Podcasts about passion projects

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, Stewart Alsop sits down with Charlie D. Becker, a second-generation bookseller whose family runs Houston's largest used and rare bookstore, to unpack the viral tweet that had people convinced AI companies were secretly buying up used books to train their models. Charlie walks through what he actually found in his own warehouse orders, why the more likely explanation is old-fashioned reseller arbitrage and FBA "bookjacking" rather than AI training data, and how that story connects to the real, well-documented case of Anthropic scanning and destroying physical books for legal reasons. From there the conversation moves into the difference between rare and valuable books, the discoverability problem in the used book market, historical parallels like palimpsests and lost texts, his own AI tool for used bookstores, and broader questions about wealthy patronage funding independent research and passion projects. For more, check out Charlie's personal site at charliedbecker.com and his Substack at charliebecker.substack.com.Timestamps00:00 Stewart introduces Charlie D. Becker, a second generation bookseller building an AI tool for used bookstores and discusses Anthropic's controversial book acquisition practices05:00 Charlie explains how Anthropic legally destroyed physical books by slicing spines to scan them, avoiding copyright violations while building training datasets for AI models10:00 Charlie describes receiving bizarre bulk book orders through non-Amazon platforms, initially suspecting AI companies but discovering evidence of sophisticated book arbitrage operations instead15:00 Discussion of the banal explanation for mysterious orders: algorithmic resellers buying cheap books from obscure platforms to flip on Amazon through FBA warehouses20:00 Stewart and Charlie explore historical parallels between the printing press era and today's digital transition, discussing the loss of archival records and palimpsests25:00 Charlie emphasizes the discoverability problem for rare obscure books and how profit-driven algorithms prevent people from finding books unless they know exactly what to search for30:00 Detailed explanation of Charlie's AI cataloging tool that creates bibliographic profiles from photos of pre-1970 books lacking ISBNs, addressing the hard problem of metadata creation35:00 Discussion of the technical challenges solved: archival-safe removable stickers, RFID systems, and creating canonical records that become definitive sources for rare books40:00 Charlie describes building copy-level databases beyond edition-level records, creating VIN numbers for books, and designing knowledge graphs linking works to editions and translations45:00 Vision for navigable work-edition hierarchies allowing researchers to explore translation genealogies and linguistic families, solving problems Amazon has no incentive to address50:00 Stewart raises the possibility of returning to gentleman's science and aristocratic private libraries in an age of AI abundance and accessible three-d printing technology55:00 Charlie reflects on supporting idiosyncratic passion projects regardless of profit, his fellowship from Jim O'Shaughnessy, and navigating economic inequality while promoting eccentric research pursuitsKey Insights1. Charlie D. Becker is a second generation bookseller whose family runs Houston's largest used and rare bookstore, and he is currently building an AI tool specifically designed for used bookstores. He became widely known after a tweet he wrote about AI companies potentially purchasing books went viral with approximately one and a half million impressions, though he emphasizes the importance of being careful about distinguishing between what he has directly observed, what is on public record, and what is his intuition or speculation about these events.2. The controversy around Anthropic and book destruction centers on how AI companies acquire training data from physical books. Court documents revealed that Anthropic acquired physical books in mass quantities to scan them, and they were industrially slicing the spines off to make scanning faster and easier. The legal justification for this practice was that because they destroyed the original physical book after scanning it, they were not violating copyright law since no duplicate copy existed alongside the original. A judge ruled this was technically legal, even though it appeared problematic to many observers, because the destruction of the original meant they were not running afoul of copyright provisions about making copies for distribution.3. Becker received unusual bulk orders for obscure books through a non-Amazon platform in late April, which led him to investigate whether AI companies were responsible for these purchases. However, after analyzing the pattern of purchases and where the books were being shipped, he concluded that a more mundane explanation was likely at work: sophisticated book arbitrage operations. These operations identify books selling cheaply on one platform that could be listed for higher prices on Amazon through Fulfillment by Amazon warehouses, and books that do not sell eventually get recycled or liquidated anyway, meaning rare books are being destroyed through normal commercial operations regardless of whether AI companies are involved.4. The main technical challenge Becker is solving with his AI tool relates to books printed before 1970, which lack ISBNs or International Standard Book Numbers. Modern book cataloging systems are built around ISBNs, which makes it extremely difficult and time-consuming to catalog older books for online sale since there is no automated way to populate bibliographic data for pre-1970 books. His tool uses computer vision and AI to analyze photographs of book covers, title pages, and copyright pages to automatically generate rich bibliographic metadata, and he has partnered with a PhD AI computer vision specialist to develop this technology over the past year.5. A surprising discovery during the development of this cataloging tool was that the existing data for many older books is extremely poor, inconsistent, or completely absent from major databases. For approximately a quarter of the books they process, the only existing records might be an incomplete eBay listing from years ago or a sparse entry in WorldCat, the interlibrary database. This means that rather than simply aggregating existing data, they are actually creating canonical records for many books that will become the authoritative source that others reference, essentially building new infrastructure for book metadata rather than just accessing what already exists.6. Becker advocates strongly for the preservation of obscure and seemingly unimportant books because while they may not have obvious value today, future researchers, tinkerers, or engineers might need them to solve problems we have not yet encountered. He compares this to historical palimpsests where important ancient texts were accidentally preserved when medieval scribes wrote over them, noting that the internet functions more like a palimpsest than an archive since we constantly overwrite and lose information rather than truly preserving it. The current system for deciding which books get preserved or destroyed is essentially random and driven purely by short-term profit motives rather than any thoughtful consideration of potential future value or historical significance.7. The long-term vision for the project extends beyond simple cataloging to creating a comprehensive knowledge graph that distinguishes between works, editions, and individual copies of books in ways that current commercial platforms do not adequately address. Unlike Goodreads which treats all editions of a book as a single work, or platforms like eBay that only show individual edition listings, Becker envisions a system where users can navigate between different organizational levels and explore the genealogy of works across translations, editions, and languages. The project also aims to create copy-level records similar to what libraries maintain, which would track provenance and availability of specific individual copies rather than just edition-level information, something no commercial platform currently does at scale.

Viktor Devonne presents: PASSION PROJECT, a series devoted to artists and creators behind really neat stuff.  The latest episode is FRANTASTIC PART 2, with the author Marcus Heslop, who's Fran Fullenwider biography has just been published. Learn more about Fran's work in THE ROCKY HORROR  PICTURE SHOW, HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS, and THE MONSTER CLUB. From the press release:"Actress, cult icon and unapologetic trailblazer, Fran Fullenwider lived life on her own terms. From The Rocky Horror Picture Show, to classic British comedies such as The Two Ronnies and Worzel Gummidge, to working as a model, Fran defied Hollywood's traditional beauty standards with her rallying cry of 'Big is Beautiful,' Told through the voices of friends and co-stars including Christopher Biggins, Jeremy Irons and even Basil Brush, this long-overdue biography celebrates Fran's humour, warmth, and fearless spirit. Fran's remarkable journey proves that talent and beauty know no bounds. Video version of this conversation is available here: https://weburlesque.wordpress.com/passion-project You can buy your own copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0722366698  – For more on WEBurlesque Podcast Network, visit weburlesquepodcast.com and @weburlesque @viktordevonne  everywhere Passion Project is a production by WEBurlesque Podcast Network and Viktor Devonne; all original material property to Viktor Devonne; all non-original material property to those copyright holders. Copyright Disclaimer under section  107 of the Copyright Act 1976,  allowance is made for "fair use"  for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching,  scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Viktor Devonne presents: PASSION PROJECT, a series devoted to artists and creators behind really neat stuff.  The latest episode is FRANTASTIC PART 1, with the author Marcus Heslop, who's Fran Fullenwider biography has just been published. From the press release:"Actress, cult icon and unapologetic trailblazer, Fran Fullenwider lived life on her own terms. From The Rocky Horror Picture Show, to classic British comedies such as The Two Ronnies and Worzel Gummidge, to working as a model, Fran defied Hollywood's traditional beauty standards with her rallying cry of 'Big is Beautiful,' Told through the voices of friends and co-stars including Christopher Biggins, Jeremy Irons and even Basil Brush, this long-overdue biography celebrates Fran's humour, warmth, and fearless spirit. Fran's remarkable journey proves that talent and beauty know no bounds. Video version of this conversation is available here: https://weburlesque.wordpress.com/passion-project You can buy your own copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0722366698  – For more on WEBurlesque Podcast Network, visit weburlesquepodcast.com and @weburlesque @viktordevonne  everywhere Passion Project is a production by WEBurlesque Podcast Network and Viktor Devonne; all original material property to Viktor Devonne; all non-original material property to those copyright holders. Copyright Disclaimer under section  107 of the Copyright Act 1976,  allowance is made for "fair use"  for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching,  scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Three years in, the team behind Owning Your Legacy steps out from behind the camera for an intimate, candid conversation about fear, leadership, and what it truly takes to build a meaningful movement. In this special behind-the-scenes episode, host Laurette Rondenet (CEO & Owner of Edlong Flavors) is joined by team members Gail Scott (Integrator at Owning Your Legacy & Edlong) and Denise Senter (Brand Manager & CMO at Ever Fresh Fruit Company). Together, they peel back the curtain on the "Passion Project Paradox"—balancing demanding executive careers while building a podcast and community dedicated to empowering leaders . From confronting imposter syndrome and stepping into the spotlight, to the exact moment Laurette almost threw in the towel, this raw discussion explores what happens when you decide to stop leading someone else's legacy and start claiming your own . 00:00 – Introduction01:08 – How “Owning Your Legacy” Began03:31 – Meet the Team Behind the Podcast05:43 – Overcoming the Fear of Being Visible09:44 – Making an Impact One Person at a Time14:10 – Balancing a Passion Project with Full-Time Work18:06 – The Moment We Almost Gave Up25:14 – Lessons Learned from the Journey and Our Guests32:29 – Redefining Success Through Community and Connection38:07 – Advice for Pursuing Your Passion Project40:59 – Closing

Do you want to know if there is such a thing as too many hobbies? Well in this podcast a host interviews two greatly experienced podcasters from Cardijn College about 4 topics including bonded hobbies, personal pastimes, weird family passions and lastly shared interests. Check out more podcasts from Cardijn College at archdradio.com/podcasts/slp/cardijncollege

The "anti-influencer" who's been sharing midlife hacks in a weekly newsletter called Babble.Brooke Amidei didn't set out to build a business. She was on a hike with her dog, post-COVID, trying to figure out what to do with the next chapter of her life, when a podcast question stopped her mid-step: "What would you do if you were Oprah?" Her answer was simple...she wanted to spend all day talking with her girlfriends.Three years later, that answer is Babble: a free weekly newsletter that's part magazine, part group chat, and fully allergic to being another influencer account.This conversation goes everywhere a real girlfriend hangout goes. Brooke and Laurie talk about the moment Brooke stopped calling Babble a "passion project" and started calling it her job...and the fear that came with finally saying that out loud. Then it gets into the good stuff: the docuseries that inspired Brooke to rent out a movie theater, the bone density scan she didn't know she needed, and the pelvic floor information that's about to change how every woman in this audience uses the bathroom.It's a conversation about building something real without pretending to have all the answers, and about why the most useful thing you can hand another woman in midlife is just the truth, curated with love.What we cover:How a hike, a dog, and one line from a Rachel Hollis podcast turned into a business called BabbleWhy Brooke calls herself "the anti-influencer" and refuses to fake the polishThe real definition of Babble's "top layer" — and why it's not another deep-dive wellness accountHow a panel of 15 women actually decides what makes it into the newsletter each weekThe moment Brooke stopped calling Babble a "passion project" and started calling it her jobWhy she almost didn't want to admit, even to herself, that this was real work worth being paid forThe docuseries trailer that led Brooke to rent out a movie theater in Boise — and then do it again in Salt Lake CityWhat she learned putting together a health and wellness resource lounge for a room full of midlife womenThe perimenopause "cheat sheet" Brooke built after watching the docuseries and interviewing experts — including the one line an expert had the whole room repeat out loudBrooke's own experience going on vaginal estrogen — and what changed for her after almost two decades of a problem she thought she'd just have to live withThe book and the Instagram account Brooke says are the two non-negotiable resources for anyone starting to learn about perimenopauseWhy women aren't supposed to get a bone density scan until 65 — and why that might already be too lateWhat happened when Brooke and her business partner got their own bone density scans and found out about risk factors they never knew they hadThe colonoscopy prep Babble has covered so many times Brooke jokes she has a "frequent flyer card"The pelvic floor tip about how women are peeing "wrong" — and the small daily habit that might be doing damage without you realizing itHow Babble started monetizing without losing the trust that made it work in the first placeBrooke's manifestation experiment with the Best Life Planner's "10 Dreams I've Achieved" — and the three unplanned massages that showed up after she almost deleted it from her listWhy Brooke and Laurie both push back on being called a "female" doctor, pilot, or scientist — and what that language habit revealsBrooke's current favorite Amazon dupe, and the one product category she says is always worth the searchQuotable moments"I actually call myself the anti-influencer.""Stop calling it a 'passion project'. This is your job.""Every vagina deserves estrogen.""We are peeing incorrectly.""It's the conversation in a newsletter form that you are having with your girlfriends.""Go for it, girl. Just go for it.""It feels kind of like a sisterhood, and I love it."Resources + links mentionedBabbleSign up for Babble's newsletterBabble on InstagramBooks recommended by BrookeThe Perimenopause Cheat SheetThe Bone Health Wake-Up Callhttps://www.babblewithbrooke.com/post/bone-healthThe Korean skincare Brooke lovesThe Anthro Maeve pant dupesThe Vuori dupesThe Best Life Planner — School of Midlife

Wie baut man eine Produktionsfirma auf, die heute zu den etablierten Adressen der deutschen Werbefilmbranche gehört?Darüber sprechen wir mit Simon Fessler und Tobias Paul, den Gründern von Simon & Paul aus Hamburg. Es geht um ihren Weg von den ersten Passion Projects über den Durchbruch mit der Elbphilharmonie-Kampagne bis hin zum Aufbau eines eigenen – teils exklusiven – Regie-Rosters. Außerdem sprechen wir über Pitch-Prozesse, die Förderung junger Talente, den Wert guter Zusammenarbeit und warum Haltung und Qualität für sie wichtiger sind als der günstigste Preis.Eine ehrliche Folge über Unternehmertum, Filmproduktion und die Realität hinter großen Kampagnen.Hier geht's zu Simon & PaulSimon & Paul auf InstaIm ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FILMDUDES Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ geht es um die Filmbranche, digitales Marketing, Gründertum und Fotografie. Jede zweite Woche gibt es eine neue Folge mit inspirierenden Gästen aus der Branche. Wenn wir uns nicht mit dem Thema Podcast beschäftigen, dann sind wir eine ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Filmproduktion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ mit Fokus auf Werbefilm mit zwei Standorten in NRW. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hier⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ findest du uns auf Instagram. Unsere Arbeit schaust du dir am besten auf ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Vimeo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ an.Wenn dir die Folge gefallen hat, dann kannst du uns sehr helfen, indem du eine Podcast-Bewertung abgibst und die Episode auf Instagram teilst oder weiterempfiehlst.

Send us Fan MailSend us Fan MailIn this inspiring episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we are joined by George Appling, a dynamic entrepreneur, author, and mentor who made the courageous leap from a successful corporate career to pursue his passions. Hailing from the small town of El Campo, Texas, George shares his journey of self-discovery and the pivotal moment that led him to prioritize what he loves over what looks good on paper.George reflects on his impressive career, which includes roles as a partner at prestigious consulting firms and leadership positions in the cell phone distribution industry. However, it was his love for the Renaissance Festival that ignited a transformative path, leading him to create the Sherwood Forest Fair in Austin, Texas, and a unique summer camp for kids that immerses them in medieval experiences.Throughout this episode, George discusses:- The importance of intentionality in choosing a fulfilling career- Insights from his book, *Don't Settle: A Pick Your Path Guide to Intentional Work*, which offers a framework for aligning passion with work- Practical steps for transitioning to a career that aligns with personal values without risking financial stability- The transformative impact of his nonprofit, Knights of the Grail, which provides therapeutic horsemanship for veterans and first responders- His upcoming projects, including a live-action role play event and a nationwide speaking tour to share his message of empowerment and agency.Join us for an uplifting conversation that encourages listeners to take action towards building a life they love, no matter their age or current circumstances. For more information on George Appling and his work, visit www.georgeappling.com.Support the show

Paul talks to Joan Fennelly about how her love for organic food turned into a lockdown passion project which turned into a nice little earner! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Chicago Wolves' Courtney Mahoney on Adopt-a-Dog Nights, Community Giving, and Women in Hockey OpsHost Julie Marty Pearson welcomes Courtney Mahoney, Chicago Wolves president of operations, to discuss how she rose from a college intern with no hockey background to overseeing multiple departments by saying yes to new responsibilities across game ops, community work, creative, TV, and merchandise. Courtney shares the Wolves' long-running commitment to Chicagoland giving—especially their monthly Adopt-a-Dog game nights with Border Tails Rescue and Right Way Rescue, where fans can meet dogs in the arena and adopt on the spot, contributing to over 1,900 adoptions and strong retention. She also highlights additional animal-focused efforts like pet health fairs offering free vaccines in underprivileged communities and volunteer shelter support. The conversation also covers Courtney's experience as a woman in hockey operations, the importance of growing women's leadership, and practical ways listeners can support nonprofits with time, talent, or treasure.01:12 Courtney Career Journey02:51 Rising Through Roles04:36 Passion Projects and Real Work06:29 Adopt a Dog Nights09:11 Beyond Adoption Giving Back11:47 Personal Pets and Loss13:34 Women Leading in Hockey17:11 Community First Leadership17:28 Women In Sports Careers19:53 Trust Your Gut20:45 Ditch The Shoulds21:59 Giving Back Through Work25:24 Shelter Reality And Support27:27 Game Day Dog Adoptions Support the showSupport the Podcast by Buying Us a Treat via Buy Me a CoffeeShop our Affiliate Partners:

Here's the 25k subscriber Q&A! Passion Project vs. Ambition, Democratic Socialism vs. Market Socialism, Predictions for 2028, 3 Crises that worry me, and the story of the channel. Relevant links: How Can I Save You? Gravity's Rainbow Over Palestine Mooks Clip of Hasan Piker saying Fox News is making the DSA look good

In today's episode, Roger Knecht discusses the evolution of the accounting profession with Brittany Brown, focusing on the impact of AI, the importance of CAS, and changes needed in academic curriculum. They explore how firms can adapt to new technologies and client expectations, emphasizing practical application and efficiency for building a premier accounting firm. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction & Guest Background 04:49 The Power of Niching in E-commerce 15:31 Transition to Academia: UVU QuickBooks Class 21:00 Passion Project to Full-Time Professor 31:14 Real-World Application in QuickBooks 37:07 Mastering the Mess: Reconciliation Challenges 41:27 QuickBooks Education & Intuit Partnership 45:04 AI in Accounting Curriculum 47:53 AI's Impact on the Accounting Profession 58:25 Early Adopters and Future of Accounting 01:06:05 Evolution of Accounting Roles & Education 01:17:28 Brittany's Approach to Life and Work Featured Quotes: "If you're going to niche, you should niche in an industry that has natural barriers to entry for other accountants because it's challenging." — Brittany Brown "Academia has typically prepared people to be tax accountants or audit accountants… but it has never really touched on preparing them to be industry accountants, which is kind of appalling to me because industry accounting represents probably 95% of accounting jobs out there." — Brittany Brown "What it does is anything that is time-consuming, repetitive, and mundane should be done with AI now. And so you can now take a team and do much more with them." — Brittany Brown Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Special Offers for our Podcast Listeners, CLICK HERE to take advantage of them today! Remember this: Accounting Success IS Universal. Be sure to listen to our next episode and subscribe.   Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have.  We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback   For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your bookkeeping, accounting, & tax business, please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801-265-3777.  And know that if it's about accounting, it's Universal.

In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, hosts Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus chat with special guest Alycia Scheidel, who shares her journey from photojournalism to wildlife photography. Alycia emphasizes the importance of storytelling in wildlife photography, particularly in educating the public about predator behavior and human-wildlife interactions. The conversation also delves into camera trapping techniques and the significance of understanding animal behavior to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife.Chapters00:00 Kicking Off the Youth Photography Camp02:27 Alycia Scheidel's Journey into Wildlife Photography06:00 The Transition from Photojournalism to Wildlife Photography11:35 The Importance of Storytelling in Wildlife Photography22:19 Exploring Camera Trapping Techniques36:13 Understanding Predator Behavior and Human Interaction41:59 Tracking and Observing Ringtails45:04 Passion Projects and Conservation Efforts49:16 Encounters with Mountain Lions54:25 Capturing Kangaroo Rats in Action01:00:23 The Challenges of Camera TrappingThanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.LinksAlycia's Website - https://alyrenscapes.squarespace.com/homeAlycia's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alyrenwildlife/#Conservation Page - https://www.instagram.com/conservationnw/Pictureline - https://www.pictureline.comCanon USA - https://usa.canon.com

Dora talks about how having a passion project outside of work can help energize you throughout the week. Dora Kamau holds a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Psychiatric Nursing. She is a certified Mindfulness Meditation teacher and is working to complete her Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Teacher training this fall. Before joining forces at Headspace, Dora worked as a psychiatric nurse in a women's addictions facility and organized community events for BIPOC women in Vancouver, BC, Canada. You can reach out to Dora on Instagram ⁠here!⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the best parts of homeownership is the freedom to customize your space. But not allrenovations are created equal. If you’re planning to sell soon, it’s vital to distinguish between apassion project and a profitable investment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   Episode Overview We have officially reached the middle of the year, and now is the perfect time to pause for just a few minutes to take an honest look at what we're building. Beyond reviewing numbers and planning for the months ahead, I want to pose a bigger question: is your business becoming a valuable asset, or have you simply created a job (that you love!) for yourself? In this episode, I share my thoughts around long-term business value. Could you sell your business right now? Whether selling your business feels years away or not something you've considered yet, the decisions you make now will impact the flexibility, profitability, and sustainability of your business in the future.  A midyear review is about more than looking backward. It's an opportunity to make sure your business is healthy, organized, and positioned to support the life you want while creating options for the future. I talk so much about my desire to work with retailers who plan their lives first. We want to be building businesses that support our lives, not running our lives to support our businesses. So let's talk about it! Our Key Topics Why a midyear review should go beyond sales and goals to evaluate what kind of business you're building How owner dependency impacts the value, sustainability, and future saleability of a business What profitability, cash flow, and clean financials reveal about overall business health Why inventory management plays a critical role in maintaining business value How documented systems and operational processes create stability and freedom for owners What distinguishes a hobby business from a profitable, sellable lifestyle business and why that difference matters   Key Takeaways For Shop Owners on Midyear Checkins 1. Know what you're actually building. A midyear review should go beyond sales numbers and goals. It's important to understand whether you're creating a business that can operate independently or whether the business relies entirely on YOU physically being in the shop to do all of the things. 2. A healthy business is built on more than revenue. Strong sales alone do not create value. If you are not profitable, if your cash flow is struggling, if you have no idea where your money is going; revenue doesn't mean much at all.  3. Systems create freedom. When knowledge, processes, and decision-making live only in the owner's head, everything is harder for everyone. Documented systems allow responsibilities to be shared, delegated, and sustained over time.  4. Inventory deserves regular attention. Inventory may appear as an asset on paper, but aging or stale inventory can tie up cash and reduce flexibility. Reviewing inventory regularly helps keep merchandise fresh and aligned with customer demand.  5. Start preparing before you need to. Many retailers wait until they are tired, ready to retire, or facing unexpected life circumstances before thinking about selling their business. Building business value is an ongoing process that creates more options and less stress in the future. Small steps added up make a huge difference when it comes time to sell. "Exit planning has to start before you get tired." - Wendy Batten I'm working through my midyear review right now and reminding myself that perfection is not the goal. The goal is building a business that feels good to you today and gives you options for tomorrow. Resources Mentioned and Related Podcasts: Episode 183: Fine Tuning Your Retail Business Operations with Business Strategist Gwen Bortner   Summer School Workshop Placeholder    Let's hang out in a private coaching session!   Follow along and chat with me on Instagram and join my love list.  About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met…I'm Wendy Batten. I've been a small business owner, coach, and mentor for over 25 years. I help thoughtful, established entrepreneurs step into their role as CEO and build businesses that are profitable, meaningful, and supportive of the lives they want to live. My work blends real-world strategy with a life-first philosophy, shaped by lived experience, not theory. I've been there! Through honest conversations and practical insight, I invite you into bigger thinking about leadership, possibility, and how to build both business and life on purpose. For more support from Wendy Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!  Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

In this episode, you'll learn: • How Chase explored different career paths before choosing engineering • Why passion projects helped him gain clarity about his future • The role leadership and service played in his college journey • How internships can help students test potential career interests • What colleges look for beyond grades and test scores • How students can build a meaningful application without trying to impress everyone • Why starting early can create more opportunities and less stress • What Chase would tell his freshman-year self if he could start over • The lessons he learned while preparing for competitive engineering programs • How finding direction helped him approach college admissions with confidence Whether your student is interested in STEM, still exploring their options, or simply trying to figure out what's next, Chase's story is a powerful reminder that success comes from consistent growth, curiosity, and purposeful action.

Over the next few weeks, Rim and AB will revisit the first season of 'Flavor of Love', when VH1's "celebreality" shows were ascending to their mainstream raunchy peak. Thanks for listening. (Timestamps below)

It's official: LA is a Horrible Person. Lori-Anne Horst and Jenn chat about hunting, outdoor skills, and the inspiring work of the Canadian Sports Women's Society (CSS). Learn about hunting tips, safety, organizing outdoor events, and encouraging more women and kids to get outside and learn essential life skills. We also talk all things Lori-Anne and the incredible ways she gives to her local community and the hunting community. Meet LA: https://www.instagram.com/lori_anne_horst/ Learn About CSS: https://www.instagram.com/canadiansportswomansociety.inc/ Learn More About The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/horriblepeoplepodcast_/ Horrible People Podcast chats with people who live life off the beaten path. From hunters and homesteaders to outdoor adventurers and self-reliant thinkers, guests share their stories, experiences, and unique lifestyles during relaxed, open-minded conversations. The podcast challenges stereotypes, uncovers the truth about unconventional ways of living, and explores who the people labeled as "horrible" truly are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Rachael has a craving that could bring about a big lifestyle change. She discusses with Lauren coming to a realization that she no longer feels at home in the environment she's settled into— and the choice between staying the course or starting a new adventure. The hosts share how they have gained clarity, direction, and the courage to embrace the unknown in the quest to continually live creatively. Rachael's new book “Prioritize Play” is now available for pre-order! Grab your copy today. Post on desire by Yumi Sakugawa Poetry Unbound - Seventh Circle of Earth by Ocean Vuong All Fours by Miranda July Chaotic Creatives Ep 12 - The Spark: How Advice for Dating is Advice for Creating Check out Lauren's Mural Mockups For a transcript of this episode, contact us at chaoticcreativespodcast@gmail.com Cover art designed and photographed by Kristle Marshall for Hom Sweet HomIf you love what we are doing and want to support us, head to patreon.com/chaoticcreativesFollow the pod on Instagram @chaoticcreativespod and tag us in the projects you're working on while listening!Say hi or tell us a silly lil joke: chaoticcreativespodcast@gmail.comLauren's links:WebsiteInstagramOnline ClassesRachael's links:WebsiteInstagramThe Juice BoxCreative Coaching

316 / What does it take to trust your intuition as a writer—and how can you find true joy in the crazy unpredictability of publishing? Amy Robinson shares her path from medical editor to romance novelist  and the power of mental rest for authors.✨ May Pod-Pal Shout-Out: Two Authors' Podcast - Wheel of Life with Adrienne GiordanoTrusting your intuition instead of following all the writing “rules”Redefining success and making family a priorityLearning from (and letting go of) others' marketing formulasFinding joy with passion projects and creative freedomThe importance of mental rest and slowing down*Don't miss the Supporter Episode: What Asian Dramas Teach Writers About Conflict And Emotion. Become a supporter to get all 20+ supporter episodes: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode

New episode featuring returning guest and Podcast Host of Passion Projects, Payal Doshi. We will be discussing all things Toronto Tempo.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-deal-with-courtney-harden--3678816/support.

What happens when pursuing a creative dream becomes a catalyst for major life changes? In this episode, Rachael and Lauren discuss instances when following the creative path has taken them into unexpected territory. Episode Mentions Rachael's new book “Prioritize Play” is now available for pre-order! Grab your copy today. Learn more about Luis Barragán. Watch Rachael's Bedroom Makeover Reel Filterworld - How Algorithms Flattened Culture by Kyle Chayka Check out Lauren's Mural Mockups here! We are now booking workshops and speaking engagements as a duo! To bring us to your conference or organization, reach out to us at chaoticcreativespodcast@gmail.com.  For a transcript of this episode, contact us at chaoticcreativespodcast@gmail.com Cover art designed and photographed by Kristle Marshall for Hom Sweet HomIf you love what we are doing and want to support us, head to patreon.com/chaoticcreativesFollow the pod on Instagram @chaoticcreativespod and tag us in the projects you're working on while listening!Say hi or tell us a silly lil joke: chaoticcreativespodcast@gmail.comLauren's links:WebsiteInstagramOnline ClassesRachael's links:WebsiteInstagramThe Juice BoxCreative Coaching

For many real estate investors, development is the next level of property investing. Instead of renovating, you're building from the ground up, turning dirt into something hundreds or even thousands of people will use daily. But how do you start, get in good graces with the local government, and build projects you can be truly proud of? Kristi Kandel went from zero development experience to running her own office in a year, with undeniable success. She built 30 Family Dollar locations in one of the hardest markets in America—California. But that's not all—she even took on extraordinarily complex projects like building hydrogen fueling stations, something most developers wouldn't even dare to entertain. She's done some of the hardest development jobs and is sharing exactly how you can get your foot in the door, from planning what to build based on your market, to getting the local government on your side, who should be developing, and the mistake that almost cost her millions.  Plus, Kristi shares details on the $140M passion project she's building with public-private partnerships—the kind of legacy project every investor dreams of.  Insights from today's episode: How to get into real estate development, even if you have no experience  The first thing to check before you plan on developing any piece of land  The one person you must get in contact with to get the city's approval One big utility mistake that could have cost Kristi's team millions of dollars How locals can develop in their own communities and stop outside builders from taking over  The one project Kristi says was impossible to finish—and swears she'll never do again — Connect with Kristi on LinkedIn Follow Kristi on Instagram  Recommended Resources: Accredited Investors, you're invited to Join the Cash Flow Investor Club to learn how you can partner with Kevin Bupp on current and upcoming opportunities to create passive cash flow and build wealth. Join the Club! If you're a high-net-worth investor with capital to deploy in the next 12 months and you want to build passive income and wealth with a trusted partner, go to InvestWithKB.com for opportunities to invest in real estate projects alongside Kevin and his team.  Looking for the ultimate guide to passive investing? Grab a copy of my latest book, The Cash Flow Investor at KevinBupp.com.  Tap into a wealth of free information on Commercial Real Estate Investing by listening to past podcast episodes at KevinBupp.com/Podcast. 00:00 WHAT to Build 05:46 New City? Find This Person 08:05 Where Deals Get "Stuck" 14:14 Starting in THE Hardest Market 18:39 What She's Building Now 21:17 Developing YOUR Community 29:13 $140M Passion Project 35:40 This Mistake Could Have Cost Millions 43:43 Connect with Kristi!

Babs sits down with Ari to discuss TikTok trends that have gone to far and to Answer your questions on how to find your passion project and work hard on it! :NEW WEEKLY EPISODES W/ BABS & NEW CO-Host ARI, DON"T WORRY, Babs is still sitting down with uniques guest, He just wanted to bring more consistent content. Write into the Podcast for advice: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsSUYCtqX4GfRprNPZlEl1LDnXGWClyzzXBtzuHgucejaHkg/viewform?usp=header:Please Write a Review and Like/Subscribe to the Podcast! You can support the podcast by purchasing merch— https://teespring.com/stores/babs-lyfe-merch::Check out out AMAZON STOREFRONT for any camping/travel gear:- https://www.amazon.com/shop/babs_lyfe:Follow Babs on all Socials @Babs_Lyfe— https://linktr.ee/babslyfeFollow Ari on social media--- https://www.instagram.com/svddenari/?hl=en

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Whether you are a sports fan, an aspiring creator, or looking for a dose of resilience, this conversation explores what it means to stay true to your craft and build a life of purpose.Connect with Payal Doshi:Follow her on Instagram at @payaldoshitv, @passionprojectswithpayal, and @vegansofmiami, and find her podcast, Passion Projects, on all major streaming platforms.If you would like to support my channel please consider:buymeacoffee.com/truththath7Thank you for all of your support and for helping to make this channel a reality :)

There are countless worries that come with self-promotion and marketing our offerings. Showing up consistently, sharing what we are working on, and selling can feel as if we are being annoying. BUT it's necessary for our businesses and creative practices to thrive. Lauren and Rachael talk about overcoming apprehension when it comes to this challenging but critical aspect of being a creative entrepreneur. They also share the value of building “it” even when it's not certain that “they will come.” Episode Mentions Rachael's new book “Prioritize Play” is now available for pre-order! Grab your copy today. See Lauren's presentation slide here.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might like Episode 17: Creating Offerings Without Crushing Your Spirit AND Episode 18: Making Sense of Making Money Check out Lauren's Mural Mockups here! We are now booking workshops and speaking engagements as a duo! To bring us to your conference or organization, reach out to us at chaoticcreativespodcast@gmail.com.  For a transcript of this episode, contact us at chaoticcreativespodcast@gmail.com Cover art designed and photographed by Kristle Marshall for Hom Sweet HomIf you love what we are doing and want to support us, head to patreon.com/chaoticcreativesFollow the pod on Instagram @chaoticcreativespod and tag us in the projects you're working on while listening!Say hi or tell us a silly lil joke: chaoticcreativespodcast@gmail.comLauren's links:WebsiteInstagramOnline ClassesRachael's links:WebsiteInstagramThe Juice BoxCreative Coaching

Tune in to hear all about them.

From the first day of 1L year, the pressure to compete with your peers can feel overwhelming. But what if the secret to a fulfilling legal career isn't a higher grade, but a deeper connection?In this episode of the ABA Law Student Podcast, host Eve Albert sits down with Spencer Pahlke, a trial attorney at WalkUp, Melodia, Kelly, and Schoenberger and a lecturer at Berkeley Law. Spencer breaks down the realities of a plaintiff's side practice—from representing those who have suffered catastrophic injuries to the chaotic, exciting "mishmash" of a typical workday.We dive deep into the power of the plaintiff's bar, the importance of pay transparency in the legal field, and how the National Plaintiff's Law Association (NPLA) is helping students get their foot in the door. Plus, learn about fortheplaintiff.org, a platform offering students paid opportunities to work on real-world projects. Whether you're a 3L weighing your career options or a 1L looking for community, this conversation offers a roadmap for finding passion and purpose beyond the classroom.(00:00) - Intro: Shifting from Competition to Community (01:22) - Meet Spencer Pahlke: Trial Attorney and Berkeley Law Lecturer (03:32) - Defining Plaintiff's Side Practice and Catastrophic Injury Law (05:30) - The Human Element: Advocating for the Wronged (07:30) - A Day in the Life: From Jury Consultants to Engineering Classes (09:40) - Business of Law: Small Firms and Business Development (11:38) - The Power of Plaintiff Bar Associations (13:32) - Inside the National Plaintiff's Law Association (NPLA) (14:50) - Paid Opportunities for Students via fortheplaintiff.org (17:44) - The Fight for Pay Transparency in the Legal Field (20:44) - Balancing Practice with Passion Projects and Teaching (24:54) - Advice for Students: Viewing Classmates as Partners, Not Rivals (27:31) - Host Debrief: Career Stability vs. Personal Fulfillment (31:10) - The Value of 1L Summer Internships (Even the "Bad" Ones) (32:53) - Finding Your "Why": Persevering Through Law School (35:58) - Closing: ABA Membership and Next Steps Click here to view the episode transcript.

So many of us give the lion's share of our capacity to our employers and have very little left for our creative passions. With only so much time, energy, and resources to do what we want in life how can we do more of what fills us up? In this episode, Lauren and Rachael talk about creative ways of reallocating our efforts towards what matters most to us. They discuss when it feels okay to half-ass, when to give it your all, and the importance of being intentional with your personal investments. Episode Mentions: Rachael's new book “Prioritize Play” is now available for pre-order! Grab your copy today! Shout out to Kyle Scheele! See selections from Lauren's Daily Dishonesty series. Make Your Art No Matter What by Beth Pickens. Check out Lauren's Mural Mockups here.   For a transcript of this episode, contact us at chaoticcreativespodcast@gmail.com Cover art designed and photographed by Kristle Marshall for Hom Sweet HomIf you love what we are doing and want to support us, head to patreon.com/chaoticcreativesFollow the pod on Instagram @chaoticcreativespod and tag us in the projects you're working on while listening!Say hi or tell us a silly lil joke: chaoticcreativespodcast@gmail.comLauren's links:WebsiteInstagramOnline ClassesRachael's links:WebsiteInstagramThe Juice BoxCreative Coaching

On this episode of Superlative, our host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams is joined by Richard Benc, founder of Studio Underd0g, to discuss the evolution of one of the most recognizable modern microbrands. Richard explains how the brand grew from a small proof of concept release into producing thousands of watches per year, and why focusing on long term decision making has been critical to building a sustainable business in a crowded watch market. The conversation explores how Studio Underd0g scaled production, built supplier relationships, and eventually acquired its UK assembly partner Horologium in order to maintain quality control and strengthen the brand's manufacturing capabilities.While Ariel and Richard dive into the creative philosophy behind Studio Underd0g's playful and colorful designs, Richard also shares how the brand intentionally creates watches inspired by positive associations such as food, fruit, and everyday experiences that people connect with emotionally. They also discuss the brand's distinctive drop model sales strategy, the role of collaborations in building credibility, and the broader challenges facing microbrands as they try to grow beyond the passion project stage while maintaining authenticity and agility in the watch industry.Follow Richard and check out Studio Underd0g:- Website - https://underd0g.com/ - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studio.underd0g/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Paul Pape is a creative problem navigator, TEDx speaker, and author known as “Santa for Nerds.” Over the past 20 years, he has built a reputation as the specialty artist companies like Disney, Universal, and Nickelodeon call when they need something that doesn't exist or their internal teams can't build. Working from his Nebraska studio, Paul creates custom collectibles, props, and prototypes with tight deadlines and exacting standards. Paul is the creator of Gamify Business and author of The Creative Player's Handbook to Business, which translates intimidating business concepts into gaming language that creative minds actually understand. Through his books, workshops, and coaching, he helps entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses without sacrificing their creative souls, proving that the “starving artist” stereotype is outdated and unnecessary. Paul first appeared on Follow Your Curiosity in September 2024, and I invited him to come back to tell us about his new Gamify Business program. Paul talks with me about how he recognized the need for a more creative metaphor for entrepreneurship; the danger of losing touch with your passion as your creative business grows; how the focus on what's NOT possible, plus the constant need to ask permission—even as a adults—can get in our way, and a whole lot more. If you've ever been intimidated by the idea of starting a business, especially as a creative, this episode is for you.   Episode breakdown: 00:00 Introduction. 04:10 Using Dungeons and Dragons to explain creative business roles. 08:18 Leveling up business skills with gaming metaphors. 12:00 Business isn't selling out; creatives deserve a livable wage. 16:05 Building the book through stories and personal experience. 20:13 Learning entrepreneurship by adapting methods to suit yourself. 24:10 Gatekeeping of business concepts and simplifying with new language. 28:47 Kids embrace entrepreneurship because they haven't been told no. 32:27 Making a fool of yourself helps growth and confidence. 37:08 Confidence from passion attracts opportunities and like-minded people. 41:57 The tipping point: when passion becomes a draining job. 46:53 Failing is natural; our schooling overemphasizes perfection. 51:25 Coaching, permission, and feeling proud support creative entrepreneurship. 56:29 Rediscovering fun and permission helps creativity thrive.   Want more? Here's a handy playlist with all my previous interviews with guests in entrepreneurship. Check out the full show notes (now including transcripts!) at fycuriosity.com, and join us for the Follow Your Curiosity Creativity Circle. Please leave a review for this episode—it's really easy and will only take a minute, and it really helps me reach new listeners. Thanks! If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you'll share it with a friend.

What does it take to pursue an acting career in Hollywood and leave behind the familiarity of a small-town life? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with actor, writer, and producer Nate Mayes to explore the personal journey behind building a creative life in Los Angeles. Originally from Arkansas, Nate grew up surrounded by creativity — painting, storytelling, and exploring different forms of artistic expression. But it wasn't until a simple moment while painting a mural in Los Angeles that something shifted. Someone asked a question that stuck with him: why not pursue acting seriously? Soon after graduating college, Nate packed up his belongings, left behind his small-town community, and moved to Los Angeles to build a career in film. Since then, he has been steadily developing his craft — acting, writing, and producing independent projects while learning what it means to bring characters to life in authentic and meaningful ways. This conversation isn't about Hollywood fame. It's about creativity. It's about courage. It's about what happens when you decide to follow the path that feels aligned with who you are. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE The moment a simple question pushed Nate to seriously pursue acting What it's like leaving a small-town community to chase a creative dream in Los Angeles Why many creative people feel pulled toward multiple forms of expression Nate's personal approach to stepping into the mindset of a character How storytelling can create emotional connections with audiences The realities of building a creative career in a competitive industry Why finding the right community matters when starting over somewhere new Nate's perspective on defining success as an actor and creator Why certain films and series pull audiences deeply into their stories What keeps him motivated to continue creating and pursuing new projects ABOUT NATE MAYES Nate Mayes is a Los Angeles-based actor, writer, and producer originally from Arkansas. After graduating from Harding University, Nate made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film and storytelling. Since then, he has been building his body of work through independent films, short films, and creative collaborations while also developing original content of his own. Passionate about character-driven storytelling, Nate focuses on portraying complex, authentic characters and exploring the emotional depth behind every role he plays. Through acting, writing, and producing, he continues to pursue meaningful storytelling and creative collaboration. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Chasing the Scene High 00:31 – Podcast Welcome and Mission 03:31 – Meet Nate Mayes 04:16 – The Leap to Los Angeles 05:51 – Creativity and Many Mediums 07:57 – Owning Your Work 09:40 – Small Town vs Big City 13:53 – Finding Community in LA 15:49 – Actor First, Everything Else 17:17 – Choosing Roles and Antiheroes 20:26 – Pricing Your Creative Value 23:39 – Passion Projects and ROI 25:05 – Defining Your Why 25:51 – Building Characters Backstory 28:47 – Owning Your Creative Process 30:00 – What Success Feels Like 32:37 – Why Great Stories Hook Us 35:19 – Upcoming Projects Ahead 36:42 – Favorite Genres And Influences 41:02 – Life Beyond The Arts 42:10 – Dream Roles And Roots 43:44 – Closing Thanks And Farewell CONNECT WITH NATE MAYES Instagram: @natejmayes CONNECT WITH STARTER GIRLZ Website: startergirlz.comTake the 2-Minute Success Block QuizJoin the Community Newsletter Want to be a guest on Starter Girlz? Apply HERE

Listening to people talk about their passion for their jobs, the people they serve, and the communities they live in is a great place to start a podcast. Tune in as Bryce Lord discusses how he got started with his passion project and the things he learned along the way.   WHAT TO LISTEN FOR Identifying the kind of passion project you want to start with Gaining target listeners and guests for your podcast The benefits of having notes as a guide Pros and cons of producing your own podcast Software, editing, and automation tools used Dealing with podcasting struggles and worst experiences RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED Calendly Audacity   ABOUT BRYCE LORD Bryce Lord has had a diverse and storied path. He has worked in the theater professionally as an actor and director for 30 years, with an occasional film and commercial credit along the way. He currently serves as the Associate Director of the Helen Bader Institute (HBI) for Nonprofit Management at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee (UWM). Bryce oversees community outreach programming for HBI, and holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management and Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Bryce and his husband, Jonathan have been together for 24 years, moving to Milwaukee in 1999. They've found new reasons to love their life there every year ever since. Their Basset Hound, Mabel, rules the household with a firm but loving grip.   CONNECT WITH  Website: Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management  Podcast: Nonprofit Horizons  Facebook: Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management  LinkedIn: Bryce Lord   CONNECT WITH US If you are interested in getting on our show, email us at team@growyourshow.com. Thinking about creating and growing your own podcast but not sure where to start? Click here and Schedule a call with Adam A. Adams! If you want to make money from your podcasts, check out this FREE resource we made. Our clients use a sponsor sheet, and now they are making between $2,000 to $5,000 from sponsorship!  Subscribe so you don't miss out on great content and if you love the show, leave an honest rating and review here!

Podcast Summary This episode of the How To Succeed Podcast features watch entrepreneur Alan Tsao of the Tsao Baltimore Watch Company, tracing his journey from childhood fascination to launching a successful watch brand. After an initial manufacturing failure and losing early partners, Alan persisted, refined designs, leveraged mentorship, and achieved a breakout 2017 Kickstarter that far surpassed its goal via low-cost, gamified marketing. Tsao built trust with global manufacturers through in-person visits, grew through proactive behaviors and strategic partnerships (National Bohemian, McCormick Old Bay Seasoning, the Baltimore Ravens, the Baltimore Orioles, and the University of Maryland Athletic Dept.), and is developing notable projects like a Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge watch - using actual bridge steel - with profits donated to victims' families after the fatal bridge disaster in March, 2024. Join us, as Alan emphasizes attitude, learning from failure, community-building, and advises aspiring entrepreneurs to take action and, "Just Do It".   Chapter 1: Introduction to the How to Succeed Podcast 00:00:02 – 00:00:40 Dave Mattson frames the show's focus on the "success triangle" of attitudes, behaviors, and techniques. He sets expectations for peeling back how top performers think and act. Chapter 2: Meet the Guest and Topic 00:00:40 – 00:01:15 Host Chris McDonell welcomes guest Alan Tsao of Tsao Baltimore Watch Company and outlines the plan to explore Alan's entrepreneurial journey. Alan acknowledges the journey's challenges and rewards. Chapter 3: From Childhood Fascination to Passion Project 00:01:15 – 00:03:35 Alan traces his love of watches to a gift at age ten and explains his obsession with mechanical movements. As his career advanced, he built a 35–40 watch collection before deciding, with a nudge from his wife, to start designing his own watches. Chapter 4: Early Missteps and Losing Initial Partners 00:03:35 – 00:07:03 While working in property management, Alan looped in executives as early partners and sourced a manufacturer via a quick Google search. The first prototypes were low quality, scaring off his partners; he refunded them and bootstrapped forward, seeking advice from other microbrands to refine designs and supply chain. Chapter 5: Attitude—Learning From Failure and Pushing Forward 00:07:03 – 00:11:23 Prompted by Sandler's "attitude" lens, Alan reframes failure as learning rather than stopping. He emphasizes determination, confidence, and never giving up, aligning with the concept of "failing forward" to refine processes. Chapter 6: Breakthrough Kickstarter and Lean Marketing 00:11:23 – 00:14:58 After vastly improved prototypes, Alan launched a 2017 Kickstarter with a $45,000 goal, surpassing it in three hours and finishing at ~$115,000. He attributes traction to a $500–$800 gamified referral campaign that generated ~2,000 emails and ~25% conversion. Chapter 7: Global Sourcing and Trust-Building 00:15:13 – 00:17:57 Between 2017 and 2022, Alan traveled to Hong Kong and Switzerland to meet manufacturers. In-person relationships built trust, improved terms, and elevated product quality, strengthening credibility and operational know-how. Chapter 8: Going Full-Time, Investor Catalyst, and Hypergrowth 00:18:38 – 00:23:03 Weighing life choices post-Covid, Alan met an investor through a retail event who first commissioned 250 custom watches, then offered capital. After due diligence and valuation work, Alan accepted the deal, resigned, and the company grew 150–200% the following year. Chapter 9: Behavior—Showing Up Leads to Opportunity 00:23:03 – 00:23:53 Chris highlights the behavioral discipline of attending events and hustling while employed. Proactive behaviors, not chance, drove encounter-based breakthroughs and subsequent growth. Chapter 10: Strategic Partnerships—Natty Boh, Old Bay, Orioles, Ravens 00:23:53 – 00:27:47 Alan details collaborations beginning with National Bohemian via Instagram outreach and a fortuitous family contact leading to McCormick/Old Bay. Successive momentum earned projects with the Ravens and an official licensing partnership with the Orioles to cement local brand identity. Chapter 11: The Key Bridge Watch—Local Manufacturing and Giving Back 00:27:47 – 00:30:33 Tsao Baltimore is producing a watch using actual steel from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, with 85% of components made in Maryland. All profits support victims' families, while the project advances local manufacturing R&D. Chapter 12: Expanding into Education and Sports Memorabilia 00:30:21 – 00:34:27 As official timepiece of University of Maryland Athletics, Alan plans "class watch" programs for schools as an alternative to rings. He previews an Orioles initiative using player-worn jerseys as mystery watch dials with signed player cards, enabling community trading events. Chapter 13: Proudest Moments—First Sale and Family Validation 00:34:27 – 00:36:48 Alan recalls the emotional impact of the first full-price online sale. A second defining moment came when his young son said, "I'm proud of you, daddy," affirming the deeper family purpose behind the business. Chapter 14: Capabilities and Services at the New Workshop 00:36:48 – 00:37:24 The new facility houses certified watchmakers capable of servicing luxury brands, acting as a U.S. repair hub for jewelers and independent watch companies. Chapter 15: Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs 00:37:24 – end Drawing on his teaching at the University of Baltimore, Alan urges aspiring founders to start, learn by doing, and iterate through trial and error. He stresses overcoming comfort zones, accepting risk, and avoiding regret by taking the first step.  

What does it actually look like when you stop treating your consulting like a passion project and start treating it like a business? Rachel Huff-Doria found out. She didn't mean to start a business — she just started taking projects. For years, she trusted the universe. Until it didn't work anymore. Here's what changed, and what became possible. — When you're ready to break through to the next revenue level in your consulting business, here are two ways I can help you.   1. Join The Academy For women consultants who've been in business 2+ years and are making $120k+. Build the two systems every consulting business needs to get more of the right clients, get paid more, and build a sustainable business:  → A marketing system to bring the right clients to you and fill your pipeline → A sales system to help clients say yes and get you paid more. If you're ready to make your business and revenue more stable, secure, and sustainable, visit smartgetspaid.com/academy to learn more and apply.   2. Get Referrals on Repeat Learn the five strategies to get more referrals and attract more of the right inquiries on purpose – no more sitting around hoping they'll happen. Get your free guide at smartgetspaid.com/referrals   —   CONNECT WITH LEAH: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/leahtn/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartgetspaid Website: smartgetspaid.com Email: team@smartgetspaid.com  

The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 154 - How a Family Turned a Passion Project into a Resilient Brand With Jodi Scott   In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker welcomes Jodi Scott, co-founder of Green Goo. Together, they discuss the unexpected path her family took into the family business, which led to their product being distributed in over 150,000 retail locations. Jodi shares insights into their family dynamics, the influence of her parents, and the valuable lessons learned from their upbringing in a military household. The conversation dives into the challenges they faced, including a major setback that led them to buy back their company. Jodi emphasizes the importance of communication, proactive support, and mentoring in maintaining a healthy family business environment. The episode concludes with Jodi offering advice for other family-run businesses and recommending Green Go products, notably the versatile first aid ointment and skin repair cream.   ·       00:54 Jodi Scott's Journey into Family Business ·       02:28 Early Life and Influences ·       07:31 The Birth of Green Go ·       12:52 Sisterly Bond and Business Dynamics ·       19:32 From Farmer's Market to Full-Fledged Business ·       22:27 Challenges and Seeking Guidance ·       24:42 Establishing Trust and Roles in Family Business ·       27:34 Implementing Family Employment Policies ·       29:05 Expanding to Retail and Online Markets ·       30:07 Navigating Military Market and Retail Challenges ·       34:09 Facing and Overcoming Business Crises ·       39:16 Rebuilding and Future Plans ·       42:57 Advice for Family Businesses Websites: ·       fambizforum.com. ·       www.chrisyonker.com ·       Greengoo.com ·       Instagram: @greengoohelps   Jodi's Bio: Jodi Scott is the Founder of Green Goo and CEO of Spry Life, a family-owned portfolio of plant-based wellness brands. She co-founded Green Goo with her mother and sister in a small farmhouse kitchen, hand-crafting herbal salves that grew into a nationally distributed plant-based first aid brand carried in over 120,000 stores. With a background in biology, pre-med studies, and a Master's in Health Psychology, Jodi bridges traditional herbal medicine with modern science, focusing on clean healing, nervous system resilience, and reducing everyday endocrine disruptors. Her work emphasizes how small, thoughtful inputs compound over time, in health, leadership, and family systems. Jodi has lived every role inside a family business: product formulator, order packer, marketer, executive, and daughter. After selling Green Goo and later navigating a complex buyback to reclaim the company, she brings rare firsthand insight into continuity, conflict, trust, and alignment across generations. Today, Jodi works alongside her family running operations from their Colorado farm while mentoring other founders on building values-driven businesses that prioritize people, purpose, and long-term resilience. Her work sits at the intersection of wellness, entrepreneurship, and conscious family leadership.      

Lauren and Rachael discuss the tools and rules they use to navigate running their creative businesses online. They talk about the line between convenience and spoon feeding, pitching clients, and accepting the pros and cons that come with going your own way.Episode MentionsCheck out Rachael's Online Community, The Juice Box here!Please explore “River Scars,” the work of Robert Hodgin who presented at OFFF MX 2025If you liked this episode, check out Episode 12 “The Spark: How Advice for Dating is Advice for Creating”We are now booking workshops and speaking engagements as a duo! To bring us to your conference or organization, reach out to us at chaoticcreativespodcast@gmail.com. For a transcript of this episode, contact us at chaoticcreativespodcast@gmail.com Cover art designed and photographed by Kristle Marshall for Hom Sweet HomIf you love what we are doing and want to support us, head to patreon.com/chaoticcreativesFollow the pod on Instagram @chaoticcreativespod and tag us in the projects you're working on while listening!Say hi or tell us a silly lil joke: chaoticcreativespodcast@gmail.comLauren's links:WebsiteInstagramOnline ClassesRachael's links:WebsiteInstagramThe Juice BoxCreative Coaching

hotties, we are exposing just how insane we are this week - we are giving you a glimpse into our google calendars. we're chatting about how we balance fitness, podcasting and dance when working a full-time job, and we give you tips on how you can both balance your side hustles and passion projects and how to determine what should be a side hustle and what should be a passion project!anya's favorite: dunks protein lattes, headlights by in colorkylie's favorite: dry bar hair towel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donate to kylie's nyc marathon fundraising here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and follow us on instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@twodegreeshotter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! if you have any suggestions for topics you want to hear us cover, send them using this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/2WAjznf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Brando Rich stops by today and we talk about Phish! Cash or Trade started as a passion project founded on a desire to re-create the community of picking up a ticket to a show you don't have a ticket for.  At the heart of Cash or Trade is a fan to fan ethos.  Today, we discuss a bunch of stuff: Building a community online. Innovation The importance of getting fans into seats so that the seat isn't empty "Slow Ticketing" Possible reforms And, more... Check out Cash or Trade at www.cashortrade.org Visit my site at www.DaveWakeman.com Get 'Talking Tickets' at https://talkingtickets.substack.com Join our Slack Channel.

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/ "When your world feels like it's falling apart, that's when your story is beginning." – Jason Reid In this episode of Uncorking a Story, I sit down with Jason Reid—a successful entrepreneur, executive coach, and founder of TellMyStory.org. Jason's life changed forever in 2018 when he lost his 14-year-old son to suicide. Instead of retreating into despair, Jason transformed his grief into a mission: helping parents and kids navigate mental health challenges through storytelling and connection. We talk about his latest film, Shift: Do What Moves You, why hobbies and passions can literally save lives, and how failure often teaches us more than success ever could. If you've ever wondered how to find meaning in the darkest times, this conversation is for you. Key Themes: The Power of Storytelling – Jason shares why stories connect us and how they've shaped his life as a leader and parent. From Tragedy to Advocacy – Learn how Jason turned unimaginable loss into a movement to help families recognize and address mental health struggles. Why Passion Projects Matter – Discover how leaning into hobbies and interests can be life-saving for kids—and sanity-saving for adults. Failure Is the Best Teacher – Jason explains why his biggest lessons came from business failures, not successes. Mental Health Starts Early – Eye-opening insights on how depression can begin as early as age seven and what parents need to know. Gratitude and Resilience – Hear the inspiring story of a young man who thrives despite adversity, thanks to gratitude and creative outlets. How to Bring These Films to Your Community – Jason shares how schools and parents can host screenings of Shift and What I Wish My Parents Knew at zero cost. Request a Viewing of Shift: Do What Moves you Website: https://www.tellmystory.org/films/shift Connect with Jason Website: https://www.tellmystory.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tellmystorycommunity/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tellmystory/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Ns4HMxIRZ5xW7-3D-fgIg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tellmystory-org/ Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #UncorkingAStory #JasonReid #MentalHealthMatters #ParentingTips #Storytelling #ShiftFilm #PassionProjects #SuicidePrevention #Gratitude #Resilience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our videos are made possible by Members of CorridorDigital, our Exclusive Streaming Service! Try a membership yourself with a 14-Day Free Trial ► http://corridordigital.com/Niko, Wren, and Sam come together in this podcast at a time when their current experimental projects reach a head. They take a moment to share with you their individual project updates and how overwhelming it can all feel. Also, how is your relationship with The Truth holding up?Join our Public Fan Discord for Questions and Collaboration - https://discord.gg/cRef7KyN8hThis episode was recorded LIVE, exclusively for our website subscribers. Look out for updates on our website homepage, YT Community, and social media to find out about our next live recording session!

Episode Summary In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson sits down with Joel Steele, author of Life Switch and co-founder of Steele Financial Solutions. Joel shares his journey from a failed restaurant business at 24 to building a successful financial services firm from home. The conversation dives deep into redefining success, balancing ambition with family, and why living a "rich life" has more to do with presence and purpose than money alone. Who is Joel Steele? Joel Steele is the author of Life Switch and co-founder of Steele Financial Solutions, where he helps people prepare for retirement and long-term financial independence. With more than two decades in financial services, Joel is also a speaker and mentor focused on helping people flip the switch from merely surviving to truly living. He's passionate about family, fitness, and helping others design a life they don't want to escape from. Connect with Joel Steele Website: https://bookjoelsteele.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-steele-9685888/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeswitchofficial Host Contact Details Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction to Joel Steele 00:33 — Joel's Journey: From Restaurant Failure to Financial Success 01:55 — Redefining Success: Beyond Financial Wealth 03:38 — Lessons from Failure and Personal Growth 05:19 — Embracing Activity and Overcoming Obstacles 12:03 — The Importance of Human Connection in Business 19:52 — Leveraging Technology and Personal Touch 22:26 — Balancing Work and Home Life 22:37 — Finding Productivity in Chaos 24:46 — The Importance of Knowing Yourself 26:23 — Balancing Work and Passion Projects 28:19 — Discovering Your True Calling 32:01 — Applying Your Skills Beyond Your Day Job 35:48 — The Power of Passion and Purpose 38:29 — Joel Steele's Mission with Life Switch 41:28 — Final Thoughts and Inspirations

In this episode, Libby Rothschild, Podcast host, CEO, and owner of Dietitian Boss, interviews Heather. Heather Caplin, founder of the Lane 9 Project, shares how she revived a dormant passion project and turned it into a thriving clinician directory serving athletes with sports-related nutrition and mental health needs. In this episode, Heather walks through the research and networking that fueled her relaunch, the business model behind Lane 9, and the lessons she's learned from running multiple ventures.

Revenge Of became the go-to nerd bodega by hosting free events and waiving pinball fees. Learn the strategy that drives organic sales without discounts. Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Stephanie Tinsley created the true crime podcast, Everything They Missed. It is about the 2007 savage murder of Danny Harris in Memphis, a father of four, two of them Memphis police officers. Mr. Harris's body was left unnoticed and decomposing in his home for 2 months. The case was closed suspiciously and within 48 hours, police zeroed in on a 24-year-old black man, Andrew Hayes with a 3rd grade level IQ, who had never met the victim. After a 27-hour unrecorded interrogation, Andrew confessed. The Tennessee Innocence Project now calls that confession false, but for 18 years, Andrew has remained in prison.  Tinsley's show  uncovered new evidence that may exonerate the man. Stephanie is married to attorney Mark Tinsley. Mark's name is familiar to Impact listeners due to his involvement with the Alex Murdaugh trial and the Scott Spivey case. Stephanie discusses the Hulu Murdaugh special. Seton Tucker and Matt Harris began the Impact of Influence podcast shortly after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Now they cover true crime past and present from the southeast region of the U.S. Impact of Influence is part of the Evergreen Podcast Company. Look for Impact of Influence on Facebook and Youtube. Please support our sponsors Elevate your closet with Quince. Go to Quince dot com slash impact for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura's best-selling Carver Matframes - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code IMPACT at checkout. That's A-U-R-A Frames.com promo code IMPACT. This deal is exclusive to listeners and frames sell outfast, so order yours now to getitin time forthe holidays! Supportthe show by mentioning us at checkout! Terms and conditions apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a wild ride since our first episode aired in November of 2016, and today I'm reflecting on what it's like to pursue something for this long. Pursuing a passion project like this has taught me about personal development, resilience, and how daily habits can lead us toward self-compassion and growth. It's been so much more than a podcast. I wan to thank you for your support as we continue to learn and grow together! Help me celebrate 9 years of About Progress by submitting to our annual Favorite Things Giveaway! Simply leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts. Favorite things + details on who won HERE. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off Leave a rating and review Check out my ⁠workshops⁠! Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Book Launch Committee Free DSL Training Full Show Notes This episode is brought to you by cozy Earth, get up to 40% off at ⁠⁠Cozy Earth⁠⁠ with code "COZYPROGRESS" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices