Thinking About Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Today's episode has us thinking about the complex feelings of self-doubt and the journey to authentic success with Tanya Geisler, a certified Leadership Coach, in-demand TEDxWomen speaker, and writer from Toronto. Tanya introduces us to the concept of the "imposture complex" her take on what is commonly known as impostor syndrome. She explains why she prefers the term "complex" emphasizing that impostor syndrome often stems from people, especially women, attributing their success to luck or chance. But Tanya takes it a step further by introducing the "trailblazer complex" which is the version that most resonates for her these days. She argues that feeling like an impostor is actually a sign that you're doing something significant—something that truly matters to you.

Throughout the episode, Tanya dives deep into how these feelings show up, offering powerful examples of the coping mechanisms we lean on when these doubts creep in. One of the most insightful moments is when she discusses how to identify people in your life who genuinely want to see you succeed—a piece of advice that is sure to resonate. Tanya also shares her signature teaching called "The Iconic Path" which helps you recognize your own unique brand of joy and get over the hurdle of taking action when those imposture feelings try to hold you back.

This episode is full of uplifting and practical insights for anyone grappling with self-doubt, and you'll walk away feeling more empowered to own your success and trailblaze your path forward!

CONNECT WITH TANYA
On Instagram @tanyageisler
On her website at tanyageisler.com
Take the ICONIC identity quiz
Watch Tanya's Owning Our Authority TEDx talk


Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcast

If you found the episode supportive or love the podcast, please feel free to leave a review to help the podcast grow 🤍

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In this week’s episode, we are thinking about what it truly takes to build a brand from the ground up, as we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Vanessa Smith, the owner of Refy Agency and proud islander. With over 13 years of marketing experience, she shares how entrepreneurship was always in her DNA, having felt the entrepreneurial bug from a young age. However, she reflects on how it took her longer than expected to launch her own agency. Vanessa opens up about the most valuable lesson she learned after her first full year in business, providing insight into the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and what its like to be the host of her own podcast, Business in the Open.

When asked about building her personal brand and blending it with the content on her business Instagram, Vanessa offers great advice, sharing her strategy and experience. We then pose the ever-popular question of whether to name your business after yourself or choose a unique name, and Vanessa gives her thoughtful perspective on the topic. The conversation shifts to the raw reality of podcasting, as Vanessa explains her unique journey in bringing her podcast to life.

Vanessa also answers how she became a great community connector and marketer, revealing the key factors that helped her build such strong connections. We then reflect on our shared ability to be curious, ask the right questions, and truly get to know the people around us, which we both consider to be our “superpower.” To wrap up, Vanessa shares her thoughts on the future and what lies ahead for her business and personal journey.

Connect with Vanessa
On Instagram @refy.agency
Listen to Business In The Open on Spotify
Listen to Business In The Open on Apple

Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcast

If you found the episode supportive or love the podcast, please feel free to leave a review to help the podcast grow 🤍

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Today we are thinking about quieting the doubt voices in our head and embracing unique spiritual journeys. In this episode, we interviewed Catherine Choi, the Founder of SoYoung, known for creating beautiful, functional, and durable bags for life on the go. Catherine shares her inspiring journey from no business background to building a successful brand.

We dive deep into the conversation by asking Catherine what freedom means to her, leading to an open discussion about her battle with addiction in her younger years. She candidly discusses her family's dynamics and how they influenced her troubled path, including the emotional three-year rollercoaster of addiction, lying to her family, and stealing money from her father to fund her habit. Catherine
describes the pivotal moment when her cover was blown, marking the start of her journey toward recovery. Feeling desperate and helpless, she reached out to her sister and checked into a detox center, an experience she describes as life-changing, lifting a weight off her shoulders and providing a gift that later influenced her business endeavors.

Starting SoYoung was a bold declaration against the voice of doubt in her head. As the business grew and stress mounted, Catherine turned to meditation to avoid burnout. After being copied by a big brand, she realized the importance of sharing her story and taking off the metaphorical mask. Catherine also shares her profound experiences with ayahuasca and climbing a volcano, offering listeners a raw and honest account of her personal and entrepreneurial journey.

Join us for this heartfelt and motivational episode as Catherine Choi reveals the trials, triumphs, and transformative moments that shaped her path to freedom and success.

CONNECT WITH Catherine 🤍
On her website soyoung.ca
On Instagram @catherine.soyoung
Visit So Young on Instagram @soyounginc
Watch Catherine's recipe reel we discussed here

Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcast

If you found the episode supportive or love the podcast, please feel free to leave a review to help the podcast grow 🤍

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Welcome to another episode of the Thinking About Podcast!

In this episode, I’m talking to Julia Rose.  Julia is the founder of Hello, Writer where she has helped over 45+ women publish over 150+ personal stories online. She is also the host of the Write Together which is a weekly online writing session where she has inspired copywriters, content creators, and authors to prioritize their OWN writing. In addition, Julia is a content writer, thought-leader, communications expert, and part-time dancer! 

We discuss⁠ Hello Writer, her entrepreneurship journey, finding inspiration, why women need to share their thoughts, why you don't have to wait for a book to publish your stories, calling yourself a writer, editing, and so much more⁠.

Connect/work with Julia:
Follow @juliarosewrites on Instagram
Check out Julia's website to learn more about Julia and Hello, Writer
Sign up for the Not Newsletter
Join the 5-day Write What Matters email challenge
Read Julia's writing on Medium
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NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY ✨⁠
Hosted by @kirstimcnabney
Find links, inspiration and updates @thinkingaboutpodcast

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Welcome back to the Thinking About podcast! In this episode, I’m talking to Abigail Regucera, a marketer at a tech start-up, freelance web designer, shop owner, mental health advocate, and proud dog mom to Toby.

This conversation meets at the intersection of marketing and mental health, something Abigail does so well. We discuss⁠ her journey into entrepreneurship, our collective mental health experiences in university and beyond, and customer-focused marketing. 

Connect/work with Abi:
Follow Abigail on Instagram
Follow Abigail on TikTok
Visit Abigail's website
Shop Oodles of Abi Doodles
Sign up for Abigail's weekly newsletter
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NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY ✨⁠
Hosted by @kirstimcnabney
Find links, inspiration and updates @thinkingaboutpodcast

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In this episode, I’m talking to Palak Dave-Loizides, a multi-faceted entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Embiria, a company focused on offering people beautiful experiences to help them live more fully; offering space for people to gather, connect and find space for themselves. 

We discuss⁠ starting Embiria, pivoting during the pandemic, her other entrepreneurial pursuits, how to create meaningful and memorable experiences, wellness routines and more! 

Connect/work with Palak:
Follow @embiria on Instagram
Visit Embiria's website
Subscribe to the Embiria newsletter
Book the Leslieville Suite on AirBNB
Sign up for 30 free days of Open!
⁠
NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY ✨⁠
Hosted by @kirstimcnabney
Find links, inspiration and updates @thinkingaboutpodcast

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It's time for another solo episode! If you're new here, Thinking About came from the idea that my best decisions have come from deep chats with friends and the ways they keep me thinking long after they're over.

Today, we're reflecting on the conversations with Ethan Gill (Episode 5), Lauren McPhillips (Episode 6), and Krista Kolodziejzyk (Episode 7). Specifically, we'll be talking about the impact of change.  You'll hear about one of the biggest decisions/changes in my own life and all of my reflections as I'm heading into a new season of change almost a decade later. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on what's kept you thinking so far. Send me a message on  Instagram @thinkingaboutpodcast!
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NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY ✨⁠
Hosted by @kirstimcnabney
Find links, inspiration, and updates @thinkingaboutpodcast

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Welcome to another episode of the Thinking About Podcast!

In this episode, I’m talking to my university roommate and good friend Krista Kolodziejzyk, RD, MBA, the creator of @dietitiansuccesscenter and Online Course Blueprint. I've always been proud & inspired by her drive and achievements - so I'm so excited to share her brilliance with you!⁠
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We discuss⁠ her learnings from creating multiple businesses⁠, how your business should be a science experiment⁠, how to put yourself out there⁠, taking action when you have an idea⁠, making changes as you grow with your business⁠, investing in yourself⁠, book recommendations⁠, and so much more⁠.

Connect/work with Krista:
Follow @kristako.rd and @dietitiansuccesscenter on Instagram
Check out the Dietitian Success Centre
Check out Online Course Blueprint
Download the Free Online Course Checklist
Listen to Krista's podcast
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NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY ✨⁠
Hosted by @kirstimcnabney
Find links, inspiration and updates @thinkingaboutpodcast

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Welcome to another episode of the Thinking About Podcast!

In this episode, I’m talking to Lauren McPhillips, the creator of This Renegade Love, an online space for people living life on their own terms. What started as a blog quickly has blossomed into offline growth, speaking engagements, and workshops for women in business.  
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We discuss⁠ her love of pivoting, storytelling and humanizing experiences, online spaces, ways to change your life, in cancel culture, book recommendations, internet friendships and how to make friends as an adult. 

Connect/work with Lauren:
Follow @thisrenegadelove on Instagram
Email Lauren at lauren@thisrenegadelove.com
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NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY ✨⁠
Hosted by @kirstimcnabney
Find links, inspiration and updates @thinkingaboutpodcast

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Welcome back to the Thinking About Podcast!

In this episode, I’m talking to Ethan Gill of ECG Wedding Events, a Whitby-based wedding designer specializing in small, intimate wedding events.
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We discuss⁠ starting a business while in school, how partnerships can help your business grow, his strategic approach about going back to school, the lack of representation in the wedding industry, and of course, all things weddings from his thoughts on trends to his favourite part of the day!

Connect/work with Ethan:
Follow @ecgweddingevents on Instagram or Facebook
Visit Ethan's website
⁠
NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY ✨⁠
Hosted by @kirstimcnabney
Find links, inspiration and updates @thinkingaboutpodcast

Send us a text