Episodes
-
As we wrap up 2024, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons this year has taught me and what I want to carry forward into 2025. It’s been a year of dichotomies—beauty and difficulty, joy and sadness—and I think there’s something powerful in learning to hold space for both.
The biggest lesson I’m taking away is that life can be really hard and really beautiful at the same time. There’s been sadness in my personal life and challenges in the world around us, but there’s also been so much to appreciate: sunsets, friendships, and those small, meaningful moments that remind me why we keep going. Learning to feel multiple emotions at once has been grounding and helped me navigate this year with resilience.
On a lighter note, I recently went through my camera roll and created a “Kirsti content” folder filled with videos and photos from the year—retreats, trips, sunsets, bachelorette parties, and meals I made. Revisiting these memories reminded me of the importance of finding glimmers—those small, beautiful
moments that make even the toughest days worthwhile.
I’ve also been thinking a lot about the content we create for ourselves. It’s easy to get caught up in creating for others (especially as a social media manager!), but documenting life for yourself can be a way to reconnect with joy and gratitude.
As I look toward 2025, I’m excited to lean deeper into community building, whether it’s through this podcast, social media, or live events. Thank you for being here with me through it all—I hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your own lessons and find your glimmers as we head into a new year.
See you in 2025 & happy holidays!
Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastSend us a text
-
In this week’s episode, we are thinking about burnout, creativity, and carving a path in business that feels true to who you are. We are joined by Emily Varley, Founder and Creative Lead at Stella The Studio, who helps people feel confident in their brand across everything from websites to social media. Emily shares how, despite following a traditional education path, a bold leap into entrepreneurship sparked the creation of her thriving business. She opens up about the emotional struggles she faced, leading her to seek therapy to navigate feelings of burnout—a diagnosis her therapist later confirmed. Emily reveals the impactful changes she’s made to avoid burnout in the future and busts common freelance myths that can perpetuate overwhelm.
With Emily we explore how niching down over time can help entrepreneurs discover what they truly love and create a sustainable business. Emily also embraces her "soft girl" mentality, focusing on a more relaxed, chill approach to her work. She offers invaluable tips on aligning with your creative energy and making the most of your creative bursts. The episode wraps up with us leading Emily through a fun and insightful speed round, answering timely and intriguing questions as the year draws to a close.
CONNECT WITH EMILY
On her website, www.stellathestudio.com
On Instagram @stellathestudio
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 🤍Send us a text
-
Missing episodes?
-
In this week’s episode, we are thinking about the fascinating world of mediumship. We sit down with Roz, a UK-trained medium, to explore her journey of connecting with those who have passed. Roz shares how her struggle with grief led her to seek help, ultimately inviting a medium into her life—a moment that changed everything and ignited her curiosity about what lies beyond the physical world.
Roz explains how her newfound gift has transformed the way she experiences and understands grief. She unpacks the difference between psychics and mediums, a question many are curious about, and discusses who might be more open to embracing the medium lifestyle.
Throughout their conversation, Roz reflects on the mental and emotional journey of discovering mediumship, debunks common myths, and addresses misconceptions surrounding this unique ability.
We also ask Roz how her gift has influenced her personal life and relationships, offering a candid glimpse into the balance between her spiritual work and everyday life.
This episode is a heartfelt and enlightening discussion for anyone curious about mediumship, personal growth, or new perspectives on grief. Tune in to join the conversation and hear Roz’s inspiring story.
CONNECT WITH ROZ
On Facebook
On Instagram, @spiritmediumroz
Listen to Jayne's episode mentioned in the episode
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 🤍Send us a text
-
Today’s episode has us thinking about wellness, our nervous system and the true magic between two women entrepreneurs. We’re thrilled to sit down with Tanya Kololian and Zoë Paliare, co-founders of trove, Toronto’s newest holistic restorative wellness centre. trove offers a calming escape from the city’s high energy, allowing visitors to stay in the city but feel off the grid.
Tanya and Zoë share the inspiring "why" behind starting Trove, rooted in their personal commitment to prioritizing well-being. Although they come from distinctly different backgrounds, their shared vision to create a wellness haven in the heart of the city unified them as business partners. They offer valuable advice on how to make wellness a lifestyle, revealing how their deep trust in intuition—a skill they’ve both honed—has been essential in shaping trove. They even share a fun anecdote about a “future-telling spleen,” a story you won’t want to miss!
Throughout our conversation, Tanya and Zoë offer reminders about the importance of progress over perfection, and share practical tips on taking time to recharge — something trove is passionate about promoting for everyone, especially busy entrepreneurs. They’re dedicated to creating a culture that values ease and enjoyment, ensuring that trove is a welcoming space where nervous system regulation is prioritized. They explain how trove’s concierge service can be a lifeline for those feeling overwhelmed and in need of a reset, guiding clients toward the services that suit their needs.
Tanya and Zoë also emphasize the power of mutual intention, crediting the unique energy at trove to their shared passion and dedication. Finally, they provide insight into navigating challenges together as business partners and friends, sharing valuable tips on handling conflict with respect and understanding. This episode is filled with inspiring insights on wellness, business, and the strength of following one’s intuition—don’t miss it!
CONNECT WITH TANYA & ZOË
Visit trove's website
On trove's Instagram, @trovewellbeing
On Tanya's Instagram, @tko_coaching
On Tanya's website
On Zoë's Instagram, @zoepaliare
On Zoë's website
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 🤍Send us a text
-
In this week’s episode, we are thinking about the true power of social media and how to use it to genuinely connect with your community. We’re joined by Katie Campbell, founder of Katie Creative Co., a social media strategist and self-proclaimed social media therapist, who is dedicated to helping people create audience-centric content that fosters meaningful engagement. If you’re someone who’s struggled to make your social media content resonate or wondered how to stay authentic while building a community, this conversation is full of insights you won’t want to miss.
Katie shares how her lifelong passion for social media was cemented when she started a One Direction fan page, setting the stage for a career centered around the dynamic world of online connections. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the core purpose of social media: being social. Katie also talks about her transition from a social media manager to a strategist, explaining her motivations and how this change has allowed her to focus more on strategy and audience engagement.
In a fun twist, I bring some of Katie’s social media posts to the table, asking Katie to break down her content philosophies. One standout principle Katie explains is that while your content is created by you, it shouldn’t be about you. Instead, it should be focused on your audience, using ‘you’ language to draw them in. She also reminds us that content carries energy: if you didn’t enjoy creating it, it’s unlikely your audience will enjoy engaging with it.
Katie’s golden piece of advice for this episode is about finding and building a community. She emphasizes that a strong, engaged community is at the heart of impactful social media presence and shares strategies for cultivating that sense of belonging. Tune in for a conversation packed with practical tips, a fresh perspective on social media, and ways to make content that truly connects.
CONNECT WITH KATIE
On Instagram @katiecreativeco
Visit Katie's website
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 🤍Send us a text
-
In this week's episode, we are thinking about the world of brand and website design with Emily Foster, the creative mind behind Emily Foster Creative. Emily, a skilled brand and website designer with a creative services-based business, shares her journey from a simple t-shirt design in high school to building a successful career. She reflects on the balance of art and strategy in her work, explaining how her passion for creativity has shaped her path and ultimately led her to embrace the freedom and flexibility of working for herself.
Throughout the conversation, Emily and Kirsti discuss the entrepreneurial myth of work-life balance, noting that what often emerges instead is work-life flexibility—a theme both women relate to in their respective careers. Emily then shares practical advice on website creation, offering essential tips for anyone building or revamping a site, whether independently or with professional help. Kirsti poses a powerful question on how to use a website effectively to attract clients, prompting Emily to provide invaluable guidance on making sites client-focused and user-friendly.
Emily demystifies SEO, breaking it down in accessible terms, and explains recent changes to Google that could impact websites and businesses. She highlights the value of having a blog on a site for added relevance and engagement. When it comes to selecting a platform for website building, Emily strongly recommends Showit, citing it as her top choice. She also shares her insights on choosing the right designer, providing listeners with a checklist to ensure the designer aligns well with their brand and business goals.
Finally, Emily discusses the three most essential aspects of a website, rounding off an insightful episode filled with strategies for creating a website that not only represents your brand but also works hard for your business.
CONNECT WITH EMILY
On Instagram @emilyfostercreative
On her website at emilyfostercreative.com
Check out her Elevated Website Checklist
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 🤍Send us a text
-
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 🤍Send us a text
-
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 🤍Send us a text
-
Today, we are thinking about supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs through virtual assistants with Steph Faria, the Owner of Faria Virtual Assistants Inc. Steph kicks off the conversation by sharing her journey and how she got into the world of virtual assistance. Despite being in the business for four years, she recalls the moment that started it all—an Instagram story that sparked the idea to
offer her services.
Steph provides invaluable advice for entrepreneurs who are thinking about hiring a virtual assistant (VA). She explains what to look for in a VA and suggests that if certain phrases keep popping up in your daily routine, it might be time to bring in some help. She also shares her own challenges of taking her own advice on time management while staying creative in her work.
A lover of travel, Steph reveals how grateful she is that this career allows her the flexibility to work and explore the world. However, she also opens up about her past struggles with finding a healthy balance between work and self-care, something she now prioritizes. She offers helpful advice for entrepreneurs
who are considering hiring a VA, including tips on how to make the onboarding process smoother.
For those wondering if they could benefit from a VA, Steph shares a comprehensive list of tasks that virtual assistants can take off your plate. She highlights the perks of working remotely and traveling, but also cautions listeners about the importance of cyber security in a remote work setup.
Tune in for this insightful conversation filled with practical tips and inspiration from someone who has successfully built a flexible and rewarding career.
Connect with Steph
On Instagram @fariavirtualassistants
On her website fariavirtualassistants.com
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 🤍Send us a text
-
In this episode, I am thinking about common advice I share with clients and want to share with you! But first I throw down the concept of duality, reflecting on how this idea might continue to play a more significant role in the future of everything I do.
Together, we'll take a look into a glimpse of my everyday work as a social media manager and touch on the whirlwind of activity that comes with Q4, a busy time for so many in the business world. Then shifting gears from my usual style solo episodes, I dive into five essential permissions for your social media journey—offering mindset shifts to support a more positive experience. I remind us that social media is, at its core, about being social, and breakdown what that truly means in a way that will leave you feeling empowered and refreshed.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your feedback helps the show grow. If there’s something specific you’d love to hear more of, send me a DM, and be sure to share this episode with friends who would love it too!
Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastSend us a text
-
In this week’s episode, we are thinking about the housing market and making it a little less intimidating. Sarah, one half of the Duplex Duo, an educational company focused on helping people break into real estate through duplex investments shares the inspiring story of how an initial idea, combined with the passion and handy work of her partner, sparked a snowball effect that led to the creation of the Duplex Duo. One of the key aspects of their approach is teaching people from their own personal experiences, providing practical, hands-on knowledge for new real estate investors, specifically duplexes.
Throughout the conversation, Sarah offers valuable advice, including a list of dos and don'ts. She emphasizes not to stress about being stressed and shares two more specific pieces of advice for those considering duplex ownership. Sarah also introduces the concept of house hacking, a strategy that can make real estate more accessible and profitable.
Sarah brings a fresh perspective by answering the questions with practical tips, focusing on financial insights, which are often the main reasons people are attracted to duplex investments. She also gets real about the realities of budgeting and setting timelines, providing listeners with a realistic view of what to expect.
In addition, Sarah shares tips and tricks on landlording, offering guidance on managing tenants and property effectively. To wrap up the episode, she introduces their course, One House, Two Homes, which provides even more detailed education on the duplex real estate market.
Connect with Sarah
On Instagram @the_duplexduo
Explore the One House, Two Homes course
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 🤍Send us a text
-
In this episode we are thinking about embracing the F around and find out mentally brought to you by our guest, Tenika, an international mixologist and owner of Drinks by Nika, a mobile event bartending and beverage consulting company that provides a variety of services ranging from corporate event bartending to mixology classes. Tenika reflects on her early experiences with her family, where hosting parties and game nights allowed her to experiment with mixing drinks. These moments planted the seed for her future career. Encouraged by a close friend who helped her take the leap by naming her business and creating her first business cards, Tenika began her entrepreneurial journey.
She shares some of the incredible opportunities she’s had so far, including attending fashion week in Milan, Italy. But, as exciting as the journey has been, Tenika explains the challenges that come with turning a hobby into a business. She highlights the delicate balance of monetizing your passion and the risk of
losing the initial love for what you once enjoyed doing just for fun.
In this episode, Tenika also takes us inside her creative mind, revealing what she thinks about when in drink-creating mode and how she incorporates all five senses into her process. She shares thoughtful tips before considering hiring a mixologist for an event.
Since her work involves collaboration with chefs, event planners, and other vendors, she offers valuable advice on how to build a supportive community within the industry. Lastly, for anyone wanting to dabble in mixology at home, Tenika gives her top three recommended alcohols and bar tools to have on hand to start experimenting with your own creations.
Connect with Tenika 🤍
On her website at drinksbynika.com
On Instagram @drinksbynika
On TikTok @drinksbynika
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 🤍Send us a text
-
Today, we are thinking about ads, ads and more ads. In today's episode, we sit down with Aashima Verma, founder of AV Marketing, an ad agency specializing in meta ads and consulting. Aashima takes us through the inspiring journey of how her career took off, starting with a pivotal comment from an ex-boss that pushed her to venture out on her own. She explains that the key to her success has been the willingness to experiment and advises listeners to adopt a process of elimination—just try things and see what works.
Aashima recounts the moments when she began gathering more clients on the side and how that process led her to realize that she had a full-fledged business, prompting her to dive in completely. During the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of looking past the noise and paying attention to the moments in life that guide you toward what is right for you.
In addition to her story, Aashima offers valuable advice for small business owners just beginning to navigate the world of advertising. She highlights the importance of making your ads work hard for you so you don’t have to, and touches on the hot topic of AI and its role in marketing today. Aashima reassures business owners at all stages that ads are a powerful tool for visibility, no matter where they are in their journey.
The episode also dives into the concept of founder-first marketing. Aashima shares a compelling story of one of her clients who thrived by embracing this approach, offering insights on how it can impact business success. She also debunks the idea that you always need to follow Meta’s ad recommendations, emphasizing the importance of understanding your own data and reporting. This episode is packed with actionable tips, empowering advice, and inspiring stories for anyone looking to leverage ads to grow their business.
Connect with Aashima 🤍
On her website at aashimaverma.com
On Instagram @theaashimaverma
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 🤍Send us a text
-
In this episode, I am thinking about the process of reconnecting with myself aka my "putting me first" era.
I' m reflecting on how quickly summer has flown by and how each year seems to bring the same familiar feeling, especially as September approaches. September has always felt like a ‘new year’ to me, likely because of my past experiences working in post-secondary education.
I find that the fall season brings me a renewed sense of energy. Recently, I've experienced two significant mindset shifts that have made a big difference for me. The first is going back to basics—embracing the small, simple things that make everyday life better. The second is the concept of an ideal calendar, something I
learned from JT Barnett. It involves creating an ideal version of my calendar and overlapping it with my actual schedule, ensuring that my days align with how I truly want to live.
As I wrap up this episode, I share some of the things I’m currently loving and highly recommend, hoping to leave you with some inspiration to take into your own life.
Links from the episode:
JT Barnett Weekly Outline
Follow Steph Pellett for all things Slowpreneurship
Sign up for Office Hours Fall/Winter Cohort
Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastSend us a text
-
In this week's episode, we are thinking about sustainability and how to incorporate it into our everyday lives as we welcome Romina, a multifaceted professional who wears many hats as a sustainable event planner, environmentalist, college professor, and more. Romina takes us back to her fourth-grade days, sharing a fond memory that she believes planted the seed for her lifelong journey into sustainability. Kirsti sparks a thought-provoking discussion with a question inspired by Romina’s belief that the world doesn’t need perfectionism—it needs progress and perseverance.
This leads seamlessly into approachable and friendly advice for anyone wanting to become more sustainable in their daily life. Romina offers practical tips for those interested in hosting more sustainable events, breaking it down into key components like food, beverage, and travel. She also introduces the concept of "eco-values," a term she coined to describe the core principles that guide her work.
The conversation takes a meaningful turn as Romina discusses how sustainability is intricately linked to social justice. She also shares her go-to resources for staying updated in the ever-evolving world of sustainability. Finally, Romina revisits the three R’s—reduce, reuse, recycle—and enlightens us on the correct order in which they should be prioritized.
CONNECT WITH ROMINA
Visit Romina's website at ecofriendlyevents.ca
Work with Romina as a consultant
Download Romina's free venue evaluation checklist
Connect with Romina on Instagram at @ecofriendly.events
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 🤍Send us a text
-
Today, we are thinking about being sexy and sober aka choosing yourself and raising your standards. In this episode, we chat with Courtney Croucher, an empowerment coach who focuses on empowering women through mindset work, values, and beliefs, which she states translate into confidence. Courtney describes her approach as blunt with a side of woo-woo. Beyond her coaching, she is also a Pilates and breathwork instructor. Courtney raises the standard for others in her work, embodying the values she promotes.
Recently celebrating one year of sobriety, Courtney has rebranded herself as “Sxy N Sober”. She shares a vivid early memory of drinking at around age 15, which resulted in a concussion from hitting her head on a cab door, marking the beginning of a downhill journey. After years of an on-again, off-again relationship with alcohol and realizing repeatedly that drinking wasn’t enjoyable, Courtney had a pivotal moment on a plane returning from an inspirational weekend. Ironically, after a few glasses of wine, something shifted, sparking the start of her sobriety journey.
Now sober, Courtney finds she no longer falls into past patterns of self-sabotage, which has been one of the most significant takeaways from her journey. She also delves into her community, Sxy N Sober, created to fill the gap she noticed in elevated experiences for sober people. Her tagline, choosing yourself and raising your standards, encapsulates her mission.
Courtney emphasizes the importance of boundaries to limit resentment and shares her wellness hacks, including contrast therapy, meditation, breathwork, and brain care, which have supported her through her journey. In the conversation, Kirsti prompts Courtney to share tips for finding community, specifically in Toronto, and Courtney offers valuable insights. The discussion also touches on the nature of friendships and how it’s okay to have different friends who serve different areas of your life.
CONNECT WITH COURTNEY
Book a call with Courtney
Learn more about From Saddie to Baddie, Courtney's monthly group meditation
Book a 1:1 breathwork session
On Instagram at @thenotsoaveragebetch
On Instagram at @sxynsober
Listen to the Not So Average Betch podcast on Spotify
Listen to the Not So Average Betch podcast 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 🤍Send us a text
-
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 🤍Send us a text
-
Today, we are thinking about reflecting on our business and the power of just starting. In this special episode of the Thinking About Podcast, I reflect on the incredible journey leading up to the 100th episode. I share the impact of hosting a podcast, highlighting its many benefits; opens doors to connect with people otherwise out of reach, simplifies networking, provides a platform for long-form content, and, most importantly, it's incredibly fun. I also get candid and emotional, expressing the awe at surpassing the statistic that most podcasts don’t make it past five episodes.
I share the evolution of the podcast from a mere idea to its current success, sharing how I navigated the waves of this journey. I am deeply appreciative of everyone who has listened, been a guest, shared the podcast, and supported me along the way. Over the past two years, the podcast has evolved significantly, fueled by my passion for understanding people and their stories. I believe that everyone has a unique story worth sharing, and podcasting is a powerful medium for these narratives.
Throughout the episode, I share valuable insights gained from my podcasting experience, emphasizing that good things take time. I provide an honest look at the behind-the-scenes steps of starting a podcast, sharing tips for those interested in guesting on other podcasts. To wrap up, I share my current loves, including book and food recommendations, making this episode a blend of reflection, gratitude, and practical advice.
Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙
Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastSend us a text
-
Today, we are thinking about systems, systems, systems and striving for a well-balanced work-life culture as entrepreneurs. In this episode, Mackenzie, the owner of Sit Studio and a seasoned studio manager for creatives and systems specialist, joins us. Mackenzie delves into the nuances of her role, focusing on project management and behind-the-scenes work for creative entrepreneurs, and
distinguishes her services from those of a typical virtual assistant. She elaborates on her process for building client relationships, highlighting the initial steps she takes to ensure a smooth collaboration. Mackenzie shares her journey, from majoring in information design to working with small businesses,
where she honed her skills in working behind the scenes. She emphasizes the transformative impact of letting go of perfectionism, offering insightful advice for small business owners looking to implement systems in their operations.
Throughout the conversation, Mackenzie provides a realistic perspective on life after systems are in place, acknowledging that while execution isn't always perfect, these systems significantly help maintain boundaries and work-life balance. Kirsti poses a thoughtful question on maintaining alignment when
striving for a “perfectly” balanced life, to which Mackenzie responds with wisdom and practical tips.
One of the highlights of the episode is Mackenzie's revelation about taking a 100-day break to enjoy the freedoms of self-employment. She also shares her preferred tool stack as a systems specialist, offering valuable insights for listeners looking to enhance their own business operations.
Tune in to gain practical advice on managing creative projects, establishing effective systems, and achieving a sustainable work-life balance from a seasoned expert in the field.
CONNECT WITH Mackenzie 🤍
On her website www.sitstudio.ca
On Instagram @sitstudio.ca
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 🤍Send us a text
-
Today, we are thinking about major life changes that happen in a moments time and coming out the other side. In this episode, we become friends with Katherine Smith, a content creator from Toronto, who opens up about her profound journey of caregiving following her partner's traumatic injury while he was on vacation in London, England. Katherine shares candid insights into the relentless process and numerous setbacks they faced, emphasizing the critical importance of celebrating daily wins during his over four years of healing in the hospital. She describes how adopting a "one day at a time" mindset was essential for her survival and growth, offering a poignant reminder that time is a healer and there is no need to rush through life's challenges.
The conversation delves into the theme of resilience, highlighting that one's true reaction to adversity often remains unknown until faced with it. Katherine provides invaluable advice for those supporting caregivers, underscoring the significance of compassion and understanding. When host, Kirsti, poses a tough question about resentment, Katherine candidly discusses her struggles with a perpetual fight-or-flight response post-injury and how seeking therapy helped her achieve emotional regulation.
Katherine also reflects on life beyond the hospital walls, sharing insights into how she and her partner got to know each other anew post-injury. The discussion then shifts to her passion for content creation on Instagram, where she offers practical tips for keeping the process enjoyable and advice for those looking to start sharing their lives online. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of mental health, and the joy found in creative expression.
CONNECT WITH KATH 🤍
On TikTok @kathhsmithh
On Instagram @kathhsmithh
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 🤍Send us a text
- Show more
![The Final Episode of 2024: Life Updates & My Lessons From The Year [SOLO]](https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts126/v4/b0/aa/44/b0aa4480-6cd0-6085-56de-1146f66515a8/mza_7679676890601435076.jpg/80x80bb.jpg)