Hardly Initiated: From Unseen to Unstoppable with I AM Media

Client Background

Hardly Initiated, co-hosted by Tysean Jackson and Ryan Catchings, is a podcast known for bold, unfiltered conversations around faith, relationships, and cultural growth. While their message resonated deeply, their online presence didn’t reflect their impact. With under 10,000 Instagram followers and inconsistent content, they struggled to translate their powerful voice into a compelling digital brand.

The Challenge

Their Instagram Reels lacked structure, clarity, and a consistent brand identity. In a space where presentation matters, Hardly Initiated blended in instead of standing out. The content didn’t match the energy of the podcast, and there was no system in place to grow their audience or drive engagement. They needed more than just good videos—they needed a content engine and a strategy behind it.

Our Solution

At I AM Media, we approached this like a brand transformation from the inside out.

Brand Identity & Visual Storytelling

We kicked things off with a discovery session to align on mission, tone, and target audience. From there, we crafted a bold visual identity: vibrant colors, clean typography, and dynamic edits that made every clip instantly recognizable.

Scalable Content Strategy

We developed a content framework designed for growth—creating 100+ pieces per month, including daily Reels tailored to Instagram’s algorithm. This system allowed the team to show up consistently and focus on what they do best: podcasting.

Ongoing Strategy & Support

We provided continuous consulting on growth strategies, engagement techniques, and performance optimization. From best posting times to storytelling angles, we gave them the tools and structure to scale their brand like a media company.

Done-For-You Execution

Our team managed the entire content production pipeline—editing, formatting, and delivering ready-to-post content. This streamlined the workload and ensured every post met a high standard of quality and alignment.

The Results

• 10K to 100K followers in 8 months
  A 900% increase in audience size through consistent, high-impact content.

  
  

• Viral Reels, every week
  Their short-form content consistently reached hundreds of thousands, building awareness and brand loyalty.

  
  

• A real, recognizable brand
  Hardly Initiated transformed from “just another podcast” into a culturally relevant brand with a distinct look, feel, and message.

  
  

• Stronger community and deeper engagement
  Not just views—comments, shares, and followers who stuck around.

  
  

  
  

Client Testimonial

“Andrew and his team at I AM Media completely transformed our podcast’s presence. We started with under 10,000 followers and no clear direction for our Reels. Now, we’ve hit 100,000 followers, with daily viral content. Their editing is flawless, and their strategic guidance was a game-changer. I’d recommend I AM Media to anyone looking to elevate their brand.”

— Tysean Jackson, Co-Host, Hardly Initiated