Episodios

  • E-Commerce, Burnout, and the Price of Growth: A Real Talk with Alan Kaplan

    E-Commerce, Burnout, and the Price of Growth: A Real Talk with Alan Kaplan
    Jul 14 2025
    ⏱️ Full Timestamped Show Notes

    00:00 – Alan's Current Business Overview

    • Running an 8-figure e-commerce operation and launching a trading fund

    • Transition from law to entrepreneurship

    01:00 – The Early Grind: 80-Hour Weeks & the NYC Commute

    • Burnout from legal career

    • Starting e-commerce as a side hustle with his wife

    03:00 – Scaling Up: From Dropshipping to Stocking Inventory

    • Early challenges and rapid pivots

    • The move to Texas for logistical optimization

    05:00 – Learning to Lead in a Warehouse World

    • Leasing space without experience

    • Hiring former fulfillment center manager

    • Shipping challenges in extreme heat

    07:00 – Growth Strategy and Multi-Warehouse Expansion

    • Warehouses in Pennsylvania and California

    • Remote operations and strategic scaling

    08:00 – The COVID Crash: Exhaustion, Supply Chain Chaos & Pressure

    • Operating as an essential business during lockdown

    • Staff anxiety, childcare gaps, and commitment burnout

    10:00 – Alan’s Flex-Time Innovation

    • Creating a system where employees schedule themselves

    • Boosting productivity by reducing pressure

    • Employees seeking raises and returning to stability

    13:00 – Middle Management Mayhem

    • Alan’s issues with HR and traditional management

    • Replacing managers with promoted team members

    • Real examples from Walmart and corporate life

    17:00 – Remote Work vs Office Life: Alan's First Principles Approach

    • Why forcing people back doesn’t always make sense

    • Context-based decisions and team needs

    • Frustrations with traditional leadership thinking

    21:00 – Burnout & Breakdown: The Hidden Mental Health Cost

    • Rebuilding a warehouse post-crisis

    • Sleeping on-site, nonstop work, and aging overnight

    • Cholesterol spikes, hormone crashes, and gas station food

    29:00 – Personal Reflection and Hard Boundaries

    • Letting go of toxic family

    • Ending the “Bank of Alan”

    • Finding peace through separation

    35:00 – Depression, Doctors & Medication

    • Issues with oversimplified diagnoses

    • The importance of second opinions

    • Nikki shares her own mental health experience

    46:00 – Final Thoughts: Change Is Always Possible

    • Whether escaping burnout, abuse, or chaos—it’s not hopeless

    • Practical advice on changing your environment

    • Encouragement to talk, ask for help, and take care of yourself
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    1 h y 38 m
  • From Overwhelmed to Organized: Real Talk About What’s Actually Broken

    From Overwhelmed to Organized: Real Talk About What’s Actually Broken
    Jul 14 2025

    📋 Full Timestamped Show Notes
    [00:00:00] Introduction – Lindsay shares her background as a therapist, speaker, and author.
    [00:00:50] Fixing vs. Helping – The “sunny side of control” quote and why our desire to fix things often masks our own anxiety.
    [00:03:00] Venting vs. Problem-Solving – Nikki shares her view on venting and being misunderstood when all she wants is to be heard.
    [00:04:30] The Pressure Cooker Analogy – Nikki’s take on emotional release and what people really need in the moment.
    [00:05:45] Co-Rumination – Lindsay explains how venting can become destructive when it crosses into shared emotional escalation.
    [00:07:15] Emotional Support vs. Solutions – The difference between solving the flat tire vs. helping with the stress it causes.
    [00:09:00] Nikki's Story: Fear, Safety, and Anxiety – Personal experience of a blowout and how safety matters more than the “fix.”
    [00:12:00] Emotional Needs Underneath Situations – Using loneliness or abandonment as core examples hidden beneath surface events.
    [00:15:00] Trust, Punctuality, and Respect – Nikki shares how broken trust feels and why being on time is more than a habit.
    [00:20:00] Situational Grace vs. Chronic Disrespect – Where to draw the line between understanding and walking away.
    [00:24:00] Time Blindness and Boundaries – When mental health becomes an excuse vs. when it needs accommodations.
    [00:28:00] Lateness Triggers and Internal Consequences – Lindsay opens up about the unpredictable nature of her own reactions.
    [00:32:00] Social Rules and Double Standards – Why we forgive some lateness (like doctors) but not others.
    [00:34:00] Late to the Rehearsal Dinner – A story of how chronic lateness can end relationships.
    [00:36:00] Respect, Calendars, and Communication – Nikki and Lindsay agree on what it means to take other people’s time seriously.
    [00:41:00] Computer Files and Digital Chaos – Nikki shares why she organizes her digital world differently than her physical one.
    [00:45:00] Email Habits and Boundaries – Morning, mid-day, and evening email checks to avoid constant distraction.
    [00:51:00] Overchecking and the Myth of Staying on Top – When checking email becomes procrastination.
    [01:00:00] CRMs, Organization Tools, and Real-World Fixes – Why tech tools can make or break small business systems.
    [01:08:00] File Naming Systems and Backup Plans – How Nikki manages client folders, naming conventions, and backups.
    [01:14:00] Common Disorganization Traps – Like saving to your desktop or missing important calls due to mislabeling.
    [01:20:00] Business Risks of Disorganization – Missed leads, tax errors, broken trust, and operational damage.
    [01:26:00] Top Advice: Start Small – Simple steps to start organizing your files, calendar, and systems.
    [01:30:00] Final Thoughts – Don’t go big and burn out. Tiny consistent actions will keep your business (and brain) running smoother.
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    1 h y 38 m
  • Soul Venture Stories: Startup Lessons You Won’t Learn from Business School

    Soul Venture Stories: Startup Lessons You Won’t Learn from Business School
    Jul 7 2025
    ⏱️ Timestamped Show Notes

    [00:00] Intro – Meet Ashwin Gulati, author of Soul Venture, and his global journey from India to Silicon Valley
    [01:30] Ashwin’s personal backstory: early jobs, college in the U.S. and U.K., and what led him to startups
    [03:45] From side hustles in Europe to launching his first U.S. company in 1997
    [05:20] Why writing Soul Venture wasn’t just a business move—it was deeply personal
    [06:50] The cost of vulnerability: publishing a book after decades of privacy
    [08:05] Explaining startup culture to solopreneurs—what it really means to “start something big”
    [10:00] Freedom vs. fantasy: how startup founders often create 20 bosses instead of one
    [11:25] Tips from the trenches – why self-care should be part of your business model
    [13:10] Core Dream Team vs. Business Dream Team: the therapists and coaches behind sustainable success
    [14:45] Timing: the invisible killer of startups
    [16:15] Customers, cashflow, and chaos – hard truths about what breaks a business
    [17:10] Solopreneur vs. entrepreneur: defining the difference and pros/cons of each
    [19:00] Nikki shares her story: how her accidental business still challenges her daily
    [21:30] Burnout, drive, and trauma: what your body knows that your business ignores
    [23:40] Why personal growth matters more than perfection in business
    [25:10] The hardest kind of startup? Restaurants—and why they fail so often
    [27:30] Tech startups vs. hospitality: comparing chaos and complexity
    [30:00] Team conflict, expectations, and the reality of startup HR
    [33:00] Managing people vs. managing a product—where most founders fall short
    [35:10] Ashwin’s first startup: a 1997 research tool that predated Pinterest
    [37:00] The dot-com bust, pivoting, and surviving as a founder
    [38:30] Music talk – from disco kids to Taylor Swift and staying power in both business and pop culture
    [40:30] Closing thoughts – the need for honest conversations in the startup world
    [41:15] Where to find Soul Venture and connect with Ashwin
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    43 m
  • Therapy, Trust, and Truth-Telling: A Raw Conversation on Mental Health

    Therapy, Trust, and Truth-Telling: A Raw Conversation on Mental Health
    Jul 7 2025
    ⏱️ Timestamped Show Notes [00:00:00] – Alisa introduces herself, her trauma background, and why she became a licensed therapist. [00:01:30] – Nikki asks about Alisa’s accent; Alisa shares her immigrant experience and early trauma. [00:02:45] – Deep discussion on the concept of “going back” to who you were before trauma. [00:04:00] – Nikki shares her foster care story, abuse history, and frustration with society’s perception of “pillars of the community.” [00:06:00] – Alisa explains why grieving former selves is often part of healing and evolution. [00:07:30] – Discussing different forms of trauma and how unmet needs in childhood shape adult relationships. [00:08:30] – The complexity of emotional neglect, even in seemingly “okay” homes. [00:09:00] – Nikki explains her strong stance against group therapy based on personal experiences. [00:12:00] – Alisa agrees that group therapy is not for everyone; facilitator education matters. [00:14:30] – Importance of safe group environments and competent guidance. [00:15:30] – Introduction of self-care tools like the Finch app; daily goals and mental health apps. [00:17:30] – Nikki and Alisa talk about CBT, EMDR, and how tools can be adapted when certain sensations don’t work for clients. [00:20:00] – Nikki shares a story of a therapist claiming to cure bipolar disorder in 30 days – and the damage that caused. [00:22:00] – The difference between wanting the pain to end and actually being suicidal; discussion on suicidal ideation and therapeutic misunderstanding. [00:24:00] – Nikki shares more about the “wall” she built between herself and suicidal action due to her mother’s past. [00:26:00] – How building protective systems helps long-term survival. [00:28:00] – Removing some walls while protecting others: evolution of healing over 10 years of therapy. [00:30:00] – A miscommunication with a guest and reflections on how trauma shows up in words. [00:32:00] – Alisa strongly advises against trauma coaching and explains ethical concerns around unlicensed trauma professionals. [00:33:00] – How Alisa continues to educate herself and treats her work as a mission. [00:34:00] – Humor in therapy; Nikki shares how she and her therapist use dark humor to manage heavy topics. [00:37:00] – Nikki talks about rage toward generic therapy questions like “how did that make you feel?” [00:39:00] – Breaking problems into small steps vs. getting overwhelmed by the big picture. [00:41:00] – Importance of co-creating a therapy approach that fits the client’s personality. [00:42:30] – First impressions and how clients can (and should) request a different therapist if needed. [00:44:00] – Nikki’s preference for female therapists and early bad experiences with mismatched ones. [00:46:00] – Therapy intake process, biosocial assessments, and navigating first sessions. [00:48:00] – Talk therapy and trauma: when it helps, when it doesn’t. [00:50:00] – Systemic misunderstandings about trauma healing and how therapists can do harm. [00:52:00] – Building trust over time and making space for discomfort and dark thoughts in therapy. [00:54:00] – Context matters: therapists must understand intent behind intense language. [00:56:00] – The fine line between required reporting and overreacting to venting. [01:00:00] – The cookie metaphor: every person’s trauma is unique. [01:01:00] – Tips for navigating therapy successfully, including medication guidance. [01:04:00] – Nikki shares life as a military brat, having lived in every state but Alaska and Hawaii. [01:05:00] – Transition into a second segment: identifying niche audiences in business. [01:06:00] – Explaining how knowing your business model helps determine your niche. [01:07:00] – Examples of niche targeting for dry cleaning, contracting, and home services. [01:10:00] – Using BNI, inspectors, and real estate agents to build networks. [01:13:00] – Using AI and ChatGPT to create customer avatars. [01:15:00] – The sentence: “I help ___ with ___ so they can ___.” [01:17:00] – Collaborating with other businesses to reach shared niche audiences. [01:18:00] – Wrap-up: understanding personas helps with better marketing and business growth.
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    1 h y 21 m
  • Web Design Meets Human Connection: A Techie’s Guide to Impactful Websites

    Web Design Meets Human Connection: A Techie’s Guide to Impactful Websites
    Jun 30 2025
    📋 Timestamped Show Notes

    [00:00:00] Meet Hillary Cisco – from glass artist to web design expert for wellness-driven brands
    [00:01:00] Why she left corporate tech & networking: spiders, walls, and “no thanks!”
    [00:03:00] Yoga, tech, and teaching: bridging heart and systems
    [00:05:00] How Hillary uses NLP to create emotional connections in web design
    [00:07:00] The role of colors, images, and language in conversions
    [00:08:00] The problem with "just throwing words" on a website
    [00:10:00] Websites as a living tool – why you shouldn’t wait for perfect
    [00:11:00] Using sensory language to match how people process information
    [00:12:00] Chunking: why breaking content into small bites matters
    [00:14:00] Conflicting website feedback & pricing transparency debates
    [00:17:00] Customization and collaboration: helping clients shape solutions
    [00:18:00] Hillary’s tech background: support, automation, integration, and coaching
    [00:20:00] Yoga, wellness, and building websites that feel human
    [00:22:00] SEO basics: Search Console, keywords, and using real-world language
    [00:24:00] Why networking matters more for SEO than you might think
    [00:25:00] Local SEO tips and examples from movers and neighborhood keywords
    [00:27:00] Engaging, entertaining, educational: Hillary’s 3 E’s of content
    [00:28:00] Nikki and Hillary talk networking groups like BNI—what works, what doesn’t
    [00:32:00] Finding groups that fit you, not just your industry
    [00:35:00] Nikki breaks down early signs of burnout (physical, emotional, behavioral)
    [00:37:00] Dark humor and mental health: how laughter helps with regulation
    [00:40:00] Balancing business needs with personal limits in high-demand settings
    [00:42:00] Self-care and support systems—don’t do this alone
    [00:45:00] What happens when burnout gets too far and how therapy can help
    [00:47:00] Creative space as healing: audio books, fantasy, meditation, gaming
    [00:50:00] Nikki’s take: escaping through books vs. gaming with friends
    [00:52:00] Rage weeding, outdoor healing, and the importance of breaks
    [00:54:00] Allergies, smells, and sensory overload in the real world
    [00:56:00] Why listening to your body isn't optional—especially with chronic illness
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    57 m
  • Romance, Resilience, and Real Talk: Workplace Mental Health in Focus

    Romance, Resilience, and Real Talk: Workplace Mental Health in Focus
    Jun 30 2025
    ⏱️ Time-Stamped Show Notes

    • [00:00–01:30] Meet Jyoti – Romance writer sharing Punjabi culture and mental health themes

    • [01:30–04:30] A toxic HR experience: pay disparities, write-ups, and broken trust

    • [04:30–07:30] PTSD, remote work accommodations, and navigating workplace pressure

    • [07:30–10:00] How documentation became survival: emails, warnings, and legal gray areas

    • [10:00–12:00] Reporting unethical practices and protecting clients’ privacy

    • [12:00–15:00] New job opportunities and why Jyoti’s moving on (with receipts)

    • [15:00–17:30] Nepotism, favoritism, and a workplace clique culture

    • [17:30–20:00] Knowing your rights and seeking disability accommodation help

    • [20:00–22:30] How to protect yourself when the workplace turns toxic

    • [22:30–24:00] CYA: What everyone should know about protecting their work history

    • [24:00–28:00] Nikki shares the realities of entrepreneurship—flexibility, failure, and financial risks

    • [28:00–33:00] Mental health, loneliness, and how to stay grounded while running your own business

    • [33:00–36:00] Why balance is hard—but worth the fight—and how gaming, books, and routine help

    • [36:00–End] Jyoti’s next chapter: editing services, growth, and writing for healing
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    37 m
  • Real Talk About Growth: Business, Mental Health, and Moving Mountains

    Real Talk About Growth: Business, Mental Health, and Moving Mountains
    Jun 23 2025
    🕒 Time-Stamped Show Notes

    [00:00] David Creel introduces himself as the Blind Spot Coach
    [01:00] His journey to coaching through a Zig Ziglar certification
    [02:00] The first step with clients: understanding where you are, not just where you want to go
    [03:00] Hunger Games analogy and coaching as the guide archetype
    [04:00] Helping clients define realistic goals
    [06:00] The power of insight and identifying automatic, predictable behaviors
    [08:00] Coaching style: bespoke and custom to each person
    [09:00] Client story: helping a LEGO artist solve a problem in 10 minutes
    [11:00] The importance of conversation in coaching
    [12:30] Creating space for breakthroughs and shifts in language
    [14:00] Why live Zoom calls are David’s preferred method
    [16:00] Overview of David’s book Road Trip and his events
    [17:30] How to get the book and audiobook as a gift
    [19:00] David’s 762-day streak with his morning routine
    [21:00] The trick: commit to one day at a time
    [22:00] Why B+ work is enough to get started
    [24:00] Nikki opens up about mental illness, effort, and the difference that doing makes
    [28:00] Rebuilding after depression through small steps and community
    [30:00] Mental health and tough love: Don’t stop, adapt
    [32:00] David introduces “What should I do from now on?” framework
    [33:00] Responding vs reacting — owning your next move
    [35:00] Language shift: changing “have to” into “get to”
    [37:00] One step at a time mindset and reducing overwhelm
    [38:30] Example of breaking big goals into smaller and smaller steps
    [40:00] Holiday special: lessons from stop-motion Christmas movies
    [41:00] Insight from a mental health quote Nikki saw on Facebook
    [42:00] Hope as the foundation of change
    [43:00] 1% change over time: how it adds up
    [45:00] Looking back to see your progress, one tiny improvement at a time
    [46:00] Knowledge is only potential power — action creates real change
    [47:00] Closing: Free book + audio for listeners and a heartfelt hope that someone’s life changes
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    49 m
  • The Leading Man – Rethinking Masculinity, Leadership & Responsibility

    The Leading Man – Rethinking Masculinity, Leadership & Responsibility
    Jun 23 2025
    ⏱️ Timestamped Show Notes:

    [00:00] Jason introduces his background in behavior analysis, leadership, and the military
    [01:00] Lessons from Army leadership—why micromanagement fails
    [03:30] Servant leadership vs. command and control
    [06:00] How servant leadership transforms teams, families, and businesses
    [08:00] The real roots of toxic masculinity and redefining it
    [10:30] The masculine wound explained through 4 archetypes
    [13:00] White Knight, Tyrant, Nice Guy, and Lone Wolf breakdown
    [16:00] Jason’s coaching style and the importance of flexible plans
    [18:00] Trust and communication as the foundation of leadership
    [20:00] The 5 controllables every man must master
    [21:00] TRACE vs SHADE behaviors and why they matter
    [23:30] Comfort as a trap—and why discomfort drives growth
    [25:00] Jason’s most rewarding client breakthroughs
    [27:00] Nikki and Jason on business authenticity vs. chasing money
    [31:00] Dunning-Kruger effect in the expert economy
    [33:00] Why problem-solving matters more than money
    [36:00] PAIS framework: Problem, Agitation, Insight, Solution
    [40:00] Nikki on being real vs. scripted authenticity
    [44:00] How honesty builds leadership and trust
    [46:30] Co-creating healthy leadership relationships between men and women
    [50:00] Leadership = Responsibility, not Authority
    [54:00] The janitor as a leader – redefining leadership at all levels
    [56:00] Can everyone be their own business owner?
    [58:00] Jason envisions a future of collaborative independent businesses
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    1 h