Podcast Content Planning: Coaching Session with Rafer Owens Jr

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Here's what you can expect from this episode:

Most podcasters launch a show with excitement, but without a clear podcast content planning strategy, growth often feels slow and inconsistent. You’re creating episodes, posting on social, and maybe even repurposing clips, but downloads aren’t the whole picture. The real question is: how do you keep your podcast aligned with your goals and momentum flowing without burning out?

In this episode of Podcasting Problem Solver™, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes coaching session with mindset coach and host of Shifts & Giggles, Rafer Owens Jr. He’s back for another session, and we’re checking in on Rafer’s progress since the last time he joined me. You’ll hear how he’s been refining his podcast strategy, what’s been working, and the adjustments he’s making to stay consistent while juggling content creation, family, and even training for a half-marathon.

If you haven’t heard Rafer’s first coaching session, be sure to check it out! In that episode, we laid the foundation for his podcast growth strategies and bigger vision. You can listen here: Podcast Growth Strategies.

In this follow-up coaching session, we’ll cover how to simplify your podcast content planning, create repeatable workflows that save time, and build repurposing strategies to keep your show visible across platforms. You’ll also hear real-life lessons from Rafer’s journey, like what happened when he paused a key piece of content and how that impacted his downloads.

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance growth with sustainability, or if you’ve questioned whether you’re “doing enough” for your podcast to succeed, this conversation will give you practical tools and renewed motivation to keep going.

Why Podcast Content Planning Matters

Your podcast is more than weekly episodes because it’s part of your brand ecosystem. When you plan content with intention, you avoid the blank-page panic and start creating episodes that move listeners toward your offers and goals.

My podcast puts me in places I can’t physically be yet. It’s a tool that spreads my message faster than I could on my own. – Rafer Owens Jr

Too many business owners overcomplicate their promotion or skip content pillars altogether. However, with clarity, simple repurposing systems, and sustainable execution, your podcast can become an engine for growth rather than a drain on your time.

Here’s what’s covered

[00:03:00] Clarity and content strategy

Why defining your audience and content pillars makes weekly planning easier and more effective.

[00:09:30] Execution without burnout

How repeatable workflows, batching, and simple templates can save hours and keep you consistent.

[00:14:00] Repurposing that works

Tips for turning each episode into quotes, reels, and carousels so your show shows up everywhere.

[00:18:00] Mindset for podcasters

How Rafer balances doubt, discipline, and growth while using his podcast as a platform for bigger opportunities.

The SEAMless Podcast Framework™ in Action

Inside my SEAMless Framework™, Rafer and I focused on two key phases:

Strategy: Clarify who you serve and define content pillars that support your business objectives.
Execution: Build repeatable processes that make creating and repurposing content feel lighter and more sustainable.

Consistency doesn’t have to mean burnout. A simple system is what keeps your podcast and your momentum alive. – Leah Bryant

Why This Episode Matters for Entrepreneurs

As a business owner, your podcast is a marketing tool, not just content.

Strategic content planning and sustainable execution will help you:

Repurpose episodes into visibility-boosting assets.
Stay consistent without sacrificing your sanity.
Build long-term authority while keeping your message aligned with your offers.
See the ripple effect of your podcast in downloads, engagement, and real opportunities.

Your podcast isn’t just content; it’s part of your business strategy. Every episode should serve a purpose and support your goals.- Leah Bryant

Whether you’re just starting your show or you’ve been publishing for a while, this episode will help you map out a content process that works and keep your podcast growing in a way that supports your business. Tune in now and discover how to build lasting podcast momentum.

Did you enjoy this coaching session? Be sure to follow Rafer’s podcast, Shifts & Giggles, it’s packed with practical tools, humor, and real talk to help you grow on purpose.

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More about My Guest:

Rafer Owens Jr. is a master mindset coach, speaker, and creator of the Simple Shift Method™, a practical framework that helps people get unstuck and move forward on purpose. Through coaching, courses, and honest conversations, he’s known for breaking big ideas into bite-sized steps that make real change possible — all delivered with his signature humor, storytelling, and heart.

Listen to Shifts & Giggles

Follow Rafer on Instagram

Work with Rafer

Buy The Simple Shift Book

Listen to Rafer’s first coaching session: Podcast Growth Strategies

Transcript

Welcome back to Podcasting Problem Solver™! I’m Leah Bryant, certified podcast growth coach. I help busy business owners launch results-driven podcasts that align with their business goals—without the tech stress, content overwhelm, or burnout.

In today’s episode, I’m checking in with mindset coach and host of Shifts & Giggles, Rafer Owens Jr. This is Rafer’s second coaching session on the podcast, and we’re diving into what’s been working, what’s shifted, and how he’s continuing to grow his show with consistency and purpose.

Meet Rafer Owens Jr.

Rafer is a mindset and life coach who helps people live out their Christian values in practical ways. Using his Simple Shift Method, he blends:

Emotional intelligence
Everyday strategies
Sustainable spiritual growth

He’s also the host of Shifts & Giggles, a personal growth podcast that helps listeners create lasting change one mindset shift at a time.

Progress Since the Last Session

Wins from Implementing New Strategies

Rafer shares how he applied nearly all of the strategies from our previous session:

Repurposing content with quotes and summaries
Using transcripts for show notes and YouTube
Adding clickable links to make engagement easier
Posting regular content on social media

The results? Positive feedback from family, friends, and even new podcast opportunities.

Feedback and Clarity

Rafer’s audience is noticing more clarity in his message and delivery. Even when he felt like he was “winging it,” others saw his podcast as polished and professional.

Building Momentum Without Burnout

Content Creation Systems

Rafer talks about how tools like Riverside and Canva templates have made creating content easier. With simple workflows, he’s able to repurpose episodes into reels, carousels, and quote graphics consistently.

The Pushup Challenge

One unique growth tactic Rafer used was pairing pushups with new city downloads. When he paused this experiment, downloads dropped—proving that small, consistent actions can fuel visibility and momentum.

Season Two Goals

Narrowing the Audience

Rafer is becoming more focused in Season Two, tailoring his content toward Christians who want to put their faith into daily practice.

Practical Christianity

He’s experimenting with Bible study teaching and content testing to blend spiritual insights with practical mindset coaching.

Applying the SEAMless Podcast Framework™

Strategy

Define your listener clearly
Create content pillars (e.g., mindset shifts, emotional intelligence, faith in action)
Map the listener journey so episodes lead toward transformation

Execution

Build repeatable workflows
Batch record to cut down decision fatigue
Use templates and checklists to lighten the content load
Keep episodes sustainable—sometimes short and impactful works best

The Mindset Hurdle: “Do I Have the Juice?”

Rafer opens up about the doubt many podcasters face—questioning whether they have what it takes. For him, small wins like client feedback or encouragement from his audience helped him push forward.

“Do I really have the juice? That’s the question I keep asking myself—and every time I push through, I realize I do.” – Rafer Owens Jr.

Lessons in Consistency

Content That Resonates

Personal stories often outperform episode recaps
Carousels and reels create quick engagement
Posting consistently—even simple content—boosts downloads

Timing Matters

Leah shares that the first 72 hours after publishing are key for visibility. Driving listeners to players early helps trigger podcast algorithms.

Planting Seeds for Podcast Growth

Rafer emphasizes that podcasting is about planting seeds and trusting the process. From giving away books to creating a speaker page, he’s learned that consistency and obedience lead to bigger opportunities.

What’s Next for Rafer

Rafer’s bold next step is taking his message on the road through speaking, workshops, and church events. His podcast is already reaching seven countries, showing him the power of consistent growth.

Key Takeaways

From Rafer’s Journey

Consistency comes from systems, not hustle
Even small experiments can drive big engagement
Mindset and discipline matter as much as content

From the Coaching Session

Align your podcast strategy with business goals
Use content pillars to simplify weekly planning
Repurpose episodes into multiple visibility assets

Listen to Rafer’s First Coaching Session

💡 If you haven’t heard Rafer’s first coaching session, be sure to check it out! In that episode, we laid the foundation for his podcast growth strategies and bigger vision. You can listen here: Podcast Growth Strategies.

This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of consistent, intentional action. Whether you’re just starting or refining your podcast, Rafer’s journey shows the power of staying aligned, repurposing wisely, and building momentum step by step.