Alexia Carrillo is the dynamic and authentic voice behind the “Mama with a Calling Podcast,” which has become one of the Best Christian Parenting Podcasts out there.
Grounded in her faith, Alexia started her podcasting journey in 2020 with a mission to support and empower Christian moms aiming to make a difference online.
Throughout the interview below, Alexia shares insights into her podcasting process, episodes that hold a special place in her heart and the challenges and joys she has experienced along the way.
The Interview
When did you start podcasting, and what prompted you to start?
I started podcasting in 2020. I’d wanted to podcast for years, but with everything that happened in 2020 that year, I felt like it was the time. As moms were wanting to find a way to make money online, I created the podcast to bring encouragement and support from a Christian perspective as they stepped out in faith to do what was on their heart.
What’s one episode of the Mama with a Calling Podcast you recommend for new listeners to start with and why?
That’s hard because each episode has the potential to speak to a listener depending on where they are right now and what they’re needing the most help with. If I had to pick one, I’d say to listen to Episode 104 Biblical mindset: What is it and why does it matter for your business success? This is where listeners can learn about the importance of a Biblical mindset and how to start taking the limiting beliefs holding you back in business and replacing those with God’s Truth.
Do you have a favorite episode or moment? Why is it your favorite?
I genuinely love recording every single episode. It brings me so much joy to be able to share what I’m feeling led to share and hear from listeners that it’s exactly what they needed to hear. I also love getting to meet new people and glean from their wisdom in guest interviews.
Are there any episodes that took a surprising turn or taught you something new?
All of my podcast guest interviews teach me something new. It’s one of the reasons I love to do them. A recent example is a podcast interview I did with Lana Silk from Transform Iran, and in that episode, I learned a lot about how to involve our children in our calling and how to have the courage to do big, hard things.
If you could interview anyone, living or dead, on your podcast, who would it be and why?
Oh goodness. I have along list of people I want to interview for my podcast. I want to talk to women that can bring encouragement to the moms that listen to my podcast. Show them what’s possible through their own story of stepping out in faith and going against the grain to do what they now love as their calling. Some examples that come to mind are Jennifer Allwood (been following her for years), and Stefanie Gass (she’s my podcast coach, but I’d love to have her share her entrepreneurship journey and her faith along the way).
Do you have any funny or unexpected behind-the-scenes stories to share?
As a homeschool mom, I’ve had many behind-the-scene interruptions that have had to be edited out that include things like “Mom, I HAVE to tell you this! Did you know that there’s an immortal jellyfish!??” or the time when my son decided to cut off the tip of our dog’s tail fur with some scissors because it was “too pointy” looking.
What do you wish you had known before you started the Mama with a Calling Podcast?
I wish I would’ve started sooner. God’s timing is perfect, but I know that I stalled on starting my podcast for years. The connections I’ve made have been amazing. Talking is way easier for me than writing as well, so things didn’t need to be as challenging in the beginning.
Aside from podcasting, what are some of your other interests or hobbies?
I love coaching Christian mom entrepreneurs through mindset blocks, teaching Bible to women and empowering them to understand and read the Bible for themselves, and spending time with my family. I homeschool my son, and as a former scientist, I love doing STEM activities with him from building things to going on our many nature walks and seeing all that God has created in this world. When I was working in my career, I longed for the chance to be able to just slow down and enjoy nature again. Now I get to all the time, and I love it.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming episodes of the Mama with a Calling Podcast?
We have some amazing podcast guests in the line up. Justin Janowski from Faith 2 Influence is an interview coming up that really challenges the view of money and sales that so many Christian entrepreneurs struggle with. Katy McCown came on the show to talk about her new Bible study “She Belongs: Finding Your Place in the Body of Christ”. This topic is so needed as a Christians, but especially as Christian entrepreneurs because we can feel isolated or even isolate ourselves. Those are a few of the upcoming podcast episodes.
Do you have any download/subscription statistics you are willing to share?
With over 100 episodes, the podcast continues to grow, and I’m really excited to see what God does with it. It’s heard in over 60 countries around the world, including countries where Christianity isn’t even legal. That was such a blessing to see that God would use my podcast to reach someone across the world that may not have many resources to encourage them in their faith.
Which brand and/or type of microphone do you use and why?
I grabbed this Maono mic from Amazon on the recommendation of a podcaster friend of mine. She said it’s the only one she’s found that doesn’t make her sound like she’s in a big room. It doesn’t need special sound equipment or ways to reduce sound in the room. It works great and was under $100.
Do you also enjoy listening to podcasts? If so, what is your favorite?
I love listening to podcasts. I’ve been a fan since to early days of podcasting. Being subscribed to well over 100 podcasts, I don’t know that I have a favorite, but lately, I’ve been listening a lot to the BEMA podcast with Marty Solomon for deeper Bible study and She’s Wild + Radiant with Ashely June for that business motivation from someone that will tell you straight up what’s needed in business.
How do you promote the Mama with a Calling Podcast?
Predominantly, I promote my podcast on Facebook (in the free group and on my business page) and send it to my email list. For all interviews, they are put up on our Youtube channel. Finally, creating a blog post and promoting it on Pinterest is also in the works.
Have you ever had to deal with negative feedback or trolls? How did you handle it?
Thankfully, not too much. The minor negative comments were on a reel I created, but it was expected because it was about the Bible. I just didn’t acknowledge it. Arguing online isn’t fruitful.
Have you monetized the Mama with a Calling Podcast? If so, what strategies have you found to be most effective?
Yes. I predominately monetize by offering coaching services, courses and other small digital products. My coaching program is by far the most effective. Most of my clients find me through my podcast and start listening until they decide to move forward with either Voxer coaching or 1:1 coaching packages with calls.
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