Really F*cking Trying

In this episode we’re taking a moment to look back on our first full year of Really Fucking Trying.

We talk honestly about what the past year has actually looked like behind the scenes - the work that goes into planning, recording and releasing each episode, what surprised us, what was harder than we expected, and what we’ve learned along the way. From juggling creativity with consistency to figuring things out as we go, it’s very much been a year of trial, error, and doing our best.

We also chat about how it feels now, a year in - the confidence shifts, the doubts, the small wins, and why we’re still here, still trying. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into making a podcast, or you’re in your own “figuring it out” era, this one’s for you.

Thanks for being part of the journey so far.

It’s a new year! Are we new people? Absolutely not.

In this episode, we’re kicking off another year the only way we know how: by rejecting “new year, new me,” ignoring resolutions, and accepting that we are simply carrying the same personalities and problems straight into January.

We chat about the weird pressure to reinvent yourself overnight, why we don’t do goals that make us miserable, and how January somehow feels about 6494302 days long. There’s no 5am routines here, no life glow-ups - just two small business owners easing into the year, lowering expectations, and embracing another 12 months of mild chaos.

If you’re already tired, haven’t set resolutions or are simply vibing at the same level as last year - welcome. You’re among friends.

It’s really fucking Christmas! 🎄✨

It’s Merry Bizmas!

In this episode we’re joined by Chloe from Chloe Fluff Studios to talk all things festive chaos - the Christmas markets that drain your soul and your stock levels, the pressure to stay merry when you’re freezing your tits off behind your stall, and the big question: when the hell are we supposed to take a break?

We’re sharing the good, the bad, and the mildly unhinged parts of surviving the holiday hustle as small business gals.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… and for small business owners, that can only mean one thing: chaos.

In this episode, we sit down with Rosie from Rosie Roo Creations to chat about the highs, lows and absolute madness that comes with the festive season. From product planning and promotion to managing orders and navigating postage nightmares, we’re keeping it honest about what it’s really like behind the scenes.

A must-listen for any small business owner trying to survive (and hopefully enjoy) the busiest time of the year.

This week, we’re joined by Amy from Cornucopia Creative to chat all things focus - or, more accurately, our constant battle with not having any. From endless to-do lists and shiny new ideas to actually getting shit done, we’re sharing our biggest struggles, some magic tricks that help us concentrate, and a few chaotic stories along the way.

If your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open, this one’s for you. 💫

Running a small business isn’t always cute packaging and loyal customers… sometimes it’s straight-up terrifying. In this episode, we’re reading out YOUR small biz horror stories - from nightmare clients and scammy “collabs” to the times you got completely ghosted after doing all the work.

It’s a mix of cautionary tales, chaos, and a bit of collective trauma - because if we can’t laugh (and cry) about it together, what’s the point?

Burnout is real, and sometimes it hits harder than we expect. In this episode, we get honest about our own struggles with burnout, sharing the moments that left us drained, overwhelmed, and questioning everything. We also dive into the techniques that actually work (for us) - how to stop burnout before it starts, shift your mindset, and pull yourself out of that rut when it hits.

We’re joined by Clare from Peach Swizzle, who shares her own experiences and tips for navigating creative exhaustion while keeping your motivation alive. Whether you’re juggling small business chaos, side hustles, or just trying to survive life, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical advice, and a reminder that it’s okay to pause and take care of yourself.

So, you’ve started the biz… now what? In this second half of our two-part series, we’re talking all about what happens after the launch - the messy middle of actually growing a business. From setting (and re-setting) goals, to navigating those inevitable growing pains, to the good lessons we’ve picked up along the way, we’re spilling it all.

We’re also joined by the brilliant Becci from Palm House Studio, who shares her own journey of building and expanding her creative business.

If you’ve ever wondered what growth really looks like behind the scenes - the wins, the wobbles, and everything in between - this one’s for you.

Starting a business is equal parts exciting, terrifying, and a little bit chaotic — and in this episode we’re diving right into it. Building the Biz: Beginning Your Business Journey is the first in our two-part series on what it really takes to run your own thing.

We’re chatting about how we each got started, the messy beginnings that don’t always make the Instagram feed, and the lessons we learned in those early days. We’re also joined by Courtney from Slog Creative, who shares her own start-up story and what she wishes she’d known at the beginning.

Whether you’re still dreaming about your first business idea or knee-deep in spreadsheets and side hustles, this episode is here to remind you that every big journey starts with a very wobbly first step.

Next time, we’ll be back with Growing the Biz, where we talk about what happens after the launch.