UNFUDGE YOUR MARKETING – Details, episodes & analysis

When you are launching a new business and trying to do everything yourself, AI can feel like the perfect shortcut. Alan Lamparella, founder of Tasklight Business Advisory, found out the hard way that when it comes to branding, fast and cheap does not always get you where you need to go. After 30 years leading manufacturing and industrial organizations, Alan set out on his own and leaned heavily on AI to name and brand his business. What he got back felt bland, disconnected, and just plain wrong. Alan joins Kristi to talk about what changed when he brought in the right humans for the job, why clarity and confidence in your brand identity matters more than speed, and what the experience taught him about knowing when to trust the technology and when to call in the pros. You'll learn: Why AI kept producing bland branding results and what was actually missing from the process How a single question from a branding expert, tell me why your business exists, unlocked everything The real cost of settling for good enough when you are building something you have to believe in Why lack of clarity and conviction early on can quietly slow your growth down the road How to think about AI as a tool in your marketing without letting it replace the human connection your brand needs Why solopreneurs especially need people in their corner, not just software The case for hiring specialists even when you already have marketing support If you have been wondering where AI fits in your marketing and where it falls short, this episode gives you an honest and grounded answer. Connect with Alan Lamparella: LinkedIn: Alan Lamparella Website: tasklightadvisory.com Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing. Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Paid ads can feel like a money pit, especially when you are told you need to be everywhere, reach everyone, and just keep spending. Lindsey Laughlin, VP at Gravity Group, joins Kristi to cut through the noise and talk about the most common missteps she sees businesses making with their ad dollars, and what to do instead. From cramming too much into your messaging to spreading your budget across too many channels, Lindsey shares why less is often more when it comes to paid advertising. She also pulls back the curtain on how her agency operates differently, and why that difference matters a lot for the clients they serve. You'll learn: Why trying to say everything in your ad messaging actually communicates nothing How spreading your budget too thin across too many channels quietly kills your results Why your audience, not your leadership team, should be the hero of your marketing message The often overlooked power of post purchase nurturing and what most businesses are leaving on the table How to think about the next best product or service for your existing clients and why it costs far less than finding new ones Why more impressions does not equal more results, and how to have that conversation with a media rep What to ask any agency or media buyer about markups before you sign anything If paid ads have ever left you frustrated and wondering where your money went, this episode will help you ask better questions and make smarter decisions. Connect with Lindsey Laughlin: LinkedIn: ⁠Lindsey Laughlin⁠ Website: gravitygroup.com Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing. Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Is your marketing out of sync with your sales? Adam Rojas, founder of Bellmoore Consulting, works with founder-led early stage companies to build practical, data-driven sales systems that scale predictably. In this episode, Kristi Mitchell and Adam dive deep into the common disconnects between marketing messaging and sales execution. Drawing on over 25 years of leadership experience, Adam shares real-world examples of where misalignment hurts results and how aligning sales, marketing, and delivery creates a cohesive, scalable growth system. You’ll learn: Why marketing and sales must sit at the same table and share the same language How misaligned messaging can attract the wrong audience or confuse ideal clients The importance of crafting marketing collateral that supports the sales process Why articulating client problems and impacts beats feature dumping in messaging How operational delivery must align with promises to prevent customer churn Practical steps to document, measure, and scale your sales process effectively Real examples demonstrating the power of clarity and communication If you want to unfudge your marketing by building a unified, customer-centered sales and marketing engine, this episode offers actionable insights and expert advice. Connect with Adam Rojas: LinkedIn: Adam Rojas Website: bellmooreconsulting.com Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing. Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Branding is the foundation for effective marketing, yet many business owners overlook its power, leading to disengaged audiences and missed opportunities. Kim Marie McKernan, international marketing leader and founder of Inspired Outcomes, shares her expertise on how clarifying your brand strategy creates authentic connections that truly resonate. In this episode, Kristi and Kim explore why so many businesses struggle because they market what they want to say instead of what their clients need to hear. They discuss the importance of aligning your messaging with your ideal client’s pain points, leveraging customer language, and approaching marketing with conscious intent — especially in today’s noisy landscape. You’ll learn: Why building your brand around your client’s perspective is critical How to discover and use the language your clients use to describe your value The pitfalls of chasing shiny marketing tactics without a solid brand foundation Why authenticity and trust are the heart of effective marketing Tips for gathering feedback directly from your best clients to refine your messaging How to balance strategy with creativity to craft compelling, meaningful marketing The long game of trust-building in B2B and B2C marketing landscapes If you want to unfudge your marketing by starting with a clear, client-conscious brand strategy that cuts through the noise, this episode is full of insightful advice. Connect with Kim Marie McKernan: Website: https://www.inspiredoutcomesnow.com/ LinkedIn newsletter sign-up available on website Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing. Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Sometimes the hardest conversations are the most necessary. In this episode, Kristi Mitchell flips the script and becomes the guest, while sales expert Bryan McDonald takes the host seat. Bryan, partner at On Purpose Growth, helps leaders master sales — a skill many small business owners find intimidating yet essential. Together, they unpack the often overlooked sales side of business growth. Kristi shares her personal realization about neglecting sales follow-up, and Bryan reveals why following up is more about guiding prospects to decisions, not fearing rejection. They discuss building clear, simple sales processes, trusting the timing of prospects, and leading conversations with direct next steps. You’ll learn: The difference between marketing and sales and why both need attention How fear of rejection can sabotage sales follow-up Why getting a decision — yes, no, or “need another conversation” — is the goal Strategies to simplify and lead prospects through your sales process How to balance persistence without being pushy or desperate The importance of framing sales conversations as peer-to-peer partnerships Ways to build confidence and consistency in your sales outreach If you want to unfudge your marketing by masterfully integrating sales into your growth process, this candid conversation offers real-world insights and encouragement. Connect with Bryan McDonald: LinkedIn: Bryan McDonald Community: On Purpose Growth Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing. Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Email marketing is a powerful tool... if you understand how to use it correctly. Karen Grill, email strategist and business coach, dives deep into the often overlooked world of email deliverability, authentication, and how to treat email as a valuable, revenue driving asset rather than just a task to check off. In this episode, Kristi and Karen unpack the recent industry shifts affecting inbox placement, debunk myths about email marketing being “dead,” and share practical advice to help you protect your sender reputation and connect genuinely with your audience. You’ll learn: Why email authentication and deliverability matter and how to check if you’re set up right What SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are and why they’re essential How to spot warning signs like declining open rates or spam complaints Why buying email lists or adding contacts without permission hurts your brand Tips to maintain a clean, engaged email list and avoid spam traps How to segment your audience and send targeted, relevant content Why quality trumps quantity in email marketing The importance of setting clear goals before building your email list Connect with Karen Grill: Free Email Resource: emailwithkaren.com LinkedIn: Karen Grill Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing. Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

As we step into 2026, the marketing landscape is noisier and busier than ever. To kick off the new year, Kristi shares four vital checkpoints to help you move beyond overwhelm and build marketing that’s strategic, authentic, and sustainable. In this solo episode, Kristi uncovers the biggest marketing challenges she saw in 2025... including the pitfalls of generic content, lack of clear strategy, ignoring the power of email marketing, and trying to do too much at once. She shares pragmatic advice to help you create a focused plan that aligns with your unique business and audience. You’ll learn: Why ditching generic content is crucial to show your authentic voice and stand out The importance of anchoring your marketing in strategy focused on your ideal client’s pain points Why email marketing is NOT dead, and how to use it successfully for nurturing your audience How to phase your marketing rollouts to avoid burnout and maximize results Tips for building momentum through manageable, intentional marketing habits Why strategic planning beats chasing every shiny new tactic or quick fix If you want to unfudge your marketing and set yourself up for a strong year ahead, this episode offers a clear, actionable roadmap.   Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing. Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, host Kristi sits down with Susan Harper, founder of Sharper Creative, to unravel the honest, behind-the-scenes story of a marketing pro navigating her own business growth. Susan shares the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of rebranding, tackling LinkedIn, and finding what really works (and what doesn’t) when you’re your own client. What You’ll Learn: Why even seasoned branding experts struggle with their own marketing—and how Susan overcame analysis paralysis. The reality of “shiny object syndrome” and how to focus on what truly moves the needle. Susan’s experiment with LinkedIn, direct mail, and a two-pronged approach to reaching nonprofit clients. The power of repurposing content and building a sustainable, manageable marketing system. Actionable advice for business owners: just start, experiment, and don’t be afraid to try new things (even if it means a few awkward posts along the way). Key Takeaways: The LinkedIn rabbit hole: what happens when you try to do it all. How direct mail and email can work together for creative outreach. The importance of knowing your audience and choosing the right platform. Why repurposing content is a game-changer for busy entrepreneurs. About the Guest: Susan Harper is the creative force behind Sharper Creative, with 23 years of experience helping organizations brand boldly. When she’s not building brands, you’ll find her painting, gardening, or dreaming up her next creative project. Connect with Susan: Website: sharpernet.com Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/susan-harper Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing. Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Marketing your business is a journey full of learning, missteps, and, most importantly, lessons learned. Barlyssa, the dynamic duo behind Homemade Events and the Margs and Mindset podcast, understands the power of authentic marketing and the importance of building real community connections. In this episode, Kristi chats with Barlyssa about their early marketing struggles, their decision to take control with a strategic, customized approach, and how their framework helped them build trust and scale sustainably. You’ll learn: Why outsourcing marketing means owning the process, not just handing it off How building a tailored marketing strategy empowers confident decision-making The value of consistency and clarity across multiple business ventures How to leverage your existing marketing framework for new opportunities The importance of trusting your marketing partner and believing in yourselves How to move marketing from a dreaded task to an empowering, aligned tool Lessons on sustainable growth through authentic and intentional marketing If you want to unfudge your marketing by using proven strategies and fostering authentic connections, this episode is packed with actionable insights to get you started. Connect with Barlyssa: Podcast: Margs and Mindset (available on Instagram and YouTube) Instagram: @homemadeeventsROC Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing. Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Is your marketing struggling because you haven’t cracked the code on consistent, strategic messaging that truly resonates? Scarlett Stanhope, “The Biz Hippie,” is a mindset and money coach who helps entrepreneurs conquer their finances and own their worth,empowering them to build businesses supported by work they love. In this episode, Kristi and Scarlett dive into Scarlett’s journey as she navigated early business challenges, experienced a tough launch, and learned powerful lessons about patience, perseverance, and authentic marketing rooted in mindset transformation. Scarlett shares how she shifted from dabbling in tactics to committing fully to a focused niche and cultivating real connections with her audience. You’ll learn:   Why vulnerability and authenticity matter in email and content marketing   How to build momentum through consistent, aligned messaging even when results lag   The difference between pivoting and quitting... and why persistence eventually leads to success   How integrating mindset and marketing creates powerful synergy and breakthrough results   Tips for turning real stories and client insights into compelling marketing content   How patience and building confidence in your offer transform marketing effectiveness   Simple strategies for nurturing your audience and fostering engagement If you’re ready to unfudge your marketing with steady, soulful strategies that align with who you are and the impact you want to create, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to guide your next steps. Connect with Scarlett Stanhope:   Podcast: Empowered and Abundant (available on all platforms)   Website: thebizhippie.com   Free Money Mindset Quiz: thebizhippie.com/quiz Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing. Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com