In today’s episode we’re doing another social media state of the union and talking about what is actually working online in 2026. With algorithms updating by the minute, new technologies evolving at the speed of light and changing user behavior, it can feel overwhelming to keep up with the many changes the creator economy goes through on a weekly basis. I’m here to provide some insight into what’s working on social media as a content creator with over a decade of experience and what you should prioritize going into 2026.

Mentioned in episode 87:

Sunday reset vlog

Vanessa Lau’s video

Colin & Samir’s video

Why I closed my Patreon

Julia Broome

Kristen Bousquet

Tess Barclay

Why I joined a tech startup

Lia’s Thread

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Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com

Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/

Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

This week we’re talking winter favorites! From the outfits that I’m wearing on repeat, to the weekly dinners that are currently in my rotation and the cold weather beauty essentials I can’t live without, I’m so excited to spotlight the things that have been elevating my winter and helping me embrace this slower season of life. Plus I’m sharing your winter watchlist with a lineup of all of the new TV shows dropping in the next few weeks.

Mentioned in episode 86:

Planning content reel

Threads post

Etsy sweatshirt

My slippers

Finding my personal style

Take $20 off Nuuly

Amazon sweater

Uniqlo heattech pieces

Winter beauty favorites

Trader Joe’s cookbook

Chicken meatballs and orzo

Flank steak bowls

Shrimp couscous

Winter book recommendations

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Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com

Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/

Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

Calling all readers! In this episode of Create & Consume, I’m sharing the most anticipated books of 2026 that I’m genuinely excited to read. From buzzy new releases by established authors to debut novels from fresh voices, these are the authors and plots that caught my attention and have been saved on my Goodreads “want to read” list. Plus I’ll share the books that stayed on my radar from 2025 and are finally getting their moment (I hope!!) this year. If you’re looking to fall back in love with reading, refresh your TBR, or discover new book recommendations for 2026, you’re going to love our chat. Plus, help me decide on what book to read from a new genre this year!

Mentioned in episode 85:

Notion goals & planning hub

2026 new book releases

Still on my TBR from 2025

2025 5-star reads

My episode on Ayana’s podcast

My first cruise episode

My best books of 2025 YouTube video

Follow Create & Consume:

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Follow Austen:

YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Blog

Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com

Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/

Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5