This week Sid talks to one of the biggest and brightest stars in country music – Lainey Wilson. Back in May, he drove up to Nashville and got to have this conversation in person at Lainey’s farmhouse outside of town. The occasion was a Southern Living cover shoot, and Lainey and Sid sat down on a pair of comfortable chairs in her speakeasy-style basement, which is where she writes a lot of her songs. Lainey couldn’t have been more welcoming as a host, even though she’d been touring nonstop for her latest album, Whirlwind . She’s also hosting the CMA Awards in mid-November, and she’s appearing in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel Reminders of Him early next year. But Lainey has clearly not forgotten her small-town roots in Baskin, Louisiana, or the importance of good friends, family, and her faith. She talked a lot about how she stays grounded, how she keeps holding on despite a wild few years in Nashville, and the importance of keeping her people close. She also told some funny stories about her fiance, Devlin Hodges, who goes by Duck, and how she and her family celebrate Thanksgiving. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Biscuits & Jam is produced by: Sid Evans - Editor-in-Chief, Southern Living Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer & Editor/Producer Jeremiah Lee McVay - Producer Isaac Nunn - Recording Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
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内容由Cassandra Meszaros提供。所有播客内容（包括剧集、图形和播客描述）均由 Cassandra Meszaros 或其播客平台合作伙伴直接上传和提供。如果您认为有人在未经您许可的情况下使用您的受版权保护的作品，您可以按照此处概述的流程进行操作https://zh.player.fm/legal。
Ready to turn your expertise into a profitable online course, but not sure where to start? Unlock Course Creation is your go-to podcast for practical, no-fluff advice on building courses that inspire and transform. Hosted by a millennial mompreneur, this show dives into the step-by-step strategies, honest insights, and real-life stories of what it takes to create and launch impactful online courses. From discovering your course promise to designing a curriculum that keeps students engaged, each episode is packed with actionable tips and a sprinkle of humor. Whether you're a solopreneur, small business owner, or a mom juggling it all, you'll walk away feeling confident, motivated, and ready to share your unique expertise with the world. Hit play, and let's unlock the secrets to building your dream online course!
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Manage series 3612776
内容由Cassandra Meszaros提供。所有播客内容（包括剧集、图形和播客描述）均由 Cassandra Meszaros 或其播客平台合作伙伴直接上传和提供。如果您认为有人在未经您许可的情况下使用您的受版权保护的作品，您可以按照此处概述的流程进行操作https://zh.player.fm/legal。
Ready to turn your expertise into a profitable online course, but not sure where to start? Unlock Course Creation is your go-to podcast for practical, no-fluff advice on building courses that inspire and transform. Hosted by a millennial mompreneur, this show dives into the step-by-step strategies, honest insights, and real-life stories of what it takes to create and launch impactful online courses. From discovering your course promise to designing a curriculum that keeps students engaged, each episode is packed with actionable tips and a sprinkle of humor. Whether you're a solopreneur, small business owner, or a mom juggling it all, you'll walk away feeling confident, motivated, and ready to share your unique expertise with the world. Hit play, and let's unlock the secrets to building your dream online course!
…
continue reading
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
In this special anniversary episode of the Unlock Course Creation podcast, Cassandra Meszaros reflects on a year of podcasting and shares valuable insights on setting manageable, guilt-free goals for both course creators and their students. Cassandra emphasizes the importance of sustainability and progress, discussing how realistic goals help guide rather than guilt. She balances professional advice with personal anecdotes, including a humorous story about misunderstanding a baseball sliding glove and a curious conversation with her son about electric eels. Tune in for tips on goal setting, sustainable course creation, and celebrating small wins along the journey. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Celebrations 01:10 Reflecting on a Year of Podcasting 02:31 Setting Goals That Guide, Not Guilt 05:25 Realistic Goal Setting for Course Creators 07:07 Sustainable Course Creation 11:10 Cassandra's Conversations: Embarrassing Stories 21:20 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts Next Steps If this episode resonated: → DM Cassandra on Instagram: Share your funniest "goal guilt" moment @cassandra.meszaros → Join the Unlock Course Creation Email Newsletter: Bonus resources, behind-the-scenes updates, sneak peeks, and tools to build a course you're proud of. https://cassandrameszaros.ca/email → Don't miss an episode: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
In this episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra breaks down one of the most misunderstood pieces of advice in the online course space: "Sell the transformation, not the information." She explains what transformation really means, why vague or "fluffy" promises don't convert, and how to turn your warm, inspirational ideas into clear, actionable outcomes that actually sell your course. If you've ever struggled to articulate what your course really helps your students achieve, this is your roadmap to getting clear and confident about the results you deliver. Key Takeaways Transformation doesn't have to be massive - just meaningful. Focus on a real, achievable shift your learner will experience. Clarity sells. Broad, inspirational promises sound good, but don't motivate people to buy or take action. Use the "Now–After–How" Formula: Where your learner is now Where they'll be after your course How you'll help them get there Your transformation isn't just for your sales page. It should be embedded into your course structure, marketing, and onboarding. When your students can restate your transformation in their own words, you know your message has landed. Timestamps [03:08] – Defining what transformation actually means (and what it doesn't) [04:12] – Why vague promises like "empowerment" don't convert [06:15] – Cassandra's 3-part formula: Now, After, How [07:53] – How your transformation anchors your course, marketing, and onboarding [09:33] – Cassandra's Conversations: Lessons from the 40km mountain biking trail (and how endurance applies to course creation!) [22:52] – Episode wrap-up and key takeaways Next Steps Ready to refine your own course transformation? Join Cassandra's email newsletter for biweekly strategies, behind-the-scenes insights, and free resources to help you build courses that transform, not just inform. 👉 Subscribe at cassandrameszaros.ca/email And if you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to: Follow or subscribe to Unlock Course Creation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform. Leave a review — it helps more creators find the show and start building transformational learning experiences.…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Feeling nervous to hit "record"? Wondering if you're expert enough to teach? You're not alone, and this episode is for you. In From Self-Doubt to Standout: Owning Your Voice as a Course Creator, Cassandra dives deep into one of the biggest challenges new course creators face: finding confidence in their teaching voice. Whether you sound "too corporate," get caught editing yourself mid-sentence, or just feel like an imposter, this episode will help you step into your authority with authenticity and heart. She also shares her favourite fall reflections, her excitement over Taylor Swift's new album, and how sourdough baking (of course) always seems to sneak into her creative process. Key Takeaways Your students buy into you, not just your information. Confidence builds trust and safety, two essentials for a positive learning experience. Authenticity beats perfection. You don't need a studio or fancy setup, just your real, relatable self. Your "teaching voice" already exists. It's the way you naturally explain things to a friend or client—clear, kind, and honest. Confidence comes from starting, not waiting. Each time you record, teach, or post, your comfort grows. Design with clarity, not complexity. When you trust your process, you stop overloading content to "prove" your expertise. Practical tip: Create a Confidence File to store kind words, testimonials, and moments that remind you of your impact. Timestamps [01:12] The struggle of sounding authentic on camera or in lessons. [02:38] Why confidence in your voice matters and how it impacts learners. [04:07] How to find your authentic teaching voice and connect naturally. [06:45] Facing imposter syndrome, why it's normal and how to move through it. [07:43] How confidence shows up in course structure and design. [08:48] Cassandra's Conversations: Fall reflections, Taylor Swift's new album, and sourdough sandwich loaves. [14:26] Final thoughts: confidence doesn't mean never being nervous, it means showing up anyway. Next Steps Join Cassandra's newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and her first-ever free downloadable → cassandrameszaros.ca/email Follow and review Unlock Course Creation on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other creators discover the show. Your Action Step: Record a short clip explaining one concept from your course without a script. Then listen back, what parts sound most like you? That's your authentic voice.…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
AI is everywhere, from writing bedtime stories to planning your weekly meals, and yes, even promising to build your entire course in 30 minutes. But is it really the magic bullet for course creators? In this episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra unpacks the hype, highlights where AI can genuinely help, and lays down healthy boundaries for using AI without losing your unique voice. She also shares her latest mountain biking adventure and the surprising ways race design connects to designing better learning experiences. Key Takeaways AI hype vs. reality: AI-generated courses are often cookie-cutter and lack personal stories, nuance, and transformation. Where AI helps: Brainstorming ideas, drafting outlines, repurposing content, and handling admin tasks. Healthy boundaries: Always add your why and your personal stories. Treat AI outputs as messy first drafts, never final products. Double-check accuracy to avoid misinformation. Use AI for busy work, not brain work. Future potential: Personalized learning paths, adaptive quizzes, and built-in AI tutors could change how learners experience online courses. Real-world tie-in: Just like her mountain biking race used thoughtful design to create a fun, inclusive experience, your course design should make students feel supported, challenged, and excited to keep going. Timestamps [00:01:33] AI hype: too-good-to-be-true claims [00:04:05] Where AI actually shines: brainstorming, drafting, repurposing, admin tasks [00:07:57] Guardrails for using AI without losing your voice [00:10:02] Bonus: AI's future role in personalized learning experiences [00:12:05] Cassandra's Conversation: lessons from a fun mountain bike race [00:23:54] Final note: AI can't fold your laundry, but it can give you more breathing room Next Steps 📬 Subscribe to Cassandra's newsletter for practical strategies, behind-the-scenes stories, and extras not shared on the podcast: cassandrameszaros.ca/email . ⭐ Follow and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite app, it helps more course creators discover how to build courses that transform. 💡 Action Step: Try using AI this week for one small task (like repurposing a lesson into a social post), then reflect on how you layered in your personal stories and voice.…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Episode Summary Workbooks should be more than pretty PDFs that sit in a binder collecting dust. In this episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra explores how to design workbooks that actively engage students, support learning, and drive results. From reflection prompts and habit trackers to practical delivery formats, you'll learn how to transform your workbooks from digital wallpaper into powerful learning tools. Cassandra also shares a behind-the-scenes recap of her son's epic 5th birthday party (complete with paint-filled water balloons, DIY pendulums, and spray bottles from the dollar store) and the lessons it offers course creators about flexibility, planning, and finding creative solutions. Key Takeaways Pretty isn't enough: An effective workbook is designed for usability, not just aesthetics. Workbooks flip passive learning into active learning by encouraging reflection, writing, and application. Prompts > paragraphs: Replace walls of text with interactive exercises, action steps, and recap questions. Reinforce retention: Writing things down helps students remember and apply what they learn. Bridge the gap: Workbooks keep learners engaged between lessons when life distractions pull them away. Format matters: Always offer both printable PDFs and digital, fillable versions to meet learner preferences. Keep it clean and simple: White space, clear navigation, and minimalist design help learners focus on what matters. Timestamps [00:01:59] Why workbooks matter for real results [00:03:23] From passive to active learning: how workbooks flip the switch [00:06:13] Why writing it down cements memory (mom life grocery list example) [00:08:28] Keeping momentum alive between lessons [00:10:49] The importance of delivery formats (printable + digital) [00:13:11] Cassandra's Conversations : Behind the scenes of a creative 5th birthday party [00:25:15] Final reminder: aim for usable, not decorative Next Steps 🎧 Follow/Subscribe to Unlock Course Creation so you never miss an episode. 📬 Join the newsletter for biweekly tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and bonus strategies: cassandrameszaros.com/email ⭐ Rate & Review the podcast—it helps more course creators like you design courses that transform.…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Ever feel like your course is one big information dump? In this episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra dives into how to break down your big ideas into small, digestible lessons that keep students engaged, motivated, and moving toward transformation. From crafting mini-transformations to scaffolding your lessons, you'll learn how to design a course that isn't overwhelming—but instead empowering. Cassandra also shares a candid behind-the-scenes story in Cassandra's Conversations about planning a creative fifth birthday party (Rexy shirts and all!) and how AI surprisingly saved the day. By the end, you'll know how to take your students step by step toward real results—while cutting the fluff that slows them down. Key Takeaways Start with transformation, not topics: Anchor lessons to your course promise and mini-transformations instead of cramming in information. Chunk content into micro-lessons: Shorter, focused lessons lead to quicker wins and higher completion rates. Scaffold for success: Build lessons in a logical order so students feel momentum instead of confusion. Cut the fluff: Trim extra theory and "showing off" content that doesn't directly serve the promised transformation. Timestamps [03:00] Why every lesson needs an action step for students [05:45] Breaking mini-transformations into micro-lessons [07:50] The importance of scaffolding—building like Lego blocks, not puzzle pieces [10:54] Bonus: Cut the fluff—ask if content helps the transformation or just shows off knowledge [12:05] Cassandra's Conversations: planning a Rexy birthday party & how AI (ChatGPT) saved the day [19:40] Why AI won't replace your unique voice and teaching style [20:50] Recap: Transformation, micro-lessons, scaffolding, and cutting the fluff Next Steps 🎧 Follow/Subscribe to Unlock Course Creation so you never miss an episode. 📬 Join the newsletter for biweekly tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and bonus strategies: cassandrameszaros.com/email 💡 Go deeper: If you missed Episode 21 (The Curse of Knowledge), go back and listen for tips on avoiding content overwhelm. ⭐ Rate & Review the podcast—it helps more course creators like you design courses that transform.…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Once you've mastered a topic, it's almost impossible to remember what it was like to be a beginner—and that's exactly what the Curse of Knowledge is. In this episode, Cassandra breaks down how this hidden bias can sneak into your online course through language, pacing, and structure, leaving your learners confused, overwhelmed, or disengaged. You'll learn how to spot it, avoid it, and create a learning experience that's clear, engaging, and accessible—without "dumbing it down." Cassandra also shares a real-world reflection from a recent mountain getaway and Nordic Spa visit, tying the experience back to the importance of setting clear expectations for your course learners. Key Takeaways What the Curse of Knowledge is and why it's one of the biggest blind spots for course creators. How skipping beginner steps or using jargon without explanation can alienate new learners. Why a clear course promise is essential for cutting fluff and keeping lessons focused. The importance of using your audience's own language to avoid overwhelming them with expert jargon. Practical ways to combat the Curse of Knowledge: Beta teaching your course live. Having a beginner audit your outline. Including quick recap slides, a glossary, and reflection prompts. Awareness of your expert bias is the first step toward better course design. Timestamps [02:37] Defining the Curse of Knowledge in course creation. [04:15] How it shows up: lack of clear course promise, jargon, and assumptions. [06:10] The learner's perspective: why overwhelm leads to disengagement. [07:18] Avoiding the trap: using audience language and live beta launches. [09:14] Building awareness of your own bias through reflection and audience interviews. [10:29] Cassandra's Conversations — Lessons from the Nordic Spa on setting expectations. [19:38] Recap and encouragement for course creators. Next Steps Subscribe to Unlock Course Creation on your favorite podcast player so you never miss an episode. Join Cassandra's newsletter for exclusive tips and behind-the-scenes insights: cassandrameszaros.ca/email If today's episode resonated, share it with a fellow course creator who might be battling the Curse of Knowledge.…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Before you spend hours building out your online course, take a step back—because there's a smarter way to launch. In this episode, Cassandra shares four powerful reasons why pre-selling your course before building it can save you time, money, and creative energy. Packed with relatable mom-life stories (yes, we're talking stockpiles of baby wipes), this episode offers a mindset shift for anyone ready to create a course that sells and supports transformation. Key Takeaways Don't assume you know what your audience wants—pre-selling reveals the real language and pain points. Perfectionism paralysis is a sneaky form of procrastination—launching before you're "ready" gives you momentum. Co-creation leads to better courses—early buyers help shape content that resonates and works. It's less risky to validate before you build—avoid burnout and wasted time by testing the waters first. Timestamps 02:42 – Reason 1: You might not know what your audience really wants 04:54 – Reason 2: Perfectionism = procrastination 06:33 – Reason 3: Pre-selling = opportunity to co-create 09:18 – Reason 4: Avoid high risk & burnout 17:32 – Pre-selling is not lazy—it's strategic 18:36 – Final takeaway: Grow as you go What's Next 👉 Subscribe or follow Unlock Course Creation on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode. ✉️ Join the newsletter for bonus tips, early updates, and exclusive sneak peeks: cassandrameszaros.ca/email 🎧 Catch up on foundational episodes about course promise, outlining, and beta launching to support your pre-sale strategy.…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Episode Summary: What's worse than ghosting after module two? Spending hours building your course and watching your students not finish it. In this episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra breaks down three practical and easy-to-implement strategies that will help you boost your course completion rates—without overwhelming your learners or yourself. From setting up simple progress markers to sending friendly nudges, she shares how to design your course so learners keep logging in, keep learning, and actually finish what they started. And yes—there's story time, but this time, it's not about falling off a bike. Key Takeaways: Progress Milestones Matter Swap out "Module 1, 2, 3" with action-oriented titles like "Define Your Niche." Use checklists, progress bars, or milestone emails to celebrate learner wins. Strategic Nudges Work Life gets in the way. People don't quit courses—they just get busy. Use short, friendly reminders like "Here's where you left off!" to re-engage students. Action Steps Build Momentum End every lesson with one clear, doable action. Small tasks build confidence and reinforce progress (hello dopamine!). Bonus Strategy: Mid-Course Feedback Keeps Learners Engaged Ask how things are going before students ghost. Collect feedback to course-correct before it's too late. Bonus Insight: Adult learners want impactful, not overwhelming content. Don't add more just for the sake of it—opt for connection over complexity. Timestamps: [01:26] Why course drop-off happens and what we can do [02:14] Strategy #1: Use progress milestones and quick wins [06:15] Strategy #2: Strategic nudges to bring learners back [08:29] Strategy #3: Include an action step in every lesson [10:42] Bonus Strategy: Ask for feedback mid-course [17:09] Repetition + routine = ingrained learning Call to Action: 💌 Join the Email List: Get bonus tips from each episode and updates on Cassandra's upcoming course offers → cassandrameszaros.ca/email 📲 Follow Cassandra on Instagram: @Cassandra.Meszaros – Share your favourite learner engagement strategy or course win ⭐ Leave a Review: If you're loving these bite-sized tips, help others find the show by leaving a quick review…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Ready to find a course platform that truly puts learning first? In Part 2 of her course platform comparison series, Cassandra shifts the spotlight to teaching-first platforms that prioritize student experience and support real transformation. From Thinkific to Mighty Networks, she walks you through four top contenders designed for creators who care deeply about curriculum, progress, and completion, not just flashy funnels. You'll hear who each platform is best for, their biggest strengths (and limitations), and how to match your course vision with a platform that makes sense for you and your learners. Plus, Cassandra shares a new lesson from mountain biking, and how a fall turned into a powerful reminder about repetition, reinforcement, and recovery. Platforms Covered: Thinkific – Clean, structured, and perfect for progress-tracking + multiple formats Teachable – Beginner-friendly with simple tools to launch quickly LearnWorlds – Advanced customization, interactive video, and academic focus Mighty Networks – Built for community-first learning with strong social features Key Takeaways: Learning-first platforms focus on student navigation, retention, and transformation - not marketing. If quizzes, certificates, and progress-tracking matter to your course goals, these platforms are worth your time. Choose based on your tech comfort level, desired features, and how much customization vs. simplicity you want. Don't wait for the perfect platform, choose one that supports both your students and your sanity. Timestamps: [02:40] Series recap: Part 1: Kajabi, Kartra, Podia, Stan Store, Linktree [04:04] What makes a platform "learning-first"? [06:30] Thinkific: Best for creators who value structure and analytics [08:52] Teachable: Great for beginners who want ease without tech overwhelm [10:28] LearnWorlds: Ideal for premium courses, interactive content & SCORM [13:17] Mighty Networks: Perfect for community-based learning [18:30] Mountain biking, falling, and redoing what you've already mastered [21:22] Key takeaway: Repetition builds confidence, even after setbacks [24:42] Final reminders & Oilers watch update Call to Action: 💌 Join the Email List: Be the first to know when episodes drop and get extra tips → cassandrameszaros.ca/email 📲 Follow on Instagram: @Cassandra.Meszaros for more behind-the-scenes and relatable course creation updates ⭐ Leave a Review: Help more course creators find this show and make smart platform choices ❓ Still not sure where to host? DM Cassandra or book a discovery session…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Feeling overwhelmed by course platforms? You're not alone. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Cassandra dives into the world of all-in-one platforms and creator-friendly tools to help you figure out where to host your online course. From sleek, premium platforms like Kajabi to social-savvy tools like Stan Store, this episode breaks down who each platform is best suited for, their pros and cons, and how to pick based on your tech comfort and course goals. Plus, in this episode, Cassandra shares a heartfelt (and humorous) moment about falling off her mountain bike—and how it sparked a powerful conversation about learning with her son. Key Takeaways: All-in-one platforms offer simplicity, integrations, and scalability—but often come with higher costs and broader learning curves. Creator-friendly tools like Stan Store and Linktree are best for fast, flexible setups or validating mini-course ideas. Don't wait for perfection. Pick a platform that fits where you are right now , and know you can always evolve later. Your decision doesn't have to be forever—just strategic for the next step. Platforms Covered in This Episode: All-in-One Platforms (Tier 1): Kajabi – Great for premium, evergreen course businesses Kartra – Ideal for tech-savvy creators who love marketing funnels Podia – Beginner-friendly and simple to set up Creator-Friendly Commerce Tools (Tier 2): Stan Store – Mobile-first, great for mini-courses and coaching offers Linktree – Simple, lean, and perfect for monetizing lead magnets or small digital offers Timestamps: [01:28] Choosing a platform is like buying a stroller: one size doesn't fit all [05:21] What "all-in-one platform" really means [07:08] Kajabi: polished, powerful, and premium [10:06] Kartra: complex but powerful, especially for funnel lovers [11:39] Podia: beginner-friendly, simple, and affordable [14:09] Stan Store: mobile-first, ideal for IG/TikTok creators [16:12] Linktree: the original link-in-bio, now with paid content features [20:00] Cassandra's mountain biking wipeout & talking about learning with her son [23:58] Final thoughts + Part 2 preview Call to Action: 💌 Join the Email List to get notified when Part 2 drops + extra tips: cassandrameszaros.ca/email 📲 Follow Cassandra on Instagram: @Cassandra.Meszaros – Send her a DM and share what platform you're considering! ⭐ Leave a Review: Loving the show? A quick rating helps more creators discover Unlock Course Creation 🎯 Need Help Deciding? Book a discovery call or submit your question for a personalized platform recommendation…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Is choosing a course platform giving you analysis paralysis? In this episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra helps you cut through the noise and strategically think about online course platforms without regret, stress, or duct tape. From tech comfort levels to student experience and scaling potential, she breaks down the five key categories to consider before committing to a platform. Plus, in this week's Instructional Design in the Real World segment, Cassandra shares how learning to French braid her own hair perfectly illustrates the power of repetition and real-world practice in any learning journey. Key Takeaways: All-in-One Features: Ideal for creators who want fewer tools and less tech setup. Pros: Streamlined setup, fewer integrations. Cons: Higher price point, risk of "putting all your eggs in one basket." Real Functionality: Does the platform actually deliver what it promises? Watch out for surface-level features that look good on checklists but lack depth. Student Experience: Your learners matter. Choose a platform that's mobile responsive, easy to navigate, and distraction-free. Poor UX = disengaged learners = higher drop-off. Scaling Potential: Will this platform grow with you? Look for flexibility in pricing tiers, analytics, funnels, and upsell opportunities. Your Usability as the Creator: If using the backend makes you want to chuck your laptop, that's a red flag. Choose a platform that makes editing, updating, and managing your content a seamless experience. Timestamps: [02:43] Five strategic categories for course platforms [05:21] 🧰 Category 1: All-in-One Features [10:33] 🛠️ Category 2: Real Functionality [14:03] 🎓 Category 3: Student Experience [17:42] 🚀 Category 4: Scaling & Growth [20:42] 🧠 Category 5: Your Usability [25:25] Take action over perfection (Cassandra pep talk) [25:49] 🎯 Instructional Design in the Real World: French braiding as a metaphor for repetition in learning [29:48] What's something you've learned that was easy in theory but took a lot of practice? Call to Action: 💌 Join the Email List: Be the first to know when new episodes drop + get exclusive tips and updates: cassandrameszaros.ca/email 📲 Follow Cassandra on Instagram: @Cassandra.Meszaros – Share your "easy in theory, hard in practice" learning moments! ⭐ Check out Lauren on Instagram: @laurenshakevans - Simplifying your tech & business systems 💬 Need support? Book a discovery call or send your platform questions via DM or email.…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Is your course idea better suited for a group program or an evergreen online course? In this episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra breaks down the real differences between these two popular formats—from pricing and scalability to time investment and student experience. Using relatable metaphors (Target runs and dinner parties, anyone?), she helps you decide which path fits your content, lifestyle, and goals. You'll learn the key pros and cons of each model, common course creator mistakes, and the exact reflection questions to ask yourself before choosing. Plus, in the Instructional Design in the Real World segment, Cassandra shares lessons learned from her recent 30 Reels in 30 Days challenge—and how it's the perfect example of "just-in-time learning" in action. Timestamps: [00:00] Target trips, toddlers, and teaching styles [04:13] Defining evergreen online courses [05:50] Pros of evergreen: scale, time freedom, passive income [09:53] Cons of evergreen: low accountability and drop-offs [14:04] Best use cases for evergreen courses [15:24] Defining group coaching programs [16:14] Pros of group coaching: connection, feedback, transformation [22:30] Cons of group coaching: time/energy intensive, harder to scale [26:03] When group programs are best: beta testing or step-by-step transformation [28:50] Reflective questions to help you decide your format [32:56] Instructional Design in the Real World: Just-in-time learning from 30 Reels in 30 Days [38:36] Wrapping up: key reflections, bike season bruises & next steps Call to Action: 💌 Join the Email List: Get bi-weekly podcast recaps, bonus stories & exclusive tips → cassandrameszaros.ca/email 📲 Follow on Instagram: @Cassandra.Meszaros for behind-the-scenes, real-time course advice & dry millennial mom humor ⭐ Leave a Review: If this episode helped you decide between a course or program, share your thoughts to help others find the show 🎯 Need Help Deciding? Book a discovery call or submit your questions for an "Ask an Instructional Designer Anything" session…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Do you really need slides to make your online course work—or can you just rock a messy bun and teach from your heart? In this episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra breaks down five of the most common course content formats: video, audio, live sessions, workbooks, and slides. She shares the pros, cons, and best-use scenarios for each so you can stop overthinking and start creating with confidence. Key Takeaways: You don't need just one format! Most courses benefit from mixing and matching content types. Video: Great for visuals and tutorials, but requires more setup. Audio: Flexible and easy to produce—perfect for solo topics or mindset lessons. Live Sessions: High engagement and real-time feedback—but harder to scale. Workbooks: Help reinforce learning, but require clear direction and buy-in. Slides: Provide structure for complex topics, but can easily fall flat without thoughtful design. Consider your content complexity, your audience's lifestyle, and your tech comfort level when choosing formats. Timestamps: [01:54] Overview of the five course content formats [03:33] Celebrating 600 downloads & April's 30 Reels challenge! 🎉 [05:30] Video Content: Face-to-camera vs. screen share [09:34] Audio Content: The "white noise" of online learning [12:31] Live Sessions: The engagement goldmine (but beware time zones!) [17:30] Workbooks & Printables: When to use them, how to keep them relevant [20:10] Slide-Based Content: Great for structure, but tricky to get right [25:55] Picking the right format: Ask the right questions [28:16] Instructional Design in the Real World: A unique group-based learning experience from a cohort course [32:52] Final reminders & call to action Call to Action: 💌 Join the Unlock Course Creation Email List: Get updates when new episodes drop and stay in the loop with new offers and tips → cassandrameszaros.ca/email 📲 Follow Cassandra on Instagram @Cassandra.Meszaros – she's doing 30 Reels in 30 Days! ⭐ Leave a Review: Reviews help more creators find the podcast and start building transformational courses. 🧠 Need guidance? Book a discovery call or schedule an Ask an Instructional Designer Anything session for 1:1 support.…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
In this confidence-boosting solo episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra is tackling two of the most common myths that hold aspiring course creators back. If you've ever thought, "I'm not expert enough," or "Why would someone pay for something they can find for free online?"—this one's for you. Cassandra breaks down exactly why you don't need a PhD to teach what you know, and she shares why structured, guided transformation is what people are actually paying for—not just information. Plus, in the Instructional Design in the Real World segment, she shares a hilarious and inspiring list of ultra-niche online courses that prove you have something valuable to teach too. Key Takeaways: Myth 1: You don't need to be a top-level expert to create a course—just a few steps ahead of your ideal learner. Myth 2: People aren't paying for information —they're paying for transformation , clarity, and a faster path to results. The "A to B" mindset: You're not responsible for teaching the whole alphabet—just helping learners move forward. The riches are in the niches: Specificity sells. The more niche, the better. Real-world proof: From buttercream coloring to goat-raising to square-foot gardening, niche courses are everywhere—and they're selling. Timestamps: [06:00] Why traditional education & social media make us doubt ourselves [08:35] You only need to teach your learners from A to B [10:47] The "riches are in the niches" mindset shift [12:44] Busting the second myth: Why people won't just go find it for free [14:58] People pay to save time, gain clarity, and achieve transformation [17:14] Instructional Design in the Real World: 10+ niche courses that prove your idea is worth selling [25:09] Final reminders: You've got what it takes—take the next step [26:14] How to stay connected through the Unlock Course Creation email list & Instagram Call to Action: 💌 Join the Email List to get new episodes and exclusive tips delivered bi-weekly: cassandrameszaros.ca/email 📲 Follow Cassandra on Instagram @cassandra.meszaros for a reel-a-day challenge, fun tips, and behind-the-scenes content ⭐ Leave a Review: If this episode gave you the confidence boost you needed, share your thoughts to help others find the podcast! 🎯 Ready to create your course? Book a discovery call or ask Cassandra anything about instructional design…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Ever tried assembling IKEA furniture without instructions? That's what launching a course without testing feels like! In this episode, we dive into beta launching—your secret weapon for course validation. A beta launch isn't about perfection; it's about testing, learning, and refining before scaling your course. You'll walk away with a clear strategy to gather feedback, fine-tune your content, and build with confidence. Key Takeaways: ✔️ Why beta launching is the ultimate test for your course ✔️ Overcoming perfectionism—your course will never be "perfect" from day one ✔️ How to gather real-time feedback and make improvements ✔️ The importance of iteration before a full-scale launch Timestamps: ⏳ [03:23] – The IKEA analogy: Launching a course without testing is a recipe for disaster ⏳ [06:10] – What exactly is a beta launch? ⏳ [09:40] – Why exactly is beta launching so important? ⏳ [18:04] – Instructional Design in the Real World: Perfect Pancakes Your Next Steps: 🚀 Ready to beta test your course? Start small and gather feedback from real students! 📩 Want to receive the podcast newsletter? Head to cassandrameszaros.ca/email 💬 Let's chat! DM me on Instagram [ @cassandra.meszaros ] with your biggest beta launch question. 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , or your favourite platform so you never miss an episode!…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Fresh off a two-week adventure in Central America, Cassandra Meszaros is back with valuable insights—not just from the trip, but from the world of course creation! 🌎 In this episode of Unlock Course Creation, she shares the five biggest mistakes new course creators make and how to avoid them. From trying to teach everything to waiting for perfection before launching, Cassandra breaks down the common pitfalls that can slow down (or completely stall) your course progress. Plus, in this episode's Instructional Design in the Real World segment, she dives into how learning Spanish on vacation revealed key insights about how we absorb new information. If you want to build a course that actually sells and delivers results, this is a must-listen! What You'll Learn in This Episode: The 5 most common mistakes new course creators make—and how to avoid them. Why less is more when it comes to teaching (and how to keep learners engaged). Why skipping research and diving straight into content can backfire. The "If I build it, they will come" myth—and what to do instead. Why done is better than perfect when launching your first course. The importance of embracing selling as part of your course strategy. Instructional Design in the Real World: How learning Spanish on vacation is a perfect example of effective instructional design. Timestamps: [00:00] Intro: Why it's okay to disconnect (and what this trip taught me). [02:12] Celebrating podcast consistency & launching the email list. [04:14] Pura Vida & lessons from two weeks in Costa Rica & Nicaragua. [05:22] The 5 biggest mistakes new course creators make. [06:08] Mistake #1: Trying to teach everything (aka overwhelming your learners). [09:16] Mistake #2: Designing first, researching later (don't cook a 5-course meal without knowing your guests' allergies!). [12:57] Mistake #3: If I build it, they will come—why courses don't sell themselves. [15:24] Mistake #4: 90% finished, but never launched—perfectionism paralysis. [17:53] Mistake #5: Being too afraid to sell (you're actually helping your audience!). [21:42] Recap of the 5 mistakes & how to avoid them. [22:19] Instructional Design in the Real World: How learning Spanish in Costa Rica reinforced key adult learning principles. [27:39] Podcast updates & how to get course creation support. Call to Action: 💌 Join the brand-new email list! Get podcast updates & exclusive extras: cassandrameszaros.ca/email 📲 Follow Cassandra on Instagram @cassandra.meszaros & tell her what song you instantly know all the lyrics to! 🎶 💻 Work with Cassandra: Need help refining your course strategy? Book a discovery call . Have burning questions? Schedule an "Ask an Instructional Designer Anything" session .…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Building an online course without a community is like hosting a dinner party, inviting all your friends, and then never introducing them to each other! In this episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra Meszaros breaks down the role of community in online courses—whether it's essential, when it makes sense, and how to build a thriving group without creating another full-time job for yourself. From cohort-based programs to evergreen courses, Cassandra explores different models of community engagement, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies to make sure your course community actually enhances the learning experience. Plus, she dives into Instructional Design in the Real World, exploring why we remember song lyrics forever and how that connects to how we learn best. What You'll Learn in This Episode: What a course community really is—and why it's not just another Facebook group. Why community matters for engagement, retention, and accountability. Does every course need a community? The real answer—it depends. How to build a community without overcomplicating it or adding unnecessary work. Common pitfalls to avoid when fostering a course community. Instructional Design in the Real World: How song lyrics stick in your brain forever! Timestamps: [01:18] Is community essential or overhyped? [03:06] What does "community" actually mean in an online course? [05:33] Cohort-based courses: Why they naturally foster strong communities. [07:22] Evergreen courses & community: What works and what doesn't. [09:06] The role of engagement and accountability in learner success. [10:44] How a course community builds loyal customers & brand advocates. [11:30] Does every course need a community? Answer: It depends! [14:09] How to build a course community without creating another job. [19:30] Common mistakes: Set-it-and-forget-it communities, overpromising, and ghost towns. [23:18] Instructional Design in the Real World: Why do we remember song lyrics forever? 🎶 [29:03] Big announcement: Unlock Course Creation email list is live! Key Takeaways: Community isn't one-size-fits-all. Cohort-based courses benefit more from structured community spaces than evergreen ones. Engagement leads to retention. Learners who feel connected are more likely to finish your course and see transformation. Keep it simple. A good community doesn't need flashy graphics or daily posts—focus on connection over complexity. Overpromising = trouble. If you market your community as a major feature, be prepared to show up consistently. Music & memory connection. Just like we remember song lyrics effortlessly, the way we structure learning impacts retention. Call to Action: 💌 Join the brand-new email list! Get podcast updates & exclusive extras: cassandrameszaros.ca/email 📲 Follow Lauren Evans on Instagram for tech streamlining tips & help: @laurenshakevans 📲 Follow Cassandra on Instagram @cassandra.meszaros & tell her what song you instantly know all the lyrics to! 🎶 This episode is packed with insights to help you decide if a community is right for your course and how to build one that actually works. Listen in and start creating connections today! 🚀…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Happy Valentine's Day! 💕 In this special episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra Meszaros is putting your course through a relationship test. Just like a great partnership, a successful online course needs trust, commitment, and a strong foundation. But is your course truly "relationship-ready"? Cassandra breaks it all down with five key questions every course creator should ask before diving into course development. Whether you're just getting started or refining an existing course, these questions will help you build a strong foundation, avoid common mistakes, and ensure your course is ready to make an impact. And don't worry—if you answer "no" to any of these, it doesn't mean you're not ready! Cassandra shares practical tips on how to refine your approach, so you can move forward with confidence. Plus, stay tuned for this episode's Instructional Design in the Real World segment, where she explores how driver's education is packed with powerful instructional design principles. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How well do you know your audience? Are you creating a course based on real needs or just guessing? Can you describe what success looks like? For both you and your learners, a clear goal is essential. Do you have a warm audience? Why an engaged following matters more than a massive email list. Do you have the time to commit? Course creation isn't a quick task—let's set realistic expectations. Are you ready to step outside your comfort zone? Course creation comes with visibility, tech, and sales—are you prepared? Timestamps: [00:00] Valentine's Day intro + celebrating the Unlock Course Creation community 💕 [02:07] The "relationship test" for your online course—let's play 5 Questions! [02:52] Question 1: Do you know your audience, or are you guessing? [05:57] Question 2: Can you describe what success looks like—for you and your learners? [08:06] Question 3: Do you have an email list or a warm audience? (Hint: engagement matters more than numbers!) [10:44] Question 4: Do you have the time to create a course, or is this a "nap-time dream"? [13:50] Question 5: Are you ready to step outside your comfort zone? (Perfectionists, take note!) [16:42] Recap of all five questions—how did you score? [18:13] Instructional Design in the Real World: What driver's education teaches us about course creation. 🚗 [26:14] Final thoughts + where to get support for your course creation journey. Key Takeaways: Knowing your audience is non-negotiable. You don't need months of research, but a little effort now prevents major misalignment later. Success isn't just about money. Define what a thriving course looks like for you and your learners. Size doesn't matter—engagement does. A small, loyal email list is far more valuable than a disengaged audience of thousands. Be realistic with your time. Break down your course creation into manageable milestones. Perfection isn't the goal—progress is. If you wait to feel "ready," you might never start! Call to Action: 🎧 Subscribe to Unlock Course Creation on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or your favourite platform. 💌 Follow Cassandra on Instagram @cassandra.meszaros for behind-the-scenes content and course creation tips. ⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps others discover the show! 📲 Work with Cassandra: Need help refining your course strategy? Book a discovery call . Have burning questions? Schedule an "Ask an Instructional Designer Anything" session . This episode is your reality check—make sure your course is "relationship-ready" before you commit! Listen, reflect, and take action. 💕🚀…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Want your learners to feel accomplished, engaged, and actually apply what you've taught them? Then this episode is for you! In this solo episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra Meszaros is switching things up with a rapid-fire breakdown of 12 ways to ensure your learners take action at the end of your lessons. Using a fun Hot Wheels-inspired analogy (thanks to her preschooler's physics experiment), Cassandra explains why action is the key to real learning and provides practical, creative strategies to help course creators build in engagement, application, and accountability. Whether you're designing a brand-new course or looking to improve an existing one, these ideas will help your learners stay motivated and get results! What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why action-based learning is essential for knowledge retention and course success. 12 creative ways to ensure learners take action at the end of each lesson. Why even experienced learners (including Cassandra herself!) sometimes need structure to follow through. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction: Why action matters in learning (and a Hot Wheels physics lesson). [05:30] The quickest way to get learners to truly understand a concept. [06:50] 12 rapid-fire ways to get your learners to take action: [15:33] Recap of all 12 ideas – Pick the ones that fit your course best! [18:08] Challenge: Choose at least one or two of these ideas to implement in your course. [19:20] A personal story: How NOT taking action in a course slowed down Cassandra's progress (and what changed the second time around!). [22:54] Final thoughts and reflections on January 2025. Key Takeaways: Learners need action steps to truly retain and apply what they've learned. Small tweaks to your lessons (like adding reflection questions or checklists) can significantly improve engagement. Pick the right method based on your course style—some ideas work best for structured programs, while others fit more community-driven courses. Even experienced learners skip steps sometimes! But accountability and action make all the difference. Call to Action: 🎧 Subscribe to Unlock Course Creation on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or your favorite platform. 💌 Follow Cassandra on Instagram @Cassandra.Meszaros for daily course creation tips and behind-the-scenes content. ⭐ Leave a Review: If you loved this episode, share your thoughts and help others discover the show! 📲 Work with Cassandra: Need expert guidance? Book a discovery call to map out your course strategy. Have specific questions? Schedule an "Ask an Instructional Designer Anything" session.…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
In this episode of Unlock Course Creation , Cassandra Meszaros takes you through the next critical step in your course creation journey—turning your brainstormed ideas into engaging, bite-sized lesson scripts. With her signature millennial mom humor, Cassandra shares actionable strategies to ensure your lessons are clear, focused, and impactful. From defining lesson topics to applying instructional design principles like clarity and simplicity, this episode will equip you with the tools you need to craft lessons that engage your learners and help them achieve meaningful results. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to craft concise, singularly focused lesson topics that resonate with learners. The four key prompts to guide your lesson scripting: What is the lesson about? Why is it important? What are the key points? How will learners apply it? Tips for scripting lessons efficiently and effectively, including how to infuse personality and keep content learner-centered. Why application is essential to retention and how to incorporate it in every lesson. Real-world instructional design insights from meal delivery kits like HelloFresh. Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome and personal update: Better lighting for 2025! [03:00] Recap of brainstorming and transitioning to lesson scripting. [05:00] The "Power of One": Why lessons should focus on a single topic. [08:00] Benefits of singularly focused lessons: Retention, avoiding overwhelm, and learner engagement. [11:30] Using prompts to outline lesson content before scripting. [14:00] Key points and examples for lesson structure. [18:40] Scripting tips: Keep it simple and infuse your personality. [25:00] Application matters: How learners can practice and apply knowledge. [31:30] Instructional design in the real world: Lessons from meal delivery kits. [34:40] Final thoughts and call to action. Key Takeaways: Clarity is King: Stick to one clear, singular topic per lesson to boost learner retention and avoid overwhelm. Plan Before You Script: Use prompts to outline content, keeping lessons organized and aligned with objectives. Keep It Simple and Engaging: Infuse your personality into lessons while avoiding unnecessary complexity. Practice Makes Perfect: Incorporate opportunities for learners to apply what they've learned to reinforce retention and progress. Call to Action: 🎧 Subscribe to Unlock Course Creation on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , or wherever you get your podcasts. 💌 Follow Cassandra on Instagram @Cassandra.Meszaros for more course creation insights and behind-the-scenes content. ⭐ Leave a Review: Help others discover the podcast and create impactful courses! 📲 Work with Cassandra: Book a discovery call to plan your course strategy. Schedule an "Ask an Instructional Designer Anything" session for personalized support. Resources Mentioned: Episode 5: Essential or Extras? Brainstorming Ideas into Actionable Content . Work With Me Page: Explore consulting and support options with Cassandra. This episode is your guide to crafting lessons that flow, engage, and set your learners up for success. Listen, take notes, and start scripting today! 🎯…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
In this episode of Unlock Course Creation, host Cassandra Meszaros kicks off 2025 with a deep dive into the creative and strategic process of brainstorming content for your online course. This solo episode explores how to sift through ideas, refine them, and align your content with course objectives and promises to create a seamless learning experience. Drawing comparisons to organizing a closet or preparing for a major event (including a fun Taylor Swift Eras Tour reference), Cassandra highlights the importance of getting messy before achieving clarity. Whether you're building a course from scratch or fine-tuning an existing one, this episode will guide you step by step to ensure your course delivers maximum value. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to effectively brainstorm and organize course content. Why aligning content with your course objectives and promises ensures clarity and focus. Tips for differentiating essential content from "nice-to-have" extras. How to avoid overwhelming your learners by refining and structuring ideas. The role of supplementary resources in enhancing the learning experience. Real-life examples (including Taylor Swift's Eras Tour ) to demonstrate the power of preparation. Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome to 2025 – New year, new goals for your course creation. [02:26] Reflecting on the fresh start: How to harness New Year energy. [03:42] Introduction to brainstorming – Brain dumping your course ideas. [05:19] Why brainstorming aligns with course objectives and promises. [06:52] How to refine and organize content post-brainstorming. [08:28] Examples of brainstorming ideas for photography and self-care courses. [10:36] Tips for overcoming creative blocks – Time blocking and learner-focused questions. [14:03] Essential vs. extras – How to filter content that adds value. [17:02] Supplementary resources – Enhancing the learning experience with templates, checklists, and more. [24:10] Real-world instructional design: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour preparation and its parallels to course creation. [33:54] Final gut check – Aligning content, objectives, and overall flow. [35:03] Wrap-up and call to action. Key Takeaways: Brainstorm First, Refine Later: Just like organizing a closet, course creation starts with dumping out all ideas before sorting and refining. Essentials Only: Focus on content that leads directly to the transformation you promise. Cut out irrelevant details to respect your learners' time. Supplementary Resources Matter: Enhance the learning experience by providing tools like templates, printables, and videos that reinforce course material. Confidence Through Preparation: Just like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour preparation, thorough planning ensures smooth delivery and confidence in your course. Call to Action: 🎧 Subscribe to Unlock Course Creation on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , or your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on future episodes. 💌 Follow Cassandra on Instagram @Cassandra.Meszaros for more course creation tips and behind-the-scenes content. ⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps others discover the podcast! 📲 Work With Cassandra – Need help with course creation? Book a discovery call or an "Ask an Instructional Designer Anything" session here . Resources Mentioned: Discovery Call – Work with Cassandra . Episode 4: Crafting Your Course Roadmap: The Power of Objectives. Episode 3: Promise Made, Promise Kept: The First Step to Course Creation Success. This episode serves as a practical guide for transforming creative chaos into a structured, value-packed course. Cassandra's insights will help you refine your ideas, ensuring your course is impactful, organized, and ready to deliver results in 2025!…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
In this solo episode of Unlock Course Creation: A Millennial Mom's Approach to Impactful Online Courses, Cassandra Meszaros unpacks the essential role of course objectives in building impactful online courses. Objectives serve as guideposts that keep your course aligned, organized, and effective—not only for your clients but also for you as the course creator. Cassandra shares tips for creating clear and actionable objectives, explains common mistakes to avoid, and provides real-world examples to help you design a seamless learning journey for your audience. Plus, in this week's instructional design segment, Cassandra shares a fun and insightful lesson about gamification and leveraging prior knowledge—featuring her toddler's experience with a matching game! What You'll Learn in This Episode: What course objectives are and why they matter. The difference between course promises and objectives. Steps to craft objectives that guide your course creation. Examples of objectives that align with transformation goals. Common mistakes to avoid when creating objectives. Real-world instructional design insights about leveraging prior knowledge. Timestamps: [00:00] Intro: Why objectives are critical to your course roadmap. [04:00] Defining objectives: What they are and how they differ from promises. [09:07] How to create objectives: Steps, tips, and examples. [14:57] Avoiding common mistakes when setting objectives. [28:27] Instructional design in the real world: Gamification and prior knowledge. [35:24] Wrap-up and holiday wishes. Key Takeaways: Guideposts for Success: Course objectives ensure your learners stay on track while providing clarity for your content creation process. Specific Yet Flexible: Objectives should be clear and actionable but avoid being overly detailed or vague. Connect to the Promise: Every objective should align with the transformation outlined in your course promise. Avoid Overload: Keep objectives concise and avoid overcomplicating the learning journey. Call to Action: 🎧 Subscribe to Unlock Course Creation on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , or your favourite platform to stay updated on new episodes. 💌 Visit Cassandra's Website: Explore consulting services for course creation here . 📲 Follow Cassandra on Instagram: @Cassandra.Mezaros for tips, behind-the-scenes content, and updates. ⭐ Leave a Review: Your feedback helps others discover the show! Resources Mentioned: Work With Me Page : Book a discovery call or ask an instructional designer anything. Episode 3: Promise Made, Promise Kept: The First Step to Course Creation Success This episode equips you with actionable strategies to create a roadmap for your online course that delivers results. Get started on your objectives today! 🎯…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Episode Summary: In this solo episode of Unlock Course Creation: A Millennial Mom's Approach to Impactful Online Courses, host Cassandra Meszaros dives into the importance of a clear and concise course promise as the cornerstone of successful course creation. She shares actionable tips to define who your course is for, what it will teach, and the transformation it will provide. Cassandra also discusses how your course promise serves as a guiding light through every step of the design and development process, ensuring alignment and impact. Plus, Cassandra reflects on her own learning moments in podcasting and shares a real-world instructional design example from her mountain biking experience to illustrate how to create an engaging and structured learning environment. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why a course promise is the foundation of an impactful online course. How to define your course promise in three parts: Who your course is for. What your course will teach. The transformation your course delivers. Practical examples of course promises. Real-world application of scaffolding in instructional design. Timestamps: [00:00] Addressing a learning moment from Episode 2. [03:00] Introduction to the importance of a course promise. [07:33] Defining your course promise: Who, What, and Transformation. [10:41] Examples of effective course promises. [18:14] A template to craft your own course promise. [22:17] Instructional design in the real world: Scaffolding and mountain biking. [26:53] Wrap-up and invitation to connect on Instagram. Key Takeaways: The Power of a Course Promise: A clear course promise serves as a blueprint for both course creators and students, aligning expectations and delivering impactful results. Less is More: Avoid overloading your course; focus on delivering a meaningful transformation. Scaffolding in Learning: Build skills progressively, just like learning to mountain bike, to keep learners engaged and confident. Call to Action: 🎧 Subscribe to Unlock Course Creation on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , or your favourite podcast platform. 💌 Follow Cassandra on Instagram @Cassandra.Mezaros for additional tips, tricks, and updates on online course creation. ⭐ Leave a review: Help others discover this podcast and join the journey to building impactful courses.…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Episode Summary: In this solo episode of Unlock Course Creation: A Millennial Mom's Approach to Impactful Online Courses , host Cassandra Meszaros dives into the art of truly understanding your clients and how this knowledge can transform your course creation process. By learning to speak your clients' language and addressing their specific needs, goals, and pain points, you'll be able to create an online course that resonates deeply and drives impactful results. Cassandra shares actionable strategies, real-world examples, and her own insights to help you connect with your audience on a meaningful level. Whether you're an online coach, solopreneur, or small business owner ready to elevate your course creation game, this episode is packed with tips to help you craft a course your clients will love. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why understanding your clients is the foundation of successful course creation How to uncover your audience's goals, pain points, and desires. Techniques to gather and interpret client feedback effectively. Real-life examples that highlight the power of speaking your client's language. Practical steps to create a course that solves problems and delivers value. Key Takeaways Speaking your clients' language goes beyond jargon; it's about understanding their emotions, challenges, and aspirations. Collect client insights through surveys, interviews, and social media engagement. The better you know your clients, the easier it becomes to create a course that solves their problems and meets their needs. Consistent feedback and iteration are vital to ensuring your course remains relevant and valuable. Call to Action: 🎧 Follow Unlock Course Creation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform. 📲 Follow me on Instagram ( @cassandra.meszaros ) for behind-the-scenes content and course creation inspiration. ⭐ If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review! Your feedback helps me create content that matters to you.…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Welcome to the very first episode of Unlock Course Creation: A Millennial Mom's Approach to Online Courses ! 🎉 I'm so excited to have you here as I kick off this podcast journey and share my story with you. In this episode, you'll get to know a little bit about who I am, my background, and why I felt called to start this podcast. I'll also dive into my passion for the learning experience and how my real-world experience with instructional design (including a fun story about sourdough!) shaped my approach to course creation. Key Takeaways: My Journey: Education & Career A look back at my educational background and career path that led me to where I am today. How my experiences shaped my understanding of instructional design and online learning. Why Start a Podcast? The motivations behind launching this podcast and what I hope to accomplish. The importance of community and creating a space for millennial moms who want to build online courses. Passion for the Learning Experience Why learning isn't just a job for me—it's a passion. The significance of creating a learning experience that is engaging, effective, and meaningful. Instructional Design in Action: My Sourdough Experience A fun and practical example of instructional design through my experience learning how to make sourdough. How the process of learning and teaching others applies to the courses you want to create. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction: Welcome to Unlock Course Creation [02:15] My educational and career journey: How it all began [08:45] Why I decided to start this podcast [12:30] My passion for creating effective learning experiences [16:05] Instructional design in real life: The sourdough story [20:50] What to expect from future episodes Call to Action: Thank you for joining me on this very first episode! I'm so excited to start this journey with you, and I can't wait to bring you more insights, tips, and inspiration on building your online course. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider: Following or subscribing to the podcast so you never miss an episode! Leaving a review to help other millennial moms discover this podcast. Sharing this episode with a friend who's thinking about creating their own online course. Let's Connect! Follow me on Instagram ( @cassandra.meszaros ) for more updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content. Have questions or feedback? Drop me a message—I'd love to hear from you! Thank you for listening, and here's to creating amazing courses together! 🎉…
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Unlock Course Creation: A millennial mom's approach to impactful online courses
Welcome to Unlock Course Creation: A Millennial Mom's Approach to Impactful Online Courses ! In this quick trailer episode, I'm here to give you a sneak peek into what you can expect from this podcast. If you're ready to create an online course that doesn't just inform but truly transforms, then this podcast is for you. Hosted by me, Cassandra Meszaros, this show is all about bringing you a clear, no-nonsense approach to building courses that make an impact. Key Takeaways: Introduction to Unlock Course Creation: This podcast is designed for solopreneurs, online coaches, consultants, and small business owners who want to turn their expertise into an income stream through impactful online courses. My Mission: I'll be sharing strategies, action steps, and insider secrets every other week to help you design and deliver a course that resonates with your audience without adding unnecessary stress to your workload. Expectations for Future Episodes: From breaking down complex course-building concepts to sharing a bit of dry millennial mom humour, this podcast will keep things informative, honest, and fun. Timestamps: [00:00] - Welcome to Unlock Course Creation [00:10] - Meet Cassandra Meszaros, your host and no-nonsense guide [00:40] - Who this podcast is for: solopreneurs, coaches, consultants, and small business owners [01:05] - What to expect in each bi-weekly episode [01:30] - Subscribe to get ready for impactful course creation! Call to Action: Thank you for tuning in to this trailer episode! The first full episode will be dropping soon, and I'm excited to dive deep into the world of course creation with you. To make sure you don't miss any upcoming episodes: Hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Share this trailer with a friend or colleague who's also interested in creating impactful courses. Get ready to transform your expertise into a new income stream—without the overwhelm. Let's unlock course creation together! 🎉 Let's Connect! Stay up-to-date by following me on Instagram @cassandra.meszaros. For questions, feedback, or to share what you'd like to hear in upcoming episodes, drop me a message!…
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