Launching and maintaining a podcast takes more than just hitting record. There’s planning, scripting, editing, designing, promoting, and publishing – and that’s just the start. Most people love the idea of hosting a show, but quickly realize how much behind-the-scenes work is involved. And that’s where Abbey Graves comes in. With over 10 years of experience in audio production and a background in radio broadcasting, she knows what it takes to make content that sounds as good as it feels to listen to. “I’ve built this business around the belief that everyone has a story worth sharing, and I’m proud to help creators and companies alike bring those stories to life.”
Abbey Graves Productions offers full-service podcast production designed to take the pressure off and bring your vision to life. Whether you’re a business looking to strengthen internal communication with a private podcast or an individual wanting to share your voice with the world, Abbey makes it easy, professional, and impactful. “From concept development and recording (both in-person and online) to audio/video editing, content repurposing, and social media scheduling, I handle every step so you can focus on the fun part: showing up and speaking your message.”
“I started Abbey Graves Productions in February of 2023. Initially, it was just a way to keep my audio editing skills sharp during my transition from a job in local radio to a position in local government. It unexpectedly snowballed within 6 months from creating my own podcast to producing audio, video, and social elements for a handful of client podcasts. What started as a way to fill my creative cup evolved into a full-blown business that I was running full-time by June 2024. My mission is to make podcasting accessible, professional, and impactful by offering full-service production that empowers individuals and businesses to share their stories, strengthen their communication, and build meaningful connections – without the overwhelm of technical work.”
Beyond podcast production, Abbey also offers podcast consulting, music bingo, DJ services, emcee services, photo booth rentals, and more. “I specialize specifically in creating podcasts and the elements best suited to promote them. Off the top of my head, I only know a couple of other people who do what I do across the country, and that's because I just so happened to sit next to them at a conference in Orlando, Florida. I think what really sets me apart is my specialization in the podcasting space. I have loved listening to podcasts for over a decade, and that love for the art form has prepared me to be a valuable resource for those looking to start their journey and stay consistent with producing content.”
“Honestly, there wasn't any sort of "a-ha" moment when I had the idea to help people create podcasts … I wish there was, that would be more exciting. Instead, it happened very organically. It went from figuring out how to create my own show to helping a friend, who then referred me to her friend, who in turn referred me to another friend … Suddenly, when people brought up the idea of podcasts in their circles, "Abbey the Podcast Lady" was mentioned as a resource that could help bring their podcast ideas to life.”
Abbey is originally from Long Prairie, Minnesota. “Growing up, St. Cloud was 'the big city' because they had two Targets and a mall. I attended school in Mendota Heights, so after experiencing a ‘real’ big city, I realized that the St. Cloud area was the perfect happy medium between my hometown, with just one stoplight, and the Twin Cities' hustle and bustle. This is a great place to call home and grow a business!”
“I work with some really great clients in Central Minnesota, and while they are my clients, I do see our work together as a collaborative effort. Getting to help create connections with their audiences and share their stories on a deeper level is something I can see happening in real time. I rarely leave the house without running into someone who tells me how much they are loving a show one of my clients is putting out. The ability to share their stories and promote others across their platforms is such a unique way to collaborate and build connections.” Some of Abbey’s local podcast clients include:
- Ashley Green, The Love Story Podcast
- INDY Foundation, Connecting Through Cancer Podcast
- Liz Fiedler Mergen, Rooted Agritourism
- Lindsay Salzbrun, Leveling Up with Lindsay
- Megan May, The Megan May Podcast
- Moxie Creative, Behind the Brand
“I'm one of those people who can find excitement in the most mundane things, so I think everything is exciting, but a moment that really stood out over the past year was when I got tapped to produce a podcast for cattle ranchers in Melbourne, Australia. And it happened through a connection right here in St. Joseph. My client, Liz Fiedler Mergen, referred me to a client in Mitchell, South Dakota, who then connected me with clients in Melbourne. It just goes to show that you never know what corner of the world you can get connected to when your starting point is St. Cloud, Minnesota.”
“I have lived and worked in this area for a decade now, and I didn't feel like I was actually part of this community until I started joining networking groups and going to different business organization events. The way the business community in Greater St. Cloud opens its arms to people like me, just starting out, has expanded my world in a way I never thought possible. Everyone running a business wants to see this community flourish, and this is evident through the support and camaraderie at various events across the area.”
“One of the best ways you can support my business is by listening to, sharing, and engaging with my clients' podcasts on social media and sharing their shows with friends and family. Support your local podcasts; they are telling the stories that are happening right here in the area where we all live and work. And hey, it's always free to like and share content on social media!”
#StCloudShines
