In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, Monica and Clayton pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to serve on nonprofit boards. From board meetings and fundraising to strategic planning and leadership decisions, they share how volunteering has shaped their careers, strengthened their leadership skills, and allowed them to make a meaningful impact in their community.

Monica reflects on her journey serving with CASA of Williamson County—including roles as Treasurer, Vice President, and two-term Board President—as well as leading the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce as Board Chair and announcing her newest nonprofit board appointment. Clayton shares why he joined Jail to Jobs, what drew him to its mission, and some of his proudest moments on the board.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, professional, or simply looking for a way to give back, this episode offers an honest look at the rewards and responsibilities of nonprofit leadership.

Think you’re not in sales? Think again.

In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, we break down what sales and marketing actually mean, how they work together, and why these skills are used every day in business, relationships, and even parenting.

We explain the difference between marketing (getting attention) and sales (driving action), how they work together to grow a business, and why understanding both is essential for entrepreneurs and healthcare providers. We also dive into the difference between B2B and B2C sales, and why one is a quick decision while the other requires trust, time, and multiple decision-makers.

If you’ve ever said “I’m not a salesperson,” this episode will change how you think about communication, influence, and business growth.

Is being “busy”really a sign of success… or just a fast track to burnout?

In this episode ofLove, Business & Luggage, we break down the truth behind hustleculture and why being busy has become a badge of honor for entrepreneurs,business owners, and working parents. We talk about why we say yes to too manycommitments, how overbooking your schedule leads to overwhelm, and why busyseasons never actually end.

We also sharepractical ways to set boundaries, protect your time, and focus on what trulymatters in both business and family life.

If you feelconstantly busy but not fulfilled, this episode will help you rethinkproductivity, success, and balance.

Please read Chad's book: Win The Battle Against Burnout

https://www.forwardpartners.net/battle

What happens when a nurse practitioner decides she does not want to open another clinic… but still wants to make a bigger impact?

In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, Monica shares the real story behind her book “DPC Dream Job or Total Disaster” and how it evolved into The DPC Formula, an online course and consulting program for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians who want to start a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice.

Recorded from a cruise ship right after hosting the DPC Launchpad conference for NPs and PAs, this episode dives into:

    •    The honest risks of starting a Direct Primary Care clinic

    •    Provider burnout and the shift to practice ownership

    •    How to know if DPC is the right fit

    •    The difference between reading about DPC and actually launching

If you are researching how to start a DPC clinic, exploring healthcare entrepreneurship, or considering leaving insurance-based medicine, this conversation will give you clarity before you take the leap.

Because DPC is not the easy path. It is the aligned path. 🚀

In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, we’re talking all things New Year — resolutions, goal-setting, and why January motivation looks different for everyone. We share honest perspectives on why traditional resolutions don’t work for all personalities, how reflection often matters more than a fresh calendar, and why progress beats perfection every time.

We also discuss what the New Year looks like in the workplace. Clayton shares how goals and priorities reset in his corporate environment, while Monica walks through her year-in-review process, leadership planning, and preparing for staff evaluations and goal setting.

We wrap up with our What’s in Your Carry-On segment featuring a New Year–approved essential: a reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is one resolution that works whether you’re traveling or just trying to survive January — even if Clayton usually ends up carrying it.

In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, we’re sharing what we learned from a recent international trip and how approaching travel differently made all the difference. We talk about flights, jet lag, getting around by train and public transit, packing light for winter travel, and why slowing down helped us enjoy more.

We also dive into how we book international flights using travel rewards and why simplicity matters when planning big trips. From there, we discuss transportation, food experiences, cultural immersion, and pacing — and wrap up with our What’s in Your Carry-On segment featuring a travel item we won’t leave home without.

Sponsor:

We use the Capital One Venture and Capital One Venture Business cards to book many of our international flights. The miles are easy to earn and simple to redeem for flights, hotels, and travel purchases.

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Travel Life Happy Wife:

https://www.youtube.com/@TravelLifeHappyWife/shorts

https://www.tiktok.com/@travellifehappywife?_r=1&_t=ZT-92PlrFBLY6g

Next Episode:

We’re talking New Year goals, habits, and how they shape our life in love, business, and luggage.

In this festive episode of Love, Business & Luggage, Monica and Clayton unwrap the meaning of the holidays — from favorite family traditions to their most hilarious holiday fails. Between twinkle lights, travel plans, and too many sugar cookies, they share what makes the season special (and what makes it slightly chaotic).

Monica confesses her over-the-top decorating habits, Clayton admits his lifelong war with tangled Christmas lights, and together they talk about the beauty of slowing down, making memories, and finding joy amid the madness.

Whether you’re traveling for the holidays, hosting family chaos, or just need a laugh with your peppermint mocha, this episode brings warmth, humor, and a reminder that the best gift is simply showing up — even if the wrapping paper’s crooked.

🎧 Listen in for:

         •       The best (and worst) holiday traditions

         •       Funny gift-giving disasters

         •       Tips for balancing business, family, and fun

         •       How to actually enjoy the holidays without burning out

         •       A festive look at gratitude, laughter, and letting go of perfection

In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, Monica and Clayton share how a curious college kid with a knack for fixing computers turned a help desk job into a 20-year tech career. Clayton opens up about his journey from troubleshooting floppy-disk disasters to leading teams in cybersecurity — and why stepping back from management was actually a move forward for his life. 

You’ll hear how leadership lessons, career pivots, and a passion for problem-solving shaped his path from entry-level IT to high-tech success at AWS. Monica brings her signature (groan) humor and perspective on how that tech-savvy mindset keeps their family, business, and travels running smoothly.

Whether you’re thinking about breaking into tech, looking to redefine your career path, or just love a good behind-the-screens story, this episode is packed with insight, laughter, and a few “turn it off and back on again” moments.

Pack your sunscreen and sarcasm—Monica and Clayton are recording live from the stunning Moon Palace in Cancun! 🌴☀️

In this episode, they dive into what makes this resort so special (hint: there’s history), how life has changed since their first visit, and why Monica insists there’s a big difference between a vacation and a trip. They share how their kid has become a resort connoisseur, the eternal struggle between fun and rest, and whether you can really leave work behind.

It’s part travel diary, part business therapy, and 100% beach-vibe banter. Grab a margarita and join them—because sometimes the best business ideas happen poolside. 🍹

You’ve seen the posts, but now you’ll finally hear the real story. Monica and Clayton spill the behind-the-scenes details from Monica’s adventure on The Blox, the nation’s largest entrepreneurial competition.

From sleepless nights and new friendships to business lessons and reality show chaos, Monica shares what really happened, what she learned, and how it changed her outlook on success.

🎧 Listen now to Love, Business & Luggage, where relationships, careers, and adventures take off.

Don’t forget to get your 50% off at Rent the Runway:

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View the Blox recap here:

https://youtu.be/9Bm1K_L2NbA