Sugar and Spikes

As each day goes by, we are all living in a world that gets weirder, more confusing, and infinitely more stressful. And, boundaries during this time are much more than staying six feet apart. As our new reality sets in, we all need to begin to understand what that means for our personal and professional relationships.

In the second quarantine induced episode, Dez and Tammy look at why we’re all reacting the way we are and how to manage those reactions so you can maybe get out of this situation with your relationships and professional obligations semi-intact. Because, let’s be real, nothing is going back to normal.

Back from an unexpected hiatus for an unexpected episode, Dez and Tammy talk about coping skills to navigate some of the most unexpected circumstances ever. For so many who work as entrepreneurs or in small businesses, times feel uncertain and stressful AF—more than any of us can remember. Here are a few things you can do to get through it.

This episode is for anyone who has left a meeting, ended a project, or been in a situation where you felt like it couldn’t have gone worse. After all, sometimes things don’t go according to plan, and sometimes they go worse than you could even imagine. What do you do then? As a followup to the previous episode, Dez and Tammy chat through Tammy’s experience with a large work presentation that went a direction absolutely no one saw coming. We break down the process of how to get through the initial shock, how to process emotions, and how to manage negative outcomes in a professional way that can pave the road for future growth.

Whether you have a corporate gig, are an entrepreneur, or some combination of the two, there will come a time when a project comes up that you care deeply about; and for as exciting as that is, it can also feel too big and terrifying. This week, Dez and Tammy talk about walking through that process and how to navigate the difficult thoughts and emotions that can come along even when something is positive.

This week, Dez and Tammy welcome a special surprise guest, and Dez drops a surprise on everyone about a very big life change happening and you won’t believe their reactions. In this episode we’re covering how to know when you’re ready to make a big change, things to think about, and how to jump in because in many cases it will never be the right time, but it may just be perfect.

The holidays can be a time of fun and joy but for so many there’s a thousand added pressures and tasks. And if you're not so thrilled about it all, you're not alone. In this special holiday inspired episode, Dez and Tammy talk about how to manage the anxiety and overwhelmed feelings that come with navigating the added pressures of holiday expectations-whether they’re from yourself, your family, or society as a whole so you can find some moments to enjoy the season, however that looks for you.

In this special season opener episode, Dez and Tammy set the tone for the new season. This episode the two discuss transitions in life, your brand, work, and how to navigate being multi passionate and driven while not getting burnt out. We’re also talking about why trusting the process of burnout is important if and when it happens and why goals may actually be hurting your progress.

In this episode, Dez talks about fear and not only how it can derail your progress but also the lessons that can be learned by listening to the fear. You’ll learn how to use fear as a guiding light as you progress in growing your brand and business, how to make fear a little less scary, and one of the most important things to remember when you’re scared of putting your content or products out into the world.

In this interim episode, Dez dives into three key mistakes the Sugar and Spikes team made over the last two seasons and discusses in detail what to watch out for so you don’t let mistakes keep you from rallying and how to process the lessons learned in a way that helps you rise up stronger than before. This episode is for you if you find yourself dwelling on things you think you “should have” done and know that mindset is keeping you from doing things you want to do

In this special episode of Sugar and Spikes, Dez, our resident serial content creator, talks about why content still reigns as a way to build your personal and professional brand, the pros and cons of a couple content strategies, and how to do content in a way that not only works for you but will help you connect with your audience on a whole different level. Give this episode a listen if you’re constantly trying o figure out what to write/podcast/vlog/or post about. Because the only way your message will get out is if you put it out there.

This week kicks off a special Sugar and Spikes solo series where we’re kicking it old school—it’s just Dez and a mic! Dez sits down and talks about the 5 key lessons she’s learned over the course of the last couple years while making this podcast thing work while also you know, working and living life. This is a great episode for any content creator, side hustler, or entrepreneur if you’re thinking of starting something new, be it launching a podcast, starting a blog, diving into YouTube, or kicking off any new form of content to get your message to those that need it.

Over 100 episodes and two years later, Dez and Tammy chat about the fact that procrastination around creating is something most people will deal with while they’re making something, and how to handle it to keep the momentum going so you can create something that can stand the test of time. If you’ve ever judged yourself for putting something off or feeling overwhelmed at what may seem like the easiest things, you need to listen to this episode. This is your chance to learn why that happens and how to face it head on so you can increase your productivity and make the things you’re dreaming of making.

This is THE episode to listen to if you’re an entrepreneur or have a side hustle and feel like you’re in a constant cycle of excitement and and discouragement while trying achiever goals and ambitions. Dez and Tammy not only chat about why it feels like a roller coaster of emotions but also share some quick tips on WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT so you can actually use this cycle as s stepping stone rather than stumbling block to reach your goals.

In this episode, Dez and Tammy revisit the topic of emotional intelligence and how that connects to professional growth over time, using emotional intelligence in the multitude of roles you take on day in and day out, and why emotional intelligence is a cornerstone of healthy and professional boundaries. If the lines between work, family, friends, and life are seeming a bit blurry, this episode will help you see things through a whole new lens so you can step up, embrace where you’re at, and move forward in a powerful and unforgettable way—even on the rough and hard to get through days.

In this episode Dez and Tammy talk about how to shift the cycle of distracting and impulsive decision making to use your inspiration from a place of insightfulness so you can be intentional about the choices you’re making and the direction you’re going in business, life, and whatever else you have going on.

In the second installment of Talk Nerdy To Me, Dez and Tammy give listeners an easy to understand overview of emotional intelligence, what it is, what it isn’t and why having it is key to professional development as you climb the corporate ladder or build your business. If emotional intelligence is new to you or your looking for ways to develop your skills, give this episode a listen so you can (possibly) be the most emotionally intelligent person in the room.

Sometimes the most dangerous situation to be in is when you feel like you’re managing it all and not in tune with or looking forward to possible changes in situations or how you’re handling it all. Developing the self-awareness to manage stress, emotions, and all of your responsibilities day in and day out is one of the hardest things to learn but it’s absolutely essential. It’s up to you, enter the storm unaware or do the work to be prepared.

In this episode, Dez and Tammy talk about the different types of attachment! Secure, Ambivalent, Avoidant, Disordered. What do they mean? How does it apply to business, communication, and how you get things done? You'll have to listen and find out! Oh, and here is the "Strange Situation" video Dez and Tammy mention early on in the episode.

As a follow up from Podcasting Basics, the Sugar and Spikes team is taking a moment to give you truly actionable tips, tricks, and insights about podcast art basics. How do you start to design one, what are important things to consider, what other promotional images do you need, what even is an audiogram, when do you bring in an actual designer, and things we’ve learned after running this show for nearly two years are all covered. If you’re just starting out or looking to up your podcast design game, this episode is for you.

This episode is for anyone who wants to make a change but feels like they’re too stuck in their current career, industry, or educational path to make the leap. You can change your mind about your path at any time, and our special guest this week, Noelle Johnson, founder of My Interview Buddy shares they key steps she helps clients walk through as they make some of the biggest and scariest changes of their lives and come out thriving. If you’re thinking it’s time for a change, you’ve gotta give this episode a listen!

This week, Dez and Tammy talk about the different ways you can level up personally and professionally, how to realize you are leveling up even when it doesn’t feel that way, setting and embracing new standards, and holding yourself accountable to the new you.

Everyone says that to grow you have to get out of your comfort zone. That’s true. But sometimes, you can get out of one comfort zone while relying on another. Like everything else, growth isn’t black and white or all or nothing. This week, Dez and Tammy chat about how they’ve tested out growing personally and professionally, and why growth may be easier than you think.

This week, Tammy couldn't be here so Dez asked Sugar + Spikes' graphic designer and podcast editor Dean to come on and talk a little shop. Topics include starting from scratch, podcasting styles, editing tools, and growing your content. This will be on the final, and attendance counts!

This week, Dez and Tammy discuss: Boundaries 2.0—not for the faint of heart. What the next level of boundaries looks like, why it’s not what you think, and how to let your personal and professional boundaries grow so you can take navigated your world as a multi-faceted and multi-passionate boss. Stepping up, owning your ideas, and navigating how to embrace professional development to be respected in your field. Why mentorship is essential at every stage in your business journey, and how to navigate being a mentor and being mentored.

This week, Dez and Tammy talk about that old saying, and why your decisions today may seem strange to the you of a few years ago. Is the path you're on going where you want or need to go? Sometimes it's necessary to examine your path to decide whether it's still the one you should be on. 

There are a million different ways the universe can swoop in and pull the rug out from under you. No matter how it goes down, you’re going to need help. In this episode Dez and Tammy speak to different types of experiences when they called in reinforcements, to get the job done. And in a rare twist of fate, Tammy gets personal and Dez keeps it totes profesh. Learn how the two navigates the storms and how you can call in help so you can take the space you need to keep everything going and be the super human you are.

From product launches to community management, everything in business requires a certain amount of passion. But what about when the spark isn’t there? How do you know if it’s just a moment of boredom or time to walk away? And if it is time to say goodbye to something, how do you do that with professional integrity? Listen to this week’s episode to find out how to manage that awkward dance so you and your business can thrive.

Dez and Tammy talk a lot about work life integration, but this week we're looking at the flip side of it because work doesn't stop even though sometimes you wish it would! Inspired by true events, they discuss how to know when to take a necessary break due to external influences and share some skills to manage your emotions when you've still got to get the job done. It may not be the healthiest option, and sometimes it's the only one.

Being able to grow from your daily experience is key to stepping up as the leader you’re made to be. Sometimes that means learning lessons that are so clear they slap you in the face, other times that means looking back and simply asking “what would I do differently next time?”

Running your own business is one of the biggest adventures you can take on, but Dez and Tammy got the inside scoop from some great guides at FinFoundHer. This week’s episode recorded ON LOCATION at EvolveHer during FinFoundHer will give you a taste of the event's great content about what every female founder needs to know to brave that wilderness. Don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Throughout the month of May, we're donating a dollar for every review to Project Semicolon. Learn more at www.projectsemicolon.com

You need things. Everyone does. But asking people is stressful. What if they say no? This week Dez and Tammy talk about assertiveness, dissatisfaction, and how to take no for an answer while still making progress. Don't forget to check out FinFoundHer, May 17–18! FinFoundHer provides experiential learning events and small group experiences for women entrepreneurs at all stages of the fundraising process. Attend in person or via livestream for one or both days and get $25 off your registration with the promo code SUGARFFH25! Learn more and register at www.finfoundher.com. Also, let's get some iTunes reviews! We really want to donate a bunch as possible to Project Semicolon, and every review during the month of May means another dollar towards their mission of reducing the incidents of suicide in the world through connected community and greater access to information and resources. Learn more about Project Semicolon at projectsemicolon.com.

To officially kick off Mental Health Awareness month Dez and Tammy discuss whether or not it's possible to be too positive, if so, what that could do to your psyche and business, and a different perspective to try on for size. 

Listicles. You know 'em, you love 'em, and deep down you hate them because secretly you know they are all the same after a while. This week Dez and Tammy try to prove that out by reading the name of an article from Entrepreneur and giving their best guesses about the wisdom within. Give this episode a listen to find out just how wrong (or right) they were, and whether the suggestions are worthwhile or not. Dez's guesses: Wake up early Exercise Delegate Read Create Listen to podcasts or audiobooks Disconnect Avoid time-sucks like TV Know and make time for priorities Tammy's guesses: Wake up early Don't take no for an answer Stay up on market trends and their industry—never stop learning Stay organized and deliberate about actions Invest in self—exercise Set big but realistic goals Keep at it despite setbacks Create a strong network of competent people and listen to them (can include therapy) Know when to accept something that isn't working and move on

This week Dez and Tammy talk about why it’s important to take ownership of your mental health at work and how to handle it professionally with your team and clients. Because sometimes everyone needs a mental health day (or moment).

This week Dez and Tammy talk about how hard it can be to take a break, the way our brains trick us to getting back to work, and how to actually embrace down time.

You did it! The thing you've been working toward for 3 months? 3 years? Now what? On to the next thing, I guess. This episode is for anyone who finds themselves jumping from project to project without ever acknowledging everything they’ve accomplished and why having some sort of hobby is actually a necessity.

In this week’s very fresh episode, Dez and Tammy talk about knowing what you know vs what other people know and how to use it as your super power (even when you feel repetitive AF).

This week, Dez and Tammy read a list of "Phrases You'll Hear Effective Leaders Say" and discuss whether leaders should actually use them or not. Also, We couldn't have done this episode without you. 

This week, Dez and Tammy talk about goals. When you just can't, what can you do? See also, "done is better than perfect".

FACT: Contrary to popular belief, it’s not normal to feel 100% shiny and happy 100% of the time. This week Dez and Tammy talk about negative feelings, how to deal with them, and why they may actually be helpful and not a diagnosis.

This week, Tammy and Dez talk about why we missed a week as well as getting back into the swing of things. Plus, our own podcast lists, because podcasts are cool!

Dez and Tammy sat down to re-record the second half of what would have been a rather long episode before it got cut off. This week, they discussed what to actually do about chronic burnout (aka millennial burnout). Full of quick tips to manage making it all happen, this episode is one you don’t want to miss!

Millennial burnout—it's not just for millennials anymore! Dez and Tammy talk about the idea of Millennial Burnout, or more accurately Chronic Burnout, in the first of an unexpected two-part episode.

Dez and Tammy look at their "resolutions" so far, and discuss how to change habits (hint: small shifts!) Also, enjoyment & focus.

Dez and Tammy start out talking about focus, which naturally leads to a conversation about something entirely different: curating your influences! They discuss why you should be picky about who you let influence you, online or otherwise.

Dez and Tammy continue their annual discussion of whether New Year's resolutions are worthwhile.

Dez and Tammy get together for a short one this week (It's the holidays, we've all got a lot on our plate, right?) and talk about owning your successes, your f-ups, and emotions in sticky work situations.

Did 2018 not bring all you hoped? Dez and Tammy talk about what to do when things don’t go the way you thought they would and how to move forward feeling pretty positive about it all.

Dez and Tammy discuss the merits of the year-end review, a time to look back and reflect on what went well in the past year, and what lessons have been (or should be) learned to help you plot world domination in the new year!

Dez and Tammy talk about keeping your cool when you're waist-deep in the Holiday season, whatever Holiday that means to you. Making time for yourself, working with your industry's schedule, and just saying no.