Proofing Stage

Marie Silverstrim, User Experience (UX) Designer

Whether you are observing actions or directly asking, your customers and clients are telling you something. Understanding not only what that is but the why behind it... well, that's what gets you to the good stuff.

And, while it's always a good time to make sure your business goals are aligned with customer needs, Q1 of 2025 continues to remind us that the behaviors we use to understand these needs might not mean what we think they do, or what they once did. Just as possible, new and wonderful opportunities might emerge from this disruption. 

As we consider ways to understand existing customers and reach new ones during periods of uncertainty, our guide is Marie Silverstrim, a UX designer who is a master at breaking down concepts and delivering practical advice that is immediately actionable. 

Together with Joan Kanner's love of all things survey and Michelle Bond's contextualization of business in the current moment, we wrap up Proofing Stage's third season with an honest-to-goodness bonanza of tools and anecdotes to help you meet your moment.

E.g.:

• Good design often goes unnoticed, making it feel invisible
• Feedback from users is essential for improving products and services
• Surveys and direct conversations can yield valuable insights
• Stakeholder opinions can differ from user needs; balance is key
• Iterative design allows for continuous improvement and adaptation
• The real 'why' behind user feedback is essential for growth

Links

Classic UX 101 books:

Don't Make Me Think by Steve Krug

The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

Other books:

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

Glossary:

• Institutional Review Board (IRB)
• Likert scale
• Personally identifiable information (PII)
• Poll

The following UX terms may be found here:

• Affordances
• Minimum viable product (MVP)
• Qualitative
• Quantitative
• Focus groups
• Survey
• agile UX
• A/B testing

Credits:

Theme Music by Thorn Haze

Additional music by Come On Boy by MondayHopes

Podcast Cover Art by Lisa Orye

Produced by Joan Kanner and Michelle Bond

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When times are shit and you need a pep talk... and strategies... and allies... 

It's time to return to our Season 2 Episode with:

Erin Stampp, she/her, MPP - Director, Professional Development
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

In this episode of Proofing Stage, hosts Michelle Bond and Joan Kanner are joined by DEI practitioner Erin Stampp. Together, they unpack the challenges and necessities of implementing effective DEI strategies, even for minority business owners.

Erin emphasizes that true diversity goes beyond visibility; focusing on fostering an inclusive culture where diverse identities are seen and valued. The conversation also covers practical aspects like dietary restrictions in food businesses and universal design. Michelle and Joan share their experiences with integrating these practices into Bottoms Up Bagels, including staff reticence and industry norms.

Erin highlights the importance of relational, equity-centered leadership, which involves creating a supportive environment through active listening and engagement. She addresses retention challenges and the truly counter-cultural work of inclusion and systemic change. 

Join us for a very open conversation about our blind spots, power-sharing in leadership, and the self-compassion required to make it stick. Like:

• Asking for, listening to and implementing input is where it’s at
• How we can turn our exclamation points into question marks
• Where the anti-racism, anti-sexism fairy dust resides
• The trappings of cancel culture
• Taking a sec to acknowledge what’s working and build on it
• Big, sexy (self-) compliments go a long way

Links

Check out one of Erin’s current projects, a Desegregation History Timeline (education aid to advance culture change)

Connect with Erin Stampp
LinkedIn
Instagram

Faux Sponsor, "Cartoon Mallet" 
- written and performed by Joan Kanner

Theme music by Thorn Haze
Additional music:
Combat Morning by Den Writeman (via Pixabay)
Music for Puzzle Game by Ivantraveso (via Pixabay)

Executive Producers,  Joan Kanner and Michelle Bond

Podcast cover art by Lisa Orye

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Dr. Eleanor Rust and Dr. Tristra Newyear Yeager
Producers, Writers & Hosts of Frances Wright: America's Forgotten Radical

Women have - and do - play significant roles in shaping history, yet their stories are often never recorded in the first place or simply erased.

By answering the question "Frances who?" Eleanor and Tristra provide insights into how some women-owned businesses are also forgotten - if they were acknowledged at all.

Tired of battling algos? Navigating the troubled waters of modern journalism?
Let's redefine success and shed light on women while they're making history. 

Oyez! Oyez! Gather 'round as we discuss how:

• Historical narratives should include contributions from diverse folks
• Erasure doesn't have to happen, if you identify its methods and sources
• Engaging with history can inspire contemporary movements for change
• Frances Wright's legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality
• Storytelling can amplify marginalized voices... NOW

Remember: unlike Vegas, whatever happened in New Harmony shouldn't stay there.

Connect with Eleanor & Tristra:
Eleanor’s 19th-century history writings
Tristra’s author website

Links:
Most of the obscure references made during this episode...

Charon
Cassandra
Orphic dresses
New Harmony, Indiana
Working Men's Institute
First-wave feminism
Downright Gabbler cartoon of Frances Wright
Hegelian process
Broadsides
Kindness Tree Movement
MDWST Fable
Josiah Warren
Modern Times

Credits:
Theme Music by Thorn Haze
Additional music by DirectToDreams

The Dangers of Polka PSA
Written by Joan Kanner
Performed by Michelle Bond and Joan Kanner
Music by Sonican; Alana Jordan

Podcast Cover Art: Lisa Orye
Produced by Joan Kanner and Michelle Bond

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Susan Clayton, Founder of WhitePaws RunMitts 

Better now or better now? Better now? Like many of you, we're entering the new year fine-tuning our vision and calling on our support systems. This includes brilliant business minds like, Susan Clayton, Founder of WhitePaws RunMitts who is hitting her stride while elevating themes for underrepresented founders with candor and joy. 

How can many of these businesses are both over-mentored and under-supported? How can spending money be difficult, and asking questions be threatening? Susan commiserates with Michelle and Joan in the Proofing Stage era, with sharpened perspective and insights. Together they challenge themselves and others, discussing equity, business savvy, permission vs. forgiveness, spending capital, disrupting systems and holding mentors (aka gatekeepers) accountable. 

This episode unboxes a wealth of holiday gifts and reorganizes the way we see ourselves and can operate in the world - demanding more and helping one another along the way. Run with us. 

Segments include:

• Building a Supportive Team and Trusting Relationships
• Importance of Long-Term Strategy, Collaborations and Community
• Need for Practical Support in Business and Impact of Bureaucracy on Small Businesses
• Risk and Growth in Entrepreneurship
• Calling out Bias and Unconscious Obstacles
• Defining Effective Mentorship and Protecting Intellectual Property

Connect with Susan Clayton:

https://runmitts.com/

IG: @whitepaws_runmitts

FB: @whitepawsrunmitts

Blue Sky: @runmitts.bsky.social

Linkedin: @Susan(RunMitts, LLC)Clayton

Links:

More on themes in this episode in S1: EP4, The Myth of Meritocracy/Mentorship, Schmentorship

Scroobious' vendor marketplace

The Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute

REI Path Ahead Ventures

Episode Sponsor: Trash B Gone

Credits:

Theme Music by Thorn Haze

Additional music: 

Tom Thumb - Feeling the Flow (via Pixabay)

take out the trash by Jacob Field (via Pixabay)

Podcast Cover Art by Lisa Orye

Produced by Joan Kanner and Michelle Bond

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Tabitha? Cute, but don't mess. 

Endora? Fierce.

Sabrina? Work.

Joanne Lakomski? Um, legend.

We're here with some new, free bonus content to start off 2025. Our recording with Joanne Lakomski, The Human Resorceress, was particularly content-rich and timely as we reflect on this past year while priming us for the new one.

Hey, if you're one of our Proofing Stage+ Patreon subscribers, this is your second bonus with Joanne. Just a little plug for supporting us in that way. Ahem... 

This bonus content highlights themes that we couldn't fit into our main episode with Joanne. Wanna know one? All right. Let me give you a hint.

There are so many things we find irritating that people regularly do. One is using the word "witch" to sanitize what they really want to call someone - "bitch." Yes, it's annoying that they're unnecessarily pulling a punch. But for us, it's also about mislabeling someone as a "witch." Rude. 

Don't be a Derwood! Treat yourself by listening to this bonus episode.

While we're at it - shout out to the Gladys Kravitzs in your life!

Connect with Joanne:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-lakomski/

humanresorceress.org

Links:

Axiology

Robert Hartman 

Hierophant


Credits:
Theme Music by Thorn Haze

Additional music: 魔女 witch by nojisuma (via Pixabay)

Podcast Cover Art by Lisa Orye

Produced by Joan Kanner and Michelle Bond

Find more at proofingstage.com
Follow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage

Join Proofing Stage+ to support us supporting you, AND access new bonus content in-between episodes!

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Joanne Lakomski, Human Resorceress Coaching and Consulting 

At a time of year when we can feel overwhelmed, reflective, daunted and blessed (often within the same 30 minutes), we've got a salve for both your personal and professional pain points. This week Michelle and Joan connect with Joanne Lakomski, the Human Resorceress, bringing years of expertise in HR and Organizational Development to her coaching and consulting practice. 

Joanne's sorcery leverages a love and articulation of concepts and how they can illustrate what's at play in our work environments, and in our own minds. Her powers encourage deep listening and engagement, breaking down challenges to their specific elements and giving us a different lens through which to examine them. 

Our conversation is as warm and deep as it is silly and real, and offers the perfect treat for yourself this holiday season. Whether you're looking to take stock of 2024 milestones, or plan for new approaches in 2025, our time with Joanne puts the humanity of HR front and center, and gives plenty of potent wisdom for us to proof on and practice in the process. 

Some enchanted takeaways:

• Bev naps as the tried and true whiteboard
• Workplace quid pro quos when it comes to authenticity
• The neuroscience behind our decision making
• How you show up and the power of being seen
• Having clarity of purpose and alignment tools to get there
• Being jazzed about embracing our female power

Connect with Joanne:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-lakomski/

humanresorceress.org

Links:

Bev Nap Wisdom

Mihaly "The Father of Flow" Csikszentmihalyi

See Joanne's Flow Diagram bev nap

coaching.com

Credits:

Theme Music by Thorn Haze

Additional Music: Asimov by fanchisanchez (via Pixabay)

Podcast Cover Art by Lisa Orye

Produced by Joan Kanner and Michelle Bond

Find more at proofingstage.com
Follow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage

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Brandy Archie, OTD, OTR/L, CLIPP
Founder, CEO at AskSAMIE 

Part session with your OT, part advice on goal setting and business management from your ET ("Entrepreneur Therapist"), Dr. Brandy Archie drops all kinds of knowledge on this week's episode. From her approach to working with those looking to age in place, to her lessons from multiple ventures aimed at improving patient quality of life, independence and self-determination, Brandy is leading the conversation for caregivers and founders alike.

And have we mentioned that she hosts the Care Lab podcast? 

Together, Michelle, Joan and Brandy discuss the benefits of accessibility inside and outside of your home. Brandy also shares her insights on what it takes to run a growing business while setting milestones that support you reaching your big, audacious goal. 

Now that the season of giving (and buying) is upon us, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that - in addition to pro-tips for making your environment work better for you and those you care about - Brandy's AskSAMIE platform also offers unique products, used and approved by professionals that make it easier to live independently and on our own terms.

Hold on, we're chatting about:

• Occupational therapy and why it matters now, not just later
• Entrepreneurial solutions to healthcare gaps
• How to see your physical space through a different lens
• Sometimes you just need to know how to do a thing
• How to flip the script on "prevention" questions in your pitch
• Snarky feedback might still have merit
• The importance of relationships in success, and knowing what to ask for

Social Media Links:

https://www.asksamie.com

https://www.facebook.com/AskSAMIE
https://www.instagram.com/asksamie
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrandyarchie/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/asksamie/
https://www.twitter.com/Ask_SAMIE

Handles:

FB @AskSAMIE
IG @AskSAMIE
Twitter @Ask_SAMIE
Youtube @Ask-SAMIE
Linked In @AskSAMIE

Links:

Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone

1 Million Cups

The Baker's Body: Integrating Strategies for Physical Wellbeing and Longevity in Your Bakery

Episode Sponsor: Hers Electric

Credits:

Theme Music by Thorn Haze

Additional Music: Bop It - Audio Tonic (via Pixabay)

Podcast Cover Art by Lisa Orye

Produced by Joan Kanner and Michelle Bond

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Some things never change, and this includes our appetite for business self-help books. This holiday week, we're sharing a special episode with Joan and Michelle, discussing leadership-development propaganda from days gone by. What do concepts of success and decision-making look like in the rear view mirror, and what, perhaps not surprisingly, still holds true?

Spend some time in this cozy conversation with our Proofing Stage hosts as they carve out some of these perspectives and serve up some of their own. It's the ultimate "proofing" episode just in time for your Thanksgiving trek, prep, to-do list, or downtime. 

This week, we're exploring:

• The industry of business self-help books
• What's changed (and hasn't) about who's qualified to share expertise
• How conceptual models can provide guidance and bust our blocks
• Where the House of Woo has moved to (and from)
• The cultural and environmental barriers at play in our work and in our minds

We are thankful for you! 

Books:

• Everybody's Money by Sharon Stark, et al. 
• The Relaxation Response by Herbert Benson, M.D. with Miriam Z. Klipper
• Winners & Losers by Sydney J. Harris, illustrated by Nicole Hollander
• Six Action Shoes by Edward de Bono
• Conceptual Blockbusting: A Pleasurable Guide to Better Problem Solving by James L. Adams

*Check out book covers and artwork at proofingstage.com

Credits:
Theme Music by Thorn Haze

Additional Music: Dance All Night by alanajordan (via Pixabay)

Podcast Cover Art by Lisa Orye

Produced by Joan Kanner and Michelle Bond

Find more at proofingstage.com
Follow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage

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Dr. Anaïs Webster Mennuti, PharmD
Co-founder of Shots With That LLC
Marie Wilda, Founder/CEO Lenkai.co 

In this week's episode Michelle and Joan sit down with producers, Anaïs and Marie, to learn more about the driving factors behind their documentary film, Harmacy, including their personal experiences and funding sought to make it happen. While Big Pharma and the opioid epidemic have flooded our culture and consciousness, less attention has been paid to pharmacies themselves - their workers, and the people they serve.

As corporate chains have elbowed out community pharmacies, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians also experience burnout, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, miscarriage, and even death. Patients experience frustration and fear of not being able to fill their prescriptions on time and the harmful repercussions that result. Our conversation looks at what it takes to bring this project (or any) to life - experience, persistence, money and connections are just the beginning.

The question of "What qualifies you?" is familiar territory for women and underrepresented leaders in every industry and position. Join us for (another) candid conversation about why shedding light is important, what it takes to be heard, and the value of just doing the thing in order to prove your concept and build momentum.

If you're thinking about any of the following, this one's for you:

• The hidden costs of things often not discussed
• Timing of pursuing a larger platform to tell your story
• Finding a team to help you flesh out a concept
• Valuing your time and effort in relation to budget
• Breaking into an industry as an outsider
• Understanding where your work fits in a larger cultural context
• Using your lived and professional experience to do something others can't

Oh, and stick around until the very end of the episode to learn about our surprise sponsor!

Connect with Harmcacy Film:
Web: Harmacy Film
Socials: @HarmacyFilm
Email for investment opportunities

Anaïs Webster Mennuti, PharmD 
Director / Producer / Co-Creator
IG: @anaiswebmen

Marie Wilda, Producer
Founder / CEO Lenkai.co (B2B Revenue Accelerator)
IG: @m_esther12
LinkedIn

Links:
Docs in Progress

Scroobious

Credits:
Theme Music by Thorn Haze

Additional Music by: AnyStyle via Pixabay & HVRGND via Pixabay

Podcast Cover Art by Lisa Orye

Ad written and performed by Joan Kanner
Ad music by: Lexin_Music via Pixabay

Produced by Joan Kanner and Michelle Bond

Find more at proofingstage.com
Follow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage

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Megan Hanson, Public Relations & Communications Consultant

In an age of perpetual content creation and AI, you don't tend to hear much about traditional PR anymore. Often, it can feel like it's about the likes, the engagement numbers. And, don't get us wrong, measures are important. But here's a secret that this Proofing Stage episode shouts loud and proud: It's the people behind those measures that matter most. Customers. Team Members. Your Publicist - these are all people, baby. Actual human beings who, in the words of Megan Hanson, "want to connect with actual human beings."

Start ups and bootstrapping small businesses often don't have the budget, or sometimes even the vision, to see how the long game of relationship building can pay off big. It takes time, effort, money and skills that not everyone has or has the bandwidth for. Today's conversation with Megan fills in the gaps about what you need to know to decide if working with a PR person is right for you, and if it's the right time.

Together with Megan, Michelle and Joan explore mission and personal and professional fit, because at the end of the day you need the best ambassador you can have to represent your business. And, that definition of best? Well, that's completely up to you.
 
Representation matters in more ways than one:

• Breaking through the noise takes time
• Building relationships and contacting the right people
• Giving up on a dream to find the best path
• Adjusting thinking from sales calls only
• Evolving as the game changes around you
• Choosing a supporting cast, rather than a starring role

Connect with Megan Hanson:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/megankhanson/
Email - [email protected]

Colorado Folks, check out Thunderview CEO Dinners

Toilets & Plunjr's PR Success Stories

Credits:

Theme Music by Thorn Haze

Additional Music by: The_Mountain (via Pixabay)

Podcast Cover Art by Lisa Orye 

Ad written and performed by Joan Kanner

Ad music by: Tech_Oasis (via Pixabay)

Produced by Joan Kanner and Michelle Bond

Find more at proofingstage.com
Follow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage

Join Proofing Stage+ to support us supporting you, AND access new bonus content in-between episodes!

See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.