Episode 10: Boundaries, Re-building, & Owning Your Weirdness with Kimberli Hudson
Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun

In this episode of Crafted Connections, I sit down with my powerhouse friend Kimberli Hudson—a serial entrepreneur who has started 13 companies, coached leaders around the globe, and lived through the kind of business failure that would make most people walk away. But Kimberli? She rebuilt, one brave step at a time.

We dive deep into her story of launching a clean tech company, losing over $2 million, navigating long COVID, and rediscovering her voice in the aftermath. Kimberli shares the real talk on money, boundaries, grief, self-trust, and what it actually means to build community when you’re starting over.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

💥 What happens when a big business bet doesn’t work out
 🧠 How curiosity and self-reflection help rebuild resilience
 💸 Money, magical thinking, and the pain of personal over-investment
 🙅‍♀️ What Kimberli learned about boundaries, burnout, and trusting herself again
 🌱 The daily acts of self-love that slowly bring us back to life
 🏘️ Why weirdness is your secret sauce—and how it builds true community

You Can Find Kimberli:
🌐 Website: kimberlihudson.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 Ask about her upcoming support group and money mindset program launching soon!

Need Help Shaping a Story That Actually Feels Like You?
Book a Story Strategy Session.

Whether you're launching something new, reworking your brand, or just feeling a little foggy on how to communicate with your people, this one-hour session is designed to get you unstuck and into alignment. We’ll dig into your narrative, uncover what matters most, and map out creative ways to share your story with confidence. You’ll even get a recording of the session to revisit anytime.

🎥 Book your session and use code PODCAST for 25% off:
https://katelyncalhoun.as.me/story-strategy-session

Join the Conversation:
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod
📬 DM us your questions or guest suggestions!

Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate.

🌟 Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!
 Keep creating, keep connecting, and let’s craft some connections.

Episode 9: Unlearning, Rising, & Killing the Chameleon Reflex with Sarah Khan
Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun

In this episode of Crafted Connections, I sit down with the brilliantly unfiltered Sarah Khan—a strategic growth advisor, leadership consultant, and fierce advocate for women who are ready to stop contorting themselves to fit into the wrong rooms. Sarah shares her journey from small-town survival to corporate burnout to full-throttle reclamation of her voice, her values, and her volume.

Through personal stories of racism, assimilation, burnout, parenting, and finally, the liberation of landing her first TEDx talk, Sarah invites us into the power of saying: “I’m done shrinking.” This episode is raw, hilarious, deeply real—and packed with insights for anyone navigating the space between people-pleasing and full self-expression.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🧠 How childhood racism and a nurse’s offhand comment shaped Sarah’s lifelong chameleon reflex
💥 The moment she realized being liked didn’t mean being valued
🎙 How showing up 100% herself (pajamas and all) finally landed her a TEDx talk
🔥 A spicy take on “community” vs. transactional spaces—and why Sarah is done pretending they’re the same
🌱 Parenting as a mirror for healing generational patterns and showing up fully
📣 The difference between deciding how much of yourself to give—and changing who you are to fit in

You Can Find Sarah:
🎧 Podcast: Business Blasphemy
📘 Book: Bite-Sized Blasphemy (Available on Amazon and wherever you like to buy your books online)
🌐 Website: getcorporaterehab.com
📲 Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

Need Help Shaping a Story That Actually Feels Like You?
Book a Story Strategy Session.

Whether you're launching something new, reworking your brand, or just feeling a little foggy on how to communicate with your people, this one-hour session is designed to get you unstuck and into alignment. We’ll dig into your narrative, uncover what matters most, and map out creative ways to share your story with confidence. You’ll even get a recording of the session to revisit anytime.

🎥 Book your session and use code PODCAST for 25% off:
https://katelyncalhoun.as.me/story-strategy-session

Join the Conversation:
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod
📬 DM us your questions or guest suggestions!

Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate.

🌟 Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!
Keep creating, keep connecting, and let’s craft some connections.

Episode 8: Fluidity, Filmmaking, & Wrestling Piglets with Luke Renner
Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun

In this episode of Crafted Connections, I talk with my friend and creative collaborator Luke Renner—a gifted filmmaker, editor, and storyteller whose work bridges deeply personal healing with expansive, universal themes. We dive into Luke’s two most recent documentary projects—What Lies Inside and When Everyone Swims—and unpack what it means to make art that is both intimate and broad in scope.

Luke reflects on how trauma shaped his first feature-length film, how he navigated the chaos of the editing process, and why releasing a film also meant releasing his need for external approval. We explore water as a visual metaphor, healing as a creative process, and how creative momentum often begins in silence, solitude, and the muck of the unknown.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🎬 How Luke created What Lies Inside, a six-year documentary journey through trauma, healing, and family
🌊 Why water keeps showing up in his work (even when he doesn’t plan it)
🧩 The nonlinear, messy, and sacred process of shaping story from chaos
📽️ What it means to be both in the film and not make the film about yourself
🧠 How releasing a story into the world requires self-trust—and surrender
💡 Advice for fellow storytellers navigating doubt, deadlines, and inner critics

You Can Find Luke:
🌍 Website: lukerenner.com
📣 Next project crowdfunding is launching now—check his site for updates!

Need Help Shaping a Story That Actually Feels Like You?
Book a Story Strategy Session.

Whether you're launching something new, reworking your brand, or just feeling foggy on how to talk to your people, this one-hour session is designed to get you unstuck and into alignment. We'll dig into your narrative, uncover what matters most, and map out creative ways to share your story with confidence. Plus, you’ll get a recording of the session to revisit anytime.

🎥 Book your session and use code PODCAST for 25% off:
https://katelyncalhoun.as.me/story-strategy-session

Join the Conversation:
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod
📬 DM us your questions or guest suggestions!

Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate.

🌟 Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!
Keep creating, keep connecting, and let’s craft some connections.

Episode 7: Curiosity, Sobriety, & the Healing Nature of Stories with Anna Zimmerman

 Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun

In this episode of Crafted Connections, I sit down with my dear friend Anna Zimmerman—a facilitator, former professor, strategic thinker, and someone who lives and leads with deep care. Anna opens up about her personal journey through academia, sobriety, and stepping into a life that centers curiosity, connection, and truth-telling.

We explore the role of storytelling in recovery, why identity shifts can feel like ego deaths, and how defining success on your own terms is both radical and healing. Anna's warmth and wisdom light up every minute of this conversation—and yes, I do compare her to a cozy blanket and cup of tea, because she is.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🧠 Why unlearning old identities is part of growth
 💬 How storytelling shapes sobriety and recovery
 🎓 Leaving academia and redefining professional success
 🌀 Embracing curiosity as a core life value
 💪 Showing up for strength—not aesthetics—in healing your body
 📖 How stories can connect, confine, or liberate us—and why noticing the difference matters

You Can Find Anna:
📷 Instagram: @annagracezimmerman
💼 LinkedIn: Anna Zimmerman

Curious About How Storytelling Can Elevate Your Brand?
Let’s talk.

Calhoun Creative Consulting is a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands like yours tell stories that resonate. Whether you're building a personal brand or crafting a company narrative, we help you show up with clarity, confidence, and connection.

📞 Connect with us here: www.calhouncreativeconsulting.com/contact

Join the Conversation:
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod
📬 DM us your questions or guest suggestions!

Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate.

🌟 Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!
 Keep creating, keep connecting, and let’s craft some connections.

Episode 6: Music, Tenacity & Collaboration with Eric Salazar
Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun

In this episode of Crafted Connections, I’m joined by Eric Salazar—clarinet soloist, composer, teacher, and yes, the Clarinet Guy himself. Eric shares the real, raw story behind building his music career from the ground up: from being told he’d never make it as a professional musician to becoming a full-time artist whose work spans film scores, chamber ensembles, and entrepreneurial mentorship.

We talk about what it means to actually be a creative entrepreneur (hint: not everyone has to be the CEO), the power of persistence, and how collaboration has shaped his approach to both music and business. Plus, we get into the emotional science of music and why storytelling through sound hits us in ways we still don’t fully understand.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🎵 How a childhood love of Tom & Jerry sparked Eric’s lifelong obsession with the clarinet
📚 The rocky (and inspiring) journey of getting into music school
🤝 Why collaboration—not competition—is at the heart of his business strategy
🎶 The hidden emotional power of music in storytelling
🧠 A fresh take on entrepreneurship (and why we need more project managers, not just visionaries)
🔥 The difference between experimentation and replication in creative work

You Can Find Eric:
🌐 Website: ericsalazarclarinet.com
📷 Instagram: @theclarinetguy
🎶 Follow his ensemble: @forwardmotionnewmusic

Curious About How Storytelling Can Elevate Your Brand?
Let’s talk.

Calhoun Creative Consulting is a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands like yours tell stories that resonate. Whether you're building a personal brand or crafting a company narrative, we'll help you show up with clarity, confidence, and connection.

📞 Connect with Us Here: www.calhouncreativeconsulting.com/contact

Join the Conversation:
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod
📬 DM us your questions or guest suggestions!

Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate.

🌟 Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!
 Keep creating, keep connecting, and let’s craft some connections.

Episode 5: Small Steps, Big Impact with Rocky Walls

Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun

In this episode of Crafted Connections, I sit down with Rocky Walls—documentary filmmaker, co-founder of 12 Stars Media, executive director of Hoodox, community builder, and advocate for deep listening. Rocky shares his journey from scrappy startup beginnings to owning a production company, investing in real estate, and contributing to Debbie's Daughters, the family bakery. We talk about the beauty and burnout of dream seasons, why empathy is a creative superpower, and what it really takes to build a life rooted in purpose. Rocky also opens up about his latest film Dirty Laundry, and the ripple effects of telling the truth.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🎬 How Rocky built a storytelling business from scratch—debt, doubt, and all
🥐 Why owning a bakery aligns perfectly with his purpose as a storyteller
📉 The lessons learned from scaling too fast (and how he dialed it back)
🎥 The heart behind Dirty Laundry and what it means to center empathy
🌱 The power of baby steps, true norths, and long-term creative vision
🧠 A real-time mentoring moment between Rocky and Katelyn on business pivots

You Can Find Rocky:
🌍 Website: rockywalls.com
📷 Instagram: @rockywalls
🎞 Check out Dirty Laundry HERE 
📽️ Learn more about Hoodox: watchhoodox.com

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Join the Doc(YOU)mentary Waitlist!
Your story matters. Let’s tell it well.

If you’re ready to bring your story to life through video, images, and unscripted moments, Doc(YOU)mentary is for you! This self-paced course is designed to help you collect, compile, and connect your personal or brand story in a way that resonates.
📩 Join the waitlist today: https://shorturl.at/s5kRN

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Join the Conversation:
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod
📬 DM us your questions or guest suggestions!

Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate.

🌟 Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!
Keep creating, keep connecting, and let’s craft some connections.

Episode 4: The Power of Creativity, Resilience, and Community with Mike Lee

Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun

In this episode of Crafted Connections, I chat with Mike Lee, a videographer, photographer, marathon runner, and community builder who has transformed his creative passions into a thriving career. From a love of storytelling to overcoming physical challenges, Mike shares his journey of persistence, collaboration, and the ever-evolving creative process. We talk about his newfound love for film photography, how he built a career rooted in storytelling, and why community and collaboration are at the heart of his work. Mike also opens up about navigating physical setbacks and how resilience fuels both his artistry and athleticism.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

📸 How Mike fell in love with film photography and why it changed his creative approach

🤝 The role of community and collaboration in his career growth

🎥 How he turned a creative hobby into a thriving business

💪 His journey overcoming physical challenges and what it taught him about resilience

You Can Find Mike: 📷 Instagram: @mikelee_productions

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Join the Doc(YOU)mentary Waitlist!

Your story matters. Let’s tell it well.

If you’re ready to bring your story to life through video, images, and unscripted moments, Doc(YOU)mentary is for you! This self-paced course is designed to help you collect, compile, and connect your personal or brand story in a way that resonates.

📩 Join the waitlist today: https://shorturl.at/s5kRN 

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Join the Conversation:

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod

📬 DM us your questions or guest suggestions!

Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate.

🌟 Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Keep creating, keep connecting, and let’s craft some connections.

Episode 3: SOLO – Five Defining Moments That Shaped Me
Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun

In this solo episode of Crafted Connections, I’m diving deep into five of the most significant and transformative experiences in my life—those moments that shaped my perspective, fueled my creativity, and reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling. From unexpected twists to lessons in resilience, this episode is a personal reflection on growth, change, and how our stories connect us.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
✨ The five pivotal experiences that influenced my path
✨ How challenges can open doors to new opportunities
✨ Why reflecting on what makes you proud strengthens your story and sense of self

🚀 FREE Workshop Reminder! 🚀
I’m teaming up with Patti of BizMagic for a FREE storytelling workshop! If you’re ready to craft and share your story with confidence, don’t miss this chance to learn how to organize your ideas and create meaningful content.

👉 Sign up now: https://www.calhouncreativeconsulting.com/clutter-to-clarity

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform!

✨ Let’s connect! Share your thoughts on this episode on Instagram @craftedconnectionspod and tag me—I’d love to hear your defining moments!

Episode 2: Tech, Storytelling, & Creativity with Patti Meyer

Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun

In this episode of Crafted Connections, we dive into the art of allowing all parts of ourselves to exist—whether in work, play, or moments of uncertainty. My guest, Patti Meyer, has spent over 20 years helping entrepreneurs streamline their businesses, but her journey didn’t start in boardrooms and tech setups. It began in what she lovingly calls the “Hippie House”, a chapter of her early twenties that shaped her belief in community, creativity, and the power of play.

As the CEO and Founder of BizMagic Biz Tech & Management Solutions, Patti helps female and gender-expansive entrepreneurs navigate the overwhelming world of backend business tech. But beyond strategy and automation, she believes in play as a tool for releasing fear, healing ourselves, and unlocking creativity. In this conversation, we talk about honoring our full selves, integrating joy into the everyday, and finding magic in both the structured and the spontaneous.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

✨ How Patti’s time in the “Hippie House” shaped her approach to life and work

🛠️ The power of embracing both structure and play in business

🎨 Why creativity and hands-on making are key to healing and growth

💡 Patti’s philosophy on allowing all parts of ourselves to exist—without compartmentalization

 You can find Patti:

Website: https://bizmagic.co 

Instagram: @bizmagicco

Join Us for a FREE Storytelling Workshop!

Struggling to turn your ideas into a clear, sustainable content system? Join Patti and me for a free 75-minute workshop where we’ll guide you through organizing your ideas and streamlining your storytelling process. Learn how to gather, structure, and share your story with ease!

📅 Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025

⏰ Time: 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM EST

💻 Register here: https://www.calhouncreativeconsulting.com/clutter-to-clarity

Join the Conversation:

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod

📬 DM us your questions or guest suggestions!

Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate.

🌟 Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Keep creating, keep connecting, and let’s craft some connections.

Episode 1: Welcome to Crafted Connections

Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun

Welcome to Crafted Connections! This podcast is all about the power of storytelling and how it helps us build meaningful communities—both online and in real life.

In this inaugural episode, Katelyn shares her philosophy on storytelling as the foundation of connection, drawing from her decade of experience in video production and documentary filmmaking. She introduces the vision for the podcast, which will include solo episodes on storytelling strategies and interviews with incredible humans who are using their stories to create impact.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

✨ The heart behind Crafted Connections

☕ How coffee meetings shaped Katelyn’s storytelling journey

🎙️ The formats you can expect—solo storytelling tips & inspiring guest interviews

📩 How you can connect, ask questions, and even be a guest on the show

Join the Conversation:

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod

📬 DM us your questions or guest suggestions!

Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate.

🌟 Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Keep creating, keep connecting, and let’s craft some connections.