Permission to Kick Ass

I had an absolute blast chatting with Miranda VonFricken, the founder of Own Your Awesome – a book series, podcast, and global movement helping women entrepreneurs shine a light on their awesomeness. What would you do if you got laid off from four different jobs in a row? If you're like Miranda, you might just decide you're done with corporate nonsense and it's time to forge your own path. Join us for a candid convo about the power of celebration, the importance of owning your identity, and why hustle culture is overblown BS. 

Can't-Miss Moments:

• I've never wanted a confetti cannon more: we brought out the bigguns from the get-go! Miranda shares why she has confetti cannons in her video background (and why my unplanned nap was something to celebrate)... 
  
  
• Quintuple whammy: not only did Miranda get laid off from four consecutive jobs, she also lost her younger brother just before losing her last gig. Her story is a powerful lesson on letting go of what you "should" be doing...
  
  
• Out of context quote: "I don't care if I have to be poor for 3 years..."
  
  
• Evidence of awesomeness: turns out Miranda and I have a similar life philosophy, and we've both chosen THIS instead of letting our lives be dictated by head trash... 
  
  
• One simple question Miranda recommends to quickly get yourself out of "stuck in the mud" and back into action...

Miranda's bio:

Miranda VonFricken; Founder of Own Your Awesome!™ A podcast, book series, and global movement attracting and expanding women at work, at home, and online!

With over 15 years of leading teams to success in higher education, sales, and human resources, she stopped ignoring the call from her highest self and went “all in” on entrepreneurship. Since then, she has traveled the world connecting, coaching, and consulting students, executives, and organizations who are ready to “Own Their Awesome!” in life and on LinkedIn!

Miranda is a certified life & business coach, earned a Master’s in Motivation from Empire State College, and has studied the Science of Happiness at Yale University. She’s an International Women’s Day Featured Speaker and was named 2021 Woman of Empowerment by the YWCA of Northeastern NY.

Miranda is called to elevate every woman who has a story, a brand, or a dream and help them shine SO bright it'll be IMPOSSIBLE to ignore and achieve!

She’s a wife, a (sports) mom of two, and a positive force in her business community.

Resources and links:

• Miranda's site
• Miranda on LinkedIn
• Miranda on Insta

Support the show

Let's collab:

• Book a chat
• Work with Angie
• Get the PTKA book

Let's connect:

• Angie’s FB Page
• Angie on IG
• Angie on YT

If you dig the show and want to help bring more episodes to the world, consider buying a coffee for the production team!

Today's guest is Robb Munger, founder of Exodus Place. Robb's an experienced real estate developer and is no stranger to business challenges, but starting Exodus Place proved to be an entirely new kind of challenge. We talked about the raw, real, and often misunderstood world of homelessness and addiction, and Robb does not hold back. He shared his journey from helping a single homeless guy to running the largest transitional housing facility in Michigan, and the lessons he learned along the way may just leave you feeling inspired to go help out wherever you can. 

Can't-miss moments:

• The "God moment" - hear what inspired Robb to throw everything he had into Exodus Place, even when he already had so much going on in his life... 
  
  
• My beef with asking for help: I get good and ranty about the time I had to swallow my pride and apply for food stamps... 
  
  
• Turns out none of us are automatically good at a thing? Robb and I share what we've learned about being brand new (and how to handle it with slightly more grace)... 
  
  
• Robb's surprising perspective shift that makes it easier for people to seek out help (I wish I'd had this one back in my unhoused days)...
  
  
• The "water bottle trick" Robb used to help someone struggling with addiction discover an unpleasant truth... and then DO something about it...

Robb's bio:

Robb Munger, founder of Exodus Place, champions transitional housing for homeless men. With a background in finance, where he established a leading financial company in manufactured housing, Munger’s journey took a pivotal turn when he joined the board of Guiding Light Mission. There, he propelled a struggling rescue mission into prominence and transformed a former state corrections facility into Michigan’s largest non-governmental transitional housing, offering new beginnings to those in need.

A former Army Officer, Munger’s commitment to service shines through his philanthropic work and innovative solutions in community development. His collaboration with the Salvation Army and Goodwill in a small town within American City has showcased an innovative approach to addressing homelessness, demonstrating the impactful change that results from combining compassion with action. This initiative, with Munger at the helm, has become a testament to the power of collaborative community efforts in making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Resources and links: 

• Exodus Place 
• Exodus Place on Insta
• Exodus Place on FB
• Exodus Place on YT
• Robb on LinkedIn 

Support the show

Let's collab:

• Book a chat
• Work with Angie
• Get the PTKA book

Let's connect:

• Angie’s FB Page
• Angie on IG
• Angie on YT

If you dig the show and want to help bring more episodes to the world, consider buying a coffee for the production team!

For the first time in PTKA history, I'm interviewing a Handbag Fairy Godmother - Emily Blumenthal! Not only did she patent a handbag silhouette, write a book, teach at FIT, and start a handbag awards event... she's still growing and evolving even now. Emily's journey is a wild ride filled with hustle, pivots, and ‘figure it out as you go’ moments that'll make you feel right at home if you're an entrepreneur or just love a good success story. 

Can't-Miss Moments:

• Things to do in your 20s: a handy checklist courtesy of Emily, including such classics as "date a DJ" and "launch a handbag line"... Check and check!
  
  
• "That’s the worst idea ever!” Emily shares how she handled not-so-helpful feedback from her family as she embraced her calling to design handbags...
  
  
• Stroke of genius: the thing Emily did as she was figuring things out the hard way that turned into major leverage (and street cred) later on... 
  
  
• Who expects to meet a literary agent while on jury duty? Emily shares a serendipitous moment that led to her first book deal and the birth of the Handbag Awards...
  
  
• The weird mental dividing line Emily had, even after successfully creating and patenting her handbag silhouette (this is something that holds a lot of entrepreneurs back)...

Emily's bio:

Emily Blumenthal, celebrated as the "Handbag Fairy Godmother" by the New York Times, is a dynamic presence in the handbag industry. As the author of "Handbag Designer 101" and a multifaceted figure encompassing roles as a professor, mentor, designer, and the founder of the Independent Handbag Designer Awards, she has made an indelible impact on the handbag industry with aspiring designers and handbag brands alike. Emily's dedication also extends to kidpreneurship, empowering children of all ages to embrace their inner "Savvy Suzanna." She resides happily in New York City's Lower East Side with her husband and three children.

Resources and links: 

• Emily's website
• Emily's book
• Emily on Insta
• Emily on Facebook
• Emily on YouTube
• Emily on LinkedIn

Support the show

Let's collab:

• Book a chat
• Work with Angie
• Get the PTKA book

Let's connect:

• Angie’s FB Page
• Angie on IG
• Angie on YT

If you dig the show and want to help bring more episodes to the world, consider buying a coffee for the production team!

Today we've got a real treat – the one and only Lisa Robbin Young is stopping by! Lisa is a self-titled Fusion Creative, and she's on a mission to help micro-business owners and solopreneurs become celebrities in their niche. In this power-packed episode, we dive deep into the world of creative entrepreneurship, the importance of embracing your unique wiring, and the process to becoming a celebrity in your space. 

Can't-Miss Moments

• Ever felt like you don't quite fit into one box? Lisa shares her personal journey to discovering the creative entrepreneur spectrum and why someone who's struggling to pick a lane might just be a "fusion creative"...
  
  
• ADHD and entrepreneurship: Lisa shares the surprising connection between the two, and this will make a lot of things instantly more clear (at least for a lot of us ADHDers in biz!)...
  
  
• Breaking down Beyonce: how exactly does one become a superstar? Turns out there's a formula, and Lisa's here to share both the benefits and the downside people rarely discuss... 
  
  
• Lisa's "bank balance" analogy will have you fighting the urge to beat yourself up on days when you can't do much...
  
  
• Hop on, hop off: Lisa shares a major perspective shift that will change the way you think about "losing" clients...

Lisa's bio:

Lisa Robbin Young is an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and accomplished musician with multiple albums to her credit. Lisa's been featured on Disney+, is the host of Creative Freedom, and founder of Ark Entertainment Media - a business consultancy for mavericks who want to become a celebrity in their niche in a way that works for how they're uniquely wired.

Lisa believes that the best way to be truly successful in life and business is to be yourself – warts, sparkles, and all – so you can Own Your Dreams Without Selling Your Soul™.

Resources and links:

• Lisa's website 
• Lisa on Insta
• Lisa on Facebook
• Lisa on YouTube

Support the show

Let's collab:

• Book a chat
• Work with Angie
• Get the PTKA book

Let's connect:

• Angie’s FB Page
• Angie on IG
• Angie on YT

If you dig the show and want to help bring more episodes to the world, consider buying a coffee for the production team!

What a brilliant chat with Orla Fitzmaurice! We started with web design and then went down the rabbit hole... Orla's path from archaeology nerd to economics graduate to web designer is exactly the delightful meandering I live for. We dove into her take on AI - equal parts excitement and healthy skepticism - and got real about the magic that happens when you let go of perfectionism and actually collaborate with clients. If you identify as multitalented and multipassionate, this convo will show you that you CAN do it all. 

Can't-Miss Moments:

• Two ADHD entrepreneurs walk into a podcast: Orla breaks down how her diagnosis changed her approach to design (and how you can embrace the chaos to create something even better)...
  
  
• What in the world does archaeology have to do with web design? Orla shares the surprising link between her past interests and present work (maybe no time spent learning is ever really wasted?)...
  
  
• The great AI debate: Orla and I reveal our thoughts about AI and its impact on creative work. Is it time to embrace our new robot overlords?
  
  
• The magic of co-creation: ever heard of someone designing a whole ass website in real time, live with a client? Orla spills the beans on her unique approach and the incredible results it produces...
  
  
• Orla and I bond over our shared contempt for perfectionism (and reveal why being real and unpolished is actually a much stronger position than "perfect")...  

Orla's bio:
Designer, strategist and quiet chaos merchant on an infinite quest to promote sustainable and aligned self-employment.

I believe in the unique and infinite potential of every single mind on this planet and the importance of self-determination for true creative freedom.  I love to help my clients to discover and illuminate their path to sustainable and aligned self-employment to create true personal freedom.

Having worked as a freelance web designer for 20 years a web designer, I have been involved with every side of building a business from idea, design, development, startup funding, business-modeling to sales.  However, as I became more successful, I found myself becoming repeatedly burnt out from the hustle side of running a small agency, constantly moving from contract to contract and struggling to find the time to provide the quality of service I had previously.

When I’m not working, daydreaming or taking care of my two monkeys under 4 – I am painting.  Aimless, delicious, self-indulgent, purposeless painting.

Resources and links:

• Orla's website
• Orla on Insta 
• Orla on LinkedIn
• Orla on YouTube

Support the show

Let's collab:

• Book a chat
• Work with Angie
• Get the PTKA book

Let's connect:

• Angie’s FB Page
• Angie on IG
• Angie on YT

If you dig the show and want to help bring more episodes to the world, consider buying a coffee for the production team!

Today, I had a blast from the past on the show – my friend and long-time karaoke bud, Sonya Paz. This woman is a freakin’ powerhouse, juggling more businesses than I can count on one hand. She's a professional artist, gallery owner, podcaster, and even has a candied jalapeño business. I swear, if there's a way to turn creativity into cash, Sonya's found it. All my multi-talented, multi-passionate creative folks... this one's for you.

Can't-Miss Moments:

• Mic drop: what do you say when someone has the audacity to crap all over your dreams? Sonya's got a few ideas (use thiswith the naysayers in your life)... 
  
  
• Surprise podcast benefits: Sonya and I break down the unexpected side of starting your own show (this is why I say sharing stories is more than just a business bandwagon move)...
  
  
• Detour down memory lane: I share one of my favorite karaoke moments from back in the day. You'll never guess which song she's a total PRO at singing... 
  
  
• The mind-blowing story behind Sonya's latest podcast, "Investigated," and why it's more than "just another true crime series"...
  
  
• Why you shouldn't be afraid to reach out to people you admire – Sonya and I both have some strong feelings on this one!

Sonya's bio:

Artist Sonya Paz has created wild new direction in the Pop Art… movement through her exuberant use of color and playful forms. Sonya’s paintings and vivid images are a reflection of her true native California roots and her passion and love for life.

Her art has been exhibited at a number of venues; these include wine labels for elSol Vineyards, Effusion Gallery, PoP Gallery at the Walt Disney Resort, Pop Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, HoyPoloi Gallery in Chicago, HayStack Gallery in Cannon Beach, as well as the Chicago O'Hare and San Jose International Airports. You may also see her work amongst several restaurants, wineries, museum shops and wineries around the country.

In 2015 Sonya started VinoPaint.com, a social painting company where she teaches people in large groups to paint and create.

Sonya has established a solid private and corporate clientele. Her works of art have been acquired by many collectors throughout the United States and can be found in collections worldwide. She owns her own art studio which is accessible by appointment in California.

Resources and links:

• Sonya's art shop
• Sonya on FB
• Sonya on Insta
• Sonya on LinkedIn
• Rockstar Mentor Site
• Investigated Podcast
• VinoPaint Site
• Sonya's Sweet & Spicy Site

Support the show

Let's collab:

• Book a chat
• Work with Angie
• Get the PTKA book

Let's connect:

• Angie’s FB Page
• Angie on IG
• Angie on YT

If you dig the show and want to help bring more episodes to the world, consider buying a coffee for the production team!

I've never spoken to a Wealth Queen before, so this episode is all kinds of awesome. We dove headfirst into the bullshit narratives we tell ourselves about success, the power of owning your journey, and why 'fuck the formula' might just be the best business advice you'll ever hear. If you've ever felt like you were stuck and drowning with no way out, this one's for you.

Can't-Miss Moments:

• Ever felt like you're just blending in and following someone else's blueprint? Ozzin drops a truth bomb about finding your movement and defining success on your own terms... prepare for a splash of cold water to the face.
  
  
• Struggle with celebrating your wins? You're not alone. Ozzin shares a personal story that'll make you rethink how you clap for yourself... and might just make you wanna send your mom some flowers.
  
  
• What happens when you mix radical self-responsibility with a dash of 'fuck the formula'? Ozzin spills the tea on how this combo can skyrocket your business and change your life.
  
  
• Ever been ghosted by a client? Ozzin shares a mic-drop moment about the power of integrity and why treating your existing clients like new ones can be a game-changer.
  
  
• Ready to get real about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship? Ozzin opens up about her journey, and let me tell you, it's a hell of a ride. From six-figure cash months to questioning it all, you won't want to miss this raw and relatable chat.

Ozzin's bio:
Ozzin Jun, also known as "The Wealth Queen," is an Award-Winning Business Mentor, Keynote Speaker, and Host of the "Inspiration Science" podcast, ranked in the Top 50 Mental Health Podcasts. Featured in Forbes, Wetel TV, US Times, and over 190 other publications, Ozzin is recognized by the Royal Family in Dubai.

Ozzin is a survivor of Kidnap/Rape and overcame 6-fig debts. She took on a purpose-driven journey, achieving six figures in 8 months. With a background witnessing her family's struggle to find fulfillment, living just to survive, she infused her artistic passions into entrepreneurship, leveraging social media to create financial wealth and deepen her spirituality with God.

Ozzin influenced over 16,000 individuals in 6 years with her coaching, including Hollywood Film Directors, Billionaires, OPEC Members and CEOs, guiding them to 6-7+ figure success through social media strategies. Her mission is to cultivate BADASS leaders who lead with purpose and impact.

In her free time, she serves as a UN Peace Ambassador and Country Director Switzerland of Global Peace Chain, actively involved in projects like WarAID with Deborah International Organization.

Resources and links:

• Ozzin on LinkedIn 
• Ozzin on Insta
• Ozzin on YouTube
• Ozzin's podcast

Support the show

Let's collab:

• Book a chat
• Work with Angie
• Get the PTKA book

Let's connect:

• Angie’s FB Page
• Angie on IG
• Angie on YT

If you dig the show and want to help bring more episodes to the world, consider buying a coffee for the production team!

This week, I sat down with my friend Jen Baxter, a copywriter and content strategist who's lived an incredible life. We talked about all the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, along with the importance of betting on yourself. If you've ever fantasized about running away to Bali and seeing what happens, you might wanna hit that play button NOW.

Can't-Miss Moments:

• One-way ticket to paradise: Jen's one of the few people I've met who have flown off to a tropical island with no real plan in mind. Here's what happened... 
  
  
• Answering the important questions: do you still get to call yourself an entrepreneur or a freelancer if you take a job? 
  
  
• SPOILER ALERT: stop treating your life and your business like you can put a coin in a machine, punch a button, and pull out happiness! Here's what to do if you find yourself following the so-called "success steps"...
  
  
• You do NOT need to change everything about who you are to build something incredible. Jen and I explore the difference between trying to fit in and understanding you belong... 
  
  
• How to tell if a slick copywriter or marketer is blowing smoke up your ass (Jen and I share what to look for, how to ID red flags, and when to run screaming for the hills)...

Jen's bio:

Jen Baxter is the Copy Queen authors call when they're tired of feeling like book marketing is a necessary evil. Based in Austin, Texas (by way of San Francisco in a classic "it's not just about the job" move), she turns marketing your non-fiction book from "Ugh, do I have to?" into "Hey, this is actually kind of fun." 

How? By crafting stories and strategies that not only sell books but build lasting connections with raving fans. After navigating the waters of a hybrid publishing company (a tale worthy of its own chapter), Jen now coaches best-selling and emerging authors to find their groove on platforms like Substack.

She's convinced that people still love books, a vibrant email list is key to reaching them, and the iconic British red phone boxes are due for a comeback. 

Through her weekly Substack, The Skillful Scribbler, she spins life's raw material into stories that make you laugh, reflect, and occasionally snort – all while serving up actionable tips for authors to identify, attract, and grow a tribe of loyal readers ready to buy their book.

Resources and links:

• Jen's website
• The Skillful Scribbler Substack
• Jen on LinkedIn
• Jen on Insta
• Freebie: How to Substack

Support the show

Let's collab:

• Book a chat
• Work with Angie
• Get the PTKA book

Let's connect:

• Angie’s FB Page
• Angie on IG
• Angie on YT

If you dig the show and want to help bring more episodes to the world, consider buying a coffee for the production team!

This week's guest is the phenomenally talented and creative Paul Pape, who's made a name for himself as a full-time artist and self-proclaimed 'Santa Claus for nerds.' We're breaking down his journey from disillusioned theater nerd to professional prop builder, and how he accidentally-on-purpose built his creative empire. 

Can't-Miss Moments:

• Self-imposed summer school: what made Paul see school as a sanctuary, and how his acting attempt led to a surprising new career direction... 
  
  
• Failure alert: why Paul and I are big fans of failing hard and failing often (and how you can use this to your advantage in your creative career)...
  
  
• Cease and desist: both Paul and I have received these legal orders from companies with a lot more money and power than we had. Paul's response to Nintendo's notice had me taking notes...
  
  
• Big twist: I confess to Paul that my MOST HATED class in grad school was - wait for it - Entrepreneurship. I bet you won't guess why...
  
  
• Fixing the creativity crisis: Paul shares three solid ways to bring creativity and imagination back into the workplace so your company can thrive and innovate AND keep its people happy...

Paul's bio:

Paul Pape is a seasoned artist, designer, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the creative industry. His journey began with a passion for education stemming from a need to escape an abusive childhood. Eventually, he found my way to design and fabrication, which led to the creation of thousands of personalized products for clients worldwide as well as industry giants such as Disney, Universal, Nickelodeon and more.

In recent years, he’s pivoted to empowering Creatives, Companies and Corporations, sharing his expertise and insights to help them embrace innovation, reverse the Creativity Crisis and make life and work FUN again. As a speaker, educator, and mentor, he inspires others to unleash their creative potential and find fulfillment in their personal and professional lives.

Links and resources:

• Paul's website
• Paul's design website
• Paul on LinkedIn
• Paul on FB
• Paul on Insta
• Paul on YouTube 

Support the show

Let's collab:

• Book a chat
• Work with Angie
• Get the PTKA book

Let's connect:

• Angie’s FB Page
• Angie on IG
• Angie on YT

If you dig the show and want to help bring more episodes to the world, consider buying a coffee for the production team!

Today Kimberly Jarman and I are digging into neuroscience-based mindset work and biohacking for women entrepreneurs. Kimberly blew my mind with how certain neurochemicals and hormones affect our thoughts, actions, and ultimately, our success. But it wasn't all science talk - we got real about imposter syndrome, the pressures of entrepreneurship, and why doing what you're "supposed to" often leads to disappointment.

Can't-miss moments:

• Have you ever noticed that coaches tend to coach people on the things they need the most help with? Kimberly and I get real about our space...
  
  
• Ever wonder why therapy didn't "fix" you? Kimberly's take on why the mental health system is broken will make you rethink everything...
  
  
• The shocking statistic about female entrepreneurs and autoimmune diagnoses that'll make you want to reassess your hustle mentality...
  
  
• SPOILER ALERT: you're not automatically a great coach because you got a shit ton of certifications and credentials. Here's what REALLY matters...
  
  
• Context-free quote of the pod: "we're just meat computers driving skeleton suits, getting bogged down and overloaded by background programs"

Kimberly's bio:

Kimberly Jarman is a Mental Performance Coach on a mission to empower women to break free from self-imposed rules and step into their full potential. She helps her clients go after the promotion, launch the business, build generational wealth, quit the 9-5, whatever that thing is that is pulling on them telling them “I am meant for more…”

Armed with a Master's degree in Counseling, Kimberly specializes in human potential from a unique perspective that integrates mindset, neuroscience, and biochemistry. Her holistic approach leverages the mind-body connection, biohacking techniques, and a powerful mindset to propel her clients toward achieving their goals faster, feeling better, and ultimately living life on their terms.

As a dedicated Mental Performance Coach, Kimberly is driven by a profound mission: to guide women in overcoming obstacles and embracing their limitless potential. Her dream is to witness more women occupying the top percentile, recognizing the transformative impact they can have as true world changers.

Kimberly envisions a future where women confidently lead and leave an indelible mark on the world.

Resources and links:

• Email: [email protected]
• Kimberly's website
• Kimberly on TikTok
• Kimberly on IG
• Book a connection call with Kimberly
• Kimberly's podcast

Support the show

Let's collab:

• Book a chat
• Work with Angie
• Get the PTKA book

Let's connect:

• Angie’s FB Page
• Angie on IG
• Angie on YT

If you dig the show and want to help bring more episodes to the world, consider buying a coffee for the production team!