Social Media Decoded

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.

Key Topics Covered

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

Resources Mentioned

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.

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames explains why webinars and live events still convert in today’s marketing landscape and why many businesses believe they no longer work. She breaks down what actually kills conversions, how trust is built in live rooms, and the mindset shift required to turn visibility into real action.

What This Episode Covers

Why webinars and live events still work when designed with intention

The biggest mistakes that prevent live experiences from converting

How live rooms build trust faster than content alone

The difference between teaching and creating connection

Why clarity and positioning matter more than audience size

How to think about live experiences as trust accelerators


What to do before and after a live event to support conversion

Who This Episode Is For

Entrepreneurs hosting webinars or live events

Coaches and consultants struggling with low conversion

Business owners who want deeper trust with their audience


Creators who feel visible but not connected

Key Takeaways

Live experiences convert when they are built for trust, not performance

Small, intentional rooms often outperform large audiences

Conversion starts before the room opens and continues after it closes


Visibility works best when paired with clarity and direction

Call to Action

If you want help creating live experiences that actually convert, explore Visibility Power Hours or join The Collective for ongoing strategy and support. Links are available in the show notes.

https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective
About the Host

Michelle Thames is a marketing strategist, speaker, and community builder who helps entrepreneurs turn visibility into real opportunities through intentional strategy and relationship-led marketing.

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

It’s been a heavy start to 2026. In this real, raw episode, Michelle Thames opens up about navigating deep personal loss while running a business and showing up online. After losing her stepfather, cousin, and a childhood friend within days, Michelle reflects on how grief collides with the pressure to stay visible on social media.

This episode explores the social media side of grief—why algorithms don’t pause when life hits, how burnout accelerates when we force content through pain, and what it really means to take a break without guilt or shame. Michelle shares both personal insight and expert perspective on sustainable visibility, rest, and long-term brand integrity.

If you’re grieving, overwhelmed, or feeling pressure to “keep going” online when your heart needs space, this conversation is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How grief shows up in a social media–driven world

Why “rest is not a failure of consistency”

The hidden cost of forcing content during emotional exhaustion

How to pause, scale back, or shift visibility without losing momentum

What presence looks like when perfection isn’t possible


Permission to grieve without performing online

Key Topics Discussed

Grief and social media

Rest and visibility as a business owner

Burnout prevention for entrepreneurs

Sustainable content creation

Mental health and online presence

Taking breaks without losing your audience


Human-centered leadership and brand longevity

This episode is for:

Entrepreneurs navigating grief or emotional burnout

Content creators feeling pressure to stay visible

Business owners who want sustainable visibility


Anyone grieving a loss while still showing up for others

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

“Grief doesn’t move at the speed of content.”

“Rest is not a failure of consistency. It’s a strategy for longevity.”

“Your audience doesn’t need perfection. They need presence.”


“You are not behind. You are not lazy. You are not failing.”

Listener Takeaway

You are allowed to pause.
You are allowed to grieve.
And your voice will still matter when you return.

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

If you’ve been posting consistently but still wondering “Why aren’t my lead magnets converting?” or “Where are my aligned clients?” — this episode is a must-listen.

In today’s conversation, Michelle Thames is joined by Lauren Najar, a business coach and lead strategist who helps women entrepreneurs turn visibility into real revenue — without burnout, constant posting, or chasing algorithms.

This episode breaks down what’s actually working in 2025 when it comes to lead generation, intentional visibility, and building a sales ecosystem rooted in relationships.

Lauren shares why most entrepreneurs already have leads (they just aren’t tracking them), why content alone isn’t enough anymore, and how simple conversations can turn into consistent clients.

In This Episode, We Cover:

Why “not having leads” is usually a tracking problem, not a visibility problem

How to use Instagram intentionally as a top-of-funnel tool

Why follower count does not equal income

The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make relying on content alone

What intentional visibility really looks like in 2025

How to build a lead ecosystem that fits your business model

The truth about lead magnets — and why most PDFs don’t convert

What types of lead magnets actually work right now


The most underrated lead generation strategy: DM relationships

Key Takeaway:

You don’t need more content — you need more intentional conversations and better systems to track and nurture the leads you already have.

Connect with Lauren:

Instagram: @laurennajar

Website: laurennajar.com


Free Resource: 30-Day Sales & Visibility Challenge

If you enjoyed this episode, tag @michellelthames and @socialmediadecodedpod on Instagram and let us know your biggest takeaway.

Stay visible and stay empowered.

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