Ever feel like you’re stuck on a treadmill that never stops? In this episode of The Magic Hour Podcast, I sit down with Samantha (Sam) Plavins—adventurer, entrepreneur, and fierce advocate for reclaiming lost time.

After years of chasing traditional success in finance, Sam realized that the life she built was draining her. So, she walked away—literally. In 2019, she set out on an 800 km journey along the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that reshaped everything she thought she knew about success, ambition, and peace. Now, through her business She Walks the Walk, she leads women on global walking adventures, helping them reconnect with themselves and step off the hustle treadmill for good.

In this episode, we dig into:

⚡ The courage it takes to break free from hustle culture and forge your own path

⚡ How to balance ambition with inner peace (yes, it’s possible!)

⚡ Lessons from Sam’s recent trip to Bhutan, and why embracing uncertainty is the key to a fulfilled life

⚡ The difference between risk and reward—and how to know when it’s time to leap

So, grab a coffee (or lace up your walking shoes), and let’s dive into this conversation about slowing down, trusting yourself, and living fully—right now, not someday.

🎧 Listen to The Magic Hour Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in!

📲 Let’s keep the conversation going! Follow us on Instagram at @itsthemagichourpodcast.

📖 Check out the full show notes: Magic Hour Podcast Show Notes

This episode is brought to you by:

💌 Flodesk – The all-in-one email marketing platform designed to make beautiful emails easy. Get 50% off your first year: flodesk.com

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✨ Stay in the magic: Follow @itsthemagichourpodcast for behind-the-scenes content, guest updates, and more!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back with bigger conversations, deeper insights, and even more magic!🦄

Season 3 of The Magic Hour Podcast launches February 27th, bringing you a fresh season of real, unfiltered conversations about entrepreneurship, creativity, and conscious business with entrepreneurs, creatives, and industry leaders sharing their journeys, challenges, and breakthroughs.

And this season? We’re introducing After Hours⚡—a special bonus series with workshop-style takeaways, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you turn inspiration into action.

Hit subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen—let’s make this season the most magical one yet. 🎧✨

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Magic Hour Podcast, Hope Mikal sits down with Anna Sotnykova, a leader in operations, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Anna opens up about the challenges of balancing a full-time career in academia with building her own business in women’s health. From tackling fear and embracing creativity to breaking down barriers in tech, Anna’s journey is an inspiring blend of determination and passion.

Anna shares how community-building has shaped her career, her insights into the evolving role of women in tech, and why vulnerability and collaboration are the keys to driving meaningful change.

🎧 Tune in for an honest, actionable conversation that will leave you inspired to take the next step in your own journey—wherever it leads.

Episode Highlights:

• Anna reflects on the power of embracing the messy, bringing your full self to the table, and navigating the journey of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship.
• A deep dive into women’s health: understanding how your cycle impacts day-to-day life and why embracing each stage can lead to empowerment.
• Insights from Anna’s fertility journey and how it intertwines with her life, work, and interpersonal growth.
• The importance of community building—reaching out, showing up authentically, and fostering diverse perspectives in every room.
• A valuable reminder: “If you’re the smartest person in the room, get out of that room.” Anna shares how stepping into new spaces with curiosity can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth.

Meet Our Magical Guest:

Anna Sotnykova is the Operations & Communications Coordinator at TMU’s Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation. She co-founded Inkside, an AI tattoo design app, and serves on the IFIA Canadian board and as a PORCH Ambassador supporting immigrant entrepreneurs. With a Master’s in Political Science and certifications in Public Administration and Project Management, Anna’s next venture focuses on family support and social enterprise.

This episode is brought to you by:

Forever Yours Lingerie. Find a bra that fits. Use our special code MAGICHOUR for 15% off your next purchase valid in store or online. Check out Forever Yours Lingerie in their Langley and Burnaby locations, or shop online.*This code expires on December 31st, 2024 and cannot be combined with other offers and promotions.

Discover People I’ve Loved, the heartfelt brand founded by our inspiring guest, Carissa Potter. From artful cards to thoughtful objects, every piece is designed to spark connection and meaningful conversations. Enjoy 20% off site-wide with promo code MAGICHOUR20. PeopleIveLoved.com

About The Magic Hour Podcast:

The  is an intentional space we can show up to let our curiosity drive inclusive, empowering conversations about marketing, design, entrepreneurship and socially conscious topics. Tune in as Hope Mikal, CEO/Founder of Unicorn Marketing Co. asks imaginative, light-hearted questions to her incredibly talented guests from here, there, and everywhere.

Follow the Magic Hour Podcast on Instagram!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Magic Hour, Hope sits down with Carissa Potter, artist, author, and founder of People I’ve Loved, to explore the intersection of creativity, vulnerability, and intention in life and business. Known for her deeply human approach to art and connection, Carissa shares how embracing emotional complexity has shaped her work, from crafting meaningful objects to writing bestselling books. Together, they discuss the role of gratitude in navigating challenges, the impact of AI on creativity and decision-making, and the balance between fear of the future and staying grounded in the present. This conversation is full of thought-provoking insights on living with purpose, embracing vulnerability, and finding connection in unexpected places.

Episode Highlights:

• Carissa opens up about her journey with People I’ve Loved, from handmade creations to a globally recognized brand.
• How gratitude practices can transform negative experiences into moments of peace.
• A deep dive into the challenges and ethical considerations of using AI in creative work.
• The importance of intention and alignment in building a business that feels authentic.
• Reflections on privilege, luck, and resilience in achieving success.

Meet Our Magical Guest:

Carissa Potter is an artist, author, and founder of People I’ve Loved, a globally recognized brand creating objects and art that foster connection and meaningful conversations. She’s collaborated with institutions and brands such as SFMOMA, The Hammer, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Pinterest, and The Color Factory. The author of three books and host of Bad At Keeping Secrets on Substack, Carissa was also named one of AdAge’s 24 Most Inspiring People of 2021. Her work embraces the full range of human emotion, blending creativity with vulnerability to create spaces for authentic connection.

This episode is brought to you by:

Forever Yours Lingerie. Find a bra that fits. Use our special code MAGICHOUR for 15% off your next purchase valid in store or online. Check out Forever Yours Lingerie in their Langley and Burnaby locations, or shop online.* This code expires on December 31st, 2024 and cannot be combined with other offers and promotions.

Discover People I’ve Loved, the heartfelt brand founded by our inspiring guest, Carissa Potter. From artful cards to thoughtful objects, every piece is designed to spark connection and meaningful conversations. Enjoy 20% off sitewide with promo code MAGICHOUR20. PeopleIveLoved.com

About The Magic Hour Podcast:

The Magic Hour Podcast is an intentional space we can show up to let our curiosity drive inclusive, empowering conversations about marketing, design, entrepreneurship and socially conscious topics. Tune in as Hope Mikal, CEO/Founder of Unicorn Marketing Co. asks imaginative, light-hearted questions to her incredibly talented guests from here, there, and everywhere.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Magic Hour, Hope chats with Amy Liu, a brand manager with a creative twist, as they dive into what it really takes to manage and build iconic brands in the beverage alcohol industry. Amy debunks the glossy, TV portrayal of marketing (spoiler: it’s not like Emily in Paris), giving us a behind-the-scenes look at her day-to-day work. From the realities of agency life to the less glamorous, yet rewarding, tasks of brand management, Amy shares her journey, insights, and the surprising challenges that come with creating new-to-world brands like White Claw Vodka. Plus, get a glimpse into how she keeps the creative spark alive in a fast-paced corporate environment.

Episode Highlights:

• Amy gives us a peek into the real life of a brand manager—spoiler alert: it’s not Emily in Paris or Mad Men. Think less glam and more grind, but with a lot of creativity sprinkled in.
• We debunk the myths of what people think marketing is, versus what it’s really like to build brands from the ground up. Hint: there’s way more spreadsheets involved!
• Amy talks about her transition from agency life to being on the brand side, sharing what’s different, what’s better, and what she misses about agency work.
• The beverage alcohol industry is a whole different world, and Amy breaks down the challenges (and wins) of bringing fun, new products to life.
• Balancing creativity with the everyday hustle, Amy shares how she stays inspired, even when 70% of the job isn’t as glamorous as you’d expect.

Meet Our Magical Guest:

Amy graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Psychology and Pre-Law. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working with renowned brands such as White Claw, Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Absolut, Miller Lite, Moët, L’Oréal, Lexus, and more. With over a decade of experience, Amy is currently a Senior Brand Manager at Mark Anthony Group, one of North America's fastest-growing beverage companies.

This episode is brought to you by:

Forever Yours Lingerie. Find a bra that fits. Use our special code MAGICHOUR for 15% off your next purchase valid in store or online. Check out Forever Yours Lingerie in their Langley and Burnaby locations, or shop online.* This code expires on December 31st, 2024 and cannot be combined with other offers and promotions.

Dubsado. The all-in-one CRM to manage your clients, automate your work and grow your business. Get 20% off your first month or year long subscription. #affiliate

About The Magic Hour Podcast:

The Magic Hour Podcast is an intentional space we can show up to let our curiosity drive inclusive, empowering conversations about marketing, design, entrepreneurship and socially conscious topics. Tune in as Hope Mikal, CEO/Founder of Unicorn Marketing Co. asks imaginative, light-hearted questions to her incredibly talented guests from here, there, and everywhere.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Magic Hour podcast, Julia Guz shares her journey from the Web3, crypto-currency industry to running two businesses: JG Operations and Dragon Heart Healing. She highlights the importance of embracing versatility, combining business acumen with spirituality to lead authentically. Julia discusses overcoming fear, particularly in striving to work. She encourages women to embrace all sides of themselves, emphasizing that authenticity and self-honesty are key to personal and professional growth.

Episode Highlights:

• Find out how to harness the power of embracing all aspects of oneself, from business leadership to spiritual wellness, and how this versatility has driven Julia's success.
• Julia shares a pivotal experience in Nigeria where she had to lead a Web3 workshop solo, learning that taking action in the face of fear is key to personal growth.
• Hear insights on how energy healing and spirituality can be powerful tools for personal and professional growth, especially for women navigating the complexities of leadership in today's world.
• Julia shares a great reminder to be 100% honest with yourself, sharing an introspective exercise that helps uncover areas of inauthenticity and guides people toward living more aligned and fulfilling lives.

Meet Our Magical Guest:

Julia Guz is a dynamic leader passionate about empowering individuals and businesses to reach their full potential. With a unique blend of strategic business acumen and deep spiritual wisdom, Julia has carved a niche for herself at the intersection of business growth and personal transformation. Her journey began in the fast-paced world of Web3, where she quickly scaled from being the youngest and only woman on the team to Head of Operations and Head of Business Development in two and half years.

This episode is brought to you by:

Showit Website Builder. Ready to build a website that truly reflects your brand? Get started with Showit today and bring your vision to life! #affiliate

About The Magic Hour Podcast:

The Magic Hour Podcast is an intentional space we can show up to let our curiosity drive inclusive, empowering conversations about marketing, design, entrepreneurship and socially conscious topics. Tune in as Hope Mikal, CEO/Founder of Unicorn Marketing Co. asks imaginative, light-hearted questions to her incredibly talented guests from here, there, and everywhere.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Magic Hour podcast, Hope Mikal interviews Leah Yard, owner and designer of Leah Yard Designs and host of the Voted Least Likely podcast. Leah shares her unconventional journey from a childhood on isolated lighthouse islands to becoming a successful jewelry designer and entrepreneur in Vancouver. The conversation delves into her early life, struggles with imposter syndrome, and the importance of authenticity and resilience in business.

Episode Highlights:

• Leah shares her experience growing up on isolated lighthouse islands with limited supplies and no peers, which significantly influenced her creativity and resilience. Her family's practical and resourceful lifestyle planted the seeds for her future design philosophy.
• Despite dropping out of high school and working entry-level jobs, Leah's passion for jewelry and encouragement from friends led her to start her business. She initially kept her business a secret, fearing failure and lack of support from her practical family.
• Leah discusses the challenges of feeling like an imposter in the glamorous fashion industry. She found that sharing her true story and vulnerabilities resonated with customers, building a genuine connection and trust.
• Leah highlights the value of mentorship and learning from others in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of asking for help and being open to guidance, which has been crucial in her business growth.

Meet Our Magical Guest:

From living on an isolated lighthouse island as a child, to dropping out of high school and working entry-level jobs for over a decade, to accidentally becoming an entrepreneur: her story is far from glamorous. Leah launched her jewellery brand Leah Yard Designs in 2013. In an industry that values prestige and glamour, she constantly felt like an imposter. Because of this, she now proudly shares her story on the Voted Least Likely Podcast. Her mission is to demystify what it takes to be successful, and push past our own limiting beliefs.

This episode is brought to you by:

The Contracts Market. Get customizable, easy-to-use, contract templates and bundles from the Contracts Market today! #affiliate

About The Magic Hour Podcast:

The Magic Hour Podcast is an intentional space we can show up to let our curiosity drive inclusive, empowering conversations about marketing, design, entrepreneurship and socially conscious topics. Tune in as Hope Mikal, CEO/Founder of Unicorn Marketing Co. asks imaginative, light-hearted questions to her incredibly talented guests from here, there, and everywhere.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Magic Hour podcast, Hope interviews Radhika Graham, a wedding and event planner from Victoria, British Columbia. Radhika (Rad for short) shares her journey from planning her own wedding to starting Rad Occasions, discussing the creative and logistical challenges she faces, along with her advocacy for inclusivity in the wedding industry. The episode is filled with valuable advice for newly engaged couples and aspiring wedding planners, as well as engaging anecdotes from Radhika's experiences.

Episode Highlights:

• Discover how Rad transformed her life to prioritize fulfillment and gain valuable tips on living in the moment before chasing the next big goal.
• Enjoy heartfelt stories from Rad Occasions about memorable client weddings.
• Gain insights into the ongoing issues of racism, stereotypes, and prejudice in the wedding industry and find out how to make weddings inclusive for all couples and guests, including those with dietary restrictions or mobility issues, and ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone.
• Get practical advice for newly engaged couples, including our host Hope!
• Find out how Rad successfully balances motherhood, business, and keeping her inbox under control with her “mischief managed” approach.

Meet Our Magical Guest:

Radhika began working in the wedding industry almost a decade ago and in 2015, she founded her own company which has been an amazing journey ever since. Her passion for creating intentional and sustainable events has evolved into a full-service company that Rad now runs with her team, including her husband, Rob. As a certified planner and a lifelong romantic, Rad prides herself on going the extra mile for the couples she works with – whether it’s folding 500+ paper cranes before a ceremony or running Olympic sprints in heels to save bouquets from stormy weather. Aside from planning weddings, she teaches with the Wedding Planner's Institute of Canada and is getting over her fear of public speaking by speaking in public, of course!

This episode is brought to you by:

Sarah Mulder Jewelry. Sarah designs "Jewelry for City Dwellers with Bohemian Hearts" and focuses on statement pieces that can be tailored down to pair with everyday looks. Use the code MAGICHOUR to get 15% off Sarah's incredible pieces!

The Contracts Market. Get customizable, easy-to-use, contract templates and bundles from the Contracts Market today! #affiliate

About The Magic Hour Podcast:

The Magic Hour Podcast is an intentional space we can show up to let our curiosity drive inclusive, empowering conversations about marketing, design, entrepreneurship and socially conscious topics. Tune in as Hope Mikal, CEO/Founder of Unicorn Marketing Co. asks imaginative, light-hearted questions to her incredibly talented guests from here, there, and everywhere.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Magic Hour Podcast, Hope chats with Sachin Khona, wedding photographer, entrepreneur, and podcast host about his transition from the gray, corporate world of accounting to living a full time creative lifestyle. Harnessing his own anxiety and fears about his own work, Sachin first started ARC as an interview website, building meaningful connections with photographers he admired. Fast forward a few years, and ARC is now a podcast and a destination for photographers, as an educational conference right here in the Pacific Northwest. Tune into this episode for a low-key coaching pep talk on building boundaries, understanding work-life-harmony, and how to fuel your creative fire.

Episode Highlights:

• Forget the buzzword 'work life balance'. Sachin talks about work-life-harmony and how he deciphers all three deeply into his very core.
• Learn how to make conscious choices and micro-actions will turn your huge, wild ideas into bite-size, manageable goals.
• Hear a gentle reminder of centering your focus on your own business. Just do it - it worked for Nike, after all.

Meet Our Magical Guest:

Sachin Khona is a Vancouver-based documentary-style wedding photographer with roots in London. Photography is more than his profession; it is his passion and a reflection of his artistry. With a keen eye for composition and lighting, Sachin captures raw, human connections and timeless photographs. His journey began as a street photographer, honing his talent for seeing light in unique ways. Beyond photography, Sachin founded ARC, a thriving community for photographers with annual conferences, and is the host of The Arc Creative Podcast. His genuine and approachable nature fosters connections within the photography community.

This episode is brought to you by:

Our very own Magical Shop. Download digital products to make your marketing a little more sparkly. Get started!

Are you ready to unlock your superpower, attract clients, and build the confidence to develop your reputation as a global industry leader?! Get your copy of Lilian's nonfiction public relations book The Powerful Publicity Prescription

The Contracts Market. Get customizable, easy-to-use, contract templates and bundles from the Contracts Market today! #affiliate

About The Magic Hour Podcast:

The Magic Hour Podcast is an intentional space we can show up to let our curiosity drive inclusive, empowering conversations about marketing, design, entrepreneurship and socially conscious topics. Tune in as Hope Mikal, CEO/Founder of Unicorn Marketing Co. asks imaginative, light-hearted questions to her incredibly talented guests from here, there, and everywhere.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Magic Hour Podcast, Hope talks with Jaime Bell, Founder of Contracts Market, all about the importance of using lawyer approved contracts to protect your business. Find out why you can't be capturing emails without a Privacy Policy or Terms of Conditions listed on your website. Jaime shares how she harnesses her ADHD to work different times of the day, maximizing her deep focus and her moments of creative magic…and OH so much more! 

“I truly believe - because I’ve seen it happen - that once you start using lawyer-drafted contracts you become more confident in your ability to grow your business.” – Jaime Bell

Episode Highlights:

• Hear how Jaime transitioned from law into founding her own company, and the balance she struggles with providing formal services as a business lawyer to operating her creative side through the Contracts Market
• Listen to Jaime's advice on setting clear boundaries with clients, through you guessed it - contracts!
• Get the details on why you need a Privacy Policy before capturing emails, and the importance of obtaining consent for email lists
• Let's discover the balance of deep work versus creative work with a side of deconstructing the term 'passive income'

Meet Our Magical Guest:

After working as a Canadian business lawyer for almost a decade, Jamie realized there was a serious gap in the market. On the one hand, she saw entrepreneurs DIY’ing their contracts or worse, not using contracts at all. On the other hand, she saw business owners spending thousands of dollars on custom contracts by lawyers who didn’t really understand the nuances of their niche or online businesses. Jamie knew legally protecting a business didn’t have to be so complicated or expensive…So she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. From Day 1, Jamie’s purpose has been to make great contracts accessible to business owners.

This episode is brought to you by:

Our very own Magical Shop. Download digital products to make your marketing a little more sparkly. Get started!

The Contracts Market. Get customizable, easy-to-use, contract templates and bundles from the Contracts Market today! #affiliate

About The Magic Hour Podcast:

The Magic Hour Podcast is an intentional space we can show up to let our curiosity drive inclusive, empowering conversations about marketing, design, entrepreneurship and socially conscious topics. Tune in as Hope Mikal, CEO/Founder of Unicorn Marketing Co. asks imaginative, light-hearted questions to her incredibly talented guests from here, there, and everywhere.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.