Hey Silly Rebel Podcast | Episode 11: This Guy Deleted Instagram and Had His Biggest Month Ever — with Jay Topp

Jay's Instagram got deleted in March. April was his biggest business month ever. Coincidence? He'd say no.

In this episode, Jay, an Australian entrepreneur who has built multiple seven-figure businesses and visited 66 countries, breaks down exactly how he runs a thriving online business with zero organic social media, using a book funnel that pays for itself on day one. We also go deep on nihilism, Nietzsche, courage as a muscle, and what actually separates the people who build differently from everyone else.

Guest: Jay Topp

Hey Silly Rebel Podcast | Episode 10: What If Sick and Happy Aren't Opposites? — with Markus Raivio

I'm talking with Markus Raivio, a Finnish social entrepreneur, record producer turned music therapist, and the first-ever Ashoka Fellow elected from Finland. He's the founder of Kukunori, an organization that has built 25 culture houses across Finland and beyond, diagnosis-free spaces where people living with mental health challenges don't go to be fixed. They go to lead.

We get into the paradox of Finland being the happiest country in the world nine times running while also carrying some of the highest rates of depression and loneliness in the West, and what Markus calls the "third dimension" of being alive: the space beyond sick and healthy where the real question is whether you can still do something meaningful despite how you're feeling.

We also talk about the Zero Zone (his daughter's name for the blank, drifting mental state that turns out to be where his best ideas actually live), how a phone call he had to take mid-guitar-group accidentally gave him the model he's been building ever since, why the first 15 minutes of any connection determines the next 15 years, and what 150 young adults said they actually needed, which had nothing to do with more clinical services.

Markus is warm, funny, genuinely un-self-helpy, and one of the most interesting people I've had on this show.

Guest: Markus Raivio

Kukunori: kukunori.fi

Ashoka Fellowship: ashoka.org

Hey Silly Rebel Podcast | Episode 9: Your Body Has Been Trying To Tell You Something

In this episode, I sit down with Kelsey, yoga teacher, menstrual cycle coach, and founder of Elderberry Mother Care, for a conversation that will genuinely reorganize how you think about your body. They dig into the four phases of the menstrual cycle mapped as seasons, why the luteal phase isn't a monster but actually your truest self trying to protect you, how women's 28-day hormone cycle was never designed for the linear, perform-the-same-every-day world we're living in, and what nobody told us about menopause and the real power that comes with it. If you've ever burned out chasing consistency, dismissed how you felt during PMS, or just realized you were never actually given the full picture about your own body, this one's for you.

Guest links:

Instagram: @elderberrymothercare

Connect with Me:

Substack: heysillyrebel.substack.com

Website: heysillyrebel.com

Hey Silly Rebel Podcast | Episode 8: Good Lazy

In this episode, I'm chatting with Crystal, the founder of Good Lazy, a sock company out of Victoria, BC, built on one very good mantra: do less better. She walked away from an enviable career at John Fluevog Shoes not because anything went wrong, but because the pace was eating her alive. Five years later, her business is almost entirely offline, growing through real relationships and word of mouth, and she's proof that slower can actually be better. This one got me. I think it'll get you too.

Guest links:

Good Lazy: goodlazy.ca

Instagram: @goodlazy.ca

Promo code: HEYSILLYREBEL for 25% off your order

Connect with me:

Substack: heysillyrebel.substack.com

Website: heysillyrebel.com

About this episode

Kayla Brazier is a community builder, event curator, and somatic practitioner based in Kamloops, BC. She's the founder of Fullest Table — a seasonal supper series for women — and runs a nervous system coaching practice at kaylabrazier.com. In this conversation, we get into why women perform in social situations, what actually shifts when you feel safe enough to stop, and what it looks like to build a business that feeds you back instead of just draining you.

3 Things You'll Take Away From This Episode

You're not performing because you're fake — you're performing because your nervous system is trying to keep you safe. Understanding that changes everything.

Your business's potential is equal to your capacity. If you're burnt out, the question isn't "how do I push through" — it's "why did I start this in the first place?"

Joy is amplified by a thousand times when it's shared. Success in isolation will always feel a little hollow. That's not a flaw. That's just human.

Chapters

00:00 — Intro & welcome 03:34 — What success actually means now vs. earlier in Kayla's career 05:26 — The belief she had to unlearn: success doesn't have to equal struggle 08:00 — Guilt, shame, and whose belief system you're actually carrying 10:19 — Why Substack became her greatest marketing tool 13:00 — Gathering vs. networking vs. scaling — and why the word matters 16:38 — What happens to a woman physically and emotionally when she doesn't have to perform 23:00 — How to actually get safe enough to stop performing 26:00 — On radical honesty and self-abandonment in personal relationships 31:58 — Nourishment as business infrastructure, not indulgence 38:50 — Building your business around your energy instead of the other way around 42:13 — How to protect your slowness when growth culture tempts you to do more 48:48 — Running multiple expressions of your work without burning out 49:34 — The start, stop, pause list 51:17 — On prayer, intuition, and cutting through the noise 52:04 — Visibility that feels rooted instead of performative 54:50 — For the tired but deeply called woman: building in community, not isolation 58:04 — Keep, Quit, Never Again

Summary

In this episode of the Hey Silly Rebel podcast, host Stacey engages with Natasha Linden, a former marriage commissioner, who shares her unique experiences officiating over 564 weddings. The conversation delves into the diverse expressions of love and marriage, the impact of digital addiction, and the transformative journey of living without Wi-Fi and a car. Natasha reflects on the importance of self-respect, presence in relationships, and the joy of rediscovering hobbies and connections in a world dominated by technology.

Takeaways

Natasha officiated over 564 weddings, witnessing diverse expressions of love.

Marriage can take many forms, from grand ceremonies to intimate living room vows.

People often have biases about marriage and divorce that affect their perceptions.

Digital addiction can lead to a loss of self-respect and fulfillment.

Living without Wi-Fi can lead to a more peaceful and present life.

Rediscovering hobbies can enhance personal fulfillment and connections.

Relationships improve when we are more present and engaged.

The challenge of living without a car can lead to new experiences and perspectives.

Personal experiences, like a car accident, can shift our outlook on life.

Taking on challenges can open up new vistas in our lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Natasha Linden

02:16 Experiences as a Marriage Commissioner

04:41 Perspectives on Marriage and Love

07:10 Special Moments in Weddings

09:56 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Weddings

12:16 Navigating Social Media and Digital Detox

15:08 The Effects of Digital Addiction

17:31 Finding Peace Without Wi-Fi

20:25 Rediscovering Hobbies and Connections

23:20 The Shift in Relationships and Presence

25:44 Reflections on Identity and Self-Respect

28:22 The Challenge of Living Without a Car

31:11 The Miraculous Car Accident Experience

33:58 Lessons Learned from Life Changes

36:49 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Keywords

marriage, love stories, digital detox, social media addiction, personal growth, wedding officiant, relationships, self-respect, life changes, mindfulness

Summary:

In this engaging conversation, Stacey Owen and Andjela Boskovic explore the nuances of being a multi-potentialite, the pressures of career choices, and the importance of embracing one's humanity in the age of AI. They discuss the journey of self-discovery through journaling, the value of diverse skills in a changing economy, and the significance of introspection in knowing when to pivot. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media on relationships, the importance of self-care to avoid burnout, and the need to redefine consistency in a way that honours individual needs. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of validating one's feelings and pursuing joy in all endeavours.

Takeaways

- Embrace the messy side of humanity in the age of AI.

- Understanding the difference between multi-potentialites and polymaths is crucial.

- Women often face pressure to conform to a single career path.

- Journaling can spark self-discovery and personal growth.

- Diverse skills are valuable in today's changing economy.

- Introspection is key to knowing when to pivot in your career.

- Neglecting basic needs can lead to burnout.

- Redefining consistency means meeting your needs, not adhering to monotony.

- Social media can dilute the depth of personal relationships.

- Validating your feelings is essential for pursuing joy.

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Humanity in the Age of AI

02:26 Understanding Multi-Potentialites and Polymaths

06:16 The Pressure of Career Choices and Self-Validation

08:19 Navigating Career Pivots and Personal Growth

12:28 The Thread Connecting Diverse Career Paths

16:14 The Value of Multi-Potentiality in Today's Economy

18:53 Recognizing Internal Signals for Career Change

25:10 The Importance of Introspection and Self-Reflection

27:38 Setting Realistic Expectations for Career Transitions

30:25 Understanding and Preventing Burnout

32:06 Navigating Personal Health and Business Challenges

35:09 Redefining Consistency in Daily Routines

41:13 The Importance of Naming Our Needs

47:37 The Impact of Social Media on Relationships

54:37 Embracing Depth Over Vanity in Connections

01:00:00 Validating Feelings and Pursuing Joy in Work

Keywords

AI, multi-potentialite, career pivots, self-discovery, burnout, social media, consistency, introspection, self-care, writing

Summary

In this episode of the Hey Silly Rebel Podcast, Stacey Owen interviews Blair Kaplan Venables, a grief and resilience expert who shares her journey from social media marketing to exploring Substack and podcasting. Blair discusses her experiences with grief, the importance of protecting one's energy, recognizing burnout, and setting boundaries. She emphasizes the significance of visibility and authenticity in business, encouraging listeners to take ownership of their lives and make decisions that align with their true selves. The conversation also touches on effective marketing strategies and the value of continuous learning and support in entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

- Blair transitioned from social media marketing to focus on writing and podcasting.

Substack has become a platform for sharing personal experiences and insights on grief.

- Burnout can be recognized through physical signs and emotional states.

- Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining energy and mental health.

- Visibility in business is about being talked about positively in the right rooms.

- Authenticity and service to others build trust in business relationships.

- It's important to choose a path that aligns with personal values and desires.

- Continuous learning and adaptation are key to success in entrepreneurship.

- Hiring a coach can provide valuable support and guidance for entrepreneurs.

- Taking ownership of one's life decisions is essential for fulfillment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

05:48 Transition from Social Media Marketing to Substack

16:48 Establishing Healthy Work Boundaries

27:06 The Importance of Visibility and Integrity

32:32 Justifying Success as Women

37:39 Creating Your Own Path

43:49 Business and Life Integration

51:29 Giving Back and Personal Fulfillment

Keywords

Substack, podcasting, grief, resilience, social media marketing, burnout, boundaries, visibility, entrepreneurship, personal growth

Summary

In this episode of the Hey Silly Rebel Podcast, Stacey and Renee discuss the evolution of their podcast, the importance of community and effective marketing strategies beyond social media. They emphasize the significance of creating unforgettable client experiences, building trust, and maintaining genuine touch points with clients. The conversation also includes a fun segment where they share what they plan to keep, quit, and never do again in their business practices.Also, the sound quality of this episode is...well, she's meh. This is what sharing before things are perfect look like, because that's how we continue to move forward. Enjoy!

Takeaways

- The podcast has been renamed to Hey Silly Rebel.

- Renee is a Bookstagrammer and entrepreneur with experience in multiple industries.

- Social media can be a fun tool, but it's not the only way to market.

- Building a client database is crucial for new entrepreneurs.

- Creating unforgettable experiences for clients leads to referrals.

- Trust is essential in service-based industries like real estate.

- Touch points with clients should be genuine and not sales-driven.

- It's important to maintain relationships with past clients.

- Marketing should focus on building trust rather than just gaining new leads.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts

06:07 Marketing Strategies Beyond Social Media

11:52 The Importance of Client Experience

17:56 Creative Marketing Tactics and Peer Networking

23:00 Building Trust Through Client Relationships

29:06 Creating Meaningful Touch Points

35:00 Fun and Insightful Rapid Fire QuestionsKeywords

podcast, marketing, social media, client engagement, real estate, community building, Bookstagram, entrepreneurship, client experience, trust

Summary:

In this engaging conversation, Stacey Owen and Terry Hofford explore the complexities of multi-passionate identities, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the impact of social media on personal and professional lives. They discuss the journey of self-discovery, the importance of self-trust, and the need to break free from societal expectations. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of authenticity in business, the exploration of alternative marketing strategies, and the balance between seeking attention and staying true to oneself. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a reminder of the courage it takes to embrace one's true self and the power of community support.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Multi-Passionate Identity

08:21 The Business Side of Creativity

16:01 Social Media's Impact on Freedom

23:48 Self-Trust and Identity in Work

34:38 The Fear of Stepping Back from Social Media

46:38 The Lies We Tell Ourselves in Business

55:09 Building a Sustainable Business

01:03:29 Reflections on Business Practices

01:08:49 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Keywords: multi-passionate identity, entrepreneurship, burnout, social media, self-trust, authenticity, marketing strategies, sustainable business, creativity, personal growth