wins, and revisit planning when it feels right for you.
This isn’t about throwing goals out the window; it’s about redefining your timeline, letting go of societal expectations, and embracing what works best for you. If you’ve been feeling the weight of starting the year ‘perfectly,’ this episode will help you find a gentler, more compassionate way forward—not just for your business goals, but for yourself too.
What’s inside today’s episode:
00:00 How are you feeling about the New Year?01:21 Welcome to The Powerful Content Podcast02:21 Acknowledgement of Country02:43 My story: Starting the year differently04:46 Why ‘New Year, New You’ might not work for you09:18 Tips to ease into the year with intention12:50 How to rethink the January mindset15:38 Planning and goal-setting on your timeline17:04 Closing thoughts and resources
Links mentioned in this podcastThe Content EffectAnnie Love’s Reflecting on your Year WorkbookContent Review and Planning GuideUnlock Consistent Content
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love:Episode 150 – Embracing your authentic self in 2025 – inspiration from my word of the yearEpisode 121 - The layers of online success. Build a profitable, holistic business with Sandy Hanrahan
Loved the episode? Leave a review!
Ready to work with me?• Buy my book The Power of Content• Join my membership The Content Effect• Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator• Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project
For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here:Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast. There are affiliate links in these show notes. I will receive a small compensation if you use these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you.

Embracing your authentic self in 2025 – Inspiration from my word of the year

How do you align your content and business with the most authentic version of yourself?
In this very special milestone episode of The Powerful Content Podcast, Mel dives into the power of choosing a 'word of the year' and how it can shape the way you approach life and business.
She shares her personal journey to uncovering her word of the year and unpacks what it means to her and and how it’s already helping her be more conscious of intention, ease, and purpose.
Mel also gives you four simple but powerful questions to help you create content that feels aligned, meaningful, and true to who you are. If you’re ready to make 2025 your year of authenticity and connection, this episode is for you.
What you’ll discover in this episode:[00:00] Introduction: Choosing a word of the year[01:04] Acknowledgement of Country [02:04} Reflecting on the festive season: Slowing down and finding joy[05:00] Mel’s journey to discovering her word for 2025[08:50] What ‘being’ means to Mel and how it’s shaping her year[15:48] Four key questions to help you create authentic content[17:20] Wrapping up: An invitation to embrace your true self
Links mentioned in this podcastThe Content EffectBook – The Power of Content
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love:Episode 117 – What empowerment really means with Suzi PetrozziEpisode 121 - The layers of online success. Build a profitable, holistic business with Sandy Hanrahan
Loved the episode? Leave a review!
Ready to work with me?
Buy my book The Power of Content
Join my membership The Content Effect
Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator
Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project
For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here:Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast. There are affiliate links I these show notes. I will receive a small compensation if you use these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you.

BEST OF - The 3 things your content needs to stand out in an AI-driven world

🎉 BEST OF The Powerful Content Podcast: The Most-Downloaded Episodes of the Year! 🎉
This year has been incredible, and we’re thrilled to revisit the episodes that resonated most with you, our amazing listeners! Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or reliving these favourites, these standout conversations offer insights, inspiration, and moments that truly defined the year.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the BEST OF episodes that captured your hearts, sparked your curiosity, and kept you coming back for more. Let’s dive in!
 
AI is a huge help for content creation, but how can you avoid being same-same? 
In this episode Mel talks about the importance of infusing personal touch into content creation, especially in the technological era of AI creating increasingly generic content. By staying unique with your content to connect with your audience and humanise your business you’ll stand out and be remembered. She highlights the three key areas to include in your content: story-telling, possessing a clear message that matters, and thought-leadership development.  
 
00:19 The impact of AI on content creation 
01:09 The disconnection through device addiction 
01:35 AI and social media 
02:20 The importance of personal touch in AI generated content 
04:13 The power of YOU-ness in content and how to use it to stand out 
07:20 The impact of YOU-ness on engagement 
08:17 Ways to bring more YOU-ness to your content 
08:20 The power of storytelling 
10:55 Having a Message that Matters 
12:58 The importance of thought leadership 
14:23 Conclusion: The three key elements to stand out 
 
Links mentioned in this podcast 
Using stories to stand out 
Logic puzzles 
Odette Barry’s Big Ideas Ministry Series on Hack Your Own PR podcast – Start at episode 87. 
 
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love: 
Episode 65 – The one thing that’s missing from your message 
Episode 74 – 3 simple ways to improve your message 
 
I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast.  
* These are affiliate links. I will receive a small compensation for you using these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you. 
 
Ready to work with me? 
👉🏻 Buy my book The Power of Content  
👉🏻 Get yourself on the waitlist for my membership The Content Effect 👉🏻 Get your content sorted with a 1:1 Content Strategy 👉🏻 Grow  your email list like a pro with 1:1 Build your list package 👉🏻 Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project 
 
For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here: 
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website 

BEST OF - Powerful sales that feel easy with Emma McQueen

🎉 BEST OF The Powerful Content Podcast: The Most-Downloaded Episodes of the Year! 🎉
This year has been incredible, and we’re thrilled to revisit the episodes that resonated most with you, our amazing listeners! Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or reliving these favourites, these standout conversations offer insights, inspiration, and moments that truly defined the year.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the BEST OF episodes that captured your hearts, sparked your curiosity, and kept you coming back for more. Let’s dive in!
 
In this episode Mel and Emma cover: 
✨ Why we need to sell but why so many find it hard or icky 
✨ How to reframe your stories about selling so that you get in and do it 
✨ A simple framework for selling that works every time 
 
Where to find Emma 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/emmarmcqueen 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmarmcqueen/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmamcqueen/ 
Website: www.emmamcqueen.com.au 
 
Links mentioned in this podcast 
Female Entrepreneur Growth Quiz: https://emma-abkifzms.scoreapp.com/ 
Revenue Raiser program: https://emmamcqueen.com.au/coaching-services/revenue-raiser/  
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love: 
Episode 53: Embrace your strengths for business and content confidence with Rowena Mabbott 
Episode 49: Being intentional to make meaningful progress with Annie Love 
 
Ready to work with me? 
👉🏻 Get yourself on the waitlist for my membership The Content Effect 👉🏻 Get your content sorted with a 1:1 Content Strategy 👉🏻 Grow  your email list like a pro with 1:1 Build your list package 👉🏻 Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project 
 
For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here: 
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website 

BEST OF - How to craft a content strategy you’ll actually use

🎉 BEST OF The Powerful Content Podcast: The Most-Downloaded Episodes of the Year! 🎉
This year has been incredible, and I'm thrilled to revisit the episodes that resonated most with you, our amazing listeners! Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or reliving these favourites, these standout conversations offer insights, inspiration, and moments that truly defined the year.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the BEST OF episodes that captured your hearts, sparked your curiosity, and kept you coming back for more. Let’s dive in!
 
How to craft a content strategy you’ll actually use 
Do you wish that you could create a content strategy that’s both sustainable and actionable? 
In episode 102 of the Powerful Content Podcast, Mel talks about the importance of a content strategy for a business.  
This episode isn’t about the ‘shoulds’ when it comes to content creation, but rather how you can implement a strategy that feels good and one that you’ll actually use! 
Mel covers: 
✨ What a strategy is, and what it isn’t 
✨ Unpopular opinion: 4 reasons why you don’t need to START with a strategy 
✨ The 5 things to keep in mind when crafting a sustainable and connective content strategy 
 
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Competition 
01:19 Understanding Content Strategy vs Tactics 
03:10 Why You Don't Always Need to Lead with Strategy 
06:18 How to Craft a Useful Content Strategy 
07:15 Tips for Creating a Strategy You'll Actually Use 
10:15 Conclusion and How to Get More Help 
 
Links mentioned in this podcast 
Leave a Google review: https://g.page/r/CQPrRpciHIsCEAI/review 
Super Simple One Page Content Strategy 
Unlock your content creator archetype 
 
How to leave a review 
Here’s a few prompts that you can answer to leave your review! 
Why you’ve enjoyed listening to the podcast so far 
What topics you love hearing me talk about 
Your favourite episode and why 
Still stuck for ideas? Use AI to help you! Use this prompt: 
Please write me a 80-100 word testimonial for The Powerful Content Podcast that I can leave as a review. I enjoy listening to it because [insert your reason eg gives me actionable ideas for my content, I resonate with what Mel says] and has resulted in me [insert your result eg feeling more confident, being more inspired to create content, motivated to be more consistent] 
Terms & Conditions: This episode was originally posted in February 2024 and the draw has already taken place, but I'd still appreciate a review!
 
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love: 
Episode 4 – Using your content superpower 
Episode 72 – 7 key elements of a meaningful content strategy 
 
I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast.  
* These are affiliate links. I will receive a small compensation for you using these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you. 

Looking back on 2024 to look forward to 2025

Reflect, Review, and Reignite Your Content Strategy for 2025 
In episode 146 of the Powerful Content Podcast, host Mel Daniels encourages listeners to pause and reflect on their content creation journey as 2024 comes to a close. She provides a reflective exercise to review what worked, what didn't, and where growth occurred in their content strategy. Celebrating her own three major wins of 2024—publishing a book, guesting on 10 podcasts, and trying new things—Mel stresses the importance of celebrating wins and learning from challenges. She emphasizes the significance of aligning content creation with personal values and offers practical advice on prioritizing content efforts for better outcomes in 2025. This empathetic and nurturing episode is perfect for entrepreneurs seeking a conscious-driven approach to content marketing. 
 
00:00 Starting Fresh: Reflecting on 2024 and Planning for 2025 
00:59 Welcome to the Powerful Content Podcast 
01:59 Acknowledgement to Country 
03:01 Reflecting on 2024: Wins and Learnings 
04:26 Celebrating Achievements: Publishing a Book 
06:15 Guest Appearances and New Ventures 
07:30 Trying New Things and Business Experiments 
08:44 Key Learnings from 2024 
10:57 Content Review Exercise for 2025 
12:34 Wrapping Up 2024 and Looking Ahead 
13:19 Final Thoughts and Ways to Connect 
 
Links mentioned in this podcast 
Content review and planning guide 
The Power of Content 
The Content Effect 
Spotify Playlist
Resources to help you plan and set goals 
Master your Year – Michelle Hearne - $47 
Design your Season – Rowena Mabbott - $47
Reflect, Release and Renew - Annie Love - Free
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love: 
Episode 55 – Celebrating a year with Adam Daniels 
Episode 84 – Finding purpose in your content journey 
 
Loved the episode? Leave a review! 
 
Ready to work with me? 
Buy my book The Power of Content 
Join my membership The Content Effect 
Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator 
Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project 
 
For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here: 
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website 
 
I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast.  
There are affiliate links I these show notes. I will receive a small compensation if you use these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you. 

Unlocking the Power of Storytelling in Content Marketing with Lizzie McCauley

Do you know where to start with storytelling in your content? 
In Episode 145 of the Powerful Content Podcast, host Mel Daniels and her guest Communication and Business Strategist Lizzie McCauley explore the significance of storytelling in content marketing.  
Lizzie explains why every story, regardless how big or small, is crucial for building trust and connection with your audience.  
She shares her tips on integrating personal experiences into content so that you can not only humanise your brand but also align them with your business goals.  
The episode covers bio-writing strategies, using stories in content marketing, and email storytelling, emphasising the importance of relevance, strategic thinking, and confidence in sharing. Lizzie also provides practical advice for those hesitant to share their stories and underscores the value of community and authenticity in business. 
 
00:00 Introduction: Sharing Your Story 
00:50 Welcome to The Powerful Content Podcast 
01:50 Acknowledgement to Country 
02:08 Episode 145: Real Talk with Lizzie McCauley 
02:44 The Importance of Authenticity in Storytelling 
04:03 Crafting Your Story: Tips and Insights 
06:43 Understanding Your Audience 
10:28 Common Mistakes in Storytelling 
12:55 Starting Your Story: Where to Begin 
16:52 Essential Elements of a Great Bio 
22:21 Using Stories Across Your Content 
24:58 Email Marketing: The Power of Stories 
27:16 Overcoming the Fear of Sharing Your Story 
30:25 Final Thoughts and Parting Wisdom 
32:08 Closing Remarks and How to Connect 
 
Get to know Lizzie Macaulay 
Lizzie Macaulay is a communications and business strategy consultant with over a decade of professional experience, including 5 years as a dedicated copywriter and copy coach. Her journey has taken her through working with hundreds of business owners across sectors as diverse as healthcare, engineering, coaching, and e-commerce. 
Lizzie firmly believes there is no such thing as an effective one-size-fits-all approach. Every business needs to be built from its own signature blocks - the source of its authenticity, joy and competitive advantage. She honours this individuality, avoiding cookie-cutter solutions in favour of bespoke strategies that respect and amplify each venture's distinct core identity. With her deft communication skills and strategic mindset, she operates as a trusted partner - transforming insights into actionable roadmaps tailored to each client's success. 
 
Where to find Lizzie Macaulay 
LinkedIn 
Instagram 
Website 
Facebook 
 
Links mentioned in this podcast 
Bio template resource: Use the code MEL to get it for FREE! 
Smash Your Email Open Rates Mini Course: 5-day email mini course to get your emails opened, read and actioned Email mastery 
 
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love: 
Episode 7 - Connecting with your audience through story with Romina Cavagnola 
Episode 37 - Overcoming imposter syndrome in marketing with Lily Rudolph 
 
Loved the episode? Leave a review! 
 
Ready to work with me? 
Buy my book The Power of Content 
Join my membership The Content Effect 
Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator 
Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project 
 
For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here: 
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website 
 
I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast.  
There are affiliate links I these show notes. I will receive a small compensation if you use these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you. 

Using AI to sound like YOU in your content

Have you ever stared at a blank screen, wondering what to post or write next? Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed by all the content you "should" create, or perhaps inspiration is nowhere to be found. Enter AI. 
In this episode, Mel Daniels dives into how AI can spark fresh ideas, save you time, and make content creation feel lighter—without sacrificing your unique voice or authenticity. Because let’s face it, none of us want our content to sound robotic or disingenuous! 
Mel explores: 
The biggest misconceptions about using AI in content creation (and how to overcome them). 
Practical ways to use AI as a creative partner—not a replacement—for idea generation, drafting, and reimagining your content. 
How to ensure your content still feels 100% like you, even with AI’s helping hand. 
You’ll walk away with simple yet powerful strategies to integrate AI into your content process without losing the heart and soul of your message. 
In this episode, you’ll learn: 
How to use AI for brainstorming content ideas when you're stuck. 
The role of AI in drafting and outlining content to save time and reduce overwhelm. 
Ways to reimagine your content (like turning a podcast episode into multiple pieces) and reach your audience more effectively. 
Why AI is here to support your creativity, not replace it—and how to embrace it authentically. 
Episode Highlights: 
[00:03:00] Why AI content feels robotic (and how to avoid it). 
[00:07:00] The simple mindset shift that lets you use AI without losing authenticity. 
[00:09:00] How AI cuts Mel’s content creation time in half—without sacrificing quality. 
So, whether you’re already dabbling in AI or feeling unsure about trying it, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to use AI to your advantage. 
 
Links mentioned in this podcast 
The Content Effect 
Unleash your Content 
Find Melanie Campbell on Instagram here
 
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love: 
Episode 126 - Sell your offer strategically with transformations 
Episode 130 - A step-by-step guide to how I create content for my business 
 
Loved the episode? Leave a review! 
 
Ready to work with me? 
Buy my book The Power of Content 
Join my membership The Content Effect 
Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator 
Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project 
 
For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here: 
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website 
 
I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast.  
There are affiliate links I these show notes. I will receive a small compensation if you use these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you. 

Rediscovering your identity with Dawn Walton

Are you feeling a little lost in your business or unsure of who you really are? In this episode of *The Powerful Content Podcast*, I’m chatting with life and empowerment coach Dawn Walton about the crucial role identity plays in creating a fulfilling life and thriving business. We’ll dive into what it means to truly understand and embrace your authentic self, how to spot the signs of losing your identity and practical ways to reconnect with who you are. Dawn also shares her insights on balancing masculine and feminine energies, setting boundaries that work for you, and staying consistent without burning out. If you’re looking for actionable tips and some soulful inspiration, this episode will help you create a business and life that feel aligned and authentically *you*.   
 
00:00 Introduction to identity and fulfilment
01:50 Acknowledgement to Country 
02:10 Meet Dawn Walton: Life and Empowerment Coach   
02:35 Understanding identity and why it matters   
06:13 Signs you’re losing your identity   
08:48 Practical steps to reconnect with yourself   
16:56 Balancing masculine and feminine energies   
22:34 Setting boundaries to avoid burnout   
32:24 Final thoughts and parting wisdom   
 
Get to know Dawn Walton 
Dawn is a life and empowerment coach and lives by the words Thriving, Living & Giving. Her calling is helping people who no longer recognise themselves or feel they are yet to reach their potential. She reconnects them with who they truly are so that they can embrace life & feel alive. 
She empowers women & men to live an inspired life by letting go of the judgement, doubt, guilt and worry holding them back and connecting to what truly matters to them. 
Together they create the identity of the person he/she wants to be by building inner self confidence starting with value and boundary driven work that actually works.  
Dawn is a certified life coach and qualified NLP and Matrix Therapies practitioner and her approach is real and sometimes blunt and together with her innate wisdom she guides her clients into a world of clarity and connectedness so that they get back into the drivers seat of their life and live the life they want with confidence. 
Through Dawn’s coaching, mentoring and wisdom women and men start to value themselves and gain a blue print to achieve whatever they want in life no matter their age. 
 
Where to find Dawn Walton 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dawnwaltoncoaching
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dawnwaltoncoaching 
Website: https://dawnwaltoncoaching.com.au 
 
Links mentioned in this podcast 
Download Dawn’s cheat sheet of 14 ways to find out who you truly are, invaluable insights to help you start living a vibrant life on your terms.  
 
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love: 
Episode 133 - 4 ways to support yourself as a sensitive business owner so that you can be softly successful with Sam Dhu 
Episode 139 - Embrace your creative potential for business success with Dr Marion Piper 
 
Loved the episode? Leave a review! 
 
Ready to work with me? 
Buy my book The Power of Content 
Join my membership The Content Effect 
Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator 
Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project 
 
For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here: 
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website 
 
I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast.  

Why content planning is so hard and what you can do to make it easier

Do you know in your head that content planning is good for your business, especially as you go into the end of the year, but feel like it's such a hard thing to actually do? 
Whilst it may feel like just another thing on your to-do list, in this episode you'll learn how a structured approach saves time and stress, ultimately leading to more intentional and impactful content. 
Mel Daniels introduces the concept of minimum viable content and how to apply it to your busy business life without compromising the quality of your content. She explores why content planning might feel difficult for you right now and, more importantly, how knowing one simple thing can change the way you feel about planning your content. By focusing on your strengths and utilising the four simple steps to content planning, you'll become a powerful and consistent content creator in no time. 
Mel also invites you to join her 90-day content planning workshop.
00:00 Introduction to content planning01:04 Welcome to The Powerful Content Podcast02:04 Acknowledgement to Country02:47 The importance of content planning03:29 Meal planning as a metaphor for content planning07:32 The concept of minimum viable content11:42 Four simple steps to content planning15:54 Join the 90 day content planning workshop17:20 Conclusion and final thoughts
Links mentioned in this podcast90 day content planning workshopUnlock your content creator archetype quiz
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then you’ll also love:
Episode 140 – Transforming ideas into strategic contentEpisode 141 - Plan your content smarter: busting the myths that hold you back
Loved the episode? Leave a review!
Ready to work with me?• Buy my book The Power of Content• Join my membership The Content Effect• Work with me 1:1 with The Content Accelerator• Join my free Facebook Group The Content Project
For more conversations on powerful content, connect with me here:Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
I use and recommend Podbean and Descript to edit my podcast. There are affiliate links I these show notes. I will receive a small compensation if you use these links. There’s no extra charge to you, but it helps me create more free content like this podcast, for you.