In this special episode of Sugar and Spikes, Dez, our resident serial content creator, talks about why content still reigns as a way to build your personal and professional brand, the pros and cons of a couple content strategies, and how to do content in a way that not only works for you but will help you connect with your audience on a whole different level. Give this episode a listen if you’re constantly trying o figure out what to write/podcast/vlog/or post about. Because the only way your message will get out is if you put it out there.

This week kicks off a special Sugar and Spikes solo series where we’re kicking it old school—it’s just Dez and a mic! Dez sits down and talks about the 5 key lessons she’s learned over the course of the last couple years while making this podcast thing work while also you know, working and living life. This is a great episode for any content creator, side hustler, or entrepreneur if you’re thinking of starting something new, be it launching a podcast, starting a blog, diving into YouTube, or kicking off any new form of content to get your message to those that need it.

Over 100 episodes and two years later, Dez and Tammy chat about the fact that procrastination around creating is something most people will deal with while they’re making something, and how to handle it to keep the momentum going so you can create something that can stand the test of time. If you’ve ever judged yourself for putting something off or feeling overwhelmed at what may seem like the easiest things, you need to listen to this episode. This is your chance to learn why that happens and how to face it head on so you can increase your productivity and make the things you’re dreaming of making.

This is THE episode to listen to if you’re an entrepreneur or have a side hustle and feel like you’re in a constant cycle of excitement and and discouragement while trying achiever goals and ambitions. Dez and Tammy not only chat about why it feels like a roller coaster of emotions but also share some quick tips on WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT so you can actually use this cycle as s stepping stone rather than stumbling block to reach your goals.

In this episode, Dez and Tammy revisit the topic of emotional intelligence and how that connects to professional growth over time, using emotional intelligence in the multitude of roles you take on day in and day out, and why emotional intelligence is a cornerstone of healthy and professional boundaries. If the lines between work, family, friends, and life are seeming a bit blurry, this episode will help you see things through a whole new lens so you can step up, embrace where you’re at, and move forward in a powerful and unforgettable way—even on the rough and hard to get through days.

In this episode Dez and Tammy talk about how to shift the cycle of distracting and impulsive decision making to use your inspiration from a place of insightfulness so you can be intentional about the choices you’re making and the direction you’re going in business, life, and whatever else you have going on.

In the second installment of Talk Nerdy To Me, Dez and Tammy give listeners an easy to understand overview of emotional intelligence, what it is, what it isn’t and why having it is key to professional development as you climb the corporate ladder or build your business. If emotional intelligence is new to you or your looking for ways to develop your skills, give this episode a listen so you can (possibly) be the most emotionally intelligent person in the room.

Sometimes the most dangerous situation to be in is when you feel like you’re managing it all and not in tune with or looking forward to possible changes in situations or how you’re handling it all. Developing the self-awareness to manage stress, emotions, and all of your responsibilities day in and day out is one of the hardest things to learn but it’s absolutely essential. It’s up to you, enter the storm unaware or do the work to be prepared.

In this episode, Dez and Tammy talk about the different types of attachment! Secure, Ambivalent, Avoidant, Disordered. What do they mean? How does it apply to business, communication, and how you get things done? You'll have to listen and find out!

Oh, and here is the "Strange Situation" video Dez and Tammy mention early on in the episode.

As a follow up from Podcasting Basics, the Sugar and Spikes team is taking a moment to give you truly actionable tips, tricks, and insights about podcast art basics. How do you start to design one, what are important things to consider, what other promotional images do you need, what even is an audiogram, when do you bring in an actual designer, and things we’ve learned after running this show for nearly two years are all covered. If you’re just starting out or looking to up your podcast design game, this episode is for you.