The Freak Show (Eva Couto)
Explorez tous les épisodes de The Freak Show
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Mar 2025 | 012. The Power of Owning Your Voice, with Adrienne Cruz — Spotlight Series | 01:08:49 | |
What does it really mean to own your voice? To show up fully as yourself online? To shout your message from the digital rooftops and know that it's not just welcome — it's needed That’s what we’re diving into in this very special (and slightly emotional!) finale of the Spotlight Series, featuring none other than podcast manager and launch strategist Adrienne Cruz. She's the behind-the-scenes magic-maker for The Freak Show and a creative powerhouse who helps entrepreneurs turn podcasting into a joyful, strategic, and sustainable way to amplify their voice. Adrienne and I talk about what it takes to build a sustainable podcasting practice, why downloads don’t define your success, and the importance of showing up boldly — even when the trolls are loud and the world is heavy. Plus: her journey from being overwhelmed by Canva and rainbow color palettes to running a brand that’s as unforgettable as a summer brunch. SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS ✦ Cult documentaries, heavy metal, and brunch aesthetics (just trust me on this and press play) ✦ Why podcasting is a long game and how that's actually a good thing ✦ The real reason so many podcasts fade after a few episodes ✦ The challenges of being new in the online business world ✦ How rebranding reignited Adrienne's confidence (and her content) ✦ Why it's not "just a brand" when it helps you show up as YOU TAKE THE STAGE Here’s your challenge: choose one meaningful thing you’ve been afraid to say online, and say it — in a post, a story, a podcast, a voice note to your list. Whatever format feels like you, use it. Need a brand that makes that kind of showing up easier (and a lot more fun)? The Extravaganza is where we create it together! —— Mentioned in this episode: THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression. Follow & Connect with Adrienne: ✦ Website Follow & Connect with Eva: ✦ Website ✦ Get my Uncaged emails Other Links: ✦ Podcast episode: “Make it exist (you can make it perfect later” from Thought to Thing ✦ Creative Living with Maia Benaim & Lois Mac ✦ Adrienne’s rebrand process IG post ✦ Visuals of Isa - Adrienne’s brand photographer ✦ Vibes with Value by Xanthe Appleyard This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz. —— TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Wrapping the Spotlight Series 02:52 Adrienne’s Freak Show Audition 10:58 Why People Give Up on Podcasting 20:27 Do Podcast Episodes Need to Be Short to Be Good? 23:44 When Adrienne Knew Her Brand Had to Change 33:21 The Hardest Part of Rebranding (and the Most Fun) 42:51 Creating Content Now vs. Then 45:07 Shout It From the Rooftops and Other Content Themes 52:56 From Nervous Discovery Calls to Confident Biz Owner 58:19 Talking Head Videos and Other Wins 01:01:28 Advice to Past Adrienne (and Maybe to You, Too) 01:04:52 A Success Metric That Doesn’t Matter Anymore | |||
| 18 Feb 2025 | 007. How I’d Prepare For a Rebrand Before Touching Any Design | 00:20:49 | |
If you think a rebrand starts with a new logo or trendy font, think again. Before you even touch design, there’s a whole lot of clarity work that needs to happen first. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a gorgeous brand that still feels off. So, if you’re considering a rebrand (or just feeling that itch to change everything again), this episode will walk you through exactly how I’d prep before a single pixel is designed. SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS ✦ Why a successful rebrand is 90% prep work and 10% design ✦ How to audit what’s working and what’s not before you throw everything out ✦ The key questions that will make every design decision way easier ✦ Why crowd-sourcing your brand decisions is NOT a good idea TAKE THE STAGE Before thinking about design, gain clarity on these questions:
—— Mentioned in this episode: THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression. THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird. Follow & Connect with Eva: ✦ Website ✦ Get my Uncaged emails This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz — click the link to check out her new website and rebrand! —— TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show 05:02 Why Doing the Prep Work Changes Everything 10:09 The Pre-Rebrand Checklist 18:19 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps | |||
| 11 Feb 2025 | 006. Why Playing It Safe Is The Biggest Risk Your Brand Can Take | 00:21:45 | |
Today we’re talking about something that might feel counterintuitive but is so important: the biggest risk your brand can take isn’t being bold, it’s playing it safe. Ever find yourself softening your edges, second-guessing your branding decisions, or trying to be “professional” at the expense of actually standing out? When you dilute your personality and try to appeal to everyone, this has the unintentional effect of making your brand forgettable, which is exactly what we want to avoid! In this episode, we’re diving into why playing it safe is holding you back and how to build a brand that makes you the obvious choice for the right people. SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS ✦ Why blending in is the fastest way to be ignored and forgotten ✦ The real danger of playing it safe (it’s not fewer clients, it’s the wrong ones!) ✦ Why making bold branding decisions doesn’t mean being loud but being clear ✦ A test to know if your brand is truly recognizable TAKE THE STAGE Ask yourself: 1. If I stripped away my logo, colours, and fonts, would people still recognise my brand? 2. Do I know why clients actually choose me? 3. Am I making brand decisions based on fear? —— Mentioned in this episode: BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision. THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird. Follow & Connect with Eva: ✦ Website ✦ Get my Uncaged emails This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz. —— TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show 04:09 The Danger of Blending In 15:39 How to Stop Playing It Safe in Your Brand 18:58 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps | |||
| 11 Mar 2025 | 010. Saying ‘Hell No’ To Boring Branding, with Nikki Trailor — Spotlight Series | 00:44:49 | |
Your brand should do more than look good. It should attract the right people, support your sales, and give you the confidence to show up like the expert you are. But what happens when it doesn’t? When something feels off, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Nikki Trailor, realized before stepping into her rebrand. Nikki is a funnel strategist and copywriter who helps feminist coaches and course creators add five to six figures in automated revenue to their current funnels or launches — without the burnout, sleazy sales tactics, or FOMO-fueled BS. And fun fact: She and I first started working together when she won my World Design Day giveaway, leading to a full brand transformation! SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS ✦ The moment Nikki knew her DIY brand was holding her back ✦ The biggest misconceptions about sales copy and ethical selling ✦ How her rebrand gave her the confidence to own her space online ✦ Why the ‘personality hire’ era of online business is finally dying (and what’s replacing it) TAKE THE STAGE If you’re at that this isn’t quite working stage with your brand, you’re not alone. Nikki’s story is proof that you don’t have to settle for a brand that feels fine. You can have one that actually works for you. Here’s what to do next: ✦ Take an honest look at your brand. Does it match the level of your work? Would you hire you based on your current visuals and messaging? ✦ Pinpoint what’s feeling off. Is your website bringing in the right leads? Does your brand look as showstopping as your offers? Are you confident showing up online? ✦ Decide if it’s time to stop tweaking and go all in. At some point, swapping fonts and fiddling with Canva templates won’t fix the deeper issue. And if that moment is right now? The Extravaganza is where we fix it for good. —— Mentioned in this episode: THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression. Follow & Connect with Nikki: ✦ Website Follow & Connect with Eva: ✦ Website ✦ Get my Uncaged emails This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz. —— TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to the Spotlight Series 01:12 Meet Nikki Trailor 07:13 When She Knew It Was Time to Rebrand 12:26 DIY Branding vs. Expert Branding 14:19 The Trust Factor: Picking the Right Designer 21:08 The Biggest Sales Copy Myths 23:16 Why ‘Personality-Only’ Branding Doesn’t Cut It 27:25 The Hardest Part of Running a Business 31:06 How Rebranding Shifted Nikki’s Confidence & Strategy 40:30 Defining Success: Then vs. Now 42:26 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps | |||
| 20 Jan 2025 | 001. Finding Your Show-Stopping Factor | 00:15:21 | |
It's finally here... The debut episode! I’m kicking things off with a deep dive into a question I get constantly: What if there’s nothing special about my brand? Listen, I know how easy it is to feel like you’re blending into the noise, but I’m here to remind you: your show-stopping factor — the thing that makes your audience say, “Wow, there’s no one else like you!” — already exists. You’re not inventing it out of thin air. You’re uncovering it. SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS ✦ Why "standing out" isn’t about being flashy ✦ The three questions that will help you pinpoint what makes you unforgettable ✦ Exactly what NOT to do when figuring out your brand’s secret sauce (trust me, it’s a trap!) ✦ The Venn diagram trick to zero in on your show-stopping factor TAKE THE STAGE Take a few minutes to answer these questions: 1. What brands or people stand out to you? 2. Why do clients pick you over another service provider? 3. What results do you achieve for your clients? Notice the patterns and start thinking about how you can bring that magic front and centre for your brand! And if you want to take this work even further, my Behind the Curtain branding experience is your next step ↓ —— Mentioned in this episode: BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision. THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression. THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird. Follow & Connect with Eva: ✦ Get my Uncaged emails This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz. —— TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show 01:59 Finding Your Show-Stopping Factor 05:17 The Power of Clarity and Alignment 06:12 Michelangelo’s Approach to Branding 07:35 The Three Key Questions 12:05 What Not to Do 13:31 Your Homework and Next Steps | |||
| 04 Mar 2025 | 009. Confidence Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All, with Natalie McCandless — Spotlight Series | 00:46:53 | |
This episode kicks off The Freak Show’s first-ever Spotlight Series! In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re dedicating March to celebrating bold, inspiring women who have stepped into their brand with confidence and clarity. And who better to start with than Natalie McCandless, founder of Reconnect Sisterhood? Natalie is a confidence coach, psychotherapist, and mindfulness teacher with nearly 20 years of experience helping women rediscover who they truly are, without guilt, without self-doubt, and without trying to fit into someone else’s version of confidence. SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS ✦ Why confidence is not just about being bold and loud, and how it looks different for everyone. ✦ How life transitions impact women’s self-esteem — from career shifts to motherhood, perimenopause, and everything in between. ✦ How stress landed Natalie in the hospital and forced her to redefine success on her own terms. ✦ The making of Reconnect Sisterhood — why Natalie knew from day one that her brand needed to reflect the power and warmth she brings to her work. ✦ How a buttered toast Instagram reel convinced her that Flying Colors Creative was the right fit. TAKE THE STAGE Confidence is deeply personal, not a one-size-fits-all formula. Take a moment today to ask yourself: ✦ What does confidence look like for me? ✦ Where am I holding myself back because I think I should show up a certain way? ✦ What’s one small step I can take today to own my space a little more? —— Mentioned in this episode: THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression. THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird. Follow & Connect with Natalie: ✦ Website ✦ Reconnect Sisterhood podcast Follow & Connect with Eva: ✦ Website ✦ Get my Uncaged emails This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz. —— TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to the Spotlight Series 01:20 Meet Natalie McCandless 3:39 The Story Behind Reconnect Sisterhood 11:41 The Truth About Confidence 15:13 Why Natalie Invested in Her Brand From Day One 17:23 The Buttered Toast Moment 22:04 What Working Together Was Like 25:34 When Branding Gives You Confidence 27:49 The Health Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything 40:45 When Is the Right Time to Rebrand? 44:19 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps | |||
| 20 Jan 2025 | 002. What If You’re Bored Of Your Own Brand? | 00:19:21 | |
We’re diving into a feeling most of us know too well: boredom with our own brand. You know the late-night Canva binges, the urge to change everything, or the itch to start from scratch? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But before you throw out your entire brand kit, let’s talk about what boredom really means — and why it’s not the same as actually needing a rebrand. I’m sharing my tips to overcome creative ruts without burning everything down, plus how to know if it’s truly time for a rebrand or just a little refresh. SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS ✦ The difference between boredom and brand misalignment ✦ Why shiny object syndrome won’t fix a creative rut ✦ How consistency can be the key to standing out ✦ Questions to help you pinpoint the real problem TAKE THE STAGE I want to leave you with three thoughts today: 1. Boring doesn't mean broken. 2. Consistency doesn't have to be boring. 3. It's not necessarily about starting over. It's about refining what's already working. —— Mentioned in this episode: BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision. THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression. THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird. Follow & Connect with Eva: ✦ Get my Uncaged emails This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz. —— TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show 00:39 Blue Monday and the Branding Blues 03:48 The Canva Rabbit Hole and Shiny Object Syndrome 05:35 Consistency vs. Reinvention 07:51 Is It Boredom or Time for a Rebrand? 11:33 Questions to Pinpoint Your Brand Misalignment 16:01 When a Rebrand IS the Right Move 17:18 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps | |||
| 04 Feb 2025 | 005. Stop Overcomplicating Your Brand Strategy | 00:27:29 | |
Let’s talk about the word “strategy” and how it has become one of those overused, jargon-filled words that makes branding feel way more complicated than it needs to be. Truthfully, strategy is just a fancy way of saying having a good plan, one that guides your decisions so you can grow with confidence instead of second-guessing every little thing. In this episode, I’m breaking down why branding has gotten so overcomplicated, what actually matters when building a brand, and how my Brand Thinking Method simplifies it all into five core areas you actually need to focus on. SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS ✦ Why the word “strategy” has lost its meaning (and how to reclaim it) ✦ The biggest mistake keeping service providers stuck in branding limbo ✦ The 5 key areas of branding that actually matter: Foundations, Audience, Positioning, Identity, and Presence ✦ Why your brand — not the latest trend — should guide your marketing ✦ How to create a plan that helps you show up consistently without the overwhelm TAKE THE STAGE Reflect on these five core areas and ask yourself: 1. Which part of my brand feels the least clear — foundations, audience, positioning, identity, or presence? 2. Am I making intentional decisions or just reacting to what feels “off” in the moment? 3. How can I simplify my brand strategy to actually support my business growth? —— Mentioned in this episode: BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision. THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression. THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird. Follow & Connect with Eva: ✦ Website ✦ Get my Uncaged emails This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz. —— TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show 01:15 My Beef With the Word “Strategy” 07:49 Why Branding Feels Overcomplicated 10:53 The Brand Thinking Method: A Simpler Approach 12:44 The Five Core Areas of Branding 23:58 Bringing It All Together 24:58 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps | |||
| 20 Jan 2025 | 003. 10 Truths They Don’t Tell You About Rebranding | 00:20:30 | |
We’re pulling back the curtain on rebranding with 10 truths no one tells you about the process. If you’ve ever thought a shiny new logo or fresh brand colours could solve all your business problems, this episode is for you. Rebranding is a bold move, but it’s not a magic fix. It requires courage, clarity, and plenty of behind-the-scenes work. Let’s uncover the myths, explore the realities, and break down what you really need to know before embarking on your rebranding journey. SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS ✦ Why a “finished brand” is a myth ✦ The difference between standing out and just making noise ✦ Why discomfort is a natural and expected part of rebranding ✦ How consistent use of your new brand assets is key to making your rebrand successful ✦ The most important ingredient in your brand: YOU TAKE THE STAGE Reflect on these questions before considering a rebrand: 1. What’s your mission? 2. Who’s your audience? 3. What problems are you solving, and why are you the best person for the job? Use your answers to determine if a rebrand is truly the right move (or if you’re just caught up in Shiny Object Syndrome). —— Mentioned in this episode: BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision. THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression. THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird. Follow & Connect with Eva: ✦ Website ✦ Get my Uncaged emails This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz. —— TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show 1:09 The Biggest Myth About Rebranding 03:28 Stop Searching for a Finished Brand 04:34 It’s Not About Standing Out for the Sake of It 05:59 Change Is Messy, but It Means Growth 07:30 You Get to Define What Professional Looks Like 10:15 Rebranding Won’t Solve a Lack of Clarity 11:36 Be Prepared to Question Everything 12:27 You’ll Never Please Everyone (And That’s a Good Thing) 13:39 A New Brand Might Feel Uncomfortable Before It Feels Right 14:55 Implementation Is Key to Success 16:18 The One Thing You Can’t Forget Is YOU 17:06 Recap of All 10 Truths 18:15 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps | |||
| 18 Mar 2025 | 011. The Role of Rebranding in a Growing Business, with Polly Lavarello — Spotlight Series | 00:54:45 | |
Your brand isn’t just how your business looks — it’s how it works. It should attract the right people, support your growth, and make it easier (not harder) to scale. But what happens when it stops keeping up? When your business outgrows the brand you built? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Polly Lavarello, experienced firsthand. Polly is a scaling strategist and mentor who helps already in-demand online business owners turn their strengthiest skills into industry-leading offers that sell on repeat. Since 2020, she’s supported over 500 founders (yes, you heard that right!) in optimizing their funnels, fixing their ads, and scaling their businesses with strategies that actually work. Because in Polly’s world, when you’re brave enough to play, you always get paid. And fun fact: She and I have worked together twice on her brand as her business grew and evolved! SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS ✦ The shift from an outdated brand to a bold new direction ✦ The biggest myths about scaling and why "one-size-fits-all" strategies never work ✦ How Polly’s striking new visuals transformed her confidence (and conversions) ✦ How a signature brand style — yes, including that towel-on-the-head moment — can make you instantly recognizable (and unforgettable) ✦ Why investing in brand photography was a game-changer TAKE THE STAGE If you’ve been feeling like your brand isn’t quite you anymore, Polly’s story is proof that you don’t have to stay stuck. You can evolve your brand to match the level of your work, your audience, and your goals. Here’s what to do next: ✦ Take an honest look at your brand. Does it reflect who you are now or who you were a few years ago? Does it match the level of your work and the clients you want to attract? ✦ Ask yourself if you’re playing small. Are you fully showing up, or are you holding back because your brand doesn’t feel right? ✦ Decide if it’s time to stop tweaking and make a bold move. And if that moment is now? The Extravaganza is where we refine and amplify your brand so it truly feels like YOU. —— Mentioned in this episode: THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression. Follow & Connect with Polly: ✦ Website Follow & Connect with Eva: ✦ Website ✦ Get my Uncaged emails This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz. —— TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to the Spotlight Series 02:09 Meet Polly Lavarello 07:56 The Biggest Scaling Myths 15:36 The “Oh, This Isn’t Working” Moment 19:22 Playing Small vs. Owning Your Space 23:24 The Towel, The Photos, The Power of a Signature Look 44:34 Joyfully Showing Up Even When the World Is Heavy 48:19 The Confidence Shift After a Rebrand 51:54 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps | |||
| 25 Feb 2025 | 008. Your Step-By-Step Rebrand Plan | 00:18:33 | |
This is your full backstage pass to what actually happens in a rebrand. You probably already know that a rebrand is way more than just picking a new logo and colours. But what does the process really look like? How do you go from "something feels off" to "this brand finally feels like me?" In this episode, I’m walking you through the step-by-step breakdown of a rebrand inside The Extravaganza, my signature done-for-you brand transformation. If you're curious about what working with a designer is actually like, or if you're thinking about rebranding yourself, this is your behind-the-scenes moment. SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS ✦ Why rebranding is not just an aesthetic refresh ✦ The 5 key areas every rebrand must cover to actually work ✦ How strategy and design work together to create a brand that sticks ✦ Why a website is non-negotiable for a credible, high-level brand ✦ How to confidently roll out your rebrand so it feels seamless and aligned across every touchpoint TAKE THE STAGE Ready to map out your rebrand? Here are the steps you need to take: ✦ Start with Strategy – Before you even think about colors and fonts, define your foundations: Who are you? Who do you serve? What makes you different? ✦ Find Your Creative Direction – Gather inspiration, create a Pinterest board, and start shaping the overall vibe of your brand. ✦ Build Your Brand Identity – Create a logo suite, color palette, and typography that aren’t just trendy but truly work for you and align with your strategy. ✦ Create a Cohesive Online Home – Your website is your digital HQ. Make sure your messaging, offers, and visuals all connect seamlessly. ✦ Plan Your Big Reveal – Get your audience excited before the launch! And if you want all of this done-for-you — strategy, visuals, website, launch plan, the works — then The Extravaganza is where the magic happens. —— Mentioned in this episode: THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression. THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird. Follow & Connect with Eva: ✦ Website ✦ Get my Uncaged emails This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz. —— TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show 02:58 Rebranding Now vs. Then 06:51 Start With Strategy 08:24 Find Your Creative Direction 10:35 Build Your Brand Identity 12:03 Create a Cohesive Online Home 15:02 Plan Your Big Reveal 16:34 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps | |||
| 07 Jan 2025 | 000. Welcome to The Freak Show | 00:01:49 | |
Welcome to The Freak Show: the podcast for ambitious, creative service providers who are done blending in and playing small. If you’ve ever been told you’re “too much” or felt like the business world wasn’t made for someone as bold, quirky, and unconventional as you, you’re in the right place. This is where ambitious weirdos like you stop hiding and step into the spotlight. I’m Eva, Brand Designer and ringleader at Flying Colours Creative. For the past 5 years, I’ve helped service providers turn their personality into their biggest brand asset. In each episode, I sit down with creative entrepreneurs and business owners who’ve dared to do things differently. We’ll talk about what it really takes to stand out in a sea of sameness, own your weird, and build a brand that’s as unforgettable as you are. Your personality is your show-stopping factor, and I’m here to help you embrace it fully so you can create a brand that stands out and attracts the right audience. The Freak Show launches on January 20th. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts, and let’s start building a brand that’s unapologetically you. —— Follow & Connect with Eva: ✦ Get my Uncaged emails This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz. | |||
| 28 Jan 2025 | 004. The Real Reason You Hate Instagram | 00:25:37 | |
Be honest — has Instagram ever made you want to throw your phone out the window? Whether your problem is the app crashing while you’re editing a reel, your stories glitching out, or feeling like you post a carousel and it’s just crickets, you’re not alone. But if we’re truly being honest, despite the occasional tech difficulties, most of the time the problem isn’t Instagram — it’s how we’re using it. In this episode, I’m unpacking why Instagram can feel like a never-ending chore, how to stop chasing trends, and why your brand is the key to making your content work for you instead of the other way around. Plus, I’ll share practical tips to simplify your strategy, create content that connects, and actually start enjoying Instagram again. SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS ✦ Why Instagram feels overwhelming for service providers ✦ How chasing trends makes your content feel fake and forced ✦ The difference between content creation for influencers vs. business owners ✦ Practical tips to build a content design system that saves time and energy ✦ Why branding is the foundation for effortless, impactful content TAKE THE STAGE Ask yourself these questions to transform your Instagram approach: 1. Are you relying on random bursts of inspiration (or on your saved folder on IG)? 2. Do you have a consistent system in place for generating ideas? 3. And most importantly, is your brand fully supporting and amplifying your content efforts? Remember: Instagram isn’t a popularity contest. It’s a tool to connect with your audience, amplify your brand, and attract the right people to your business. —— Mentioned in this episode: BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision. THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression. THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird. Follow & Connect with Eva: ✦ Website ✦ Get my Uncaged emails This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz. —— TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show 03:42 Why Instagram Feels Like a Chore 13:33 Reframing Instagram for Service Providers 16:08 Practical Ways to Market on Instagram Without Hating It 22:53 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps | |||