Hey up folks! Welcome back to Creative Journeys. This episode is a bit of a special one because Lucy and I actually got to record it in person while I was over in the UK! And let’s just say, it involved great conversations, business insights, and… sirloin steak and chips. Priorities, right? 😆

But back to business – today, we’re diving into morning routines and how they can set you up for success. Trust me, how you start your day has a massive impact on how the rest of it unfolds. I’ve had times in my life when my morning routine was on point (walking 10K steps before 9 AM when I was a CEO!) and times when I’ve had to reset and find what works. So, Lucy and I are sharing what we do, what works for us, and how you can craft a routine that sets you up for success too.

In this episode, we chat about:

✅ Why starting your day with intention changes everything (no doom scrolling!)
✅ How movement – whether it’s a walk, a stretch, or a full workout – boosts energy and focus
✅ The importance of fueling your mind with something that sparks creativity and clarity
✅ Why protecting your focus first thing in the morning helps you get the important stuff done

We also dive into meditation, mindset, and even hypnosis (yep, I’m trained in that too!) – all the good stuff that helps you show up as your best self in business and in life.

💬 What’s your go-to morning routine? Do you have one, or are you looking to create one? Let’s chat – drop me a message or tag me on social!

🎧 Listen now and get ready to transform your mornings!

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: @heyupfolks

Connect with Jo Day:

• Hey Up Folks! 👋🏻 Website - https://www.heyupfolks.com
• Hey up Folks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyupfolks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-day-a5b409321/

Connect with Lucy Rennie:

• Website: https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/
• Lucy on Instagram: http://instagram.com/iamlucyrennie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyrennie1/

Welcome to Creative Journeys!

Hey up, folks! I am Jo Day, and welcome back to Creative Journeys, the podcast where we explore the ups, downs, and everything in between when building a creative business. Today, we are diving into the world of podcasting - is it the right move for your business, or just another shiny distraction?

I am joined by my amazing co-host Lucy Rennie, who started her own podcast while writing a book, and together, we unpack the realities of launching a podcast, the tech and strategy you need, and how to make it a valuable business tool instead of an overwhelming time drain.

If you have ever thought about podcasting but felt unsure where to start, this episode will help you decide whether it is the right step for your business growth.

🎧 Listen now and find out if podcasting is your next big move!

Episode Summary

Starting a podcast sounds exciting, but is it actually worth it for your business? In this episode, Lucy Rennie and I break down the truth about podcasting—the good, the bad, and the unexpected.

We cover:
✔️ How Lucy launched her podcast alongside writing her book
✔️ The biggest mistakes new podcasters make (and how to avoid them)
✔️ Why knowing your audience is crucial before you start
✔️ How podcasting can build authority, trust, and long-term business growth
✔️ The tech tools we recommend for a smooth podcasting experience
✔️ Mindset struggles: Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome
✔️ Should you DIY your podcast or hire a production team?

If you are thinking about podcasting but are unsure whether it is the right fit, this episode will give you the clarity you need.

Key Takeaways

📌 Podcasting is a long-term game—you need a content plan to avoid burnout.
📌 Know your WHY—do not start a podcast just because everyone else is doing it.
📌 The right tech matters—we share our recommended software and tools.
📌 Imperfect action beats perfection—done is better than perfect!
📌 Podcasting builds trust—it helps your audience feel like they know you.

Resources & Mentions

🔗 Buzzsprout – Podcast Hosting
🔗 Riverside.fm – Recording Software
🔗 Audacity – Free Editing Software

Love the episode? Here’s how you can support!

⭐ Leave a review on your favourite podcast platform.
📢 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.
🎙️ Subscribe for more creative business insights.

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: @heyupfolks

Connect with Jo Day:

• Hey Up Folks! 👋🏻 Website - https://www.heyupfolks.com
• Hey up Folks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyupfolks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-day-a5b409321/

Connect with Lucy Rennie:

• Website: https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/
• Lucy on Instagram: http://instagram.com/iamlucyrennie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyrennie1/

Hey up, folks! Thanks for joining us on another episode of Creative Journeys with me, Jo Day, and my fabulous co-host, Lucy Rennie. We’ve been promising to dive into our book writing journeys and how it’s impacted our creative and business lives, well, today’s the day!

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Lucy and I share our experiences of writing and publishing books while running businesses both online and in the bricks-and-mortar world. We’ll talk about what motivated us to put pen to paper (or voice to text!), how we overcame challenges, and what impact our books have had on our businesses. Whether you’re considering writing a book or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with honest insights and useful tips.

Key Takeaways:

• How writing a book can boost your credibility and open new doors for your business.
• The different publishing routes—self-publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid options.
• Overcoming writer’s block and finding creative ways to get your words down.
• Why having a publishing deadline (and accountability!) is crucial.
• How to use your book as a marketing tool and authority builder.
• The importance of mindset and overcoming self-doubt when putting your work out there.

Resources and Links Mentioned:

• Jo Day’s books: heyupfolks.com
• Lucy Rennie’s book Clarity, Communication, Connection: Available on Amazon
• Amazon KDP for self-publishing: KDP.com
• Future Proof Club: Iamlucyrennie.com
• Connect with us and ask questions via the “Send us a message” link in the show notes.
• If you are thinking about writing a book this year and need some accountability, let us know! We’d love to support you and hold you accountable to your publishing goals.

Next Episode:
Join us next week as Lucy shares her podcasting journey - why she started, what challenges she faced, and the behind-the-scenes process at Audio & Co. Don't miss it!

Thanks for listening, and remember to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. See you next time! 

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: @heyupfolks

Connect with Jo Day:

• Hey Up Folks! 👋🏻 Website - https://www.heyupfolks.com
• Hey up Folks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyupfolks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-day-a5b409321/

Connect with Lucy Rennie:

• Website: https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/
• Lucy on Instagram: http://instagram.com/iamlucyrennie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyrennie1/

Hey up, folks! In this episode of Creative Journeys, we’re diving into the challenges, lessons, and triumphs that have shaped our entrepreneurial paths. We’re sharing our stories about embracing authenticity, tackling mindset blocks, and practical strategies for growing personally and professionally.

Episode Summary:
This week, we take you through the importance of leveraging past experiences, conquering fears, and finding your unique voice in the business world. From Lucy’s humorous first networking event to Jo’s insights on using data and analytics, we’ve packed this episode with inspiration and actionable advice. Plus, we discuss why setting incremental goals, finding accountability partners, and showing up authentically are key to long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

• How your past experiences shape your unique identity in business.
• Why embracing authenticity is essential for networking and creating content.
• The power of small, realistic goals to build momentum in your journey.
• How data and analytics can help you make better decisions in your business.
• Why accountability, community, and self-development are game-changers for growth.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks.
• Jo's new website: HeyUpFolks.com.
• Lucy’s book: Clarity, Communication, Connection: A practical guide for building solid business foundations. 

Subscribe to Creative Journeys on your favorite podcast platform and check out our YouTube channel. Join us as we share our creative experiment, and let’s grow together! Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts on this week’s episode.

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: @heyupfolks

Connect with Jo Day:

• Hey Up Folks! 👋🏻 Website - https://www.heyupfolks.com
• Hey up Folks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyupfolks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-day-a5b409321/

Connect with Lucy Rennie:

• Website: https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/
• Lucy on Instagram: http://instagram.com/iamlucyrennie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyrennie1/

Welcome, folks!
I’m Jo Day, here with the brilliant Lucy Rennie, as we dive into a bumper episode on the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from corporate life to creative independence. This is the first of a multi-part series exploring the pivotal decisions and creative avenues that have defined our journeys.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Lucy shares her inspiring story of leaving a high-powered corporate role to pursue self-employment and creativity. We delve into her career in corporate communications, her unexpected journey into entrepreneurship, and how personal life events shaped her path. We also discuss the importance of structure, community, and courage when starting something new.

This is a raw, authentic look at the realities of making bold life changes and embracing the unknown.

Key Takeaways

• Life-Changing Moments: How personal events can drive major career decisions.
• Building on Experience: Leveraging corporate skills for entrepreneurial success.
• The Power of Community: How Lucy’s innovative response during the pandemic evolved into the thriving Future Proof Club.
• Facing Fears: Overcoming doubts to forge a new path as a self-employed creative.
• Practical Networking: Strategies for using existing connections to jumpstart a business.

Resources Mentioned

• Future Proof Club: Join Lucy’s community for small business owners.
• Lucy’s bestselling book: Clarity, Communication, and Connection
• Jo’s blog on deleting her LinkedIn account

Get Involved

Do you relate to the big decisions we’ve discussed? Share your thoughts with us, or let us know how you’ve navigated your own creative journey. Connect with us on [social media platforms] or email us directly!

Stay tuned for Part 2, where Lucy and I discuss networking strategies and creative growth. Until then, thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time!

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: @heyupfolks

Connect with Jo Day:

• Hey Up Folks! 👋🏻 Website - https://www.heyupfolks.com
• Hey up Folks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyupfolks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-day-a5b409321/

Connect with Lucy Rennie:

• Website: https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/
• Lucy on Instagram: http://instagram.com/iamlucyrennie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyrennie1/

Hi, everyone! Jo Day here, and Happy New Year! Welcome to Creative Journeys and our first episode of 2025. Lucy and I are diving into one of my favourite exercises to kick off a new year: “Stop, Start, Do More Of.” This quick and focussed episode is packed with practical advice to help you align your life and business goals for the year ahead.

Episode Summary:
In this reflective yet action-oriented episode, Lucy and I lead you through an exercise to identify what we should stop doing, start doing, and do more of in 2025. From clearing out old habits and clutter to developing practices like gratitude and time blocking, we’re giving you tools to focus on what really matters. This is your roadmap to make 2025 your best year yet!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to reflect on 2024 and set clear goals for 2025.
• Strategies to identify what to stop doing in your personal and professional life.
• Simple habits to start, like gratitude practices and decluttering.
• Why doing more of what brings you joy and productivity is a game-changer.
• How tools like time blocking and OKRs can transform your year.

Key Takeaways:

• Stop: Leave behind habits and routines that no longer serve you, from procrastination to perfectionism.
• Start: Embrace practices that create positive momentum, like making your bed daily or decluttering one space at a time.
• Do More Of: Focus on practices that improve your well-being and productivity, such as prioritizing sleep or using time-blocking methods.
• Visualize December 2025 to work backward and create actionable steps toward your goals.
• Reflect, review, and refine your plans consistently to stay aligned.

Challenge of the Week:
Take 30 minutes to complete your “Stop, Start, Do More Of” exercise. Reflect on what habits, actions, or routines you can leave behind, introduce, and amplify to align with your 2025 goals.

Call to Action:
Thanks for joining me on this first step into 2025! If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share your “Stop, Start, Do More Of” exercises with us on social media. Let’s make this year extraordinary together.

Here’s to 2025 being your most aligned, intentional year yet!

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: @heyupfolks

Connect with Jo Day:

• Hey Up Folks! 👋🏻 Website - https://www.heyupfolks.com
• Hey up Folks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyupfolks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-day-a5b409321/

Connect with Lucy Rennie:

• Website: https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/
• Lucy on Instagram: http://instagram.com/iamlucyrennie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyrennie1/

Merry Christmas and welcome to Creative Journeys!

Hi, I’m Lucy Rennie, and in this festive episode, I’m joined by the amazing Jo Day as we reflect on the past year and plan for the next. This time of year is perfect for slowing down, taking stock, and setting intentions. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or simply looking to grow, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you turn the page into 2025 with clarity and purpose.

Episode Highlights

🎄 The Power of Reflection
This Christmas Day, I’m encouraging you to pause and look back at the year gone by. Think of it as your “first draft” a chance to evaluate, refine, and reimagine your story for the next chapter.

✨ Lessons from 2024

• I’ve learned the importance of letting go of ego, perfectionism, and things that no longer serve me.
• Setting boundaries and focusing on what matters most has been transformational.

✨ Jo’s Reflections
Jo shares her pride in launching the Brunchi Shop, a dream come true, and her discovery of the joy and value in face-to-face connections.

📚 Practical Takeaways

• Reflect on the past year as a book: What chapters stand out? What would you edit or remove?
• Identify the main characters in your story, are you spending time with the right people?
• Answer three key questions for 2025:
  1. What will I stop doing?
  2. What will I start doing?
  3. What will I do more of?

My Favourite Reflection Tools

💡 Take time to meditate, journal, or simply go for a walk. These quiet moments help spark insights into what’s working, what isn’t, and where you want to go.

Episode Extras

🎁 I’ve put together a Reflection Worksheet to guide you through this process. Download it here.
🌟 If you want to go deeper, reach out for my workshop on setting meaningful goals for 2025!

Let’s Connect

We'd love to hear how you’re reflecting and planning for the year ahead. Share your thoughts and takeaways with us on social media or in the comments.

Final Thoughts

Let’s turn the page together and write a fantastic next chapter for 2025. Merry Christmas, and here’s to a New Year filled with creativity, clarity, and courage.

✨ Until next time, stay creative!

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: @heyupfolks

Connect with Jo Day:

• Hey Up Folks! 👋🏻 Website - https://www.heyupfolks.com
• Hey up Folks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyupfolks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-day-a5b409321/

Connect with Lucy Rennie:

• Website: https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/
• Lucy on Instagram: http://instagram.com/iamlucyrennie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyrennie1/

Welcome to Creative Journeys!
Hi, it’s Lucy Rennie here, and I’m joined by my fabulous co-host, Jo Day. In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s absolutely crucial for businesses of all shapes and sizes - the Unique Selling Point, or USP. Jo’s passion for helping businesses uncover what makes them stand out is contagious, and we’re so excited to explore this with you.

Key Takeaways:

1. What is a USP?
   • Your USP is what makes your business stand out in a crowded market, helping customers choose you over your competitors.
   • It’s not just about what you sell, it’s about why you’re different.
2. Why is a USP important?
   • In a competitive landscape, your USP gives customers a reason to connect with your brand. It simplifies their decision-making process and builds loyalty.
3. Jo’s Doughnut Story:
   • A real-life example of how discovering a USP can transform your business. For Jo, it started with observing a café’s innovative doughnuts in Japan and led to refining her shop's USP around Lanzarote wine, craft beer, and Japanese whisky.
4. How to Find Your USP:
   • Reflect on your passions and strengths.
   • Get feedback from your customers.
   • Don’t fear starting broad and narrowing down over time.
   • Focus on impact, not perfection — evolution is key!
5. Barriers to Finding a USP:
   • Fear of being different.
   • Over-comparing yourself to competitors.
   • Trying to appeal to everyone.

Summary

Your USP is the magic ingredient that makes your business memorable and irresistible. Whether it’s a standout product, a unique customer experience, or simply your own personality shining through, your USP is what will keep your customers coming back for more. As Jo’s story illustrates, it’s not just about having a good idea; it’s about continuously listening, refining, and being bold enough to stand out.

Call to Action

• Discover Your USP: Take some time this week to reflect on what makes your business unique. Jot down ideas, ask your customers for feedback, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
• Join Us on Social Media: Share your USP or doughnut moment with us using the hashtag #CreativeJourneysPodcast!
• Visit Jo’s Shop: If you’re in Lanzarote, stop by Brunchi to try a glass of Lanzarote wine, craft beer, or Japanese whisky. Check out their stunning window display for a taste of the doughnut effect in action!

Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review if you enjoyed this episode. See you next week!

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: @heyupfolks

Connect with Jo Day:

• Hey Up Folks! 👋🏻 Website - https://www.heyupfolks.com
• Hey up Folks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyupfolks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-day-a5b409321/

Connect with Lucy Rennie:

• Website: https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/
• Lucy on Instagram: http://instagram.com/iamlucyrennie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyrennie1/

In this episode, Jo Day and Lucy Rennie dive into the heart of what makes a business truly memorable and successful—building a brand from the inside out. Many people think branding is just about logos and taglines, but Lucy breaks down why the core of a sustainable, impactful brand starts much deeper.

Whether you’re a business owner, a team leader, or just curious about branding, this episode offers actionable insights to help you create a brand that resonates and builds loyalty with your customers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why branding is about more than logos and visuals.
• How to navigate a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) world in business.
• The importance of vision, values, and purpose in building a sustainable brand.
• Real-life examples of businesses thriving through an inside-out approach.
• How to engage employees and customers authentically to build trust and loyalty.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start with Clarity: Define your vision and purpose. Why does your business exist, and what’s the ultimate goal?
2. Identify Core Values: Align your decisions and actions with these values to ensure authenticity and consistency.
3. Engage Your Team: Involve employees in shaping and living your brand values. Shared purpose leads to better teamwork and stronger customer relationships.
4. Focus on Customer Experience: Build your brand by making customers feel valued. This emotional connection fosters repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.
5. Create from the Inside Out: Your external brand identity—logo, tagline, messaging—should reflect the internal culture and values of your business.

Actionable Steps for Listeners:

1. Reflect on your “tummy flip” moments—what excites you most about your business?
2. Identify your top five values using a timer or playlist to make the process fun and instinctive.
3. Imagine your customers’ feedback as if you were a fly on the wall. Are they saying what you hope they would? If not, adjust your processes to align with your brand goals.

Resources Mentioned:
📜 Values Exercise: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/ 
📖 Clarity, Communication and Connection by Lucy Rennie: https://tinyurl.com/46jv5d4n
🎨 Design tools like Canva: https://www.canva.com 

Join the Conversation:
💬 What are your top five values? How do they shape your business or brand? Share your insights in the comments or on social media using the hashtag #CreativeJourneysPodcast!

Next Episode Preview:
Get ready to uncover what makes your business truly stand out in a crowde

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: @heyupfolks

Connect with Jo Day:

• Hey Up Folks! 👋🏻 Website - https://www.heyupfolks.com
• Hey up Folks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyupfolks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-day-a5b409321/

Connect with Lucy Rennie:

• Website: https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/
• Lucy on Instagram: http://instagram.com/iamlucyrennie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyrennie1/

Hey up Folks! I’m Jo Day, and welcome to the very first episode of Creative Journeys, the podcast where we explore stories, strategies, and experiences that shape successful small businesses and entrepreneurs. Alongside me is my amazing co-host, Lucy Rennie. Together, we’ll be diving deep into how our diverse career paths, from corporate giants to solo ventures—have shaped who we are today and how they can inspire your journey too.

Episode Summary
In this premiere episode, Jo Day and Lucy Rennie share their personal and professional journeys, showcasing how their extensive corporate experiences shaped their entrepreneurial paths. Lucy recounts her rise through the ranks in multinational companies, handling multimillion-euro budgets, and her eventual pivot to helping SMEs build sustainable brands through communication strategies. Jo shares her story of managing large-scale energy sector projects, transitioning to consultancy, and starting her own business in Lanzarote.

This episode unpacks the lessons learned from high-pressure boardrooms to running small businesses, highlighting the importance of clear communication, authentic leadership, and the courage to embrace imperfection. Jo and Lucy also touch on balancing passion with practicality and how the core principles of large organisations can be adapted for solopreneurs and SMEs.

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, an SME owner, or simply curious about navigating creative careers, this episode is packed with insights, real-life stories, and actionable advice.

Key Takeaways

• Bring Corporate Lessons to Small Business: Learn how to distil the structure and systems of corporate life into manageable, practical strategies for small businesses.
• The Power of Communication: How clear messaging can build trust, enhance relationships, and create a strong brand foundation.
• Embrace Your Authentic Self: Success doesn’t require perfection; staying true to yourself creates meaningful connections with your audience.
• From Big Budgets to Small Startups: Leveraging past experiences to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth in smaller ventures.

Thanks so much for joining us on this exciting first episode of Creative Journeys! We’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a review, share the episode with a friend, or connect with us on social media. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Stay curious and keep creating.

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: @heyupfolks

Connect with Jo Day:

• Hey Up Folks! 👋🏻 Website - https://www.heyupfolks.com
• Hey up Folks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyupfolks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-day-a5b409321/

Connect with Lucy Rennie:

• Website: https://www.iamlucyrennie.com/
• Lucy on Instagram: http://instagram.com/iamlucyrennie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyrennie1/