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Hi friends, and welcome to a fresh, new direction for the podcast!

I’m Rachel, your host, and today I’m thrilled to share something exciting and a bit unexpected. You may have noticed some recent changes to the podcast, and this special blog post is all about why they happened. So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s dive into why The Community Lab is getting a major makeover.

Why The Community Lab Needed a Change

When I launched this podcast as The Community Lab, I envisioned it as a space to experiment, explore, and share insights about building and growing communities. My goal was to create a hands-on, dynamic experience—a bit like those classic science experiments we used to do as kids. I wanted us to test, learn, and figure things out together.

But as the podcast grew, it became clear that the “lab” metaphor didn’t quite hit the mark. I began receiving feedback from you, my amazing listeners and community members, and a common theme emerged. Many of you felt that The Community Lab didn’t fully capture the energy and value of the show. I heard things like, “It sounds too technical,” and, “It doesn’t feel like a space for growth and connection.” And honestly, I get it!

Listening to Your Feedback

Your feedback really made me reflect on the direction of the podcast. Was the “lab” concept too narrow? Was it not as inviting as I’d hoped? It hit me that community isn’t just about experimentation. It’s about strategizing, building relationships, nurturing connections, and creating spaces that grow and thrive over time.

After a lot of thought and some brainstorming sessions, I decided it was time for a change. I’m officially rebranding the podcast to Your Community Strategist. This new name embodies exactly what we’re here to do: create, strategize, and grow together. It’s a blend of purpose and action, with you—the community builders, the visionaries—at the center of it all.

What to Expect from Your Community Strategist

Now, I know a name change can feel like a curveball, especially for those of you who’ve been with me from the beginning. But this shift is all about leveling up the quality of content and resources I can share with you. I want this podcast to be a place where we explore every corner of community building—from strategies that drive engagement to the little details that make a community feel truly alive.

So, what’s new with Your Community Strategist? You can expect more of what you already love, but with an even sharper focus on actionable strategies, real-world examples, and tools to build, engage, and retain the communities you’re passionate about. We’ll continue exploring topics like virtual events, community engagement, and growth, but you’ll also start seeing a new layer of depth. And if you’re missing the lab vibes, don’t worry! We’ll still have that experimental edge because, at the end of the day, community building is a hands-on adventure.

Connect and Engage with Us

This isn’t just a name change; it’s a commitment to helping you craft communities that are not only effective but also full of meaning and connection. We’re in this together, and I’m so excited to see where Your Community Strategist will take us.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this new direction. How does this change sit with you? What are you excited to learn about or explore together in the upcoming episodes? Drop me a line on Instagram or wherever you feel comfortable. And if you haven’t joined our community yet, now’s the perfect time! Check out The Strategic Community Co-Op for ongoing support, resources, and a space where we can dive even deeper into all things community building.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for being part of this journey with me. Remember, community isn’t just about a place; it’s about the people in it, the strategies behind it, and the energy that moves it forward. I’m here for you every step of the way, and I can’t wait to continue this adventure together.

So, here’s to the new direction! Catch you next time on Your Community Strategist. Until then, keep building, keep thriving, and let’s make incredible things happen.

Timestamps:

• 00:36 The Evolution of the Podcast
• 01:10 Listener Feedback and Reflections
• 01:56 Rebranding to Your Community Strategist
• 03:17 What to Expect Moving Forward
• 04:14 Engage and Connect with Us
• 04:44 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Resources & Links:

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