Episodios

  • 024 - Stop Thinking Like a Content Creator & Start Thinking Like A Business Owner Who Creates Content (with Austin Armstrong)

    024 - Stop Thinking Like a Content Creator & Start Thinking Like A Business Owner Who Creates Content (with Austin Armstrong)
    Nov 6 2025

    Today, I had an incredible conversation with Austin Armstrong, an entrepreneur, speaker, and creator whose journey perfectly embodies what it means to stop thinking like a content creator and start thinking like a business owner who creates content.

    Austin is the founder of Syllaby, an AI-powered video marketing platform that helps entrepreneurs and service-based business owners simplify content creation and stay consistent across every major platform. He’s also the author of the upcoming book Virality!, which unpacks two decades of lessons from his evolution as a creator, marketer, and business builder.

    In our conversation, we explored:

    • How Austin went from MySpace “trains” to building multi–seven-figure businesses powered by organic content.
    • The story behind Syllaby, and how a simple pivot in messaging saved the company.
    • What it really means to create systems that turn followers into customers.
    • Austin’s powerful S.T.A.R.T. Video Framework for crafting scroll-stopping, lead-generating videos.
    • The biggest mistakes creators make when chasing virality, and what to do instead.

    I loved this conversation because it’s about realizing that your content should serve your mission, not the other way around.

    Austin’s energy, humility, and depth of experience made this an enjoyable conversation. If you’re a creator, coach, or entrepreneur looking to build something that lasts, you’re going to want to listen to this one from start to finish.

    The Path Forward

    If this episode resonated with you, I highly encourage you to pre-order Austin’s new book, Virality! It’s filled with proven frameworks, practical tools, and hard-won lessons that will help you think, act, and grow like a business owner who creates content.

    👉 Pre-order Virality! on Amazon
    Más Menos
    58 m
  • 022 - Can You Really Get Paid to Connect People? A Conversation with Kevin Thompson

    022 - Can You Really Get Paid to Connect People? A Conversation with Kevin Thompson
    Oct 7 2025
    In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Thompson, a man who has built an extraordinary business around something most people only do out of kindness: connecting others. I’ve met plenty of people over the years who are natural connectors. They love introducing friends, clients, and peers to each other. Those introductions often lead to life-changing opportunities. But Kevin is the first person I’ve met who figured out how to turn that gift into a sustainable business model. Kevin’s story begins with more than a decade in the publishing world, where he grew his company through over 600 strategic partnerships. Along the way, he discovered how much joy he found in helping people meet and collaborate. For years, he did it freely, simply because it felt good to serve. But one introduction in particular, connecting marketing legends Perry Marshall and Brian Kurtz, planted a powerful seed. That connection eventually led to a multimillion-dollar event, and when Kevin was publicly recognized for being the bridge that made it all possible, he began wondering: What if I could make a living just doing this? For a long time, he battled with the ethics of charging for introductions. Friends even told him it wasn't something that anyone should even consider. But in 2017, a single conversation changed everything. A friend suggested he host a small, in-person gathering of the entrepreneurs he knew. Kevin couldn’t sleep that night. By 4:30 the next morning, he was making a list of everyone he wanted to invite. His enthusiasm was contagious. His wife offered to handle catering, and the first six entrepreneurs he spoke to said, “I’m in.” That August, Kevin hosted his first event at his home in Arlington, Washington, with 15 attendees who each paid $5,000 to be there. They spent time sharing openly, collaborating deeply, and forming meaningful relationships that continued long after the event ended. A month later, he hosted another group, and it filled just as quickly. What began as a simple idea soon became a thriving business. From there, Kevin developed an ongoing model, first through one-on-one connection work and later through group experiences that aligned more naturally with his gifts. Today, he helps entrepreneurs create five-, six-, and seven-figure business opportunities through authentic relationship-building, often earning revenue shares from the connections he facilitates. Throughout this conversation, Kevin and I explore not only how he did it, but the deeper mindset that made it possible, the excitement, confidence, and belief that magnetized people toward his vision. You’ll hear how he overcame doubt, learned from missteps, refined his structure, and ultimately built a business that’s as fulfilling as it is profitable. Insights Gained from This Episode The surprising way one powerful introduction can change the trajectory of your business and someone else’s.Why enthusiasm, confidence and conviction often matter more than a polished business plan when sharing a new idea.How imposter syndrome keeps many people from seeing the true value they already bring to others.The mindset shift from “I shouldn’t charge for this” to “People are happy to pay for the value I create.”The simple structure behind Kevin’s first $5,000-per-person event and why intimacy and authenticity mattered more than luxury or production.How to test new business ideas through real conversations before locking yourself into a plan.What Kevin learned from early business models that didn’t work, and how he redesigned them to fit his natural strengths.The importance of alignment: when the structure of your business supports the way you actually like to show up, everything flows easier.How relationships, built with integrity and generosity, can create long-term, recurring income.The power of turning what you naturally love to do into something that sustains your life, your purpose, and the people you serve. Where you can find Kevin Thompson Kevin’s LinkedIn ProfileKevin’s Facebook ProfileThe Million Dollar Relationships Podcast: Apple Podcasts - Spotify - RSS Feed If this conversation sparked something in you, if it got you thinking differently about what’s possible in your business, your relationships, or the way you earn a living, then I’d love to hear from you. Right now, I’m working closely with entrepreneurs who are ready to bring more clarity, freedom, and alignment into the way they build and run their business. Ways I have to support you: Building an Online Business Course & Coaching Program2.5 Day In-Person Mastermind EventsA personal, customized Work-Life Audit to see exactly what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to shift next… The best next step is simple. Just send me an email. Tell me a little about where you are right now and what resonated most from this episode. I read every message personally, and if it feels like I can genuinely help, we’ll set up a time to talk....
    Más Menos
    1 h y 1 m
  • 021 - Can You Still Get Paid to Blog in 2025? With Megan Porta of Eat Blog Talk

    021 - Can You Still Get Paid to Blog in 2025? With Megan Porta of Eat Blog Talk
    Sep 29 2025
    Over the past few years, I've heard several people suggest that "blogging is dead." However, one of my favorite coaching clients earns her primary income from her blog and also hosts retreats and an annual conference for an entire community of food bloggers who earn an income from their blogging efforts. So I invited my client, Megan Porta, and asked her the question, "Can you still make money blogging in 2025?" Short answer: Yes. It's doable. It looks different than it did a decade ago. It requires real passion, patience, and a focus on what serves readers right now. Below are thorough show notes to meet you exactly where you are. If you want to start or revive a blog as a real income stream, these notes double as a step-by-step primer. What This Episode Covers Why blogging still pays when you pair patience with passion Megan has seen brand-new bloggers “crushing it.” The difference now is you cannot fake it. Your readers and Google both know when you do. Authenticity wins. The fastest realistic path to first income Join a quality ad network once your traffic qualifies. We name the two big players and their current thresholds. We also discuss why Google SEO and Pinterest are still the two traffic pillars that move the needle. Niching way down to win Broad “everything” blogs struggle today. Specific sub-niches serve specific people and get rewarded. Think “vegan cakes” instead of “vegan.” The love for your topic has to show up in every post. The collaboration playbook for early momentum Smart email list swaps. Contributing value inside the right Facebook groups without spamming. How one helpful post can put a niche creator “on the map” in months. Income beyond ads Digital products. Memberships. Sponsorships. How to think about affiliate income post-HCU and what still works if you are selective. Platform and tech choices that save you pain Why WordPress.org with solid hosting is still the move. Why a VPS and proactive security matter. Real-world cautionary tales about updates, backups, and malware. Key Takeaways and Insights 1) Yes, you can still get paid to blog. The bar is higher. If you bring patience and genuine expertise, you can absolutely build an income today. People starting in the last year or two are succeeding. The difference is the landscape. Authenticity and user value must drive your strategy. 2) Niche inside the niche Winning examples are laser-specific. Pick a tight segment of a larger category, then become unmistakably helpful to that reader. This is how you break through and build trust. 3) Traffic plan: SEO and Pinterest first To qualify for premium ad networks, prioritize traffic that comes from search and Pinterest. Current thresholds discussed in the episode: Mediavine at roughly 50,000 sessions per month and Raptive at roughly 100,000 pageviews per month. Build to those numbers, then let ad RPMs start compounding. 4) Collaboration without spam Use email list collaborations. Show up consistently inside large, topic-relevant Facebook groups. Earn trust by answering questions with real substance. This moves traffic quickly when your niche is dialed in. 5) Create on-topic, helpful content Google’s Helpful Content updates pushed bloggers to stay tightly aligned with user intent. Keep posts on point for your niche. Tangential personal stories and off-topic content dilute perceived expertise and can hurt discoverability. 6) Monetization mix that works in 2025 Display Ads once you hit network thresholds. This becomes semi-passive as your library grows.Digital Products as quick wins: ebooks, guides, weekly prep plans. These are simple to produce and match your audience’s immediate needs.Memberships if your audience is invested. Price points in food niches commonly range from about 5 to 20 dollars per month, often for ad-free experiences or exclusive content. Tech options include WordPress setups and hosted communities such as Circle, Skool, Slack, Discord, Mighty Networks, and niche tools like Member Kitchens.Sponsorships when you can articulate your audience’s value. Niche reach can beat raw follower counts if you understand a sponsor’s acquisition economics and lifetime value.Affiliate Income is trickier after recent updates. It can still work at higher commissions or with premium offers. Treat it as a supplemental play, not your core plan. 7) Stack the tech in your favor Choose WordPress.org for full control, proven SEO flexibility, and extensibility.Invest in good hosting. A VPS with strong uptime guarantees is worth it. Expect to pay roughly 89 to 150 dollars per month for reliability that protects your revenue.Treat security and backups as non-negotiables. Plugins and themes require regular updates. Malware exploits often come from simple neglect. Have a pro who can restore fast. This avoids losing days or weeks or years of content. Practical Playbook Phase 1. Choose a narrow niche and validate demand List ten posts your ideal reader ...
    Más Menos
    45 m
  • 020 - Pat Flynn - Lean Learning | Achieve More by Learning Less

    020 - Pat Flynn - Lean Learning | Achieve More by Learning Less
    May 16 2025

    In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Pat Flynn to explore the creative process… not from strategy, but from center.

    Pat and I talk about what it looks like to create without pressure to learn everything all at once, to unsubscribe from all the distractions without losing clarity, and to build something meaningful without needing to chase every bit of information calling for your attention.

    We explore how his newest book, Lean Learning, emerged not just as a productivity tool, but as a reflection of his own journey toward presence, freedom, and focused execution.

    This conversation isn’t about hacks or hustle. It’s about alignment. Trust. And the art of listening to your own inner knowing.

    If you’ve ever felt stuck between your ideas and your execution…

    If you’ve struggled with overthinking, perfectionism, or trying to learn too much…

    This episode may open a new door for you.

    Pat’s honesty, clarity, and humility shine here. And I believe you’ll walk away with not just insight, but peace.

    You can get Pat’s book, Lean Learning, at leanlearningbook.com
    Más Menos
    51 m
  • 019 - Aleasha Bahr - Sales Without Selling Out

    019 - Aleasha Bahr - Sales Without Selling Out
    May 7 2025

    In this episode of What Are You Creating?, I sat down with Aleasha Bahr: sales strategist, black sheep, and author of Black Sheep Sales: How to Win More Sales Without Acting Like a Douchebag.

    This wasn’t a discussion about tactics.

    This was a conversation about identity.

    We explored what it means to sell without manipulation, to serve without auditioning, and to build a business that doesn’t require you to scale beyond your soul. Aleasha and I are both people who have tried “doing it the way they say you’re supposed to”… and felt our energy drain as a result. In this dialogue, we came home to the truth that you can sell powerfully when you’re rooted in presence, clarity, and you.

    We talked about:

    • The myth of “better than I deserve” and the reclamation of worthiness
    • Why following your own resonance leads to better clients, deeper impact, and a sustainable business
    • How pitch weaving works (and why it’s the most respectful, magnetic way to enroll clients)
    • The difference between “being uncomfortable” and being out of alignment
    • What unshakable self-trust looks like in life and sales

    This one is for the black sheep.

    The misfits.

    The coaches, consultants, creators, and founders who want to serve, not sell.

    If you’ve ever said to yourself, “I love what I do, I just wish I didn’t have to sell it,” this is your episode.

    Aleasha’s voice is a mirror of permission.

    Her work is a reclamation of what’s possible.

    And I’m so glad we recorded this.

    Connect with Aleasha Bahr:
    • Book: Black Sheep Sales – How to Win More Sales Without Acting Like a Douchebag
    • Check out Aleasha’s Podcast: Sales Is Not a Dirty Word
    • LinkedIn: Connect with Aleasha on LinkedIn
    Más Menos
    59 m
  • 018 - Corey Koehler - Redefining Retirement

    018 - Corey Koehler - Redefining Retirement
    Mar 14 2025

    In this episode, I sit down with Corey Koehler—a musician, marketer, and entrepreneur who has mastered the art of reinvention. Corey's journey is a testament to adaptability and perseverance. Once a mechanical draftsman, he realized that the traditional 9-to-5 wasn’t the path for him. Instead, he picked up his guitar in his 30s, launched a music career, and later pivoted into digital marketing to create a sustainable business that supports his creative passions.

    Now, with over 11 years of experience in email marketing, digital strategy, and Google Ads, Corey helps creators, coaches, and founders find the best marketing tools to grow their audiences and businesses. He also runs Redefining Retirement, a platform designed to help Gen Xers and entrepreneurs build work-life paths that lead to purpose and creativity rather than just "retirement."

    Join us for an authentic conversation about the journey of an entrepreneurial creator.

    Connect with Corey Koehler:

    Website: https://redefiningretirement.io

    Music & More: https://www.youtube.com/@Planetcorey

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykoehler
    Más Menos
    1 h y 17 m
  • 017 - Ian Anderson Gray - Navigating the Human-AI Collaboration in Content Creation

    017 - Ian Anderson Gray - Navigating the Human-AI Collaboration in Content Creation
    Feb 17 2025

    In this episode, I had a wonderfully deep and thought-provoking conversation with Ian Anderson Gray about the role of AI in content creation. We explored how creators can harness the power of technology while maintaining their authenticity and unique human touch. It was fascinating to hear Ian's perspective on using tools like ChatGPT to enhance creativity and problem-solving, while also acknowledging the limitations of AI systems. We both agreed that we must never lose sight of the irreplaceable value that human creators bring to the table.

    Ian demonstrated a genuine passion for making complex topics accessible and helping other creatives overcome obstacles. His work—bridging creativity, communication, and AI workflows—is truly inspiring. I was particularly moved by his holistic approach to combining technology with authentic human connection.

    Key Insights:
    • Ian's approach of using AI as a tool to enhance his creativity, rather than replace it
    • The need to balance functional, AI-assisted content with deeply personal, human-created work
    • The danger of becoming too reliant on AI-generated content and losing the authentic voice of the creator

    Are you a creator navigating the evolving landscape of content creation? Looking to harness AI's power meaningfully? Connect with Ian at IAG.me. His wealth of experience and unique perspective will be invaluable as you grow your creative practice.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 12 m
  • 016 - Lori Hammond - Transformation Through Hypnosis

    016 - Lori Hammond - Transformation Through Hypnosis
    Feb 14 2025

    Lori Hammond is a transformational guide and hypnosis practitioner who has dedicated her life's work to helping others overcome their inner obstacles and embrace their authentic selves.

    With a warm and compassionate presence, Lori creates safe spaces for her clients and community to explore the depths of their being, shedding the layers of judgment and self-doubt that so often hold us back.

    Her weekly "Trancy Tuesdays" sessions have become a haven for those seeking personal growth and healing, blending guided meditation, hypnosis, and the power of collective intention to facilitate profound shifts in mindset and well-being.

    Lori's unwavering commitment to her own self-discovery journey infuses her work with a palpable authenticity, inspiring all who encounter her to reconnect with the inherent "okayness" that resides within.

    Summary of Insights:
    • Lori's journey of overcoming misconceptions about hypnosis, including its association with evil and mind control, and how her strict religious upbringing initially influenced her views.
    • The importance of creating safe, authentic environments that allow for transformation and self-acceptance to occur.
    • Lori's unique approach to her weekly "Trancy Tuesdays" sessions, which incorporate guided meditation, hypnosis, and community connection.
    • The value of finding creative spaces and tools, like coffee shops, libraries, and noise-cancelling headphones with binaural beats, to aid in the creative process.
    Where to Connect with Lori:
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.hammond.39
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LoriHammond
    • Website: https://www.trancypants.com
    Más Menos
    1 h