Want to become a morning person without forcing yourself to wake up at 4am? In this episode, I’m breaking down a realistic and sustainable approach to building morning habits you’ll actually look forward to. We’ll talk about the mindset and motivation behind waking up earlier, how gratitude can transform your mornings, and the core pillars of a morning routine that truly works for you. I’m also sharing why your morning routine shouldn’t look the same every day and how rotating routines based on your mood, energy, or schedule can make mornings feel easier and more intuitive. From creative mornings to active mornings, weekend resets, travel days, and everything in between, you’ll learn how to build a flexible “menu” of routines that support you no matter what life looks like. Whether you’re trying to create healthier habits, boost productivity, or simply start your day feeling more grounded, this episode has everything you need to finally become a morning person—in a way that feels natural and sustainable.

Mentioned in episode 82:

Dove blog post

Stranger Things recap video

Stanley cup

Currentbody red light mask (code Austen for a discount)

Under eye masks

Vitamin C serum

Trader Joe’s hit list episode

Nuuly

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Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

Influencer marketing has changed a lot in the last decade—from highly curated Instagram grids and daily blog posts to short-form video, UGC, and performance-driven brand partnerships. In this episode, I’m breaking down what influencer marketing looked like in 2015 vs what it looks like in 2025, and how creators can adapt to the modern creator economy. We’ll talk about the rise of blogs and DSLR-era Instagram, why it was easier to grow online in 2015, how brand deals were handled back then, and what made content feel more authentic. Then we’ll jump to 2025 and look at the explosion of short-form video, the shift toward sales and conversion metrics, the rise of UGC creators, paid usage, whitelisting, and why follower count matters less than ever. Whether you’ve been creating for years or you’re new to the space, this episode will help you understand the biggest shifts in social media and how to navigate the creator landscape today.

Mentioned in episode 81:

The holiday hub

First Time Caller book

NYC intern diaries episode

TikTok ban update episode

Time article

Creator tips YouTube playlist

Income ideas YouTube video

Campaign wrap up template

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Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com

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Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

After today I am calling it the official kickoff to the holidays. In this festive episode of Create & Consume, I’m sharing my ultimate Christmas in NYC guide—from the best ice-skating spots and must-try hot chocolate to holiday markets, photo-worthy decorations, and a few hidden gems most visitors miss. I’m also breaking down my top tips for avoiding crowds so you can enjoy the magic of the city without the stress. If you’re planning a trip to New York during the holidays or just want that cozy Christmas-in-the-city vibe, this episode has everything you need to make the most of the season. Also, Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I’m so grateful that you’re here.

Mentioned in episode 80:

Date night passport

Working in retail episode

Vlogmas video with Palace Christmas tree

Plaza seasonal decor

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Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

“Bag, coat!!” In this episode, I’m taking you inside my NYC fashion diaries and sharing the six fashion and publishing internships I completed during college from 2013–2016. From early mornings in Manhattan showrooms to learning the ropes inside glossy magazine offices, I’m breaking down what each internship taught me, how each one influenced the career I have today and the behind-the-scenes moments I’ll never forget. If you’re curious about getting started in fashion, want a peek into the publishing world, or were wondering how realistic The Devil Wears Prada actually is, this episode is packed with real stories, lessons, and industry insights.

Mentioned in episode 79:

Autumn weekend in my life vlog

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

Zero Waste Daniel

Hunter Bell blog post

Ariana Grande behind-the-scenes video

First Nylon article I wrote

Devon Ivie’s articles

Working in retail episode

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Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

Hey Upper East Siders, Gossip Girl here, and I don’t know about you but I’m still not over this show that ended 13 years ago. Since I just recently finished a Gossip Girl rewatch, I thought this would be the perfect time to share some of my thoughts on the show and what better way to do it than to pick top 3 favorite moments, characters, episodes, storylines and more throughout the series in this fun, chatty look back. Did Blair really change throughout the series? What was up with the fake death plot? And which holiday episode is the best? I’m answering all of these questions and more as we chat through some of the best, worst and most jaw-dropping moments from this iconic NYC TV series.

Mentioned in episode 78:

My blog

Mediavine tips IG post

The Third Gilmore Girl book

Gossip Girl Spotify playlist

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Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com

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Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

It seems like just yesterday, many of us downloaded a popular Chinese-owned app called TikTok for the first time in 2020. Maybe you found yourself humming “yeah I’m bored in the house and I’m in the house bored” without realizing it or you were trying to learn the the renegade dance choreography in your room watching Addison Rae on repeat. When you look back on the short and powerful history of TikTok, it’s impossible to deny the social platform’s impact on the creator economy and on culture at large. From the initial mention of a TikTok ban to the now impending sale of TikTok’s US division to conservative American investors, where do things stand with TikTok now? Will the for you page algorithm be impacted? How should content creators prepare? In today’s episode we’re breaking down the latest updates about the TikTok ban and what users from the app can expect when the deal goes through later this year.

Mentioned in episode 77:

What are you wearing TikTok

The Life of a Showgirl episode

Forbes TikTok article

Wired article on sale

The Guardian article on valuation

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Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

In this episode, I’m diving deep into The Life of a Showgirl, the brand new Taylor Swift album. As a lifelong Swiftie, I go track by track sharing my honest first impressions, favorite lyrics, and standout moments — plus a few disappointments and lingering questions. Then, I rank every song from The Life of a Showgirl and reveal where this album lands in my overall Taylor Swift album ranking. Plus, we’re talking Travis Kelce, Charli XCX, Scooter Braun and how Taylor feels about the music industry, the internet and love. If you’re a fellow Swiftie or just love a good music breakdown, this one’s for you.

Mentioned in episode 75:

Chicago vlog

Ranking every Taylor Swift album episode

The Eras tour recap episode

Popcast TLOAS episode

Reacting to TLOAS vlog

The Manuscript TikTok

Actually Romantic TikTok

Taylor Swift ranking Google doc

Creating my perfect Eras Tour setlist episode

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Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com

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Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5