We had the good fortune of connecting with Raya Hensler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raya, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
A misconception about podcasting, is how long it takes to start to making money off sponsorships. It is not as simple as buying equipment and talking into a mic saying, “Hey! Listen to me! Pay me because I’m talking!” Most people are not that interesting. I hate to say it, but it’s the truth. You have to know how to capture your audience and keep your brand consistent. I feel like to be a great entertainer, and that’s what you are, an entertainer–you have to be a well rounded person and as authentic as possible. You have to have great conversational skills, be quick-witted and know how to move the conversation along! Most of all, if podcasting is something you’d like to make into a business, remember that working at a start-up company takes time. You will have to be flexible with scheduling, production, technology issues, finances, guests, and everything in between. If it’s something you’re passionate about, the audience can tell and will ride the wave with you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I wanted to host a show I personally would listen to and was interested in, and voila! Coffee Meets Vodka was born. Founded in 2019, the show has been through some changes, but the format has always been the same: relationships and pop culture. It’s true what they say, great things take time. I am SO proud of this show and the vision that continues to be brought to life. If you love pop culture, celebrities and entertainment, reality tv, movies, and regular tv, CMV is the show for you! A lot of people in the past have told me to niche down, but I don’t want to. I want to have a FaceTime conversation with my friends about funny stories, iconic reality tv moments, mental health, dating culture, and everything in between. The world is noisy enough with opinions, negative energy, the price of eggs…I want you to escape for an hour out of your day and brain rot with me. And don’t get it twisted, one thing about me is I AM opinionated, but the fun kind!

I am now in my thirties and feel I have finally found my calling: real estate and podcasting. My background is in sales/marketing and acting. It was a natural progression to turn to podcasting as it’s what I love doing: acting, comedy, marketing, gossiping; and what better way to use those skills than to work for yourself. I always say I didn’t choose the entrepreneur life, it chose me! And while sure, it’s fun to have freedom, the lack of stability keeps me up a night, but also keeps me hungry and makes me push myself a little harder every time I want to quit. I feel like this path that I’m on currently is my calling. Even on my WORST days, I love showing up to the studio and filming a hilariously unhinged episode. It always turns my day around. You have to choose to show up for yourself as an entrepreneur, because there is no one there to tell you you are late, you need to get out of bed, you have to be at this meeting, even if no one is physically counting on you to be there and you are doing everything yourself, show up for yourself like a CEO would for their employee.

Podcasting is really hard…like really hard. It’s a lot of blood, sweat, and tears of putting the time in and money spent and thinking “What if this is waste? What if I don’t have good stories this week? Why would anyone listen to me? What do I have to say that’s different than anyone else? HELLOOOO?? IS ANYONE OUT THERE?!” But they are. People are listening even when you think they’re not. When I get a text or DM about a clip or certain topic I spoke about on an episode, it’s the biggest high ever. I’m like “YOU LISTENED!” and it’s a great feeling to have people finally agree with your opinions as well. I have been told to be less. Be less opinionated, less loud, talk less, and guess what! I found a career path that works for me and guess what else? I’m really good at it. I’m really good at talking. I’m good at listening. I’m actually good at all of the things my whole life people have told me not to be. You have to learn to tune that out and do you’re own thing. When I’m clocked in to the show, it’s my “me” time. I can tune out the world, talk about what I want to talk about, be silly, laugh at myself or with guests, perform, and just escape.

If you’re thinking about starting a podcast for fun, do it! If you’re thinking of starting a podcast to make money as a business and for fun too, also do it! The best part of life is trial and error. You have the ability to wake up everyday and try something new. Chase that dream, quit that job, move to another city, and anything your little heart desires. I think it’s brave to put yourself out there in a positive way, and you shouldn’t listen to people who are too scared to do it for themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love being tour guide Barbie! I’ve recently checked out the new Montrose spot Melrose; loved the vibe. I would take my friend(s) there for pre-dinner drinks, espresso martini’s of course. Then, we would go to Handies Douzo for dinner (sushi, my fave!) then Barbarella to dance the night away because it’s iconic and a Houston staple. The next day we would go to brunch at Traveler’s Table, then have a few brews at the Walking Stick Brewery in Garden Oaks with the dogs, have crawfish at The Boot in The Heights, and then finish the night with some laughs at The Secret Group comedy club in EADO and bar hop around there. Also, I would have to take my friend to an iconic Buc-ee’s location of course.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My team, Taylea Ferguson and Kathy Lam, have really made my vision come to life since the rebrand and adding video in October 2023. Initially Coffee Meets Vodka was audio only as I dreamed of always having video, it was too much for me to chew at once. They have helped me work through the kinks of adding video to my podcast, helped with editing, tech issues, photoshoots, pitching guests and brand partnerships, brainstorming fun ideas or segments for the show, running around the city getting the perfect camera and/or equipment, researching, spent endless hours trying to make the show as “perfect” as possible, and spearheaded our social media strategy. I am so grateful to find talented women who care as much about my project and business as much as I do! Also, the Creator’s Guild HTX production company has been a big help to elevate Coffee Meets Vodka. Working two jobs full time as a Realtor and podcaster, I rely heavily on my team to meet deadlines. It was very hard to give up control in the beginning, but the trust has been built and I’m incredibly blessed and grateful to have the team I do.

Website: https://www.coffeemeetsvodkapod.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffee.meets.vodka/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeemeetsvodka

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeMeetsVodka

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5PgScDRpq1aCu0D0F3g6yT?si=4ecd5ed18460425a
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-meets-vodka-podcast/id1462594470

Available anywhere you get podcasts!

Image Credits
Photographer: Taylea Ferguson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.