Moms with Dreams Show

I’m honored to introduce you to my guest, Joel Boggess, who’s an expert podcaster, speaker, bestselling author, and mentor. Joel is the go-to guy for clarity, confidence, and direction as he teaches people how to find productivity, meaning and success by using the power of their voice.

Joel’s podcast, ReLaunch, has passed the 1.5 million listeners mark and was named Most Inspirational for 2014 and 2015.

In this episode, Joel talks about:

• The biggest reason why most aspiring podcasters never launch their show
• 3 specific questions that you should answer before you start your podcast
• The difference between launching a podcast for passion and for business
• How to attract listeners and build your audience
• Why you shouldn’t even attempt to launch your podcast without support or guidance
• And more…the conversation got pretty deep, as you’ll see when you listen to the full episode.

If you’re listening to this episode on the day it airs, you can check Joel out on November 4-5th as he delivers his keynote speech at DC Podfest in Washington, DC.

You can click here to listen to Joel’s wildly popular podcast, ReLaunch. I promise that you will enjoy it.

Visit Joel’s website: www.relaunchshow.com.

Connect with Joel on Instagram: @joel_boggess

In this episode, I decided to switch it up for a change. Instead of interviewing a guest, I’m being interviewed on my own show for the first time ever! That’s right! I brought my amazing colleague and sister-friend, Porsha Hargrove, on my podcast to ask me about my decision to go back to school for my doctorate degree.

You may not know this, but I LOVE to learn and I’m passionate about educating, inspiring, and encouraging women to pursue their biggest goals and wildest dreams. I’ve always wanted to complete the highest level of education so I wouldn’t have any limitations or be forced to settle for not having the right qualifications.

In middle school my best friend, Nyali, and I made a pact with each other – she would become a medical doctor, and I would become an attorney. My life took me down a few detours along a non-traditional path of education. As I learned more about law, I decided that it wasn’t for me. As an undergraduate student I took my first psychology class and instantly fell in love with the idea of studying people.

While going through a devastating divorce in 2011, I started graduate school. It wasn’t easy, but I earned my masters degree in psychology in 2013. No matter how many times I tried to ignore my dream of going back for my PhD, it kept resurfacing. It got so bad that I would lay awake at night contemplating if I had what it takes to actually do it

Every now and then I would research a new school, look into its doctoral programs and dream. I had spoken with admission counselors and was about to settle for another masters degree, but something wouldn’t let me do it. The truth is that I was trying to convince myself to play small because of fear.

In July of 2016 I finally made the decision to pursue my PhD. I realized that I was procrastinating and making excuses. I was afraid of not being able to manage school. But even with the fear, my dream would not go away.

In September 2016, I started my first class as a PhD student. Some people think I’m crazy for adding school to my overflowing plate. Some are amazed by my ambition and ability to do so much. But I can’t take the credit – this is how God made me. I’m just walking in the path that He designed for me.

In this episode, Porsha holds nothing back as she tries to get to the root of my “addiction to education” and why it means so much to me to achieve this goal. We had a lot of fun while uncovering my truth. I shared my best tips for ambitious working adults who want to go back to school.

I also created a special bonus for you. It’s a downloadable and “writeable” PDF that accompanies this episode. This worksheet was designed to help you sort through your dreams and goals and includes:

• Action steps
• Key takeaways
• Self-reflection questions
• A challenge to help you take inspired action
• Resources for adults who are considering going back to school

Once you sign up, you’ll become a VIP member of my community and will have lifetime access to all worksheets as they’re added to my Moms With Dreams library.

 You can click here to gain access to this worksheet and library.

 **I’ve also included an extra special bonus that you will only get as a VIP member. Be sure to get your worksheet so you don’t miss out on this special offer.

 Remember that you can always write me at [email protected]. Follow me on Twitter @Momswithdreams and on Instagram @EricaGordonLive. If you love listening to these episodes each week, subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play.

If you’re not a member of my awesome Facebook group, Side Biz Success & Life Mastery, I invite you to join the fun today!

See you next week!

Xoxo

Erica

Kym Kennedy is a personal development coach and mentor with 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur. As a child who grew up as a “latch key kid” with both parents working outside of the home, Kym knew that she wanted to raise her children differently.

Soon after becoming a mom, Kym created a successful home business based on her passion for cooking. Her business gave her the best of both worlds – an opportunity to contribute to her family’s income while being present for her children.

In this episode, Kym shares her secret for success, which begins with asking these two questions:

1. What is it that I love?
2. What am I good at?

Answering them in this order will ensure that you are looking into your heart and giving yourself space to connect with your passion.

You don’t need a formal education in business to be a successful entrepreneur.

Kym built her business using trial and error. She got started and figured things out as she went along. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the how-to of things, but you don’t need to know it all – you just need to have an end goal (or know what you want to achieve) and be open to learning new skills

How to remove feelings of overwhelm:

When you start thinking big, you can quickly become overwhelmed at the thought of all that you have to do in order to accomplish that big goal or dream. Instead of trying to do it all in one step, Kym suggests that you take a step back and choose one step that you can take right now that will get you closer to your goal.

How to get out of your own way and get closer to your dream:

You have to work on your mindset. When doubt or fear shows up, you have to raise your vibration. Tap into information and resources (such as books, podcasts, etc.) that remind you of your ability to create and have anything that you want. Raising your vibration will allow you to see different opportunities – doors will open up for you.

How to reconnect with your passion:

Take a moment and think back to when you were a little girl and what you dreamt about doing when you grew up. Getting reconnected with that part of you will open up your heart and help you get out of your head.

Kym’s recommended reading:

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho

She loves this book because it’s about our hearts, our own personal legends, finding your truth and encourages readers to follow their heart and go after what they truly desire.

Kym’s Projects:

She’s currently writing her book and expanding her alchemy coaching practice to help others enter into the life coaching industry.

Kym’s Parting Words of Wisdom:

“You are perfect as you are. You have within you everything that you require to fulfill your deepest dreams. Dream big and surround yourself with people who will support you and encourage you to play the biggest game that you can play.”

Where You Can Find Kym Online:

Website: http://www.kymmkennedy.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KymMKennedy
Instagram: kymmkennedy

“Life is full of lessons, even if pain is the teacher.” ~Dr. Samone Brown

Dr. Samone Smith-Brown is a certified life coach with a doctorate in psychology. She is the CEO of Your Symmetrical Self Life Coaching Services and host of Beacon of Light podcast. Her expertise in coaching and psychology enables her to help clients remove personal roadblocks so they can life full, joyful lives.

In this episode, Dr. Samone talks about abusive relationships, trauma and how she stopped herself right before committing suicide. Dr. Samone also teaches you how to achieve your “symmetrical self” and accept that you are deserving of all that you desire.

How Samone Discovered Her Calling

Right as she was about to take pills that would end her life, Dr. Samone heard a voice. That voice spoke directly to her about the pain she would cause her loved ones, especially her daughter. In that moment, she realized her purpose – that her pain caused by sexual and physical abuse could be used as a blessing to save others who were also suffering.

How Samone Picked Herself Up After Attempting Suicide

• She had to learn how to encourage herself and became her biggest cheerleader.
• Samone worked on letting go of other people’s ideas about who she was and started redefining herself from the inside.
• She prayed a lot and worked hard to “see light” in herself.
• She created positive affirmations that enforced her self-love.

The Story behind Samone’s Brand, “Your Symmetrical Self”

Unbeknownst to her, Samone was developing the foundation of her brand while going  through her own healing process. “Your Symmetrical Self” is the concept of achieving harmony within by learning how to balance your inner self with your outer self. She talks about the process of creating this symmetry and how you can align your inner feelings of confidence and self-worth with your outer beauty.

Steps You Can Take to Balance Your Inner and Outer Self:

1. Love yourself first.
2. Realize that you are worth it.
3. Accept that your life is not perfect, but don’t settle for less than what you deserve.
4. Take the first step toward the life you want.

Samone’s Current Project:

She is working on her first book about helping you discover and accept your total beauty. She’s including tips, strategies, and anecdotes to help you achieve holistic, symmetrical living.

Samone’s Parting Words of Wisdom:

“Life is a lesson, even if pain is the teacher. Don’t be afraid to encourage yourself.”

Where You Can Find Samone Online:

Website: www.yoursymmetricalself.com

Facebook: Dr. Samone

Twitter: @drsamone1

YouTube: Dr.Samone 1

Instagram: Dr.Samone

“Once you figure out what works and how to run a successful business, you can easily do it over and over again.” –Ann M. Strout

I had a chance to catch up with Ann Strout, who’s known as the Freedom Girl. Ann went from being an unemployed single mom, living in subsidized housing, and on food stamps to the owner of a thriving, six-figure coaching business.

Ann gave us a glimpse of her childhood as an orphan growing up. Her confidence was low as a result of abuse and neglect. Ann felt trapped by her limited resources. She endured treatment that no mother wants her child to experience. But she had an unbreakable spirit and an ability to see the possibilities in life.

The life-changing choice that Ann made:

Everything changed for Ann when her son was born. She felt free for the first time in her life. In that moment, Ann realized that she had a choice – she could either go back to the life that she’d been living and take her son through that, or she could create a different life for the two of them. Although she had no idea what that would be or how she would do it, Ann was willing to explore it.

How Ann began her journey of personal development:

Far too often, people stay in situations that aren’t good for them because of their limiting beliefs and lack of confidence in their ability to change. Ann admits that she had to work on her limiting beliefs before she could change her life. After a conversation with her mom, Ann started researching the internet and came across the book, Law of Attraction. This book changed everything about Ann’s life. Since then, she’s been on a continuous journey of personal growth and development.

3 Steps Ann took to change her life:

1. She created a routine, which includes meditating, journaling, visualization, and reading affirmations. Ann only works 20 hours a week in her business. She has plenty of freedom to spend time with her children and do what she loves.
2. She removed people from her life that didn’t support her or believe in her.
3. She got really committed to her dream and accepted that she had to do things that made her uncomfortable in order to build a successful business.

Ann’s 4 tips for starting your small or side business:

1. Never say that there’s no way that you can do it.
2. If there’s a desire for something, then the way to fulfill it is always available to you. The means for you to achieve your dream are already there – you just have to take action.
3. Make a decision and be so committed to your dream that you stay in action no matter what.
4. Don’t worry about the “how” of doing it. Seek out the knowledge, and you’ll learn what you need to know as you go.

What Ann’s working on:

She’s in the middle of launching a new 12-week group coaching program. She invites you to join her in her new Facebook group, Marketing that Creates Freedom. In this group, Ann focuses on massive content around marketing strategy, planning, and time management to help people maximize their time and achieve greater results.  

Where you can find Ann online:

Website: www.annmstrout.com

Facebook Group: Marketing That Creates Freedom

Twitter: @annmstrout

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Law of Attraction: The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don’t by Michael J. Losier

My guest this week is my beautiful sister, Teresa Robinson, who is the founder of Teresa Robinson Yoga. This is where she challenges and inspires her students to realize their unlimited potential.  In addition to taking care of her family and keeping up with her corporate job, Teresa teaches several yoga classes and offers private lessons.

For Teresa, yoga is so much more than a way to stay fit. While learning the basics of yoga, she learned how to connect with her breath, which helped her overcome stress, anxiety, and depression. She focuses a lot on the benefits of yoga in her classes, teaching her students how to manage stress, get through crises, and rebuild their lives after hitting rock bottom.

During our conversation, Teresa shared how she structured her lifestyle and made yoga a priority without sacrificing her family. While many moms struggle with mom guilt, Teresa understands that pursuing her goals and passion is not selfish. Becoming a certified yoga instructor has made her a better mom, wife, sister, daughter and woman all around.

How She Manages Everything with a Side Business

Teresa was intentional about getting her family on board with her business. She asked for support, and everyone chips in. Her husband and children alternate cooking meals. Her husband picks their kids up from school. Her older children check their younger siblings’ homework, which makes her life a lot easier when she gets home after an 8-hour day at her corporate and teaching yoga afterwards.

Teresa’s Advice for Starting Your Side Business

Teresa encourages you to start right now, right where you are. Don’t wait until the kids get older or until you get that promotion at work. There are steps you can take to begin your journey, and they don’t have to be giant leaps. You can take baby steps until you feel comfortable, but just keep going.

Teresa’s Ongoing Projects

Teresa hosts monthly challenges on her Instagram page that encourage regular yoga practice and offer accountability. Her challenges are mixed-level, which means that you can participate as beginner, intermediate, or advanced student.

She also teaches classes at Lotus Mind & Body in Bernardsville, NJ; Burn Fitness Studio in Piscataway, NJ; and Onyx Yoga Studio in Warren, NJ.

Where You Can Find Teresa Online:

Instagram: @Yoganubia

Facebook: Teresa Robinson Yoga

Website: http://teresarobinsonyoga.com

This week I had the pleasure of speaking with a woman who I admire and love, and who has coached and mentored me throughout my journey -Tracy Lee Jones. Tracy is a women’s business mentor and Founder of the Feminine Business Model. She has coached, trained and supported women in over 27 countries around the world in growing their businesses.

Tracy believes that business was meant to be fun, filled with passion, and a magical journey where you get to share your gifts, experience deep fulfillment, and help make the world a better place.

During our conversation, she opens up about the steps she took that allowed her to transition out of a high-profile corporate job into the life she dreamed of living as a full-time entrepreneur. It wasn’t until after Tracy tried many different business ventures that she discovered her true passion for helping women build thriving businesses. Tracy encourages you to be ok with where you are. As you try new things, you’ll discover hidden parts of yourself and ultimately, get in touch with your essence.

Tracy believes that your business should be an extension of who you are. Before you can build your business, you have to know who you are and what’s important to you as a person. As you become more connected with your essence, you’ll be able to build a brand that allows you to be who you are, freely allowing your personality, values, and goals to reflect in your business.

Challenge: Figure out what it is that is going to have you light up like a Christmas tree, where your passion, energy, and enthusiasm rubs off onto other people. *Note: That is what you need to pursue.

Tracy reminds you to have a clear picture of who you want to work with and why. When you’re getting started in your new business, you may not be at liberty to turn clients away. But as you gain more experience, you’ll land in your “sweet spot” and know who is and who is not your dream client.

Tracy’s tip to help you launch your side business:

The biggest mistake that people make when starting out is spending tons of money and time working behind the scenes to create a product only to be disappointed when nobody buys. It’s best that you don’t wait and get your idea in front of real people. If you have an idea, test it out with some of your friends, or a small group of 3-4 people. Ask for honest feedback and use that feedback to improve your product before your launch.

Tracy recommends that you read The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks. This book has been recommended before on the podcast because it’s such a great read. Hendricks teaches you how to break through your upper limits and achieve the success you desire most in your life.

What Tracy’s Working on Now:

She’s focused on helping female entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. During this episode, Tracy shared a special gift. She’s offering a 1-hour complimentary vision plan session (valued at $500) where she’ll help you figure out the next steps for your business. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, you can take advantage of this special offer by visiting http://tracyleejones.com and Jennie, Tracy’s assistant, will schedule your session for you.

Tracy’s Words of Wisdom for You:

“You don’t have to wait until your life is perfect to start enjoying it. Be appreciative and have gratitude for what you created right now. You can do small things to create your dream life right now. Everything that you’ve experienced in your life has led you to this moment and the possibility of your vision.”

 You can find Tracy in the social media realm at:

@Tracyleejones (on Twitter and Instagram)

Visit her website at www.TracyLeeJones.com

In this episode, I share my big takeaways from Mid-Atlantic Podcast Conference (MAPCON), organized and hosted by Joe Pardo of Dreamers Podcast. This was my first time attending a conference for podcasters. I had such an awesome time that I decided to share what I learned with you.

These 7 lessons are especially helpful for new and aspiring podcasters. But even if you have no plans for launching a podcast of your own, I’m sure that you will find value in what I share.

Here’s a quick recap of my big takeaways:

1. Don’t be boring.
2. Stay in control of your interview.
3. Be yourself.
4. Take your show on the road to build your audience.
5. Attend live events to find guests.
6. Never lie about your downloads.
7. Your business needs to have a podcast.

If you’d rather read about my experience, you can hop over to the blog.

Links to all podcasts mentioned in this episode:

Dreamers Podcast, hosted by Joe Pardo

ReLaunch, hosted by Joel Boggess and Dr. Pei

Solopreneur Hour, hosted by Michael O’Neal

She Podcasts, hosted by Jessica Kupferman

School of Podcasting, hosted by Dave Jackson

All Things Post, hosted by Niel Guilarte

For more information about MAPCON, visit http://podcastmidatlantic.com

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jen Riday, the Women’s Happiness Expert and mom of six, about achieving happiness in your busy life. Jen transitioned from not having time for herself to making self-care a priority. You’ll get her three tips to help you make self-care a priority and achieve happiness in your life.

Jen also shared how she felt when she accepted her calling as a life coach and what steps you can take to discover your calling.

One of the struggles that moms face when building a home-based business is finding time to work without disruptions. Jen talks about the dangers of disruptions, creative ways to minimize disruptions, and how to stay focused on your business.

Jen recommends reading Brene Brown’s book, Daring Greatly, to gain more insight on being vulnerable and living an authentic life.

She created her Vibrant Happy Living membership program to support women through guided meditation and coaching. You can learn more about Jen’s membership program at http://vibranthappyliving.com.

You can get to know Jen and listen to her podcast at http://jenriday.com.

While Vanessa Merten was expecting her first child, she had a hard time finding information that she wanted. During her pregnancy, Vanessa spent many hours goggling and researching online. She decided that she wanted to make it easier for new parents to get the information they need all in one place.

That’s when Vanessa created the Pregnancy Podcast, which “helps moms and dads navigate all of the crazy awesomeness that is pregnancy, birth, and being a new parent”. The Pregnancy Podcast is a resource where parents can turn to for reliable information that goes beyond the typical pregnancy manual. Vanessa shares perspectives of moms, midwives, doulas, and the latest research to support new parents in their journey.

In this episode, Vanessa shares the inspiration behind her work and helpful tips for new and expectant parents.

Fear of the Unknown:

This is common for pregnant women as they undergo lots of tests, read information on what to expect when they become moms, but really have no idea what to expect since this is their first time bringing a child into the world.

Vanessa believes that the more educated you become about your pregnancy, the less intimidating it is.

You have the right to ask questions and make choices during your pregnancy.

Vanessa encourages women to speak up about their concerns during pregnancy and ask questions. She reminds you that you have a choice when it comes to certain tests, and that you don’t have to go along with everything your doctor says, if it doesn’t feel right to you.

How she manages her weekly podcast, full-time job, role as a new mommy and a wife:

Vanessa’s husband is at home with their son while she works. But beyond that, managing everything on her plate is “really just about being able to focus on one thing at a time”.

Quality time with her son and husband is a priority. Vanessa makes sure that she’s present during the hours that they spend together in the evenings. After her son goes to bed, Vanessa starts working on her podcast.

To make the most of her time, Vanessa sets a daily objective in the morning to keep her focused on what needs to be done that day. She uses her lunch break to get some tasks done. In the evening when she starts working on her podcast, she’s not distracted by checking her email or Facebook because she sticks to her daily objective.

How Vanessa stays motivated to keep going with her podcast:

When she feels frustrated or tired, Vanessa reminds herself of her why – that all of her hard work will pay off and ultimately allow her to spend more time with her family.

Vanessa’s biggest lesson so far:

That action trumps perfection. She’s learned that you have to take consistent action, keep moving forward, and not be so focused on making everything perfect.

Vanessa recommends that you get a copy of:

The Freedom Journal, by John Lee Dumas. This journal helps you accomplish a goal in 100 days.

Vanessa is working on…

Her new podcast, 40 Weeks, which is a series of (40) 5-minute episodes for expectant moms that end with a tip for dad. She’s continuing to produce the Pregnancy Podcast as well.

Where you can find Vanessa online:

http://pregnancypodcast.com

Vanessa’s parting words of wisdom:

“Just start and take that first step.”