Hashtag Authentic - for creatives, dreamers & business owners online

Hosted by Sara Tasker - Me & Orla

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125

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May 2025

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About the show

A podcast for dreamers, makers and creatives who want to grow their online business without having to sell their soul. In each episode, certified coach and UK Instagram Expert Sara Tasker and her guests share inspiring stories, practical strategies and social media insights to help you create the life, presence and business of your dreams. meandorla.substack.com

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60 recent

May 1, 20251 hr 0 min

Migrating your audience online, with Laura Pashby

In this episode I’m chatting with my longtime friend Laura Pashby ( Small Stories with Laura Pashby ) - an author, photographer, and creative, who you might also know online as Circle of Pines. Laura shares her journey from a craft blog in 2010 to becoming a published author, and how building an online audience helped her leverage opportunities like brand work, teaching courses, and ultimately, writing her wonderful books. Things we talk about: • Instagram Then vs. Now• Working through ‘platform fatigue’• Maintaining authenticity online• Migrating an audience from one platform to another - or from online to offline• The discipline of a weekly creative writing practice• Prioritising meaningful engagement over viral reach• Charging for your writing, and how Laura built confidence in this Links for this episode: Co-writing hour with me this Friday , 2nd May at 11:30am BST My Substack Soiree class - enrolling now! Hashtag Authentic Podcast on Substack Laura’s Substack , Small Stories Laura’s Instagram Laura’s books, Little Stories of Your Life and Chasing Fog * Laura’s website Thanks for listening! * Connotes affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a purchase is made. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

January 9, 202556 min

Evolving your creative dreams, with Kika Lindberg

This week, I talked with author/photographer/YouTuber/knitwear designer Veronika ‘Kika’ Lindberg about her fluid and inspiring journey to success online, and how she’s evolved her work along the way. Kika’s open-minded and playful approach is so inspiring to me, and I’ve found myself returning to this conversation in my mind so much since we recorded it.I hope you love hearing from her too! Things we talk about in this episode: * Getting started on Instagram, and how it has changed * Growing a YouTube audience, and how to make video * Why Kika doesn’t use Reels or YouTube shorts very much (and why this is ok!) * Pivoting your focus and work, and letting your audience evolve with you * Changing path, and dealing with disappointment when things don’t go as planned * The loneliness and challenges of having to run a creative business by yourself * Getting a publishing deal, and the process of writing and sharing knitting patterns * The different revenue streams in Kika’s business * Running a business while caring for a baby * Establishing your expertise with your audience * Going with the creative flow in business and in life Subscribe for free and get podcast updates directly to your inbox, or upgrade to paid for even more! Links for this episode: * Kika’s Instagram , @Kutovakika * Kika’s YouTube * Kika’s website * Kika’s Ravelry * Knit This book * Knits to Wear book * My online classes * My Instagram, @me_and_orla * Substack page for this episode - come and leave a comment! Thanks for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

November 29, 20241 hr 3 min

Thriving with ADHD, with Dr Anita Goraya

This week, I’m chatting to Dr Anita Goraya from ADHD Wellness & Wisdom , GP-turned Psychotherapist who specialises in helping people with ADHD. Both Anita and I have diagnoses of ADHD, so this is a topic close to our hearts, and I hope this warm and compassionate conversation will be helpful whether you’re neuro-diverse, awaiting a diagnosis or just interested to know more! Things we talk about in this episode: * Being diagnosed with ADHD later in life * The neuro-developmental nature of ADHD, its hereditary aspects, and some of the common misconceptions people might have * Anita’s transition from GP to therapist, and her own diagnosis process * The importance of self-acceptance, leveraging strengths, and scaffolding weaknesses * Practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms, such as mindfulness, problem-solving, and making use of tools and resources * The emotional impact of ADHD, the potential for neuro-plasticity, and the importance of seeking formal diagnoses and support. Links we mention in this episode: * Anita’s Substack ADHD Wellness & Wisdom * Anita’s website * Goblin to-do list tool * My Festive Marketing Guide & Planner * My coaching page , where you can book now for 50% extra coaching * Book a Discovery Call with me * My Me & Orla Christmas Cards * My new 2025 M&O photo calendar Thanks for listening and following along! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

September 26, 20241 hr 3 min

Self Love through Sewing, with Sarahbeth Larrimore

This week, I’m chatting to my friend Sarahbeth Larrimore , the wonder-woman behind Unabashed Apparel . The mantra for her work says it all: “ Empowering women to design & sew. Our bodies are worthy of our finest frocks, just as they are.” Um, yes please!Sarahbeth and I had a juicy conversation about personal style and the benefits of sewing for self-expression, creativity and body acceptance. I know next to nothing about sewing, but by the end of this episode Sarahbeth had me completely convinced I should start stitching my own wardrobe - and I bet you’ll feel the same! Things we talk about in this episode: * How sewing and clothing design can be empowering in unexpected ways * Sarahbeth’s Queen Robe Project (enrolling now!), and how anyone can learn to sew * The differences between historical garments and modern made clothes * How clothes impact our body image and self worth * The role of sewing and mending for sustainability and customisation * My collection of vintage French under-dresses, and my upcoming collection of them for sale * The stories our clothes can tell about us as they age and change Links we mention in this episode: * Sarahbeth’s Instagram * Sarahbeth’s Queen Robe Project (enrolling now!) * Sarahbeth’s post on mending, and sustainable fashion * Sarahbeth’s Websit e, Unabashed Apparel * Sarahbeth’s Substack * My upcoming collection of vintage French nightdresses * My coaching page , where you can book now for January availability Thanks for listening and following along! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

July 28, 202451 min

An Instagram deep dive

This is a republished episode from LFAHC In today’s episode we dive into listener questions all about Instagram - from building engagement up, feeling hopeful and excited about the platform again, coming back after a long break, adapting to creating more video content, whether to use hashtags anymore and lots more. Join Sara for her Instagram Summer School Class starts on Monday, the 29th, so you need to be quick. Would you love some encouragement and support in your business? Submit your letter for an upcoming episode here . More from Sara More from Jen This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

July 22, 202453 min

Creating a Values-Based Business, with Sarah Rees

I first met Sarah D Rees through my class, The Insta Retreat , quite a few years ago, and we’ve worked together ever since. Sarah is a mental health nurse and CBT therapist with over 10 years of experience in private practice. Through her mentoring and coaching services, she supports other therapists in setting up and growing their private practices. Sarah struggled with the lack of a business plan and structure in her private practice, leading to dissatisfaction and confusion, and wanted to help others so they don’t have to feel the same way. Her book, A Therapist’s Guide to Private Practice: Building a Values-based Business , is out this week (Happy publication week, Sarah 🥳), so it seemed the perfect time to ask her on the podcast to hear about it and how she supports therapists. Things we talk about in this episode: * Challenges of setting up a private practice for therapists and coaches * Identifying values in business and personal life * Marketing strategies for private practice therapists * The benefits of niching for mental health professionals * Using Substack for email marketing and membership platforms * Using Substack for therapists to build communities and generate income * Therapist social media presence and boundaries * Mental health services demand, therapy training and book launch. Links we mention in this episode: * Sarah’s book * Sarah’s website , Instagram and Substack group for therapists * My Instagram Summer School The Instagram Summer School Instagram Summer School is my new 4-week refresher and revive-r for your instagram mojo! The whole of my bestselling Instagram Masterclass, The Insta Retreat, but condensed into 4 weekly highlight reels to get you straight to the good bits and set to work! With daily challenges, free templates, planners and guides, plus weekly AMA (ask me anything) calls with me, and mindset coaching calls with Katie Pulsifer , this is your sun-filled, breezy vacation from all the Insta drama! Check out all the details by clicking here ⬇️ PS. If you have done The Insta Retreat before, look out for emails about how to take part This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

February 13, 202452 min

A Beginner's Mindset to Instagram, with Katie Pulsifer

I first met deep-dive master coach Katie Pulsifer when she was my instructor for certification at The Life Coach School . I recall being pretty intimidated. I’ve never been sky-diving or tried a bungee jump, but I’m pretty sure the adrenaline rush is comparable to coaching in front of Katie for immediate feedback in front of a group. 🪂 Katie’s recently gone solo, after many years working for a large coaching school, and as we caught up over Zoom I was struck by how her open, beginner’s mindset to social media is bringing so much ease and fun to her work. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all recapture a little bit of that early magic when we’re showing up on the internet?I asked Katie to come on the podcast to tell us more. Things we talk about in this episode: * How Katie found her niche and why it resonates with her deeply * Building a values-led business, and being ok with not doing things like everybody else * The mindset shift and learning curve in switching from employee to entrepreneur * Using Instagram, Facebook, newsletters and Substack to grow an audience in 2024 * The evolution of coaching techniques, including the self-coaching model, and how Katie adapts them to best serve her clients * The importance of trusting the process, being present, and allowing growth to unfold naturally Links we mention in this episode: Katie’s upcoming Mind at Ease masterclass Katie’s website , Facebook and Instagram The Self Coaching Model Bev Aron’s Deep Dive Coaching Certification This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

November 24, 20231 hr 8 min

Introducing: The Substack Soirée Podcast

I’m sharing something a little different today… the results of my ‘ podcast affair ’ with my Aussie bestie, the gorgeous Ms Keeley Rees . Bonded over our love of storytelling and creativity, Keeley and I and came together to create The Substack Soirée - a gathering of resources, classes and a shiny new podcast, in the hope of passing some of that passion along. I chose this very first episode to share here with you on Hashtag Authentic because I really think the fundamentals we talk through - which we’re jokingly calling our ‘commandments’ - are applicable to every and any platform out there online. So, whether you’re Substack-curious, have no intention of ever joining Substack or are a self-confessed Substa-holic, I hope this episode can offer you support, strength and encouragement for showing your creative side online. If you want to hear more from me and Keeley, be sure to Subscribe to The Substack Soirée and to the SSS podcast in your favourite podcast app. PS - Our special Winter Substack class is now enrolling, until Monday November 27th! Check out all the details on how you can join us here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

November 23, 202358 min

Staying true to your unique identity, with Katie Leamon

This week I talk to Katie Leamon, who turned her love of paper and pattern into her eponymous family-run stationery studio. Her notebooks have been a daily companion to me for many years, so it was really fun to chat with her about her designs, her process and the realities behind running a product-lead business with the family on board! Things we talk about: * Building from a home studio to printing and selling at scale * Designing products based on creative instinct * The rise of independent stationery makers and designers online * Selling wholesale vs. direct * Family business, and drawing the the lines between work and home life. * Taking time for creativity outside of work * Growing a team, and when to let things go * Katie’s new experiments in creating ceramic range * Launch strategies and learning from mistakes * Trusting your brand identity and staying authentic Links we mentioned: * My Substack Soiree class * Katie’s online store, Katie Leamon * Katie’s new ceramic range (I LOVE THIS CUP! ) Listened and loved it? Let us know what you think in the comments below! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

June 30, 202354 min

Downsizing, decluttering and still creating content with Hannah Bullivant

Find Hannah’s 4 Week Refresh Programme here Hannah’s Instagram: @hanbullivant Hannah’s website: hannahbullivant.com Sara's Instagram: Sara's Substack: Sara's classes and coaching : Sara's website: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com