Social Media Decoded

Hosted by Michelle Thames

Business Entrepreneurship Education

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Episodes

600

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Social Media Decoded is your go-to podcast for marketing, visibility, and monetization strategies to grow your business online. Hosted by marketing expert Michelle Thames, this show breaks down social media, content marketing, and business growth into actionable steps for entrepreneurs, creators, and brands. Tune in for expert insights, real-world strategies, and inspiring success stories to help you get visible, attract clients, and build a profitable brand. 🎙️✨

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 20268 min

What Going to the KIT Conference Actually Taught Me About Visibility

I almost didn’t go to the KIT Craft + Commerce conference. Before the trip, I was overwhelmed, anxious, questioning everything, and honestly wondering if I should stay home and work instead. But what happened after I got in the room reminded me of something I deeply believe: Visibility is bigger than social media. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, I’m sharing the real lessons I learned at the KIT Conference in Boise—from meeting creators in real life, hearing powerful talks from leaders like James Clear and Jay Papasan, giving James Clear my book (!), and realizing that the biggest opportunities often happen outside of social media and inside real conversations. Because here’s the truth: At a certain level, opportunities don’t come from algorithms. They come from relationships. In this episode, we’re talking about: Why I almost skipped the conference Anxiety, overwhelm, and showing up anyway What happened when I gave James Clear my book My biggest takeaway from Jay Papasan’s talk Why relationships matter more than follower count The power of getting in the right rooms Why proximity is one of the most underrated visibility strategies How real conversations lead to partnerships, referrals, and opportunities Key takeaway from this episode: “The biggest shift wasn’t what I learned on stage. It was what happened in the conversations.” If you’ve been feeling stuck in business, overwhelmed with content creation, or wondering why visibility isn’t translating into opportunities—this episode is for you. Because sometimes your next level isn’t another strategy. Sometimes it’s the room. Connect with Michelle: DM the word ROOM on Instagram @MichelleLThames Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 5, 20269 min

The Real Story Behind My Pivot in Business Right Now

Have you ever felt like what used to work in your business just… doesn’t anymore? In this honest and behind-the-scenes episode, Michelle Thames opens up about the real pivot happening in her business right now — from shifting strategies and simplifying offers to leaning deeper into local visibility, community building, and creating a business that actually feels aligned. If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, coach, or service provider who feels like you’re in a weird business season, this episode is your reminder that pivoting does not mean failing. Michelle shares the truth about evolving as a business owner, why she’s no longer forcing old strategies, what she’s learning about memberships and community, and how recent viral moments unexpectedly led her into a new season of local visibility and deeper impact. This is a real conversation about business growth, changing seasons, entrepreneurship, and having the courage to let go of what no longer fits. Because sometimes your next level doesn’t look like doing more. Sometimes it looks like simplifying. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode: Pivoting doesn’t mean failing. Seasons change — and so do you. If you’ve been questioning your next move, feeling disconnected from your business, or trying to figure out what’s next without burning yourself out, this episode will remind you that growth often looks like evolution. In This Episode, We Cover: The real reason Michelle is pivoting in business Why forcing old strategies can lead to burnout The truth about business seasons and entrepreneurship Lessons learned from community building and memberships Why local visibility is becoming a major focus How to know when it’s time to pivot in business Why simplifying your business may be the smartest move What alignment actually looks like as an entrepreneur How to stop feeling guilty for changing direction Mentioned in This Episode: Visibility strategies for entrepreneurs Community building & memberships Local visibility and business growth Entrepreneurship mindset shifts Connect with Michelle: If this episode resonated with you, send Michelle a DM with the word PIVOT on Instagram @michellelthames and share what season of business you’re currently navigating. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 1, 202611 min

What Going Viral Actually Taught Me About Visibility

Everybody wants to go viral… but what if virality isn’t actually the thing that grows your business? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames is sharing the real truth about what going viral has actually taught her about visibility, business growth, and building a brand that lasts. After going viral multiple times across Instagram, Reels, and Threads, Michelle is pulling back the curtain on what people think virality is versus what actually creates long-term success online. If you’ve ever thought: “Maybe I just need one viral post…” or felt discouraged because your content isn’t taking off… this episode is your reminder that visibility is bigger than views. Michelle breaks down why viral content does not automatically equal clients, the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make after gaining attention online, and why building a visibility ecosystem matters more than chasing trends. She also shares surprising lessons from her recent local visibility strategy, how community and relationships are creating real opportunities, and why consistency still wins in 2026. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode: “Virality gets attention. Systems build businesses.” If you’re a coach, service provider, creator, entrepreneur, or business owner trying to get visible online, attract more clients, and stop relying on random content to grow your business — this conversation is for you. In This Episode, We Cover: What people get wrong about going viral Michelle’s experience going viral multiple times Why viral content does not automatically grow your business The truth about followers, views, and conversions How local visibility is changing the game for entrepreneurs Why relationships matter more than the algorithm How to create a visibility ecosystem that actually converts The power of consistency in business growth What to focus on if your content isn’t taking off yet Mentioned in This Episode: Visibility Reset Community building for entrepreneurs Personal branding & visibility strategies Local marketing & local visibility lessons Connect with Michelle: If this episode resonated with you, send Michelle a DM with the word VISIBLE on Instagram and share what part hit home for you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 26, 202625 min

What Makes Brands People Remember | Behind the Brand with Jayanta Jenkins

What really makes a brand unforgettable? In this special Behind the Brand episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle sits down with Jayanta Jenkins, Former Vice President of Global Creative at Starbucks, to unpack what it takes to build one of the most recognizable brands in the world. With over 25 years of experience in advertising, marketing, and creative leadership, Jayanta shares what it takes to build culture-defining brands, lead global creative teams, and balance storytelling with business goals. From his early inspiration at museums in Washington D.C. to leading creative at brands like Starbucks and Disney, this conversation is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, marketers, creatives, and business leaders. Michelle and Jayanta discuss why branding is more than aesthetics, how creativity drives business results, the role of leadership in scaling impact, and why the best brands create emotional connection, not just visibility. They also dive into marketing trends, brand strategy, consumer psychology, AI, culture, and what separates brands people notice from brands people remember. If you’re building a personal brand, growing a business, leading a team, or trying to better understand marketing in today’s world, this episode is for you. In This Episode, We Talk About: What it really means to lead creative at Starbucks How iconic brands build emotional connection The difference between visibility and cultural relevance Creativity vs. business performance and why both matter Leadership lessons from managing global creative teams Why storytelling is still the foundation of great marketing The future of branding and creativity in the AI era What entrepreneurs can learn from billion-dollar brands How great brands drive conversation and customer loyalty Connect With Jayanta: LinkedIn: Jayanta JenkinsPortfolio: Jayanta.com Resources Mentioned: Starbucks branding and creative strategy Consumer psychology in marketing Brand storytelling and emotional connection Creative leadership and team building Loved This Episode? If this episode helped you think bigger about branding, visibility, creativity, or leadership, screenshot the episode, share it on Instagram, and tag Michelle! Your reviews help Social Media Decoded reach more entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders ready to grow their visibility and impact. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 25, 20268 min

How To Stay Visible Even When Life Gets Busy

Summer is here, the kids are home, schedules are changing, and business still has to move. So how do you stay visible online when life gets… life-y? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle is talking about what it really looks like to stay consistent in your visibility without burning yourself out. Whether you're a mom, entrepreneur, working full-time, or simply trying to juggle all the things, this episode will help you create a visibility plan that actually fits your real life. You do not need to post all day. You do not need to disappear. You just need a sustainable strategy. Michelle shares simple ways to stay visible during busy seasons, how to stop putting pressure on yourself, and what she’s personally doing this summer to stay consistent without overwhelm. If you've ever felt like life got busy and suddenly you disappeared online, this episode is for you. DM VISIBLE on Instagram @michellelthames to learn about the 7-Day Visibility Reset. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 19, 20267 min

The Visibility System I’d Build If I Had 30 Days

If Michelle Thames had to rebuild her brand from scratch in the next 30 days, this is exactly what she would do. In today’s episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle breaks down the visibility system she’d build to grow an audience, attract opportunities, and create momentum online without burning out or posting randomly. If you’ve been overwhelmed trying to show up consistently on social media, grow your audience, or figure out what actually works, this episode gives you a simple framework to focus on what matters most. Michelle shares how to build a visibility strategy that creates trust, authority, relationships, and opportunities — not just more content. In this episode, Michelle covers: • How to simplify your visibility strategy in 30 days • Why random posting is keeping entrepreneurs stuck • The importance of having one clear message online • How to choose the right social media platform for growth • Why relationship building matters more than follower count • The visibility system every entrepreneur needs • How to create a clear next step for your audience • Why social media is borrowed land and email marketing matters • The difference between content and building an ecosystem Whether you’re a coach, entrepreneur, content creator, speaker, or personal brand, this episode will help you stop overthinking visibility and start building a system that actually creates opportunities. Connect with Michelle Thames: Instagram: @michellelthames Podcast: Social Media Decoded Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 18, 20266 min

100K Views in 7 Days… But That Wasn’t the Real Flex

100,000+ views in 7 days. 65,000 people reached. Thousands of likes, comments, shares, and saves. But let me tell you something… That wasn’t the flex. In today’s episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down the truth about going viral, social media visibility, and why content without strategy can leave entrepreneurs stuck chasing vanity metrics. If your content suddenly blew up tomorrow, would you actually be ready? Michelle shares what happened after one of her reels gained major traction, including brand visibility, relationship building, and unexpected opportunities that came from leveraging visibility the right way. She also explains why entrepreneurs need more than content — they need a visibility ecosystem. If you’re building a personal brand, growing a business online, or trying to attract more clients through social media marketing, this episode is your reminder that visibility alone isn’t enough. You need a strategy behind the attention. In this episode, Michelle covers: • Why going viral doesn’t automatically grow your business • The difference between vanity metrics and meaningful visibility • What happened after her reel gained 100K+ views • How social media visibility creates opportunities, partnerships, and trust • Why entrepreneurs need a content ecosystem, not random posting • 3 things to do after your content gets attention online • How to turn visibility into business growth Whether you're a coach, content creator, entrepreneur, speaker, or personal brand, this episode will help you rethink how you approach social media and online visibility. Connect with Michelle Thames: Instagram: @michellelthames Podcast: Social Media Decoded Website: www.michellethames.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 13, 20266 min

How I Turn Threads Into Clients, Rooms, and Revenue

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares how she’s using Threads to build authority, create opportunities, grow relationships, attract clients, fill rooms, and generate revenue through conversation-driven visibility. This is not about going viral. It’s about becoming recognizable online. Michelle breaks down how entrepreneurs can stop treating Threads like just another content platform and start using it strategically to build community, relationships, speaking opportunities, collaborations, podcast connections, events, and real business growth. If you’ve been wondering how to turn visibility into actual opportunities, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at how Michelle approaches Threads differently from most entrepreneurs online. Inside this episode: • How Michelle uses Threads for authority building • Why conversations create more opportunities than content alone • Using Threads to attract clients and collaborations • How visibility leads to speaking opportunities and events • Building relationships through social media • Why entrepreneurs need conversation-driven marketing • The difference between attention and authority • How to become recognizable online • Why community and connection matter in business growth This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, creators, coaches, consultants, speakers, podcasters, founders, and personal brands who want to use Threads strategically for visibility, networking, and business growth. If this episode resonated with you, DM Michelle the word THREADS on Instagram to learn more about her Threads visibility strategy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 12, 20266 min

Why Most People Are Using Threads Wrong

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down why most entrepreneurs are using Threads the wrong way and missing out on real visibility, authority, conversations, and opportunities online. Threads is not just another social media app to post content and disappear. Michelle shares why the platform rewards conversation, relationship-building, personality, and perspective over polished content and w hy entrepreneurs who understand this shift are building authority faster than ever. If you’ve been struggling to grow on Threads, wondering how to stand out online, or trying to build a personal brand that actually leads to opportunities, this episode is for you. Inside this episode: • Why Threads is different from Instagram and LinkedIn • The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make on Threads • How conversations build authority online • Why visibility without connection is not enough • How Michelle uses Threads for opportunities and networking • The difference between posting content and building relationships • Why recognizable brands win online • How entrepreneurs can use Threads to grow their audience and influence This episode is perfect for creators, founders, coaches, consultants, speakers, podcasters, and entrepreneurs who want to grow their visibility and authority online through authentic connection and conversation. If this episode resonated with you, DM Michelle the word THREADS on Instagram to learn more about her Threads strategy and visibility approach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 11, 20266 min

Why I’m Hosting a Conference in November (And Why Curated Rooms Matter More Than Ever)

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares the real reason she’s hosting her November conference and why curated rooms, intentional networking, and community-driven visibility matter more than ever in today’s online world. This is not just another entrepreneurship event. Michelle opens up about what’s missing from many business conferences today, why surface-level networking is no longer enough, and how real opportunities come from relationships, conversations, collaboration, and community. If you’ve been feeling disconnected while building your business online, this episode will remind you why proximity, visibility, and aligned rooms can completely change your entrepreneurial journey. Inside this episode: • Why curated rooms create real opportunities • The problem with surface-level networking • Why entrepreneurs need community now more than ever • How visibility leads to collaboration and business growth • The vision behind Michelle’s November conference • Why intentional networking changes everything • Building ecosystems instead of just creating content • The power of relationships in entrepreneurship This episode is for women entrepreneurs, creators, founders, community builders, coaches, and service providers who are ready to grow through meaningful relationships, visibility, and collaboration. If this episode resonated with you, DM Michelle the word EVENT to join the waitlist for the November conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.