Big Lash Energy:  One Million Downloads  Fueled by  Coffee and Compliments

Big Lash Energy: One Million Downloads Fueled by Coffee and Compliments

Author: Dave Jackson March 9, 2026 Duration: 53:06

Welcome to the world of Big Lash Energy, where Jayna Marie takes us on a no-holds-barred journey through the ups and downs of her life and career. As a makeup artist, Jayna decided that her life was too colorful not to share, and she jumped headfirst into podcasting.

It's like she hit the ground running, with tons of awards, 200 episodes, and one million downloads you might say she's unstoppable.

Do You Need a Video Podcast?

The conversation kicks off with Jayna reflecting on the pressure to include video in her podcasting journey, but she confidently asserts that real connection comes from authentic storytelling, not flashy visuals. It’s refreshing to hear someone challenge the norm and embrace the art of audio storytelling.

As the episode unfolds, Jayna shares her experiences with vulnerability, especially in her first episode, where she bared her soul and laid it all on the line. She describes it as feeling like she jumped off a cliff, and honestly, who hasn’t felt that way about sharing their truth? This episode dives into the nitty-gritty of her life, tackling topics that range from relationships to personal growth, all while maintaining a sense of humor that makes you feel like you're chatting with a friend over coffee.

Always Be Entertaining

Jayna emphasizes the importance of being relatable and not shying away from difficult topics, making for a conversation that is both entertaining and enlightening. What really makes Jayna stand out is her approach to audience engagement.

She’s built a loyal following by sharing snippets of her life and encouraging conversations around her podcast episodes. Jayna is all about creating that connection with her listeners, which is a breath of fresh air in a sea of cookie-cutter AI content. And let’s not forget her unique marketing tactics; she even uses dating apps to promote her podcast, turning the world of swiping into a strategic move for gaining listeners. It’s hilarious and clever, showing us that sometimes, the best marketing is just being yourself.

The Power of Being Authentic

This episode isn’t just about podcasting; it’s about authenticity, vulnerability, and the power of storytelling. If you’re looking for inspiration in your own podcasting journey, or just want a good laugh, tune in to hear Jayna Marie's incredible story and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

So whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just curious about what it takes to create a meaningful show, Jayna's insights are golden. She proves that podcasting is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to connect, share, and inspire others through your unique voice. Join us as we delve into the world of Big Lash Energy and discover what makes Jayna Marie a standout in the podcasting community. It's a wild ride, and you won't want to miss it.

Mentioned In This Episode

Big Lash Energy Podcast

Under the Makeup: A very Messy Life (Episode 1)

Faking the "OH!" Face

8 Super Annoying Things That Men Do

I Ran Out Of Time To Say I Love You: It's My Party, I'll Cry If I Want To (her latest episode as of this recording)

Jayna's Makeup Site & Instagram

Sticker Mule (For Car Decals)

Switchy QR Maker, Link Tracker, and "Linktree" type tool

Fourth Wall Create Merch

Podpage Pretty Websites For Podcasters Who Don't Want To Learn How To Code

Tim Wohlberg's Just the Tip Podcast

Podcasting Tips From Jayna Marie:

Lead with vulnerability and authenticity

Sharing your true self and personal stories draws in listeners and forges real connections.

Serve your audience with purpose

Focus on providing value for others and fill gaps you wish someone had filled for you.

Don’t overthink—trust your gut and put your work out there

Creativity thrives when you let go of perfectionism and follow your instincts.

Make sure every episode has a clear purpose

Aim for your episodes to make listeners laugh, cry, or learn—give them a reason to engage.

Prioritize storytelling and strong writing

Compelling, well-crafted stories are at the heart of a great podcast.

Break up solo shows with production elements

Use sound effects, music, and character voices to keep solo episodes interesting and dynamic.

Collaborate closely with your editor

Build a strong partnership for creative sound design and production ideas.

Release episodes on a consistent schedule

Consistency builds trust and keeps your audience coming back.

Build and engage a community

Foster relationships with listeners to create fierce loyalty and word-of-mouth promotion.

Be intentional about monetization and ads

Consider whether monetizing with ads fits your brand and your listeners’ experience.

Leverage your podcast to support your main business

Use your show to help connect with potential clients in your field.

Save and revisit listener feedback

Keep encouraging messages for motivation during challenging times.

Create desirable merch—only sell what you’d wear

Strong branding and personal endorsement make merchandise more appealing.

Be creative with your marketing strategies:

Utilize unconventional ideas, such as:

Sharing your podcast link in dating bios

Setting up at relevant trade shows

Distributing podcast cards in swag bags with recommended episodes

Branding your car with podcast info and QR codes

Track your promotional results

Use QR codes to measure the effectiveness of your offline marketing efforts.

Encourage value-for-value support

Make it easy for loyal listeners to give back, whether buying merch or donating.

Host in-person events for your audience

Create memorable live gatherings to deepen connections and increase social media buzz.

Promote episodes long after release with social posts

Share throwbacks, listener DMs, and topical connections on your stories to boost ongoing downloads.

Show your creative process on social media

Build anticipation for new episodes and keep your audience actively engaged.

Know your target audience and stay on-brand

Be clear about who your podcast is for, and let that clarity reflect in your branding.

Prepare thoroughly before launching

Study podcasting fundamentals, plan your content, and understand your desired audience.

Don’t share every story—wait until you know the lesson

Only open up about painful moments when you’re ready to share how you grew from them.

Understand podcasting is hard work—stay motivated

Celebrate the impact you have, and let your listeners’ appreciation keep you going

Always Research Your Guest (from Dave)

The question AI gave me to interview Jayna were nothing compared to the questions that came up after I listened to her show.

Mentioned in this episode:

Have You Heard About the Podpage Assistant?

Here's what it can do: Identify the best search keyphrase to target — The Assistant analyzes your episode and finds the keyphrase most likely to drive organic traffic. Generate optimized SEO titles and descriptions — Get search-friendly titles and meta descriptions written for each episode automatically. Expand your show notes — Turn brief show notes into detailed, search-friendly content that helps Google understand what your episode is about. Create SEO schema — Automatically generate structured data including FAQs and key takeaways, giving search engines even more context about your content. Generate episode transcriptions — If your podcast host doesn't provide transcripts, the Assistant can create them for you. Create companion blog posts — Each episode can get a dedicated blog post that supports your episode's SEO and gives listeners another way to find you. Automatically categorize episodes — Keep your...


Thinking about launching your own show but feel overwhelmed by the technical details or unsure if anyone will listen? You're not alone. School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast is a steady, practical guide through that entire process, hosted by Dave Jackson. With his induction into the Podcaster Hall of Fame, Dave draws from over eighteen years of direct experience, turning complex topics into actionable steps. Instead of just theory, each episode focuses on real-world application, whether you're choosing a microphone, structuring an episode, or figuring out how to turn your passion into a sustainable endeavor. The conversations here cut through the noise and common hype, emphasizing the pitfalls to avoid-the costly mistakes that can stall a new show before it finds its audience. You'll hear detailed discussions on audio editing, interview techniques, audience growth strategies, and the often-overlooked aspects of consistency and marketing. This isn't about fleeting trends; it's about building a solid foundation for your voice. Dave's approach feels like a direct mentorship, making the often-intimidating world of podcasting feel accessible and manageable. Whether you're stuck at the starting line or looking to refine an existing show, this podcast serves as a comprehensive resource, demystifying the journey from a simple idea to a polished, growing podcast. The tone is straightforward and encouraging, designed to replace anxiety with a clear plan.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast
Podcast Episodes
From Listeners to Advocates:  The Magic of True Fans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:07
Have you ever wondered if the reason your podcast hasn’t “exploded” is actually the very thing that could help it last—and make it more rewarding? This week, I look into why having a smaller, passionate, and loyal audien…
School of Podcasting's Big News with Podpage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:29
The School of Podcasting has been acquired, and yes, that means changes are coming. But don’t panic! The essence of what we do is staying intact. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of what this acquisition means for our…
How to Grow Your Podcast Audience with SEO and Keywords [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:06
When it comes to podcast strategies to grow your podcast, one strategy that often gets overlooked (because it takes time) is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Now people are starting to market a "New" thing known as PSO…
Podcast Short Cuts and Sacrifices: What Worked? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:09
In this episode, I tackled the question submitted by Emily Kate: What sacrifices and shortcuts did you take in your podcasting journey, and did they work out well? A fantastic lineup of podcasters shared their wisdom, ex…
The Pros and Cons of Going Video: Let’s Talk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:52
Hey, it's Dave Jackson! In this episode, Ishare my talk that I did at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) about video podcasting. What are the real benefits, the costs, and the drawbacks? I also tackled the recent…
Cut the Fluff,  Keep the Gold:  How to Edit  for Your Audience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:17
In this episode, I’m walking you through why great podcast editing doesn’t start with software, plugins, or secret shortcuts — it starts with knowing your audience. Once you’re crystal clear on who you’re talking to and…
Ingredients that Make People Binge Your Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:38
Alright, so if you’re a podcaster looking to snag more listeners and get them hooked on your back catalog, then buckle up, because we’re diving into binge triggers straight outta the Netflix playbook. We’re breaking down…
The Four D's of Podcasting: Novel Marketing Conference Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:09
I just got back from the Novel Marketing Conference. This was put on by my friend Thomas Umstattd Jr (who has a great podcast for authors). I love single track events, and this one was AMAZING. It was all about book mark…
Behind the Scenes at Podfest: Lessons, Laughs, and Cold Coffee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:17
Hey, it’s Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting, and in this episode, I’m recapping my experience at Podfest 2026, which was a whirlwind of hallway chats, memorable dinners, and some eye-opening lessons. Here’s what…