Get ready to be pulled into the incredible journey of Curt and Martha Van Inwegen, founders of Life Elements, a nature-based skin and body care company built on clean ingredient and relentless perseverance. What started at a 4th of July picnic with other makers in Southern California sparked a path to entrepreneurship that would change their lives forever. Now, 20 years later, Life Elements continues to thrive and serve a loyal community that swears by their products. In this episode, you'll hear stories of grit, growth, and the power of staying true to your values no matter the odds.

Try out some of their products on their website- we highly recommend the healing honey stick!

Ever gotten a piece of criticism that stung? Yep, us too. After seven years in business, Chrissy & Ryan have heard it all—and they’re sharing the deets. From recent feedback to unforgettable zingers, they’re breaking down how to handle criticism without letting it ruin your day, sort what’s helpful from what’s not, and even use it to level up your business. Because let’s be real: if you’re running a business, criticism will happen—so let’s talk about how to handle it like a pro and not get sent into a spiral. 

Honestly, this solo quick episode from Chrissy is embarrassing, but maybe helpful? Tune in to hear about a mistake Chrissy made that was discovered a day before leaving the country for 9 days and how it's a reminder to stay on top of all of the worst things about your job. 

You may think that learning about a medical diagnostic imaging center may not relate at all to your business, but we promise the wisdom and experience in this episode is a must listen for all couples running a business together or if you're simply interested in a fascinating business plan. This remote episode dives into the story behind Imago MRI, a couple-owned diagnostic imaging center that’s redefining healthcare by putting patients first. Craig and Dr. Laurel Lemasters openly share the unique, fun, and sometimes challenging experience of launching a business together after spending much of their marriage in very different careers. We talk about their vision for expansion, the role their children play in the business, and the legacy they hope to leave for future generations. Tune on in!

Imago MRI Website
Imago MRI instagram 

Chrissy and Ryan pop in to recap the summer including an exciting work trip for Chrissy, big work change for Ryan, what's brining us joy about Mountain Goat and what's stressing us out. This ep will make you feel better about everything you're behind on in your business and life. Come be friends with us. 

From 1994 to 2014, The Handlebar was the spot to catch live music in a mid-sized venue in Greenville, SC. Chrissy & Ryan saw plenty of shows there, but only recently discovered it was run by a couple—John Jeter and Kathy Laughlin. After leaving their newspaper jobs in Florida in the early 90's, the pair moved to the Upstate with one bold goal: open a music venue, despite having zero experience in the industry. 

In this episode, Chrissy & Ryan sit down with John Jeter, the booking mastermind behind The Handlebar, to hear the venue’s origin story, behind-the-scenes tales, and plenty of marriage-and-business wisdom. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of starting a business—you’ll laugh along with John’s stories and leave inspired to learn more. 

Read more about John's stories of The Handlebar in his book, Rockin' a Hard Place

This episode is unlike anything we’ve done before. Chrissy sits down with health coach and owner of  Berrion Berry to explore how women can optimize their lives—and their businesses—by syncing with their menstrual cycle. It’s a topic that was once considered taboo, but we’re diving into the science behind it to uncover how female entrepreneurs can thrive by working with their bodies, not against them. Plus, we talk about how male partners can better understand and support their female partners’ cycles to improve planning, communication, and overall harmony. This is a fresh, non-traditional way to level up your life and business.

Optimize Your Flo
@berrionlberry

Welcome back to Counselingish—aka free business couples therapy with Chrissy, Ryan, and their bestie/pastor Lee McDerment. Expect plenty of laughs, a few “uh-oh” moments, and the kind of questions only your best friend would dare to ask. 

Corey and Baylee Simpson went from small-town roots to launching multiple businesses including their newest one: a mobile coffee shop in a vintage camper—now evolving into a soon-to-open brick-and-mortar café, currently mid-renovation, with bold expansion plans ahead. In this episode, we explore how their personal journeys led them to offer only gluten-free products, their strategy behind limited-edition merch drops, and the teamwork that makes it all possible. They’re opening this business with another couple, longtime partners in multiple ventures. Along the way, you’ll hear how both couples have learned to play to each other’s strengths—and why, if pride gets in the way, working with your spouse can be a recipe for disaster.

www.crownandbloomcoffee.com

On this interview episode, Ryan puts Chrissy in the hot seat to answer some surprise questions that lead to some deep business insights. We're talking second location, closing down, changing the business model, and more. Tune in to this quick episode to hear more about the ins and outs of this couple running a business together!

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