Sapphire Howell: Radical Transparency and Lived Experience Drive Modern Relationship Podcasting

As part of my series of interviews about “5 things you need to know to create a very successful podcast”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sapphire Howell.

Sapphire Howell is an actress, model and media darling. This All-American bombshell attributes her beauty from the descent of African and Caucasian parents. She managed to manifest her teenage dreams when she graced the coveted pages of Playboy, which set her trajectory to fame. Her path was forged with this tenacity and prompted a move from the Midwest to the West Coast. Sapphire kept building her modeling career and with her innate entrepreneurial spirit became a leading female tech founder in Web3, when she created digital membership passes as an extension of her brand. The self-portrait animated style NFTs launched in November 2022, which would catapult her digital career. This enabled her to hone in on her artistic side and create content that would supply a lifetime value of art for her three-million fans. In February 2024, she will continue to offer her inimitable virtual presence by launching an eponymous app and joining forces with the creators of SugarWorld App.

Howell is currently Collaborative Editor for growing lifestyle outlet Thrissle and Host of sex and relationship podcast, Heartbreakers, which is climbing the charts in the relationship category.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would love to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit of your “personal backstory? What is your background and what eventually brought you to this particular career path?

Thank you. I am so happy you reached out. I am from a small town in Ohio. So small, that I grew up mennonite. I am of mixed race. My mom is part black and my sisters are darker than me. I had an absentee father, a bi-polar mom and sister — which in turn made me be the sole provider for my family at a very young age. I missed some of what you would call a “normal childhood”. I was also bullied a lot growing up, but it didn’t dull my spirit at all; it actually did the complete opposite.The negativity fueled me into being the best I could be. Even at work, I was the “CEO” in my head, mind you I was probably in 15 or 16. I did a lot of odd jobs and then landed a spread with Playboy and it sent my world into the digital space. Right around that time is when the NFT boom happened. I decided that I wanted to be part of this new world and make art for growing my fans. I was fortunate to work with a former Disney artist who collaborated with me to create personalized NFTs. They were really so cute and looked like me. I love the digital space and the freedom to be my own boss. Being a full-time content creator on various platforms is still a lot of work, but it’s more rewarding. I was able to make my first million before 21 and be financially free from my past. I am developing an app right now with former Google program developers.

Since I had to navigate myself through so many different experiences, I love when people come to me asking for advice. I’m only 27, but I have been married three-times and learned so much in each of them. I’m pretty much an open book with my fans, so when more and more fans kept asking me for my advice — I decided that my gay-bestie, James Maas, and I would answer fans live on Twitter. We dissected our own stories to let people know that they weren’t alone in this crazy dating world. From there, it was an organic transition to making it into an actual business.

Heartbreakers Podcast, was born.

Can you share a story about the most interesting thing that has happened to you since you started podcasting?

I definitely have an interesting story. During one of our first shoots with the new production company, our first guest arrived and thought it was a different show. This person was really upset and was yelling at everyone. James, nor I like confrontation — so we both, literally, hid in a closet until they calmed down and decided to stay for the interview. The podcast actually came off really well and the guest left happy.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Before we worked with a production company, we had a lot of technical difficulties. We were so excited to be finished recording to only realize that there was actually no sound. You always think that you can reenact the same sound bites, but it doesn’t ever work out the way you hope it will. We thought it would be fun to travel and record; even if it was just in the car. Yet, another bad idea. Never trust that there will be great wifi and bring your own router.

How long have you been podcasting and how many shows have you aired?

Heartbreakers is just under a year old. The secret to our success was that we already had material to accompany our pitch and existing data to share. Making sure we also knew that it was sellable. We got a little smarter with our recordings and then took meetings with several production companies. Since being with Straw Hut Media, we have grown over 60%. It’s been really exciting.

What are the main takeaways, lessons or messages that you want your listeners to walk away with after listening to your show?

We want our listeners to know that we speak from the heart and most importantly, experience. Heartbreakers is sugar-free. We want to have real conversations about real life. I think that’s what keeps the listeners calling in and writing us, because we ALL have the same questions or obsessed over the same emotions. It’s nice to know that you aren’t alone. So, the main takeway is that we know good (and bad) sex. So, ask away!

In your opinion what makes your podcast binge-listenable? What do you think makes your podcast unique from the others in your category? What do you think is special about you as a host, your guests, or your content?

Authenticity. It’s about having very real, raw and transparent conversations. I think Heartbreakers is special because we aren’t there to be mean or break you down in anyway. We truly want to help people over com their fears, let them know that no question is off-limits and hope that they learn to love and understand themselves. I’m not saying I’m a therapist, but people sometimes just need someone to listen to them and that’s what James and I do. We connect and we care. We have been told that it’s this generations “Loveline” and I love that.

Doing something on a consistent basis is not easy. Podcasting every work-day, or even every week can be monotonous. What would you recommend to others about how to maintain discipline and consistency? What would you recommend to others about how to avoid burnout?

Best advice is, use what you know and become an expert in that field. I would find a topic you already love and learn everything about it through experience. We stay consistent by scheduling set days each week to record the episodes. This way it’s a routine and becomes part of your life. Consistency is key!

What resources do you get your inspiration for materials from?

Life experiences. James and I discuss our own dating/sex/personal lives on each episode. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is left to the imagination. Except the people involved, to protect their privacy. We also talk about pop-culture. So, that means reading everything and then we pick our favorites to discuss. We love sharing our thoughts and then hearing everyone else’s. Podcasts are the modern day versions of radio and talk shows.

Ok fantastic. Let’s now shift to the main questions of our discussion. Is there someone in the podcasting world who you think is a great model for how to run a really fantastic podcast? What are the ingredients that make that podcast so successful?

There are so many podcasts I love for different reasons. I like to listen to Hard Fork Podcast with Kevin Roose and Casey Newton. Since I love technology, they have this unique way of discussing technology and they make it entertaining. Even if you aren’t so tech savvy, they really teach you about tech and keep you up to date on the future. I never miss their podcast.

I also listen to a ton of relationship podcasts. The Unfiltered Podcast with Brand Glanville, is so raw and funny. I have been on Sofia with an F and we had the best conversation. It was both insightful and funny. I also listen to Call Her Daddy. Alex Cooper really makes her guests comfortable and casual.

I think the best podcasts are about creating safe spaces for guests, which will in turn open them up. Don’t be judge-mental or a know-it-all, no one appreciates being under-minded or feeling their opinion doesn’t matter. Form your thoughts around what the guest has said and see how that continues the conversation. The ability to utilize all social media channels is so important to drive traffic to the show. Great lighting! Cannot stress that enough. Also, the most important part is to have a team that you trust and will help you with constructive criticism. If you have a co-host, check-your-ego-at-the-door. You are equals and bring different perspectives to the show. There is a famous quote that I love, “There is no conversation more boring than the one where everybody agrees.” And, that’s why I love podcasts.

You are a very successful podcaster yourself. Can you share with our readers the five things you need to know to create an extremely successful podcast? (Please share a story or example for each, if you can.)

Unless you are an expert, try and not act like one. Provide a topic from your point of view and/or personal experience and engage with the audience to learn other sides.

Utilizing free tools is so important, when you are starting out. Use Google alerts as your new best friend to feed you fresh and up to date stories on topics chosen. Sign up to newsletters from media that already interest you. Create space for your audience, whether it be a Q&A hotline, answering your comments on socials or have a dedicated an email. You have to make the audience part of the conversation, without them you have no show. #1 Rule, don’t overthink what you’re producing. The beauty of creating a podcasts is that they are easily self-distributed. Simply make the content and release it into the wild. The podcast will come with ebbs and flows; which will help you make tweaks along the way. It’s a learn as you grow type of job. Visuals are huge, so make sure to create great teaser visual aids for promotion. People want to see the face behind the name and voice. Most importantly, have a good and memorable name.

Can you share some insight from your experience about the best ways to: 1) book great guests; 2) increase listeners; 3) produce it in a professional way; 4) encourage engagement; and 5) the best way to monetize it? (Please share a story or example for each, if you can.)

Fivver — I cannot express how much I love this app. All major podcasts use the App Fivver to find independent contractors for inexpensive edits, produce and design artwork. Start by running your own socials. It’s the best way to do your own market research. It’s a cost-effective way to conduct a focus group. You can automatically see what the “audience” likes and dislikes. Do not be easily influenced by one person. It’s easy to take something negative or positive and run with, but don’t do it. Remember to stay true to your vision and the right people will find you. Booking guests is much easier with socials, since most contact information is so readily available and even cross-promote. If you do work with a podcast company, such as a Straw Hut Media, they have on-staff bookers and help monetize your channel.

For someone looking to start their own podcast, which equipment would you recommend that they start with?

First a laptop, for everyone involved. Shure M7 mics, based on how many people will be speaking. They are easily available on Amazon. Another alternative for a budget-friendly beginnings is a webcam mic. Again, quantity based on necessity. Purchase a multi-port usb to plug them simultaneously into your riverside.fm, which is the main recording system people use that records guests remotely and is user friendly. Make sure to purchase great lighting. You have to look and feel your best. Nothing will squash your podcast dreams more than poor lighting.

Ok. We are almost done. :-) Because of your position and work, you are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

Learn to help others more and just be kind. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s free and easy to do. That’s why connecting with my fans on a personal level is so important to me. I love learning from them and offering advice. That is why podcasting is so special to me. It’s the connection.

How can our readers follow you online?

On IG: @elsajeanofficial @heartbreakerspod

Thank you so much for sharing your time and your excellent insights! We wish you continued success.

Thank you!

About The Interviewer: Jason Hartman is the Founder and CEO of Empowered Investor. Jason has been involved in several thousand real estate transactions and has owned income properties in 11 states and 17 cities. Empowered Investor helps people achieve The American Dream of financial freedom by purchasing income property in prudent markets nationwide. Jason’s Complete Solution for Real Estate Investors™ is a comprehensive system providing real estate investors with education, research, resources and technology to deal with all areas of their income property investment needs. Through Jason’s podcasts, educational events, referrals, mentoring and software to track your investments, investors can easily locate, finance and purchase properties in these exceptional markets with confidence and peace of mind.

Starting with very little, Jason, while still in college at the age of 19, embarked on a career in real estate. While brokering properties for clients, he was investing in his own portfolio along the way. Through creativity, persistence and hard work, he earned a number of prestigious industry awards and became a young multi-millionaire. Jason purchased a California real estate brokerage firm that was later acquired by Coldwell Banker. He combined his dedication and business talents to become a successful entrepreneur, public speaker, author, and media personality. Over the years he developed his Complete Solution for Real Estate Investors™ where his innovative firm educates and assists investors in acquiring prudent investments nationwide for their portfolio. Jason’s sought after educational events, speaking engagements, and his popular “Creating Wealth Podcast” inspire and empower hundreds of thousands of people in 189 countries worldwide.

While running his successful real estate and media businesses, Jason also believes that giving back to the community plays an important role in building strong personal relationships. He established The Jason Hartman Foundation in 2005 to provide financial literacy education to young adults providing the all-important real world skills not taught in school which are the key to the financial stability and success of future generations. We’re in a global monetary crisis caused by decades of misguided policies and the cycle of financial dependence has to be broken, literacy and self-reliance are a good start. Visit JasonHartman.com for free materials and resources.