Chicks Who Give a Hoot

In this episode, they chat about:

• why avoiding business structure is often rooted in fear, not capability

• how burnout can signal it's time to work smarter, not harder

• the connection between brand positioning and pricing power

• why confidence often follows action — not the other way around

• the power of building a platform before you fully embody it

Resources + Links:

Learn more about Luxe Baby Custom Newborn Care at www.luxebabycare.com

Follow Marisa on Social Media: Instagram | @luxebabycareFacebook | Luxe Baby Custom Newborn Care

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Chicks Who Give A Hoot podcast, host Sara Chambers sits down with her former client, Marisa Rodriguez, to talk about what it really takes to step into the next level of your business — especially when you don't yet see yourself as "that kind of person." Together, they unpack the fear behind avoiding structure, the burnout that forces clarity, and the identity shift required to move from skilled practitioner to confident CEO. Marisa shares the turning point that pushed her to stop playing small, invest in elevated positioning, and build a brand that could attract the caliber of clients she knew she was capable of serving. The conversation is an honest look at visibility, vulnerability, and why confidence often follows action — not the other way around.

Marisa Rodriguez is the founder of Luxe Baby Custom Newborn Care, a private newborn and postpartum care company serving modern families nationwide. After years of traveling from placement to placement and working primarily through agencies, Marisa made the decision to build a platform that reflected the luxury-level clients she was already supporting. Today, she is expanding into placements, increasing national visibility through media and public speaking, and scaling her business with intention — proving that growth doesn't begin with certainty, but with the willingness to rise to the version of yourself your vision requires.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:18 Meet Marisa Rodriguez

01:56 From W-2 Work to LLC

03:14 Burnout, Moving to Phoenix & Choosing a Bigger Platform

04:55 The Professional Glow-Up

06:40 New Opportunities

07:49 Where to Find Marisa

In this episode, they chat about:

• redefining success beyond hustle culture

• building a business that aligns with family, values, and real life

• embracing personal rhythm and steady growth

• scaling without losing purpose or identity

• the power of being in the right rooms and communities

Resources + Links:

Shop SEE Salt and explore the story behind the brand at www.seesalttaste.com

Follow along with Jessica and the SEE Salt journey on Instagram: @seasalttaste

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Chicks Who Give A Hoot podcast, host Sara Chambers sits down with her longtime friend Jessica Helgeson to talk about building a business that actually fits your life. Together, they explore redefining success beyond hustle culture, embracing seasonality in business, and why being steady can be just as powerful as scaling fast. Jessica shares honest insights on finding the right communities for growth, maintaining purpose while expanding a brand, and building something meaningful without losing yourself in the process—offering a refreshing perspective for women entrepreneurs focused on substance over hype.

Jessica Helgeson is the co-founder of SEE Salt, a French finishing salt company she built alongside her mother using the same mineral-rich salt she grew up with at her family table. For more than a decade, Jessica has led SEE Salt with intention, prioritizing quality, sustainability, and long-term vision while balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. Her approach proves that success doesn't require burnout—and that it's possible to grow a purpose-driven brand while honoring family, values, and personal rhythm.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:18 Meet Jessica Helgeson

02:13 Jessica's Business Journey and Insights

04:55 Scaling and Learning in the CPG Industry

06:40 Community and Validation in Business

08:53 Jessica's Future Goals

10:03 Conclusion and Where to Find Jessica

In this episode, they chat about:

• why play isn't frivolous—it's a powerful unlock for creativity, clarity, and problem-solving

• how stepping away from strategy and pressure creates new perspectives and momentum

• redefining play as joyful, low-stakes moments with no outcome attached

• why letting yourself "suck" at something builds trust, patience, and creative resilience

• how romanticizing your life can support sustainable, meaningful work

Resources + Links:

Learn more about the Smyth House at www.thesmythhouse.com

Follow the Smyth House on social Instagram | @smyth_houseTikTok | @smythhouse

Connect with Meredith Instagram | @meredithsmythLinkedIn | Meredith Smyth

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, Sara is joined by long-time friend and fellow creative Meredith Smyth. They discuss their shared journey in the creative realm and delve into the transformative power of creativity and play. Meredith, an experienced professional in the business of ideas and interior design, shares her insight that everyone possesses creativity and highlights how play can unlock innovative thinking and problem-solving. She emphasizes the importance of integrating fun and non-obligatory activities into life to foster a creative mindset. The conversation underscores that engaging in playful endeavors can lead to fresh perspectives and greater efficiency in addressing challenges. Meredith also talks about her work at Smyth House, a luxury interior design firm, and how she helps clients create unique, personalized spaces. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Meredith on social media. The episode is a profound exploration of how play and creativity enrich our lives and thinking processes.

Meredith Smyth is a contagious personality in the creative world, known for her unwavering determination and infectious laughter. She is an idea maven and a change maker who believes in the power of transformation. Her luxury interior design firm, Smyth House, is a testament to her leadership skills and community-driven approach. The firm's design work is nothing short of unexpected magic.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:18 Meet Meredith Smyth

02:00 Meredith's Journey in Creativity

02:56 The Power of Play in Creativity

06:11 Romanticizing Life Through Creativity

07:13 Embracing Imperfection and Enjoying the Process

08:37 Conclusion and Where to Find Meredith

In this episode, they chat about:

• why diet culture's all-or-nothing mindset keeps people stuck

• the psychology behind weight loss and body confidence

• letting go of perfectionism, shame, and pass/fail thinking

• treating behavior change as an experiment, not a failure

• why you don't need to change your body to start living fully

Resources + Links:

Visit Lizzie's Website at www.confidentbody.coach

Get Lizzie's Book — LIGHT: The New Psychology of Weight Loss https://www.amazon.com/LIGHT-New-Psychology-Weight-Loss/dp/B0GGDZJQZT

Connect with LizzieInstagram | @coachlizzie.merritt LinkedIn | Lizzie Merritt, M.Ed.

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, Sara welcomes guest Lizzie Merritt to discuss the journey of self-discovery and body positivity. Lizzie shares her experiences of overcoming diet culture and learning to love her body through self-acceptance and the scientific method of weight loss. They delve into Lizzie's new book, 'Light: The New Psychology of Weight Loss,' exploring the themes of emotional eating, motivation, and the importance of autonomy in personal health journeys. The conversation emphasizes the need to break free from rigid dieting rules and embrace a more nuanced understanding of body positivity.

Lizzie Merritt is a professional weight loss coach dedicated to helping women feel confident in their bodies and believe in themselves again. After struggling with imposter syndrome and countless diets, she discovered that sustainable weight loss isn't just about food and exercise—but about understanding the brain science and psychology that shape our habits. Lizzie's approach blends science, empathy, and individuality to support clients in overcoming hidden barriers and creating lasting change. She's also a Certified Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach, Life Coach School–certified coach, and No BS Advanced Certified Weight Loss Coach—and brings her vibrant personality (from superhero fandom to Spartan races!) to every coaching session.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:18 Meet Lizzie Merritt

02:27 Lizzie's Journey to Self-Love

03:09 The Inspiration Behind 'You Are a Miracle'

03:53 Introducing 'Light: The New Psychology of Weight Loss'

06:57 The Nuances of Body Positivity and Diet Culture

09:53 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode, Sara talks about:

• why personal branding matters more heading into 2026

• the rise of a "trust recession"

• AI's impact on credibility and content

• credibility as the new scarce resource

• why sameness—not saturation—is the real problem

• why service providers should not brand like content creators

• the importance of focus and specialization

• why aesthetics don't solve trust problems

• choosing positioning over popularity

• integrity as a long-term brand advantage

• the evolution of personal branding

Resources + Links:

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

In this episode of Chicks Who Give a Hoot, Sara delves into why personal branding is becoming a critical asset this 2026, especially in light of the rise of AI and the erosion of trust. The episode discusses a 'trust recession,' differentiates between branding for service providers and content creators, and highlights why positioning is more important than aesthetics for building credibility and income. She also emphasizes the importance of authenticity, deep experience, and intentional branding in a world where content is abundant but credibility is rare.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:18 Introduction to Personal Branding in 2026

02:02 The Trust Recession and AI's Impact

03:05 The Importance of Credibility and Reputation

04:49 Service Providers vs. Content Creators

07:12 The Pitfalls of Relying on Aesthetics

08:00 The Power of Positioning

08:41 Final Thoughts on Personal Branding

A New Season of Chicks Who Give a Hoot: Why We're Going Shorter, Sharper, and More Intentional

In this episode, Sara talks about:

• relaunching the podcast with a clear reset and new direction

• the overwhelm of today's crowded, AI-heavy content landscape

• why the show is shifting to concise, 10-minute episodes

• using a journalism mindset to lead with one strong idea

• focusing each episode on a single, practical takeaway

• centering conversations on business, branding, visibility, and impact

• aligning the new format with the nonprofit mission and respect for listeners' time

Resources + Links:

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit

Show Notes:

In this episode of Chicks Who Give a Hoot, Sara announces a major format change for the podcast. Moving forward, episodes will be condensed to 10 minutes to deliver focused, actionable insights at the intersection of business, branding, visibility, and impact. This decision comes in response to the overwhelming content ecosystem and the need for clarity and precision. Sara also shares her commitment to serving the audience with meaningful content that respects their time and attention.

01:18 Welcome to a New Season of the Podcast

02:09 The Overwhelming Content Ecosystem

04:25 The Decision to Change the Format

05:31 The New 10-Minute Format

06:42 The Bigger Ecosystem and Substack

07:50 The Nonprofit Mission and Commitment

08:26 What to Expect Moving Forward

09:14 Conclusion

In this episode, they chat about:

• Jenn's early experiences with bullying, body image, and learning to avoid visibility

• how losing 100 pounds led her to discover the power of story and eventually build Weightless Chronicles.

• the contrast between Sara's lifelong comfort on stage and Jen's slow journey toward confidence and presence

• how Toastmasters unexpectedly opened the door to speaking and helped Jen recognize her message creates impact

• why clarifying your core message and signature speech is essential before seeking any stage

• the importance of choosing a message you can speak about for years—not just something you can talk about for 30 minutes.

• the danger of constantly customizing talks and why consistent messaging builds brand recognition.

• different speaking models—free speaking, selling from stage, and paid keynotes—and how to choose based on your goals.

• how speaking expands visibility for entrepreneurs through audience growth, authority, and valuable video assets.

• why women must confidently ask for compensation and claim their value on stages.

• the role of clear calls to action—and why they shouldn't be saved for the last two minutes.

• practical ways to find speaking opportunities by researching similar speakers and building a simple booking system.

Resources + Links:

Learn more about Jenn's work at weightlesschronicles.com

Subscribe to Jenn's YouTuba channel and learn how to show up confidently | YT: Jenn Espinosa-Goswami

Connect with Jenn Instagram | @ jennspingoLinkedIn | Jenn Espinosa-Goswami

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, Sara interviews Jenn Espinosa-Goswami about how to harness the power of public speaking to grow visibility, authority, and brand. Jenn shares her personal journey from being shy and bullied to becoming a successful speaker, opening up about her weight loss transformation and how Toastmasters helped her develop her public speaking skills. They discuss the various models of speaking, including free dinner speaking and paid keynote opportunities, and emphasize the importance of having a clear, intentional message. Jenn provides insights on leveraging speaking opportunities for entrepreneurship, understanding and aligning speaking goals, and finding speaking engagements. She also offers actionable tips and resources, including her masterclasses and a customizable speaker booking system, to help listeners get started on their speaking journeys.

Jenn Espinosa-Goswami, ACC, MAL is an ICF-certified public speaking coach, award-winning trainer and Founder of Weightless LLC. A former Toastmasters International officer and graduate of the Masters of Leadership program at Augsburg University, Jenn helps entrepreneurs speak more clearly, consistently and confidently through public speaking. Over the past 16 years, Jenn has presented to thousands of executives and entrepreneurs, and has been featured on Women's Health, Reader's Digest and Authority Magazine. Prior to starting her company, Jenn served as a certified fraud examiner within Fortune 500 financial companies. You can find Jenn on the lake in her homestate of Minnesota.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:57 Meet Jenn Espinosa-Goswami

01:53 Jenn's Journey to the Stage

03:34 Finding Your Signature Story

06:21 The Power of Public Speaking

10:33 Steps to Start Speaking

15:43 Different Speaking Models

24:45 Monetizing Your Message

28:53 Finding Speaking Opportunities

32:38 Where to Find Jenn

In this episode, they chat about:

• what embodiment truly means beyond the buzzword, and how Domini personally defines it.

• the feeling of having a spirit "too big" for the body and how inhibition, conditioning, and permission influence that experience.

• the role of agency, pacing, and self-permission in expanding into your full embodied self.

• learning to separate internal truth from external narratives and recognizing the voices that shape your self-perception.

• using visualization, meditation, and humorous reframing to distinguish "your stuff" from the world's projections.

• practical somatic tools—touch, dry scrubbing, body tapping, proprioceptive practices, resistance, weight training—to reconnect to physical presence.

• how resistance and collision help the nervous system understand where you are in space and build strength, agency, and embodiment.

• the parallels between somatic therapy and talk therapy, and how the nervous system integrates emotional and physical information.

• transforming old emotional patterns by thanking them, validating their purpose, and releasing them.

• simple grounding prompts—"What do I see? What do I feel? What do I hear?"—to bring yourself back into your body in real time.

• how the body operates as a guide and teacher, and why attunement is key to embodiment.

Resources + Links:

Charith Denson Instagram | @charithdensonWebsite | atthemonastery.com Christy Anderson Instagram | @coachchristyWebsite | christyandersoncoaching.com Kendra Sanchez Instagram | @kendrasanchez.art Website | kendrasanchez.com Liz Brinkman Website | onthebrinknutrition.com

Be part of the Do It Fat movement. Visit doitfatbook.com to learn more about the book and see where you can celebrate with Sara at upcoming launch events!

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

In this episode—recorded live during the Do It Fat book-launch event—Sara brings together a beautiful circle of friends and early beta readers: Charith Denson, Christy Anderson, Kendra Sanchez, and Liz Brinkman.

The conversation is heartfelt and emotional as they share their first reactions to the manuscript, reflect on triggering moments, and unpack the messages that resonated most deeply with them. Together, Sara and her beta readers explore themes of body image, societal expectations, language reclamation, and personal growth, weaving in thoughtful critiques and vulnerable personal anecdotes.

They dive into the importance of redefining the words we use around body size, the transformative impact of reading the book, and the power of fully embodying self-acceptance. The episode closes with a hopeful lens on how readers can integrate these lessons into their own lives—and inspire others to do the same.

This episode is part of our Do It Fat Mini-Series, a special collection of conversations leading up to the launch of Sara's debut book, Do It Fat. Join us each week as we unpack the stories, research, and reflections behind the movement — all about body acceptance, self-worth, and taking up space unapologetically.

01:39 Meet the Panelists

02:17 Initial Reactions to the Book

03:46 Personal Stories and Reflections

08:11 Impact of the Book

09:50 Excerpts and Key Takeaways

19:51 Moving Forward: Applying the Lessons

31:24 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode, they chat about:

• what embodiment truly means beyond the buzzword, and how Domini personally defines it.

• the feeling of having a spirit "too big" for the body and how inhibition, conditioning, and permission influence that experience.

• the role of agency, pacing, and self-permission in expanding into your full embodied self.

• learning to separate internal truth from external narratives and recognizing the voices that shape your self-perception.

• using visualization, meditation, and humorous reframing to distinguish "your stuff" from the world's projections.

• practical somatic tools—touch, dry scrubbing, body tapping, proprioceptive practices, resistance, weight training—to reconnect to physical presence.

• how resistance and collision help the nervous system understand where you are in space and build strength, agency, and embodiment.

• the parallels between somatic therapy and talk therapy, and how the nervous system integrates emotional and physical information.

• transforming old emotional patterns by thanking them, validating their purpose, and releasing them.

• simple grounding prompts—"What do I see? What do I feel? What do I hear?"—to bring yourself back into your body in real time.

• how the body operates as a guide and teacher, and why attunement is key to embodiment.

Resources + Links:

Follow Domini on Instagram | @domini_anne

Explore Domini's blog for musings, teachings, and movement-based analogies at dominianne.com

Access Domini's free library of guided movement videos, exercises, and somatic tools at her YouTube channel | Domini Anne

Be part of the Do It Fat movement. Visit doitfatbook.com to learn more about the book and see where you can celebrate with Sara at upcoming launch events!

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

In this episode of The Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, Sara welcomes Domini Anne, a movement instructor, clothing designer, and creative director with a mission to help people love living in their bodies. They discuss the concept of embodiment, which is the focus of the upcoming book 'Do It Fat, an Unapologetic Guide to Taking Up More Space.' Domini delves into the importance of feeling comfortable and confident in one's body and provides practical tools for achieving this state. She explains the concept of inhibition and offers insights into the nervous system's role in feeling present and grounded. Domini shares various methods to get out of one's head and into the body, including physical exercises, self-massage, and attuning to one's observations. The episode emphasizes that understanding and integrating the messages from one's body can lead to greater self-awareness and empowerment.

This episode is part of our Do It Fat Mini-Series, a special collection of conversations leading up to the launch of Sara's debut book, Do It Fat. Join us each week as we unpack the stories, research, and reflections behind the movement — all about body acceptance, self-worth, and taking up space unapologetically.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:58 Meet Domini Anne

02:28 Domini Anne's Background and Mission

05:08 Defining Embodiment

08:52 Tools for Embodiment and Self-Agency

20:18 Practical Exercises for Embodiment

27:12 Mind-Body Connection and Therapy

34:12 Where to Find Domini Anne

In this episode, they chat about:

• Camellia Jade's journey as a body confidence advocate and founder of Confidera and the Body Confidence Dance Party.

• what it means to be a "body confidence advocate" and how Camellia began helping women embrace their bodies.

• her personal path to body confidence, including confronting internalized negative self-talk.

• the creation of the series Your Body Is Not the Problem, Your Clothes Are and the power of social media to show real bodies.

• insights on body dysmorphia and shifting self-perception through mirror work and positive language.

• the inspiration and impact of the Body Confidence Party as a safe, empowering space for women to celebrate themselves.

• community, connection, and the sisterhood that grows through these events, with plans to expand to new cities.

• reflections on language, vulnerability, and redefining notions of strength, insecurity, and "enough."

• the intersection of fashion and confidence—how clothing choices influence mood, relationships, and daily life.

• Camellia's three pillars of confidence: public speaking, the Body Confidence Party, and her Confidera clothing line.

• discussions on agency, rejecting size binaries, and reclaiming language, including the word "fat."

• giving back: Camellia's commitment to donating $1 per order to women's and girls' charities.

Resources + Links:

Follow Camellia on Instagram | @camellia_jade

Explore her clothing line Confidera, learn about the Body Confidence Party, or book a virtual style session at camelliajade.com — and feel good knowing that $1 from every order is donated each month to support women's and girls' charities.

Be part of the Do It Fat movement. Visit doitfatbook.com to learn more about the book and see where you can celebrate with Sara at upcoming launch events!

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

In this episode of The Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, Sara welcomes Camellia Jade, a body confidence advocate and owner of a fashion brand. The conversation dives into Camellia's journey towards body confidence, highlighting her transformative experiences and her mission to empower women to embrace their bodies. They discuss the impact of societal and personal narratives on body image, the significance of vulnerability, and the importance of creating safe spaces for women to express themselves, such as through Camellia's Body Confidance Parties. Camellia also shares details about her clothing line, Confidera, and how it aims to boost daily confidence for women. This episode is a celebration of self-love, empowerment, and the journey towards body positivity.

This episode is part of our Do It Fat Mini-Series, a special collection of conversations leading up to the launch of Sara's debut book, Do It Fat. Join us each week as we unpack the stories, research, and reflections behind the movement — all about body acceptance, self-worth, and taking up space unapologetically.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:59 Meet Camellia Jade

02:16 Camellia Jade's Journey to Body Confidence

06:47 The Power of Representation and Self-Acceptance

09:48 The Body Confidance Party

23:01 Expanding the Movement and Personal Growth

32:04 Where to Find Camellia