Broad Topics

In this final episode of Season 3 we recap and reflect on the season's episodes and add insights, updates and share how we've worked to put our own topics into practice! The start of 2021 has been a roller coaster of events, emotions and transitions for many, yet no matter your journey, it's so important to reflect on the growth and learning you've had along the way. So we thought we'd do the same. Tune in for an episode that gets at the core of what Broad Topics is - a space for us to unpack what life throws at us, reflect with grace, and try new things scared. Plus, you'll come away with more questions than answers about deep dish pizza, your bagel personality, and your PB+J process! Also a great episode for: someone just tuning in for the first time, looking for solid intros into each of our episodes, learn what we're ALL about, and then dive into other episodes from here! This episode is sponsored by: @windwood_productions_llc - Windwood helps businesses create unique video and marketing collateral to excite, inform, engage, and grow their target audience. @towerpress - a woman-owned custom printing and design studio specializing in bespoke enamel pins, keychains, packaging, and paper goods For more great content check out: @broadtopicspodcast www.broadencollective.com/podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/broad-topics6/message

We're beyond thrilled to have a fellow broad, #womenowned biz owner, friend, and talented photographer, Sydney Kerbyson join us for this feature episode of the podcast where we learn more about her and her business! As a photographer who focuses on engagements, elopements and weddings, the past year has been a wild ride of helping her couples pivot their plans and still capture their love on that special day Sydney brings energy, thoughtfulness and love to every aspect of her business, and shares all of this with us in this episode! Also in this episode: Her eco-friendly business model, tips for anyone before they head into a photoshoot, and some basic photo editing etiquette! PLUS, just some feel good vibes for anyone who might be camera shy! This episode is sponsored by: @windwood_productions_llc - Windwood helps businesses create unique video and marketing collateral to excite, inform, engage, and grow their target audience. @bonafidegreengoods - Zero-waste products for house and home, based in Concord, NH For more great content check out: @broadtopicspodcast www.broadencollective.com/podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/broad-topics6/message

Self care isn't a new concept, but it's easy to minimize it to something as simple as taking a bubble bath, or having a Netflix-and-chill day at home. While these aren't bad practices, they can often be used as quick fixes, or bandaids to kickstart us back into the hustle, grind or hamster wheel that we're on. No matter whether you own a business or not, hustle culture is no joke, and can make us forget that our worth doesn't have to be linked to how productive or 'successful' we are. In this episode Rachel and Meagan explore this push and pull between productivity and self-worth and how to make space for activities that fill our cups in a consistent and sustainable way. This episode is sponsored by: @windwood_productions_llc - Windwood helps businesses create unique video and marketing collateral to excite, inform, engage, and grow their target audience. @towerpress - a woman-owned custom printing and design studio specializing in bespoke enamel pins, keychains, packaging, and paper goods For more great content check out: @broadtopicspodcast www.broadencollective.com/podcast Article referenced in the episode: https://bit.ly/32Pz0Km --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/broad-topics6/message

Have you ever just had a gut instinct about something? You either know you've got to do something, or maybe something doesn't feel quite right. Sometimes a feeling hits you right in the gut, and you know what you need to do, but other times it isn't so easy. Other factors cloud this intuition - insecurities, other people's expectations, money, our own self doubts (just to name a few..) - and pull into question whether we should trust this voice in our head. Learning to trust your intuition is a delicate balance, and definitely one built over time! This episode is all about ways in which to practice listening to that voice, knowing how to recognize when fear and past narratives might be interfering, and honoring what's right for you! Also in this episode: Why women may hesitate to trust their intuition for fear of being perceived as emotional, rash or uncalculated. Finding your way and pushing past fear: using your instincts to navigate pre-GPS and trying things scared. F#@! politeness - a shoutout to our fave murder podcast (@myfavoritemurder) and trusting your gut when it's time to get out of dodge! This episode is sponsored by: @windwood_productions_llc - Windwood helps businesses create unique video and marketing collateral to excite, inform, engage, and grow their target audience. @bonafidegreengoods - Zero-waste products for house and home, based in Concord, NH For more great content check out: @broadtopicspodcast www.broadencollective.com/podcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/broad-topics6/message

In this episode, we're thrilled to interview Inga Weakly, co-owner of WanderRoll, a Concord, NH based food truck featuring locally inspired Vietnamese styled egg rolls! Delish food. Tales from behind the window of a food truck. Lessons in starting a business. Who doesn't love a good behind-the-scenes peek into the world (and kitchen!) of a local business owner, and all the many adventures she's been on?! We may not be a food podcast yet, but if there's one thing we love more than talking about entrepreneurship, it's food! If you've tuned in before, you've probably heard us mention WanderRoll and their delish egg rolls - so we couldn't resist the opportunity to get Inga behind the mic and have her share more about the WanderRoll's journey. This episode is chocked full with inspiration for getting your wheels turning on your next idea, and a reminder that asking for help from mentors, friends and your community is an important part of any recipe of success! If you haven't given WanderRoll a follow or tried their egg rolls yet, check out their IG for all their upcoming events @wanderrollnh This episode is sponsored by: @windwood_productions_llc - Windwood helps businesses create unique video and marketing collateral to excite, inform, engage, and grow their target audience. @towerpress - a woman-owned custom printing and design studio specializing in bespoke enamel pins, keychains, packaging, and paper goods For more great content check out: @broadtopicspodcast www.broadencollective.com/podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/broad-topics6/message

Did you sprint out of 2020 with more resolutions than you knew what to do with? Or maybe you weren't quite sure how to set new intentions for yourself or your business because the world still felt a little too uncertain. As we round the corner into spring, and Q1 wraps up, now is a great time to reflect, revaluate where your goals are, and do a gut check. We've got just stress-free exercise to get you inspired! In this week's episode, Rachel and Meagan take you through a super practical, yet approachable way to set goals, intentions or even just get the gears turning on what needs shifting in your life. With 8 simple fill-in-the-blank statements, they each came to the table and shared their own goals, both personal and professional, in the hopes it inspires you to do the same. Whether you're a business owner or not, writing down your goals is so important for keeping yourself accountable, and seeing how you've grown! If you're needing a refocus or a simple self reflect, this is the episode for you. This episode is sponsored by: @windwood_productions_llc - Windwood helps businesses create unique video and marketing collateral to excite, inform, engage, and grow their target audience. @towerpress - a woman-owned custom printing and design studio specializing in bespoke enamel pins, keychains, packaging, and paper goods For more great content check out: @broadtopicspodcast www.broadencollective.com/podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/broad-topics6/message

This week marks the midway point in Season 3 of Broad Topics, so we thought we'd celebrate by sharing a smorgasbord of rapid fire 'tiny topics'! If you love tuning in for the tail end of our episodes for our Mini Broad Topics, this is the episode for you. Full of unpopular opinions and odd food combinations this episode is perfect for your ride to work, listening to while you cook or clean, or a great way to unwind after a long day! This minisode is sponsored by: @windwood_productions_llc - Windwood helps businesses create unique video and marketing collateral to excite, inform, engage, and grow their target audience. @broadtopicspodcast www.broadencollective.com/podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/broad-topics6/message

When the clock springs forward an hour and you can't seem to get out of bed, or that idea just doesn't seem to come together, it's easy to get stuck in a mindset that you aren't cut out for whatever you're currently working toward. Imposter syndrome (or phenomenon as psychologist Amy Cuddy likes to call it) can feel like a losing battle, and can be truly isolating. In this weeks episode, Meagan and Rachel chat about when they've had moments of feeling like a fraud, how Zoom has us too focused on our own reflections, and the tiny tweaks we can do to remain confident in those moments of self doubt. Also in this episode: the things we assume everyone has 'all put together' just because one aspect of their life is all shiny and organized. Tune into this episode if you need to give yourself permission to be less self critical and recognize that no one has their $h*t together. This episode is sponsored by: @windwood_productions_llc - Windwood helps businesses create unique video and marketing collateral to excite, inform, engage, and grow their target audience. @bonafidegreengoods - Zero-waste products for house and home, based in Concord, NH For more great content check out: @broadtopicspodcast www.broadencollective.com/podcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/broad-topics6/message

Mother of plants, roller derby deets and navigating what she calls 'the best decade yet' are just a few things we covered in our first interview of Season 3! If you aren't familiar with Penumbra, they're a small womxn-owned business based here in Concord, NH owned by Alison Murphy and Alyssa McClary selling 'plants you can't kill' along with other gifts and wares. When they opened their business in March 2020, their business took a major left turn in a direction they never expected - selling majority plants. With little knowledge about how to keep plants alive, they've learned along the way! In our interview with Alyssa we dive deeper beyond the business to learn more about the other things that brought the pair to where they are today, and how finding a community of like-minded people can truly change the course of things for the better. To learn more about Penumbra, find them on Instagram at: @penumbra.shop This episode is sponsored by: @windwood_productions_llc - Windwood helps businesses create unique video and marketing collateral to excite, inform, engage, and grow their target audience. For more great content check out: @broadtopicspodcast www.broadencollective.com/podcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/broad-topics6/message

Raise your hand if you've ever had to do a group project in school...Yup, we've all been there. Navigating team dynamics, professional and personal relationships, and conflicting expectations are all things that can be made easier with clearer communication! But what makes open communication so hard, and what ingredients make for a good working relationship? Join Rachel and Meagan as they share about their experiences with effective (and not so effective!) communication in the corporate world, tips from Rachel's experience as a trained mediator, and insight from their own dynamic as co-producers and friends. Also on the Episode: If you're a womxn-owned or minority owned business based in the NH capitol region looking to gain some exposure, tune in to hear about an exciting project we're cooking up with our podcast sponsor @windwood_productions_llc This episode is sponsored by: @windwood_productions_llc - Windwood helps businesses create unique video and marketing collateral to excite, inform, engage, and grow their target audience. @towerpress - a woman-owned custom printing and design studio specializing in bespoke enamel pins, keychains, packaging, and paper goods For more great content check out: @broadtopicspodcast www.broadencollective.com/podcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/broad-topics6/message

The concept of self love is far from a novel one. In fact, it's so engrained into our everyday jargon and culture, that sometimes it's feels like it's lost its true impact. It's something we all know we should work on, but how do but this into practice and actually feel it, radically?? There's no doubt everyone (yes, men too!) feels insecure about their looks, shape, size, curves, and so much more - so how do we love ourselves and our bodies in a culture so focused on body image, weight and size? Join us as we take on this vulnerable topic, and unpack our own personal experiences and struggles with body image and health, and share where we are on our journeys to loving ourselves, RADICALLY. While everyone's experience with loving their body is different, judgement of ourselves and others can often be so subtle and nuanced that we don't even realize that it's happening. We hope that by us sharing our unique experiences, it will empower you to reflect on your own personal experiences or provide important insight for loved ones. So, let's kick off Women's History Month celebrating what we love about ourselves, and realizing that while self love shouldn't be a radical concept, but we sure hope you do it radically! Hosted/Produced by Rachel Sotak + Meagan Ferns This episode is sponsored by: @windwood_productions_llc - Windwood helps businesses create unique video and marketing collateral to excite, inform, engage, and grow their target audience. For more great content check out: @broadtopicspodcast www.broadencollective.com/podcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's easy in the world of highlight reels to assume that in order to stack up, you have to be an expert. The truth is, many of us are just learning on the fly, trying our best, and seeing what sticks! This got us thinking, why not share with all of you, a bit about how we got started as podcasters, the challenges we faced on day 1, launch day, and the curve balls we get thrown each week that remind us that we're far from masters. If you've ever been curious about what it takes to start a podcast, and wondered if you have what it takes to start one - this episode is for you! Join us for Episode 2, where you'll hear Meagan and Rachel share all about their journey thus far with Broad Topics, and how to get over that first hump and just do the darn thing. Spoiler alert, just start - a little embarrassment and vulnerability is the cost of entry for anything new and exciting! Hosted/Produced by Rachel Sotak + Meagan Ferns This episode is sponsored in part by: @towerpress - a woman-owned custom printing and design studio specializing in bespoke enamel pins, keychains, packaging, and paper goods For more great content check out: @broadtopicspodcast www.broadencollective.com/podcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We all handle change and transitions differently. There's good change like buying a new house and exciting new relationships, and unpredictable changes like literally everything to do with 2020, being told you're old for your side part (thanks Gen Z), and getting fired from a job you really love. Sometimes when things change (good or bad) it can make us feel insecure, like a buoy in the ocean, floating and adrift. So how do we handle these transitions in a way that helps us feel more anchored? In this first episode of Season 3, you'll hear Meagan and Rachel share two totally different experiences with big transitions - one that involves getting fired, and one that involves starting a new career - and their insight and tips on how to face your own! Hosted/Produced by Rachel Sotak + Meagan Ferns For more great content check out: @broadtopicspodcast www.broadencollective.com/podcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's a stressful time of year, with the holidays approaching, family and work commitments piling up, and all that's happening in the world weighing on us. As women who often feel like we should be able to do it all, saying 'no' doesn't often feel like an option for a lot of us, but in reality it's necessary in order to keep doing what we love!   Tune in to this final episode of Season 2 where we talk all about what really goes into how to say 'no' when we need to, and how to establish boundaries in our work and personal lives so we don't burn out. Plus, enjoy some amazing shares about our halloween costumes throughout the years, and some rapid fire mini Broad Topics to send off this final episode!

We hear the term all the time - that phase in any process, big or small, where the shine has worn off and you've got the buckle down and get your hands dirty. Things get messy. The middle of any journey, project, heck even WEEK (hello hump day!) can be tough, and finding the light at the end of the tunnel a daunting task. Feeling the squeeze of two full moons this month, we thought this was the perfect time to share our own experiences with this phase, both in our personal lives and in our journeys as business owners. Like any hero's journey the middle is a time of growth - so how do we level up, face the challenges in front of us and move into the next stage ahead? All this and more in Episode 7! Hosted/Produced by Rachel Sotak + Meagan Ferns For more great content check out: @broaden.collective broadencollective.com      

Have you ever put on an event, held an IG giveaway or even just been approached about a collaboration, and couldn't help but ask yourself, 'what's in this for me?' In this episode, we're thrilled to have our friend and guest Nora Happny of #JustAskNora, sharing her knowledge on the foundations for strong business collaborations and partnerships that end with both parties feeling great. A Portsmouth, NH native and local influencer who helps lift up local businesses through curated social media video interviews and collaborations, Nora truly knows how to leverage the power of her network, so naturally, we couldn't wait to ask her all of our burning questions and unpack this doozy of a topic. A great follow-up to Ep. 4, which got you all set to start networking, this episode takes it one step farther! Check out Nora on IG: @justasknora Hosted/Produced by Rachel Sotak + Meagan Ferns For more great content check out: @broaden.collective broadencollective.com    

When you wear a million hats, it can be hard to stay motivated, especially when you hit resistance. But what if it's literally your job to motivate and encourage others, to add resistance, and to push through anyway? In this behind the scenes episode with Meagan Ferns, Owner, Founder and Lead Instructor at Strive Indoor Cycling, we pick her brain on how she shows up daily for her riders, and for her business. Especially as women, finding an outlet for our emotions in which we can recharge, let loose or decompress is so critical for feeling centered even when we DO face resistance. For Meagan, it all started in the bike room. Also in this episode: mental health, vulnerability, leadership styles Interested in taking a cycling class with Meagan at Strive? Check out her classes at striveindoorcycling.com Hosted/Produced by Rachel Sotak + Meagan Ferns For more great content check out: @broaden.collective @Meaganferns_ broadencollective.com      

Networking often gets a bad rap. And for good reason - traditional networking events and tactics often feel forced and stale, filled with awkward moments and one-to-many used car salesmen like pitches. As two women who love to network, Meagan and Rachel share how to give networking a second chance, take on a fresh perspective, and just go into it being yourself.   Also in this episode, Rachel shares a story about the importance of relationship building and how one connection has the potential to be a lasting impact on your career and business.   Hosted/Produced by Rachel Sotak + Meagan Ferns   For more great content check out: @broaden.collective broadencollective.com  

Why should you rebrand and how do you know it's the right time? With every season change we all crave a refresh, a deep clean or a new pop of color, but when it comes to your brand, how do you know it's the right time for a change up? This week we changed things up and get a behind the scenes interview with Rachel Sotak about her own rebrand of R.S. Creative and all the steps she took along the way. If you've ever wondered if it was time for your own brand to get a fresh coat of paint, or are curious about the creative process, this is the episode for you!   Hosted/Produced by Rachel Sotak + Meagan Ferns   Interested in a rebrand? Check out Rachel's offerings at rachelsotakcreative.com   For more great content check out: @broaden.collective broadencollective.com

This week we're tackling how self-doubt and comparison can lead to unhealthy competition. Whether you're a business owner or not, feeling like you're in competition with others or have had it thrust upon you, is stressful and can breed tension and unnecessary (sometimes not even real) drama! Whether we want to admit it or not, we've all been there. At some point or another, we've been sucked into that competition bubble and can't seem to escape it. If you're looking to break that cycle, need a little boost in your tires, or want to feel connected to other people who want to foster collaboration over competition, this is the episode for you!   Hosted/Produced by Rachel Sotak + Meagan Ferns   @broaden.collective For more content checkout broadencollective.com

Welcome back to Season 2 of Broad Topics! To kick off this season, we decided it was time to tackle a doozy of a topic: self doubt. These past few months have made us all second guess our choices and ourselves, making it all the harder to be confident in our decisions as business owners, parents, and community members. We all have that inner critic, but don't often share what or 'who' this person really is, and where he/she originates from. In this episode, we dive into the nitty grittys of our own inner voices, how fear and comparison can be roadblocks to our own success, and tips we've learned along the way for how to utilize the comparison we all naturally do as an opportunity to observe and learn in a healthy way. Hosted/Produced by Rachel Sotak + Meagan Ferns For more content checkout broadencollective.com

 It's been a hot minute since our last episode, but this one is a doozy, you don't want to miss! In this episode we bring you stories of matchmaking and finding 'quarantine friends,' and discuss other creative ways in which folks have been breaking quarantine in order to scratch that itch, and find a sense of freedom during this time of rules and restraint. As the weather warms, and things begin to open up it feels like the urge to get outside, break social distancing and just run wild is even stronger. Are some of us scratching that itch and just being secretive about it? Or have others just channeled all that pent up energy into finding their inner baker, gardener, carpenter, hiker, woodworker, champion road cyclist, or are you just tik toking your way through quarantine…? Perhaps this void of physical contact is creating space to explore ourselves on a deeper level - but the question becomes, how do the rules of engagement, consent and boundaries change as things open up more, and how do we start to let people back in to our neatly curated and protected bubbles? Our hope? This episode makes you laugh, helps you get some of your own wiggles out, and help you think about your own steps for breaking free, and what that looks like for you. Also featured in this episode: Carson Mills: A world traveler and history teacher, currently living in Charleston, SC. The Washington Post's article entitled 'I'd pay $50 for a 2-minute hug' by Lisa Bonos @lisabonos Queen's infamous song, 'I Want to Break Free'. Hosted/Produced by Rachel Sotak + Meagan Ferns

How can you grow the exposure of your brand in a way that reaches the right people in the right way? The girls dive into what has worked for them and how they expanded their networks and created opportunities without attending traditional networking events.

Wrapping up our third episode of our mini-pod-launch! Phew! In this episode we look to the future (as best we can!), and share our goals for this podcast, as well as some tips, tricks and resources for you during this crazy quarantine world we're living in. We cover everything from shopping local resources, finance and small business tips, to gratitude and self-care practices, AND when you join our mailing list, we'll send you this Action Plan with all the links and tips in one easy place! Plus now, when our next episode drops, you'll be the first to know ;)

How do you feel connected while Social distancing?

Trying new things while living in this Covid-19 world can be a little weird and scary. Join us as we figure it all out together! There's no  better time to start a new project than when our busy lives come to a fault, am I right?