Kirsten shares how she went from broadcast journalist to podcasting business owner, building a business that lets her prioritise family time while still helping others share their stories.

With Rural Podcasting Co., Kirsten now guides others in sharing their own stories through personalised coaching programs. Whether it’s helping clients launch their first podcast or refining an existing one, Kirsten’s focus is on empowering her clients to confidently step into the role of podcast hosts and share their message with impact.

Here’s what went down:

• How Kirsten transitioned from journalism to podcasting and what sparked the change.

• The biggest mindset shift from employee to business owner and why it matters.

• How Ducks on the Pond became the foundation for Rural Podcasting Co.

• The systems and tools Kirsten uses to balance family life and business demands.

• How Kirsten plans her week using colour-coded calendars, themed days, and systems to stay on top of business and family priorities.

• Why flexibility matters to Kirsten as a mother and business owner.

• How Kirsten uses deadlines as a tool to stay focused and productive without letting them create unnecessary pressure.

• The challenges and excitement of scaling a service-based business.

• The importance of trusting yourself when building a new business.

Plus, Kirsten shares an exclusive offer for listeners interested in sponsoring Ducks on the Pond. Mention this episode to receive 20% off sponsorship packages.
We also mentioned these people/things:

Ducks on the Pond

Ducks on the Pond Instagram

Rural Podcasting Co

Rural Podcasting Co Instagram

Town Criers Podcast

Town Criers Podcast Instagram

Martha’s website

Martha’s HyperFocus Week services

Martha’s LinkedIn and Instagram

Liv’s website

Liv’s LinkedIn and Instagram

If you liked the podcast, please drop us a rating and send it to your friends. If you didn’t, it might be time to take a good, long look at yourself.

Want to advertise on our show? Get in touch by email—worksforyoupodcast@gmail.com

Being yourself in business isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a survival strategy. If you’ve ever felt like you have to tone yourself down, sound more professional, or fit into a box that wasn’t made for you, this episode will change the way you think about branding, business, and showing up as your full self.

Shan Fitzgerald is a copywriter, brand personality strategist, and autism advocate who believes in building brands that feel human, bold, and unapologetically real. In this episode, she shares her journey of running Wild Spark for the past eight years, navigating business as an autistic and ADHD entrepreneur, and why she built a business where she never has to mask.

If you’ve ever struggled with finding your brand voice, running a business that fits your brain, or setting boundaries that protect your energy, this episode is for you.

• How Shan’s late autism & ADHD diagnosis reshaped her identity, work, and daily life

• Why she built Wild Spark as a business where she never had to mask

• How autistic and ADHD brains are wired for brand voice mastery

• Why most brand voice guides are completely useless (and what actually makes one work)

• How neurodivergence is a superpower for brand strategy and communication

• Why masking in your business leads to burnout

• Why stepping into your brand voice is a game-changer for confidence and growth

• The power of pattern recognition and deep empathy in writing copy that resonates

• Shan’s best advice for neurodivergent entrepreneurs building businesses on their own terms

We also mentioned these people/things:

Wild Spark

 Awkward AF Email Template

Shan Fitzgerald’s Instagram

Martha’s website

Martha’s HyperFocus Week services

Martha’s LinkedIn and Instagram

Liv’s website

Liv’s LinkedIn and Instagram

If you liked the podcast, please drop us a rating and send it to your friends. If you didn’t, it might be time to take a good, long look at yourself.

Want to advertise on our show? Get in touch by email—worksforyoupodcast@gmail.com

Topaz returns to share even more insights about building a life and business on your own terms. From navigating Google as a content strategist to embracing her "soft girl era," Topaz reveals how strategic decisions—like saying "no"—can lead to thriving professionally and personally.

Topaz is a copywriter for clean beauty, sustainable fashion, and plant-based products, dedicated to helping cruelty-free brands stand out. In this episode, she continues to inspire with practical advice for balancing work, passion, and life.

• How to say no strategically without burning bridges

• How Topaz used her full-time job strategically to build her business

• Transitioning from a corporate mindset to a freelance lifestyle

• Why filling your cup first makes you a better professional

• Topaz’s journey to a 4-hour workday and how it transformed her life

• Key questions to evaluate if a client is the right fit for you

• How to embrace the slower seasons in your business

• Reclaiming your time and energy through intentional choices

• …and why Topaz says goodbye to the grind

We also mentioned these people/things:

The Cruelty Free Copywriter website

How to work less by Rich Webster (affiliate link)

Verity Byth

Topaz’s Instagram

Topaz’s travel and writing website

Martha’s website

Martha’s HyperFocus Week services

Martha’s LinkedIn and Instagram

Liv’s website

Liv’s LinkedIn

If you liked the podcast, please drop us a rating and send it to your friends. If you didn’t, it might be time to take a good, long look at yourself.

Want to advertise on our show?

Get in touch by email—worksforyoupodcast@gmail.com