small acts of rebellion – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In Episode 13 of Season 2, Ali Stofflet offers a refreshingly candid look at entrepreneurship, anxiety, and the myth of the “dream business.” With heartfelt honesty, she shares her journey from owning a holistic parenting product distribution company to reentering the workforce as the Director of Business Outreach and Growth at the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce.

Ali discusses how the pressure of business ownership triggered panic attacks and constant stress, ultimately leading her to seek stability, collaboration, and a sense of peace through a W-2 role. Her story challenges the glamorized narratives of small business ownership often found on social media, and instead highlights the invisible labor, emotional toll, and self-doubt that frequently accompany the entrepreneurial path.

This episode explores the deeper truth that ambition and anxiety often co-exist, and that success isn’t always about pushing harder. It’s sometimes about choosing differently. Ali discusses how communities can better support small business owners not just economically, but emotionally. She also unpacks the power of collaboration, the need for honest conversations about burnout, and the importance of shifting public perceptions around entrepreneurship.

In a surprising and metaphor-rich segment, Ali reflects on what beekeeping has taught her about business, community, and grace. Her reflections offer both personal insight and collective wisdom, especially for anyone questioning the roles they’re expected to play.

Guest Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-ali-stofflet-90a494a6/

References:

Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce – https://www.arvadachamber.org/

Porchlight Family Justice Center – https://www.porchlightfjc.org/

Arvada Sunrise Rotary – https://arvadasunriserotary.org/

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion.  Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In Episode 12 of Season 2, Gretchen Morgan, Managing Partner at the Center for Innovation in Education, shares her insights from decades of work across classrooms, state agencies, and national education initiatives. This episode explores the current challenges facing public education, the historic roots of standardized testing, and the widening debate over the value of public assets in American society.

Gretchen unpacks the concept of systemic symmetry: the idea that everything from curriculum to teacher support must align with how we expect learning to happen. She critiques the rise of national voucher programs and the potential erosion of public education as a shared societal investment, pointing to how privatization can reinforce social and racial inequities rather than solve them.

Despite the weight of these issues, the conversation remains grounded in possibility. Gretchen shares stories of hope from initiatives like Colorado’s Homegrown Talent Initiative and local coalition-building in places like Kentucky, Mississippi, and Vermont. She highlights how community-driven processes, when rooted in inclusion, empathy, co-creation, and reciprocity, can rebuild trust between schools and the communities they serve.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how public education reflects broader societal values and how intentional, human-centered change is both necessary and possible. This episode is essential for educators, parents, policymakers, and anyone invested in the future of equitable, responsive learning environments.

Guest Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-morgan-0145634/

References:

Center for Innovation in Education (CIE) – https://www.innovationed.org

Homegrown Talent Initiative (HTI) – Led by Colorado Succeeds and the Colorado Education Initiative (CEI)

CareerWise Colorado – Youth apprenticeship system

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion.  Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In episode 3 of Season 2, Kelly Noble, a certified quantum business coach and wealth activator, shares her transformative journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurial empowerment. She opens up about breaking free from limiting beliefs, corporate masking, and the societal conditioning that ties self-worth to achievement. The discussion explores the deep connections between self-discovery, building a business, and the power of aligned leadership.

Kelly emphasizes the importance of challenging the status quo, healing generational traumas, and redefining success through authenticity and values-driven decisions. She also delves into corporate culture, systemic change, and the impact of leadership on organizational and personal growth. This episode offers invaluable insights for those navigating career transitions, striving for authentic leadership, or seeking to create a life and legacy of impact.

Guest Information:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kellynoble.coaching/

Manifest That Shift Podcast: https://manifestthatshift.buzzsprout.com

www.kellynoblecoaching.com 

References:

Book - We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers - https://www.amazon.com/We-Should-All-Be-Millionaires/dp/1400221625

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion.  Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In episode 2 of Season 2, Heather Hukari, founder of Video Service Hub, takes listeners through her career journey from editing car commercials to building a successful video marketing agency. She shares how her early love for video shaped her career, from freelancing in the mid-2000s to creating training and marketing content for major brands like Chipotle. Along the way, Hukari provides actionable advice for using video to enhance personal and professional branding, emphasizing the growing importance of authenticity, storytelling, and strategic content curation.

Hukari also explores how the rise of platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels has changed the video landscape, making it an essential tool for small businesses and individuals alike. She offers practical tips for overcoming fear of the camera, understanding your audience, and starting with simple, impactful video strategies—even for those new to the medium. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or someone looking to refine your personal brand, this episode provides valuable insights into how video can help you stand out and connect meaningfully with your audience.

Guest Information:

Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-hukari/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/videoservicehub/

References:

Video Service Hub - https://videoservicehub.com/

Gary Vee - https://garyvaynerchuk.com/

Alex Hormozi - https://www.youtube.com/c/alexhormozi

Break An Egg - https://www.breakaneggdaily.com/

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion.  Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In episode 1 of Season 2, Liz Nartker, a multifaceted entrepreneur and the visionary behind the shoe brand Nix and Ness, shares her transformative journey from being a lawyer to embracing her passion for creativity, culminating in the creation of her unique footwear line. Liz discusses navigating professional pivots, balancing personal transitions, and breaking free from societal expectations, offering profound insights into the power of exploration and self-acceptance.

Listeners will hear about Liz’s early struggles with perfectionism, her experiences in law, and the pivotal moments that led her to explore her creative potential. The episode highlights themes of resilience, the importance of gradual change, and the value of embracing all aspects of one’s identity. Liz’s innovative approach to combining fashion, functionality, and personal expression through her shoes is an inspiring metaphor for crafting a fulfilling life. Whether you want to redefine success, explore entrepreneurship, or navigate change, Liz’s story provides practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement.

Guest Information:

Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-nartker/  

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/lizziethenix/

https://www.instagram.com/nixandness/

References:

Nix and Ness - www.nixandness.com

How I Built This - https://www.guyraz.com/#podcasts
 
CASA - https://denvercasa.org/

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion.  Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In Episode 35, Kate Bailey, founder and CEO of TARRA, shares her unique journey from a bullied child in Wyoming to a magazine editor, advertising entrepreneur, and ultimately the creator of a transformative space for women entrepreneurs and professionals. Kate discusses the resilience and self-advocacy that shaped her path, as well as the power of community in fostering innovation and support.

This conversation delves into the importance of recognizing and utilizing transferable skills, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the impact of physical spaces in shaping collaborative environments. Kate reflects on how her personal experiences of loneliness inspired the creation of TARRA, an inclusive community for those who don’t fit into conventional molds.

Listeners will gain insights into reframing failure as experimentation, leveraging network effects, and empowering women through intentional funding and mentorship. Kate’s reflections on ambition, focus, and community-building offer actionable inspiration for navigating professional and personal transformations.

Guest Information:

Connect with Kate Bailey

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oliveiteverything/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-bailey-tarra/

References:

TARRA – https://tarra.co/

TARRA on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_tarraco/

Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce – https://cwcc.org/

Top 25 most powerful women in business - https://www.coloradopolitics.com/nonprofits/chamber-names-top-25-most-powerful-women-in-business-nonprofit-register/article_a6990f66-3ee8-11ef-87a9-9bd5cf75e3f9.html

Westword Magazine – https://www.westword.com/

Top 100 creatives in Denver - https://www.westword.com/arts/kate-bailey-of-annabel-media-on-denver-becoming-a-world-class-city-9597491

Failure Ball – https://thefailureball.com/

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion.  Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In Episode 34, Robyn Balsley, founder of Graceful Impression, shares her journey from corporate sales to personal styling and offers insights into the transformative power of clothing. Robyn discusses the concept of enclothed cognition, a psychological phenomenon that reveals how our clothing choices impact mood, productivity, and self-perception. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in sales and branding, Robyn explains how personal style can serve as a tool for building confidence and making meaningful first impressions.

She provides practical strategies for navigating life transitions through a wardrobe that reflects authenticity and the present moment. Robyn emphasizes the importance of decluttering outdated clothing to let go of shame, regret, or identities that no longer serve us. She also highlights the role of statement pieces in creating a personal brand and shares tips for building a functional, stylish wardrobe with versatile core items.

The episode delves into how clothing can be used to balance self-expression with professionalism, showing respect for both oneself and others. Robyn offers actionable advice for making thoughtful wardrobe choices, such as curating a capsule collection, using Pinterest for inspiration, and focusing on pieces that elevate overall appearance. Through storytelling and reflection, Robyn illustrates how dressing with intention can foster confidence and connection, allowing individuals to embrace their true selves and step into new roles with ease and style.

Guest Information:

Connect with Robyn Balsley

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gracefulimpression/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynbalsley/

References:

Graceful Impression - Robyn Balsley’s personal styling business. - https://www.gracefulimpression.com/

SHE Leads Group - Organization mentioned as a shared connection between Heather and Robyn. - https://www.sheleadsgroup.com/

Pinterest - Suggested as a tool for styling inspiration. - https://www.pinterest.com/

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion.  Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In Episode 33, Jillie Johnston, a worthiness coach, international speaker, and advocate for joyful living, shares her journey from burnout to balance, emphasizing the transformative power of self-compassion and the courage to embrace imperfection. Jillie discusses the challenges of untying self-worth from productivity, navigating life’s transitions, and cultivating joy in uncertain times. She opens up about her experiences living a nomadic lifestyle in a van, the lessons it taught her about boundaries and fulfillment, and the importance of realigning with one’s values.

The conversation explores the pressures of ambition, the societal expectations placed on women, and the rebellious act of choosing authenticity over external “shoulds.” Jillie offers insights into recognizing burnout patterns, fostering self-awareness, and finding grounding moments in everyday life. This episode provides relatable stories and practical wisdom for anyone looking to balance ambition with well-being, navigate life’s pivots with grace, or redefine success on their own terms.

Guest Information:

Connect with Jillie Johnston

LinkedIn 

Instagram 

Website 

Podcast 

Email list 

References:

Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X

SMART Goals Framework - https://www.mindtools.com/a4wo118/smart-goals

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion.  Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In episode 32, Christine Stirling, a seasoned mortgage loan officer with over two decades of experience, shares her unique perspective on the financial industry. Christine discusses her empathetic approach to lending, emphasizing the importance of education, compassion, and creating positive experiences for her clients. She highlights the human side of finance, focusing on dreams and goals rather than just numbers.

The episode delves into Christine’s personal journey, from managing multi-million-dollar bank branches to reshaping her career to align with her values. She reflects on her experiences with financial hardship, career pivots, and how she has redefined success on her own terms. Christine provides thoughtful insights into the emotional complexity of money, particularly for women, exploring the challenges of societal pressures and the need for open conversations about finances.

Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on the intersection of money, identity, and intentional living. Christine advocates for aligning financial resources with personal values, prioritizing experiences and connections over materialism. With stories of perseverance, generosity, and a commitment to authenticity, this episode is an inspiring exploration of how to navigate money and success with purpose and integrity.

Guest Information:

Connect with Christine Stirling on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mortgagesbychristine/

Or Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-stirling-lo/

References:

Fairway Independent Mortgage – https://www.fairway.com/

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion.  Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In episode 31, Serin Silva shares her transformative journey from a Fortune 500 executive to an intuitive coach, embracing authenticity and breaking free from corporate conventions. With over two decades of experience in high-profile roles, Serin combines her corporate knowledge with her intuitive abilities to empower high-achieving women, guiding them to reconnect with their inner wisdom and redefine success on their own terms. She opens up about her shift from following the “rules” of the boardroom to embracing her role as a medium, Reiki master, and certified social-emotional coach. The conversation delves into the power of small acts of rebellion, empathy, and candor in leadership, exploring how personal expression and professional presentation intersect. Serin discusses the importance of boundaries and the dangers of “ruinous empathy” in leadership, sharing insights on how to maintain authentic connections without compromising personal well-being. This episode provides inspiration for anyone looking to integrate their personal values with their professional life and embrace a holistic approach to career and self-growth.

Guest Information:

Connect with Serin Silva on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serinsilva.intuitive.coach/

Or Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/serinsilva/

Or schedule a 1:1 - https://calendly.com/serinsilva

References:

Denver Startup Week - https://www.denverstartupweek.org/

Book - U Empath You - https://www.amazon.com/Empath-You-Universal-Inspiration-Resources-ebook/dp/B09WJ7JYRX?ref_=ast_author_dp

Book - Radical Candor - https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Kick-Ass-Without-Humanity/dp/1250103509

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion.  Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!