The Smart Publishing Impact Series

The Smart Publishing Impact Series is for business owners, coaches, and professionals who want more than just a book. Hosted by Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor, and Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO, this podcast shows how to turn your expertise into a book that builds authority, attracts clients, and creates real opportunities. Through strategy, author stories, and expert insights, you’ll learn how to make your book actually work for your business.

The Smart Publishing Impact Series is a arts podcast hosted by Jonathan & Renée Lautermilch, with 80 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Jonathan & Renée Lautermilch hosts The Smart Publishing Impact Series, a arts show with 80 episodes published.

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  Episode #76

  Episode 76: Author Interview with Eliza Lake

  Sep 10, 202633 minS1

  The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 76: Author Interview with Eliza Lake Episode Summary: What if you didn't have to choose between completely losing yourself for the people you love and becoming so focused on yourself that you disconnect from them? In Episode 76, Renée Lautermilch , Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, sits down with Eliza Lake , author of the forthcoming book The Third Option , to explore a different path—one rooted in self-trust, wholeness, and learning how to honor both yourself and the people you love. Eliza shares the deeply personal journey that led her to write the book, including motherhood, marriage, healing, faith, trauma, and the realization that she had lost touch with something as simple as knowing what she wanted. A solo trip became a turning point, and later, a difficult moment with her daughter sparked an even deeper commitment to learning how to be okay herself so she could help her family be okay too. The conversation dives into what Eliza calls “the third option” : slowing down, reconnecting with yourself, and bringing your heart, mind, body, and nervous system into greater integration. Rather than choosing between self-sacrifice and self-focus, the goal is to find a grounded way to love others without abandoning yourself. Eliza also shares how writing The Third Option became a therapeutic process of integrating what she had learned at a deeper level, and how she plans to use the book as a starting point for coaching, retreats, and helping more women develop a healthier relationship with themselves. What You'll Hear: The personal journey that inspired Eliza to write The Third Option How motherhood led her to question whether she truly knew herself Why being “easygoing” can sometimes mean losing touch with your own needs The moment Eliza realized she needed to learn how to be okay How writing the book became part of her healing and self-discovery Why knowledge in your head isn't always the same as true integration The two extremes many women can feel trapped between What “the third option” actually means in everyday life How to slow down and reconnect with your heart, body, and inner knowing Why self-acceptance can be more powerful than constantly trying to “fix” yourself How parents can model emotional regulation and self-trust for their children How Eliza plans to use her book, coaching, and retreats to help women Quote to Remember: “You do not have to become anything else. You're already perfect.” Guest Featured in This Episode: Eliza Lake - writer, coach, mother of five, and author of The Third Option , a book about self-trust, healing, motherhood, and finding wholeness without abandoning yourself. Mentioned in This Episode: The Third Option - releasing September 15, 2026Eliza Lake on Facebook and InstagramVisit thecompassandflame.comsmartpublishingservices.com – publishing education and author supportConnect with Renée Lautermilch and Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook Join the waitlist today and get exclusive launch updates plus your opportunity to purchase The Third Option for less than $1 on launch day. This special pricing is available for one day only. https://jusserv.net/waitlist Key Takeaway: You don't have to choose between taking care of everyone else and taking care of yourself. There is another way. One where you can love others deeply while staying connected to who you are. Coming Next: More conversations with Smart Publishing authors about the stories behind their books, the experiences that shaped their messages, and how publishing can turn a personal journey into something that helps others.

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  Episode #75

  Episode 75: Author Interview with Alex Holt

  Sep 3, 202654 minS1

  Episode Title: The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 75: Author Interview with Alex Holt Episode Summary: What if the most important thing a coach can develop isn't an athlete's performance—but their character? In this milestone Episode 75 , Renée Lautermilch , Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and Jonathan Lautermilch , CEO of Smart Publishing, sit down with Alex Holt , author of The Character Code , to explore the lasting impact coaches, parents, and mentors can have on the next generation. Alex shares the personal experiences that shaped his approach to coaching and character development, including the coaches who corrected him when he needed it, believed in him when he made mistakes, and ultimately gave him opportunities to grow. His story demonstrates how a coach's influence can extend far beyond the scoreboard and into the person an athlete eventually becomes. The conversation also explores the three-dimensional athlete—physical, mental, and spiritual—and why coaches need to recognize that every interaction can leave a lasting impression. Alex explains how his Character Code workbook takes those principles further through reflection exercises, team discussions, accountability challenges, and practical character-building drills for coaches, athletes, and parents. Whether you're a coach, parent, mentor, athlete, or someone who works with young people, this episode offers a powerful reminder to look beyond temporary wins and focus on the person you're helping build. What You'll Hear: The story behind The Character Code How one coach's correction changed Alex's life Why coaches have a responsibility beyond winning games The importance of believing in athletes beyond their performance Why athletes should be developed physically, mentally, and spiritually How a coach's words and actions can leave a lasting impact The critical role parents play in character development Why parents need to model the values they expect from their children How Alex's Character Coin became part of his work with young athletes How the workbook turns character principles into practical action Why reflection, accountability, and intentional conversations matter The difference between developing an athlete and developing a person Quote to Remember: “Talent may open the door, but it's ultimately character that determines what happens once you walk through it.” Guest Featured in This Episode: Alex Holt — author of The Character Code , certified chaplain, pastor, character coach, longtime safety leader, former college football player, and mentor to young athletes. Mentioned in This Episode: The Character Code The Character Code Workbook Fellowship of Christian Athletes smartpublishingservices.com – publishing education and author support Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she's the only one in the world Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook and LinkedIn Join the waitlist today and get exclusive launch updates plus your opportunity to purchase The Character Code for less than $1 on launch day . This special pricing is available for one day only. https://jusserv.net/waitlist Key Takeaway: A scoreboard measures what happened in the game. Character reveals what the game is helping build in the person. Coming Next: More conversations with Smart Publishing authors about the stories behind their books, the lessons that shaped their messages, and how their books can create meaningful impact beyond the page.

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  Episode #74

  Episode 74: Kobo for International Publishing

  Aug 27, 202618 minS1

  Episode Title: The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 74: Kobo for International Publishing Episode Summary: What happens when your readers are ready to buy your book—but Amazon won't let them? In Episode 74, Renée Lautermilch , Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, shares a recent publishing lesson that could make a major difference for authors with international audiences. After discovering that a Kindle book distributed through KDP was unavailable to readers in Malaysia—even though Amazon's documentation suggested worldwide Kindle access—Renée went searching for another solution. She found it with Kobo , an international e-book platform with territory-specific storefronts, including one for Malaysia. Renée walks through what happened, why the issue was so difficult to uncover, and how Kobo provided a practical alternative for reaching readers in markets where Amazon's Kindle distribution doesn't work as expected. The episode also explores Kobo's additional features, including library distribution, scheduled sales, automated pricing changes, royalty tracking, and direct access to international readers. If you're planning to build an international audience around your book, this is a publishing lesson worth knowing before launch day. What You'll Hear: Why international Kindle access isn't always as straightforward as Amazon's documentation suggests The surprising KDP distribution limitation affecting Malaysia How Renée discovered the issue through a real book launch Why authors with international audiences should test e-book accessibility before launch How Kobo can provide an alternative distribution channel Why avoiding KDP Select can give authors greater publishing flexibility How Kobo supports territory-specific storefronts How authors can make their books available to libraries Kobo's scheduled sale and automated pricing features How Kobo compares with Amazon for international e-book distribution Why having a backup e-book solution can protect an international launch Quote to Remember: “If you have an audience in a place, a territory that is not either the Philippines or a place where Amazon has a direct marketplace, that is something I would strongly suggest for you.” Mentioned in This Episode: Kobo Writing LifeAmazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)SmartPublishingServices.com – publishing education and author supportConnect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she's the only one in the worldEmail: renee@smartpublishingservices.com Key Takeaway: If your book has an international audience, don't assume that Amazon's worldwide Kindle access will work everywhere. Test your target territories ahead of launch and consider having an alternative e-book distribution channel, such as Kobo, ready to go. Coming Next: More real-world publishing lessons, author experiences, and strategies to help you navigate the publishing process and get your book into the hands of the readers who need it.

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  Episode #73

  Episode 73: Anything Worth Doing is Worth Doing Right

  Aug 13, 202618 minS1

  Episode Title: The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 73: Anything Worth Doing is Worth Doing Right Episode Summary: You’ve finished your manuscript. You’re excited. You just want to get the book out there. But should you? In Episode 73, Renée Lautermilch , Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, tackles a mistake she sees authors make again and again: rushing the publishing process simply because they're ready to be done. Renée explains why a book is far more than a finished manuscript. It represents your name, your expertise, and your credibility—and when the execution is rushed, the book can actually undermine the authority you're trying to build. From professional editing and interior formatting to cover design, launch planning, and long-term marketing, this episode breaks down the areas authors shouldn't cut corners on. Renée also explains why a successful book launch requires more than announcing your release on social media and shares practical strategies for building momentum before your book even comes out. If you're preparing to publish—or you're feeling the urge to just get your book finished and out the door—this episode is your reminder to take a breath and do it right. What You'll Hear: Why excitement and emotion can lead authors to make rushed decisions How a poorly executed book can damage your credibility Why professional human editing still matters in the age of AI The difference between AI processing and professional editing Why professional interior formatting can dramatically improve a book's appearance What to consider when designing a professional book cover Why Amazon's Cover Creator may not give you the professional result you're looking for Why publishing next week without a launch plan is a mistake What a strategic six-week book launch can look like How social media, outreach, influencers, press releases, and podcasts can work together Why podcast interviews before launch can build visibility and SEO How to make your book stand out in an increasingly crowded publishing landscape Why your book should have a long-term leverage plan—not just a launch date Quote to Remember: “Keep writing your story because the world needs your voice, but just make sure you do it the right way.”

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  Episode #72

  Episode 72: Interview with Blake Ruff, Co-Author of The Full Gym

  Aug 6, 202646 minS1

  Episode Title: The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 72: Interview with Blake Ruff, Co-Author of The Full Gym Episode Summary: Why do some gyms consistently grow while others struggle to replace the members they lose? In Episode 72, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO of Smart Publishing, sit down with Blake Ruff, co-author of The Full Gym and co-founder of LASSO Framework, to unpack the biggest misconceptions about gym marketing, sales, and sustainable growth. After helping fitness businesses generate more than $30 million in tracked client revenue and managing over $2 million in Facebook ad spend, Blake shares why most gym owners don't actually have a marketing problem—they have an alignment problem. From identifying your ideal client to building a predictable lead generation system and creating messaging that actually resonates, this conversation is packed with practical strategies gym owners can implement immediately. Blake also shares his personal journey of writing the book, why he almost didn't do it, and how the process unexpectedly inspired his six-year-old son to start writing books of his own. Whether you're a gym owner, business owner, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode offers timeless lessons about clear messaging, solving real problems, and building systems that create long-term growth. What You'll Hear: Why most gym owners don't actually have a marketing problem The difference between attracting leads and attracting the right clients Why gimmicky promotions often hurt long-term growth How to know when your business is truly ready for paid advertising The importance of aligning marketing and sales into one seamless customer journey Why "Don't be cute—be clear" is one of the most valuable marketing principles How StoryBrand principles transformed Blake's approach to messaging Why authentic content is becoming more valuable in an AI-driven world How Blake turned podcast-style conversations into a bestselling book The unexpected impact writing a book had on Blake's family Quote to Remember: “Don't be cute. Be clear.” Guest Featured in This Episode: Blake Ruff — StoryBrand Certified Guide, growth strategist, co-founder of LASSO Framework, co-host of the Gym Marketing Made Simple podcast, and co-author of The Full Gym Mentioned in This Episode: The Full Gym (releasing September 8) LASSO Framework Gym Marketing Made Simple Podcast StoryBrand by Donald Miller SmartPublishingServices.com – publishing education and author support Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she's the only one in the world Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook and LinkedIn Join the waitlist today and get exclusive launch updates plus your opportunity to purchase Lead Like Water for less than $1 on launch day. This special pricing is available for one day only. https://fullgym.lassoframework.com/ Key Takeaway: Marketing isn't about chasing more leads—it's about clearly communicating the problems you solve, attracting the right people, and creating an aligned system that turns prospects into long-term clients. Coming Next: More conversations with successful Smart Publishing authors sharing how they've transformed their expertise into books that build authority, create opportunities, and grow their businesses.

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