More Than Ambition

It's interesting to me that we start and end the new year with REST. In the dead of winter, when nature is sleeping, recovering, preparing: we are invited to do the same.

Now might not be the time to fight for new habits or to pile on new expectations for ourselves, but it certainly is a time for reflection and foundation building.

2025 was tough.

It hit me and my family hard and I'm so glad it's over.

I know there's nothing magical about a new year - many of the same struggles and hardships will follow me into 2026, it's just the fact of the matter.

In this season of reflection, God has made something very clear to me - a lesson I (embarrassingly) find myself having to relearn over and over again, each time with more depth and richness and eagerness - that it's Himself He's called me to.

Not a career.

Not a title.

Not a goal or milestone.

Himself.

The Creator of the universe, King of Kings, our sovereign, gracious, all-knowing God invites ME to know HIM.

We are invited not to simply do things FOR Him, but WITH Him!

God (my creator) has invited me (his creation) to participate in CREATION.

to make / to admire / to develop / to experience

I'm created to create and in doing so share God's love and grace and beauty. To proclaim God's goodness to all the nations!

2026 will likely be hard in its own right.

But I accept this January invitation! So, here's to more art, more play, more curiosity, more intention, and more FUN.

Wanna join me?

I'd love to hear about an art form or creative expression you'd like to intentionally pursue more: whether through creation, admiration, or experience - or a lovely combination of all three.

-- Dusty

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dustyhegge.substack.com

Listen, I'm not above giving you a swift kick of encouragement right in the "get off your butt and start taking brave action forward!" → But I care so much more about your DIRECTION than I do about your MOMENTUM.

Run super fast the wrong way, and you'll soon find yourself in Nowheresville - exhausted and wondering how you got here in the first place.

When I work with my clients, the very first thing we address is FOUNDATIONS.

Foundations in their lives *and* in their businesses - because a thriving you will lead to a thriving business.

Far too often, I see kingdom-minded entrepreneurs believing the lie that if they just worked harder and posted more, they'd suddenly stumble on whatever magic sauce that the rest of the world seems to have figured out.

I know I've been there more times than I care to admit.

And then, soon enough, I find myself overthinking and wondering - "am I even supposed to do this work!? Maybe I'm the problem? Maybe I can't actually do this?"

Then imposter syndrome, scarcity mindset, and shame come in - right on cue. It's a yucky place to be!

So hear me when I say:

→ You don't need a shiny new logo to make sales.

→ You don't need new brand photos to move the needle forward.

→ You don't need another 3 hours lost in a "brainstorm scroll" trying to figure out what the heck to post next.

You need a strategic plan.

A strategic plan sounds complicated but it's really not! It's simply a clear, foundational plan to get your business where you want it to go.

A robust, true-to-you Strategic Plan is the foundation from which you can get a more effective rebrand, the dreamiest brand photos, and spend time on social media in a way that's beneficial for you AND your business.

It's THE THING that will provide you with the clarity to market your book, book more caching clients, and increase your Substack subscriptions. You'll make more sales when you're working from a place of INTENTIONAL SURRENDER instead of white-knuckling it.

I pinky promise.

Want help with this? I'm launching a Strategic Plan Audio Course in a few weeks! Jump on the wait list via my bio to get exclusive bonuses, early access, and save $100+. 👀

You're gonna love it!!

Join the wait-list here: https://dustyhegge.com/strategy

Get full access to Dusty's Substack at dustyhegge.substack.com/subscribe

Join the Early Morning Club: https://dustyhegge.com/morning

Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dustyhegge

CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Cultural Significance of Food

01:47 Joy and Curiosity in Daily Life

06:53 Taking Authority in Your Life

11:37 Embracing Your Work as Worship

16:29 Invitation to the Early Morning Club

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dustyhegge.substack.com

Did you know that just looking at a picture of nature is scientifically proven to increase productivity, happiness, and all-around well-being? (Seriously.) Imagine the exponential impact that it can have on your health, well-being, and overall happiness if looking at a picture of nature has benefits to your health how much more valuable standing IN actual nature is going to be!

It’s no secret that I love being in the garden. That business is deeply important to me. And that biblical discipleship is nonnegotiable in my mind. And today, my conversation with Andrea Burke, brings you all three! My three favorite things to talk about all in one joy-filled, peaceful episode! It was such a gift to speak to her!

Andrea’s heart for the Lord is infectious and I admire the way she discusses biblical discipleship. It was such a fun conversation merging so many of my favorite topics! I hope you enjoy!

👉🏽 Pre-order Andrea’s Book, A Bit of Earth: A Year in the Garden with God - https://amzn.to/3WJyAlC

Connect with Andrea: INSTAGRAM

Connect with Dusty: WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Writing Process

14:43 Discipleship as an Invitation

22:44 Prioritizing God in Scripture

24:10 Shifting the Focus: What Does It Say About God?

32:12 Trusting in God's Timing and Being Faithful

34:14 Embracing Different Seasons and Opportunities

39:57 The Faithfulness of God in All Aspects of Life

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dustyhegge.substack.com

Join The Battle Cry with Christina Wallace:https://christinalynnwallace.substack.com

Get on the More Than Ambition Fellowship Waitlist:https://dustyhegge.myflodesk.com/fellowship

Full show notes here: https://dustyhegge.com/podcast/20

CHAPTERS:

* 00:00 Introduction and Current Projects

* 08:23 Building a Solid Foundation

* 13:21 Combining Passion and Calling

* 21:50 The Importance of Humility and Endurance

* 26:06 Desires for God's Glory and Our Good

* 28:01 Seeking God's Will and Trusting His Goodness

* 30:27 Perceiving Joy and Growth Through Pain

* 33:29 The Importance of Reading the Bible

* 42:55 Empowering the Congregation to Read the Bible

* 48:22 Awareness of Suffering and the Guilt of Joy

* 53:45 Pressing into the Question of God's Goodness

* 56:14 Faith and the Inability to Explain

* 58:10 Discernment and Reliance on the Holy Spirit: Navigating Life and Work

* 01:12:47 Finding Joy in Activities that Align with Your Interests and Passions

* 01:26:23 Supporting and Cheering on Others: Building Community and Collaboration

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dustyhegge.substack.com

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://dustyhegge.com/podcast/19

Join The Creative and Free Collective and save 20%

Christina's Book rec: Bite by Bite by Aimee Nezhukumatathil

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Podcast

01:04 Creating the Creative and Free Collective

05:19 Exploring Spiritual Practices for Spiritual Formation

10:14 The Transformative Power of Gardening and Nature

21:02 The Power of Outdoor Time

23:47 Intentional Time with God

29:02 The Importance of Community and Safe Spaces

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dustyhegge.substack.com

Does SEO (search engine optimization) stress you out? You know it's important - but how (and where?) do you start!? Then this is the perfect episode for you! I'm joined by Mckayla Spencer, from The Comma Momma Co, and she breaks down all things SEO for us! You're gonna want to take notes for this one!

GET A WEBSITE

GRAB YOUR FREE STRATEGIC PLAN

BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION

☕️ Dusty's Instagram | Dusty on Substack

☕️ Mckalya's Instagram | Free Blog Post Check-List

Takeaways

• SEO is the process of optimizing your website and content to show up in search engine results.


• Implement a content strategy that provides value to your audience and expands your search queries.


• Regularly check your analytics to see what content is performing well and update old blog posts to improve ranking.


• Make SEO strategies accessible and manageable by focusing on quality over quantity and putting your personality into your content. Quality content and connection are more important than ever in a noisy online world.


• Understanding your audience's values and goals is crucial when creating content.


• Conducting keyword research using tools like Google Ad Manager and Mangools can help optimize SEO.


• Avoid relying solely on AI for content creation and focus on providing unique and tailored content.


• Include relevant keywords and provide context in alt text and headers for better accessibility and SEO optimization.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

01:47 What is SEO and Why is it Important?

04:33 Implementing Wise SEO Practices

09:34 Checking Analytics and Updating Old Blog Posts

14:36 Comprehensive Content Strategy

18:55 Making the Content Creation Process Fun and Easier

21:25 Quality Over Quantity: Creating Engaging Content

28:53 The Risks of AI SEO Management and AI-Generated Content

34:29 Optimizing Alt Text and Headers for Webpages

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dustyhegge.substack.com

YOU GUYS. Today I'm joined by Tabitha Panariso and honestly? This interview may be one of my favorites on the podcast so far!

Tabitha is a Christ-centered and Trauma-Informed Therapist and an author. We talk a lot about social media, the process of writing a book, and the powerful ripple effect that comes from noticing God's goodness in the everyday.

Tabitha's Instagram

Tabitha's Substack, Unseen Things

Dusty's Instagram

Get a Caffeinated Site

Just for Fun

Tabitha's book recommendations:

The Year of Piviot by Brianna Wiest

*Amazon affiliate link

TAKEAWAYS

• Takeaways


• 
  


• The book writing process is long and arduous, requiring perseverance and dependence on God.


• Writing a book is a journey of self-reflection and growth, and the author's life experiences shape the message of the book.


• Loneliness and rejection can be difficult emotions to navigate, but God's love and sustenance can bring comfort and healing.


• Wildflowers symbolize God's provision and care, reminding us that we are beloved and worthy of His love.


• Savoring the good things in life can rewire our brains and help us see God's presence and goodness in everyday moments. Noticing and savoring the goodness of God in everyday life can bring hope and joy.


• Glimmers are moments that remind us of God's goodness and can rewire the way we see and interact with Him.


• Social media can impact our perception of God's goodness and it's important to have discernment in navigating online platforms.


• Finding balance in our online presence and building meaningful relationships is key.


• Aligning our work and business with God's will and trusting in His timing and provision is essential..

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Overview

05:15 The Journey of Writing a Book

13:54 Dependence on God in the Writing Process

33:41 The Symbolism of Wildflowers: God's Provision and Care

38:24 Rewiring Our Brains: Savoring the Good Things in Life

39:21 Noticing and Savoring God's Goodness

43:28 Discernment in Navigating Social Media

46:51 Shutting Down Social Media and Surrendering to God's Timing

48:47 Balancing Online Presence and Real-Life Priorities

54:34 Aligning Work and Business with God's Will

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dustyhegge.substack.com

If you like food, sharing the goodness of God, and honest conversations about the joys and struggles of opening your own business - this conversation is for you!

Connect with Sarah:

Sarah's Website | Sarah's Instagram

Connect with Dusty:

Dusty's Website | Dusty's Instagram | Get a Website Template

GET YOUR FREE, SIMPLE STRATEGIC PLAN TEMPLATE: https://dustyhegge.com/strategy

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Sarah Kate's Bakery

03:45 Specializing in Tiny Treats and Staying in Your Niche

06:42 Recognizing the Ministry in Baking

09:22 The Power of Kindness in Building Relationships

12:49 Realizing that Everything is Ministry

20:25 Nothing is Wasted: Small Interactions Can Lead to Big Opportunities

22:40 Having Faith and Trusting in God's Plan

24:23 Persevering Through Challenges in Business

25:20 Trusting in God's Provision and Timing

27:37 Learning from Trial and Error

37:26 Creating Connections Through Nostalgia

47:03 Trusting Yourself and Seeking Guidance

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dustyhegge.substack.com

Today I'm joined by brand photographer, Effie Gurmeza. Effie has worked with brands like Samsung, M&Ms, and even Google! She really knows her stuff.

SHE SHARES:

• Why brand photography is essential for businesses


• Tips on preparing for brand shoots


• How to maximize your investment


• Choosing the right photographer


• Tips to get good photos if you aren't ready to invest in brand photography yet

☕️ Download your Free Simple Strategic Plan

📸 Get the How to Curate On-Brand Stock Photo Guide

CONNECT with EFFIE GURMEZA

www.effiegurmeza.com

INSTAGRAM: @effiegurmeza

STUDIO INSTAGRAM: @softlight.studio.tacoma

DUSTY'S LINKS

Dusty's Website

Caffeinated Sites

Instagram

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Brand Photography

05:10 Effie's Journey to Brand Photography

09:01 The Significance of Brand Photography in Today's Culture

12:24 Preparing for a Successful Brand Shoot

23:34 Tips for Utilizing Stock Images and Product Photography

24:58 Practical Photography Tips for Beginners

28:10 The Value of Community Meetups for Entrepreneurs

31:25 Balancing Work and Family Life

39:40 Faith and Business Growth

47:12 Energize Your Business with Strategic Website Templates

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dustyhegge.substack.com