Amanda Wittenborn was making $3,000-5,000 a month on Etsy—the first time in her marriage she'd ever had all the bills covered with money left over. She'd built the business from absolute broke (parking the car in debt at the front of the driveway so it couldn't be towed overnight) to finally breathing financially.

Then one morning, while still in the newborn fog with her third son, she got an email: copyright infringement flag. She'd respond later. A week went by (sleep deprivation is real), and Etsy shut down her account. Permanently.

Just like that, years of work—gone. Financial security—gone. Her dream job—gone.

She quit. For nearly a year, she gave up entirely.

But then she got an email from another party brand looking for a designer. She took the job, started designing for a "competitor," and something sparked. That little voice whispered: You're supposed to be designing party supplies.

So she tried again. But there was a problem: Amazon (the biggest audience) doesn't allow digital downloads like Etsy does. She had to pivot from digital invitations to physical products—fill-in-the-blank invitations people would have to handwrite.

She thought: No one's going to buy these.

She was wrong.

In this conversation, Amanda reveals:

The $750 Gamble: Her first inventory order felt impossible to pay back. But Prime-eligible products sold 10-to-1 compared to ones she shipped herself. That bet changed everything.

The 2-Hour Morning Rule: Amanda starts every day with 2 hours of creativity (crocheting, painting, reading)—NOT business work. Just joy. It transformed her entire life. Minimum: 30 minutes. Optimal: 2 hours. No exceptions.

From Broke to Multimillion-Dollar Business: Today, Amanda runs a multimillion-dollar-per-year business with over 8,000 products (all designed by her). She sells on Amazon, Shopify, Oriental Trading, and is expanding to Walmart.

The Whimsical Secret: Rollerskating llamas. Outer space kitty cats. Snow leopard princesses. Amanda connects with kids' wild imaginations—and that's why her products sell when thousands of competitors don't.

The Hurdles She's Jumped:

1. Etsy account shut down permanently
2. COVID wiping out party supplies overnight (she lost the business TWICE)
3. Counterfeit products copying her designs
4. Getting sued wrongfully
5. Copyright infringement battles

None of it stopped her.

The Mindset Shift: Amanda's friend recently said: "I love when things are hard because that means not a lot of people are doing it." Amanda's willing to do the hard things—and that's why she's still standing when others quit.

The Creator Unleashed: Amanda now mentors female entrepreneurs in her new community, helping them build businesses that don't run their lives—businesses where they get to play, create, and feel joy instead of drowning in tasks.

The Bottom Line: Every hurdle is an opportunity to decide: Is this the one that stops me? For Amanda, the answer has always been no. She's been through the ringer—and she keeps going.

Sometimes the universe is working in your favor even when it feels devastating. Losing her Etsy store was the worst thing that happened to her—and the best thing that ever happened to her business.

ABOUT AMANDA WITTENBORN:

Amanda Wittenborn is the founder of Amanda Creations, a multimillion-dollar party supply business featuring over 8,000 whimsical, kid-approved designs (rollerskating llamas, outer space kitty cats, and mermaid unicorns included). After losing her thriving Etsy business overnight, Amanda rebuilt on Amazon, Shopify, and Oriental Trading—proving that the hardest moments can lead to the biggest breakthroughs.

She's also the founder of The Creator Unleashed, a mentorship community helping female entrepreneurs streamline their businesses so they can play, create, and enjoy life instead of being buried in tasks.

Amanda lives in snowy Illinois with her husband (who quit his job 8 years ago to work for her) and three sons. She's a personal growth junkie, crochet enthusiast, and firm believer that 2 hours of creative time every morning changes everything.

Connect with Amanda: 📧 Email: [email protected]

📘 Facebook: Amanda Wittenborn (business page)

🌐 Community: The Creator Unleashed

Mentioned in this episode:

Freebie 5k recurring revenue

It's time to take action and build the recurring revenue you long for. Text FREEDOM to 55444 right now to get instant access to the free guide 'Earn $5k/month on repeat.' You deserve more freedom!

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

Pinterest isn't just recipes and wedding planning anymore. It's the secret weapon most online entrepreneurs are completely ignoring—and it could be the difference between struggling for traffic and waking up to sales you didn't have to hustle for.

Tarin LaRoux didn't set out to become a Pinterest strategist. She was looking for a way to build a homestead life on 10 acres in rural Texas while working from home with two newborns. She fell down a Pinterest rabbit hole searching for "laptop lifestyle on acreage" solutions—and discovered something most business owners miss entirely.

The platform everyone dismisses as "just for DIY crafts" is actually a visual discovery engine with high-intent buyers actively searching for solutions. And unlike Instagram or TikTok, your content doesn't die in 48 hours. Pins Tarin created five years ago are still driving traffic and sales today.

In this conversation, Tarin reveals:

Why Pinterest Isn't Social Media: People don't go to Pinterest to scroll—they go with search intent. You're not competing for attention in a feed—you're showing up when someone is actively looking for what you offer. One pin can get saved 100 times, creating a compounding traffic effect that lasts for years.

The Podcaster's Secret Weapon: Turn your podcast transcripts into blog posts, use Pinterest to drive traffic, and reverse engineer your content by researching what keywords people are actually searching for. Lindsay found her podcast coach on Pinterest and went from pin click to paid customer in 7 days.

The Traffic Milestones:

1. First 90 days: Things start to compound
2. 2,000 monthly visitors: First milestone
3. 10,000 monthly visitors: Unlock better ad networks for blog monetization

Real Results: Lindsay's log cabin podcast made Pinterest the #1 traffic driver within 6-12 months—and converted a million-dollar cabin sale. Tarin's clients see pins from 5 years ago still driving cyclical traffic every summer.

The Setup Essentials:

1. Keyword research first (use Pin Clicks tool)
2. Optimize your boards with keyword-rich titles
3. Make your website Pinterest-ready
4. Batch and schedule using Tailwind
5. Be patient (3-6 months to index, then it compounds forever)

The Bottom Line: Pinterest users are high-intent buyers actively searching for solutions. Your content takes 3-6 months to index, but then it works for you for years. Commit to 12 months, do the keyword research, create pins that drive clicks—then watch traffic show up from work you did once.

ABOUT TARIN LAROUX:

Tarin LaRoux is a Pinterest strategist who helps online entrepreneurs turn Pinterest into an evergreen traffic machine. After discovering Pinterest's power in 2017 while searching for remote work solutions, she transitioned from court transcript proofreader to website designer to Pinterest manager—landing on the perfect introvert-friendly business model.

She helps coaches, course creators, bloggers, and podcasters leverage Pinterest without the social media burnout. Tarin lives in rural Texas with her husband and kids, dreaming of adding sheep to their homestead.

Connect with Tarin: 🎙️ Profitable Pin Plan Podcast: profitablepinplan.com

🔍 Tool: Pin Clicks (keyword research)

Join the free Facebook Community! Connect, Learn, Grow, Build https://www.facebook.com/groups/freedomentrepreneurcommunity

Biz in a Box CRM is the ultimate all-in-one solution designed to simplify and scale your business. Imagine managing every aspect of your operations — from smart contact segmentation and automated follow-ups to call and text functionality, calendar booking, funnels, websites, and even social media scheduling — all from one intuitive platform. No more juggling multiple tools or paying for endless subscriptions. With built-in AI employee support, Biz in a Box CRM doesn’t just organize your business, it actively helps you run it. It’s like having a full-time team behind the scenes, so you can focus on growth, impact, and freedom.

Book your demo: https://bizinaboxsolutions.com/crm

Have a burning question? Leave a message for Lindsay and she will turn it into an episode with an answer. Use the link below to record.

https://www.speakpipe.com/FreedomEntrepreneur

Mentioned in this episode:

Freebie 5k recurring revenue

It's time to take action and build the recurring revenue you long for. Text FREEDOM to 55444 right now to get instant access to the free guide 'Earn $5k/month on repeat.' You deserve more freedom!

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

Let's face it, you're busy! Spending hours and hours figuring out how to build a profitable digital product business is intimidating and overwhelming.

And you don't have time to waste on hours of trial and error.

You need the most efficient path to profit.

In today's episode I break down 5 steps to building online income using digital products and the most efficient path to success, based on 20 hours of deep dive research.

If you've been confused and wondering how the heck this online business thing works here's a secret...

Everyone is 'selling' that they make money through social media (and they do, they are not lying). But, they are selling you that because it is free to build and most people are looking for that information.

But...

It's not the most efficient path.

Tune in to hear what is the most efficient path to profit and join me in the Freedom online Business Builders Community.

Join the free Facebook Community! Connect, Learn, Grow, Build https://www.facebook.com/groups/freedomentrepreneurcommunity

Maria Wendt's Youtube video I reference - https://youtu.be/Mslps_uD8-4?si=BzhQHbq93m76zpVz

Have a burning question? Leave a message for Lindsay and she will turn it into an episode with an answer. Use the link below to record.

https://www.speakpipe.com/FreedomEntrepreneur

Biz in a Box CRM is the ultimate all-in-one solution designed to simplify and scale your business. Imagine managing every aspect of your operations — from smart contact segmentation and automated follow-ups to call and text functionality, calendar booking, funnels, websites, and even social media scheduling — all from one intuitive platform. No more juggling multiple tools or paying for endless subscriptions. With built-in AI employee support, Biz in a Box CRM doesn’t just organize your business, it actively helps you run it. It’s like having a full-time team behind the scenes, so you can focus on growth, impact, and freedom.

Book your demo: https://bizinaboxsolutions.com/crm

Mentioned in this episode:

Freebie 5k recurring revenue

It's time to take action and build the recurring revenue you long for. Text FREEDOM to 55444 right now to get instant access to the free guide 'Earn $5k/month on repeat.' You deserve more freedom!

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

What if you could buy a money-making website for under $1,000, fix it up with AI, and watch it generate cash while you sleep?

Matt Raad and his wife Liz started as zoology students studying red kangaroos in Australia. They thought being zoologists would give them freedom. They were wrong. Government jobs, constant money scrambling, zero freedom.

So they quit completely and bought their first business—a small manufacturing company. They made every mistake possible. Got the wrong advice. Nearly went broke. But they learned something crucial: how to do proper due diligence on businesses.

For 15 years, they bought and sold brick-and-mortar businesses—import/wholesale operations, multiple companies at once. Their entire net worth was tied up in warehouses. They were always in debt to the bank. It was brutal.

Then Liz had an epiphany: "This internet thing means we don't have to ship physical products on containers anymore. Why don't we just buy ONLINE businesses instead?"

They became the first people in Australia to buy and sell websites as a business strategy. And everything changed.

In this conversation, Matt reveals:

The Portfolio Strategy:

1. How students like Ashline bought 4 websites (crochet, fishing, sewing, recliner chairs) making $500-$1K/month each—topics she knows NOTHING about
2. The Thai massage teaching site she bought for $40K that generates $3-5K/month (original owner lives in Bali and agreed to stay on and help)
3. Why she's earning $8,000/month semi-passively with ZERO expertise in any of these niches

The Renovation Model:

1. Buy neglected passion niche sites on Flippa.com for under $5K
2. Use AI to "renovate" them (update content, optimize, monetize better)
3. Double the income from $500 to $1,000/month
4. Get your money back within a year

Monetization Methods That Work:

1. AdSense & affiliate commissions (the "old school" semi-passive way)
2. Email lists (the new goldmine—direct sponsorship deals worth thousands/month)
3. Direct sponsorship from manufacturers (way more lucrative than Amazon affiliates)
4. Travel influencers getting paid $20K for sponsored trips

The Niches That Print Money:

1. Health, wealth, happiness (the big three)
2. Passion niches: gardening, crafting, fishing, homesteading, RV travel
3. DIY topics where people research before buying
4. "Gray nomads" (retirees traveling Australia in caravans—100K+ Facebook followers)

Real Examples:

1. Pigeon racing site: $1K/month for 10 years, zero pigeon knowledge required
2. Recipe sites selling for $5 MILLION (yes, seven figures)
3. Nuclear power plant worker buying sites part-time, now covering his rent with AI + websites

The AI Advantage:

1. Team sizes shrinking from 6 people to 2 (Matt + AI)
2. Content production automated
3. Due diligence research done by AI
4. No coding required (those days are over)

Why NOW Is Different:

AI changed everything. Google traffic shifted. But here's what most people miss: Personal branding and niche communities are MORE valuable than ever. People follow people. They want real experiences, not AI-generated garbage.

Matt's prediction: Within 12 months, AI will enable things we can't even imagine yet. The people who learn NOW—who start small, buy under $5K sites, learn due diligence, build their skills—will dominate.

The Hard Truth: You need a side hustle. Job security is gone. Even high-paying jobs don't cover what they used to. Whether it's websites or something else, you cannot afford to have just ONE income stream in 2025.

Where to Start:

1. Flippa.com (websites under $5K for beginners)
2. Money Nomad (under $50K sites)
3. Empire Flippers (bigger sites, $100K+)

Warning: Don't buy a big site first. Learn on small ones. Make mistakes with $1-5K, not $100K.

The SBA Loan Scam Alert: Matt and Lindsay discuss the prepayment penalty trap hitting business loan borrowers. Read the fine print. Understand what you're signing.

Bottom Line: This isn't real estate where you need six figures. This isn't brick-and-mortar where your net worth sits in a warehouse. This is buying cash-flowing digital assets for $1-10K, renovating them with AI, and building a portfolio that pays you monthly.

Matt's been doing this for 30+ years. His students are doing it part-time while working full-time jobs. And with AI, it's easier than ever.

Connect with Matt:

🌐 ebusinessinstitute.com.au (free masterclass)

🎙️ The Digital Investor Podcast

Fair warning: This episode will make you rethink everything about "passive income."

Join the free Facebook Community! Connect, Learn, Grow, Build https://www.facebook.com/groups/freedomentrepreneurcommunity

Have a burning question? Leave a message for Lindsay and she will turn it into an episode with an answer. Use the link below to record.

https://www.speakpipe.com/FreedomEntrepreneur

Biz in a Box CRM is the ultimate all-in-one solution designed to simplify and scale your business. Imagine managing every aspect of your operations — from smart contact segmentation and automated follow-ups to call and text functionality, calendar booking, funnels, websites, and even social media scheduling — all from one intuitive platform. No more juggling multiple tools or paying for endless subscriptions. With built-in AI employee support, Biz in a Box CRM doesn’t just organize your business, it actively helps you run it. It’s like having a full-time team behind the scenes, so you can focus on growth, impact, and freedom.

Book your demo: https://bizinaboxsolutions.com/crm

Mentioned in this episode:

Freebie 5k recurring revenue

It's time to take action and build the recurring revenue you long for. Text FREEDOM to 55444 right now to get instant access to the free guide 'Earn $5k/month on repeat.' You deserve more freedom!

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

Most 13-year-olds are playing video games. Lance Cayko was learning the multiplier—the business concept that would shape his entire entrepreneurial journey.

When Lance told his dad he was quitting the family sugar beet farm after one week (couldn't stand the mosquitoes or the work), he made a call that changed everything: "Hey Bruce, I'll do whatever. I'll pick up garbage. Just let me work construction."

Bruce hired him as a gopher at $7.25/hour. Halfway through that summer, Bruce pulled Lance aside and asked: "What do you think I'm charging the clients?" Lance guessed $7.25. Bruce laughed. "No—I'm charging 3-4 times your labor."

That moment—understanding the multiplier, overhead, profit, and risk—planted a seed that grew into a multi-business empire spanning architecture, real estate development, contracting, and podcasting.

What makes Lance's story unique:

Most entrepreneurs do a complete 180 from their education. Lance didn't. He strategically stacked skills: Construction → Building Technology → Architecture → Development. Each summer, he worked for a different contractor learning different trades. By 20, he had an epiphany: What if I could control the entire ecosystem?

In this conversation, Lance reveals:

1. How he used Craigslist to launch his architecture firm (when other architects were "too fufu" to try it)
2. The ad that made his phone "go nuts": "25, smart, handsome, sober, master's degree, all these handyman skills"
3. Why he reads The Hypomanic Edge to understand his own psychology (and makes everyone around him read it too)
4. The Law of Polarity: Why bad days almost always precede unexpected breakthroughs
5. How Bruce reconnected with him 3 years ago after his wife said "Bruce talks about you all the time"
6. Why "Why not?" beats "I can't because" every single time

The mindset shift that changes everything:

Lance doesn't ask "Why would this work?" He asks "Why wouldn't it?" His brain automatically finds solutions instead of obstacles. That optimism—combined with not quitting—is what separated him from every other contractor, architect, and developer.

Key lesson: You're not having a breakdown. You're about to have a breakthrough. The negative always precedes the positive (Law of Polarity). If you can just get through the hard day without self-destructing, something unexpectedly positive usually shows up within 24-48 hours.

Connect with Lance:

🎙️ Inside the Firm Podcast: insidefhefirmpodcast.com

💼 LinkedIn: Lance Cayko

Join the free Facebook Community! Connect, Learn, Grow, Build https://www.facebook.com/groups/freedomentrepreneurcommunity

Have a burning question? Leave a message for Lindsay and she will turn it into an episode with an answer. Use the link below to record.

https://www.speakpipe.com/FreedomEntrepreneur

Biz in a Box CRM is the ultimate all-in-one solution designed to simplify and scale your business. Imagine managing every aspect of your operations — from smart contact segmentation and automated follow-ups to call and text functionality, calendar booking, funnels, websites, and even social media scheduling — all from one intuitive platform. No more juggling multiple tools or paying for endless subscriptions. With built-in AI employee support, Biz in a Box CRM doesn’t just organize your business, it actively helps you run it. It’s like having a full-time team behind the scenes, so you can focus on growth, impact, and freedom.

Book your demo: https://bizinaboxsolutions.com/crm

Mentioned in this episode:

Freebie 5k recurring revenue

It's time to take action and build the recurring revenue you long for. Text FREEDOM to 55444 right now to get instant access to the free guide 'Earn $5k/month on repeat.' You deserve more freedom!

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

Four months ago, this podcast was ranked in the top 5% globally on Listen Notes. Today? Top 3%. Out of 3.3 million podcasts worldwide.

And honestly? I didn't even set out to do it.

In August 2025, I reignited this podcast after stepping away from my solar company. I had no ranking goals, no growth strategy—just a commitment to show up consistently and share value. But what happened next surprised me.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly what moved the needle:

What I Did (Without Realizing It Would Work):

✅ Produced daily episodes - Went from 1-2 per week to 7 per week (yes, this increased downloads significantly)

✅ Brought back guest interviews - Leveraged other people's audiences (reciprocal growth that benefits everyone)

✅ Got picky about guests - Only interviewed people with genuinely transformational stories (no more boring pitch-fests)

The 5 Metrics Apple Looks At (And Why They Matter):

1. Followers
2. Active unique listens (daily listeners)
3. Downloads
4. Star ratings
5. Written reviews

Listen Notes uses similar metrics—which is why producing MORE episodes automatically increased listens and downloads, which pushed the ranking up.

The Reality Check: Listen Notes ranks you against 3.3 million podcasts—but over half aren't even active anymore. So yes, you're competing with dead podcasts. The good news? Consistency alone puts you ahead of millions.

What's Changing in 2026:

I'm pulling back from daily episodes. Not because I don't love it (I really do), but because I realized I'm spending all my time producing and zero time promoting. That's a problem.

New schedule:

1. 2 guest episodes per week (my pipeline is FULL of incredible people)
2. 1 Lindsay solo episode per week
3. Weekly LIVE training in the Freedom Online Business Builders Community (Facebook)
4. More presence on Substack

The strategy? Spend less time producing, more time marketing. Get NEW listeners. Because here's the truth: Your superfans have already followed, reviewed, and downloaded everything. Growth requires reaching NEW people.

How You Can Help:

If this show has helped you, here's what would mean the world:

📲 Follow/subscribe on your podcast player

⭐ Leave a rating and review (Apple especially)

📤 Share this episodewith someone who'd love it

🔗 Join the Facebook community for weekly live trainings

✉️ Text me at 302-271-7575 and say hi (seriously, I'd love to hear from you)

Why This Matters:

Podcasting isn't just a marketing tool for me anymore. It's about building real relationships. Getting to know YOU. Being an actual helper in your life and business—not just a voice in your earbuds.

So yes, I'll be here less frequently on the podcast. But I'll be MORE present where it counts: in the community, on Substack, and in real conversations with real people building real businesses.

The bottom line: Consistency + quality guests + genuine connection = growth. Even when you're not trying.

Here's to top 2% in 2026. Let's do this together.

What's Next: Join the Facebook community for weekly live trainings that won't become podcast episodes. This is where the real magic happens.

Join the free Facebook Community! Connect, Learn, Grow, Build https://www.facebook.com/groups/freedomentrepreneurcommunity

Have a burning question? Leave a message for Lindsay and she will turn it into an episode with an answer. Use the link below to record.

https://www.speakpipe.com/FreedomEntrepreneur

Biz in a Box CRM is the ultimate all-in-one solution designed to simplify and scale your business. Imagine managing every aspect of your operations — from smart contact segmentation and automated follow-ups to call and text functionality, calendar booking, funnels, websites, and even social media scheduling — all from one intuitive platform. No more juggling multiple tools or paying for endless subscriptions. With built-in AI employee support, Biz in a Box CRM doesn’t just organize your business, it actively helps you run it. It’s like having a full-time team behind the scenes, so you can focus on growth, impact, and freedom.

Book your demo: https://bizinaboxsolutions.com/crm

Keywords: podcast growth, Listen Notes ranking, podcast marketing strategy, increase podcast downloads, podcast consistency, guest interview strategy, podcast metrics, Apple Podcasts ranking

Mentioned in this episode:

Freebie 5k recurring revenue

It's time to take action and build the recurring revenue you long for. Text FREEDOM to 55444 right now to get instant access to the free guide 'Earn $5k/month on repeat.' You deserve more freedom!

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come disguised as detours.

A year ago, Lindsay was all-in on a solar company—building a membership, launching a YouTube channel, hiring team members, managing inventory. The podcast sat on the back burner. Her personal coaching business was paused. She was intensely focused on what seemed like the right path forward.

Then May happened. Her business partner's father got sick. By August, they'd sold the company. And in that space between what was and what's next, something shifted.

Sitting in her recliner post-county fair (because yes, entrepreneurship sometimes includes raising 4-H animals), Lindsay experimented with Grok AI. She didn't tell it about her podcast or her business—just answered questions about her history, her beliefs, what matters to her.

The AI's response? "You should be called the Freedom Engineer."

Her jaw dropped. That's exactly what she'd been doing all along. The self-doubt that whispered "why would anyone want to learn from you?" evaporated. The fire reignited.

In this raw year-end reflection, Lindsay shares:

The Social Media Hook That Sparked Everything:

1. Michelle Gifford's prompt: "The ultimate plot twist of 2025"
2. Why reflecting backward is the key to moving forward
3. How to use this hook for your own year-end content (and why it matters beyond just posting)

The Questions That Create Clarity:

1. Where were you last December 26th? (Not physically—in life)
2. What were you excited about then that's completely shifted now?
3. Who were you listening to, following, or affiliated with?
4. How have YOU changed as a person?

The Unexpected Journey:

1. From solar company co-owner to selling in months
2. Why she thought she'd "given up" on her business (spoiler: she'd given up on herself)
3. The AI conversation that changed everything
4. How her podcast jumped from top 5% to top 3% globally since August—without a massive strategy shift

The Tether Ball Theory of Growth:

1. Why entrepreneurial growth isn't linear
2. How we spiral up the pole, hitting the same beliefs at different levels
3. The difference between "I'm all in" (head decision) vs. "I'm all in" (soul truth)
4. When your purpose becomes non-negotiable—not because you force it, but because you ARE it

The Clarifying Detour:

1. Why the solar company wasn't a mistake—it was necessary
2. How "phenomenal opportunities" can be clarifying moments, not destinations
3. What changed between "doing my business" and being unable to do anything else
4. The difference between logical alignment and soul alignment

The Breakthrough Moment: Lindsay's intensity shifted. Not from hustle or strategy, but from finally standing in the truth of what she's built for. The solar company checked all the logical boxes—financial security, growth potential, partnership. But it wasn't what God had her cut out for.

Now? Monthly recurring revenue and digital asset building isn't just what she teaches—it's her non-negotiable truth. The kind you can't articulate fully, you just know in your bones.

The Permission You Didn't Know You Needed: You're made for something specific. God has a plan. Even when it looks like you're off track, you're being led exactly where you need to go. The detours aren't delays—they're clarifying moments.

Your Year-End Reflection Assignment:

1. Where were you last December 26th?
2. What's your ultimate vision now?
3. How do you stand differently today than you did then?
4. Share it (on socials or just with yourself)
5. Be present in that truth

If recurring revenue and passive income through digital assets keeps calling to you the way it calls to Lindsay—that's not random. That's your signal.

Ready to stop doubting and start building? Text Lindsay at 302-271-7575 or connect on Instagram/Facebook. She's a real human (not just a podcaster), and when you connect, the energy just juices up.

Here's to 2026—the year you stop pivoting and start becoming.

Join the free Facebook Community! Connect, Learn, Grow, Build https://www.facebook.com/groups/freedomentrepreneurcommunity

Biz in a Box CRM is the ultimate all-in-one solution designed to simplify and scale your business. Imagine managing every aspect of your operations — from smart contact segmentation and automated follow-ups to call and text functionality, calendar booking, funnels, websites, and even social media scheduling — all from one intuitive platform. No more juggling multiple tools or paying for endless subscriptions. With built-in AI employee support, Biz in a Box CRM doesn’t just organize your business, it actively helps you run it. It’s like having a full-time team behind the scenes, so you can focus on growth, impact, and freedom.

Book your demo: https://bizinaboxsolutions.com/crm

Have a burning question? Leave a message for Lindsay and she will turn it into an episode with an answer. Use the link below to record.

https://www.speakpipe.com/FreedomEntrepreneur

Mentioned in this episode:

Freebie 5k recurring revenue

It's time to take action and build the recurring revenue you long for. Text FREEDOM to 55444 right now to get instant access to the free guide 'Earn $5k/month on repeat.' You deserve more freedom!

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

What if everything you think you know about freedom is wrong?

Most entrepreneurs chase "freedom" by building businesses around passive income, laptop lifestyles, and financial independence. But what happens when you achieve all that and still feel trapped, burned out, and misaligned?

Meet Krystal Eicher and Wendy Guth, founders of Serendipitous Rebel and former military spouses who built successful travel businesses that checked every logical box—flexible schedules, good income, work-from-anywhere freedom. There was just one problem: they were miserable.

In this raw and inspiring conversation, Krystal and Wendy reveal:

The Identity Crisis:

1. How they both started travel businesses that made perfect sense on paper but felt completely wrong in practice
2. Why women stay stuck in businesses longer than men (spoiler: sunk cost fallacy and performative pressure)
3. The moment Krystal got physically ill from the stress of running a "successful" membership that wasn't aligned with her values
4. Why "I can do that" became the most dangerous phrase in Krystal's business

The Partnership Breaking Point:

1. How their first business partnership with a third partner imploded during COVID
2. The vulnerability moment that changed everything: Krystal admitting "something has got to give"
3. Why one partner leaned in (Wendy) while another went on the attack
4. The truth about boundaries: "The reaction to your 'no' tells you everything you need to know"

The Alignment Breakthrough:

1. The question that unlocked everything: "Who do you want to BE?" (not what do you want to do)
2. Why Krystal realized being a "present mom" and "profitable business owner" required completely different business models than the gurus taught
3. How Wendy discovered her purpose through a University of Michigan course on finding purpose (created by a professor who lost his daughter to cancer)
4. The permission they gave themselves: build a business around what you LOVE, outsource what you hate

The Real Numbers Talk:

1. Why wanting a "six-figure business" actually means you need to generate $300K (unless you have razor-thin margins)
2. How to get honest about what you NEED vs. what you WANT financially
3. Why Krystal's business looks completely different because she has a partner who's the primary breadwinner (and why that's okay to admit)
4. The freedom of designing your business around YOUR circumstances, not someone else's metrics

The Serendipitous Rebel Solution:

1. How they now host intimate 5-day retreats on Virgin Voyages cruise lines for women business owners
2. Why the best business breakthroughs happen in organic conversations, not "death by PowerPoint" masterminds
3. The SAVOR Framework: Step out, Align, Venture, Open to community, Unwind, Ritualize gratitude
4. Why they intentionally cap retreats at 10 women (no performative pitch-fests allowed)

The Permission You Need: Krystal and Wendy didn't figure out some magical formula years ago. They went through the same painful journey you're experiencing—buying all the courses, following all the "proven frameworks," trying to make logic work when their intuition was screaming something different.

The breakthrough came when they gave themselves permission to:

1. Let go of what "should" work
2. Build around what they actually love
3. Set boundaries without guilt
4. Define success on their own terms
5. Make money doing what brings them joy

If you're running a business that looks successful but feels soul-crushing, this episode is your permission slip to rebuild—starting with alignment, not strategy.

Connect with Krystal and Wendy: https://serendipitousrebel.com

Join the free Facebook Community! Connect, Learn, Grow, Build https://www.facebook.com/groups/freedomentrepreneurcommunity

Biz in a Box CRM is the ultimate all-in-one solution designed to simplify and scale your business. Imagine managing every aspect of your operations — from smart contact segmentation and automated follow-ups to call and text functionality, calendar booking, funnels, websites, and even social media scheduling — all from one intuitive platform. No more juggling multiple tools or paying for endless subscriptions. With built-in AI employee support, Biz in a Box CRM doesn’t just organize your business, it actively helps you run it. It’s like having a full-time team behind the scenes, so you can focus on growth, impact, and freedom.

Book your demo: https://bizinaboxsolutions.com/crm

Have a burning question? Leave a message for Lindsay and she will turn it into an episode with an answer. Use the link below to record.

https://www.speakpipe.com/FreedomEntrepreneur

Mentioned in this episode:

Freebie 5k recurring revenue

It's time to take action and build the recurring revenue you long for. Text FREEDOM to 55444 right now to get instant access to the free guide 'Earn $5k/month on repeat.' You deserve more freedom!

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

The rules changed. And most entrepreneurs don't even realize it yet.

While you're busy following guru tactics—"start a podcast," "grow your YouTube," "hack Instagram"—AI is replacing entire industries. Website designers, social media managers, copywriters, graphic designers, coaches. All getting replaced by $20/month AI subscriptions.

Here's the uncomfortable truth: Most people don't care about "human connection" when they can get "good enough" for cheap.

But there's ONE thing AI can't touch. And it's your only hope.

In August 2024, I relaunched my coaching business with confidence. Instead, I hit a wall. People were AI-savvy. ChatGPT did the thinking. VAs did execution for pennies. I was competing on SUPPLY—trying to out-supply AI. That's a losing game.

Then a business owner told me he'd replaced 5 of 6 employees with AI. That's when it clicked: Stop competing on supply. Start creating DEMAND AI can't fulfill.

Three AI-Proof Examples:

Angie (outdoor trips): AI plans trips. She creates immersive human experiences AI can't replicate.

Becca (senior care): AI answers questions. She anticipates needs families don't know they have yet.

Claudia (productivity): AI gives generic advice. She offers neurodivergent-specific systems from lived experience.

None learned new skills. They just repositioned strategically.

The Four Pillar Freedom Framework:

1. AI-Proof Transformation - Extract your unique methodology (you already have it)
2. Market Validation - Prove demand BEFORE building
3. Scalable Product Ladder - Strategic offers, not random products
4. One Traffic Solution - Stop trying to be everywhere

This isn't about working harder. It's about strategic positioning that makes AI irrelevant to your business.

The window is closing. AI tools launch daily. Experts create AI versions of themselves. Adapt now or get left behind.

Ready to AI-proof your business? Book a free consultation—link in show notes.

Join the free Facebook Community! Connect, Learn, Grow, Build https://www.facebook.com/groups/freedomentrepreneurcommunity

In just 15–20 minutes, I can help you uncover the hidden inefficiencies that are costing you both time and money in your business. Most owners don’t realize how much energy is wasted on repetitive tasks, gaps in processes, and systems that don’t actually support growth. During our call, I’ll listen closely to how your business is currently running, pinpoint one or two areas where you may be sabotaging your own scalability, and show you a clear next step to reclaim control. Whether you decide to work with me further or not, you’ll leave with immediate clarity on what’s holding your business back — and the confidence of knowing exactly where to focus to create more freedom and profit.

Book here - https://crm.bizinaboxsolutions.com/widget/bookings/15-minute-consult-ls

Have a burning question? Leave a message for Lindsay and she will turn it into an episode with an answer. Use the link below to record.

https://www.speakpipe.com/FreedomEntrepreneur

Biz in a Box CRM is the ultimate all-in-one solution designed to simplify and scale your business. Imagine managing every aspect of your operations — from smart contact segmentation and automated follow-ups to call and text functionality, calendar booking, funnels, websites, and even social media scheduling — all from one intuitive platform. No more juggling multiple tools or paying for endless subscriptions. With built-in AI employee support, Biz in a Box CRM doesn’t just organize your business, it actively helps you run it. It’s like having a full-time team behind the scenes, so you can focus on growth, impact, and freedom.

Book your demo: https://bizinaboxsolutions.com/crm

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

Join the free Facebook Community! Connect, Learn, Grow, Build https://www.facebook.com/groups/freedomentrepreneurcommunity

What if the secret to your business breakthrough has nothing to do with strategy, marketing, or hustle—and everything to do with discovering who you really are?

Most entrepreneurs are stuck in a cycle: operating in their assigned roles, chasing titles, projecting confidence they don't feel, and showing up with "needy energy" trying to scoop in customers. They're DOING life instead of BEING themselves. And it's exhausting.

Today's guest, Randall Thames—author of Rise to the Role and founder of InSpirit Institute—is here to flip that script entirely. With 38 years in corporate America, 20 years as a licensed pastor, and a background as a fitness trainer, Randall has spent his life transforming people physically, spiritually, and professionally. Now he's synthesized it all into a powerful framework that helps entrepreneurs discover their "super purpose power" and rise into their highest potential.

In this transformational conversation, Randall reveals:

The Identity Trap:

1. Why leading with your TITLE instead of your VALUE keeps you stuck in hustle mode
2. The difference between being assigned a role (CEO, coach, consultant) and actually RISING into your authentic power
3. Why entrepreneurs spend so much time doing what's necessary instead of showing up as their best selves
4. How culture's identity for you prevents you from discovering your internal identity

The Discover-Develop-Display Framework:

DISCOVER (Internal Process):

1. The decision you must make BEFORE anything else (hint: you have to WANT to know your superpower)
2. 5 ways to discover your unique purpose: psychometric tests (MBTI, talent assessments), 360 interviews, asking your closest circle what they come to you for, noticing what makes you lose track of time
3. Why data + insights + experiences = the foundation for cognitive reshaping
4. The questions to ask: "What enhances me? What elevates me? What do I need to EXIT?"

DEVELOP (The Plan):

1. How to create a systematic structure to activate your superpower
2. Why most entrepreneurs skip straight to "display" (the external) without doing internal work
3. The truth + love equation: Why feedback needs BOTH to be effective (truth without love is harsh; love without truth is too squishy)

DISPLAY (External Impact):

1. How to execute and DEFEND your superpower in the marketplace
2. Why internal discovery creates external impact (and attracts customers magnetically instead of desperately)
3. The compound effect of outcomes: When you solve real needs, referrals generate your business automatically

The Breakthrough Moments:

The Butterfly Revelation: Did you know a caterpillar's body completely JELLIFIES in the cocoon before becoming a butterfly? It disintegrates entirely and reforms. This is the exact journey entrepreneurs must take—completely letting go of cultural identity to transform into their true selves.

The "Breaking Up With the Internet" Story: Lindsay shares her powerful moment of stopping all courses, coaches, and guru advice to discover her own path—and how everything changed when she did.

The Guarded Truth: How asking "What was your first impression of me?" revealed a painful but transformative truth that inspired real change.

The Mathematical Method:

1. ENHANCE (Addition): What can I add that's missing?
2. ELEVATE (Multiplication): What can I do to multiply my impact?
3. EXIT (Subtraction): What must I remove that's not serving me?

The Corporate-to-Calling Journey: Randall's story of spending 38 years in Fortune 5 companies, owning an executive search firm during the tech boom, becoming a pastor, working as a fitness trainer—and finally realizing all these experiences were seeds God planted for his true calling: helping others rise to THEIR roles.

The Truth About Value:

1. Lead with your SUPERPOWER (your unique value)
2. SUPPLEMENT with the necessary stuff (the operational tasks)
3. Most entrepreneurs do it backward—they lead with what's necessary and never show their true value

The Identity vs. Authenticity Problem: When you step into a W-2 executive role, you carry the weight of the title easily—it's assigned, the pay validates it, everything aligns. But as an entrepreneur struggling through daily challenges, you lose sight of that inner leader. The answer? Stop operating in the identity culture gives you and discover the identity that's INSIDE you.

What You'll Walk Away With:

1. A clear framework to discover your unique superpower
2. Permission to stop performing and start BEING
3. Understanding that your best self starts inside and works outward
4. The courage to ask hard questions and hear hard truths
5. A roadmap to rise into your role instead of just filling it

The Bottom Line: People don't buy your skills. They buy YOU. Your presence. Your superpower. The value only you can bring. But you can't project what you haven't discovered.

Ready to rise? Visit www.inspiritinstitute.com or grab Randall's book Rise to the Role on Amazon. InSpirit Institute offers self-paced online courses, an app, personalized coaching, and a network of partners in HR, leadership development, financial planning, and more—all designed to help you discover, develop, and display your best self.

Perfect for: Entrepreneurs who are hustling hard but feeling stuck, leaders who know they're capable of more, anyone tired of operating from "needy energy," and business owners ready to attract instead of chase.

Key Takeaway: Internal discovery creates external impact. When you value yourself and see yourself clearly, others naturally see your value too—and the referrals, clients, and opportunities follow.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Rise to the Role by Randall Thames (Amazon)
2. InSpirit Institute: www.inspiritinstitute.com
3. The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
4. MBTI and other psychometric assessments

Episode Highlights:

1. [00:02:00] The super purpose power everyone has (but most never activate)
2. [00:06:00] The Discover-Develop-Display framework explained
3. [00:11:00] The butterfly disintegration metaphor
4. [00:13:00] How testimonials revealed a client's hidden superpower
5. [00:17:00] "You're very guarded"—the honest feedback that changed everything
6. [00:21:00] Internal discovery = external impact (the value creation formula)
7. [00:26:00] From 38 years in corporate to building InSpirit Institute

Quote to Remember: "Sometimes we are operating in our own cocoon, but until we sit down and completely let go of the identity that culture is giving us based on the roles we have—unless we cocoon and let go of that and transform ourselves to what's inside of us—we'll never be able to fly."

Have a burning question? Leave a message for Lindsay and she will turn it into an episode with an answer. Use the link below to record.

https://www.speakpipe.com/FreedomEntrepreneur

Biz in a Box CRM is the ultimate all-in-one solution designed to simplify and scale your business. Imagine managing every aspect of your operations — from smart contact segmentation and automated follow-ups to call and text functionality, calendar booking, funnels, websites, and even social media scheduling — all from one intuitive platform. No more juggling multiple tools or paying for endless subscriptions. With built-in AI employee support, Biz in a Box CRM doesn’t just organize your business, it actively helps you run it. It’s like having a full-time team behind the scenes, so you can focus on growth, impact, and freedom.

Book your demo: https://bizinaboxsolutions.com/crm

Mentioned in this episode:

Freebie 5k recurring revenue

It's time to take action and build the recurring revenue you long for. Text FREEDOM to 55444 right now to get instant access to the free guide 'Earn $5k/month on repeat.' You deserve more freedom!

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/