Here I am, reflecting on how far The Courage to Be podcast has come in just 18 months, as I get ready to drive up to Denver to speak at Women Lead Live event. Today, Lydia Knight is taking over as host for our podcast, and it’s moments like this that truly make me appreciate how much this platform has evolved over the past 18 months. It was a passion project when I started, something that felt so aligned with my mission, and I thank you for saying yes and being part of this journey with me.
How It All Began
I never imagined I’d be hosting my own podcast one day, but life has a way of surprising us. When I look back, it all started as I was checking things off my bucket list. Just like many of you, my bucket list changed as I grew, both as an individual and an entrepreneur. Before COVID, I was thrilled—I had just hit six figures in my business while only working 20 hours a week, and I did it without relying on social media. I felt like I had cracked the code. But then COVID hit, and everything changed. I knew I needed to pivot and learn how to navigate the online world, especially social media, in order to keep my business thriving.
I started with YouTube, soaking up as much knowledge about marketing as I could. Eventually, I hired an agency to book me on as many podcasts as possible because I needed to get my message out there. Honestly, I could have pitched to different podcasters myself, but at that time, I just didn’t know how to do it. Plus, time was of the essence, and I needed to keep things moving. That’s why I opted for professional help—I wanted to make sure I was being strategic about how I spent my energy. And as it turned out, I loved being interviewed.
Choosing Podcasting Over YouTube
Between being interviewed on numerous podcasts and exploring YouTube, I realized the unique power of podcasting. The intimacy of it, the way people listen while driving, working out, or just living their lives, made it clear to me that podcasting was something special. I still enjoy YouTube, but there’s something about the depth of a podcast that makes it feel personal, almost like a direct conversation with each listener. It’s also a search engine in its own way—people come to podcasts to find specific answers or hear different perspectives.
So, after much thought and facing my own fears, I decided to launch my own podcast. At the beginning, the doubts crept in: “Will I have the stamina to keep this going for the long run?” After all, 80% of podcasts don’t even make it to a year. I knew I was stepping into a marathon, not a sprint. But I was determined, and my big mission—to close the gender gap in podcasting and amplify women’s voices—kept me anchored.
My Big Why: Empowering Women’s Voices
The decision to start The Courage to Be began as a wish on my business bucket list—something I thought would be exciting and fulfilling. But as I got deeper into the process, it soon evolved into a mission of representing women’s voices. It became about ensuring that more women had the chance to be heard. In the first three weeks, the podcast was already ranking in the top 10%, and by the fifth week, it had reached the top 5%. As I saw these incredible results, I realized how male-dominated the podcasting world was, especially in business and leadership. This motivated me to take it a step further and open the agency side of my work to help other women launch their own podcasts, providing them with the support and resources needed to amplify their voices.
I was born and raised in Spain at the end of Franco’s dictatorship, and I grew up watching the my father’s seven brothers and their successes versus women having their success. Seeing that disparity firsthand, and later having the opportunity to move to the United States, made me want to dedicate my work to supporting women’s voices.
This podcast, The Courage to Be, is my way of making sure that no woman ever feels like she has to stay silent. It’s about celebrating courage in all its forms—whether it’s starting a new business, sharing a personal story, or just taking a small step towards change. My mission is to uplift and support women, helping them find their voices and build their confidence and I love the podcasting medium!
Lessons from 100 Episodes
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in this journey was the fear of whether I could keep going. Would I have enough topics, guests, and, more importantly, the stamina? The truth is, podcasting takes a lot of time, energy, and money. But here’s what I would tell anyone standing in that same place of uncertainty: reconnect with your big why. If your why isn’t strong enough, that’s okay—experiment and see where it leads you. But if you find that fire, hold onto it, because that’s what will sustain you through the inevitable ups and downs.
My big why has always been about educating, empowering, and working with other women. Over time, it has evolved, but the essence remains the same: to lift other women up. The satisfaction I get from seeing women step into their power, whether it’s through a podcast interview or a coaching session, is indescribable.
In these past 100 episodes, I’ve had the chance to speak to so many incredible people—leaders, entrepreneurs, and everyday sheroes and heroes who have faced challenges head-on. Each conversation is a reminder that we are capable of far more than we think, and that courage truly is the key to unlocking our potential.
What’s Next for “The Courage to Be”?
Looking ahead, I see podcasting continuing to grow, especially among women. More female listeners are tuning in, and advertisers are starting to take notice. Did you know that 65% of women are more likely to buy something that’s promoted on a podcast by a female host? This is why I’m so passionate about training other women on how to be podcast hosts and helping them get their voices out there.
One of my favorite parts of podcasting is the relationships I’ve built along the way. Whether it’s with guests who later become friends or listeners who reach out to share how an episode touched their lives, the connection is real. And for me, that’s what it’s all about—the social and relationship capital that podcasting helps build.
Celebrate with Us!
As we wrap up 100 episodes, I’m filled with gratitude for everyone who’s been part of this journey. And to celebrate, I’d love your support in helping us reach even more people.
If you’ve enjoyed The Courage to Be, it would mean the world to me if you could rate and review us on iTunes. And here’s a little bonus: if you share a screenshot of your review with us at help.thecouragetobe@gmail.com before midnight on Sunday, October 6th, you’ll be entered to win some cool prizes!
This journey has been one of trust—trusting myself, trusting the process, and trusting that the right people would find their way to this podcast. And here we are, 100 episodes later, with a community that keeps growing. My hope is that through The Courage to Be, I can reach as many women as possible, share that they matter, that they are worth it, and inspire them to step into their courage!!
Thank you for being here with me. Here’s to the next 100 episodes and beyond—may we continue to grow, learn, and lift each other up!
I’d you’d like to listen to the 100 episodes about this journey click here
With gratitude and love,
Tania
Ps: Early bird tickets to Increase Your Income and Impact in Santa Fe New Mexico November 7-9th won’t last long.Make sure to register soon and you’ll get some bonus private calls.
Comments