Dig the Well – Details, episodes & analysis

How does a retired LAPD officer and a best-selling author transition into successful podcasters and entrepreneurs? Join us as we celebrate a milestone in episode 52 of Dig the Well, marking one year of insightful conversations with your hosts, John and Vikki Downey. Reflecting on our journey, we dive into the highs and lows of podcasting, from conquering initial fears to the rewarding growth we've experienced.

We revisit your favorite episodes on travel hacks and tease future deep dives into credit card points and international insights. Inspired by our travels in Africa, we discuss the necessity-driven work ethic that fuels our entrepreneurial spirit.

As we look ahead, expect sharper focus, faith-based business wisdom, and expert guests. Plus, engage with us for a chance to win a coaching session! Remember, dig the well before you need the water—success is intentional.

 Don't forget to subscribe and leave a comment for a chance to win a FREE coaching session with us valued at $495!

Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoyed this episode. Remember you can always connect with us on social media @thevikkidowney and be sure to check out our website johnandvikki.com.

If you are interested you can find Vikki's book HERE and the audio book HERE!

Check out our Neora Link HERE!

FREE Intelli-SKIN Scan HERE!

Our email: thevikkidowney@gmail.com 

See you in the next episode!

Ever wondered how personal challenges can be transformed into purposeful ventures? Join us for Episode 51 of "Dig the Well" as Vikki dives deep with the inspiring Zenaida "LadieZee" Martinez. From hairstylist to faith-based self-care mentor, LadieZee shares her journey of balancing a bustling career and family life, including raising three children with special needs. Discover how a moment of crisis led her to embrace "be still time" and find a deeper connection with God, inspiring her mission to help others achieve inner peace.

LadieZee opens up about creating her self-care business, rooted in spiritual principles and natural wellness practices. She also introduces her upcoming free Zoom events, starting November 1, designed to educate and support a broader community. Tune in to explore the power of self-care, community support, and maintaining faith in both personal and business life. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation—share it with someone who needs a little inspiration today!

Zenaida "LadieZee" Martinez's Bio:
LadieZee is a guide to help you get open and ready to receive! She takes you through a practice she calls “Be Still Time”. (Psalm 46:10) It’s a process of resting in His light, and releasing your spinning mind by letting go of what no longer serves you, in order to make room for God's word, clarity, and peace. She gives practical ideas on how to spend more regular quality time with Him using different forms of intentional self care, and how it doesn't have to be a production or expensive to be effective.

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Every month we come together intentional self-care session centered on spiritual well-being. Bring along your favorite tea and your BE products to craft your personal experience right at home, nourishing both body and soul!

November 1st, Pull out your foot spa for our Feet Retreat! This session, we will be soaking our feet in our Be Still Bath Soak, then finishing off with Be Renewed Coffee Foot Scrub and Be Released Tension Relieving oil. This session can help you sleep better, and wake up with soft feet & feeling rejuvenated the next day!

Connect with LadieZee:
website: berestoredinthelight.com
Instagram: @berestoredinthelight

Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoyed this episode. Remember you can always connect with us on social media @thevikkidowney and be sure to check out our website johnandvikki.com.

If you are interested you can find Vikki's book HERE and the audio book HERE!

Check out our Neora Link HERE!

FREE Intelli-SKIN Scan HERE!

Our email: thevikkidowney@gmail.com 

See you in the next episode!

Ever wondered how to seamlessly blend family life with entrepreneurship? Or how to create a business that stands the test of time? Join us, as we dive deep into these questions in this week's episode of Dig the Well. We share our personal journey from the LAPD to entrepreneurship, revealing how our side hustle became a full-fledged family legacy. Discover why we believe starting a business before kids can pave the way for smoother family integration and why teaching our children about money from a young age is crucial. With anecdotes about our growing family and the joys of grandparenthood, we underscore the importance of resilience and setting a strong example for future generations. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a call to action to identify your "why" and begin your entrepreneurial journey. Let's dig deep and build lasting legacies together!

Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoyed this episode. Remember you can always connect with us on social media @thevikkidowney and be sure to check out our website johnandvikki.com.

If you are interested you can find Vikki's book HERE and the audio book HERE!

Check out our Neora Link HERE!

FREE Intelli-SKIN Scan HERE!

Our email: thevikkidowney@gmail.com 

See you in the next episode!

What if you could break free from societal labels and step into the starring role of your own life? In this transformative episode of Dig the Well, I'm joined by the inspiring Natalia Jansen, a powerhouse entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Together, we dive deep into her journey from Slovakia to the U.S., where she discovered the transformative power of theater and learned to embrace her true potential.

Natalia shares her incredible story of personal growth and how acting helped her explore new facets of her identity. Her revolutionary "Starring in Your Life" initiative is designed to help you shed supporting roles and take center stage. Through her Star Power Masterclass, Natalia empowers individuals to experiment fearlessly and align their actions with their dreams.

Join us for an episode filled with joy, playfulness, and empowerment. Plus, Natalia is offering a free consultation and details on her upcoming workshop! Don’t miss it!

Natalia Jansen's Bio:
Natalia Jansen is a Theatre-Inspired Transformation Coach, award-winning educator, and International TEDx Speaker who helps people stop living small and start starring in their own lives with boldness, clarity, and joy.

She’s the founder of Starring In Your Life, a platform for people who are done playing a supporting role, tired of shrinking to fit, and ready to take back creative control of their lives. Natalia combines theatre, improvisation, and spiritual principles to help clients rewrite their internal script and step into the starring role they were born to play.

With over 20 years of experience as a theatre artist and educator, Natalia’s method is bold, embodied, and rooted in joy. She’s also currently pursuing her PhD in Educational Leadership, where her research explores how theatre and improvisation develop positive self-image, the essential foundation for confidence, growth, and transformation.

She’s the creator of Star Power Stories, a featured interview series spotlighting people who’ve rewritten their own story and now share their light with the world.

Learn more at StarringInYourLife.com

Special Offer:
Listeners are invited to visit www.StarringInYourLife.com to book a free 30-minute Rewrite Your Script session, a powerful conversation to help you step into your starring role today. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for Natalia’s free weekly video series, filled with inspiration, joy, and practical tools to help you direct the story of your life with purpose and power.

Connect with Natalia:
Website: www.StarringInYourLife.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarringInYourLife

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566612855989

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliajansen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-jansen/

Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoyed this episode. Remember you can always connect with us on social media @thevikkidowney and be sure to check out our website johnandvikki.com.

If you are interested you can find Vikki's book HERE and the audio book HERE!

Check out our Neora Link HERE!

FREE Intelli-SKIN Scan HERE!

Our email: thevikkidowney@gmail.com 

See you in the next episode!

Are you curious about how to juggle multiple business ventures while staying true to your passions? In Episode 40 of the Dig the Well podcast, hosts John and Vikki Downey sit down with the dynamic Joy Rika Miyatake, a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur with a knack for diversifying income streams. From her family's rich legacy in photography to her innovative yoga therapy business and real estate ventures, Joy shares her secrets to creating fulfilling and sustainable business models.

Discover how Joy uses human design—a system for understanding individual energetic blueprints—to tailor her approach to clients and enhance personal interactions. Plus, learn how a pandemic hobby turned into a business opportunity with her spearfishing retreats. Joy’s journey is a testament to the power of aligning business with personal passions and leveraging community networks.

Join us for this inspiring episode and uncover the potential of your unique path with Joy's special discovery session offer for our listeners. Don't miss out!

Joy Rika Miyatake's Bio:

Joy specializes in trauma-informed healing, helping individuals release stored tension and reconnect with their innate joy through body-based practices.

She combines ancient wisdom with modern nervous system understanding to guide clients from surviving to thriving, proving that healing happens not by fixing what's broken, but by gently uncovering what's always been whole

 Connect with Joy:

Website: https://joyful-awakening.com/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@joyrika

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyrika

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joy.rika

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joyrika 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyrika

Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoyed this episode. Remember you can always connect with us on social media @thevikkidowney and be sure to check out our website johnandvikki.com.

If you are interested you can find Vikki's book HERE and the audio book HERE!

Check out our Neora Link HERE!

FREE Intelli-SKIN Scan HERE!

Our email: thevikkidowney@gmail.com 

See you in the next episode!

Ever wondered how a casual Fourth of July barbecue can become a golden opportunity for business growth? In this episode of Dig the Well, join us as we spill the beans on turning social gatherings into networking goldmines without losing the essence of genuine connection.

Inspired by Dale Carnegie's timeless wisdom, we're diving deep into the art of meaningful conversations. Forget the sales pitches; it’s all about genuine interest and making others feel valued. Discover why swapping contact info via phone trumps business cards and how an 80/20 conversation ratio can transform interactions.

Tune in to learn how to be memorable and humble, and turn friendships into future business opportunities. Let's embrace the holiday spirit and connect on a personal level!

Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoyed this episode. Remember you can always connect with us on social media @thevikkidowney and be sure to check out our website johnandvikki.com.

If you are interested you can find Vikki's book HERE and the audio book HERE!

Check out our Neora Link HERE!

FREE Intelli-SKIN Scan HERE!

Our email: thevikkidowney@gmail.com 

See you in the next episode!

Ever wondered how light can transform your health? In Episode 38 of Dig the Well, we dive into the world of holistic wellness with Roksana Zaya, owner of the Light Therapy Lounge. Join us as Roksana reveals her groundbreaking fusion of eastern holistic practices and western science to tackle stress, sleep disorders, chronic pain, just to name a few. Discover how a heart rate variability monitor can personalize your wellness journey and why addressing root causes is crucial.
 
 Roksana shares insights into therapies like red light therapy and biofeedback, offering a fresh perspective on self-care and preventive health. Whether you're battling chronic conditions or simply curious about your biological age, Roksana's non-invasive treatments cater to all. Plus, learn about her global reach through remote consultations and at-home products.
 
 We wrap up with Vikki discussing the power of diverse income streams and hinting at Roksana's ventures beyond wellness. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and explore new paths to optimal health!

Roksana Zaya's Bio:

Roksana Zaya – Founder & CEO, The Light Therapy Lounge

Roksana Zaya is the founder of The Light Therapy Lounge, a state-of-the-art wellness center in Laguna Hills, CA offering premier services designed to help people feel better—fast. After nearly losing her life to chronic health issues, she turned her recovery into a mission: to bring science-backed strategies that restore energy, reduce stress, and regulate the nervous system.

At The Lounge, clients experience Cellular Activation Therapy, Brain Balance, and red light therapy—cutting-edge services that help the body reset and perform at its best.

A trained NLP Master Practitioner and dynamic public speaker, Roksana now helps high achievers thrive—inside and out.

Her motto?

"You never know how good feels—until you feel good."

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Connect with Roksana:

Website: www.thelighttherapylounge.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelighttherapylounge/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelighttherapylounge/

Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoyed this episode. Remember you can always connect with us on social media @thevikkidowney and be sure to check out our website johnandvikki.com.

If you are interested you can find Vikki's book HERE and the audio book HERE!

Check out our Neora Link HERE!

FREE Intelli-SKIN Scan HERE!

Our email: thevikkidowney@gmail.com 

See you in the next episode!

Are You Stuck in an Employee Mindset? Ever wondered what it takes to truly think like an entrepreneur? In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative journey from an employee mindset to embracing the entrepreneurial spirit fully. Why do so many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to break free from trading hours for dollars? We share a compelling story of coaching a woman with multiple businesses who was stuck in this very mindset. Discover the secrets to building residual income and why outsourcing non-essential tasks can be your ticket to growth. Plus, learn how Tesla's pre-sale strategy and Tiger Woods' mindset can inspire your success. We wrap up with the power of positive affirmations to conquer negative self-talk. Tune in to unlock the mindset that fuels lasting success, both in business and life!

Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoyed this episode. Remember you can always connect with us on social media @thevikkidowney and be sure to check out our website johnandvikki.com.

If you are interested you can find Vikki's book HERE and the audio book HERE!

Check out our Neora Link HERE!

FREE Intelli-SKIN Scan HERE!

Our email: thevikkidowney@gmail.com 

See you in the next episode!

Are you ready to master the art of negotiation in both business and personal realms? Join us as we unravel the secrets to successful contract negotiations, revealing how to dodge hidden costs and secure favorable deals.

Ever wondered how to handle unexpected expenses in a business renovation or the best way to negotiate car prices? Vikki kicks off with a cautionary tale of a friend's renovation woes, setting the stage for a deep dive into negotiation strategies. From leasing business spaces to car buying, the Downey's share personal anecdotes and hard-learned lessons, including the power of build-out specs and the nuances of triple net leases.

Discover how to outsmart car dealerships and understand cultural nuances in negotiation, even in places like Africa or with brands like Tesla. Tune in to arm yourself with the tools to negotiate like a pro, ensuring you always walk away with the best possible deal.

Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoyed this episode. Remember you can always connect with us on social media @thevikkidowney and be sure to check out our website johnandvikki.com.

If you are interested you can find Vikki's book HERE and the audio book HERE!

Check out our Neora Link HERE!

FREE Intelli-SKIN Scan HERE!

Our email: thevikkidowney@gmail.com 

See you in the next episode!

Ever wondered how ethical practices can transform business landscapes? In Episode 35 of Dig the Well, we have the pleasure of chatting with the inspiring Khryzza Kelley. Khryzza is not just an entrepreneur; she's a powerhouse of purpose-driven innovation! Join us as we delve into her ventures, CoWorq Group and Isla & Co., both of which are redefining business norms with heart and integrity.

Khryzza shares how CoWorq Group is revolutionizing outsourcing by connecting businesses with fairly compensated Filipino VAs, while Isla & Co. crafts stunning fashion pieces with Filipino artisans, ensuring they're paid what they deserve. We explore how passion and purpose can fuel profitable, impactful businesses. Khryzza's journey from the Philippines to the U.S. is a testament to the power of ethical entrepreneurship.

Tune in for a conversation that might just change how you view business!

Khryzza Kelley's Bio:
Khryzza Kelley is a Purpose-to-Profit Strategy Architect, entrepreneur, and advocate who bridges global communities through equitable and ethical business practices. Guided by her belief that advocacy fuels innovation, she designs strategies that empower underrepresented voices while driving measurable social and financial impact.

As the Head of CoWorq Group, Khryzza leads two ventures that model how purpose-driven businesses can be both sustainable and profitable:

• CoWorq: An ethical outsourcing company connecting businesses in the US, Europe, and Australia with Filipino virtual assistants and offshore teams, ensuring fair pay and professional development in an industry often criticized for exploitative practices. Recognized as Small Business of the Year by the Asian Business Association of Orange County (ABAOC) in 2024, CoWorq proves that equitable practices are the foundation of sustainable success.
• Isla & Co.: A fashion-for-good brand partnering with Filipino artisans to preserve cultural craftsmanship and secure fair wages in a global billion-dollar fashion industry where artisans are frequently underpaid. By blending modern design with traditional techniques, Isla & Co. transforms handmade artistry into global luxury while uplifting communities.

Community Leadership:

Khryzza’s leadership journey began in the Philippines, where she became the youngest female Parliamentarian and later made history as the first leader from Mindanao-a historically underrepresented region-to be National Chairperson of the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP). Her advocacy was pivotal in passing the Mental Health Bill, challenging stigma and improving access to care in a nation where mental health was once taboo.

Now based in the U.S., Khryzza continues her mission as a Board Member of the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County (FACCOC) and recipient of its Presidential Award, honoring her work in empowering entrepreneurs to merge purpose with profit. In 2023, she furthered her commitment to representation and inclusion by organizing the Asian American Women in Business Conversations, opening vital dialogue between entrepreneurs and professionals on the unique challenges faced by this community.

Corporate Background & Leadership:

Alongside her entrepreneurial and advocacy work, Khryzza has also served as a Leadership Development Program Manager for Fortune 500 companies-including Terumo, Mitsui (MBK Real Estate), and Vibrant Emotional Health (formerly the Mental Health Association of New York City)-where she created and delivered leadership programs for people managers and C-suite executives. Her award-winning corporate career, which includes being named Rising Star of the Year at Mitsui (MBK Real Estate), has further sharpened her expertise in building cultures where purpose and performance thrive together.

Through her entrepreneurial ventures and advocacy work, Khryzza continues to inspire others to lead with purpose, champion equity, and uplift communities worldwide.

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Connect with Khryzza:
Website: coworq.co/sayhelloisla.co

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khryzzamaekelley/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khryzzakelley/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khryzzamaekelley/

Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoyed this episode. Remember you can always connect with us on social media @thevikkidowney and be sure to check out our website johnandvikki.com.

If you are interested you can find Vikki's book HERE and the audio book HERE!

Check out our Neora Link HERE!

FREE Intelli-SKIN Scan HERE!

Our email: thevikkidowney@gmail.com 

See you in the next episode!