This is what dreams are made of

About two months ago, I had an idea. To start a podcast. I didn't know how to start a podcast, so I googled it. And then I got to work. I made a list of awesome moms I knew with interesting/inspiring stories. I listed moms who were passionate and deliberate. I listed moms that made me want to be better. And then I asked them if I could interview them. And because I started off with an abundance of flattery (:)) they all said yes. So I set off interviewing and it felt good. I had so much learn in terms of the technical stuff and as an interviewer I learned the importance of getting to the point and focusing on an angle. And then I launched on January 12. 4 episodes (3 interviews) and the interviewees were nice enough to help me promote on social media (including my best friend Alison who has quite the following)... and I watched complete strangers find the podcast. 

And my project became the little podcast that could...

 Emily's interview on autism was extremely popular, and I got numerous comments from people who were inspired and touched by her message. Such a wonderful episode.

And Jackie's episode... ahhhh... tears! Such a message of hope from such a tragic event in their family. I love that people all over the world have now heard Mathis' story. I'm glad his legacy is living on in this way. 

And then Alison. People rarely get to hear her talk about motherhood, so I think this really resonated with her fan-base. Such a fun, vulnerable conversation. I just love her. 

And today's episode with Autumn. She gives great practical fitness tips for moms. I especially love her message about loving your body after baby because you've proven to yourself what you are capable of. Love it! 

On Tuesday I started on iTunes at #59 in the Kids and Family section. I was shocked to even be ranked. How did anyone know about it? 

Then within an hour, we were at #40, then #35. By 2:00 we were at #19. What the?????

And thanks to a final social media push by Alison that evening... we hit #4 in the Kids and Family Section and also found ourselves in the overall New and Noteworthy Section. 

I am crying just thinking about it. Sometimes as a mom, you feel like your goals are put to the side as you raise your children. You kind of feeling like your time is not your own for a season... it can be hard. But I felt like I needed something to put my name on... I needed something to work on and someway to contribute. So I started this podcast and I saw the potential it could have to inspire other people through the stories of mothers. Imagine... a whole audience of listeners CELEBRATING and VALUING motherhood! Whoop whoop! I had a personal goal of 1,000 downloads for the first month. I didn't know if that would be possible, but I was going to try. Oh my gosh... I reached the goal just after midnight on that first day. Now I'm at 2,500+ downloads from all over the world. I don't give the numbers to brag... I give the numbers to give some context to the number of people that are hearing these stories of amazing moms. It's thrilling!

So if you listened, shared, rated the show... thanks! It means more than you know. This has been so much fun and I have some great guests coming up. Can't wait to see where this goes. The Extraordinary Moms Podcast is legit!