Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Ordinary Business®️ Podcast

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my July launch for The Ordinary Business Network—real numbers, mixed emotions, launch plans gone sideways, and what happened when my best-laid strategies met real life (like getting strep throat, my kid’s birthday, and actual client work… all at once).

I’m talking about the reality of running a business while juggling family, health, and a totally unglamorous workload. Inside, you’ll hear how a “solo show” launch really works when you’re handling every email, social post, and DM without an entourage (or caffeine IV). You’ll also get the play-by-play on what worked, what flopped, and why making room for ordinary wins is way better than chasing someone else’s blueprint.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways

• Track where your members actually come from—sometimes email outperforms everything else (even those “engaged” Slack buddies).

• Scrap the plan if it’s not working, and don’t be afraid to go “all in” (even if it means flying by the seat of your pants for a bit).

• Celebrate the messy, ordinary wins—consistency and community win over perfection every time.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Feeling like your story isn’t “epic” enough for the business world? In this episode, Reme Mancera (https://www.rememancera.com/) is pulling back the curtain on what storytelling actually looks like for ordinary business owners juggling real life—work deadlines, existential dread about vulnerability, and that question lurking in your DMs: “Do I have to share my ‘origin story’ to get clients?” Spoiler: If you’ve ever wanted to market yourself without the hero’s journey or a viral meltdown, this one’s for you.

Reme is sharing how real people—just like you and me—can find and use simple, meaningful stories from everyday life (think library cards, not climbing Everest) to connect with aligned clients. She'll show you how to skip the stage fright, set boundaries (no, you don’t have to overshare), and start making real connections, even if you feel “too ordinary” for the spotlight.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways

• Drop the pressure to have an “epic” origin story and focus on stories that are genuinely meaningful to you.

• Look for those small, everyday moments (hello, childhood library card) that naturally tie to your values and your people.

• Use your personal stories as connectors—no vulnerability hangover required—and set your own sharing boundaries.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Feel like you’re playing whack-a-mole with your business—tweaking your offers, rewriting your content, posting more without seeing results? You’re not alone.

>> Join The Ordinary Network!

In this (re-aired!) episode, I get real about why market research isn’t glamorous, but absolutely game-changing (seriously, Google Forms are my love language). If you’ve ever wondered why your audience isn’t biting or why engagement flatlined, this chat is for you—and yes, I spill all the honest details from my own market research deep-dives.

I walk through exactly how I ran fifty-five (yes, fifty-five) market research calls in six weeks, why talking directly to your audience matters way more than just sending another survey, and how even exhausted introverts (hi, it’s me!) can come out the other side actually excited about their offers again.

Key Takeaways:

• Stop guessing and start asking—get on real calls with your audience to uncover what’s actually going on.

• Keep your questions broad and focused on their world, not your sales page (curiosity wins every time).

• Use the language and insights you gather from market research to shape your copy, offers, and confidence in those ordinary-but-awesome business moves.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ever feel like email marketing is just a never-ending parade of “newsletters” you don’t actually want to read? That’s why Melissa Esmeralda is here to talk about real email marketing for ordinary-but-thriving business owners, just like you. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your tech stack simpler, make your emails actually fun to create, and stop gatekeeping all your best ideas, you’re in the right spot.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business Network: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

In this episode, Melissa shares how she built a super low-tech audio newsletter, why she ditched the endless “newsletter as newspaper” format, and what actually gets people replying (spoiler: it’s not having the flashiest intro music). She'll walk through her favorite tools and how asking for questions—even if nobody asks at first—can turn your email list into your actual people. Plus, you'll hear how pigeons, neighborhood hawks, and a little bit of chaos ended up inspiring her most opened subject line ever.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways

• Make your email newsletter more personal by ditching the “newsroom” vibe and sharing real-life stories.

• Lower the tech barrier—Google Drive and voice notes work just fine for serving your people.

• Build connection with your audience by making it easy (and safe) for them to ask questions, even if they need a nudge.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Re-airing a previous episode where I'm spilling the real tea on what it actually looks like to run a profitable, sustainable business, without your “number one moneymaker” being a magical inbox.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business Network: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com⁠⁠/network

Here’s the thing: I’ve spent 15 years in business, tried all the freebies, webinars, and custom quizzes the internet has to offer, and my email list is still not paying my grocery bill. I'm break ing down exactly where my clients do come from (hint: it’s not email), how I’ve learned to let go of what “should” work, and why leaning into what works for you is the real power move for ordinary but thriving business owners—just like you.

→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠⁠

→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Stop forcing a marketing tool that’s never worked for you—focus instead on what actually brings you clients.

• Know that referrals, SEO, and genuine connection on social media can be your secret sauce (no matter what the gurus say).

• Give yourself permission to ditch the “shoulds,” play to your business strengths, and define success on your own, very ordinary terms.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ever feel like the only “serious” business owners are those pulling 90-hour weeks and living off sheer willpower and too much coffee? That’s why this episode is about what happens when you don’t go “all in”—at least, not the way hustle culture tells you to. Jacki Hayes (https://www.jackihayes.co/) is pulling back the curtain on what it looks like to run a thriving business and keep a part-time job, perks (hello, free gym membership) and all. If you’ve ever wondered how to juggle life, bills, and still have energy left to enjoy actually living, you’re in the right spot.

This episode dives into the surprisingly liberating world of mixing a part-time job with your own small business—no shame allowed. We talk boundaries that stick, being upfront about your schedule (even when everyone else pretends they only “sleep when they're dead”), and dropping any guilt about not showing up nonstop on Instagram. The conversation covers how to handle client expectations like a pro, why stable income is the new “going all in,” and how to cut out the busy work so you can focus on what actually matters.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Ditch the “all in” shame—having a part-time job can make your life (and mental health) a whole lot easier.

• Use honest boundaries and clear communication to attract clients who get you (and actually respect your schedule).

• Cut the fluff in your business by focusing only on what moves the needle, so you have more time for real life.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ever wondered if you could actually grow your business without giving into the “never sleep, always grind” nonsense? I’m diving in with email strategist Allea Grummert (https://duett.co/), who’s keeping it very real about what it takes to launch a new offer, court those elusive leads, and keep your voice intact when you accidentally record 80 personalized videos.

We're talking about giveaways that actually feel human, what to do when you get “only” 85 signups, and why a $4,000 service freebie isn’t some marketing power move, but a thoughtful experiment for finding your people. If you want actionable strategies, relatable stories (yes, including post-softball-sweat breakdowns), and proof that “small” can still mean sustainable and successful, you’re in the right place.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Kickstart new offers with a personal, generous approach—even if that means one big, strategic giveaway.

• Nurture your email list by tagging actual interests and sending real follow-ups, not just “here’s another funnel” emails.

• Don’t measure success by bloated numbers—a handful of the right people engaging honestly beats 10,000 ghost subscribers any day.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

I know what it’s like to look at your calendar and wonder if you actually need that coffee chat—or if you’d rather just, you know, nap, read a book, or, in a wild twist, get your actual work done. This episode is for ordinary business owners juggling work and life (and maybe a little people-pleasing fatigue), wrestling with whether “coffee chats” are networking magic or just another time trap.

>> Huge thanks to our sponsor, Virtually Robyn! Check out her Strategy Sessions and mention 'Ordinary' for a bonus.

Today, I sat down with four fellow business owners—Melissa, Michelle, Sam, and Olivia—to unpack the messy real talk of coffee chats: who loves them, who dreads them, how to spot (and avoid) a brain-picking disaster, and why boundaries are a life-saver for your schedule and sanity. If you’re sick of hearing that “just one more coffee chat a day” will get you clients—but also wondering if you’re missing something—this episode is definitely for you.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways

• Set clear boundaries for your calls—protect your schedule like your favorite hoodie.

• Don’t confuse “networking” with “brain-picking” (or being polite about those pitches you never asked for).

• Remember there isn’t one right way: referrals, DMs, Slack channels, and even actual coffee chats all work—find what fits for your kind of ordinary but thriving business.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ever felt like you’re drowning in sticky notes, missing appointments, or accidentally double-booking three summits and your sister-in-law’s birthday—all in the same month? This episode is for the ordinary but thriving business owner who wants fewer headaches, more naps, and a business system that doesn’t feel like a second full-time job.

>> Thanks to our sponsor, Bright Bunch Designs!

Today, I get nosy with Branda (https://www.therelevantcollective.com/), the funnel nerd and former teacher who ditched chaos by turning her business (and her life) into a giant board game—stickers, dessert prizes, and all. From visual tracking methods that actually work for human brains just like yours, to saying “yes” and “no” without feeling like you’ve ruined your reputation, this convo is about building a business on your terms, not whatever’s trending on TikTok.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways

• Get honest about your capacity by using a physical quarterly calendar (because yes, paper counts as tech).

• Motivate your ordinary business life with real, small rewards along the way (Bundt cake > burnout every time).

• Say no with zero guilt by seeing the real mental load of every “yes”—and celebrate actual progress, not just the big wins.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ever felt like you’re supposed to be everywhere online…but you’d rather be literally anywhere else? This episode is basically your permission slip. I sit down with Shannon (https://www.sundaymusedesign.com/), an ordinary but thriving business owner who’s done the unthinkable: she stepped off the Instagram hamster wheel and didn’t disappear into the void. If you’re exhausted by the endless “post more” advice and want a business that works for your actual life (think: client work, family time, naps), you’re in the right place.

Today’s chat is about running a design business without making Instagram a second job. I dig into Shannon’s numbers-first approach (spoiler: her 9-grid is now a sales page, not her personal diary), where her clients come from, and what truly happens to your business when you stop chasing likes. If you want realistic ideas about where to spend your precious energy—without feeling guilty or behind—grab your coffee and tune in.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways

• Track your numbers for at least six months before making big marketing changes—vibes alone are not a business strategy.

• Turn your social media into a portfolio or sales page, then actually reclaim your time (permission to NOT talk to camera: granted).

• Focus your energy where it really counts—clients still find you when you’re clear and consistent, Instagram grid or not.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

This episode is for every ordinary business owner who’s done with juggling too many tools, wants a business that feels manageable, and refuses to trade their nap time for “hustle.” If you’re all about keeping things real (and maybe just a smidge pretty), you’re in the right place.

Today, I’m chatting with Emylee Williams (https://www.soldoutservices.com/) about her actual tech stack—including why she’s hoarding over a thousand Airtable tables and why she ditched the usual suspects like Dubsado and Asana in favor of tools that keep things simple. We swap notes on automation, making client experiences less “DIY cold sweat” and more “just click and go,” and exactly how to streamline your business without overcomplicating it. This is for ordinary but thriving business owners who want fewer headaches and more freedom in their day.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Ditch unnecessary apps by making one tool (like Airtable) do all the work for your business (seriously, who needs Asana and ClickUp and Dubsado?).

• Create smoother (less headache-y) client experiences using tools that are actually brandable, simple to use, and don’t require your clients to remember 47 logins.

• Build systems that work for you—not some fictional “7-figures-in-7-minutes” entrepreneur—so you can focus on the parts of business (and life) you actually like.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Darby (https://stephaniedarbyrd.com/) who proves you don’t have to sabotage your sleep or sanity just to “make it” in business. If you’re juggling nap schedules and client calls while side-eyeing hustle culture, you’re absolutely in the right place.

Stephanie and I dig into what running a business on 16 hours a week actually looks like (spoiler: there’s no secret millionaire playbook here), how she sets boundaries that make room for real life, and why it’s very okay if your business grows at a speed that feels good, not just fast. We also get real about what it means to model healthy work for your kids and yourself—yes, that includes actually eating lunch.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Ditch the 9-to-5 guilt by setting boundaries that fit your life (not someone else’s spreadsheet).

• Stop waiting for a magical “right time” and instead, make your business match your real season of life—even if that means less growth and more sanity.

• Prioritize actual self-care (think: lunch breaks, movement, and end-of-day rituals) because “pausing” isn’t procrastination, it’s survival.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ever feel like finding real business friends online is basically adult trick-or-treating—sometimes you get a full-size Snickers, sometimes it’s a toothbrush?

In this episode, Angelina (https://wildwavepodcasting.com/) and I get honest about what it really takes to create actual connections when you’re a regular busy human, not a “networking queen” who collects business cards like Pokemon. From resisting the pressure to pitch (or be pitched) at every coffee chat, to showing up as yourself—even when your “office” is the corner of your kitchen table.

>> Thanks to our sponsor, Bright Bunch Designs!

>> Grab the Airtable template that Angelina mentioned.

This episode dives into the nitty-gritty of making business friends online without any sleazy vibes, why sometimes you have to be the one to reach out first, and how setting up simple systems can save your tired brain from forgetting birthdays, details, and—well—your own sanity. I get into how I use voice notes, memes, and actual human conversation instead of feeling like I need to give a TED Talk every time I DM someone. Spoiler: “Ordinary” connections with ordinary but thriving business owners are way more fun (and sustainable) than just chasing random leads.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Start relationships by reaching out first and expecting nothing in return—sometimes your people just need an invitation.

• Use easy systems (like a relationship hub) to remember important details and actually show up for your business friends, without becoming a robot.

• Drop the performative networking—casual voice notes and real conversation turn acquaintances into supportive business pals.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

In this episode, I sat down with Tammie Bennett (https://itstammiebennett.com/), a totally ordinary but thriving business owner, to talk honestly about shutting down the nightly mental to-do list parade and celebrating small, real wins.

>> Thanks to our sponsor, Roop Creative Agency!

Tammie gives the rundown on her low-pressure “did it list” practice—the most anti-hustle thing you’ll try this week. If you’re tired of performative productivity and want a no B.S. way to actually see your efforts (without weaponizing them against yourself), this episode is basically your permission slip. Think: building confidence, teaching your brain to spot the good stuff, and letting ‘enough’ really be enough, even when your inner critic wants to play manager.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Start a “did it list” by writing one small win at the end of each day—yes, even if it’s just surviving the day.

• Notice and gently quiet the voice that says your efforts “aren’t enough”—one thing is plenty, your people.

• Flip back through your wins on rough days to remind yourself you’re making progress (even when it doesn’t feel like it).

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

In this episode, I sit down with Karen Webber (www.goodnessmarketing.co.uk) to spill the tea on ditching the hustle, making real connections, and building a business that actually feels good—yes, even if you secretly love silly Reels and occasionally stalk LinkedIn. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re supposed to do everything by the algorithm and just want a business that fits around your life (naps, groceries, family and all), this one’s for you.

Karen Webber gets real about how most of her clients come from places that have absolutely nothing to do with constant posting or trend-chasing. We dig into building a marketing “ecosystem” instead of a hamster wheel, the magic of email newsletters nobody tells you about, and why being a good human is secretly the best marketing plan.

If you’re dreaming of a business that lets you skip the social media pressure and still get dream clients while living your life, you’ll feel right at home here.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Stop chasing every social trend and focus on what actually works for your people (spoiler: your website is still a superstar).

• Build relationships like, well, an actual human—even silly Reels and non-salesy DMs count.

• Track your own progress, but don’t let numbers run your self-worth (or your business).

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

I’m sharing the messy (and embarrassing) truth about my failed first attempt at hosting an event in 2017, the internet post that spiraled, and how building a tight-knit community of ordinary business owners made all the difference.

If you think success means doing things big and loud, let’s talk about selling tickets without a huge following, growing slowly, and showing up as your real self—even if that means running things in sweatpants.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Revisit your “failures”—what flopped once might thrive when you try it your way, in your season.

• Build a business community that sees you (not just your stats or so-called “influence”).

• Trust takes time: Honest conversations, low-pressure sales, and showing up consistently matter way more than a giant following.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

What if thriving as a business owner didn’t mean hustling from sunrise to collapse or pretending you love every minute? In this episode, I sit down with Kim Perez (https://www.rootandbranchnutrition.com/) to talk about the messier reality of juggling work, family, and that ever-elusive self-care thing (spoiler: endless to-do lists and snack runs are involved).

>> Get your free month with our sponsor, Cosmic Content Club!

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at “morning routine” influencers or wondered how to squeeze a moment of peace into a back-to-back day, you’re in the right place—with your people.

Here’s what I dig into with Kim Perez: how she crafts a workday that fits around parenthood (not the other way around), the very ordinary but surprisingly impactful rituals she uses to reset her brain and body (hint: nobody’s doing a 90-minute yoga flow between Zoom calls), and why honoring your energy beats complicated wellness plans.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways

• Build anchor points into your day (hint: snacks and water totally count) to help avoid business-owner burnout.

• Use quick, accessible resets—think three minutes with your legs up the wall, not thirty minutes on a treadmill—to actually regulate between work and home life.

• Set boundaries like buffer time between meetings and visible routines in the morning so your “business owner” self and “off-the-clock” self both get a seat at the table.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

In this episode, I sit down with a fellow ordinary-but-thriving business owner, Rachael Muller (https://heyrachael.com/) to talk about juggling real life—traveling the world, eating your way through Taipei, and actually enjoying your mornings—while still getting stuff done. This is for you if you’re tired of “dream big” sermons and just want an honest chat about finding your own pace.

>> Shout-out to our sponsor, Jennie Kerns!

Here’s what we get into: how to set client boundaries (especially across wild time zones), why a calendar is your best friend (yes, fun time goes in there, too), and a reality check about not over-committing yourself the second you step off a transatlantic flight. If you crave a business that’s sustainable, fun, and very much on your terms, you’ll feel right at home here—even if “home” keeps changing addresses.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Give yourself permission to have real boundaries—your people will respect them.

• Use your calendar for everything (yes, the fun stuff counts!) to keep business and life happily coexisting.

• Embrace that “ordinary” means setting a pace that lets you nap, explore, or just have seven T-shirts and call it a day.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Building a business is hard enough without trying to measure up to some imaginary "boss babe" checklist or running yourself ragged every December. In this episode, I’m chatting with Annie Franceschi (www.greateststorycreative.com), who is decidedly ordinary (in the best way) and proof that you don’t have to trade your sanity for a thriving business or a little Disney magic on the side. If you’ve ever wondered how real business owners manage to press pause, still hit their goals, and even sneak in a nap without guilt—yep, you belong here.

>> Thanks to our sponsor, Of Course Financial!

Today’s focus? Annie spills the details on her annual Batch December experiment—where she takes an entire month off from client work (yes, an actual month… and the world keeps spinning). We get real about setting boundaries, why fun is not optional, and the anti-hustle secrets to keeping your business alive (and actually enjoyable) even when life throws drama, sick kids, or snowstorms your way.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

• Block out real time for yourself—even just one day—to refill your cup and watch the ripple effect on your business.

• Set crystal clear boundaries with clients from the start, and don’t be afraid to stick to them (your phone doesn’t need to be glued to your hand).

• Redefine “success” to fit your life, not someone else’s highlight reel—ordinary can absolutely mean extraordinary (and a little weird is encouraged).

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Key Takeaways

Ever tried running a business while bouncing between time zones, fitting in deep work, and still making time for groceries?

Today, I’m chatting with Sam (https://www.nomadcopyagency.com/), a nomadic copywriter who’s got the calendar boundaries to prove you can still serve your clients, enjoy ear-plug-worthy quiet time, and build community—even if your “office” changes every few months. We’re getting blunt about time zone headaches, what actually works for keeping clients happy, and how to make travel (or any unconventional lifestyle) actually work for your business—without sacrificing your sanity (or sleep).

>> Thanks to our sponsor, Karly Whitaker!

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Block off days on your calendar and unapologetically stick to them, wherever you are in the world.

• Communicate clearly with clients and members—being honest about your location or schedule doesn’t mean you’re slacking.

• Create routines that fit real life (yes, naps count and so do flight days off) because ordinary but thriving means flexibility with your people, just like you.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Let’s talk about building a business between team meetings, emails, and whatever kid chaos or coffee refills life throws at you. This episode isn’t about quitting your job and buying a yacht off your “passive” income. It’s about surviving (and actually enjoying) having a day job while running a business, and carving out a “good enough” routine, even if it involves emailing from the bathroom or scheduling client calls after dinner.

>> Thanks to our sponsor, Leah Bryant! Use code "Ordinary" at check-out.

I asked Jamie every nosy question about juggling an 8-to-5 with entrepreneurship, including how to not burn out, what boundaries actually look like when you’re multitasking, and how to make peace with not going all-in on every trend. If you need a pep talk for setting business hours that don’t destroy your sanity, or want validation that you don’t have to be on Instagram 24/7, this one’s for you.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways

• Swap “do it all” for intentional boundaries so your business actually fits around your real life.

• Focus on what actually gets results (or what genuinely makes you happy)—dump the rest, no guilt.

• Give yourself permission to try, mess up, and improve instead of chasing perfection.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ever feel like everyone’s sprinting through business while you’re just trying to keep your coffee hot and your contracts not a mess? In this episode, I sit down with Eva (https://www.flyingcolourscreative.com) to talk honestly about timelines, client expectations, and why not every service needs to come wrapped in a bow labeled “VIP Day.”

>> Thanks to our sponsor, Of Course Financial!

I dig into why the world’s obsessed with one-week design sprints, how Eva built her own 12-week branding process (spoiler: it’s not a race), and the beauty of saying “no thanks” to rushed, over-promised packages. If you’re juggling custom work, tired of editing endless workflows, or wondering how to give your clients an actual strategy instead of Pinterest collage vibes—this one’s for you.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

• Streamline your packages by ditching endless custom proposals and setting clear timelines.

• Trust your process—even when everyone else seems to be selling out their intensives.

• Set client expectations early and give them a project roadmap so nobody’s left wondering if they missed something.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Living with anxiety, juggling ADHD, and running a service business isn’t exactly the glamorous rollercoaster social media sells. It’s more like herding cats… while replying to client emails that absolutely must be on calls you never wanted to take. In this episode, I get real with Maggie Patterson (https://bsfreebusiness.com/), digging into the nitty-gritty of setting boundaries, saying “no” to never-ending Zoom calls, and making your business actually work for your brain—not the other way around.

If you’ve ever stared at a tool you hate, ghosted your own productivity hacks, or wondered if it’s okay to fire a client who can’t give feedback in writing, Maggie’s brutally honest stories are going to be your new favorite permission slip. We talk about managing energy, saying “see ya” to extra calls, and why ordinary businesses (with ordinary brains) are actually thriving—one delightfully boring week at a time.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways

• Set boundaries around client communication—and don’t be afraid to enforce them, even if it means walking away.

• Adapt productivity tools and schedules to your brain, not what the latest guru prescribes.

• Build breaks and flexibility into your routine, because rest isn’t a reward—it’s required maintenance.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ever wondered how “family business” looks when it’s not a legacy empire, just dinner at the kitchen table and your kid running your Instagram ads? In this episode, I sat down with Jenn Green (https://thejenngreen.com/) to talk about leaning all the way into getting help from the people under your own roof—because who said entrepreneurship can’t include floaty bloopers, animated marketing graphics, and a husband who’s definitely not the Elf movie dad?

>> Thanks to our sponsor, ⁠The Co-Promotion Club⁠!

Jenn and I cover what it really looks like when family pitches in on your business, including swapping default parent roles, making the numbers actually work (including all the sneaky costs of “regular” jobs), setting boundaries when your coworkers are your literal family, and why ordinary business owners might want to delegate.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com⁠
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Reframe “help” by inviting your family into the business in ways that actually work for your life—no corporate org chart required.

• Get brutally honest about the math: sometimes the best career move is becoming the not-default parent and asking your partner to jump in.

• Normalize paying the kids (or at least giving them skills) for real work, and don’t be afraid to press pause on perfection when you delegate.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Feeling like your business is ghosting you? In this episode of The Ordinary Business Podcast, I'm sitting down with Marissa Lawton (https://www.marissalawton.com/) to talk about what it actually looks like to have a relationship with your business—spoiler alert: it’s less “sexy CEO power moves” and more “figuring out where the heck your passwords are.” If you've ever avoided opening your bank account or pretended your business subscriptions just…sort themselves out, you are so in the right place.

>> Thanks to our sponsor, ⁠Holly Tate⁠!

Today, Marissa and I dig into the art of reconnecting with your work (without the guilt), the messy middle of hiring and firing help, and why you don’t need to know code to run a successful website. Plus, you’ll get a healthy dose of honesty about setting up boundaries, ditching hustle culture, and building a sustainable rhythm that doesn’t wreck your life. Yes, snacks by the kitchen island are a business strategy.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Own your numbers (even if you still pay for mystery subscriptions)—knowing your metrics keeps you in the driver’s seat.

• Build your business around your actual life, not some internet millionaire’s schedule or expectations.

• Reconnect with why you started by mapping your customer’s journey and getting (gasp) honest about what you want your business to do for you.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

The State of Online Business 2026 survey results are in, and we have thoughts!

Read for yourself: https://theordinarybusiness.com/state-of-online-business-survey-2026/

In this episode of The Ordinary Business Podcast, I’m sitting down with two of my best business friends—Jodi and Ginny—for a chat about what actually goes on behind the scenes of real small businesses. If you’re tired of those “million-dollar flexes” and want insight into making your everyday, ordinary business work for your real life, you’re in the right place.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Make your money count by understanding your take-home pay, not just your top-line revenue.

• Choose your tools (and expenses) wisely—sometimes “good enough” really is good enough.

• Embrace the fact that there’s no “right” way to run a business—ordinary but thriving is the new extraordinary.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for not waking up at 5AM, meditating and journaling and running a marathon before breakfast—this episode is for you. I sat down with Becca Post (https://forwardhealing.co/), intuitive therapist, coach, and fellow gluten-free baking enthusiast, to talk about what happens when you ditch the “perfect routine” and start anchoring your day with rituals that actually fit your real life.

>> Shout-out to our sponsor, Leah! Head to leahbryantco.com/getfound and use coupon code "Ordinary" to get started.

Links mentioned by Becca:

POCKET RITUALS WORKBOOK

SUBSTACK

Becca and I riff on the messy, unpredictable workdays that come with running your own business, especially when “routine” means whatever grounds you—whether that’s sipping warm water in the morning or driving in silence after a client call. We get blunt about the myth of consistency, talk anchor points instead of rigid schedules, and laugh about how anyone’s nervous system is supposed to stay chill when every business podcast out there wants you to “never miss a Monday.” Spoiler: Ordinary wins count just as much as the shiny ones.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Reclaim mornings (and sanity) by recognizing small anchor points you already do—think drinking coffee, warm water, or taking a shower—without piling on extra rules.

• Build flexibility into your workday by asking, “What actually grounds me?” instead of forcing yourself to stick to routines that just make you miserable.

• Give yourself permission to make change “more often than not”—consistency isn’t about perfection, it’s about what feels doable for ordinary business owners, just like you.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ready to ditch the “always-on” grind and actually enjoy your life (and your business)? In this episode of The Ordinary Business Podcast, I sit down with Brittany Burns (Brittanyalexaburns.com)—a health and wellness coach and seasoned business owner who’s figured out how to run her biz without sacrificing her sanity, her family time, or her love for rock climbing (yep, you read that right).

>> Thanks to our sponsor, The Co-Promotion Club!

I get Brittany talking about why she only takes calls on Mondays and Tuesdays, office hours that start at the “ungodly” hour of 6am, and the genius of scheduling takeout instead of pretending you’ll cook every night (can’t relate more). You’ll hear candid stories about burnout, real-life boundary setting, and how the “all or nothing” hustle mentality is officially canceled. Spoiler: ordinary business owners actually thrive by being ordinary—lean, flexible, and unapologetically practical.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Schedule your week based on actual priorities (family, workouts, and yes—takeout counts as a priority).

• Set up clear boundaries for client calls and office hours so you can avoid burnout and be present with your people.

• Ditch “all or nothing” thinking; flexibility and small tweaks matter more than perfect routines.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ever wondered how “ordinary” business owners actually get through wild seasons—like running a lean business while juggling IVF, chronic illness, and raising a baby? (Spoiler: There’s no sexy guru hack, just a lot of honesty and resilience.)

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Weiss to talk about the real stuff nobody puts on their highlight reel: messy boundaries, secret fears about losing clients, and creative ways to fit work around medical appointments and nap time.

>> Thanks to our sponsor, Mindi Huebner!

We get blunt about the weirdness of hiding big life news from clients, why flexibility isn’t just lunch dates—it’s sometimes working after bedtime—and how both of us survived a season of wobbly client inquiries and “are-you-really-coming-back?” vibes. Whether you’re prepping for IVF, dealing with chronic illness, or just craving a business that doesn’t demand your soul, you’ll find your people here.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Lean on community—sometimes your best support comes from strangers on TikTok who just get it.

• Reimagine what boundaries and flexibility actually mean; working from bed with the laptop isn’t a crisis, it’s a win for your season.

• Simplify client management and recurring revenue by automating simple, repeatable offers (hello, email templates!).

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

I’m here for the business owners who are just plain tired of notifications, Slack pings, and that urge to check email (even when you’re relaxing on the couch—guilty, just like you). This episode is all about reclaiming some peace and reminding yourself that running a thriving business doesn’t mean you need to be “always on”—especially if your mental health has had enough of hustle expectations.

>> Thanks to our sponsor, Holly Tate!

Today, I chat with Elizabeth Quakkelaar—a real-deal accounting pro who kicked business apps off her phone and set boundaries that preserve her sanity. You’ll hear honest talk about the myths of flexibility, the rhythm of responding to clients without being on-call 24/7, and those sweet moments of deleting Instagram for weeks at a time. Spoiler: You don’t need all the shiny tools to serve your clients well.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Start by turning off every single notification (yes, even text alerts—your mom and maybe your dog sitter get priority).

• Set clear expectations with clients about when and where you’ll actually answer, so you’re not stalking the DMs while meal planning.

• Protect your peace and productivity by intentionally building in guardrails, and try deleting those “time-suck” apps—your future self will thank you.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Let’s be honest—juggling preschool drop-offs, pick-ups, and client calls is not exactly what “business influencers” are Instagramming about. In this episode, I dive into the very real mess and magic of managing a service-based business while figuring out preschool logistics, family schedules, and the infamous car pickup line.

>> This episode is sponsored by Leah Bryant. Do you have a podcast that isn't being found by the right audience? Leah helps podcasters with her Get Found Audit, a deep dive into your show's discoverability so you can start attracting the right listeners. Head to leahbryantco.com/getfound and use coupon code "Ordinary".

If you’ve ever wondered how actual people get work done without a full-time team or celebrity nanny, you’re definitely my kind of ordinary business owner.

This chat covers the whole parade: why flexibility doesn’t always feel easy, what happens when your childcare situation flips upside down, and how I turned waiting in the car pickup line into a weirdly productive slice of my day.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Reframe childcare costs as part of your business decision-making, not just a family expense.

• Experiment with flexible work rhythms and stop stressing when your old systems don’t fit your new reality.

• Remember: You’re not failing just because you need to change things up—business (and life) are allowed to be messy and ordinary.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ever feel like marketing your business is just another frantic item on your never-ending to-do list—right up there with remembering to feed your kids and resisting the urge to rage-quit Instagram?

This episode of The Ordinary Business Podcast is with Andi Smiley, a fellow podcaster and mom who’s managed to escape the rabbit hole of hustle culture (and the clutches of Instagram) by leaning into the world of Pinterest.

Grab her "Is Pinterest Right for Me?" checklist: https://friendlypodcastguide.com/is-pinterest-right-for-me-checklist/

I’m getting real with Andi about what it’s like to juggle a two-hour workday (thanks, preschool pick-up), market a podcast without fancy funnels or complicated systems, and find clients on a platform you probably thought was just for dinner recipes and wedding ideas.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Start small and stay consistent—a single Pinterest pin a week can make a difference.

• Stop pretending Instagram is the only place to market your podcast (unless you love panic-posting).

• Prioritize platforms that actually feel easy for you and give you back hours (and brain space).

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Double-dose of episodes today with a little focus on health. Enjoy!

There’s juggling, and then there’s running a business while your body is throwing you a new curveball every hour. In this episode, I chatted with Rheanna Nutter (yep, the Chronic CEO herself: https://www.thechronicceo.co/) to talk about the real deal of building a thriving business when chronic illness is your not-so-optional sidekick. Forget celebrity entrepreneur hacks—this is about actual human life, where “self care” looks like setting up a nap-friendly workspace and learning when to just call it quits for the day.

>> Thanks to our sponsor for supporting the show! Get access to the email training now at https://notanothervirtualassistant.com/10-ways-to-grow-your-email-list/

Inside, we get honest (and honestly funny) about practical boundaries with clients, how AI can be a total gamechanger for folks with limited time or energy, and why ditching “discovery calls” might keep you sane. Rhianna shares her best tricks for managing a business and a household—even when the win of the day is just brushing your teeth—and how ordinary, messy progress beats perfect every single time.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize what absolutely has to be done and accept that “good enough” is often the best path forward.

• Lean on automation and AI to free up your (limited!) energy for what actually matters—and skip the business chores you secretly hate.

• Set non-negotiable boundaries, communicate upfront, and remember that clients who don’t respect your reality aren’t your people.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Double-dose of episodes today with a little focus on health. Enjoy!

Balancing business, workouts, and life? If you’ve ever tried to squeeze in movement between client emails or even wondered how “real” business owners keep up with health routines (hint: it’s not all green juice and yoga mats), this episode’s for you. I sat down with Kelley Kempel, owner of Hidden Path Creative (https://www.hiddenpathcreative.com/), and we got real about ditching hustle culture while keeping workouts as a non-negotiable—even for those of us who aren’t chasing marathon medals.

>> Thanks to our sponsor for supporting us! Get $20 off lifetime access with the code “ordinary” delicate-wind-3351.kit.com/products/the-coworking-collective?promo=ordinary

Kelley gets honest about training runs with rom-com audiobooks, making workout time non-optional (mostly), and why scheduling movement is a sanity-saver for ordinary business owners like me. From accountability to walk-and-talk meetings, you’ll pick up practical tactics for staying active without turning life into a performance.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com
→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠
→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Put workouts on your calendar like an unmissable meeting—your future self will thank you (and you’ll be less cranky).

• Find movement you actually enjoy, whether it’s funny audiobooks while running or hanging with the dogs—no “athlete” label required.

• Accept that ordinary business owners aren’t perfect; sometimes sleep beats squats, and that’s absolutely fine.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Making friends as an adult is hard—making real connections as a business owner? Sometimes it straight-up feels impossible. In this episode, I sat down with website copywriter and all-around cool human, Maddy Aucoin (https://www.bymaddyaucoin.com/), to spill the real tea on building friendships (and finding your people) online—even if you’re more socially anxious than you let on.

>> Today's sponsor: https://www.melissamitt.com/baseline

We chatted about everything from surviving awkward Zoom coffee chats to those “am I on your spreadsheet??” DMs, plus sneaky ways to make connection way less cringey (spoiler: it includes complimenting a stranger’s fit or flexing a hot pink statement piece). Whether you want to grow your network, find actual friends, or just not feel like an internet hermit, this episode’s got gritty, real talk and zero “7-figure in 7 months” nonsense.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

Key Takeaways:

• Take the pressure off new connections by asking curious questions and letting other people talk about themselves.

• Find your “ordinary” signature—like a colorful office wall or a daily caffeine habit—to make it easier for others to strike up a conversation.

• Keep collabs low-lift and genuine; sometimes a simple DM or friendly repost is the biggest networking win of all.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ever feel like “work-life balance” is code for “work all the time and feel guilty about it”? In this episode, I chat with Michelle Ong (https://hellolemonmedia.com/), Instagram strategist and certified path-of-least-resistance advocate, to talk about rediscovering movement and joy—without adding another impossible item to your already bonkers to-do list. Spoiler: It’s not about running marathons or “crushing” anything. It’s about hacking your day with what actually fits—sweatpants, laziness, and all.

Michelle shares how going from spin class junkie to solo business owner killed her favorite habits (cue: too many days in the same spot, not enough fresh air). We chat about how she side-eyed hustle culture and booted the all-or-nothing mentality, how to pick movement that fits real life (not Instagram life), and why your hobby shouldn’t spark more pressure. Plus, she gets hilariously real about failed accountability buddies, public progress, and turning her running attempts into bingeable TikTok series.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness

→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy

Key Takeaways:

• Do less to do more: Lower the barrier to movement (hello, run outside your front door) so you’ll actually stick with it.

• Make your goals visible—and fun: Setting silly “KPIs” for workouts (yes, a sticky note on the fridge totally counts) is more motivating than another self-help podcast.

• Let your messy, ordinary life fuel your content: Sharing your real progress (and setbacks) online leads to more support, community, and yeah, accountability—minus the shame.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ever wish you could take a real vacation without needing a “seven figure team” or burning the midnight oil before and after? This episode is for the ordinary-but-thriving business owner who wants a life, not just a job.

Taylor's workshop: https://tayloraller.myflodesk.com/buildyourbotjan

If you’re tired of feeling like time off is only for empire builders and “productivity hacks,” I’m right there with you (and, spoiler alert: I’m not buying it either).

I’m pulling back the curtain on how I—just one person, no team—manage to take 5-7 weeks off every year without ghosting my clients or sacrificing a paycheck. I’ll walk you through my not-super-fancy-but-very-effective process for planning time off, building in margin, and balancing client work with living a life you actually want. This episode is all about making time off possible for real people, with actual client loads and maybe a kid whose school calendar controls your existence.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

Key Takeaways:

• Block your time off first—even if it’s just a weekend or a random Tuesday—then plan your projects around it.

• Set clear boundaries with clients up front, and don’t be afraid to say, “That week’s not an option.”

• Build in breathing room before and after vacations so you’re not playing catch-up (or meltdown) when you get back.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

This conversation is part of a mini series on the ordinary-but-real health complexities so many business owners face. We’re talking honestly about capacity, caregiving, and the behind-the-scenes adjustments we make to keep our businesses sustainable.

Ever had your life plan derailed by something totally out of left field? That’s exactly what happened to Melissa Boufounos, my guest on this episode.

We’re getting real about what it’s actually like to run a business with “hidden” challenges—think post-concussion syndrome, chronic illness, and all the curveballs that force you to break up with time-blocking, Pinterest-perfect plans, and the 40-hour workweek hustle.

Today’s conversation goes beyond the “get up and grind” grind. Melissa shares how she manages client work, deadlines, and the chaos of toddler mom life while listening to her body and honoring actual limits. You’ll hear why flexible systems beat rigid schedules, how to navigate work on both good and migraine days, and, yes, how to use Asana for real life (no, you don’t need to use every hack an “online guru” sold you).

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠

→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Ditch traditional time-blocking and break big tasks into small, doable steps—especially when your energy comes and goes.

• Use project tools like Asana to keep your brain organized, your to-dos accessible, and your stress levels at “ordinary business owner” instead of “celebrity meltdown.”

• Give yourself grace and re-prioritize often; sometimes the “shoulds” can wait so you can rest—naps are absolutely work strategy here.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

This conversation is part of a mini series on the ordinary-but-real health complexities so many business owners face. We’re talking honestly about capacity, caregiving, and the behind-the-scenes adjustments we make to keep our businesses sustainable.

In this episode, I chat with Parijat (https://ruvelle.com/), a business owner and parent who’s balancing high-stakes parenting with running a business that actually matters.

I get into the nitty-gritty with Parijat about automations that actually save brain cells, protecting your time like it’s the last donut in the box, and building visibility the real-person way (spoiler: it’s not going viral on Instagram). Forget hustle culture—the conversation is stuffed with honest laughs about dropping balls and why “fame” can stay far away. This episode is for anyone who's tired of business advice written for superhumans with a private chef.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

Key Takeaways:

• Automate the tasks you hate so your precious brainpower can go toward what actually matters (like remembering a weekday).

• Set real guardrails around your energy by saying “no,” turning off your phone at 8pm, and being okay with missing a few emails.

• Build your business visibility in ways that don’t drain you—like podcasting over Instagram if that’s what actually feels good.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

This conversation is part of a mini series on the ordinary-but-real health complexities so many business owners face. We’re talking honestly about capacity, caregiving, and the behind-the-scenes adjustments we make to keep our businesses sustainable.

In this episode, I sit down with Hillary, a registered dietitian and business owner who found out she has ADHD after building her business. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your keys, thoughts, and clients from falling into the void—or why “cute bowls” are basically survival tools—this one’s for you.

Today, Hillary gets real about theme days, ditching rigid schedules, and exactly how she structures her week to save sanity and keep work actually fun. I dig into what actually helps when timers, sticky notes, and boundaries all threaten to unravel, and why asking for help isn’t “cheating”—it’s basically required. If you’re navigating running a business while also juggling motherhood and re-learning your brain, this episode is basically a group hug.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

Key Takeaways:

• Hack your day by making even boring jobs cuter (it actually works, promise).

• Build flexible theme days to cut down on chaos, not creativity.

• Give yourself permission to ask for help—nobody wins solo.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Let’s talk what’s really coming: summits (yes, plural!), monthly Slack chats, and maybe a cozy in-person event that’s more coffee chat than conference. My whole focus for next year? Finding ways to help you connect, feel seen, and actually enjoy being a business owner at any stage.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

Ever buy a stack of books that looks nice on the shelf…but somehow, you never read any of them? Same. This episode, I sat down with Dr. Sapphire, an ordinary business owner who’s juggling two careers, a reading habit that keeps multiplying, and a battle against end-of-year panic. We talked about anchor habits—the sneaky tricks that help you actually follow through on routines without burning out or quietly quitting.

This isn’t another “7 habits of billionaire founders” kind of chat. Dr. Sapphire shares real strategies for weaving new habits into your workday, how routine helps when you’re running on low brainpower, and why sometimes your “failed” experiments are really just clues for what will work next. If you’re tired of trying productivity hacks that never stick—or you just want permission to drop perfection for progress—this is your episode.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

Key Takeaways:

• Tie new habits to routines you already do, so it feels less like a chore and more like part of life.

• When experiments flop, dig into why—your failed habits usually have a story worth listening to.

• Choose one simple change at a time (not the whole self-improvement buffet) and anchor it to something reliable.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

This episode, I'm spilling the real tea on what it actually looks like to run a profitable, sustainable business, without your “number one moneymaker” being a magical inbox.

Here’s the thing: I’ve spent 14 years in business, tried all the freebies, webinars, and custom quizzes the internet has to offer, and my email list is still not paying my grocery bill. I'm break ing down exactly where my clients do come from (hint: it’s not email), how I’ve learned to let go of what “should” work, and why leaning into what works for you is the real power move for ordinary but thriving business owners—just like you.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠

→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Stop forcing a marketing tool that’s never worked for you—focus instead on what actually brings you clients.

• Know that referrals, SEO, and genuine connection on social media can be your secret sauce (no matter what the gurus say).

• Give yourself permission to ditch the “shoulds,” play to your business strengths, and define success on your own, very ordinary terms.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Do you really have to “be everywhere” online to run a thriving business? In this episode, I sit down with Brittney Lynn (https://www.humanconnectionagency.com/), a business owner who ditched the constant posting and still managed to run a profitable business.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to chase every trend or stack your calendar with marketing to-dos, you’re in the right place. This conversation gets real about riding out tough seasons, grieving, changing direction, and finding out what actually matters when you work for yourself.

We're digging into what it looks like to keep your business going when life hits hard, how to decide between hiring a team or staying solo, and why it’s totally okay to find most of your clients through relationships instead of Instagram Reels.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

→ Enjoy this episode? Buy me a coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ordinarybusiness⁠

→ Peek inside the Nosy Nelly Files: ⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/nosy⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on deepening relationships with current clients instead of chasing new ones across every social platform.

• Give yourself permission to pause, pivot, or stay solo if a big team doesn’t feel right for you right now.

• Don’t box yourself in—try out new offers or services and let your path evolve based on real opportunities, not just business plans.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

The first week of every month, I drop three related episodes for a little mini-series deep dive. This month, we’re talking about the reality of parenting while running a business: the interruptions, the routines, and the tiny windows of focus we protect with our lives. Grab your coffee and dive in. ☕️

In this episode, I sit down with Payton Moran, a business coach (https://payton-moran-495e.mykajabi.com/) and homeschool mom, to talk about what it really takes to run a business and keep the tiny humans alive—without turning into a productivity robot. Spoiler: Payton’s not here for color-coded perfection or out-of-touch hustle hacks, and honestly, neither am I.

In our conversation, Payton gets real about making business and family life play nice. We chat about prioritizing what actually matters (hint: it’s not having spotless dishes), finding a rhythm with homeschooling and work, and why letting go of “the right way to do things” might be the biggest sanity-saver of all. There’s also some honest talk about interruptions, messy notes apps, and why sometimes you just have to write content while the kids watercolor a chicken nugget.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize needle-movers in your business and let the small stuff slide.

• Use practical routines (like the humble Notes app) to capture ideas on the fly, whenever messy life allows.

• Give yourself permission to break the “rules” and build a business that fits your actual, ordinary-but-thriving life.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

The first week of every month, I drop three related episodes for a little mini-series deep dive. This month, we’re talking about the reality of parenting while running a business: the interruptions, the routines, and the tiny windows of focus we protect with our lives. Grab your coffee and dive in. ☕️

Let’s be honest: folding laundry is the least glamorous business task out there—which is why I’m glad to hand the mic to Morgan Specht, military spouse, mom of two, and founder of Specht & Co (https://www.spechtand.co/), who’s here to tackle the real juggling act of running a business while solo parenting (and, yes, trying to find her blow dryer in a house full of moving boxes). If you’ve ever dreamed about outsourcing everyday household chores or wondered how anyone keeps a business afloat when life doesn’t stick to a plan, you’re in the right place.

In this episode, I chat with Morgan about what it’s really like to grow a service-based business while moving bases, navigating solo parenthood, and trying not to lose your client pipeline every time the Wi-Fi changes. We talk practical support and why making friends (even if you’re the world’s biggest introvert) is a business strategy, not just a sanity saver. If you’re crafting a business that suits your ordinary-but-thriving life, this one’s for you.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

Key Takeaways:

• Make your business sustainable by being honest about what support you need—inside and outside your business.

• Embrace seasons of lower productivity (like moving or solo parenting), and drop the guilt about not “doing it all.”

• Build your network, ask for help, and remember: finding your people is half the battle, both in business and in everyday life.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

The first week of every month, I drop three related episodes for a little mini-series deep dive. This month, we’re talking about the reality of parenting while running a business: the interruptions, the routines, and the tiny windows of focus we protect with our lives. Grab your coffee and dive in. ☕️

In this episode, I sit down with flower preservation artist (and certified time-blocking wizard) Kristin Wilson to talk about what it really looks like to run a business with just a handful of hours a day—while still showing up for your people, keeping burnout at bay, and letting go of all those “shoulds” that clutter up your to-do list.

Kristin ditches the “rise and grind” mindset in favor of the slow-burn success that actually fits real life. We get into how she schedules her week around family needs (without apologizing for her priorities), why she’s loyal to basic tools instead of shiny new apps, and what she’s intentionally saying “no, thanks” to—looking at you, TikTok. If you crave permission to do less, but better, this chat is all you.

→ Grab a summit replay pass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/tickets

Key Takeaways:

• Break your work into realistic time blocks based on actual life (not what the productivity gurus say).

• Use simple systems—like post-its and Google Calendar—to stay organized, instead of overcomplicating everything with “must-have” tools.

• Set boundaries with yourself and your clients—intentional slowness is a strength, not a flaw.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ever feel like “balance” is just something out-of-touch business gurus talk about, while the rest of us are squeezing in work between school pick-ups, chemo appointments, and the not-so-glamorous realities of real life? This episode is for you—the ordinary-but-thriving business owner who’s juggling caregiving, client deadlines, and maybe a nap (a win in my book).

Today, I’m joined by Rebecca Stanisic (https://bitofmomsense.com/), a writer and content strategist who’s built a business that flexes around heavy caregiving seasons, endless appointments, and all the unpredictability that comes with real life (spoiler: no 5am routines required). We chat about tossing perfectionism, setting client expectations for actual humans, finding your real productivity windows, and—yes—giving yourself permission to ignore TikTok if it’s not your thing. If you’re tired of “crushing it” and just want a business that fits your life, not the other way around, this episode is for you.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

Key Takeaways:

• Build honest communication and realistic timelines into your business so you can flex when life happens.

• Drop the guilt about not doing “all the things”—focus your energy in the places that actually serve you (and your clients).

• Use simple tools (like a well-loved Google Calendar) and let your systems support the real-life version of productivity.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Ever feel like your brain has more browser tabs open than your laptop? Same. In this episode, I sit down with Brittany Braswell (https://www.brittanybraswellrd.com/) for a real talk about paring down distractions and building a business that actually fits real life (kids, carpool, inbox chaos and all). We dig into everything from closing computer tabs (seriously, it’s a thing) to saying “no thanks” to shiny new courses and unsubscribing from those relentless business emails.

If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like to keep your business lean without losing your sanity, Brittany’s sharing the CEO pact she made with fellow health-centered business owners. Yep, it’s part accountability group, part anti-hustle manifesto, and packed with practical boundaries.

→ Learn more about The Ordinary Business: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theordinarybusiness.com

Key Takeaways:

• Pare down distractions by choosing just a few trusted voices and resources to follow.

• Set clear work boundaries, like closing all those browser tabs and actually shutting down your computer at the end of the day.

• Determine your real ROI tasks and get comfortable saying no—even when something looks “fun” or “productive” but doesn’t really move you forward.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.

Feel like you’re playing whack-a-mole with your business—tweaking your offers, rewriting your content, posting more without seeing results? You’re not alone in the ordinary-but-thriving club.

In this episode, I get real about why market research isn’t glamorous, but absolutely game-changing (seriously, Google Forms are my love language). If you’ve ever wondered why your audience isn’t biting or why engagement flatlined, this chat is for you—and yes, I spill all the honest details from my own market research deep-dives.

I walk through exactly how I ran fifty-five (yes, fifty-five) market research calls in six weeks, why talking directly to your audience matters way more than just sending another survey, and how even exhausted introverts (hi, it’s me!) can come out the other side actually excited about their offers again.

→ Grab a summit replay pass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theordinarybusiness.com/tickets

Key Takeaways:

• Stop guessing and start asking—get on real calls with your audience to uncover what’s actually going on.

• Keep your questions broad and focused on their world, not your sales page (curiosity wins every time).

• Use the language and insights you gather from market research to shape your copy, offers, and confidence in those ordinary-but-awesome business moves.

This podcast is for business owners who are tired of hustle culture and want relatable, honest conversations about running a sustainable business that actually works for their life.