We all have a story to tell. Amelia Hruby, the founder of Softer Sounds, has made it her mission to help creative women and nonbinary entrepreneurs do exactly that, by supporting them in launching, editing, and reimagining their podcasts.

Amelia says, “Podcasting invites us to tell that story in our own voice, which frees us to share that story on our own terms. I believe that creating your own podcast is an opportunity to create your own safety in the container of your show. That allows you to feel and share freely, and to find others who feel the resonance of your story.”

I was so excited to work with Amelia because of her mission, her heart, and simply how she does business differently. I was immediately inspired by her philosophy and how she embodies that as she supports her clients.

“We bring a tender approach to our technical skills,” she says, “And we work slowly, softly, and intentionally with our clients.”

If the combination of “tender” and “technical” in that sentence doesn't pique your curiosity, I don’t know what will!

“I’m always trying to center Softer Sounds around working slower and softer,” Amelia continues. “That means I push back deadlines for clients and contractors. I take breaks. I invite my clients to take breaks. I share my feelings honestly and with boundaries. I communicate clearly. I start there and then when I create strategies, I make sure to build in space and time for all those things. I put buffer time on the launch calendar for that one day you just absolutely cannot record. I add an extra meeting so we can wrap things up together at the end of a project. I don’t discount my rates so I can always show up at my fullest. I offer free calls and workshops so I can share with anyone who wants to learn.”

This is such a beautiful embodiment of her values. There’s nothing I love more than a passionate entrepreneur who walks her talk!

Going off the Grid of Social Media

I was also intrigued by Amelia’s own podcast, Off The Grid, which is all about leaving social media without losing all your clients.

“I started the podcast because so many people asked me how I left Instagram and launched my business without it,” says Amelia. “I kind of think social media is ruining the world. It’s done tons of good, surely, but I’m not sure our human-sized brains and hearts are equipped for the pace and scope of sharing that happens on these platforms, nor for the influence of algorithms on our desires. My life and my work feels fundamentally better when I’m not on social media. And feeling better is something I’m always moving toward. I want to help others do that, too.”

I see so many business owners moving away from social media lately (myself included) and I’m so glad there are wonderful souls like Amelia to guide us along another path.

How Podcasts Help Us Get Free

Amelia truly owns her WHY, which is to “get free and help others get free.”

Her work style itself is revolutionary in a world that pushes production at all costs and holds profits as the pinnacle of success. But that’s what drew Amelia to this work in the first place: the way podcasting is the perfect vehicle for a new paradigm of work and creativity.

Amelia says, “In the process of creating a podcast, we can release productivity, perfection, hard work, and so many ingrained habits. Those are some of the ways I see podcasting working to abolish patriarchy, white supremacy, and capitalism in our world, by centering marginalized voices and inhabiting a new value system in our audio creations.”

This philosophy is clearly resonating with others, because Softer Sounds is growing and supporting more and more women and nonbinary folx who are telling powerful stories about their lives and the world. “We hire other amazing women to edit and produce those stories,” Amelia says. “The community is growing and everything is getting softer in the process.”

Seeking Softer Support

Amelia came to me because she wanted support in shaping her vision and growth plan for Softer Sounds. She was doing well on her own, but she wanted to move forward with intention and have some accountability for embedding softness in every step of the process.

“I love that you call yourself a thought partner,” she tells me. “As soon as I saw that I felt a big exhale of relief. I’ve tried too many one-size-fits-all plans. They don’t work. I didn’t want to pay someone to give me ‘answers.’ I wanted someone to help guide me to my own answers. You bring great tools and ideas to every conversation, while also keeping us heart-centered.”

And it’s been a beautiful working relationship! I’ve loved supporting Amelia on her journey.

“I love your demeanor, your heart, your mind, and your generosity,” Amelia told me. The feeling is mutual!

Softer Sounds and Off the Grid are incredible vehicles for helping others free themselves through stories and breaking down norms. I can’t wait to see how they grow!

“I’m so proud of what I’ve built with Softer Sounds.” Amelia says. “I’m so proud to be supporting such amazing people and hiring new people to join the mission/movement. Sometimes I get lost in the stress of my day-to-day, but answering these questions I’m just like WOW THIS IS COOL & I FEEL JOY! I don’t know where this path is headed, but it is lush and green and taking me somewhere I want to be.”

Want more Amelia? I don’t blame you!

For podcasters & the podcast curious, Amelia’s free Podcaster Archetype Quiz will help you lean into your podcast hosting strengths and avoid your weaknesses as you launch or grow your show. Just answer 7 quick questions & you'll get a customized podcast success plan for your archetype.

And for folks who are more interested in leaving social media, check out Amelia’s Leaving Social Media Toolkit! This free, easy-to-navigate Notion Dashboard includes a 5-step plan for leaving any social platform, a list of 100 ways to share your work & life that aren’t social media, and a Creative Marketing Ideas Database to help you organize your ideas and plan new efforts.

And of course, don’t miss her podcast, Off The Grid!

Thanks, Amelia!