The Social Strategist

Can you actually make six figures on Instagram? And if so... what's stopping most creators? Join my 6-figure Instagram Club: https://www.skool.com/insta-club/about In this episode, Michelle Gifford shares the mindset shifts and business strategies that separate hobby creators from profitable business owners. She opens up about the unexpected events that completely changed the direction of her busi...

Instagram Just Changed Everything: Series Content, Adam Mosseri's Algorithm Update & What Creators Need to Do Next Instagram is testing a brand-new feature that could completely change how we create content: Netflix-style series for Reels. In this episode of The Social Strategist Podcast , Michelle Gifford breaks down what Instagram's latest experiment means for creators, coaches, and business own...

The Creator Who Grew 300K Followers by Saying She's "Not the Expert" | Instagram Growth Strategy What if the fastest way to grow on Instagram right now isn't looking more polished… but more human? In this episode, Michelle Gifford breaks down the explosive rise of Jessie Jane Hom, a creator who gained over 300,000 followers in just a few months by doing the opposite of what most creators are taugh...

AI is here. It's coming faster than you want it to. And if you're feeling behind, overwhelmed, or like you'd rather just sit this one out — this episode is for you. After a few months off the podcast, I'm back with a long-form conversation about AI, what our place is in it, and why women especially can't afford to stay on the sidelines. In this episode: The dinner-party whisper conversation that's...

Do you feel like you finally find your rhythm on Instagram, only for the app to go and change the song? It is so easy to feel like you're constantly playing catch-up, but friend, I have some news: The roadmap for the future is already here. Today, we are diving deep into a game-changing update from the head of Instagram himself, Adam Mosseri . We aren't talking about "predictions"—we're talking ab...

Ever feel like you're setting big, beautiful goals for your business, but by the time the month ends, they just... fizzle out? Today, we're getting under the hood of your business to talk about why those goals might be stalling. We're diving into the three types of business goals every creator needs: Growth, Systems, and Projects. Setting a goal is only half the battle; the magic happens in the sy...

Let's flip the script on traditional bucket lists and create something far more empowering: your Reverse Bucket List —a celebration of everything you've already lived, built, survived, and crushed (yes, even the tiny wins you usually gloss over). We'll walk through five soul-fueling categories to help you finally give yourself the credit you deserve. Get ready to honor your growth, validate your r...

SEO is changing faster than ever, and AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude are reshaping how people search, shop, and discover businesses online. In this episode, I break down what you need to do in 2026 to stay visible in an AI-driven world. You'll learn why traditional Google-first search is disappearing, how AI is becoming the new product discovery engine, and the essential steps every bus...

I don't use ChatGPT to "look things up." I use it like a business coach. (Yes, I talk to it in the car. Yes, its name is Chad. 😂) "Hey Chad, poke holes in my assumptions, ask better questions, and map out my identity, content, offers, and revenue." Game. changer. ✨ With 2025 wrapping up, it's officially planning season—and this year I used ONE ChatGPT prompt that completely shifted how I'm looki...

Get ready, friend—2026 is right around the corner, and big shifts are coming to Instagram, social strategy, and the way businesses grow online. In this episode, I pull out her crystal ball and share my top predictions for the year ahead: from the rise of storytelling content and search-driven discovery to live selling, community-building, in-person events, and the continued surge of carousels and...

Ever wonder how truly confident people got that way? Is it a gift? A switch they flipped? Or something they just are? In this eye-opening episode, we're challenging the common—and often misleading—definition of confidence. I share my personal journey and reveal a powerful truth: building self-assurance is a process of becoming, not an event. What You'll Discover: Why instant results are a myth and...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Jill Coleman of @jillfit to talk about the evolution of the online coaching space, why niching down matters more than ever, and how to overcome perfectionism so you can actually grow your business. Jill shares her journey from fitness blogger to business coach and gives practical advice for coaches at every stage whether you're just starting out, stuck in...

In this episode, I'm answering questions straight from Instagrammers just like! From strategy shifts to time-saving systems, consider this your behind-the-scenes coaching session to help you finally make Instagram work for your business. Join my Free Hooks Masterclass October 6-8  HERE Let's hang out on Instagram!  And as always, please leave a rating and review! It means the world.

Money. Let's not be weird about it, okay? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the stories we tell ourselves about money—the guilt, the shame, the fear—and showing you how to rewrite those thoughts so you can finally step into abundance. You'll hear real struggles women have shared with me, the money stories I've had to overcome myself, and the practical steps you can take to shift you...

The Social Strategist Podcast is back, baby! We're jumping back in to talk about what it actually takes to grow a business, the tools that make it easier, building systems that keep you sane, and the mindset shifts you to step into being a full blown CEO. This is the place where we make Instagram your mic, grow a business that feels good, and talk honestly about what it takes to build success whil...

Building a business when no one around you really understands it can feel lonely. In today's quick episode, I'm talking about one of the biggest mindset blocks I see: waiting for permission. If you're building a personality-led brand while juggling real life, this one's for you. You don't need to shrink or wait for someone to say it's okay. This is your permission slip—let's go. Come check out my...

In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Nead, founder of Parker Management, to talk about the real behind-the-scenes of influencer life. We dive into burnout, comparison, setting boundaries, and what it really takes to turn content creation into a sustainable, thriving business. Whether you're just starting out or an Instagram OG, this one's packed with real talk and practical insights. Come chec...

What does a missing cannoli have to do with fear and personal growth? In this 5-minute episode, Michelle shares how a simple moment at dinner revealed two very different inner dialogues and why understanding your own internal voice matters more than you think. If fear has been quietly calling the shots in your life or business, this episode will help you pause, reset, and move forward with clarity...

In this inspiring episode, bestselling author Mary Marantz shares her incredible journey—from growing up in a single-wide trailer in rural West Virginia to graduating from Yale Law School. Mary opens up about the fears she's faced along the way, how she's learned to rise above them, and the tools she uses to keep moving forward. If you've ever felt stuck, afraid, or unsure of your next step, this...

Have you ever doubted your expertise and let that hold you back from opportunities? In this episode, we're talking about why women often struggle with confidence despite having the skills. And you know Michelle is not sugar coating it! Listen to learn how to overcome these doubts, step into your power, and bridge the confidence/competence gap.  Come check out my Viral Hooks Masterclass  HERE Grow...

In this episode, we dive into what it means to actually add value on Instagram using the CARE method: Connect, Actionable, Relatable, Entertaining.  This will help you clarify if what you're posting is really what you should be posting to attract the right people.  Come check out my Viral Hooks Masterclass  HERE Grow the Gram is OPEN! Sign up  HERE  and use code PODCAST100 for $100 off today! Let'...

Recently, I noticed a new sign in my neighborhood, "Hill blocks view". I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. Tune into this short episode, for a powerful metaphor you need to hear about growing your business. Come check out my Viral Hooks Masterclass  HERE Grow the Gram is OPEN! Sign up  HERE  and use code PODCAST100 for $100 off today! Let's hang out on  Instagram!  And as always,...

Go viral with my 30K in 30 Days Challenge! In this episode, we dive into Instagram strategies to stop the scroll and grow your account. Come check out my Viral Hooks Masterclass  HERE Grow the Gram is OPEN! Sign up  HERE  and use code PODCAST100 for $100 off today! Let's hang out on  Instagram!  And as always, please leave a rating and review! It means the world.

If you've been following me on Instagram, then it's no secret to you that I love going to the gym! In this short episode, we're talking about how my growth in the gym has changed how I look at growth in my business.   Come check out my Viral Hooks Masterclass  HERE Join Grow the Gram  HERE  and use code PODCAST100 for $100 off! Let's hang out on  Instagram !    And as always, please leave a rating...

It's time to find your emotional balance! In this episode, we're talking about the 4 types of emotional responses and how to regulate your feelings based on your type, so that you can be a better leader.   Sign up for emotional intelligence coaching  HERE Check out my Viral Hooks Masterclass  HERE Join Grow the Gram  HERE  and use code PODCAST100 for $100 off! Let's hang out on  Instagram !    And...