Arlene Birt, a visual storyteller and educator, discusses the intersection of motherhood and running her own company with employees.

Arlene and host, Kaila Sachse, discuss practical parenting hacks, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the importance of creating a supportive community. 

Arlene also shares her journey from freelancing to running a successful design consultancy, emphasizing the need for financial health and effective communication in both parenting and business. 

The conversation highlights the evolving nature of priorities and the significance of understanding complex topics in a relatable way.

More About Arlene Birt

Arlene Birt is a mom, and she creates visuals to help individuals connect emotionally to seemingly distant environmental topics. 

A visual storyteller, information designer, and educator, her visuals explain the complexities of science and social topics to non-expert audiences. As graphics officer with the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), she co-created figures with 60+ climate scientists – including one that landed on the front page of global news media. Birt is a professor in Creative Entrepreneurship at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), and founder and creative director of design consultancy, Background Stories.

Her work has been featured in the Washington Post, Financial Times, Le Monde, Creative Review, U.S. News and World Report, and numerous other global media. She has published chapters in several books, including New Challenges for Data Design.

Birt was visiting fellow at Seoul National University (2023-’24), adjunct faculty of Wuhan University of Technology, Fulbright fellow in the Netherlands, and has held several artist residencies. Birt holds a master’s degree from Design Academy Eindhoven (the Netherlands) and runs workshops internationally.

backgroundstories.com

After Bedtime, “Why Doesn’t My Kid Listen? (And What To Do Instead of Yelling)”

Send us a text

Save 10% on Drymile
Use code BUB at checkout to save on waterproof socks, gloves, and more.

Riverside, record & edit your podcast
We use Riverside and LOVE it! Get an online studio for high-quality recording & simplified editing.

Receive $20 for Buzzsprout podcasting
Start podcasting with Buzzsprout, the easiest software for hosting, promoting, & tracking your show.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Learn more about the show:
http://bringingupbusiness.com

Send a DM:
https://www.instagram.com/bub.podcast

Text Bringing Up Business:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2426474/open_sms

Buy us a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bubpodcast

Nikolai Paquin, a creative solopreneur, discusses strategies for building a personal brand, the significance of understanding your MVP (Minimum Viable Product), and how failure can be a valuable teacher with host Kaila Sachse. 

They also discuss Nikolai’s journey in self-employment and how he managed to pay off his student loans. 

Nikolai shares insights on preparing for parenthood, the impact of upbringing on entrepreneurial mindset, and the value of self-education through online resources. 

The conversation concludes with Nikolai's aspirations for his business and the transition towards teaching others how to succeed in entrepreneurship.

More About Nikolai Paquin
Nikolai Paquin build brands at the intersection of design and AI. With 10 years of experience across industries from food & beverage to SaaS, his specialty is creating scalable brand systems that work across every touchpoint, from packaging to paid ads. He’s particularly passionate about helping companies leverage AI tools without losing their human touch. Based in upstate New York, Nikolai is always experimenting with the latest creative technology while staying grounded in timeless design principles.

nikolaipaquin.com

Send us a text

Save 10% on Drymile
Use code BUB at checkout to save on waterproof socks, gloves, and more.

Riverside, record & edit your podcast
We use Riverside and LOVE it! Get an online studio for high-quality recording & simplified editing.

Receive $20 for Buzzsprout podcasting
Start podcasting with Buzzsprout, the easiest software for hosting, promoting, & tracking your show.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Learn more about the show:
http://bringingupbusiness.com

Send a DM:
https://www.instagram.com/bub.podcast

Text Bringing Up Business:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2426474/open_sms

Buy us a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bubpodcast

Brandie Nicole Adams, certified health coach and founder of Revealed Healing, discusses the importance of professional support in health and wellness. 

They discuss Brandie's journey from a side hustle to a full-time entrepreneur, the significance of self-care, and the impact of negative self-talk on mental health. Brandie emphasizes the need for non-negotiables in wellness routines and the role of community in supporting personal transformation. The conversation highlights the balance between discipline and grace in parenting and self-care, encouraging listeners to recognize and address their negative self-talk.

More About Brandie Nicole Adams
Brandie Nicole is a Certified Health Coach and the founder of Revealed Healing and The Revealed Healing Blueprint, a transformational program helping women lose fat, build lean muscle, and reclaim their energy through faith-infused, sustainable strategies for full body wellness.

With over a decade of experience in health and fitness, Brandie specializes in guiding women to take confident ownership of their health—without restriction, confusion, or shame. Her holistic approach combines balanced nutrition, effective training, emotional wellness, and biblical principles to support women in honoring their bodies as the sacred temples they are.

Brandie’s mission is rooted in transformation—both physical and spiritual. She equips women with the tools and strategies to care for their bodies from a place of purpose, so they can show up with boldness in every area of life. Through her coaching, clients experience measurable improvements in energy, sleep, stress, and self-confidence while deepening their relationship with God and themselves.

Whether working with busy professionals, moms, or women navigating major life transitions, Brandie creates a safe, empowering space where real change can happen—and last.

Instagram @revealedhealingcoach
revealedhealing.com

Send us a text

Save 10% on Omnix Golf USA
Use code BUB at checkout

Receive $20 for Buzzsprout podcasting
Start podcasting with Buzzsprout, the easiest software for hosting, promoting, & tracking your show.

Riverside, record & edit your podcast
We use Riverside and LOVE it! Get an online studio for high-quality recording & simplified editing.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Learn more about the show:
http://bringingupbusiness.com

Send a DM:
https://www.instagram.com/bub.podcast

Text Bringing Up Business:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2426474/open_sms

Buy us a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bubpodcast

Interdisciplinary artist and designer Jose Cotto explores the intersections of creativity, design, and parenthood, discussing how we can break generational cycles through design and the significance of noticing in our environments. 

Cotto offers valuable insights for new parents and highlights the role of community support in navigating the challenges of raising children.

About Jose Cotto
Jose Cotto is an interdisciplinary artist and designer, exploring relationships between people, place, and time. Often integrating poetry, fabrication, architectural design, mark-making, and lens-based media, his work has been featured by several galleries and museums. He has a Masters of Architecture from Tulane University and BFA in Design + Architecture from the University of Massachusetts. Cotto is a Salzburg Global Seminar Cultural Innovators Fellow and was an Artist In Residence at the Joan Mitchell Center and A Studio in the Woods.

josecotto.com
Instagram @jccotto
Book: The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
Substack: The Art of Noticing

Send us a text

Custom Apparel & Accessories by Virtue
Whether you're promoting your business or expanding your brand, Virtue has you covered.

Receive $20 for Buzzsprout podcasting
Start podcasting with Buzzsprout, the easiest software for hosting, promoting, & tracking your show.

Riverside, record & edit your podcast
We use Riverside and LOVE it! Get an online studio for high-quality recording & simplified editing.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Learn more about the show:
http://bringingupbusiness.com

Send a DM:
https://www.instagram.com/bub.podcast

Text Bringing Up Business:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2426474/open_sms

Buy us a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bubpodcast

Dixie Willard, founder of Poised and Plumb, shares her unique journey from mechanical engineering to interior design and how she found her truth along the way. 

She also discusses the challenges of balancing career ambitions with family life, the importance of allowing children to explore their interests, and the support systems needed for parents pursuing education and work. Dixie shares insights into her business, which helps clients manage the complexities of home renovation projects, and her aspirations for the future.

More About Dixie Willard

Dixie Willard is the founder of Poised & Plumb, where she helps interior designers, contractors, and homeowners bring structure, strategy, and confidence to renovation and new-build projects. With 20 years of experience in interior design and a sharp focus on project strategy, she simplifies the messy middle of construction through expert guidance, proactive planning, and straightforward communication.

Her career didn’t start in project strategy. It started with raising kids, supporting her husband through a 20-year military career, and learning to carve out a path that honored both her family and her ambitions. Along the way, she pivoted through mechanical engineering, mathematics, architecture, interior design, and business with each step building the skillset that now powers Poised & Plumb.

Once her children were grown, she stepped into large-scale residential design, led product strategy at a design tech startup, and ultimately launched her own business to help others navigate complex projects without the overwhelm. Now an empty nester based in East Tennessee, she brings calm confidence to every project, whether coaching a designer through a renovation or troubleshooting a build-from-scratch timeline.

She’s spoken at national industry conferences, co-hosted the Design+Style podcast, and recently wrapped up a three-month road trip with her husband through 25 national parks. Her mission? To make home projects feel structured, smart, and totally doable so her clients can focus on living the life they’re building.

poisedandplumb.com

instagram.com/poisedandplumb

Send us a text

Protect yourself with Build Safe Escrow
From hiring contractors to getting paid, Build Safe Escrow is your source for funds protection.

Receive $20 for Buzzsprout podcasting
Start podcasting with Buzzsprout, the easiest software for hosting, promoting, & tracking your show.

Riverside, record & edit your podcast
We use Riverside and LOVE it! Get an online studio for high-quality recording & simplified editing.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Learn more about the show:
http://bringingupbusiness.com

Send a DM:
https://www.instagram.com/bub.podcast

Text Bringing Up Business:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2426474/open_sms

Buy us a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bubpodcast

Aaron Stash, founder of the Electric Home Company, discusses “home electrification,” a practice of helping homeowners create healthier living spaces and work-from-home offices.

Aaron also shares his journey from corporate sustainability to running his own business. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing work and family life, the prioritization of solar energy versus home electrification, and the need for greater awareness around home health and safety.

More About Aaron Stash

Aaron Stash, Founder and Chief Electrification Officer of The Electric Home Company empowers homeowners to create healthy, efficient, sustainable living spaces through education, technology and a supportive network of industry professionals. 

Aaron began his career in Communications - first as a copywriter and eventually supporting commercial shoots on studio backlots - all while fostering his passion for sustainability. When the opportunity to design and build a new home became apparent, he did so sustainably, moving into the first LEED Platinum certified home in his community where he has lived for over 10 years.

Aaron "lives in his Master's Degree" and used his passion and lived experience to pivot his career to corporate environmental sustainability and social impact. Now, as founder of The Electric Home Company he shares the benefits of home electrification to clients as well as the public as Host of The Electric Home Show on YouTube.

ElectricHomeCompany.com

YouTube.com/@ElectricHomeShow

Instagram @ElectricHomeShow

Indoor Air Quality Monitors:

Awair Element indoor air quality monitor -
getawair.com/products/element

Aranet4 Indoor air quality monitor -
aranet.com/en/home/products/aranet4-home

Portable Induction Cooktop:

Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop Burner - duxtop.org

Send us a text

Protect yourself with Build Safe Escrow
From hiring contractors to getting paid, Build Safe Escrow is your source for funds protection.

Riverside, record & edit your podcast
We use Riverside and LOVE it! Get an online studio for high-quality recording & simplified editing.

Receive $20 for Buzzsprout podcasting
Start podcasting with Buzzsprout, the easiest software for hosting, promoting, & tracking your show.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Learn more about the show:
http://bringingupbusiness.com

Send a DM:
https://www.instagram.com/bub.podcast

Text Bringing Up Business:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2426474/open_sms

Buy us a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bubpodcast

Megan Dalessandro, a content producer, creative director, and self-described creative Swiss Army knife, discusses the importance of creating a healthy work environment for all employees, the impact of gender roles on career progression, and practical advice for freelancers managing their finances.

Host Kaila Sachse also speaks with Meg Dalessandro about the challenges of balancing a career and personal life. Meg shares her journey of navigating career setbacks, redefining success, and finding a supportive work culture at Wistia. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in the workplace, especially for parents and those facing personal challenges.

More About Megan Dalessandro

Megan Dalessandro (most people call her Meg) is a content producer, creative director, and brand marketer who has spent most of her career trying to figure out what balance actually looks like and whether it really exists.

For a long time, she believed the next title or promotion would finally bring the security to start living the rest of her life: traveling more, getting married, maybe starting a family one day. As the kid of a single mom, she was determined to build a steady foundation, no matter what. But after she broke her ankle in three places and got laid off in the same season, she realized no amount of ambition or planning could protect her from uncertainty.

That pause forced her to rethink everything. She started her own business, learned to trust her instincts, and decided it was possible to build a career and a personal life side by side without feeling like she was failing at one or the other.

Today, she has found that sweet spot at Wistia where the culture actually backs up its promises. People really do take time off, and parents (and non-parents) are supported in a way that feels genuine, not performative.

Outside of work, she’s usually roller skating at the skatepark, leaving voicemail newsletters about creativity, or taking too many photos of her cat, Noodle. She lives in Oregon with her husband, James, and is still learning how to let work be just one part of a bigger, more interesting life.

Substack voicemail newsletter

Creative Blob

Send us a text

Custom Apparel & Accessories by Virtue
Whether you're promoting your business or expanding your brand, Virtue has you covered.

Riverside, record & edit your podcast
We use Riverside and LOVE it! Get an online studio for high-quality recording & simplified editing.

Receive $20 for Buzzsprout podcasting
Start podcasting with Buzzsprout, the easiest software for hosting, promoting, & tracking your show.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Learn more about the show:
http://bringingupbusiness.com

Send a DM:
https://www.instagram.com/bub.podcast

Text Bringing Up Business:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2426474/open_sms

Buy us a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bubpodcast

The mic has been flipped! On this episode of Pay Me in Plane Tickets, Jelani Millard and Kaila discuss the intricate balance between work and family life, the challenges faced during childhood, and the importance of travel in personal growth

From a challenging childhood in the Mojave Desert to becoming the founder of Yumari Digital, Kaila Sachse also discusses the importance of work-life balance and the value of flexibility in the workplace. She reflects on her early career experiences, the serendipitous moments that led to her first major client, and the growth of her digital agency. 

Jelani & Kaila also touch on the evolving work culture post-pandemic, the challenges of balancing parenthood with entrepreneurship, and future aspirations to create a supportive work environment for others, while sharing personal travel preferences and experiences. Their conversation centers on how relationships evolve through shared experiences, particularly travel, and how motivation in parenting and business can coexist.

More About Pay Me in Plane Tickets podcast
Pay Me in Plane Tickets is a podcast discussing all things travel with individuals who love to explore all parts of the world, experience all cultures and people, and would rather be paid in plane tickets.

Erected in 2022, this media venture continues as it aims to honor the adventurer who chose the path less traveled. Travelers from all walks of life share their stories of exploration, discovery, and self-transformation. Each episode is a unique and inspiring journey, as we delve into the lives of our guests and learn about the places they've been, the people they've met, and the lessons they've learned along the way. 

Departing from Cape Town in 2022, Jelanie Millard was, and still is, amazed at how individuals from various backgrounds are traversing this vast globe ever so frequently. Such to the point that they are seemingly being paid in plane tickets (pun intended). 'So how are they doing it?' - was the essential thesis of this venture. Thus, the podcast was born in which we explore a plethora of individuals who shed a light onto the actions as to how their travels are being achieved. From the corporate heights of a hospitality chief executive to the most followed travel influencer, what was - - and continues being discovered - is that it is not all blue water and clear skies but rather hustle and perseverance. Executed with a love for what they do and why they do what they do. This platform honors them. It's easier to criticize than to create. Jelani chooses to create.

www.wapechi.com/pay-me-in-plane-tickets
www.instagram.com/paymeinplanetickets/
[email protected]

Listen to Jelani's episode of Bringing Up Business

Send us a text

Support the show

Learn more about the show:
http://bringingupbusiness.com

Send a DM:
https://www.instagram.com/bub.podcast

Text Bringing Up Business:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2426474/open_sms

Buy us a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bubpodcast

Chris Nordyke, a seasoned entrepreneur and family man, engages in a deep conversation in this episode of the Bringing Up Business podcast. 

They explore the intricate balance between business and parenting, discussing how Chris's upbringing shaped his leadership style and parenting approach. 

Chris also shares his journey of self-discovery, the importance of humility in relationships, and the impact of financial stability on family dynamics. 

The conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining a successful marriage while navigating the complexities of raising children and running a business. 

Through personal anecdotes and insights, Chris emphasizes the significance of commitment, self-awareness, and understanding family patterns in fostering healthy relationships.

More About Chris Nordyke

Chris brings a robust background in entrepreneurship and sales leadership to his role as Co-owner and President at Floodlight Consulting. His journey began at age 19 when he entered the world of direct sales with Vector Marketing, where he quickly rose to prominence as a top sales leader and branch office manager in Los Angeles. During his tenure, he was instrumental in overseeing a team of over 40 sales representatives, spearheading initiatives in recruiting, training, and team development. This experience laid a strong foundation in entrepreneurship and sales leadership, which Chris continues to leverage today, particularly in the restoration industry.

Before his current venture, Chris had a significant tenure at State Farm Companies, where he owned and operated a successful agency for five of his eight years with the company. In 2014, Chris transitioned to Summit Cleaning and Restoration, where he played a pivotal role on the leadership team. Until late 2019, he led the company's business development and marketing efforts, placing a special emphasis on customer experience, culture, and commercial sales operations.

linkedin.com/in/chrisnordyke

floodlightgrp.com/podcast

floodlightgrp.com

facebook.com/chrisnordyke

Send us a text

Protect yourself with Build Safe Escrow
From hiring contractors to getting paid, Build Safe Escrow is your source for funds protection.

Riverside, record & edit your podcast
We use Riverside and LOVE it! Get an online studio for high-quality recording & simplified editing.

Receive $20 for Buzzsprout podcasting
Start podcasting with Buzzsprout, the easiest software for hosting, promoting, & tracking your show.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Learn more about the show:
http://bringingupbusiness.com

Send a DM:
https://www.instagram.com/bub.podcast

Text Bringing Up Business:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2426474/open_sms

Buy us a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bubpodcast

Richard Dodds, founder of Crowned Culture Media LLC, talks about his journey as a podcast producer and newborn father in this episode of the Bringing Up Business podcast with host Kaila Sachse.

Richard & Kaila discuss the challenges of balancing work and parenting, the importance of automation and technology in enhancing productivity, and the need for emotional expression in men. Richard shares insights on the role of media in social justice, the significance of support networks, and the impact of parenthood on perspectives. The conversation emphasizes the value of therapy and mental health support for new parents, as well as the importance of finding the right therapist and building a strong community.

More About Richard Dodds

Richard Dodds is the Founder of Crowned Culture Media LLC, a creative studio that helps authors, speakers, and business leaders amplify their voices through podcast production, branding, and digital storytelling. With over 15 years of experience in multimedia design, video production, and content strategy, Richard has produced hundreds of podcast episodes that span topics from relationships to social justice—each one rooted in thoughtful storytelling and a commitment to authenticity.

Drawing from his background in graphic design, marketing, and even a touch of engineering, Richard brings a unique perspective to every project. He believes media has the power to shape how we see the world—and ourselves—and uses that belief to guide the work he does through Crowned Culture Media.

At the heart of his mission is a deep commitment to building powerful, representative media that reflects the richness of underrepresented communities. Through storytelling, Richard seeks to inspire, connect, and empower—proving that our stories don’t just matter, they move people.

crownedculturemedia.com

Instagram @doddsism

doddsism.com

Send us a text

Save 10% on Omnix Golf USA
Use code BUB at checkout to save on the most unique golf bags and accessories.

Receive $20 for Buzzsprout podcasting
Start podcasting with Buzzsprout, the easiest software for hosting, promoting, & tracking your show.

Riverside, record & edit your podcast
We use Riverside and LOVE it! Get an online studio for high-quality recording & simplified editing.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Learn more about the show:
http://bringingupbusiness.com

Send a DM:
https://www.instagram.com/bub.podcast

Text Bringing Up Business:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2426474/open_sms

Buy us a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/bubpodcast