Amelia Hruby
Podcast Producer / Content Strategist / Founder of Softer Sounds
Lincoln, NE
www.softersounds.studio
instagram @softersounds.studio
instagram @ameliajohruby
Q What do you do?
“I’m a feminist author, educator, and the founder of Softer Sounds, a podcast studio for entrepreneurs and creatives.”
I help women and nonbinary business owners launch podcasts and audio projects that grow their brands. I'm also passionate about building content strategies that increase sales, and supporting businesses in moving off social media.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Over the past decade, I've been a university professor, a community organizer, and a radio DJ. I wrote a book called Fifty Feminist Mantras and hosted a podcast called Fifty Feminist States that both shared feminist practices for the radical present.
I had a circuitous and creative path to founding my company. It really all came together when I helped launch a podcast for Feminist Business School, and realized I could bring my loves of audio, feminism, and business into one practice.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
At Softer Sounds, we make podcasting easy, accessible, and FUN. We believe that podcasting is an opportunity to reclaim your voice and take up space with your dreams. Launching a show with us helps our clients release productivity & perfection and invite in ease & abundance.
We offer 1:1 support, courses, and workshops that center the experiences of marginalized voices, so that no one has to learn to podcast from a #techbro (unless they want to).
Q What are you working on right now?
Right now we’re adding amazing new shows to our growing client list. And we're creating our own original podcast, Off the Grid: Leaving Social Media Without Losing All Your Clients. We love helping folks find creative ways to share their work without social media!
Q What’s your style?
We center tender support and technical skills in everything we do -- from the free resources we create to the client projects we produce.
Our Podcaster Archetypes Quiz helps podcasters learn about and lean into their podcasting strengths. You can take it to find out if you're a Heartfelt Listener, Enthusiastic Influencer, Expert's Expert, or Everybody's BFF. We even created customized podcast success plans for each type.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I wish I could spend all my time strategizing with clients and helping them connect the dots between launching a podcast and growing their business. I also love diving into the creative parts of the editing process and helping people tell beautiful stories.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I'm trying to figure out how to hire support and keep growing. If you're an audio editor or marketing freelancer, reach out!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I could've told my 22 year old self that following her interests would lead her to a career she loves. I was always so stressed that I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. But saying yes to exciting opportunities (and no to ill-fitted ones) really did land me in my dream job / business.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I'd love to talk to someone about how to grow and scale a service-based business. I have big dreams for Softer Sounds, and I want to set myself up for success.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I love helping women and nonbinary entrepreneurs and creatives launch and grow their podcasts!
I'd love to bring more new podcasters into the Softer Sounds fold (launch your show with us!) and to support more existing shows in streamlining their workflows and bringing on editing support (hire us!) to make podcasting easier.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I love working with creative entrepreneurs and badass feminists who need support to bring their audio ideas to the airwaves. If we can make it grow your values-aligned company in the process, that's the dream!
Q: What is your rate?
Our launch package is currently $1555 and our editing rates begin at $175 per episode. Our rates are always available on our website. Check there to see the most up-to-date numbers.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email me any time! Or if some structure is helpful, you can always fill out the contact form on the Softer Sounds website.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I work with so many amazing creatives! Here are a few recent collaborators:
Kening Zhu
Alex Brennan-Arnopol of Rec Center
Mary Grace Allerdice
Davis Carr of Meridian Tarot
Anna Zajac
Mandy Lancia
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Rest & play everyday!
This member profile was originally published in December 2021, Last Updated April 2023.