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

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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

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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

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Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com

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Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

Welcome to a brand new year! In this episode, we’re diving into your 2026 rebrand—not by starting over, but by refining what already works. As the new year begins, we’re tapping into that January 1st energy and using it intentionally. I’m walking you through how to choose a word of the year, set meaningful goals, create your 2026 ins and outs list, and map out things to look forward to in the year ahead. If you’re craving clarity, direction, and a fresh mindset for 2026—without starting from zero—this episode will help you rebrand your year with purpose and momentum so you can show up as your best self.

Mentioned in episode 84:

The Glow Up Series playlist

Offline week in my life

TikTok cake trend

YouTube blog feature

The Influencer Income Accelerator

Goal setting tutorial video

Notion goals & planning template

In my reading era episode

How to protect your peace episode

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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

Where did the year go?? In today’s episode (the last one of 2025!!) we’re doing a full creator reset routine to close out the year together. First, I’ll walk you through how to actually celebrate your wins (because you definitely had more than you remember!). Then we’ll reflect on the past twelve months with a year-end audit to figure out what worked, what didn’t, and where you want to go next. This will help you identify what was a good use of time, money and energy so you can replicate the successes in the new year. Finally, I’m sharing my go-to end-of-year creator checklist—from digital decluttering to updating your media kit to help you step into the new year feeling organized and inspired. I’m taking next week off for Christmas but will be back on Thursday, January 1st with a fun start of the year episode for you all!

Mentioned in episode 83:

Festive weekend in my life vlog

Holiday party GRWM vlog

Christmas in NYC guide

Notion goals & planning hub

1 year of podcasting

Podcasting day in the life

Steven Bartlett interview

Behind-the-scenes photo shoot vlog

Quarterly reset Notion template

Clean my Mac

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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

Want to become a morning person without forcing yourself to wake up at 4am? In this episode, I’m breaking down a realistic and sustainable approach to building morning habits you’ll actually look forward to. We’ll talk about the mindset and motivation behind waking up earlier, how gratitude can transform your mornings, and the core pillars of a morning routine that truly works for you. I’m also sharing why your morning routine shouldn’t look the same every day and how rotating routines based on your mood, energy, or schedule can make mornings feel easier and more intuitive. From creative mornings to active mornings, weekend resets, travel days, and everything in between, you’ll learn how to build a flexible “menu” of routines that support you no matter what life looks like. Whether you’re trying to create healthier habits, boost productivity, or simply start your day feeling more grounded, this episode has everything you need to finally become a morning person—in a way that feels natural and sustainable.

Mentioned in episode 82:

Dove blog post

Stranger Things recap video

Stanley cup

Currentbody red light mask (code Austen for a discount)

Under eye masks

Vitamin C serum

Trader Joe’s hit list episode

Nuuly

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Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com

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Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

Influencer marketing has changed a lot in the last decade—from highly curated Instagram grids and daily blog posts to short-form video, UGC, and performance-driven brand partnerships. In this episode, I’m breaking down what influencer marketing looked like in 2015 vs what it looks like in 2025, and how creators can adapt to the modern creator economy. We’ll talk about the rise of blogs and DSLR-era Instagram, why it was easier to grow online in 2015, how brand deals were handled back then, and what made content feel more authentic. Then we’ll jump to 2025 and look at the explosion of short-form video, the shift toward sales and conversion metrics, the rise of UGC creators, paid usage, whitelisting, and why follower count matters less than ever. Whether you’ve been creating for years or you’re new to the space, this episode will help you understand the biggest shifts in social media and how to navigate the creator landscape today.

Mentioned in episode 81:

The holiday hub

First Time Caller book

NYC intern diaries episode

TikTok ban update episode

Time article

Creator tips YouTube playlist

Income ideas YouTube video

Campaign wrap up template

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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

After today I am calling it the official kickoff to the holidays. In this festive episode of Create & Consume, I’m sharing my ultimate Christmas in NYC guide—from the best ice-skating spots and must-try hot chocolate to holiday markets, photo-worthy decorations, and a few hidden gems most visitors miss. I’m also breaking down my top tips for avoiding crowds so you can enjoy the magic of the city without the stress. If you’re planning a trip to New York during the holidays or just want that cozy Christmas-in-the-city vibe, this episode has everything you need to make the most of the season. Also, Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I’m so grateful that you’re here.

Mentioned in episode 80:

Date night passport

Working in retail episode

Vlogmas video with Palace Christmas tree

Plaza seasonal decor

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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