We trade fall small talk for a stark travel safety story, then map the path from rising costs and social pressure to the true price of comparison. Practical steps follow: set boundaries, reframe envy into action, journal your growth, and run your own race.

• travel safety tactics for hotels, transport, and late-night errands
• when to escalate to embassies and why to stay in groups
• healthy vs unhealthy comparison and how to spot triggers
• social media hygiene: unfollow, mute, time limits
• gratitude and journaling to anchor self-comparison
• redefining “enough” and success by season
• hidden costs of comparison: time, money, mental health
• using small, daily actions to build momentum

Make sure you guys um leave us comments on the YouTube, Apple, as well as leave us a voice note on SpeakPipe

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The hardest part isn’t the idea—it’s showing up for it when no one’s clapping yet. We pull back the curtain on turning a side hustle into a steady income stream without losing your sanity, your schedule, or your story. From vending machines to digital products to creator partnerships, we map the path from “I should try this” to “this pays real bills,” and we start with the liberating truth that your friends and family don’t owe you purchases. When you stop chasing proximity and start serving your actual audience, everything shifts.

We talk about building momentum with production over perfection, choosing a rhythm that matches your energy (morning sprints or midnight deep work), and using simple, affordable tools to launch: Canva, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, and YouTube University. You’ll hear how a single organic post can lead to paid licensing and long-term deals, and why solo founders often stall not for lack of talent but because they lack a second brain—accountability and partnerships can change your ceiling. We get honest about costs, platforms, and the real grind behind “easy money,” then share how to avoid common traps like rushing into an LLC before you’ve proven consistency and revenue.

If you’re looking for immediate, practical options, we list high-ROI side hustle ideas for the end of the year: digital templates and travel planners on Etsy, paid consultations in your niche, marketplace selling on Amazon or Walmart, research surveys that stack gift cards, and service apps to fill budget gaps. We also cover branding basics, domain strategy, simple marketing that actually converts, and the mindset to resist comparison in crowded markets. The throughline is clear: clarity on your why, consistent action, and a story that’s truly yours.

Ready to build without burning out? Hit follow, share this with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find us. Your next step could be the one that funds your freedom.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro, Comments, Speakpipe messages
03:23 Transitioning Back to Corporate Work
08:07 The Impact of Side Hustles
15:49 Understanding Side Hustles
29:46 Building a Business: The Journey Begins
34:32 Marketing and Visibility: Getting Your Brand Out There
40:58 Facing Challenges: The Reality of Side Hustles
49:02 Support Systems: The Importance of Community
56:03 Tangible Tips: Side Hustles and Making Extra Cash

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The creator economy is at a fascinating crossroads—corporate professionals are diving into content creation while established creators are exploring traditional employment. What's behind this shift, and how can you navigate it successfully?

Join hosts Krystal and Amanda as they welcome influencer extraordinaire Emmy Petit  (215K+ followers) who brings a unique perspective having worked both as a marketing strategist for major brands and as a full-time content creator. Together, they unpack the realities behind the glamorous facade of the creator lifestyle.

Emmy drops truth bombs about the business side of influence, revealing how she turned down over $100,000 in partnerships that didn't align with her vision, and why sometimes a brand deal offering a "nice rate" can actually lock you out of more lucrative opportunities. The conversation gets refreshingly honest about burnout, sustainability, and the myth that having a 9-to-5 job is somehow less desirable than creator entrepreneurship.

You'll discover why many successful creators are actually implementing multiple revenue streams beyond brand partnerships, how to strategically build a team when you're ready, and the essential contracts terms every creator should scrutinize. The hosts also tackle the uncomfortable truth about different standards for creators of color and how these dynamics impact opportunities in the space.

Whether you're juggling content creation alongside a day job, considering making the leap to full-time creating, or simply curious about the business behind the posts you see daily, this episode delivers actionable insights and a much-needed reality check about what freedom really costs in today's creator economy.

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What does it really mean to have free will in a world constantly telling us what to do, how to look, and who to be? This deeply personal episode tackles the complex reality of making choices that truly align with our authentic selves.

We kick off with a candid discussion about the recent Young Thug and Mariah the Scientist controversy, examining how private conversations made public can reveal uncomfortable truths about relationships and character. This timely example perfectly illustrates how our choices—even seemingly private ones—ultimately reflect our values and can have far-reaching consequences.

Diving into the heart of free will, we share our personal struggles with people-pleasing, setting boundaries, and making decisions that honor our needs rather than just meeting others' expectations. Krystal reveals her challenge with changing plans after committing, while Amanda discusses the difficulty of disappointing loved ones even when saying "no" is necessary for her wellbeing.

The conversation transforms into practical wisdom as we outline seven essential steps to exercise your free will: practicing self-awareness, clarifying your values, pausing before reacting, challenging external pressures, taking responsibility for outcomes, making small daily choices, and aligning actions with intentions. Each step builds on the last, creating a framework for more intentional living.

Perhaps most powerful is our exploration of Maya Angelou's wisdom that while we can't control all events that happen to us, we can decide not to be reduced by them. This truth resonates deeply as we discuss how free will allows us to transcend our circumstances rather than be defined by them.

Whether you're struggling with saying "no," feeling pressured to follow trends that don't resonate with you, or simply wanting to live more authentically, this episode offers both comfort and practical guidance for reclaiming your power to choose. Your life is shaped by your decisions—are you making them deliberately or on autopilot?

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Have you ever wondered what it really costs to be a "wellness girly"? After doing the math, we were shocked to discover the price tag: $2,575 per month! From $300 Pilates memberships to $1,200 grocery bills, the financial burden of modern wellness culture is staggering—and potentially inaccessible to many.

This week, we're pulling back the curtain on the wellness industry's marketing machine. We break down how social media has transformed self-care from basic health practices into luxury lifestyles, creating a troubling connection between wealth and wellness. When organic tomatoes cost more than twice their conventional counterparts and facial treatments run hundreds of dollars, has wellness become another form of classism?

We get brutally honest about our own wellness spending habits (including Krystal's confession about buying athleisure without actually going to the gym), share our DIY wellness fails (Amanda's "cleanse" story will have you howling), and debate which expenses are truly worth the splurge. Beyond just identifying the problem, we offer practical alternatives for maintaining your health without breaking the bank—from affordable grocery stores to free exercise options.

The wellness industry wants you to believe that better health requires more spending, but we're challenging that narrative. True wellness isn't about how much you spend or how it looks on social media—it's about how you feel. Join us for this eye-opening conversation, and let us know your thoughts! We're also considering moving our release schedule to Mondays—tell us what you think in the reviews or on SpeakPipe.

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September has a way of reminding us of fresh starts. Even as adults, that back-to-school feeling lingers—a season of renewal, focus, and possibility.

In this episode, we explore a powerful idea: tomorrow doesn’t actually exist. When it arrives, it’s simply today. That shift in perspective changes everything about how we chase our ambitions and make daily choices. Why wait to take action when the only real opportunity we have is right now?

You’ll hear:

• The philosophy behind “The Great Lock-In”—a four-month challenge designed to build unstoppable momentum toward your most important goals.
• The simple rules of consistency that separate intentions from results.
• Reflections on the childhood routines that shaped us, and how our current habits are shaping who we’re becoming.
• A look at the realities students face today, including how changes to free school lunch programs affect vulnerable communities.
• Practical strategies for lifelong growth—from reinventing your career to using modern tools like AI to create customized financial and repayment plans.

This is a call to stop postponing progress and start showing up for yourself now. The next four months can change your life if you commit.

Listen in, then share your own Great Lock-In goals. Let’s hold each other accountable and make this season count.

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Krystal and Amanda delve into the complex nature of loyalty and when it may be costing us our logic and personal growth. We examine how blind loyalty impacts relationships, careers, and friendships.

• Looking at loyalty through the lens of the Gunna, Young Thug, and Southside situation
• Questioning if we're loyal out of alignment or fear of leaving
• Challenging the "ride or die" mentality that's often glorified in our culture
• Understanding that loyalty shouldn't require dimming your light or losing yourself
• Recognizing when career loyalty becomes career stagnation (six years maximum)
• Setting boundaries with friends who want to maintain relationships with exes
• Testing loyalty in small ways before big situations arise
• Emphasizing that healthy loyalty requires mutual respect and 50-50 effort

Rate and review our podcast wherever you listen, and subscribe to our website at elevatorscom for weekly lifts and a chance to win our beauty bundle giveaways. Congratulations to our winners Jamieka Wilson and Tasha M!

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Summer is the perfect time to recalibrate our routines, relationships, and mindset for the remainder of the year. As entrepreneurs, we need to be intentional about setting up systems that keep us consistent even when we're away from our normal environment.

• Consistent morning routines create a foundation for productivity
• Making your bed daily can set the tone for an organized mind
• Quality sleep (8+ hours) is essential, not optional
• Consider updating your mattress and pillows for better sleep quality
• Evaluate relationships - some pour into you, others drain you
• The older we get, the less time we have for relationships that don't serve us
• Maintaining healthy habits during vacation prevents setbacks
• A vacation should re-rail you (motivate you), not derail you
• "Hot girl summer" is a mindset about putting yourself first, not an age limit
• European summer travel can provide perspective and motivation

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and subscribe to our website at elevatorscom to enter our beauty bundle giveaway. Winners will be announced in episode three!

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We’re back! After a much-needed three-month break, Season 2 kicks off with a deep dive into the power of rest, rejuvenation, and the strategies that help us return to our most productive selves. As the saying goes, “Do the hard things now, the soft life later”—and we’re unpacking exactly what that means for ambitious women balancing hustle with self-care.

Krystal shares the excitement of moving into her first Miami home after leaving New York, while Amanda recaps her WNBA All-Star Weekend adventures and family time in Puerto Rico. These moments away from the grind remind us that sometimes stepping back is the key to coming back stronger.

We’re also sharing our best tips to rebuild momentum without burning out:

• Batch your work on focused days
• Power hours during peak productivity times
• Find vacation vibes in everyday life
• Regularly revisit your purpose
• Adjust your environment to minimize distractions
• Remember: small daily actions add up

Season 2 brings fresh changes—more diverse guests, a mix of in-person and virtual recordings for real-time conversations, and an audio-first approach. Plus, we’re celebrating with a special giveaway!

1. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
2. Leave us a review
3. Join our website: https://www.elevathers.com/ for The Weekly Lift newsletter

Your chance to win is just one click away. The journey of elevation continues—let’s rise together.

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Are You Standing in Your Own Way? | Break Free from Imposter Syndrome & Start Thinking Bigger

Are you ready to stop *playing small* and finally claim the life you *deserve*? In this powerful and vulnerable episode, we unpack the invisible barriers holding so many of us back—*imposter syndrome*, *perfectionism*, and the fear of being “too much.” If you've ever felt stuck, like you're waiting for permission to chase your dreams—this conversation is your wake-up call.

✨ We share the real, raw lessons from our year-long podcast journey—including the mindset shifts that helped us step into our power. From redefining success on *your own terms*, to rewiring your inner dialogue and creating the *right environment* for growth, this episode will inspire you to take bold, imperfect action—starting now.

🔥 Key Topics:
- How *imposter syndrome* quietly sabotages success
- Why *perfectionism* is a lie that delays your dreams
- The power of being “delusional” enough to believe in yourself
- How your *circle* influences your self-worth and ambition
- Why *you don’t need to be chosen*—you can choose *yourself*

🎯 Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or dreamer waiting for the "right moment," this episode will give you the clarity and courage to *start before you're ready*. Because real talk? The only thing standing between you and the life you want… is *you*.

👇 Drop a comment below: What’s the dream you’ve been putting off? Let’s hold each other accountable to THINK BIGGER.

#MindsetShift #ImposterSyndrome #SelfGrowth #PodcastMotivation #StartBeforeYoureReady #ThinkBigger #WomenInBusiness #PerfectionismTrap #ChooseYourself #LevelUp #MotivationForSuccess #ConfidenceBoost #EntrepreneurMindset #DreamBig

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