What if slowing down isn’t a setback — but a signal?

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist and community builder Michelle Thames shares a real-time reflection after hosting her Elevate & Align retreat, where she unexpectedly lost her voice and was forced to pause, reschedule brand deals, and listen to what her body was communicating.

This short but powerful episode explores the connection between visibility, leadership, alignment, and sustainability, especially for entrepreneurs who feel pressure to constantly show up online.

If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, burned out, or disconnected from your visibility, this conversation will help you reframe momentum and lead with clarity instead of hustle.

• What it means when your body forces you to slow down
• How alignment shows up physically, not just mentally
• The relationship between sustainable visibility and leadership
• Why constant output doesn’t equal long-term success

• How slowing down can create clearer direction and momentum

• Entrepreneurs navigating burnout or exhaustion
• Creators struggling with consistency and visibility
• Business owners leading teams, brands, or communities

• Anyone feeling pressure to “do more” to stay relevant

Sustainable visibility isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about listening sooner.
Slowing down can be the most strategic leadership move you make.

Social Media Decoded breaks down what actually works in social media, branding, visibility, and community-led growth — without burnout culture or empty marketing trends.

Hosted by marketing strategist Michelle Thames, the show covers leadership, digital marketing strategy, visibility, content, and building brands that last.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs permission to slow down and lead differently.

Check out the collective: https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you feel like Instagram isn’t working anymore, this episode will change how you think about visibility.

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down why the Instagram algorithm isn’t the real problem — and how unclear strategy, weak positioning, and misaligned content are what actually block reach, engagement, and conversions.

Michelle explains what Instagram truly rewards, why chasing trends leads to burnout, and how clarity consistently outperforms creativity. This episode is for entrepreneurs and creators who want sustainable visibility, not viral luck.

If you are tired of guessing, posting more without results, or blaming the algorithm, this conversation will help you see Instagram through a strategic lens and move forward with confidence.

Want honest feedback on what’s blocking your Instagram visibility?
DM AUDIT on Instagram to request an Instagram audit.

For ongoing strategy, proximity, and visibility support, explore Michelle’s community, the Collective.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special LIVE edition of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames sits down with Julia Hartz, CEO and co-founder of Eventbrite, for a powerful conversation on the future of events, visibility, and real-world connection.

As live experiences make a major comeback, Julia shares why events are no longer a “nice-to-have,” but a core visibility and community-building strategy for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands.

Together, Michelle and Julia explore:

• How events have evolved as a visibility and growth tool
• Why real connection is becoming more valuable than algorithms
• The rise of niche, intimate, and under-the-radar experiences
• Common mistakes event hosts make — and how to fix them

• What great leaders and community builders do differently

Julia also gives a sneak peek into Eventbrite’s 2026 trend report, “Social Study: Reset to Real,” highlighting how the most social generation is redefining connection through:

• Off-Script Energy — embracing spontaneity and unpredictability
• Soft Socializing — connection without pressure

• Layers, Not Labels — blending niches, cultures, and interests for richer experiences

If you’re building community, hosting events, or looking for new ways to grow your visibility in 2026, this episode is a must-listen.

This episode was recorded live and is available in audio and video format on all podcast platforms.

• Live events as a visibility strategy
• Community-driven growth
• Authentic leadership and hosting
• Event marketing trends for 2026

• How creators can stand out offline and online

• Eventbrite 2026 Trend Report: Social Study: Reset to Real https://www.eventbrite.com/social-study-trends/
• Eventbrite platform for creators & community hosts

If this episode inspired you, share it with a fellow entrepreneur or event host and tag us. Let’s keep building community with intention.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.