EDIT HISTORY | Successful entrepreneurs & creators revisit, review, and roast the content that got them to where they are

If you’ve been creating content online for a while, chances are you’ve got posts from a year ago that make you cringe. 😳 You might be wondering, "Should I just archive or delete this?" You're not alone—every entrepreneur and creator has felt this way, even the most successful ones. On EDIT HISTORY, we dive deep into the journeys of entrepreneurs and creators by revisiting their past content. Together, we explore the pieces they no longer resonate with and unpack the reasons why 👀 Each episode is a case study, where we reexamine old content, share how it could be reinterpreted or revised, and provide actionable insights into what worked, what didn’t, and why it matters. You’ll walk away with practical advice to shape your own content strategy. But it’s not just about content critiques—we’ll also explore how entrepreneurs and creators navigate the insecurities that come with sharing content online. From comparisons and competition to FOMO and self-doubt, we talk about how to push through those challenges, stay true to yourself, and create content that works for your business and reflects your voice. Creating online isn’t easy, but by examining the edit history of successful creators, we’ll learn how to embrace the process, sharpen our craft, and build a content strategy—and life—that we’re proud of ✨✨✨ EDIT HISTORY was previously known as The Side Hustle Club (2023 Golden Crane Award winner) and The Thought Leader Club (2024 Asia Podcast Awards finalist).

214. 200K Followers on Instagram AND TikTok (With just her phone) (Caitanya Tan) 07/29/2025

214. 200K Followers on Instagram AND TikTok (With just her phone) (Caitanya Tan) A lot of us don’t like how we sound. We cringe at our recorded voice. We worry our accent makes us seem less polished, less credible, less worthy of being listened to. Our guest today, Caitanya Tan - or Cait - knows that feeling intimately. As an actress, host, voiceover artist, and content creator with over 200,000 followers on both TikTok AND Instagram, her voice is the tool she’s built her career on… Yet it’s also the thing she’s had to constantly adjust, explain, and defend. In today’s conversation, we explore what it means to represent your people, why Singaporeans often feel invisible in global media, and how embracing your voice (literally and metaphorically) can become your most powerful creative tool. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introduction (01:21) Cait’s voice (02:57) Pressure to sound less Singaporean (04:45) How Cait learned to speak (06:35) Singlish isn’t represented (08:16) Cait’s past content (10:14) Feeling embarrassed by your accent or voice (15:03) Authenticity and using your voice (16:29) Cait’s insecurities (18:13) Not trying because you’re scared (21:43) Assumptions about Cait’s success (25:20) Cait’s morning routine (27:16) Doing everything with just a phone (27:58) Singaporean podcasts (33:31) Actionable Takeaways Connect with Caitanya Tan Instagram: TikTok: Website: Connect with Cheryl Lau Website: YouTube: Instagram: LinkedIn: ANNOTATIONS - The Newsletter The edits that got cut from the podcast. Every interview on EDIT HISTORY runs about 60 minutes. But less than 40 minutes makes it into the final cut. This newsletter is where the rest live. ANNOTATIONS is where I share the 33% I left behind — and the insights that came after we stopped recording. Subscribe at: Contact Please email for business inquiries. /episode/index/show/cheryllau/id/37567665

213. She wanted to quit… Now her YouTube has 200K subscribers (Laurie Wang) 07/24/2025

Answering Your Deepest & Weirdest Questions (Podcaster Q&A) 07/18/2025

212. There wasn't a stage for my story, so I built my own (Anna Ong) 06/30/2025

212. There wasn't a stage for my story, so I built my own (Anna Ong) Most people think storytelling is about making yourself look good. But today’s guest believes the opposite. Anna Ong is the founder of What’s Your Story Slam (Singapore’s longest-running live storytelling show) and a global storytelling coach who’s helped over 300 leaders become impossible to ignore. But before any of that, Anna spent 15 years in banking, hoping her work would speak for itself. It didn’t. What did she learned instead? Great ideas don’t win. Great storytellers do. After leaving the corporate world, Anna started to build What’s Your Story Slam from the ground up after NOT being able to find the stage she needed, so, she created it. In this episode, we explore why her show only welcomes stories that are raw, vulnerable, and real, not polished TED Talks or humblebrags. So, if you’ve ever said “I don’t have a story,” or wondered if your everyday moments matter, this is the conversation for you. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introduction (01:51) Telling stories that show your flaws (03:10) What’s Your Story Slam (06:06) Telling stories to impress (09:42) Humble bragging (15:23) The impact of storytelling (19:59) A storytelling stage built in Asia (26:26) Anna’s past content (31:29) AI and storytelling (35:16) A story Anna is working on (39:35) Actionable takeaways Connect with Anna Ong LinkedIn: YouTube: Website: Connect with Cheryl Lau Website: YouTube: Instagram: LinkedIn: ANNOTATIONS - The Newsletter The edits that got cut from the podcast. Every interview on EDIT HISTORY runs about 60 minutes. But less than 40 minutes makes it into the final cut. This newsletter is where the rest live. ANNOTATIONS is where I share the 33% I left behind — and the insights that came after we stopped recording. Subscribe at: Contact Please email for business inquiries. /episode/index/show/cheryllau/id/37174430

211. How I built a career and spoke at Ivy League schools from my body of work (Dr. Gertrude Nonterah) 06/24/2025

211. How I built a career and spoke at Ivy League schools from my body of work (Dr. Gertrude Nonterah) Sometimes, silence comes at a cost. It shows up in missed job offers, overlooked talents, and years spent waiting for recognition that never arrives. Dr. Gertrude Nonterah grew up in a culture where you weren’t supposed to promote yourself - you waited for others to notice your brilliance. But after losing her job in 2018, she realized that hard work wasn’t enough. If she didn’t learn to speak up and share her story, she’d keep getting passed over. Today, Dr. G is the founder of The Bold PhD, where she helps graduate students and PhDs navigate careers beyond academia. She’s a medical communications professional with a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology, and she has built a body of work that speaks for itself. In this episode of EDIT HISTORY, Dr. G shares what it really takes to build a career and a personal brand, especially when life doesn’t go to plan. From freelancing as a survival strategy to landing speaking gigs at Ivy Leagues, her story is a powerful reminder: Your consistency is your credibility. And if you’ve ever felt behind, discouraged, or tempted to give up, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introduction (02:05) Being passed over for opportunities (04:41) Work ethic isn’t enough (06:16) Feeling helpless amidst unfair circumstances (11:18) Regaining power over your situation (15:27) Building a body of work (20:19) Not quitting = reliability (23:26) Insecurities Dr. G faced (29:39) Your content is helping people (34:22) Reviewing Dr. G’s past content (41:14) Take back control of your outcomes (45:45) Actionable takeaways Connect with Dr. Gertrude Nonterah Website: Instagram: YouTube: LinkedIn: Newsletter: Connect with Cheryl Lau Website: YouTube: Instagram: LinkedIn: ANNOTATIONS - The Newsletter The edits that got cut from the podcast. Every interview on EDIT HISTORY runs about 60 minutes. But less than 40 minutes makes it into the final cut. This newsletter is where the rest live. ANNOTATIONS is where I share the 33% I left behind — and the insights that came after we stopped recording. Subscribe at: Contact Please email for business inquiries. /episode/index/show/cheryllau/id/37130745

210. 5 Non-conventional things successful podcasters do differently 06/09/2025

209. How I've built a meaningful online business & community (Jennifer Van Alstyne) 06/02/2025

209. How I've built a meaningful online business & community (Jennifer Van Alstyne) Most people start building an online presence with one goal in mind: to be seen. To grow an audience, promote their work, and build credibility.But over time, that purpose often shifts. For those who stick with it, who keep showing up with intention, an online presence can become something far more meaningful. It becomes a platform to advocate for the things that truly matter. In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Van Alstyne to talk about what it means to create content that goes beyond visibility. Jennifer is the owner of The Academic Designer LLC, and she empowers professors to feel confident showing up online through website design, social media, and bio writing. Because ultimately, your platform isn’t just about you. It can be a powerful tool for change, if you choose to use it that way. This is a conversation about advocacy, community, and the courage it takes to keep showing up, with your values at the center. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introduction (01:40) Showing up after hate comments and going viral (06:11) Reviewing Jennifer’s past content (09:24) Developing your character as an entrepreneur (12:56) Separating personal challenges from business (16:34) Finding community online (20:58) Realizing you are making an impact via your content (24:38) Low engagement and small audience size (28:44) Changes amidst AI (31:39) Safety vs AI (36:24) The meaning behind your work (40:30) Actionable Takeaways Connect with Jennifer van Alstyne Website: Website: Work with Jennifer: LinkedIn: Bluesky: Threads: Instagram: YouTube: Spotify: Facebook: X: Connect with Cheryl Lau Website: YouTube: Instagram: LinkedIn: ANNOTATIONS - The Newsletter The edits that got cut from the podcast. Every interview on EDIT HISTORY runs about 60 minutes. But less than 40 minutes makes it into the final cut. This newsletter is where the rest live. ANNOTATIONS is where I share the 33% I left behind — and the insights that came after we stopped recording. Subscribe at: Contact Please email for business inquiries. /episode/index/show/cheryllau/id/36785060

208. How I built my thought leader business & brand (Simone Heng) 05/19/2025

208. How I built my thought leader business & brand (Simone Heng) There’s a reason most people never become known for their thought leadership. It’s not because they lack ideas… But because they haven’t done the work to build their credibility or subject matter expertise. Today’s guest is Simone Heng, a human connection specialist and award-winning author. Simone’s mission is to inspire deeper connection in a world that’s increasingly disconnected. Her book Let’s Talk About Loneliness has received six international accolades. She’s also spoken to thousands (ex: Harvard, Google, Meta, the United Nations, and more), and her work has been featured by CNN, Al Jazeera, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and BBC Radio. Simone built her career in thought leadership not through shortcuts, but through years of intentional work - Educating herself, building a credible brand, and publishing ideas that are not only polished, but profound. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to play the long game in a world that rewards speed… This is the conversation. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introduction (01:57) “I’ve never seen an Asian woman speak like that” (03:13) Developing a subject matter expertise (07:17) Choosing your topic of expertise (09:20) Being told to hide parts of you (10:41) The behind the scenes work (12:36) Your story isn’t enough (16:09) Do you need a PhD to be a thought leader? (22:24) Reviewing Simone’s past content (26:52) Become a speaker or author (30:49) What’s next for Simone (35:43) Actionable Takeaways Connect with Simone Heng Instagram: LinkedIn: Website: Thought Leaders Now: Connect with Cheryl Lau Website: YouTube: Instagram: LinkedIn: ANNOTATIONS - The Newsletter The edits that got cut from the podcast. Every interview on EDIT HISTORY runs about 60 minutes. But less than 40 minutes makes it into the final cut. This newsletter is where the rest live. ANNOTATIONS is where I share the 33% I left behind — and the insights that came after we stopped recording. Subscribe at: Contact Please email for business inquiries. /episode/index/show/cheryllau/id/36575355

207. My voice was never the problem (Speaking up as creators & entrepreneurs) (Jam Gamble) 05/05/2025

207. My voice was never the problem (Speaking up as creators & entrepreneurs) (Jam Gamble) There’s a moment when we’re taught to quiet ourselves. Maybe someone said they couldn’t understand your accent. Maybe you were told you were “too much.” Or maybe something happened that made you start playing small just to stay safe. And so your voice - your real voice - gets buried under layers of doubt, conditioning, and fear… But what happens when you decide you’re done with that? Today’s guest is Jam Gamble, an educator, award-winning media personality, and one of the fiercest advocates for vocal empowerment I’ve ever met. She’s the CEO behind Slay The Mic, a program that helps speakers, content creators, and entrepreneurs transform how they use their voice. In this episode, we talk about reclaiming your voice after it’s been silenced, why your story is more powerful than you think, and how giving yourself permission to be heard might just be the most pivotal thing you do. Because somewhere out there, someone is waiting for you to go first. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introduction (01:39) Who’s Your Kanye? (Framework) (03:04) Who was Jam’s Kanye? (05:30) 3 Types of Kanye (08:40) Acknowledging the elephant in the room (11:42) Resonating with your audience (14:47) Reclaiming your voice (23:56) Reviewing Jam’s past content (31:39) Vocal roadblocks (32:41) Speaking with an accent (36:31) You ARE the example (41:38) Actionable Takeaways Connect with Jam Gamble Instagram: Website: Connect with Cheryl Lau Website: YouTube: Instagram: LinkedIn: ANNOTATIONS - The Newsletter The edits that got cut from the podcast. Every interview on EDIT HISTORY runs about 60 minutes. But less than 40 minutes makes it into the final cut. This newsletter is where the rest live. ANNOTATIONS is where I share the 33% I left behind — and the insights that came after we stopped recording. Subscribe at: Contact Please email for business inquiries. /episode/index/show/cheryllau/id/36434245

206. How I built a newsletter with 7,000+ subscribers (and growing) (Dexter Zhuang) 04/21/2025

206. How I built a newsletter with 7,000+ subscribers (and growing) (Dexter Zhuang) As creators, many of us start with a hunch, a curiosity, or a simple “let’s see where this goes.” Today’s guest, Dexter Zhuang, embodies this experimental mindset. He’s the founder of Portfolio Path and a fractional product leader who’s spent the last 12 years leading teams across the U.S., Southeast Asia, and Latin America at companies like Dropbox and Xendit. In 2023, Dexter launched Money Abroad—a newsletter exploring personal finance for expats—as an experiment. Over time, it evolved into Portfolio Path, an education platform that helps high-performers grow their portfolio careers and manage their money with intention. Today, Portfolio Path reaches over 7,000 subscribers. Along the way, Dexter has leaned into audience surveys, embraced feedback, and navigated the common insecurities that come with publishing your ideas publicly. In this episode, we unpack that journey—from testing an idea to building something that resonates deeply with a growing community. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introduction (02:02) Starting a newsletter as an experiment (06:11) Pivoting the newsletter (11:10) Reviewing Dexter’s past content (16:26) Insecurities when building the newsletter (20:49) Content is a stepping stone for the audience (23:24) Conducting surveys with your audience (30:52) Underrated parts of building a newsletter (37:26) Actionable Takeaways Connect with Dexter Zhuang Newsletter: Website: LinkedIn: Connect with Cheryl Lau Website: YouTube: Instagram: LinkedIn: ANNOTATIONS - The Newsletter The edits that got cut from the podcast. Every interview on EDIT HISTORY runs about 60 minutes. But less than 40 minutes makes it into the final cut. This newsletter is where the rest live. ANNOTATIONS is where I share the 33% I left behind — and the insights that came after we stopped recording. Subscribe at: Contact Please email for business inquiries. /episode/index/show/cheryllau/id/36218165

205. What’s Working, What’s Changing, and What I’m Testing Right Now (Apr 2025) 04/14/2025

204. I'm focused on doing better and being better as an entrepreneur (Janice Tee) 04/07/2025

203. Haters and clients made me want to quit my business, but I kept going (Dielle Charon) 03/31/2025

203. Haters and clients made me want to quit my business, but I kept going (Dielle Charon) Have you ever thought about quitting your business? Not just in a fleeting moment of frustration, but in a deep, overwhelming way—when the pressure feels unbearable? Maybe it’s the unexpected challenges piling up all at once. Maybe it’s the clients who are unhappy but won’t say why. Or maybe, it’s the strangers online who seem to have an opinion about everything you do. Our guest today, Dielle Charon, knows this feeling firsthand. She’s built a 7-figure business, helped over 300 clients, and grown a podcast with over 150,000 downloads. But even at the height of her success, she’s faced harsh criticism from people who don’t even know her, difficult moments with clients, and personal challenges that made her question everything. On this episode of EDIT HISTORY, Dielle shares how she’s navigated these moments, built resilience, and continued to create a business that matters—not just for her bank account, but for the clients and community she serves. If you’ve ever felt like quitting, this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introduction (01:15) A rough 2024 in business & life (04:23) The downside of sharing your struggles (07:35) Putting coaches on a pedestal (10:00) Reviewing Dielle’s past content (12:50) Haters can’t take your business out (16:04) Dielle did a livestream with a hater (19:33) Learning from criticism (22:21) Not showing up when things felt hard (26:11) The “business rules” that coaches box themselves into (31:40) Comparisons & jealousy (35:13) Your job is racist (39:57) Actionable Takeaways Connect with Cheryl Lau Website: YouTube: Newsletter: Instagram: LinkedIn: Connect with Dielle Charon Website IG Podcast Youtube Free Resource for Podcasters THE PODCAST CONTENT AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work - Audit 9 different parts of your podcast content strategy - Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your podcast apart from the rest Get the Audit here: Contact Please email for business inquiries. /episode/index/show/cheryllau/id/35916245

202. What I did to become known for my expertise (Shine with Natasha) 03/19/2025

201. The content I posted to build authority (Latasha James) 03/03/2025

201. The content I posted to build authority (Latasha James) The truth is, authority isn’t given; it’s built. It happens when you keep showing up, refining your message, and sharing what you know, even when self-doubt creeps in. Authority isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about taking up space, speaking up, and leading the conversation instead of waiting for permission. But most entrepreneurs and creators never reach that moment because they’re too busy second-guessing themselves. This is the premise for this episode of EDIT HISTORY. Our guest is Latasha James, the Founder and Creative Director of James + Park Creative. She is also the host of the award-winning Freelance Friday Podcast and has taught thousands of people to start and grow their businesses through her courses and content. So. If you’ve ever wondered whether your content is “good enough,” or whether you have what it takes to become the go-to person in your space—this is the episode for you. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introduction (01:51) How do you know when you’ve built authority? (05:14) Insecurities as a creator (07:07) Showing up in spite of your insecurities (10:39) Reviewing Latasha’s past content (16:48) Resonating with your audience by being relatable (18:37) The formula for success as a content creator (21:44) Content that felt out of alignment (25:17) “Authority” content (31:39) Hesitating to share your viewpoint (36:32) How do you know if you’re in the right direction? (38:46) Actionable Takeaways Connect with Cheryl Lau Website: YouTube: Newsletter: Instagram: LinkedIn: Connect with Latasha James Website: YouTube: Instagram: Free Resource for Podcasters THE PODCAST CONTENT AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work - Audit 9 different parts of your podcast content strategy - Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your podcast apart from the rest Get the Audit here: Contact Please email for business inquiries. /episode/index/show/cheryllau/id/35508720

200. What’s Working, What’s Changing, and What I’m Testing Right Now (Feb 2025) 02/24/2025

199. Most brands don’t last - Here's what I'm doing to stay relevant (Jasmine Haitalani) 02/17/2025

198. People had a lot to say about me, but I showed up online anyways (Susan Hyatt) 02/10/2025

198. People had a lot to say about me, but I showed up online anyways (Susan Hyatt) There’s a moment we all face—the hesitation before hitting ‘post.’ The fear of saying the wrong thing. The pressure to appear polished, professional, perfect. But what does it really take to show up online—not just to be seen, but to be fully yourself? Our guest, Susan Hyatt, knows this better than most. She built her business in the Wild West of social media—back when MySpace ruled and Facebook was invite-only. At first, she played by the rules: look the part, say the right things, avoid ruffling feathers. But the moment she stopped filtering herself? Everything changed. So, if fear has ever held you back from speaking up, showing up, or building the life you actually want—this episode might just change the way you see yourself. Let’s dive in. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introduction (1:15) Imposing rules on how you can show up online (5:35) What authenticity looks like (10:36) Vulnerability hangover (11:47) The work behind showing up audaciously (14:34) People’s opinions of you (19:02) Judging others online (21:04) Envying others online (26:50) Cheryl’s favorite content from Susan (28:40) How women hold themselves back from showing up online (30:46) Professionalism (32:16) Being willing to try (36:38) Letting opportunities slip right past you (40:28) NOT letting opportunities slip right past you (44:50) Actionable takeaways Connect with Cheryl Lau Website: YouTube: Newsletter: Instagram: LinkedIn: Connect with Susan Hyatt Website: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Podcast: You’ve Got Nerve Free Resource for Podcasters THE PODCAST CONTENT AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work - Audit 9 different parts of your podcast content strategy - Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your podcast apart from the rest Get the Audit here: Contact Please email for business inquiries. /episode/index/show/cheryllau/id/35188330

197. I'm a podcast marketing expert, but I quit my show after 6 months... (Jeremy Enns) 01/27/2025

197. I'm a podcast marketing expert, but I quit my show after 6 months... (Jeremy Enns) As an entrepreneur or content creator, there’s always pressure to focus on what makes “strategic business sense.” But what happens when those so-called “smart” decisions start to feel anything but right? In this episode, Jeremy Enns shares his journey through podcasting and business strategy. We revisit his business-aligned podcast that ultimately felt more like an obligation than an authentic creative outlet. Jeremy also discusses how quitting business projects that no longer serve you can lead to greater clarity, allowing you to focus on what truly resonates with your evolving identity and grows your business as a result. Tune in to hear how quitting the wrong projects can unlock success in both your creative process and business strategy. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introduction (01:42) Podcasts in Jeremy’s Business (03:18) Past podcasts vs current podcasts (06:27) Forcing yourself to keep podcasting (09:06) When a misaligned podcast still grows your business (13:24) Reviewing Jeremy’s past content (15:56) Artistry vs Strategy (20:03) What Jeremy did right (24:59) Archiving misaligned content (27:16) AI vs podcasters (32:55) Actionable takeaways Connect with Cheryl Lau Website: YouTube: Newsletter: Instagram: LinkedIn: Connect with Jeremy Enns Website: Twitter: LinkedIn Free Podcast Marketing Audit: Scrappy Podcasting Newsletter: Podcast Marketing Trends Explained: Roast My Podcast: Free Resource for Podcasters THE PODCAST CONTENT AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work - Audit 9 different parts of your podcast content strategy - Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your podcast apart from the rest Get the Audit here: Contact Please email for business inquiries. /episode/index/show/cheryllau/id/34820820

196. I wanted to look professional & impress people (Rae Fung) 01/20/2025

195. I don't post content consistently but still make sales in my business (Ruby Lin) 01/13/2025

195. I don't post content consistently but still make sales in my business (Ruby Lin) Can you *really* grow your business and sign clients without being consistent on social media? And if consistency isn’t the answer, what is? Ruby Lin, a sales mastery coach, shares how authenticity trumps consistency when growing your online coaching business. Reflecting on her rapid business growth, she emphasizes that strong sales skills, not daily content, helped her sign clients and grow her coaching business. We also revisited one of Ruby’s past Instagram videos and discussed how her content has evolved as Ruby matured as an entrepreneur. Tune in to learn how you can grow your business, even if staying consistent feels challenging. In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introduction (01:50) Inconsistency in Ruby’s content (03:27) Growing the business despite being inconsistent (05:24) Creating 10k in the first 90 days (09:24) Different stages of Ruby’s business (12:40) Prioritizing Instagram (16:27) Who LinkedIn is for (and NOT for) (20:17) Novelty creates consistency (21:48) Reviewing Ruby’s past content (28:43) Commenting on Ruby’s past content (30:17) Bashing on your industry (33:23) Critiquing your industry (36:40) Advantages of taking your time (38:32) Experimentation (40:40) Being proud of your work (42:21) Being a hidden gem (45:05) Actionable takeaways (48:27) Free resource for entrepreneurs Connect with Cheryl Lau Website: YouTube: Newsletter: Instagram: LinkedIn: Connect with Ruby Lin Newsletter: [Private] Podcast: Instagram: Free Resource for Podcasters THE PODCAST CONTENT AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work - Audit 9 different parts of your podcast content strategy - Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your podcast apart from the rest Get the Audit here: Contact Please email for business inquiries. /episode/index/show/cheryllau/id/34814935