The Louise McDonnell Podcast
The Social Media Takeaway is my marketing podcast for coaches, consultants and service-based business owners who want practical advice they can use to attract clients and grow their businesses.
Each episode features honest conversations with experienced business owners and industry experts. We explore what is working, what is changing and what listeners can do differently in their own marketing.
Episodes
19 August 2026 · Episode 81Why Your Personal Brand Matters More in the Age of AI
AI is making it easier than ever to create content, automate tasks and access information. But if everyone has access to the same tools, how do you make sure your business still stands out?In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I’m joined by Louis Swart, business coach for coaches and founder of IronBridge. Louie has spent more than 35 years building and selling businesses, and one of his earliest lessons was a powerful one: a business that depends entirely on its owner is very difficult to sell.We talk about what that lesson means for business owners today, particularly as AI changes the way we create content, market ourselves and run our businesses.We also explore an important challenge for coaches, consultants and service-based businesses. Information is increasingly easy to access for free, so simply knowing your subject is no longer enough. You need visibility, a recognisable brand and a reason for people to choose you rather than another provider or an AI tool.You’ll also learn:✅ Why becoming better at your craft won’t necessarily bring you more clients if you neglect your marketing✅ Why building a strong personal brand matters even more in the age of AI✅ How AI-generated content can lose people’s attention when they’re distracted by wondering whether it’s real✅ How Louie uses AI versions of himself to create content without having to produce everything personally✅ Why views, watch time and attention can matter even when people never like or comment on your content✅ What “productive procrastination” looks like and how it can stop you focusing on the work that actually grows your business✅ Why delegation and repeatable systems can free you to spend more time on strategy✅ Why knowing what information to give AI is critical if you want useful marketing rather than generic contentOne of the big messages from this conversation is that embracing AI doesn’t mean handing over your thinking. The opportunity is to use AI and delegation to remove lower-value work while keeping your time focused on strategy, positioning and the work that genuinely moves your business forward.If you’re a coach, consultant, marketer or business owner wondering how to use AI without losing the human element that makes your brand valuable, this episode will give you plenty to think about.Guest Free Gift: 🎁 150 Things You Can DelegateLouis has created a resource containing 150 tasks you can review in your own business to identify what you’re currently doing yourself and what could potentially be delegated. It’s designed to help you see where your time could be better spent.Grab the free resource hereConnect with Louis Swart on LinkedInIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello👉 WHAT'S NEW: I've built an AI-powered Digital Marketing Platform, SellOn.Social. This is not a training program. This platform aims to automate and streamline the process of clarifying business positioning, generating marketing content, and building a consistent lead-generation system on social media.And please connect on social media and let me know what you thought of this episode!LinkedInInstagramFacebookFacebook Group
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15 July 2026 · Episode 80How to run successful webinars in 2026 with Nyrie Roos
If you’re not using live webinars or if you’re treating them like a “training” session, then this podcast episode is for you.Webinars are one of the most effective ways to turn interested prospects into paying clients when they're done well.In this episode, I sit down with webinar strategist Nyrie Roos to discuss why webinars continue to outperform many other marketing tactics, what separates high-converting webinars from those that fall flat, and how AI is making the process faster without replacing the human connection that drives sales.One of the biggest mistakes I see is business owners treating webinars like training sessions. We both agree that a webinar isn't about teaching people everything you know. It's about helping your audience understand what's possible and showing them why they need your expertise to achieve it.Nyrie also shares her simple five-step webinar framework, explains how to improve attendance rates, what really influences conversions, and why having the right audience matters far more than simply getting more registrations.You'll also discover:✅ Why webinars still convert better than many other marketing channels✅ The biggest mistake most business owners make during webinars✅ Why over-teaching actually reduces sales✅ How to transition naturally into making an offer✅ The five-part webinar framework that consistently converts✅ Ways to improve webinar attendance and engagement✅ How AI can dramatically reduce webinar preparation time✅ Why authenticity matters more than automationIf you've been thinking about running webinars, or you've tried them before without getting the results you hoped for, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you create webinars that build trust and generate more clients.Also, if you'd like to see where you could be losing potential sales before people ever reach your webinar, Nyrie is giving listeners access to her free AI Funnel Detective.It analyses your sales funnel and highlights where opportunities could be slipping through the cracks.🎁 Grab the free AI Funnel Detective here!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello👉 WHAT'S NEW: I've built an AI-powered Digital Marketing Platform, SellOn.Social. This is not a training program. This platform aims to automate and streamline the process of clarifying business positioning, generating marketing content, and building a consistent lead-generation system on social media.And please connect on social media and let me know what you thought of this episode!LinkedInInstagramFacebookFacebook Group
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27 May 2026 · Episode 79How to Make Better Videos Without Overthinking It
One thing I see all the time with business owners is this.They know video matters.But they still avoid it.In this episode, Michelle and I talk about why so many business owners struggle with video content and what really helps people become more comfortable showing up online.I shared that I’ve worked with lots of businesses over the years where people would nearly rather stick a pin in their eye than record themselves on video. And honestly, I think many people will relate to that feeling.Michelle explains why the video is not really about confidence or perfection. It’s about presence, connection, and learning how to communicate naturally in a way that builds trust.We also talked about how online content is changing, why authentic content matters more than ever, and why simple videos often perform better than overly polished ones.You’ll also learn:✅ Why confidence usually comes after you start ✅ How to stop overthinking your videos✅ Why the first few seconds of a video matter so much✅ Simple ways to structure short-form video content ✅ Why imperfect content can build more trust✅ How AI is changing online content and audience trust✅ Why video views are not the metric that matters mostIf video is something you’ve been avoiding or overcomplicating, this episode will help you approach it in a much simpler and more realistic way.Also, if you want to use video to grow your business.. but don’t know what to say?Michelle Kopper’s The Video Boost Blueprint shares a simple 3-step framework to help you create short, powerful videos that connect, resonate, and help your best clients engage.👉 Grab the free The Video Boost Blueprint here.Connect with Michelle Kopper on LinkedInIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello👉 WHAT'S NEW: I've built an AI-powered Digital Marketing Platform, SellOn.Social. This is not a training program. This platform aims to automate and streamline the process of clarifying business positioning, generating marketing content, and building a consistent lead-generation system on social media.And please connect on social media and let me know what you thought of this episode!LinkedInInstagramFacebookFacebook Group
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8 April 2026 · Episode 78From Busy to Strategic: Systems That Free Up Your Time
In this episode I’m joined by Kathi Burns, a strategic adviser and productivity expert, founder of Organized & Energized, as well as 2-times best selling author. In this episode, Kathi reveals why so many business owners get stuck “in the muck” and what to do about it.Kathi shares how disorganisation, lack of systems, and poor delegation are quietly costing entrepreneurs time, money, and energy. More importantly, she explains how simple systems can give you back control, free up hours every week, and help you focus on what actually grows your business.You’ll also learn:✅ Why busy doesn’t mean productive✅ How entrepreneurs lose 4 hours a week without realising it✅ What it means to work below your pay grade✅ Where to start if you’re stuck in the weeds✅ How systems can give you back time and clarityIf you feel like you’re constantly busy but not actually moving forward, this episode will hit home.Grab Kathi’s little treat, her free Paper Flow Blueprint that you can download to get started.It gives you a clear starting point if you’re feeling overwhelmed by paperwork or just don’t have a system that works.Simple. Useful. And very easy to implement.Also, Kathi is hosting a free Paper Flow Masterclass next Tuesday, April 14th at 12 PM PT/8 PM Dublin. She'll show you how to build frictionless systems, reclaim your executive bandwidth, and finally stop drowning in paper piles.If you're a professional who wants to simplify your work life and find any document in 30 seconds or less… this one's for you.Join here!📩 Connect with Kathi Burns on LinkedInIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello👉 WHAT'S NEW: I've built an AI-powered Digital Marketing Platform, SellOn.Social. This is not a training program. This platform aims to automate and streamline the process of clarifying business positioning, generating marketing content, and building a consistent lead-generation system on social media.And please connect on social media and let me know what you thought of this episode!LinkedInInstagramFacebookFacebook Group
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21 January 2026 · Episode 77Once-in-a-Generation Opportunities, Wealth and Thinking Like an Investor
In this episode I’m joined by Lynn Kitchen, a financial expert with nearly 40 years of experience helping individuals, entrepreneurs and families build sustainable wealth and long term confidence with money.Lynn has built and sold two investment advisory firms, taught thousands how to invest, and now focuses on helping people stop avoiding money conversations and start taking real ownership of their financial future.We talk about why money feels so emotional for so many business owners, how our upbringing shapes our financial behaviour, and why handing everything over to someone else isn’t the same as having a plan.If you’re running a business, constantly reinvesting and hoping everything will “work out later”, this conversation will challenge how you think about wealth, risk, and responsibility.One powerful idea from Lynn runs through this episode: we’re living through once-in-a-generation technological opportunities. But the real shift happens when you stop being just a consumer and start becoming an informed participant. It starts with getting educated.Here’s what we cover:Why so many people have a stressful relationship with moneyHow your upbringing shapes your risk toleranceWhy entrepreneurs face a completely different money realityThe importance of understanding what you own and whyWhy uncertainty often creates the biggest opportunitiesINVITATION: Lynn's Wealth Builders Academy - MONEY TALKS! - Masterclass REPLAY IS AVAILABLE!Watch it in your own time and get a clearer sense of what’s ahead, without pressure or commitment.▶️ Watch Day 1 Here.▶️ Watch Day 2 Here.📩 Connect with Lynn Kitchen on LinkedIn.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello👉 WHAT'S NEW: I've built an AI-powered Digital Marketing Platform, SellOn.Social. This is not a training program. This platform aims to automate and streamline the process of clarifying business positioning, generating marketing content, and building a consistent lead-generation system on social media.And please connect on social media and let me know what you thought of this episode!LinkedInInstagramFacebookFacebook Group
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7 January 2026 · Episode 76How To Start a Business With No Money in 2026 with Estie Starr
If building a business or finally acting on that idea has been on your list, this week’s episode is one not to be missed.I’m joined by Estie Starr, an award-winning strategist, founder of Strand Consulting, and a woman who built a multi seven-figure business without spending a cent on ads… all while raising five children.In this episode, Estie shares how any idea can be turned into profit using her five-step MONEY framework.If you’ve got a business idea but aren’t sure if it’ll work, or you feel stuck in strategy mode with nothing to show for it, this episode will give you the push (and process) to just start.Here’s what we cover:The biggest mistake people make when starting a businessWhy selling to your inner circle first makes perfect senseThe MONEY framework: five simple steps to build a business from scratchWhy you should stop jumping straight into marketing…stick with the process.How to build trust and sell without ever being salesyWhat real growth looks like (and why it’s not “launching online and going viral”)🎁 3-Day Marketing Success Challenge for free. It’s normally a paid program so grab it while it's free here!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello👉 WHAT'S NEW: I've built an AI-powered Digital Marketing Platform, SellOn.Social. This is not a training program. This platform aims to automate and streamline the process of clarifying business positioning, generating marketing content, and building a consistent lead-generation system on social media.And please connect on social media and let me know what you thought of this episode!LinkedInInstagramFacebookFacebook Group
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17 December 2025 · Episode 75Plan 2026: The One-Page Strategy with Laura Posey
In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I’m joined by Laura Posey, internationally recognised speaker, author, and consultant. She's known as the simple planning specialist and she has a unique ability to make the complex. Simple and easy to get done. We chat about why so many business owners feel flat out busy but still unclear, and how a one-page plan can change that.If you're a coach, consultant or running a service-based business and you’re done with spinning wheels, this one's for you.You’ll learn:✅ What really happens when you do not plan✅ Why lifestyle design should guide business decisions✅ How one page planning creates clarity and direction✅ How to turn goals into projects and actual daily tasks✅ Why saying no is just as important as saying yes📩 Connect with Laura on Linkedin!🎁 Grab Laura’s Free Gift: Daily Success Checklist on her websiteIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello👉 WHAT'S NEW: I've built an AI-powered Digital Marketing Platform, SellOn.Social. This is not a training program. This platform aims to automate and streamline the process of clarifying business positioning, generating marketing content, and building a consistent lead-generation system on social media.And please connect on social media and let me know what you thought of this episode!LinkedInInstagramFacebookFacebook Group
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3 December 2025 · Episode 74Stop Guessing: How to Build a Predictable Social Media Sales Machine
In this episode, I was delighted to be interviewed by Dan O’Donoghue. Dan is a business development specialist with over 20 years experience in helping businesses grow sustainably and strategically.We talked about my journey, the fire that was lit in me when a teacher said “I wasn’t as smart as my friends”, and how that same determination is what drives me now.We talked about my passion… using traditional marketing concepts to drive business growth on social media. You’ll hear:Why social media isn’t just about awarenessWhy content creators and business owners have very different goalsThe one thing you need to get right before posting anything on social mediaWhy “just using AI” isn’t enoughThe difference between posting and having a systemWhy clarity always comes before confidenceJoin Louise LIVE on her upcoming 2026 Social Selling Masterclass and discover how to use social media to generate consistent leads and sales in 2026Date: Wednesday, 10th December 2025Time: 3:00 PM ET (New York) / 8:00 PM GMT (Dublin/London)SAVE YOUR SEAT HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello👉 WHAT'S NEW: I've built an AI-powered Digital Marketing Platform, SellOn.Social. This is not a training program. This platform aims to automate and streamline the process of clarifying business positioning, generating marketing content, and building a consistent lead-generation system on social media.And please connect on social media and let me know what you thought of this episode!LinkedInInstagramFacebookFacebook Group
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12 November 2025 · Episode 73Maximising LinkedIn Visibility in 15 Minutes a Day with Ashley Leeds
In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I spoke with Ashley Leeds, known as “The 15-Minute Guy”, who helps business owners use LinkedIn to build genuine visibility without spending hours online. Ashley shared how he went from other fields into becoming a LinkedIn coach helping professionals show up confidently and consistently.If you’re struggling to post on LinkedIn, unsure what to share, or feel it takes too much time, this episode will give you a simple and practical approach to building your brand the right way.You’ll learn:✅ Why consistency beats perfection on LinkedIn✅ How to create engaging posts that reflect who you are✅ Why overthinking stops people from showing up✅ The power of commenting and engagement in building trust✅ How to manage time and still stay visible onlineConnect with Ashley on LinkedIn 🎁 Check out Ashley’s free gift: 15-Minute LinkedIn Makeover ChecklistIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello👉 WHAT'S NEW: I've built an AI-powered Digital Marketing Platform, SellOn.Social. This is not a training program. This platform aims to automate and streamline the process of clarifying business positioning, generating marketing content, and building a consistent lead-generation system on social media.And please connect on social media and let me know what you thought of this episode!LinkedInInstagramFacebookFacebook Group
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