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On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Oliver Winter, CEO and Founder of a&o Hostels, for an inspiring conversation about his entrepreneurial journey, from traveling on a shoestring budget to building one of the largest hostel brands in the world. We talk about his focus on being a cost leader, not a price leader, and how that translates to a guest experience that works for small pockets while still serving the needs of his guests. Oliver also shares his passion for sustainability and how his company has been able to move from an 18-kilogram per guest carbon footprint to just a 3.8-kilogram per guest carbon footprint. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Oliver turned his personal travel experiences into founding one of the largest hostel brands in Europe Why being a cost leader (rather than just a price leader) shapes a&o Hostels' unique value proposition and guest experience What makes the hostel guest experience distinctive, especially in terms of shared spaces, social atmosphere, and accommodation variety How a&o Hostels attracts diverse customer segments―from student groups to families, digital nomads, and backpackers―and the distribution strategies that work for them Why sustainability became a central focus for a&o Hostels, and how they've reduced their carbon footprint by over 80% per guest overnight What's next for a&o Hostels, including the big announcement of a new luxury budget brand to extend their reach and serve evolving traveler needs Creating Value Without Compromise One of the cornerstone philosophies for a&o Hostels is being a "cost leader," not just a "price leader." This means that they streamline operations and get rid of unnecessary frills while keeping the essentials, like comfort and safety, readily accessible. The hostels boast large capacities (an average of 800 beds per location), centralized operations, and shared facilities, striking a balance between affordability and a vibrant, social guest experience. Rather than confining the traveler's experience to private rooms, a&o focuses on engaging common areas, such as 24/7 bars, kids' zones, and flexible working spaces. These communal amenities give great opportunities for people to connect, appealing to families, digital nomads, student groups, and backpackers. The model values shared spaces over luxury and, in doing so, builds community. Evolving Guest Profiles and Modern Distribution Channels a&o Hostels caters to a wide range of guests, with profiles shifting based on season and day of the week. Midweek guests are often student groups and school tours, while weekends and holidays attract families and independent travelers. The brand is found on major OTAs like Booking.com and Expedia, but has also cultivated a strong direct booking channel via their own website. The flexibility in room types, from single or twin rooms for teachers and families to dorm-style accommodations for groups, further enhances their accessibility. This adaptable approach enables a&o to welcome anyone from school-aged travelers to budget-conscious business guests. Sustainability as a Core Company Value Beginning in 2015, Oliver and his team took a pioneering approach by closely tracking and reducing their carbon footprint per guest. Initially, a&o's footprint was already lower than average (18kg CO₂e per overnight stay, compared to 25kg at home), primarily thanks to shared spaces and efficient building use. But instead of settling, a&o set their sights higher. Through targeted operational changes—reducing waste, switching to renewable energy contracts, limiting disposables, and leveraging automation—they slashed their footprint by 80% to just 3.8kg per guest. What's more, many sustainability initiatives actually resulted in cost savings, debunking the myth that going green is always expensive. Resources: Website: https://www.aohostels.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-winter-berlin/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aohostels/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
Feeling like an emotional mess lately? What if the secret to calming your anxiety and depression isn't in your head—it's actually in your gut. This episode breaks down why your digestive system might be calling the shots on your mood, and the simple supplements for emotional vitality that actually work.Jenn Trepeck is joined by natural health educator Jared St. Clair on Salad With a Side of Fries to get real about the brain-gut connection. They're dishing on everything from spore-based probiotics to why your gut microbiome might be eating all your serotonin before it reaches your brain. Plus, Jared shares which magnesium and omega-3s are worth your money, and why your self-talk matters more than you think. What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why gut health and mental health issues are connected and how fixing your leaky gut and microbiome first (before your brain) can dramatically reduce anxiety and depression—plus the specific spore-based probiotics that actually rebuild your gut long-term✅ The five essential supplements everyone should consider: a great multivitamin, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium bisglycinate, probiotics, and digestive enzymes—and why these support neurotransmitter production and brain-gut connection✅ How ATP energy production in your brain affects mental clarity and mood, plus why creatine isn't just for athletes but is actually a "no-brainer" for preventing brain fog and supporting mental wellness✅ The power of mindset work and your reticular activating system (RAS)—why what you tell yourself matters more than any supplement, and how to stop sabotaging your health with negative self-talkThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Jared St. Clair introduces the gut health mental health connection and why he always starts in the gut when addressing anxiety and depression04:59 Jared shares how early exposure to health concerns shaped his passion for natural wellness and supplements09:58 The origin of Vitality Radio and how Jared transitioned from local radio to podcasting after 12 years, building a platform for health education and supplement formulation13:33 What emotional vitality means and Jared's wife's journey from five medical diagnoses, including bipolar disorder and IBS, to finding hope through gut health transformation20:09 The Vital Five supplements everyone should consider: a great multivitamin, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes for filling nutritional gaps23:11 Spore-based probiotics explained: why soil-based strains like Bacillus coagulans survive stomach acid, rebuild microbiome diversity, and create permanent change 27:12 Healing leaky gut and the gut barrier with L-glutamine, marshmallow, slippery elm, and holy aloe vera juice to support neurotransmitter production29:04 Why creatine is essential for brain health: supporting ATP energy production, preventing Alzheimer's, reducing brain fog, and helping with mental health issues35:36 The power of mindset and the reticular activating system: how self-talk and subconscious beliefs matter more than any supplement you can take for achieving vitality37:29 Placebo and nocebo effects explained: why believing a treatment will work (or won't) directly impacts outcomes, including medical procedures and supplement effectivenessKEY TAKEAWAYS:
We often expect transformation to come from big breakthroughs, but as Hero and Psychotherapist Jen Baumgold explains, lasting change usually begins with the smallest shifts in day-to-day living. In this episode, Jen and Chandler talk through the daily work of integration by paying attention to the body, pausing before reacting, experimenting with new behaviors, and gently challenging long-held patterns. Jen shares accessible tools for regulating the nervous system, practicing boundaries, and rebuilding trust with yourself one decision at a time. What You Will Learn[00:07:31] Why awareness alone rarely creates change, and what gets in the way of turning insight into action[00:09:16] How letting go of a long-held belief (like stepping off the scale) can reconnect you to bodily knowing[00:14:48] The power of permission and small steps — why tiny experiments are often more sustainable than big overhauls[00:17:30] How to spot a pattern's triggers and locate the sensation in your body so you can begin to work with it[00:21:13] Practical micro-habits for interrupting automatic reactions, like pausing before answering or waiting on emails[00:29:39] How EMDR supports integration by allowing you to access and reprocess material from a calmer, safer state[00:34:43] A simple nervous-system tool: using saliva or a small oral action to cue parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) activation[00:36:51] Why rebuilding self-trust — through boundaries, small decisions, and consistent practice — is core to lasting changeLet's Connect!Follow The Healing Heroes on Instagram & LinkedIn.Cait DeMelloWebsite | Instagram | LinkedInChandler StroudWebsite | LinkedIn | InstagramMixing and editing provided by Next Day Podcast.
In this episode, Dr. Marianne Miller explores the reality that many people with lifelong eating disorders do not resonate with the traditional idea of full recovery. She explains why harm reduction can offer a compassionate and sustainable path for individuals who have lived with chronic anorexia, long term bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and other long standing eating disorders. This conversation centers trauma history, neurodivergence, sensory needs, oppression, and the intersectional barriers that prevent many people from reaching what treatment programs often define as full recovery. If you have lived with an eating disorder for decades, if you have experienced trauma or misdiagnosis, if you are neurodivergent, or if you live in a marginalized body that has faced medical discrimination, you may find this episode deeply validating. Harm reduction gives you realistic recovery goals that respect your lived experience, your nervous system, and your access needs. What You Will Learn in This Episode Dr. Marianne explains how harm reduction works in eating disorder recovery and how it differs from traditional recovery models. She shows how harm reduction supports safety, stabilization, and dignity for people who have navigated chronic eating disorders for most of their lives. You will learn why the nervous system sometimes cannot tolerate pressure toward full recovery and why a flexible, collaborative approach can feel more aligned for many people. You will hear how sensory issues, interoception challenges, executive functioning differences, autistic burnout, and ADHD related overwhelm shape eating patterns for neurodivergent individuals. You will learn how trauma history, attachment ruptures, racialized stress, gender based discrimination, medical fatphobia, and identity marginalization influence both the development of eating disorders and the recovery process. Key Topics Covered This episode covers a wide range of topics that matter deeply for people with chronic eating disorders. These topics include how harm reduction supports stabilization when the long term eating disorder has become intertwined with survival. You will hear why the phrase full recovery can feel unrealistic or even harmful for people who have lived with their eating disorder for decades. Dr. Marianne explains how harm reduction creates safety, reduces shame, increases autonomy, and supports people who need a gentler and more individualized approach. The episode explores the role of neurodiversity in eating disorder recovery. This includes how sensory sensitivities shape food choices, how interoception differences impact hunger awareness, how executive functioning challenges influence meal consistency, and why many autistic and ADHD individuals need accessible, predictable, and customized strategies. You will also learn how intersectional oppression shapes health outcomes for people of color, queer and trans individuals, disabled individuals, fat individuals, and anyone living across multiple marginalized identities. Dr. Marianne describes what harm reduction can look like in daily life, from maintaining safe foods to creating sensory friendly meals to reducing medical instability in small, sustainable steps. She shares how this approach honors personal history and current capacity and how it helps many people live with more stability and less suffering. Who This Episode Is For This episode is for anyone living with a lifelong eating disorder who has felt pressure to pursue full recovery even when that expectation does not align with their reality. It is for people with chronic anorexia, chronic bulimia, long term binge eating disorder, ARFID shaped by sensory needs, and individuals with complex trauma who feel overwhelmed by traditional treatment expectations. This episode is also for neurodivergent individuals who live with autistic sensory profiles, ADHD impulsivity, interoception challenges, and executive functioning struggles that interfere with eating. It is for people living in marginalized bodies who have experienced medical discrimination or misdiagnosis. It is for professionals who want to learn how to apply harm reduction to eating disorder treatment in inclusive, neurodivergent affirming, and identity informed ways. Why This Episode Matters Many people with chronic or lifelong eating disorders feel invisible in mainstream recovery culture. They hear messages that full recovery is the only worthy goal and feel ashamed when their body or nervous system cannot meet those expectations. This episode names that truth with compassion. Harm reduction is a valid and ethical approach that honors lived experience and brings relief to people who need safety more than perfection. This episode matters because it acknowledges the role of trauma, neurodivergence, sensory needs, and intersectionality in long term eating disorders. It challenges the idea that recovery must look the same for everyone. It shows that you deserve care even if your healing does not follow a traditional blueprint. Your life still holds value and possibility. Related Episodes Orthorexia, Quasi-Recovery, & Lifelong Eating Disorder Struggles with Dr. Lara Zibarras @drlarazib on Apple & Spotify. Navigating a Long-Term Eating Disorder on Apple & Spotify. Why Eating Disorder Recovery Feels Unsafe: Facing Ambivalence in Long-Term Struggles on Apple & Spotify. Perfectionism, People-Pleasing, & Body Image: Self-Compassion Tools for Long-Term Eating Disorder Recovery With Carrie Pollard, MSW @compassionate_counsellor on Apple & Spotify. Resources and Support If you want more resources on lifelong eating disorders, harm reduction, ARFID, sensory based eating, and neurodivergent affirming care, visit drmariannemiller.com where you will find blog posts, guides, and links to specialized support. You can also explore my ARFID course and binge eating recovery membership options if you want deeper help with binge eating disorder, bulimia, ARFID, or long term eating disorder recovery. My work supports clients in California, Texas, Washington DC, and internationally through coaching. Join the Conversation If this episode resonated with your experience of a lifelong eating disorder or if you are curious about harm reduction as a recovery model, I would love to hear your thoughts. You can connect with me on Instagram at @drmariannemiller and share what stood out to you. For More Dr. Marianne-Land Podcast Episodes To explore more episodes on eating disorders, neurodiversity, trauma, and body liberation, listen to the full archive on your favorite podcast platform.
Today on Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter sits down with Bryan Doxford of Grow America to discuss innovative approaches to supporting small businesses, affordable housing, and underserved communities. Bryan shares insights into the mission-driven work of Grow America, including its role in providing capital through SBA loans, new market tax credits, and low-income housing initiatives. Bryan highlights how Grow America partners with credit unions, CDFIs, and community organizations to bridge funding gaps, offer economic development training, and help businesses access the capital they need to thrive.They also delve into the current state of Certified Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), exploring trends in consolidation, grant reliance, and self-sufficiency. Bryan underscores the importance of collaboration, both between mission-aligned organizations and with credit unions, to maximize impact in underserved communities. From small business lending to affordable housing and workforce development, this episode provides actionable insights for credit unions and community-focused organizations seeking to expand their impact.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅How Grow America (formerly NDC) drives community impact✅The evolving landscape of CDFIs✅The national housing shortage & affordability crisis✅How credit unions and CDFIs can partner for greater impactSubscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union's growth today. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction01:00 Bryan Doxford's career journey: from credit unions to SBA lending07:00 About Grow America's mission and programs09:00 Explanation of new market tax credits11:00 Current state and future of CDFIs17:100 Affordable housing initiatives and impact21:00 Training programs and community partnerships24:00 Access to capital and client community examples25:00 How credit unions can collaborate with Grow AmericaKEY TAKEAWAYS:
Hire Yourself Podcast with Pete GilfillanGhost job postings are everywhere. Companies look like they are hiring, but behind the scenes, they are freezing budgets, restructuring, or quietly cutting roles. In this reuploaded episode, Pete Gilfillan breaks down why senior-level executives face one of the most deceptive job markets in decades and what it means for anyone relying on corporate stability.Executives in their forties, fifties, and sixties are being laid off at record levels, only to discover that many of the job postings they are applying for were never meant to be filled. Pete explains the hidden dynamics behind ghost jobs and why ownership offers clarity, control, and real opportunity at a time when corporate security is collapsing.What You Will Learn in This Episode1. Why companies post jobs that are not realSome companies publish jobs simply to look stable, healthy, or growing. Pete explains how job postings can be used to project strength even when a company is laying people off or freezing hiring.2. How ghost jobs drain time and create false hopeExecutives apply, wait, follow up, and hear nothing. Pete breaks down how this delays your next step, burns severance time, and creates the illusion of opportunity that does not actually exist.3. How AI and restructuring are shrinking white collar rolesAI, automation, and corporate reorganizations are eliminating entire layers of management. Pete highlights how this is accelerating age discrimination and making it harder to move laterally or upward.4. Why executives no longer control their own futureGhost jobs make the market look full of possibility, but Pete shows why the real executive job market is shrinking. When you work for a company, you do not control hiring freezes, layoffs, or corporate direction.5. Why ownership provides clarity instead of illusionFranchise ownership gives executives something corporate life cannot provide: control. Pete explains how business ownership provides predictable demand, a proven playbook, long term stability, and the ability to build wealth instead of waiting for another corporate role.Key Takeaways• Many job postings are never intended to be filled• It can take six to twelve months for executives to land another role• AI and restructuring are removing layers of management• Ghost jobs create the illusion of opportunity that is not there• Ownership offers control, stability, and the path to building wealth“When you work for someone else, they control your future. When you own a business, you take that control back.” - Pete GilfillanCONNECT WITH PETE GILFILLAN:
Welcome to a transformative solo episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan invites listeners to reframe how they view uncertainty, chaos, and change in the agency world. Drawing from both scientific research and personal stories—including a gripping childhood encounter with real fear—Drew McLellan explores why agencies feel paralyzed by unpredictability, and more importantly, how leaders can move beyond fear to thrive in today's rapidly shifting landscape. Listeners will discover why uncertainty is baked into agency life, why our brains crave control, and why periods of upheaval—from economic turmoil and technological breakthroughs to social unrest—can actually be seen as fertile ground for growth and innovation. Drew McLellan champions the concept of a "perpetual renaissance," encouraging agency leaders to harness rather than resist continual change and to build their businesses on adaptability, creativity, and community. Throughout the episode, Drew McLellan underscores the power of belonging and reciprocal support, likening the AMI community to a network of redwoods—each agency strengthened by connection with others. He shares actionable advice on showing up as both a teacher and a student in industry salons, generously exchanging knowledge and resources so everyone thrives amid uncertainty. Insights from neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and agency research come together with practical wisdom to reveal how leading through chaos isn't about control, but about learning to ride the storm—together. Don't miss this deeply encouraging and practical episode, especially if you're looking for ways to put fear aside and become the agency clients seek out for guidance and innovation. By embracing the value of community and the inevitability of change, you'll gain a new perspective on how to master—and even enjoy—the wild ride ahead. Join the conversation, connect with the AMI salon, and help shape the future of your agency in 2026 and beyond. A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Embracing uncertainty as a constant in agency life Reframing fear of change into excitement for opportunity The power of community and collaboration for agency leaders Leveraging perpetual innovation and renaissance as a competitive edge The necessity of group learning and support to overcome decision paralysis Leading clients confidently through chaos and continual change Adopting a "giver's gain" mindset to strengthen agency networks and growth
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In this week's episode of Open Tech Talks, host Kashif Manzoor takes you through a convenient, real-world guide to building your first AI workflow, even if you are not technical. After last week's conversation (Episode 175) with Rose G. Loops on Ethical AI, Human Safety & AI Identity Protection, this episode returns to the foundations of GenAI adoption for professionals and enterprise teams. It also continues the learning from Episode 173, How GenAI Is Changing Every Career. Most people know how to write a prompt. Very few know how to connect AI to their real work. This episode solves that gap. Kashif breaks down the entire concept of an AI workflow into four simple building blocks: trigger → input → AI processing → action, and shows how ANY professional can build practical, repeatable workflows using ChatGPT, OCI Gen AI, Claude, Gemini, and more. You'll also hear four real enterprise examples from sales, finance, customer support, and legal, across industries. These examples are practical, repeatable, and immediately usable for working professionals, leaders, and teams starting their GenAI adoption journey. What You Will Learn in This Episode By the end of the episode, listeners will be able to: Understand exactly what an AI workflow is (with a simple formula) Identify the four components every workflow needs Choose the right triggers, inputs, and context for reliable AI output Use LLMs for summarization, classification, analysis, forecasting, and writing Turn repetitive tasks into automated workflows using No-Code tools Understand enterprise considerations: privacy, compliance, cost, integration Build a complete workflow using input → AI → output Apply AI to real departments: sales, finance, legal, customer support Start building repeatable AI processes that improve productivity every week Resources: Starter AI workflow Library
STOP losing deals because you missed a call. This episode reveals the AI Receptionist system that fixes your Lead Conversion instantly. Learn how a AI Voice Agent works 24/7 to replace your manual admin work.If you are tired of the "grind" and want to scale without hiring more staff, this interview explains exactly how to build a "Enterprise of One." We break down the shift from being a "doer" to a "director" by using Real Estate Automation to handle the heavy lifting. You will discover how ai agents for realtors can answer calls, qualify leads, and book appointments for you automatically.We also dive deep into the cash conversion cycle in real estate and why most agents stay broke because they focus on low-value tasks. By implementing an AI voice assistant for real estate agents, you can shorten that cycle and focus only on closing deals. This is the blueprint to Automated Follow Up that actually sounds human.What You Will Learn:
In this episode, Daniel and Darrick reveal the MLS Hack that allowed Darrick to buy 12 acres with three houses, subdivide the land, and essentially live mortgage-free. They break down how to spot undervalued acreage on the MLS, analyze subdivide opportunities, work within county regulations, and use simple tools like Land Portal to find deals that require zero marketing. If you want free land, a free house, or a smarter way to build wealth through land investing, this episode is a must-watch.What You Will Learn:- How to identify profitable MLS hacks- How subdividing can eliminate your mortgage- Key county rules that make or break a deal- The filters to use in Land Portal to find deals fast- Why “one county removed” is the ideal market================================
Have you ever held yourself back in your jewelry business because you didn't want to seem like a "sellout"? In this episode, I sit down with jewelry industry pioneer Tracy Matthews to unpack the mindset blocks that stop so many creative entrepreneurs from growing the business, and life, they truly want. We talk about letting go of guilt around success, stepping into your role as a chief visionary officer, and building structure that supports your creativity rather than stifles it. Tracy shares her story of starting her jewelry business in the '90s, overcoming rejection, and helping thousands of designers grow thriving brands through her coaching work. If you've ever questioned your worth or struggled to show up consistently, this conversation will remind you: wanting more doesn't make you a sellout…it makes you unstoppable. What You Will Learn in this Episode: How to stop abandoning your vision and start owning your worth as an artist The mindset shift from "maker" to chief visionary officer Why structure gives creatives more freedom, not less How to overcome fear of judgment and rejection in your business Topics Discussed: Overcoming the "sellout" stigma in the jewelry industry Subconscious beliefs and self-sabotage among creatives Structuring your week for growth and flow Handling rejection and building resilience Partner support and navigating unsupportive relationships Reinventing your business and staying aligned as you grow __________________________ Ready to grow + scale your jewelry business? Work with me → jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/fast-track If you loved today's episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a strategy drop. DM me your biggest takeaway on Instagram → @robynclarkcoaching Grab my free business guides → linktr.ee/robynclarkcoaching Tracy's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/flourish_thrive/ https://www.instagram.com/iamtracymatthews/ Tracy's Podcast | https://creativesruletheworld.com/
Recorded as an exclusive bonus episode, this lively conversation lifts the curtain on the wild, chaotic and genuinely inspiring journey of Sam and Brad, better known as The Bald Builders.From selling building materials online long before the industry was ready, to losing everything, sleeping in a caravan and an office, then rebuilding it all through sheer graft, relentless consistency and a camera phone, this episode captures a story you simply would not believe if it were not true.Today, the Bald Builders juggle National Breakfast Radio on Fix Radio with filming social content, running their own building projects, and growing a loyal online community who tune in every morning and every evening without fail. But the path to get here involved failed businesses, being wiped out by a forty thousand pound hit, living hand to mouth, and taking on jobs they should never have taken simply to survive.Packed with honest detail about how they rebuilt their lives and careers from nothing, how they grew their platform from forty thousand followers to a multi platform powerhouse, and what it really takes to stay relevant online in a crowded trade space, this episode is a rare look at the real story behind one of the UK's most recognisable social media duos.What You Will Learn in This Episode:The true origin story of the Bald BuildersFrom an online builders merchant that launched fifteen years too early to losing everything in a single blow.Why consistency still beats every algorithm trick in the bookTwo videos every single day for eight years and how that discipline shaped their entire career.How they accidentally discovered social media as a lifelineHiding their page during the hardest year of their lives, only to relight the fire when everything fell apart.The moment they realised flowscreed could save themA chance encounter on a job that turned into a complete pivot for their business.Why being yourself matters more than being polishedSam explains why authenticity lasts longer than viral hacks or gimmicks and why the trade sees through fakery fast.The business model that changed their livesNo clients, no chasing invoices, just building and selling their own projects while filming everything they do.How Fix Radio became a central part of their brandA breakfast radio show built for tradespeople and why it works perfectly with the Bald Builders way of life.Memorable Quote:“People watch us because we are exactly the same on camera as we are off it. You cannot get caught out if you never pretend.”Guest InformationSam Hughes - The Bald BuildersContent creators, builders, presenters at Fix RadioFix Radio Breakfast: Monday to Friday, 6 till 9am
"Anytime my managers are not out front, a problem happens. I want them where they can actually make the store money." In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Jana Franklin, serial entrepreneur, franchise expert, and CEO of CEO Concierge. Jana shares her experiences scaling brick-and-mortar franchises and how the pandemic inspired a major pivot. If you're an executive overwhelmed by operations or a woman entrepreneur considering consultancy, this episode offers actionable advice and the inside scoop on delegation done right. What You Will Learn: How a corporate fashion merchandising start laid the foundation for franchise management and people skills. The power of starting a business before getting entrenched in corporate. What it took to open, scale, and eventually sell multiple Fantastic Sams salons. How 80-hour weeks forced Jana to confront what she loved about her role. Why virtual assistants can "clone" your strengths. Creative ways brick-and-mortar businesses use virtual assistants. Building trust and growing into delegation. Addressing common fears: control, trust, cost, and support for first-time outsourcers. How women can add niche roles as their business scales. Connect with Jana Franklin CEO Concierge Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
Looking for the perfect healthy gift ideas this holiday season? Whether you're shopping for the fitness enthusiast, wellness warrior, or someone just beginning their health journey, finding thoughtful presents that support their goals doesn't have to be overwhelming. From innovative fitness trackers to luxurious silk pillowcases, there are countless options that show you care about their well-being.In this episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck shares her favorite wellness gifts for everyone on your list. She covers everything from organic grocery delivery services like Thrive Market and Misfit Market to game-changing products like Ring Conn fitness trackers, Branch Basics' clean cleaning products, and stylish athleisure wear. Jenn also discusses the best health-conscious gifts for the holiday season, including skincare accessories, protein powders, and even some unexpected items that will delight any health-minded recipient.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Discover innovative fitness tracker options like Ring Conn that don't require monthly subscriptions, plus how they compare to the Aura Ring for monitoring sleep data and daily activity✅ Explore wellness gifts that reduce toxic burden in your home, including Branch Basics Clean Cleaning Products and why switching from conventional products matters for your health✅ Find the perfect healthy gift ideas for every budget, from affordable blender bottles and protein powder combinations to luxurious silk pillowcases and skincare accessories like Jade Rollers and ice rollers.✅ Learn about convenient organic grocery delivery services like Thrive Market and Misfit Market that make excellent gifts for busy, health-conscious friends and family.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Healthy Gift Ideas for health-conscious friends and family this holiday season04:28 Ring Conn Fitness Tracker review: no monthly subscription required, easier data display than Oura Ring Ring Conn - Website06:39 Thrive Market and Misfit Market Organic Grocery Delivery services are perfect gift subscriptions Thrive Market - Website & Misfit Market - Website09:37 Planet Nusa Athleisure Wear brand from Copenhagen: community-focused activewear with great leggings and matching sets Planet Nusa - Website11:52 Branch Basics Clean Cleaning Products: toxin-free home cleaning solutions and oxygen boost Laundry Powder Branch Basics - Website13:31 Silk Pillowcase from Bliss and Nod Pod Weighted Eye Mask for better sleep and stress relief Blissy - Website & Nodpod - Website15:00 Gift idea: Jenn's Uncomplicated Wellness is perfect for anyone on your list. Uncomplicating Wellness Plus, shop kGoal products using
Stopping binge eating can be hard. But, you might be making it harder than it needs to be. In this episode, I'm sharing the top three things people do that make stopping binge eating harder. I'll also tell you how to stop doing those things. Listen in so you can make it easier for you to stop binge eating. Interested in working with me? Go to http://www.coachkir.com/group to get all the information you need! Find show notes and more information at https://coachkir.com/382 WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: What you might be doing that is making stopping binge eating so hard for you Why it can be hard to stop at "just one" What you can do to make stopping binge eating easier FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE Awesome Free Stuff The Stop Binge Eating Group Coaching Program
In Episode #134 of Work Comp Talk, hosts Carmen Ramírez and Bilal Kassem keep the energy high as they jump into Part 3 of our Special Workers' Compensation Webinar Series, and this one gets real. In this segment, Carmen and Bilal walk you through "Real Cases: Dodging a Bad QME," sharing honest insights and real stories of injured workers who almost ended up with the wrong evaluator until the right guidance changed everything. Hosts explain, in a clear and supportive way, what really happens when you miss a deadline, choose the wrong doctor, or find yourself dealing with a QME who isn't truly on your side. What You Will Learn: How to spot a bad QME before it hurts your case What to do if you missed a deadline or picked the wrong doctor How to request a supplemental report the right way When and why you can switch QMEs with attorney support How to protect your California work comp claim from common traps Real examples of how injured workers turned their cases around Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Overview of QME Challenges02:36 – Missed Deadlines and Wrong Doctor Scenarios 06:53 – Ensuring Complete Medical Records and Supplemental Reports 11:10 – Attorney Power: Subpoenaing Records and Legal Support 15:02 – QME Responsibilities and What to Expect at Evaluation 20:12 – Reading QME Reports, Thin Reports, and Next Steps This was the final part of our webinar series, but there's more to come! Stay tuned for the next episodes to keep learning how to manage your workers' comp case, avoid pitfalls, and make sure your rights are protected every step of the way. This episode is sponsored by Pacific Workers, The Lawyers for Injured Workers, the trusted workers' compensation law firm in Northern California. With over 10,000 cases won and more than $350 million recovered for injured workers, we are here to help if you've suffered a workplace injury. Visit our FAQ and blog for more resources: https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/ Follow Us on Social Media for More Content!
Pelvic floor muscles are essential for far more than sexual health—they impact bladder control, bowel function, balance, and even longevity. Pelvic floor health affects every body on a daily basis, and it's time we actually talk about it.In this bonus episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck chats with Liz Miracle, a board-certified women's health physical therapist and co-creator of kGoal, the first smart pelvic floor trainer. They discuss everything from properly performed Kegel exercises to the surprising connection between pelvic floor strength and whole-body wellness, including relief from urinary incontinence and constipation, and improved core stability for every body—not just women. Learn why these muscles deserve as much attention as any other muscle group in your body and how proper training can prevent falls, improve athletic performance, and enhance quality of life.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why Pelvic Floor Exercises aren't just about preventing leaks—they're connected to constipation relief, balance and stability, athletic performance, and even longevity and aging independently✅ The difference between tight-and-weak versus loose-and-weak pelvic floor muscles, and why relaxation training matters just as much as muscle strengthening for issues like painful sex and bowel movement issues✅ How to use smart kGoal trainer technology with biofeedback games to ensure you're doing Kegel Exercises properly—including which muscles to actually engage (hint: most people are doing it wrong!)✅ The surprising lifestyle factors affecting your pelvic floor health, from carbonated water and bladder control to posture, stress, and why hovering over public toilets is sabotaging your progressThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to pelvic floor health and why kGoal exercises matter for more than sexual wellness02:43 Signs you need pelvic floor strengthening: urinary incontinence, gas leakage, heaviness, and pelvic organ prolapse04:02 How pelvic floor dysfunction affects men through erectile dysfunction and nerve compression05:32 The kGoal smart Kegel trainer device: insertable and sit-upon versions for all ages, including pediatric use for constipation relief08:02 Understanding tight-and-weak versus loose-and-weak pelvic floor muscles and why relaxation matters as much as contraction12:32 kGoal device features explained: Bluetooth connectivity, biofeedback games, and how the app provides muscle strengthening through interactive play17:24 kGoal games for different conditions: relaxation exercises for tight pelvic floors, moving target and pinball for bladder control training23:09 Real-world impact: CrossFit athlete improves max lift significantly after learning proper core strengthening and pelvic floor activation25:25 Longevity and aging: how pelvic floor weakness correlates with falls, nursing home admission, and maintaining independence30:37 Lifestyle factors affecting pelvic health: carbonated water as a bladder irritant, squatty potty benefits, and avoiding hovering over toilets35:35 Why doctors don't talk about pelvic floor healthKEY TAKEAWAYS:
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is joined by returning guest Nicole Mahoney, an accomplished agency owner and thought leader renowned for her innovative work in collaboration within the travel and tourism space. Drawing on her 15 years of industry expertise, Nicole shares how strategic partnerships have propelled her agency to new heights—even during challenging times like the pandemic. Together, Drew McLellan and Nicole Mahoney dig deep into the multifaceted nature of agency collaboration, both with competitors and complementary businesses. Nicole reveals insights from her research, podcast, and her newly released book, breaking down the different types of collaborators—the promoters, doubters, and protectors—and why understanding these archetypes is key to building mutually beneficial relationships. They also explore how agencies can be more intentional with partnerships to drive growth, resilience, and innovation. Expect actionable frameworks, real case studies of cross-agency teamwork, and candid stories about what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to navigating collaborations—from RFP responses to co-hosting major events. Nicole introduces her proven "3C framework" for successful partnerships and shares how agencies can assess and operationalize collaboration as part of their strategic planning, especially heading into 2026. If you're rethinking how to strengthen your agency's network, improve client offerings, or simply want to learn from real-world examples of effective coopetition, this episode is packed with takeaways. Don't miss this opportunity to hear fresh perspectives on how working together not only benefits your agency, but helps build a stronger, more connected industry. A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Building agency growth and resiliency through strategic collaboration Understanding the three types of collaborators: promoters, doubters, and protectors Operationalizing collaboration as an intentional business strategy Keys to effective partnerships: communication, commonality, and commitment Creating mutually beneficial relationships even with competitors (coopetition) Leveraging collaborations to diversify offerings and better serve clients Using partnerships to overcome resource gaps and win larger opportunities
Are you stuck in a "stable" career while secretly dreaming of going all-in on your jewelry business? In this episode, I sit down with Heidi Kalafut of Heidi Marie Private Jeweler to talk about her courageous leap from an 11-year career in financial services into a six-figure custom fine jewelry business. We unpack how she grew from a few engagement ring referrals to a thriving private studio, how she navigated that messy overlap between her 9–5 and her jewelry business, and what it really looks like to build a business while raising two little ones. Heidi shares the networking strategies that actually move the needle, how she thinks about pricing and markups with gold costs skyrocketing, and why this is exactly the time to raise your prices. If you've been craving proof that it's possible to build a profitable, sustainable jewelry business on your own terms, this conversation will light a fire under you. What You Will Learn in this Episode: How Heidi transitioned from a "stable" financial services career into a six-figure custom jewelry business in just a few years Practical mindset shifts for taking the leap from hobby to true jewelry business (without waiting to feel "ready") Networking strategies that feel genuine (not salesy) and actually bring in dream jewelry clients How to think about pricing, markups, and price increases when gold and material costs keep going up Topics Discussed: Heidi's journey from art major to retail jewelry, financial advisor, and finally private jeweler Starting a jewelry business in 2020 while pregnant and parenting a toddler The tipping point of leaving a 9–5 to go full time in your jewelry business Networking vs. social media as a primary growth strategy Pricing, margins, and communicating price increases to clients Balancing (and realistically juggling) motherhood, business growth, and new revenue streams __________________________ Ready to grow + scale your jewelry business? Work with me → jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/fast-track If you loved today's episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a strategy drop. DM me your biggest takeaway on Instagram → @robynclarkcoaching Grab my free business guides → linktr.ee/robynclarkcoaching Heidi's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/heidimarieprivatejeweler Heidi's Website | https://heidimarieprivatejeweler.com/
"I had my ladder on the wrong wall. I was putting all my energy into getting people to want McDonald's instead of Burger King. Who cares, really?" In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Kate Grant, CEO Emeritus of the Fistula Foundation and author of No Woman Left Behind. Kate explains what obstetric fistula is and how a relatively low-cost surgery can restore a woman's health. She shares the practical steps she took to move from advertising into nonprofit leadership and why investing in your own retooling can be the most powerful career move. If you're thinking about leaving corporate for mission-driven work, this episode is full of tactical and emotional wisdom. What You Will Learn: How working in advertising at big agencies means using dark arts of consumer research to create psychological needs for products. The decision process of choosing to go back to graduate school and completely retool rather than making a lateral move into nonprofit communications. The reality that career change doesn't happen on the plane ride home from your transformative trip, it happens gradually like a pair of shoes that doesn't fit anymore, and it takes time to empower that voice that says you're done with this chapter. What an obstetric fistula actually is. How women with fistula are often stigmatized and how they're frequently blamed for an injury that's caused by a lack of medical access. Why Fistula Foundation went from being one of several support organizations for a single hospital in Ethiopia to becoming the global leader doing more surgeries than the UN or US government. The strategic decision not to take government money. Why 90% of the fistula surgeries are successful and truly give women their lives back. The permanent pay cut that comes with leaving the private sector for nonprofit work. How ruthlessly thrifty operations with 19 consecutive years of four star Charity Navigator ratings prove worthiness of donor support by getting as much money as possible into the hands of doctors and hospitals in far-flung corners that do the real work. Connect with Kate Grant Fistula Foundation Book: No Woman Left Behind Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
We're taking you on a road trip through the future of tourism in Atlantic Canada. You'll hear firsthand from tourism leaders on how the region captivates new generations of travelers while staying true to its maritime roots. We also spotlight the rise of Indigenous-led travel experiences and the wave of creativity from local artisans. From group travel trends to the power of regional collaboration, each story underscores how Atlantic Canada's tourism pros aren't just adapting—they're shaping what meaningful travel looks like for the years ahead. In this episode, you'll hear from these knowledgeable tourism leaders: Molly Vail: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-vail/ Nancy Petrie: https://www.oakislandresort.ca/ Natalie Kaftan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliekaftan/ Katherine Verreault: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-verreault Kelley Keefe: linkedin.com/in/kelley-keefe-07841a1a6 Robert Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-thomas-225165161/ Desirea Goodyear: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desirea-goodyear-77294a26b/ Tasha Robitaille: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasha-robitaille-0a790029/ Wahab Khan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wahab-khan-b809862ab/ Jacob Sheehan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-sheehan-71ba578b/ Jen Silliphant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-silliphant/ What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Atlantic Canadian tourism leaders are embracing innovation and sustainable growth to shape the future of travel in the region Why collaboration and partnership is essential for delivering impactful guest experiences What trends are emerging in traveler interests, including immersive cultural experiences, wellness tourism, and eco-friendly adventures How the region is adapting to the rising interest from younger travelers, families, and international visitors Why authenticity, local culture, and culinary experiences are setting Atlantic Canada apart as a travel destination How Indigenous tourism and wellness-focused offerings are growing and diversifying the visitor experience What successful creative collaborations look like in practice Innovation Rooted in Community Collaboration Community lies at the heart of Atlantic Canada's tourism ethos. This spirit of partnership, as showcased at the Atlantic Canada Showcase event, has made the region a model for collaborative success. Provinces, cities, and businesses work hand-in-hand to offer amazing visitor experiences and nurture economic growth. Four provinces unite to market the region, develop meaningful partnerships, and promote the Maritimes. These collaborations aren't just behind the scenes—they tangibly widen access for visitors and amplify the region's reach in international markets. Authenticity is the Maritime Edge If there's one word repeated by tourism leaders throughout the episode, it's "authenticity." Atlantic Canada isn't about cookie-cutter vacations; it's about experiences crafted by the local communities. Molly Vail from Discover Halifax highlights how the city blends youthful energy with maritime charm, offering guests handcrafted itineraries that range from vineyards to vibrant nightlife. Natalie Kaftan of Tauck emphasizes the enduring appeal of the Maritimes' local character and color. Visitors are drawn to real people, unique food, and meaningful cultural exchanges, not just passive sightseeing. As travel trends shift worldwide, immersive itineraries and authentic local engagement are increasingly in demand. Whether it's an Acadian caviar tasting in New Brunswick or a craft-making workshop in Mahone Bay, guests are eager for stories and experiences that go beyond the surface. Growing Demand for Indigenous and Wellness Experiences Indigenous-led tourism is gaining extraordinary momentum in Atlantic Canada. Robert Thomas from the Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association shares how guests now seek engagement with indigenous cultures—culinary experiences, guided hikes with elders, and artistic workshops are just the beginning. Tasha Robitaille's La Belle Cabane healing sanctuary offers a blend of wellness and indigenous knowledge, where visitors can participate in breathwork sessions, explore Métis traditions, and join healing retreats that are as restorative as they are educational. This surge in interest reflects a broader travel trend: visitors crave deeper connection, healing, and learning as much as recreation. Ultimately, Atlantic Canada Showcase itself, described as "intimate," "impactful," and "powerful" by my guests, epitomizes the region's strengths. Small size becomes an advantage, enabling tight-knit partnerships, genuine hospitality, and real dialogue among industry leaders. Whether partnering across cities or developing cross-province itineraries, success is shared and multiplied. We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. 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Diabetes management doesn't have to mean missing out on life's greatest moments or living in fear. Learn how blood sugar management can transform daily life for anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. This conversation dispels common myths and reveals practical strategies that work.Join Jenn Trepeck on Salad With a Side of Fries with special guest Ben Tzeel, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care specialist who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for over 25 years. Together, they explore the critical differences between Type 1 and Type 2, discuss nutrition and exercise strategies, and share how tools like continuous glucose monitors help people thrive while managing their condition during Diabetes Awareness Month.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ The critical differences between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes, including how insulin resistance works differently in each condition and why Type 1 diabetes management requires external insulin for life.✅ How to use nutrition strategies like carbohydrate counting, protein pairing, and insulin to carb ratios to achieve better blood sugar control without restrictive eating or feeling deprived.✅ Why strength training and consistent movement boost insulin sensitivity for 24-72 hours after each workout, making exercise and diabetes management one of the most powerful tools you have.✅ The truth about continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and other diabetes technology—what actually works, how to interpret the data, and why you still need to play an active role in your care.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 How insulin works as a key to unlock cells and allow glucose uptake for energy in Type 1 diabetes management04:35 Ben's story of being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age seven and the outdated advice he received from doctors10:39 The stigma of diabetes and its unfair consequences12:41 Understanding the biological differences between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes and how insulin resistance develops differently18:29 Nutrition strategies for diabetes management, including carbohydrate counting, protein pairing, and insulin-to-carb ratios for meals24:24 The power of strength training and walking to maximize insulin sensitivity and improve blood sugar control for 24 to 72 hours28:51 Continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps are game-changing technology tools for real-time diabetes care and data tracking33:52 Underrated diabetes tools, including inhalable insulin and nasal glucagon for faster-acting emergency blood sugar management37:06 Having early conversations with partners and supporters about Type 1 diabetes management, setting boundaries, and expressing needs40:13 The importance of asking people with diabetes how they want to be supported and having personalized conversations about glucose monitoring preferencesKEY TAKEAWAYS:
In our first ever one-on-one Healing Heroines episode, Chandler sits down with Sarah Hardie Johnson, a transcendental meditation enthusiast, yoga instructor, and corporate professional turned spiritual healer for an intimate look at intuition, healing after loss, and the inner quiet we often avoid. Sarah shares why slowing down is essential for intuitive clarity, the role meditation plays in calming the nervous system, how dreams—especially visitation dreams—can serve as portals of deeper knowing, and the importance of letting yourself feel as part of the healing process. Sarah also offers a simple yet effective breathing technique to regulate your body throughout the day.What You Will Learn[00:07:55] How intuition connects to trust and why rationalizing it away pulls you out of alignment[00:09:57] The personal turning point that sparked Sarah's spiritual curiosity and inner healing[00:13:24] Why meditation became one of the most impactful tools on Sarah's journey[00:17:17] How transcendental meditation differs from guided or silent meditation[00:25:47] What dropping beneath thoughts feels like and how the “bottom of the ocean” metaphor applies[00:29:19] How Sarah recognized her visitation dream and what made it distinct from ordinary dreams[00:40:00] Why intuition struggles to land when your nervous system is dysregulated[00:45:14] How allowing yourself to feel emotions—especially grief and anxiety—supports true healingLet's Connect!Follow The Healing Heroes on Instagram & LinkedIn.Sarah HardieInstagramChandler StroudWebsite | LinkedIn | InstagramMixing and editing provided by Next Day Podcast.
Youth banking is transforming how credit unions engage families and prepare the next generation for financial success. In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, host Mark Ritter sits down with Alexey Krasnoriadtsev, CEO and co-founder of boucoup, to explore innovative family banking solutions that are changing the game for credit unions. Alexey shares his remarkable journey from Soviet-era Belarus to becoming a fintech entrepreneur in Austin, Texas, and explains why digital banking tools for kids and teens are no longer optional—they're essential. The conversation reveals how to teach kids about money using banking apps through practical features like parental oversight, chores and allowance tracking, and even simulated loans that build real-world financial literacy.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How youth banking programs have evolved from money-losing initiatives to profitable opportunities for credit unions, with kids now holding $800-$1,500 in deposits and generating full asset yields on no-cost accounts.✅ Why family banking tools with parental controls, money management features, and digital chores and allowance systems are essential for teaching financial literacy in a cashless society, where kids need cards earlier than ever before.✅ The critical mistakes credit unions make during digital banking implementation, including inadequate testing of edge-case scenarios and a lack of proper project planning that leads to production problems.✅ How innovative banking education features like parent-supervised loans with interest and late fees help teens experience real-world financial concepts like amortization before entering adulthood.Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union's growth today.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro: The 25-year challenge credit unions face in attracting young people, and a conversation about youth banking solutions03:17 Alexey Krasnoriadtsev shares his origin story, from Soviet-era Belarus to America, working as a dishwasher and theme park cleaner before founding his mobile banking app company10:30 Banking On solves a California credit union's digital banking crisis, transforming thousands of one-star reviews into five-star ratings through API-connected mobile banking apps13:32 Boucoup, the family banking concept, explains how financial literacy tools help parents supervise kids' spending through chores and allowance, loans, and kid debit cards26:22 Critical advice on credit union innovation implementation, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive testing, project planning, and quality assurance KEY TAKEAWAYS: ✅ Youth banking is now a profitable strategy—today's cashless society means kids need cards early, resulting in average deposits of $800 for 13-year-olds and $1,500 for 17-year-olds, generating full 4% asset yields on no-cost accounts.✅ Family banking tools create emotional bonds and practical financial literacy through features like peer-to-peer transfers with photos, digital chores and allowance tracking, and parent-supervised loans with interest rates and late fees that teach real-world financial concepts.✅ Successful digital banking implementation requires comprehensive testing. Credit unions must demand detailed project plans, test 60+ edge-case scenarios with multiple accounts, and invest in quality assurance before production launch.✅ Member engagement with the next generation starts with solving parent pain points—giving kids supervised debit cards instead of credit cards creates sticky family banking relationships where entire households bank together at one...
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Build a Better Agency! Host Drew McLellan sits down with Robin Bonn, agency veteran and founder of Codefinery, for a candid conversation that tackles one of the agency world's biggest challenges: true differentiation. Drawing on over two decades of industry experience and insights from his new book, Market of One, Robin unpacks why even the most creative agencies struggle to set themselves apart and how owners can reimagine their businesses for lasting competitive advantage. Drew and Robin delve deep into the heart of agency positioning, debunking the myths and tired tropes that so many firms rely on to claim they're "different." From generic claims about people and creativity to the pitfalls of "category norms," Robin shares why most agencies' attempts at standing out fall flat—and what it really means to create a business model that's as unique as a fingerprint. Listeners will hear practical advice for moving beyond superficial branding tactics and start building what Robin calls a "market of one"—where your agency's true value is clear, tangible, and uncopyable. The episode also explores the often-overlooked role of pricing as a key differentiator, the pervasive fear and herd mentality that keep agencies stuck, and the transformative impact of AI on agency business models. Robin challenges listeners to rethink everything from service offerings to client fit—encouraging leaders to embrace strategy, redefine success beyond just growth, and make bold choices that align with both financial health and personal fulfillment. Tune in if you're ready to move past the sea of sameness and face the future with optimism and intention. By the end of the episode, you'll walk away with actionable questions, a fresh strategic lens, and the inspiration to reshape not just what your agency does, but how—and why—you do it. A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why true agency differentiation is so difficult—and why most agencies still struggle with it Common pitfalls that lead agencies into the "sea of sameness" Distinguishing between superficial distinctiveness and authentic, business-model-driven differentiation The critical role of clear positioning and deep strategy in agency growth How fear, herd mentality, and legacy habits hold agencies back from standing out The power of pricing as an underutilized differentiator Embracing change, enjoying the business, and defining what success means for your agency
Struggling to be seen, fighting imposter syndrome, or skipping celebrations because you're "not there yet"? In this hot-seat episode, Emily Wan flips the mic and interviews me about growing from the shy girl who whispered answers to the woman who coaches jewelry founders to own their voice and their prices. I share the pivotal moments that shifted my identity (hello, Toronto Fashion Week curveball), practical ways to build confidence in tiny daily reps, and why celebrating wins isn't fluffy…it's fuel for sustainable sales. We also talk about navigating full-time transitions with intention, setting healthy boundaries, and building a business that feels like you. If you want tactical mindset tools you can apply today, this one's for you. What You Will Learn in this Episode: How to retrain your "I'm shy/I'm not a real designer" story into confident CEO energy Micro-habits to practice visibility (and why opinions are a sales skill) A simple celebration ritual to reduce burnout and increase conversions How to navigate growth seasons (wholesale, shows, going full-time) without losing yourself Topics Discussed: Shyness → visibility: the identity shift Imposter syndrome in the jewelry industry Celebrating milestones as a sales strategy Boundaries, routines, and nervous-system savvy growth Going full-time with intention Community, support, and the JBA container __________________________ Ready to grow + scale your jewelry business? Work with me → jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/fast-track If you loved today's episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a strategy drop. DM me your biggest takeaway on Instagram → @robynclarkcoaching Grab my free business guides → linktr.ee/robynclarkcoaching Emily's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/julystudiocreations/ Emily's Website | https://julystudiocreations.com/
Holiday wellness tips are essential as we navigate the season of gatherings, travel, and indulgence. Feeling stressed about upcoming family dinners or worried about digestive issues from all those holiday treats? You're not alone! Join Jenn Trepeck on Salad with a Side of Fries as she chats with Dr. Haley Parker, a doctor of East Asian Medicine and licensed acupuncturist, about practical ways to handle holiday stress management without losing your mind. Together, they explore how ancient wisdom meets modern holiday stress management, offering actionable advice on everything from improving sleep hygiene to supporting your immune system through seasonal changes and managing those inevitable digestive health challenges that come with festive feasting. Whether you're dreading Thanksgiving dinner drama, worried about fitting into your jeans after all those parties, or just trying not to catch every bug going around, we've got you covered. What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How East Asian Medicine and acupuncture benefits can help manage holiday stress management, from dealing with family dynamics to maintaining your mental health wellness during the busiest time of year.✅ Practical holiday wellness tips for preventing and treating digestive health issues like bloating and food stagnation, including herbal medicine remedies and lifestyle adjustments that support your body through festive feasting.✅ Why rest and recovery are an active state and how to work with your body's natural circadian rhythm during seasonal changes, plus strategies for supporting your immune system to avoid getting sick during the holidays.✅ The connection between seasonal affective disorder and your body's mammalian need to slow down in fall and winter, along with stress relief techniques like journaling and mindfulness practices that help you tune into what your body actually needs.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to East Asian Medicine with Dr. Haley Parker 05:19 Dr. Haley shares her journey from Division 1 athlete to acupuncturist, and how chronic pain led her to explore integrative medicine and whole-person healthcare approaches 09:28 Defining East Asian Medicine as an umbrella term encompassing nutrition therapy, herbal medicine, manual therapy, acupuncture and the importance of rightful thinking12:49 Understanding holiday stress management through the lens of seasonal changes and how our bodies were meant to function, and a discussion of digestion issues20:11 Holiday wellness tips for managing family dynamics and stress during gatherings, including the importance of self-care routines, journaling, and approaching situations with compassion and grace22:07 Sleep hygiene strategies for the holidays, including power naps for nervous system regulation, balancing caffeine intake, and maintaining stable blood sugar 24:03 Practical digestive health advice for holiday meals, using an algebraic equation approach to balance indulgence with movement, hydration, and mindfulness practices around eating habits28:21 How humans, as non-hibernating mammals, struggle during seasonal transitions, plus the importance of eating seasonally to support organ systems and why rest and recovery are an active state essential for health35:57 Mental health wellness strategies, recognizing stress patterns, and becoming a better practitioner of self-care routines 39:57 How to find a qualified acupuncture practitioner, tips for choosing someone who resonates
Welcome to KNOW-vember! Throughout the month, we continue to explore what it means to know yourself more deeply. In this solo episode, Chandler maps out why curiosity (not certainty) is the pathway to trusting your intuition, how the body signals truth before the mind catches up, and simple daily practices to strengthen your inner GPS. Chandler blends personal stories, neuroscience context, and easy micro-practices (breathwork, curiosity walks, tarot pulls) to help listeners start using intuition for decisions. This episode is designed to help you notice and act on the quiet "yes" or "no" that already lives inside you. What You Will Learn[00:06:22] Why listening to your inner compass helps you navigate life from your own truth rather than someone else's roadmap.[00:06:46] The idea of “lighting a sparkler every day” — choosing small, repeatable joys instead of waiting for rare fireworks.[00:07:23] A working definition of purpose: where what you love and what you're good at meet the world's needs.[00:09:41] Examples of body-based intuition: the gut or stomach knowing before the rational mind does.[00:10:25] The neuroscience framing: brains predict the world by scanning past patterns, which is why intuition often feels like remembering.[00:11:17] How brief practices that build heart coherence (a few minutes of breath or focused calm) sharpen clarity and steady emotions.[00:19:09] Practical November prompts: three deep breaths before decisions, curiosity walks, a daily “Today I realized…” jar, and pulling one tarot card per day.[00:22:24] The core takeaway: inner knowing is not about being right — it's about being real and remembering who you are under the noise.Resources MentionedThe HeartMath Institute Let's Connect!Follow The Healing Heroes on Instagram & LinkedIn.Chandler StroudWebsite | LinkedIn | InstagramMixing and editing provided by Next Day Podcast.
Do This NOW: The 1-Minute Technique to Drop Anxiety & Regulate Your Nervous SystemYour Instant 60-Second Vagus Nerve ResetFeeling a flash of anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or stuck in a loop of overthinking? This short, powerful 1-minute guided session is your immediate tool for nervous system reset and fast stress relief.Clinical hypnotherapist Martin from Calming Anxiety guides you through a simple, yet highly effective somatic technique that takes just 60 seconds to perform.What You Will Learn in 1 Minute:How to use a long, slow out breath (a sighing breath) to speak directly to your vagus nerve.A powerful method to immediately signal safety to your mind.How to feel your core regulate and release built-in tension.This is the perfect emotional regulation tool to use instantly at your desk, before a difficult conversation, or any time you need to drop anxiety fast and carry calm into the next hour.For Deeper Calm: If you need deeper somatic healing or more extended emotional regulation tools, subscribe to Calming Anxiety.Support the Show:Ad-Free Listening: Enjoy Calming Anxiety without ads at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/calming-anxiety--4110266/supportBuy Me a Coffee: Support hosting costs at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/calminganxietyRate & Review: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help us reach more listeners!Resources & Courses:Book Hypnotherapy: Schedule a one-on-one session with Martin at https://calendar.app.google/rXHMt8sRYft5iWma8 Pain & Anxiety Course:Manage negative thoughts and pain with The Physio Crew's course at https://offers.thephysiocrew.co.uk/home-painBreathing Challenge: Try our relaxing breathing challenge at https://www.martinhewlett.co.uk/breathing-challenge/Gift a Subscription: Share Calming Anxiety with loved ones at https://www.martinhewlett.co.uk/shop/calming-anxiety-gift-subscription/Get the App:iOS: Download Calming Anxiety at https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/calming-anxiety/id1576159331 Android:Get it on Google Play at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=digital.waterfront.calming.anxiety&hl=en-GBConnect With Us:Email: Share feedback or requests at calminganxiety@martinhewlett.co.ukYouTube: Watch all episodes at https://www.youtube.com/c/calminganxiety?sub_confirmation=1 Social Media Support: For younger listeners struggling with social media stress, visit https://www.icanhelp.net/Backing Music: Chris Collins===================Affiliate links to the gear I use the items that give me a more tranquil life.Rode Podmic - https://amzn.to/3LN1JEdZoom Livetrak L8 - https://amzn.to/36UCIbySony ZV 1 - https://amzn.to/3JvDUPTGoPro Hero 8 Black - https://amzn.to/372rzFlDJI Mini 2 - https://amzn.to/3NQfMdY=============================Items I use for a more relaxed way of life :)Organic Pure Hemp CBD Capsules - https://amzn.to/3Ready for More Calm?Thank you for listening to the Calming Anxiety Podcast, featuring guided meditation, mindfulness, and sleep hypnosis sessions with Martin Hewlett. Our mission is to provide you with proven tools for anxiety relief, stress reduction, and a path toward deep relaxation. Use this episode anytime you need to calm your mind and feel more at ease.
About the Guests:Mark Fitzmaurice is a Carnegie Master Trainer who has certified trainers worldwide and authored the “Simple Structures” that transformed Dale Carnegie's global training standards. Juliette Dennett served as President of the International Franchise Association, guiding a diverse network through times of change. Together, they've impacted tens of thousands of lives and continue to champion lifelong learning.What You Will Learn:How to lead through uncertainty with courage and creativityWhy culture matters more than performance—and how to protect itThe Dale Carnegie principles that sustain leaders in good times and badHow partnership and respect can turn differences into strengthsWhy lifelong learning is the key to staying relevant in a fast-changing worldJoin us for this inspiring conversation with Mark Fitzmaurice and Juliette Dennett. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating change, their story will remind you that leadership isn't about titles—it's about values, vision, and the courage to keep moving forward. Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan welcomes renowned author, speaker, and client experience expert Neen James for a thought-provoking discussion that will challenge agency leaders to rethink how they deliver value. Together, they explore the concept of "luxury" in the context of client service and agency culture—not just as something exclusive or material, but as a mindset centered on attention, connection, and making others feel truly seen and valued. Neen shares the findings from her latest book and a groundbreaking research study that uncovers four distinct "luxury mindsets." She explains how every agency, regardless of size or specialty, can elevate their client experience by understanding these mindsets and tailoring interactions to meet (and exceed) unique client expectations. Through vivid examples drawn from luxury brands and her own experiences consulting for CEOs, Neen demonstrates how agencies can create a sense of belonging and reward for their clients, making every client touchpoint feel like a delightful, memorable experience. Drew and Neen also dive into practical strategies for agency owners to foster a culture of "systematized thoughtfulness." From reimagining yourself and your team as concierges rather than order-takers, to implementing routines that ensure consistent, meaningful outreach to clients and internal teams, Neen offers actionable advice for embedding luxury-level attention into daily operations. They also discuss the significance of empowering team members, the importance of internal culture in reflecting client experience, and creative ways to find "champagne moments" in both everyday interactions and brand touchpoints. If you're ready to stand out in a crowded marketplace, retain happier clients and employees, and transform ordinary agency processes into extraordinary experiences, this episode is not to be missed. By the end, you'll have fresh inspiration and tangible tactics to make your agency a place where both clients and team members feel genuinely valued—every single day. A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Rethinking "luxury" as an elevated client experience The four luxury mindsets and how they influence agency relationships Why attention and human connection are key differentiators for agencies The role of personalization, customization, and anticipation in delivering exceptional service The importance of treating employees as "internal clients" to empower them to delight external clients Turning everyday moments into memorable "champagne moments" Systematizing thoughtfulness as a business development strategy
In this episode, Ron Apke breaks down how to pick your first or next profitable land market in a simple and visual way. He walks through the full process from selecting a metro area and nearby counties to running tests on land data using Land Portal. You will learn how to look at days on market, price per acre, and data points to make confident decisions. Ron also shows how to set up your marketing schedule so you stay consistent and keep your deal flow strong. Whether you are just starting out or want to refine your system, this episode will help you choose better markets and close more deals.What You Will Learn- How to select your first market for land flipping- How to analyze counties using Land Portal- The key data points that show strong markets- How to plan and schedule marketing for steady deal flow- Why consistency is the key to scaling your land business================================
Do you feel too drained after your 9–5 to grow your jewelry business or worried you're moving "too slowly"? In this episode, I sit down with Jill Elise, the artist behind Lilikoi Project, to talk ADHD, porcelain jewelry, and the surprising relief that comes when your business finally aligns with who you are. We unpack how an aligned side business can energize your day job, the mindset that rebuilds self-trust, and why daily Instagram touchpoints beat endless "getting ready" mode. Jill shares her rock-bottom moment, the simple actions that sparked momentum (hello, one post a day), and the power of community inside the Jewelry Business Academy. If you're a jewelry business owner balancing a corporate role, struggling with consistency, or afraid to be seen, this conversation will help you trade burnout for clarity, build confidence in your voice, and grow a brand that customers respect enough to invest in. What You Will Learn in this Episode: How alignment (not more effort) increases energy, confidence, and sales A simple consistency protocol to escape "getting ready" mode Rebuilding self-trust after missed promises to yourself Nervous-system-friendly visibility: taking messy action when posting feels scary Topics Discussed: Balancing a 9–5 with a jewelry brand ADHD, anxiety, and business rhythms Consistency on Instagram (why daily touchpoints work) Finding your brand story & offer statement Community, coaching, and evidence stacking Starting a podcast to strengthen your voice __________________________ Ready to grow + scale your jewelry business? Work with me → jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/fast-track If you loved today's episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a strategy drop. DM me your biggest takeaway on Instagram → @robynclarkcoaching Grab my free business guides → linktr.ee/robynclarkcoaching Jill's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lilikoi.project/ Jill's Website | https://lilikoiproject.com/
A wild and eye-opening look into the hidden online worlds shaping a generation of young men, and why every parent needs to hear this. Chalene pulls back the curtain on incel forums, red pill and black pill culture, and how meme language like Pepe and Wojak became their secret code. You'll learn how algorithms quietly pull teens into darker corners of the internet and why loneliness, not politics, is usually at the heart of it. This isn't about blame. It's about understanding the digital reality our boys are growing up in and how to keep them grounded in real life connection.
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Chris Mondini, Vice President of Stakeholder Engagement and Managing Director of Europe for ICANN, and Dusty Trevino, CEO of Dot Vegas. We will learn how top-level domains are created and what domains like Dot Vegas can do to help a brand stand out. Our conversation is informative, educational, and will give you a whole new perspective on your brand's Internet address. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How top-level domains (TLDs) are created and why the addressing system of the Internet matters Why distinctive TLDs, like Dot Vegas, offer a strategic advantage for destination branding and marketing What it takes to register your own top-level domain, including the technical, financial, and organizational requirements necessary How geographic domains (such as .vegas, .nyc, and .brussels) can strengthen place identity and foster trust Why cities and entrepreneurs collaborate in launching city-based TLDs, and how community endorsement is essential for successful implementation How adopting new TLDs can make brands more memorable to prospective visitors, and help organizations stand out from the crowd Demystifying Top-Level Domains A memorable web address is more than just a convenience, it's an essential tool for branding, discoverability, and trust. Chris Mondini, Vice President of Stakeholder Engagement and Managing Director of Europe for ICANN, and Dusty Trevino, CEO of Dot Vegas, discuss how TLDs like .vegas, .paris, and .nyc can be invaluable assets for destination marketers, tourism professionals, and place branding experts. Most consider internet domains an afterthought, but as Chris explains, they're the backbone of online connectivity. The Internet isn't a single global network—it's tens of thousands of independently operated networks that agree to connect using common protocols and a shared addressing system. Fifteen years ago, there were only a handful: .com, .net, .org, and so on. Today, there are TLDs for cities (.nyc, .paris), concepts (.guru, .xyz), and more, opening new doors for personalized branding and community-building online. The Dot Vegas Story Dusty offers an inside look into operating Dot Vegas, which shows how a custom domain can amplify a destination's brand. Unlike some city domains, .vegas is globally accessible; anyone can register, regardless of residency. This flexibility enables local businesses, tour operators, and organizations worldwide to associate themselves with the Vegas brand, strengthening their ties to the city's renowned excitement and appeal. Why Top-Level Domains Matter for Marketers A custom TLD isn't just a vanity URL. Operating a TLD means running a piece of internet infrastructure and directly controlling your digital address, data queries, policies, and trust signals. For marketers, there are lots of benefits: Brand Identity: A city or region TLD immediately communicates place and can reinforce local pride. Discoverability: Words like "weddings.vegas" are memorable, making campaigns more effective and easier to recall. Trust & Security: A TLD operated or endorsed by local government or a trusted entity assures users of authenticity—crucial for e-commerce, municipal services, and tourism. Data Insights: TLD operators gain visibility into traffic and usage, supporting more targeted digital strategies. If you see ".yourcity," you can trust you're connecting with the real brand. Top-level domains aren't just technical jargon; they're strategic marketing tools that can transform destination branding, promote community engagement, and build trust with global audiences. Resources: Website: https://www.icann.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmondini/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-trevino-743064a/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
Eye health isn't just about whether you need glasses; your eyes are basically a tell-all that can reveal diabetes, high blood pressure, and even early signs of Alzheimer's. When's the last time you got an eye exam? Your peepers might be trying to tell you something important.In this episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck chats with Dr. Joseph Allen about why your annual eye checkup is more important than you think. They dive into retinal health, the wild connection between stress and eyes (hello, eyelid twitching!), and simple fixes like eating more lutein-rich greens and getting outside. Dr. Allen explains how often you should get an eye exam, how eye doctors can spot diabetes detection before your regular doctor does, and why you need to clean your eyelids daily. Plus, they tackle puffy eyes, dry eye disease, and lifestyle tweaks that actually work.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why annual eye exams are the most critical health screening for catching diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even Alzheimer's early—often before you show any symptoms✅ How stress shows up in your eyes, vision changes, and even blisters forming in the back of the retina, plus natural remedies like melatonin that can aid eye health✅ The lifestyle changes that protect your vision and overall health, including eating lutein and omega-3-rich foods like green leafy vegetables and salmon, natural light exposure, and why cleaning your eyelids daily is as important as brushing your teeth✅ Warning signs you should never ignore: new eye floaters, flashes of light, or dark curtains in your vision that could indicate retinal detachment requiring immediate treatment to prevent blindnessThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro: Dr. Allen explains various fields of optometry and why eye health is a window to overall wellness and disease detection11:24 Eye exams can detect diabetes, high blood pressure, and metabolic disorders through retinal bleeding patterns before symptoms appear elsewhere in the body17:00 The connection between stress and eyes, including eyelid twitching, vision changes, and cortisol-induced retinal swelling21:00 Melatonin research for treating stress-related eye conditions and its role as a powerful antioxidant in the retina23:50 Causes of cosmetic eye issues like dark circles, puffy eyelids, and bags under the eyes, plus treatment options29:28 Why diabetes, thyroid disorders, and Alzheimer's significantly impact eye health and vision34:26 Eye floaters and retinal detachment are warning signs that require immediate medical attention to prevent blindness37:37 Essential nutrients for eye health, including lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids from green leafy vegetables and fish43:10 The importance of natural sunlight and red light devices and the importance of sleep for eye health, tear production, and preventing dry eye disease and inflammation49:01 Daily eyelid hygiene practices prevent meibomian gland dysfunction and chronic dry eyeKEY TAKEAWAYS:
Hey friends, welcome to the 200th episode of Designed for the Creative Mind — I can hardly believe we're here. When I first started this podcast, I honestly didn't know if I'd have the time or stamina to keep it going, and yet it's become something I look forward to every single week. Thank you for being here, whether you've listened to every episode or this is your first. In this episode, I'm getting real and vulnerable about the edges I've faced in my business — the burnout, the betrayal, the mistakes, and the moments I thought about giving up. I share how I learned to step back, trust myself, and reclaim the power to choose how I respond when things feel overwhelming. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How to recognize when burnout is signaling that something in your business needs to change. Why trust and vulnerability are necessary, even when others let you down. How to pivot and make strategic decisions instead of operating on hope or fear. The importance of separating emotion from information and using numbers to guide business decisions. Why every obstacle, even betrayal or setbacks, can be a blessing in disguise. How purpose, grit, and grace can carry you through the toughest moments and help you lead with heart. This episode is a reminder that you don't have to have it all figured out to keep moving forward, and that even when you're exhausted, frustrated, or questioning your path, you are not alone. You can cry, cuss, pray, rest, and still rise. If you're standing at your own edge right now, know that it's possible to keep building, to pivot, and to find clarity and purpose in your business. Come sit with us at The Design Bakehouse — we tackle the hard stuff together, share real strategies, and create space for growth and connection. Thank you for being part of this milestone and for standing at the edge with me. RESOURCES: INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS BAKERY - Our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://thedesignbakehouse.com/interior-design-business-bakery SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. All-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. https://mysidemark.com/ MARKETING MEMBERSHIP - Join our hands on marketing & visibility program, no contract, only $59/month. https://thedesignbakehouse.com/lead-lab Stay in touch with Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedesignbakehouse/ Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact
Has your life been feeling off lately? As if the energy around feels a bit chaotic all of a sudden. Maybe communication with your family, friends, or colleagues might seem disjointed and misunderstood. Or perhaps your plans keep shifting. Well, astrologers everywhere can't stop talking about the upcoming Mercury retrograde from November 9 - 29. So, what better time to re-release our retrograde conversation with Hero and Astrologer Ophira Edut? Enjoy!--------------While retrogrades often carry a reputation for chaos, they can actually offer profound opportunities for reflection and transformation. In this episode, astrologer Ophira Edut explains how to work with retrograde energy rather than resist it, using astrology as a tool for clarity, growth, and alignment.As the long-time resident astrologer for ELLE and author of The Astrology Advantage, Ophira shares grounded insights on navigating energetic shifts with awareness, balance, and intention. Tune in to explore how the stars can support your evolution.What You Will Learn[00:01] Intro and a bit about our guest, Ophira Edut[03:43] What is astrology, and why people seek Ophira's guidance[06:09] What a retrograde is and why it has a reputation for disruption[10:53] How to reframe retrogrades as opportunities for growth[14:47] How Ophira works with retrograde energy in her own life[16:31] Retrogrades that focus on personal healing vs. external challenges[20:01] How astrology set the table for inner healing [23:48] Preparing for March retrograde: Venus and Mercury[29:09] Ways to work with retrograde energy rather than resisting it[30:37] Retrograde rituals that can help navigate through this period with ease[35:03] Wrap-up and end of the showResources MentionedThe Astrology Advantage by Ophira Edut and Tali EdutBetween Death and Life by Dolores Cannons: Let's Connect!Follow The Healing Heroes on Instagram & LinkedIn.Ophira Edut Instagram | Website Chandler StroudWebsite | LinkedIn | InstagramMixing and editing provided by Next Day Podcast.
After surviving a 695-mph ejection, Navy pilot Kegan Gill faced paralysis, addiction, and a broken system. He strips the story down to its core, discipline, ownership, and grit. This isn't motivation; it's survival through standards. Learn how to rebuild your mind, body, and purpose when everything else is gone. Timestamps: [01:33] The mindset that separates doers from talkers. [06:15] Stepping into the F-18 cockpit, pressure and precision. [09:03] The 695-mph ejection, real endurance revealed. [19:15] How simple habits became the mission. [21:17] Fighting back against pain, pills, and the system. What You Will Learn: How daily effort rebuilds discipline and grit. Why ownership, not pills, drives true recovery. How to apply military discipline to everyday life.
Gen Z banking preferences take center stage as Mark Ritter, host of Credit Union Conversations, interviews his son Ethan Ritter, a University of Pittsburgh finance student. This episode explores what credit union membership means to younger consumers and reveals surprising insights about mobile banking apps and digital engagement. Ethan shares candid perspectives on financial technology expectations, explaining why online account opening capabilities are non-negotiable for his generation. The conversation challenges conventional wisdom about how to attract Gen Z members to credit unions through social media advertising, revealing that technology quality trumps traditional marketing approaches for younger consumers.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why mobile banking apps are the most critical factor for Gen Z banking customers, who prioritize app functionality over in-person branch visits and website experiences✅ How credit unions can leverage financial technology and digital banking experience to attract younger members instead of relying on traditional member engagement strategies✅ The truth about personalized marketing effectiveness with Gen Z consumers and why social media advertising may not deliver the results financial institutions expect✅ Real insights into student banking behaviors, including common financial mistakes like sports gambling and food delivery services that impact young consumers' saving potentialSubscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union's growth today.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Gen Z banking featuring Ethan Ritter02:09 Ethan shares his educational background and his work in finance at both the university and a local credit union 05:19 Mobile banking apps versus in-person branch banking: Ethan explains why Gen Z banking customers see financial services as a transaction, not a relationship08:30 Online account opening requirements and why requiring in-person visits causes younger consumers to choose different financial institutions11:38 Gen Z consumers never discuss their banks or credit unions with peers, even among finance majors managing real investment portfolios13:43 How Gen Z consumers waste money, discussion of cryptocurrency and home ownership20:10 Technology-first strategy for credit unions to attract younger members: why financial technology quality matters more than rates or traditional member engagementKEY TAKEAWAYS:
In episode 131 of Work Comp Talk, host Carmen Ramirez sits down with Marco Valadez, a seasoned hearing representative at Pacific Workers, to uncover what really happens when an insurance adjuster calls after a work injury. Learn what to say, what not to say, and how to protect your workers' comp claim from costly mistakes. What You Will Learn Handle insurance adjuster calls without risking your claim. Know the adjuster's real role. Avoid the most common mistakes injured workers make. Learn what info to share and what to keep private. Get expert tips from Marco Valadez to protect your rights. Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 01:10 – Why This Topic Matters 03:00 – Who Is the Insurance Adjuster? 06:15 – The Biggest Mistakes Injured Workers Make 10:40 – What You Should (and Shouldn't) Say 15:30 – Marco's Expert Tips 16:00 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways This episode is sponsored by Pacific Workers, The Lawyers for Injured Workers, the trusted workers' compensation law firm in Northern California. With over 10,000 cases won and more than $350 million recovered for injured workers, we are here to help if you've suffered a workplace injury. Visit our FAQ and blog for more resources: https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/ Follow Us on Social Media for More Content!
Welcome to a crucial episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is joined once again by Craig Cody, a seasoned CPA and tax advisor renowned for his expertise in agency financial management. Drew and Craig jump straight into a timely and essential topic for every agency owner—the recent changes to 401k regulations that could have significant implications for your agency's compliance, retirement planning, and year-end financial strategy. Craig breaks down the new federal requirements affecting catch-up contributions to 401ks for anyone earning over $145,000, making the conversation immediately relevant for agency leaders and employees in higher income brackets. Together, Drew and Craig outline the steps agencies must take before the end of 2025 to avoid unpleasant surprises and penalties in 2026, including the need to ensure Roth provisions are set up within existing 401k plans and the importance of proactive compliance with auto-enrollment rules. The pair go beyond the headline changes, discussing how these adjustments affect not just owners, but also employees, and the risks agencies run if these details get overlooked. Listeners will also learn about valuable tax credits available for agencies that recently launched a 401k plan, as well as common tax strategies and deductions that many agency owners miss. Craig shares advice on how to make the most of tax planning meetings, the importance of documenting deductions, and how shifting from a simple IRA to a 401k can yield significant financial and retirement benefits for both owners and staff. Don't let year-end compliance slip through the cracks—this episode is packed with actionable insights you need to update your retirement plans, review your tax strategies, and make informed decisions before another fiscal year closes. If you want to keep more of the money you make, provide competitive benefits, and avoid costly mistakes, you won't want to miss Craig's expert guidance. Tune in now and start building a better, more financially resilient agency. A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Critical 401k regulation changes agency owners must address How new Roth contribution requirements affect high-earning employees Strategies to ensure compliance and avoid costly IRS penalties Why proactive communication with your 401k administrator is essential Opportunities for new tax credits with recently established retirement plans The urgency of year-end planning and regular discussions with your tax advisor Maximizing tax-saving strategies for agency owners and their families
Text Me!What really happens after you quit drinking, and how do you rebuild your identity once alcohol is out of the picture?In episode 248 of the Sober Vibes Podcast, I sit down with Sarah Treacy, founder of The Sober Adventure Collective and creator of Sobriety Is the New Epic, a virtual speaker series redefining what recovery can look like. After quitting alcohol in 2020 and leaving her 20-year corporate marketing career in 2024, Sarah's mission is clear: sobriety isn't boring or restrictive, it's your next great adventure.Together, we talk about getting sober during COVID, moving from secrecy to confidence, and building a community that makes alcohol-free living feel expansive, not small. Sarah shares tangible tools for identity shifts, emotional regulation, and creating a life that feels aligned, purpose-driven, and fun.What You Will Learn in This Episode: Quitting alcohol to protect your career and health and what truly happens after you quit drinking The connection between alcohol and anxiety, and alcohol and depression Working through shame, identity, and fear of judgment as a sober curious womanBuilding sober community through retreats and adventure-based connectionPractical quitting alcohol tips for cravings, emotions, and confidenceIf you've been wondering how to step into your new identity after quitting alcohol or you're craving proof that sobriety can be joyful, connected, and creative this conversation will inspire you to see recovery as the adventure of a lifetime.Join HERE for The Speaker SeriesTo Connect with Sarah-Website InstagramPODCAST SPONSOR:This episode is sponsored by Soberlink, a trusted accountability tool for anyone navigating early recovery. Whether you're rebuilding trust with loved ones or want more structure in your sobriety, Soberlink offers a discreet and empowering way to stay on track.Sober Vibes listeners, sign up HERE and claim our $100 Enrollment Bonus.This episode is sponsored by ExactNature, a trusted holistic tool for anyone navigating recovery and sobriety. Use code SV25 at checkout to save on your order. Click here to shop and save.
Joel Bauer is the mentor behind some of the highest earning speakers and closers on the planet. In this conversation we get specific about what actually moves a room. You will hear the structures, language patterns, and first touch tactics that make you unforgettable and make conversion feel natural. Simple. Direct. Repeatable. What You Will Learn How to present yourself at first contact so people remember you and want more A speak to convert structure you can use in any talk, podcast, or sales conversation How to close the room without pressure or gimmicks Short Bio Joel Bauer has trained some of the world's top income producing speakers, presenters and online marketers to monetize their life experience, both online and offline. For decades, Joel's principles have set the bar for speaking, teaching and closing at the highest level. Notable graduates include Peng Joon, Myron Golden, Dan Lok, Mia Redrick and Linda Clemons. By applying Joel's strategies, you can break free from limitations, design your destiny, and monetize your expertise like never before. Connect with Joel Freebie: https://www.instagram.com/joelbauermentor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelbauermentor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joelbauer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joelbauerofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelbauer/ Episode Highlights The first contact filter Joel uses to be instantly memorable The speak teach close sequence and how to keep it tight Language patterns that lead to decisions without push The mindset shift that turns closing into service
Ever catch yourself thinking, why do I feel so off today—or the opposite, why am I suddenly so happy? In this episode, Chalene Johnson digs into the real science and habits behind your mood, energy, and motivation. She explains how "learned helplessness" keeps you stuck in stress and fatigue, and how small physical, mental, and daily habit shifts can completely change your outlook. You'll hear how she rebuilt her energy, focus, and joy by rethinking her routines, movement, and mindset. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, drained, or disconnected, this episode will help you feel in control again.
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Tannis Gaffney, Chief Marketing Officer of Travel Alberta. Tannis walks us through the strategy behind Canada's wild side branding and the secret behind making their brand permeate everything they do. She shares more about Travel Alberta's collaboration with Indigenous Tourism Alberta and how that relationship has evolved, opening up new immersive cultural experiences for the right types of travelers. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why Alberta chose to reposition its brand around "Canada's Wild Side" and how leaning into national identity helps the province stand out How research on traveler sentiment influenced their messaging How Travel Alberta encourages creativity and agility, allowing the team to rapidly jump on relevant trends and opportunities How their partnerships are creating authentic, immersive cultural experiences for visitors What strategies Alberta is using to attract American travelers, especially in the winter season How Travel Alberta operates as part of a collaborative "wolf pack" ecosystem, working closely with DMOs, operators, and national partners to drive tourism growth across the province Reimagining Alberta and Showing Off Canada's Wild Side Tannis and her team faced a dilemma familiar to many regional DMOs: international travelers often know Canada's big cities, but not its provinces. Travel Alberta strategically shifted their messaging and instead of leaning exclusively on provincial identity, they now lead with the power of the Canada brand and then highlight Alberta as its most adventurous, untamed offering. By anchoring Alberta's appeal in both its jaw-dropping natural diversity (like six UNESCO World Heritage sites) and the undeniable warmth of its people, the new branding sidesteps "provincial" confusion, offering travelers an invitation to experience "Canada's Alberta", a place where wild landscapes meet welcoming hospitality. Creative Agility Tannis credits much of Alberta's marketing agility to her strategic council. This monthly internal brainstorm is an incubator for spontaneous, opportunistic marketing ideas—ways to seize trends or conversations in innovative, resourceful ways. Take "The Last of Us" TV series, filmed in Alberta. The team quickly released itineraries mapping out the show's filming locations. The response was phenomenal: a thousand percent spike in website traffic as fans sought to experience these sites in real life. Another standout was the "Alberta's Least Liked" campaign, humorously spotlighting untouched, under-visited gems with a tongue-in-cheek video set to sad music and a sobbing moose. The effort won a creative innovation award at the Skift Global Forum and effectively helped spread tourism beyond hotspots, encouraging discovery without overburdening popular destinations. Partnerships and Indigenous Tourism A cornerstone of Alberta's approach is genuine partnership across organizations, sectors, and communities. Travel Alberta's collaboration with Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) stands out as a model. Not only do Travel Alberta and ITA share office space, but their relationship is built on time, trust, and mutual respect. ITA leads in experience development with their members; Travel Alberta amplifies their stories and ensures the right, respectful traveler connects with authentic Indigenous experiences, like the acclaimed Métis Crossing, a boutique hotel and cultural hub on the North Saskatchewan River. This partnership reflects Indigenous values of sustainability, relationship-building, and stewardship, offering a far richer, more transformative experience for visitors. Resources: LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannis-gaffney-076689/ Website: https://www.travelalberta.com/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/travelalberta/ To Be An Albertan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zzN-fV5HJM We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
Eating disorders and bullying prevention isn't just about what our kids eat; it's about protecting them from the toxic messages bombarding them every single day. Think your child is safe because they're not on TikTok yet? Think again. Think you're safe because you're an adult? The dangerous world of "skinny tok" and diet culture is reaching all of us whether they're scrolling social media or not. In this eye-opening episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck gets real with Dr. Jillian Lampert about the scary stuff happening online and in schoolyards. Dr. Lampert opens up about her own eating disorder recovery and breaks down why some kids (and adults) are more vulnerable than others. Plus, she shares practical ways to help you and your kids spot BS social media messages and handle weight-related bullying, because let's face it, kids talk, and they're hearing this stuff even without a phone in their hands.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why genetic predisposition to eating disorders matters more than you think, and how to recognize if your child is at higher risk based on family history and specific genetic markers related to anxiety, metabolism, and inflammation.✅ The real connection between bullying prevention and body image, including how weight-related comments (even "compliments") can trigger dangerous disordered eating behaviors.✅ Essential media literacy skills everyone needs, and especially parents need to teach their children, right now, even if they're not on social media yet, because kids are absorbing toxic "skinny tok" messages from their peers regardless.✅ How weight loss medications are creating a new wave of moral judgment and intensifying body dissatisfaction across all ages, and what this means for the future of eating disorder treatment and prevention.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Dr. Lampert introduces the genetic markers linked to eating disorders and their connection to anxiety, metabolism, and inflammation01:00 Book launch announcement - October 29th, 2025. Uncomplicating Wellness is now available. Zoom launch event at 7:00 PM ET06:26 Dr. Lampert shares her personal eating disorder recovery story, revealing how bullying as a kid and diet praise triggered her life-threatening condition11:20 Understanding the genetic predisposition to eating disorders, why 9% of people develop eating disorders, the toxic diet culture, and the science behind nutritional psychiatry16:11 How we swung back from body positivity to obsessive thinness, discussion of body dissatisfaction, and the dangerous impact of weight loss medications 22:51 Why "skinny tok" affects all ages an demographics on social media, the critical media literacy skills needed and the direct link between weight-related bullying, body image, and eating disorder onset28:33 A powerful story illustrating how weight-related bullying reveals the bully's own insecurities and body dissatisfaction, and understanding self-cyberbullying35:21 Teaching media literacy skills and learning to reset your social media feeds, and real-life diet culture algorithms40:43 The connection between the loneliness epidemic post-pandemic and the rise in cyberbullying and balancing social media's lifesaving community connections 48:41 Dr. Lampert's final wisdomKEY TAKEAWAYS:
After the sudden loss of her father, Sarah went searching for answers and found them in a remarkable reading with Hero and Psychic Medium Lea Morgan. In this Healing Heroines episode, Sarah and Lea trace how one surprising session opened the door to ongoing spiritual connection with her deceased father, meaningful confirmations, and an unexpected pivot toward providing spiritual services for others. This conversation is for anyone experiencing a season of grief, curiosity, or a little bit of both. Discover how the unseen can show up in your life.What You Will Learn[00:10:57] How a simple Google search led Sarah to Lea's website, she booked a reading, and “everything changed.”[00:15:46] The pocket-watch moment — how a detail from a reading connected to Sarah's family heirloom and shifted her sense of what was possible.[00:21:50] How repeated confirmations (Lea telling Sarah she'd have a daughter) became a steady thread of hope during an uncertain time.[00:23:02] What it looked like when Lea described Sarah's future daughter — playful, musical, and already showing personality — and how that matched life later.[00:24:07] The idea that souls and ancestors can “hang out” with a child in utero and sometimes communicate before birth.[00:31:34] What Sarah experienced as a sudden “download” of information that clarified a new career direction toward spiritual coaching and death-doula work.[00:34:20] Sarah's practical playbook for opening to guidance: gratitude walks, regular meditation, and asking for signs or clarity.[00:54:29] The comfort Sarah found in the belief that relationships continue after death — and how that shifted her experience of grief.Resources MentionedMany Lives, Many Masters by Brian L. Weiss (Book)Dying to Be Me by Anita Moorjani (Book)Hiring the Heavens by Jean Slatter (Book)Lessons from the Light by Kenneth Ring (Book)Let's Connect!Follow The Healing Heroes on Instagram & LinkedIn.Lea MorganWebsiteChandler StroudWebsite | LinkedIn | InstagramMixing and editing provided by Next Day Podcast.
Welcome to a new solo cast episode of Build a Better Agency! Host Drew McLellan is flying solo for episode 525, bringing decades of agency expertise to help owners prepare their businesses for a fast-changing marketplace. If the calendar is winding down and you're looking ahead to 2026, this episode is packed with actionable insights designed specifically for agency leadership. Drew kicks off with an overview of critical housekeeping—announcing the monthly workshop giveaway winner and expressing gratitude to long-time sponsor White Label IQ. The heart of this episode, though, is a deep dive into the unique responsibilities agency owners must own in these last 60 days of 2025. Rather than swamping yourself with creative or client-service tasks, Drew urges you to refocus on the essential leadership duties that no one else in your company has the authority or experience to fulfill. Listeners will hear Drew break down the owner's role into five core areas: driving new business, articulating agency vision and values, managing financial health, nurturing both people and clients, and building an empowered leadership team. He shares clear strategies for refining your agency's differentiation, creating a new business pipeline, career-pathing for staff, and cultivating “client love” from the top down. If you're struggling with being too hands-on or feeling disconnected from your agency's strategic path, Drew offers practical ideas and downloadable tools to get you back on track. Don't miss this episode if you want to kick off 2026 in the strongest possible position. With guidance on setting vision, connecting with your team and clients, and creating a culture where everyone knows the agency's direction, Drew's solo cast is a masterclass in leadership focus—and a reminder that your job as agency owner is irreplaceable. Tune in and walk away ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Defining mission, vision, and values as a leadership priority How agency owners shape and communicate their agency's direction Why new business growth requires both existing and new clients The critical role of agency specialization and niche expertise Building a culture of employee growth, career pathing, and retention Strengthening client relationships beyond project work Creating a leadership team to handle agency fires and empower growth