Social Media Decoded

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down how the pressure to perform online is weakening messages, draining creativity, and eroding authority. She explains the difference between performing for attention and leading with conviction, and why content has shifted from expression to output for so many entrepreneurs and creators.

This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone who feels visible but disconnected from their voice and ready to reclaim clarity, confidence, and leadership in their messaging.

Topics Covered

How visibility turned into performance

The difference between performing and leading online

Why chasing engagement dilutes your message

Content as output versus content as expression

How performance erodes authority and trust

Why leadership content feels calmer and more grounded

How to reclaim your voice and message


Building visibility rooted in conviction, not pressure

Key Takeaways

Performance-driven content leads to burnout and confusion

Leadership content is anchored in clarity and conviction

Authority comes from consistency of perspective, not volume

Slowing down sharpens your message


The right audience connects through resonance, not performance

Who This Episode Is For

Entrepreneurs feeling drained by content creation

Creators who feel disconnected from their message

Professionals building thought leadership

Business owners tired of chasing trends


Anyone ready to shift from performance to leadership

If you want support building visibility rooted in clarity and leadership, explore joining the Collective for ongoing proximity, strategy, and community.

Follow Social Media Decoded for daily conversations on visibility, marketing, and message clarity.

About the Host

Michelle Thames is a marketing strategist, podcast host, speaker, and community builder with over 15 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and professionals build sustainable visibility and authority without burnout.

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

In this feature episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames introduces her philosophy shift around visibility, marketing, and sustainable growth. She explains why doing less, not more, is the new power move and how entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives can stay visible without burning out.

This episode reframes daily content, consistency, and promotion and shows why clarity, curation, and strategic visibility matter more than hustle.

Topics Covered

Why hustle-based visibility leads to burnout

The difference between daily content and daily promotion

Why clarity beats consistency in modern marketing

How CEOs and leaders curate visibility instead of chasing it

What strategic visibility actually looks like in 2026

How to build trust without being constantly online


Creating content with intention instead of pressure

Key Takeaways

Visibility does not require constant performance

Posting more does not equal promoting better

Clarity allows content to work harder for you

Curated visibility builds authority and ease


Sustainable marketing starts with strategy, not volume

Who This Episode Is For

Entrepreneurs who feel exhausted by content demands

Professionals building thought leadership

Creatives who want visibility without burnout

Business owners shifting from hustle to strategy


Leaders who want long-term authority and impact

Call to Action

If this episode helped you rethink visibility, follow Social Media Decoded for daily conversations on marketing, clarity, and community-led growth.

If you’d like to support the podcast, you can use Buy Me a Coffee to help keep these conversations going.

About the Host

Michelle Thames is a marketing strategist, podcast host, speaker, and community builder with over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, visibility strategy, and brand growth. She helps entrepreneurs and professionals build sustainable visibility ecosystems that convert without burnout.

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

What if one DM… one cease-and-desist… or one copyright flag could shut down everything you’ve built online?

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle sits down with Kailey Jacomet, founder of Brand Law Boutique, to break down the real legal risks creators, influencers, and online business owners face—often without even realizing it.

If you post, sell, collaborate, or build community online, this episode is a must-listen.

Inside this episode, we cover:

Why one Instagram report or DM from a lawyer can shut down your business overnight

The #1 trademark mistake entrepreneurs make before launching a brand

The real difference between and (and why it matters more than you think)

A 60-second name search checklist to avoid expensive rebrands

How creators unknowingly cross copyright lines with reels, audios, and reposts

Why “fair use” doesn’t always protect you on platforms like Instagram or TikTok

What brands can legally do with your name, image, and content if your contract is weak

The non-negotiable clauses every influencer and creator should look for (or demand)


The one legal template every online business should invest in first

You’ll learn:

How to protect your brand before it scales

How to avoid being bullied by bigger companies

How to collaborate confidently without signing your rights away


How to stay visible, profitable, and legally protected

Resources mentioned:

Contract templates + website policies

Trademark education + legal planning tools


Exclusive listener discount (code in episode description)

If this episode saved you from a future legal headache (or a five-figure mistake), screenshot it, share it, and tag @michellelthames + @kaileyjacomet with your biggest takeaway.

Post proudly. Sell smart. Protect your brand at all costs.

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

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down the rise of ragebait content and asks the real question most marketers avoid: does it actually build brands, or just inflate engagement? Drawing from years of experience in marketing, visibility, and personal brand strategy, Michelle explains why ragebait works, when it hurts your credibility, and who should avoid it altogether.

This episode helps entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners understand how to stand out without sacrificing trust, authority, or long-term growth.

Topics Covered

What ragebait content actually is

Why ragebait performs well on social media platforms

The psychology behind outrage and engagement

When ragebait damages brand trust and credibility

The difference between thought leadership and clickbait

Who ragebait works for and who it hurts

How to build visibility without relying on controversy


Why clarity and positioning matter more than attention

Key Takeaways

Ragebait drives engagement, but not always conversion

Attention without trust does not lead to clients

Decision-makers buy clarity, not chaos

Thought leadership challenges ideas without eroding credibility


Strategic visibility outperforms short-term virality

Who This Episode Is For

Entrepreneurs building personal brands

Creators who want authority, not just engagement

Business owners tired of chasing algorithms

Coaches, consultants, and service providers


Brands focused on long-term growth and trust

If you want support building visibility that attracts aligned clients instead of just attention, join the Collective for ongoing strategy, feedback, and proximity. https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective

Follow Social Media Decoded for daily conversations on marketing, visibility, and brand growth.

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

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down the real difference between a social media manager and a social media strategist — and why confusing the two can cost businesses time, money, and momentum. Michelle explains how strategy and execution serve different purposes, the most common hiring mistakes business owners make, and how choosing the right support at the right time can dramatically change results.

This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs, founders, and brands deciding how to invest in their marketing and visibility in 2026.

Topics Covered

The difference between social media management and social media strategy

Posting content vs planning a visibility ecosystem

Why execution without strategy leads to wasted effort

How strategy saves money long-term

Common hiring mistakes business owners make

When to hire a strategist vs when to hire a manager

How clarity impacts content, growth, and conversion


Why roles, timing, and expectations matter

Key Takeaways

A social media manager executes content, a strategist designs the plan

Posting consistently does not equal strategic growth

Strategy provides direction, focus, and measurable outcomes

Hiring the wrong role at the wrong time creates frustration


Clear strategy makes execution more effective and efficient

Who This Episode Is For

Business owners hiring marketing support

Entrepreneurs confused about social media roles

Brands struggling with inconsistent results

Founders preparing to scale visibility in 2026


Creators transitioning from DIY to professional support

If you need clarity before hiring or scaling your marketing, explore working with Michelle’s agency for strategic support. www.thamesmediasolutions.com

For ongoing proximity, feedback, and visibility guidance, join the Collective. https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective

About the Host

Michelle Thames is a marketing strategist, podcast host, and community builder with over 15 years of experience helping brands and entrepreneurs build visibility systems that convert. She specializes in strategy-first marketing, community-led growth, and sustainable brand ecosystems.

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