Share Your Financial Journey on Our Podcast

An Invitation to Help Others Through Your Story


Welcome from SafeSimpleSound

Thank you for considering sharing your financial journey with our podcast audience. This page explains what to expect, how we'll work together, and why your story matters.

Our Mission: We believe the most powerful financial education comes from real people sharing their authentic experiences—not from experts lecturing about theory.


🐢 Shelby Says:

"The wisest lessons come not from those who claim to have all the answers, but from those willing to share their journey—steps forward, steps back, and all the wisdom discovered along the way."

— Shelby the Trustworthy Tortoise


Why Your Story Matters

You don't need to be a financial expert to be a valuable guest. In fact, we specifically seek everyday professionals, entrepreneurs, and families who've navigated real financial challenges.

Your experience helps others when you've:

  • Made a significant financial decision (career change, home purchase, debt payoff)
  • Navigated a financial challenge or setback
  • Changed your relationship with money
  • Learned something valuable about managing finances
  • Discovered what works (or doesn't work) for your situation

The goal isn't perfection—it's authenticity. Listeners connect with real journeys, not fairy tales.


What Makes Our Approach Different: The SECURED Philosophy

Our podcast follows the SECURED framework—the same principles that guide our financial planning practice:

  • Seize Financial Control - Your story demonstrates taking charge of your financial destiny
  • Embrace Mastery of Cash Flow - Share insights about managing money with clarity
  • Create a Financial Safety Net - Discuss how you've built protection and security
  • Understand Financial Choices - Explore how you evaluate costs and benefits
  • Reap the Benefits of Compound Growth - Show the power of steady progress over time
  • Embrace Financial Flexibility - Demonstrate adaptability when life changes
  • Develop Wealth and a Lasting Legacy - Share how you're building for the future

You won't be asked to explain these principles—you simply share your story, and together we'll discover the wisdom within it.


Our Four Commitments to You

1. Psychological Safety First

We create a safe, judgment-free environment where you can share authentically:

  • No surprise questions - We'll discuss the general topics beforehand
  • You control boundaries - Skip any question, stop anytime, no explanation needed
  • Confidentiality options - Use first name only, change identifying details, or remain anonymous
  • Final approval - You review the edited episode before it's published and can request changes or withdraw entirely

2. You're the Expert on Your Life

This isn't an interrogation or test of your financial knowledge:

  • We guide, you share - Our questions help tell your story, not judge your decisions
  • No "right answers" - Your authentic experience is what matters
  • Natural conversation - This feels like talking with a trusted friend, not a formal interview
  • Your pace - We take time for you to think, reflect, and share when ready

3. Educational Purpose, Not Entertainment

Your story serves to genuinely help others, not create drama:

  • Respect for your journey - We honor both successes and struggles as learning opportunities
  • No sensationalism - We won't exploit difficulties for entertainment value
  • Practical wisdom - Focus on insights that help listeners apply lessons to their own lives
  • Balanced perspective - We frame challenges within the larger context of your growth

4. Complete Regulatory Compliance

As a registered financial advisor, I maintain strict professional standards:

  • Clear disclaimers - Every episode includes proper regulatory disclosures
  • No personalized advice - We discuss your story and general principles, never specific investment recommendations for listeners
  • Ethical editing - Any edits preserve your intended meaning and context
  • Documentation - You'll sign a simple release form protecting both of us

What to Expect: The Process

Before Recording

1. Initial Connection (Phone or Video, 20-30 minutes)

  • Get to know each other
  • Discuss your story and identify the main theme
  • Explain the process and answer all your questions
  • Confirm you're comfortable proceeding

2. Pre-Interview Preparation

  • I'll send you a simple outline of topics we'll explore
  • You'll receive the guest release form to review
  • No need to write anything or prepare formal answers—just think about your story

During Recording

Interview Structure (45-60 minutes, conversational)

The conversation follows a natural arc:

Beginning - Setting the Scene

  • Where were you financially when this journey began?
  • What prompted you to take action or make a change?

Middle - The Journey

  • What challenges did you face?
  • What decisions did you make?
  • What surprised you along the way?

End - Insights & Growth

  • What did you learn about yourself?
  • What would you tell someone facing something similar?
  • Where are you now compared to where you started?

My Role: I'm your guide through the story, asking questions that help you explore and articulate your own wisdom. Think of it as "archaeological excavation"—I help you uncover insights that were always there.

Your Comfort Matters:

  • Take pauses whenever you need them (we edit these out)
  • Ask to rephrase anything you'd like to say differently
  • Request breaks if needed
  • The recording is LOW PRESSURE—this is a conversation, not a performance

After Recording

1. Post-Interview Debrief (5-10 minutes)

  • How are you feeling about the conversation?
  • Any concerns or additional thoughts?
  • Next steps and timeline

2. Professional Editing

  • I'll edit for clarity and flow while preserving your authentic voice
  • Remove filler words, long pauses, any content you flagged
  • Add introduction, conclusion, and required compliance disclaimers

3. Your Review & Approval

  • You'll receive the edited episode to review
  • Request any changes or clarifications
  • Approve for publication or withdraw if you change your mind
  • Nothing publishes without your explicit approval

4. Publication & Sharing

  • Episode goes live on podcast platforms
  • You'll receive the episode link and social media graphics to share if you'd like
  • Optional: We can feature you on our website with your approval

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long is the interview?
A: Recording typically takes 45-60 minutes. The final published episode will be 30-40 minutes after editing.

Q: Can I remain anonymous?
A: Absolutely. We can use only your first name, change identifying details, or make you completely anonymous.

Q: What if I get emotional or uncomfortable?
A: We can pause, take breaks, or stop entirely. Financial topics are personal—emotional moments are natural and can be powerful for listeners, but only if you're comfortable sharing them.

Q: Do I need to be financially successful to participate?
A: Not at all! We value stories of struggle, learning, and growth as much as stories of achievement. Authenticity matters more than outcomes.

Q: What if I made financial mistakes?
A: Mistakes and lessons learned are often the most valuable content. We frame these as growth opportunities, not failures.

Q: Can I talk about specific financial products or companies?
A: You can share your experience, but we'll be careful about anything that sounds like endorsements due to regulatory requirements.

Q: Will you share my private financial details publicly?
A: Never. You control what you share. We focus on your journey and insights, not specific account balances or private details.

Q: What's the release form about?
A: It's a simple document confirming you agree to have your interview published and that you understand it's for educational purposes. You'll review it before we record.

Q: Can I change my mind after recording?
A: Yes, up until the point of your final approval. You can request edits, changes, or complete withdrawal.


Who This Is Right For

You might be a great guest if you:

✅ Have navigated a meaningful financial experience or challenge
✅ Are willing to share authentically (successes AND struggles)
✅ Want to help others through your story
✅ Feel comfortable having a recorded conversation
✅ Can commit to the review and approval process

This might not be right for you if:

❌ You're uncomfortable being recorded or having your story shared publicly
❌ You're primarily seeking free financial advice (this is about sharing your story, not getting a consultation)
❌ You're not ready to reflect on or discuss your financial journey
❌ You have unrealistic expectations about compensation (this is volunteer-based educational content)


Ready to Share Your Story?

If this resonates with you and you'd like to explore being a guest, here's how to proceed:

Next Step: Email me at hello@safesimplesound.com with:

  • Your name and best contact information
  • A brief description (2-3 sentences) of the financial journey you'd like to share
  • Any questions you have about the process

What Happens Next:

  1. I'll reply within 2 business days
  2. We'll schedule a brief phone call to discuss your story
  3. If we're both comfortable proceeding, we'll schedule the recording
  4. No pressure, no obligation—just a conversation to explore the possibility

A Final Word from Our Philosophy

At SafeSimpleSound, we believe in Contradiction-Free Living principles. Your financial journey doesn't require you to choose between:

  • Security OR Growth - You can pursue both
  • Following advice OR trusting yourself - Integration creates better decisions
  • Honoring your past OR building your future - Both inform your path
  • Serving your family OR pursuing your dreams - Real solutions serve multiple priorities

Your story likely demonstrates this integrated wisdom—even if you haven't named it that way. That's exactly what makes it valuable.

Like Shelby the Trustworthy Tortoise, we believe in steady, patient progress. Your journey—with all its starts, stops, detours, and discoveries—is exactly the kind of authentic wisdom that helps others navigate their own path.


Questions?

Don't hesitate to reach out. I'm happy to discuss any aspect of the process, address concerns, or simply talk about whether this might be right for you.

Contact: hello@safesimplesound.com

Philosophy: www.safesimplesound.com/philosophy

About SafeSimpleSound: www.safesimplesound.com/about


Thank you for considering sharing your financial journey. Whether or not you decide to participate, we appreciate your willingness to help others through authentic storytelling.

🐢 Shelby's Wisdom: "Every journey begins with a single step. Sharing that journey might just light the path for someone else."