Easy Style with Sami

Sami Bedell-Mulhern discusses her journey of reevaluating her business and personal commitments for 2025. She reflects on the founding of her marketing business in 2017 and the subsequent launch of Color Street and her blog/podcast. Sami emphasizes the importance of aligning commitments with personal and professional goals, sharing insights from Amber McCue's Plan-A-Thon. She encourages listeners to share their 2025 commitments and stay accountable.

In this episode we discuss - Sami's approach to planning for 2025 and the personal reflections that led her there - The importance of evaluating your commitments and aligning them with your goals - Strategies for balancing work and personal life responsibilities - Sami's journey to show up more authentically, both in her business and personal life - The power of kindness and understanding in today's divided world

Want to skip ahead? [06:26] What are you committed to doing? [08:44] How do you want to frame your day? [16:53] Determining my own identity. [20:35] Power of kindness! We are more alike than we are different.

Resources Amber McCue's The Planathon: https://ambermccue.com/blog/the-planathon/ Digital Marketing Therapy podcast: https://www.thefirstclick.net/podcast/

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In this episode of Easy Style with Sami, host Sami Bedell-Mulhern sits down with London Brazil, creator of the food blog Evolving Table. They discuss London's journey from dental school to building a successful food blog, her decision to rebrand, and the emotional challenges that came with leaving a stable career. London shares her insights on finding one's unique style, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of pursuing what truly makes you happy. Sami and London also touch on topics such as developing a distinct brand, catering to various diets, and the collaborative nature of the food blogging community.

In this episode we discuss - How London transitioned from dentistry to food blogging - The emotional challenges of leaving a stable career path - The importance of finding support and validation from loved ones - London's approach to developing a unique food blogging style - The behind-the-scenes of creating a successful cookbook

Want to skip ahead? [07:33] Embracing change and following your passions, even if they differ from your original plans, can lead to unexpected fulfillment. [10:43] The food blogging community can be a valuable resource for learning and support, especially when navigating new technical skills. [13:07] Focusing on solving a specific problem for your audience can help you stand out in a crowded market. [18:48] Setting aggressive timelines and deadlines can be a powerful motivator when pursuing a big goal, like publishing a cookbook. [21:15] Protecting your creative process by managing comparison and imposter syndrome is crucial for long-term success.

Resources Evolving Table Food Blog: http://evolvingtable.com/ [cookbook] Turn Everyday. Dinner Into Weeknight Winners – Use code EASYSTYLE10 for 10% off

London Brazil Food Blogger www.instagram.com/evolvingtable/ www.facebook.com/evolvingtable/ www.pinterest.com/evolvingtable/ https://www.tiktok.com/@evolvingtable https://www.youtube.com/@evolvingtable

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In this conversation, Sami reconnects with her longtime friend and colleague, Ruth Ann Burke. Ruth Ann has been a fixture in the Okoboji Summer Theater community for over two decades, and her story is a testament to the power of embracing change and following unexpected paths.

While her path wasn't exactly what she expected initially, each opportunity brought new challenges as well as great rewards. Her success is a testament to trusting her gut, being open, and having the right partner by her side. Now, it's time to see what the future holds as the next phase in her life and career begin!

In this episode we discuss - How Ruth Ann's background in dance led her to a career in theater marketing and philanthropy - The unique culture and community within the theater world, and how it impacted Ruth Ann's family - The challenges and joys of balancing career and family as a freelancer and nonprofit professional - Ruth Ann's insights on navigating life's changes and embracing new opportunities - The exciting plans for the future of the Okoboji Summer Theater

Want to skip ahead? [07:08] Balancing career and family requires intentionality, a support system, and a willingness to make sacrifices. [10:02] The theater community fosters a unique culture of openness, self-expression, and support. [25:57] Being open to unexpected opportunities can lead to extraordinary experiences. [30:12] Embracing change, even when it's uncomfortable, is essential for growth and new possibilities. [31:30] Leaving a legacy and giving back to the community are important considerations as we navigate the next chapters of our lives.

Resources Okoboji Summer Theater: https://www.stephens.edu/academics/conservatory-for-the-performing-arts/ost/

Ruth Ann Burke Executive Director, Okoboji Summer Theatre Ruth Ann currently works as the Conservatory's director of engagement and just completed her 25th season at the Okoboji Summer Theatre. Prior to returning to campus in 2007, she worked in marketing and public relations in Seattle. Burke is a proud alumna of Stephens College earning both her BFA degree in Dance and a Master's in Business Administration and also holds a Master's in Communications from Drake University.

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In this episode, Sami sits down with Dr. Cindy Starke, a medical professional who has taken an unconventional path to find fulfillment. Cindy shares her powerful story of overcoming a challenging childhood, sexual abuse, and family struggles to pursue her education and build a successful career. But her journey didn't stop there.

• Cindy's inspiring story of resilience and determination
• How she used education as a way to break free from her family's circumstances
• The challenges she faced in leaving a stable medical career for entrepreneurship
• Cindy's passion for supporting healthcare workers and the tools she uses to help them
• Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on taking the first steps towards their goals

[20:38] Be honest with yourself and don't be afraid of the negative emotions [24:19] Carve out dedicated time and minimize distractions to maximize your productivity. [24:19] Create a brain dump of all the steps you need to take, then be brutally honest with your calendar. [26:03] Start small and keep at it – even 15 minutes a week can build momentum. [26:03] Get support and accountability from a friend who cares about you.

Be sure to connect with Cindy Starke at drcindystarke.com

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In this episode, Sami sits down with her longtime friend Jen Anderson to have an open and honest conversation about parenting children with unique needs. As both moms to neurodivergent kids, Sami and Jen dive deep into the challenges and joys of advocating for your child, finding the right support systems, and empowering them to embrace their differences. Whether you're navigating an IEP, 504 plan, or simply trying to understand your child's experience, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and heartfelt insights.

• Jen's background as a homeschooling, micro-baking, yoga-teaching mom
• The importance of letting your child lead the way in their own story
• How to advocate for your child's needs within the school system
• The power of language and creating a safe space for emotional expression
• Strategies for balancing independence and family time for neurodivergent kids

[4:36] As a parent, your job isn't to fix everything, it's to listen, be there, and show up for them. [0:00] Jen emphasizes the importance of "letting your child lead" and "teaching them to advocate for themselves." [16:41] Jen shares her approach to using empowering language around neurodivergence, rather than "labels" that can be limiting. [26:00] Jen discusses the challenge of balancing her daughter's need for independence and family time, and how they navigate that with a detailed schedule. [33:44] Jen encourages parents to "educate themselves" and connect with the perspectives of neurodivergent adults to better understand their child's experience.

Be sure to connect with Jen Anderson at [email protected] if you have any questions or need support on your parenting journey.

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Jane Lockhart has been in my circle for years. This was the first time we actually got to chat about how she got started, and where she's going. She shares how her life has guided her to things that she enjoys and and shown her the next thing in her path. As a multi-passionate entrepreneur, you'll hear her inspiring journey of finding fulfillment and authenticity in her work, and how she's navigated the challenges of balancing multiple passions.

In this episode we discuss

• Jane's background and the diverse range of services she offers
• How Jane approaches time management and setting boundaries
• Tips for overcoming the struggle of overwork and perfectionism
• Strategies for adapting your productivity patterns to your unique needs
• Encouragement and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

Want to skip ahead? [1:29] Jane's personality and approach to business is to dive into new ventures and figure things out as she goes, rather than sticking to a monotonous routine. [4:20] Jane's diverse business ventures, including health coaching, website design, and direct sales, all stem from a core value of authenticity and helping others improve their lives. [7:29] Utilize time blocking to manage various business activities, dedicating specific days to different tasks and grouping together things you dislike to get them done efficiently. [12:25] Jane struggled with overwork and perfectionism when she first started her business, but learned to set boundaries and balance her work and personal time through incremental changes. [26:41] Take things slowly, embrace a trial-and-error mindset, maintain a foundational skill set, and cultivate curiosity and flexibility.

Jane Lockhart Learn more: https://jluxdesigns.com/

Instagram: @jluxdesignsllc Facebook: @jluxdesigns LinkedIn: @jlux-designs-llc

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Easy Style with Sami is back and here to inspire you to refine your personal style and approach to life. I'm here to shares my journey of starting a marketing business in 2017 and later joining Color Street, a direct sales company, as well as discussing the challenge of balancing my personal and professional life, especially as a caregiver. We'll talk about the importance of self-discovery and how conversations with others have influenced my personal and professional growth.

The goal of this podcast is to inspire you to live your best ilfe, on your own terms. We are working on bringing more guests on that can help share there stories and also give actionable steps in an area of their expertise.

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It's summer time. That means schedules are busy, vacations are on deck, kids are home. That means its break time for the Easy Style with Sami pocast. We are officially on episode 25 and have loved every second of it. We have learned so much from our guests.

The goal of this podcast is to inspire you to live your best ilfe, on your own terms. We are working on bringing more guests on that can help share there stories and also give actionable steps in an area of their expertise.

Have topics you'd love to learn more about? Shoot us an email – we'd love to hear about it.

We hope you have a great summer – see you in September!

Making life choices isn't always easy. Career changes, when (or if) to have a family, where to live, etc. Everyone around you will their own opinions about what is right for you. What do you listen to and what don't you? How do you make choices that might not be what most think you should do? Emily Mendenhall has always done what feels right to her and made some decisions that most in her career path thought were different. Hear her story and get inspired to carve your own path and have it all.

• Emily's thirst for knowledge and asking questions.
• Starting a family while also building her career.
• Writing her first historical nonfiction book.
• Finding space for yourself and prioritizing your mental health.

[1:24] Who is Emily Mendenhall? [4:36] Traveling the world while growing a family. [11:29] Emily's newest research project [11:29] Writing her first historical fiction book about her family. [24:03] Where does Emily go for personal development? [27:49] Is Emily an introvert or extrovert? [28:30] One goal for the upcoming year. [29:45] Piece of advice that has stuck with her [32:01] What's a non-negotiable?

[blog] Creating Work-Life Balance in the Summer Unmasked: COVID, Community, and the Case of Okoboji

Learn more: https://www.emilymendenhall.com/

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When you grow up in a small town it can feel like your options are limited. So many incredible things have come out of small towns, it just takes a bit more courage to keep pushing through! Rebecca Undem has a passion for helping small communities grow and thrive! She's sharing her experiences that have gotten her to where she's at now. The struggles, the pain, the wins and the passion!

• Rebecca's passion for small towns!
• Finding your supports and letting the rest go.
• Working on yourself and building trust within yourself!
• Leading with kindess instead of trying to "change" peoples' minds.

[1:17] Who is Rebecca Undem? [6:06] How to navigate different personalities in small towns. [16:05] Creating the path for your new idea. [26:07] How Rebecca is able to keep pushing forward. [32:36] Where does Rebecca go for personal development? [34:44] Is Rebecca an introvert or extrovert? [35:27] One goal for the upcoming year. [37:03] Piece of advice that has stuck with her [40:39] What's a non-negotiable?

[blog] How to Keep Your Fire Lit [podcast] Holding the Vision [blog] Getting Comfortable with Networking Events

Learn more: https://growingsmalltowns.com and https://rebeccaundem.com Follow on Facebook Follow on LinkedIn

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