Creator media company Raptive has launched “Ctrl Alt Ask,” a biweekly podcast hosted by Stephanie Woodin, the company’s Senior Director, Public Relations. The 25-minute episodes feature creators calling in with specific questions about their businesses, which are then addressed by industry experts. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, the podcast covers a range of topics, from Google algorithm changes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy and brand development, delivering actionable advice for content creators.

“Creators don’t have a trade magazine or a trade publication,” Stephanie says. “There are great websites covering the creator economy, but as we thought about how else Raptive can serve creators, the podcast felt like a natural extension of our mission to give them more tools and resources.”

According to Stephanie, the podcast is tackling a significant need in the creator ecosystem: reliable, expert guidance. Each focused episode answers a single question from a creator, providing specific, practical solutions rather than general discussion.

“What sets us apart is the format, the direct access creators have to us,” Stephanie says. “They can submit a question, be featured on the podcast, and get it answered by an expert. We’re about real-time, actionable answers.”

The podcast leverages Raptive’s network of internal experts, including professionals with experience at companies such as Google and YouTube, as well as specialists in fields such as AI and branding. As the program develops, Stephanie plans to incorporate external experts and established creators to provide peer-to-peer advice.

“We have amazing experts at Raptive who’ve worked with Google, YouTube, AI, and branding,” Stephanie says. “One joins each episode to address the topic and question.”

Real-World Challenges and Practical Solutions

The podcast’s first episode, titled “Should I Break Up with Google?”, tackled one of the most pressing concerns for web creators today. Adam and Joanne Gallagher from recipe blog “Inspired Taste” questioned whether they should reduce their dependence on Google after experiencing significant traffic declines following algorithm updates.

“We made the first episode about Google because it came from the constant news about changes affecting web creators,” Stephanie says. “You can’t go a week without seeing some update that impacts them.”

Rather than suggesting creators abandon Google entirely, the expert advice recommended a strategic approach: “[We’re] not saying get rid of Google completely, but maybe we take a break. And so we laughed the whole time because we kept talking about it like they were bad boyfriends,” she shares. 

“Stay focused on your brand and find ways to grow it,” Stephanie says. “Work on earned media or partnerships, and make sure your content quality is the best it can be.”

The second episode featured Organically Addison, a health and gluten-free baker who saw her traffic drop when Google began prioritizing message boards such as Reddit and Quora. Her question, “Is SEO dead?”, reflects widespread anxiety as creators see their business models threatened by outside forces.

“There are three or four tips you can use immediately after listening,” Stephanie says. “My jaw dropped at some of the ways to increase traffic. They’re not big tweaks.”

From Entertainment Publicity to Creator Advocacy

Stephanie’s path to hosting is rooted in her background in communications. Before joining Raptive three years ago, she worked as Manager of Series Publicity at Netflix for more than four years, following roles at FX Networks, Fox News Channel, and Fox Business Network. This experience helps her understand how creators can effectively build their brands and tell their stories.

“I worked for Netflix and FX, so I was on the TV side,” Stephanie says. “There are a lot of parallels with creators. You’re still speaking to audiences and trying to get attention for a brand, just on a different platform.”

At Raptive, Stephanie created the Creator Publicity Program, helping content creators with media-facing initiatives. “If creators had a cookbook or product launch or a new website project, I helped strategize and guide them in building their brand and story.”

This background made Stephanie an ideal podcast host despite her initial hesitation. “I’ve always been behind the microphone, helping others tell their stories, not being part of it,” she says. “That’s usually a publicist’s worst nightmare.”

Building Community in a Solitary Profession

Beyond tactical advice, “Ctrl Alt Ask” also addresses a quieter challenge for creators: the isolation of their work.

“I hear from creators how lonely it can be,” Stephanie says. “Most are behind a computer all day, maybe with one person helping, or just their spouse. It’s a lonely job.”

The podcast creates a virtual community where creators hear others facing similar struggles. “It helps them feel like there’s a community that understands and shares their challenges,” she says.

Managing Industry Developments

The creator economy is continually expanding, giving rise to new platforms, algorithmic shifts, and monetization models. For many, keeping up with the pace feels overwhelming.

“The industry’s changing fast, and it’s hard to keep up,” Stephanie says. “Creators get information like a fire hose and want it distilled into real advice.”

Still, she sees optimism in creators’ ability to adapt. “Creators have an incredible way of pivoting,” she says. “When new platforms appear, they find ways to make them work. Staying true to themselves while adapting keeps them relevant.”

That adaptability is what “Ctrl Alt Ask” aims to support. “No matter what’s thrown at them, creators are resilient,” Stephanie says. “If they keep pivoting when needed, they’ll be fine.”

Championing Creator Support

Stephanie hopes the “Ctrl Alt Ask” podcast will become a shareable resource that creators recommend to their peers. “A big goal is for this to become talkable and shareable, something creators send to friends because they loved a topic,” she says.

Future episodes will explore topics such as standing out in a competitive market. “A common theme I hear is: how do I stay relevant and differentiate myself?” Stephanie says. “There’s so much competition for people’s time and attention.”

For creators who can’t afford PR agencies, “Ctrl Alt Ask” aims to offer accessible guidance. “PR agencies are expensive, and not all creators can afford them,” Stephanie says. “This podcast can hopefully provide that kind of advice without the high cost.”

Stephanie is particularly eager to feature established creators sharing peer-to-peer insights. “No one understands a creator’s life except another creator,” she says. “It’s like being a new mom. You want to hear from someone else who’s also not sleeping.”

“Ctrl Alt Ask” is available biweekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. Creators can submit questions for future episodes through the podcast’s social media channel @ctrlaltask.

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