Welcome to The Freak Show, a podcast for the weirdos of the service-provider world ready to go all-in on their brand — brought to you by Eva Couto, Ringleader at Flying Colours Creative. Gather round & step right up as we turn your unique personality into your biggest brand asset, and celebrate the bold, quirky & unconventional.
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012. The Power Of Owning Your Voice, with Adrienne Cruz (Spotlight Series)
Season 1 · Episode 12
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 • Duration 01:08:49
What does it really mean to own your voice? To show up fully as yourself online? To shout your message from the digital rooftops and know that it's not just welcome — it's needed
That’s what we’re diving into in this very special (and slightly emotional!) finale of the Spotlight Series, featuring none other than podcast manager and launch strategist Adrienne Cruz. She's the behind-the-scenes magic-maker for The Freak Show and a creative powerhouse who helps entrepreneurs turn podcasting into a joyful, strategic, and sustainable way to amplify their voice.
Adrienne and I talk about what it takes to build a sustainable podcasting practice, why downloads don’t define your success, and the importance of showing up boldly — even when the trolls are loud and the world is heavy. Plus: her journey from being overwhelmed by Canva and rainbow color palettes to running a brand that’s as unforgettable as a summer brunch.
SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS
✦ Cult documentaries, heavy metal, and brunch aesthetics (just trust me on this and press play)
✦ Why podcasting is a long game and how that's actually a good thing
✦ The real reason so many podcasts fade after a few episodes
✦ The challenges of being new in the online business world
✦ How rebranding reignited Adrienne's confidence (and her content)
✦ Why it's not "just a brand" when it helps you show up as YOU
TAKE THE STAGE
Here’s your challenge: choose one meaningful thing you’ve been afraid to say online, and say it — in a post, a story, a podcast, a voice note to your list. Whatever format feels like you, use it.
Need a brand that makes that kind of showing up easier (and a lot more fun)? The Extravaganza is where we create it together!
——
Mentioned in this episode:
THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.
20:27 Do Podcast Episodes Need to Be Short to Be Good?
23:44 When Adrienne Knew Her Brand Had to Change
33:21 The Hardest Part of Rebranding (and the Most Fun)
42:51 Creating Content Now vs. Then
45:07 Shout It From the Rooftops and Other Content Themes
52:56 From Nervous Discovery Calls to Confident Biz Owner
58:19 Talking Head Videos and Other Wins
01:01:28 Advice to Past Adrienne (and Maybe to You, Too)
01:04:52 A Success Metric That Doesn’t Matter Anymore
011. The Role Of Rebranding In a Growing Business, with Polly Lavarello (Spotlight Series)
Season 1 · Episode 11
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 • Duration 54:45
Your brand isn’t just how your business looks — it’s how it works. It should attract the right people, support your growth, and make it easier (not harder) to scale. But what happens when it stops keeping up? When your business outgrows the brand you built?
That’s exactly what today’s guest, Polly Lavarello, experienced firsthand. Polly is a scaling strategist and mentor who helps already in-demand online business owners turn their strengthiest skills into industry-leading offers that sell on repeat. Since 2020, she’s supported over 500 founders (yes, you heard that right!) in optimizing their funnels, fixing their ads, and scaling their businesses with strategies that actually work.
Because in Polly’s world, when you’re brave enough to play, you always get paid. And fun fact: She and I have worked together twice on her brand as her business grew and evolved!
SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS
✦ The shift from an outdated brand to a bold new direction
✦ The biggest myths about scaling and why "one-size-fits-all" strategies never work
✦ How Polly’s striking new visuals transformed her confidence (and conversions)
✦ How a signature brand style — yes, including that towel-on-the-head moment — can make you instantly recognizable (and unforgettable)
✦ Why investing in brand photography was a game-changer
TAKE THE STAGE
If you’ve been feeling like your brand isn’t quite you anymore, Polly’s story is proof that you don’t have to stay stuck. You can evolve your brand to match the level of your work, your audience, and your goals.
Here’s what to do next:
✦ Take an honest look at your brand. Does it reflect who you are now or who you were a few years ago? Does it match the level of your work and the clients you want to attract?
002. What If You’re Bored Of Your Own Brand?
Season 1 · Episode 2
Monday, January 20, 2025 • Duration 19:21
We’re diving into a feeling most of us know too well: boredom with our own brand. You know the late-night Canva binges, the urge to change everything, or the itch to start from scratch? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But before you throw out your entire brand kit, let’s talk about what boredom really means — and why it’s not the same as actually needing a rebrand.
I’m sharing my tips to overcome creative ruts without burning everything down, plus how to know if it’s truly time for a rebrand or just a little refresh.
SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS
✦ The difference between boredom and brand misalignment
✦ Why shiny object syndrome won’t fix a creative rut
✦ How consistency can be the key to standing out
✦ Questions to help you pinpoint the real problem
TAKE THE STAGE
I want to leave you with three thoughts today:
1. Boring doesn't mean broken.
2. Consistency doesn't have to be boring.
3. It's not necessarily about starting over. It's about refining what's already working.
——
Mentioned in this episode:
BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.
It's finally here... The debut episode! I’m kicking things off with a deep dive into a question I get constantly: What if there’s nothing special about my brand?
Listen, I know how easy it is to feel like you’re blending into the noise, but I’m here to remind you: your show-stopping factor — the thing that makes your audience say, “Wow, there’s no one else like you!” — already exists. You’re not inventing it out of thin air. You’re uncovering it.
SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS
✦ Why "standing out" isn’t about being flashy
✦ The three questions that will help you pinpoint what makes you unforgettable
✦ Exactly what NOT to do when figuring out your brand’s secret sauce (trust me, it’s a trap!)
✦ The Venn diagram trick to zero in on your show-stopping factor
TAKE THE STAGE
Take a few minutes to answer these questions:
1. What brands or people stand out to you?
2. Why do clients pick you over another service provider?
3. What results do you achieve for your clients?
Notice the patterns and start thinking about how you can bring that magic front and centre for your brand! And if you want to take this work even further, my Behind the Curtain branding experience is your next step ↓
——
Mentioned in this episode:
BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.
000. Welcome to The Freak Show
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 • Duration 01:49
Welcome to The Freak Show: the podcast for ambitious, creative service providers who are done blending in and playing small.
If you’ve ever been told you’re “too much” or felt like the business world wasn’t made for someone as bold, quirky, and unconventional as you, you’re in the right place. This is where ambitious weirdos like you stop hiding and step into the spotlight.
I’m Eva, Brand Designer and ringleader at Flying Colours Creative. For the past 5 years, I’ve helped service providers turn their personality into their biggest brand asset.
In each episode, I sit down with creative entrepreneurs and business owners who’ve dared to do things differently. We’ll talk about what it really takes to stand out in a sea of sameness, own your weird, and build a brand that’s as unforgettable as you are.
Your personality is your show-stopping factor, and I’m here to help you embrace it fully so you can create a brand that stands out and attracts the right audience.
The Freak Show launches on January 20th. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts, and let’s start building a brand that’s unapologetically you.
010. Saying ‘Hell No’ To Boring Branding, with Nikki Trailor (Spotlight Series)
Season 1 · Episode 10
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 • Duration 44:49
Your brand should do more than look good. It should attract the right people, support your sales, and give you the confidence to show up like the expert you are. But what happens when it doesn’t? When something feels off, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it?
That’s exactly what today’s guest, Nikki Trailor, realized before stepping into her rebrand. Nikki is a funnel strategist and copywriter who helps feminist coaches and course creators add five to six figures in automated revenue to their current funnels or launches — without the burnout, sleazy sales tactics, or FOMO-fueled BS.
And fun fact: She and I first started working together when she won my World Design Day giveaway, leading to a full brand transformation!
SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS
✦ The moment Nikki knew her DIY brand was holding her back
✦ The biggest misconceptions about sales copy and ethical selling
✦ How her rebrand gave her the confidence to own her space online
✦ Why the ‘personality hire’ era of online business is finally dying (and what’s replacing it)
TAKE THE STAGE
If you’re at that this isn’t quite working stage with your brand, you’re not alone. Nikki’s story is proof that you don’t have to settle for a brand that feels fine. You can have one that actually works for you.
Here’s what to do next:
✦ Take an honest look at your brand. Does it match the level of your work? Would you hire you based on your current visuals and messaging?
✦ Pinpoint what’s feeling off. Is your website bringing in the right leads? Does your brand look as showstopping as your offers? Are you confident showing up online?
✦ Decide if it’s time to stop tweaking and go all in. At some point, swapping fonts and fiddling with Canva templates won’t fix the deeper issue.
009. Confidence Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All, with Natalie McCandless — Spotlight Series
Season 1 · Episode 9
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 • Duration 46:53
This episode kicks off The Freak Show’s first-ever Spotlight Series! In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re dedicating March to celebrating bold, inspiring women who have stepped into their brand with confidence and clarity. And who better to start with than Natalie McCandless, founder of Reconnect Sisterhood?
Natalie is a confidence coach, psychotherapist, and mindfulness teacher with nearly 20 years of experience helping women rediscover who they truly are, without guilt, without self-doubt, and without trying to fit into someone else’s version of confidence.
SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS
✦ Why confidence is not just about being bold and loud, and how it looks different for everyone.
✦ How life transitions impact women’s self-esteem — from career shifts to motherhood, perimenopause, and everything in between.
✦ How stress landed Natalie in the hospital and forced her to redefine success on her own terms.
✦ The making of Reconnect Sisterhood — why Natalie knew from day one that her brand needed to reflect the power and warmth she brings to her work.
✦ How a buttered toast Instagram reel convinced her that Flying Colors Creative was the right fit.
TAKE THE STAGE
Confidence is deeply personal, not a one-size-fits-all formula. Take a moment today to ask yourself:
✦ What does confidence look like for me?
✦ Where am I holding myself back because I think I should show up a certain way?
✦ What’s one small step I can take today to own my space a little more?
——
008. Your Step-By-Step Rebrand Plan
Season 1 · Episode 8
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 • Duration 18:33
This is your full backstage pass to what actually happens in a rebrand. You probably already know that a rebrand is way more than just picking a new logo and colours. But what does the process really look like? How do you go from "something feels off" to "this brand finally feels like me?"
In this episode, I’m walking you through the step-by-step breakdown of a rebrand inside The Extravaganza, my signature done-for-you brand transformation. If you're curious about what working with a designer is actually like, or if you're thinking about rebranding yourself, this is your behind-the-scenes moment.
SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS
✦ Why rebranding is not just an aesthetic refresh
✦ The 5 key areas every rebrand must cover to actually work
✦ How strategy and design work together to create a brand that sticks
✦ Why a website is non-negotiable for a credible, high-level brand
✦ How to confidently roll out your rebrand so it feels seamless and aligned across every touchpoint
TAKE THE STAGE
Ready to map out your rebrand? Here are the steps you need to take:
✦ Start with Strategy – Before you even think about colors and fonts, define your foundations: Who are you? Who do you serve? What makes you different?
✦ Find Your Creative Direction – Gather inspiration, create a Pinterest board, and start shaping the overall vibe of your brand.
✦ Build Your Brand Identity – Create a logo suite, color palette, and typography that aren’t just trendy but truly work for you and align with your strategy.
✦ Create a Cohesive Online Home – Your website is your digital HQ. Make sure your messaging, offers, and visuals all connect seamlessly.
007. How I’d Prepare For a Rebrand Before Touching Any Design
Season 1 · Episode 7
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 • Duration 20:49
If you think a rebrand starts with a new logo or trendy font, think again. Before you even touch design, there’s a whole lot of clarity work that needs to happen first. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a gorgeous brand that still feels off.
So, if you’re considering a rebrand (or just feeling that itch to change everything again), this episode will walk you through exactly how I’d prep before a single pixel is designed.
SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS
✦ Why a successful rebrand is 90% prep work and 10% design
✦ How to audit what’s working and what’s not before you throw everything out
✦ The key questions that will make every design decision way easier
✦ Why crowd-sourcing your brand decisions is NOT a good idea
TAKE THE STAGE
Before thinking about design, gain clarity on these questions:
What’s already working? What do people always compliment about your brand? What feels easy and natural?
What’s not working? Where do you feel friction in your brand? What’s making you cringe or hesitate to show up?
What do you want to be known for? If someone described your brand to a friend, what would you want them to say?
Who is your dream client? What do they need to see, hear, and know to trust you? How do you want them to feel before, during, and after working with you?
——
Mentioned in this episode:
THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.
006. Why Playing It Safe Is The Biggest Risk Your Brand Can Take
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 • Duration 21:45
Today we’re talking about something that might feel counterintuitive but is so important: the biggest risk your brand can take isn’t being bold, it’s playing it safe.
Ever find yourself softening your edges, second-guessing your branding decisions, or trying to be “professional” at the expense of actually standing out? When you dilute your personality and try to appeal to everyone, this has the unintentional effect of making your brand forgettable, which is exactly what we want to avoid!
In this episode, we’re diving into why playing it safe is holding you back and how to build a brand that makes you the obvious choice for the right people.
SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS
✦ Why blending in is the fastest way to be ignored and forgotten
✦ The real danger of playing it safe (it’s not fewer clients, it’s the wrong ones!)
✦ Why making bold branding decisions doesn’t mean being loud but being clear
✦ A test to know if your brand is truly recognizable
TAKE THE STAGE
Ask yourself:
1. If I stripped away my logo, colours, and fonts, would people still recognise my brand?
2. Do I know why clients actually choose me?
3. Am I making brand decisions based on fear?
——
Mentioned in this episode:
BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.
THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.
Apple Podcasts
🇬🇧 Great Britain - marketing
05/07/2026
#64
🇬🇧 Great Britain - marketing
05/06/2026
#91
🇫🇷 France - marketing
04/06/2026
#92
🇫🇷 France - marketing
03/06/2026
#75
✦ Ask yourself if you’re playing small. Are you fully showing up, or are you holding back because your brand doesn’t feel right?
✦ Decide if it’s time to stop tweaking and make a bold move.
And if that moment is now? The Extravaganza is where we refine and amplify your brand so it truly feels like YOU.
——
Mentioned in this episode:
THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.
23:24 The Towel, The Photos, The Power of a Signature Look
44:34 Joyfully Showing Up Even When the World Is Heavy
48:19 The Confidence Shift After a Rebrand
51:54 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.
THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.
14:19 The Trust Factor: Picking the Right Designer
21:08 The Biggest Sales Copy Myths
23:16 Why ‘Personality-Only’ Branding Doesn’t Cut It
27:25 The Hardest Part of Running a Business
31:06 How Rebranding Shifted Nikki’s Confidence & Strategy
40:30 Defining Success: Then vs. Now
42:26 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
Mentioned in this episode:
THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.
THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.
15:13 Why Natalie Invested in Her Brand From Day One
17:23 The Buttered Toast Moment
22:04 What Working Together Was Like
25:34 When Branding Gives You Confidence
27:49 The Health Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything
40:45 When Is the Right Time to Rebrand?
44:19 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
✦ Plan Your Big Reveal – Get your audience excited before the launch!
And if you want all of this done-for-you — strategy, visuals, website, launch plan, the works — then The Extravaganza is where the magic happens.
——
Mentioned in this episode:
THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.
THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.
THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.
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