Who inspires you to keep going when life and business feel overwhelming? In this episode of Swearing By It, Sydney and Audrina get real about the people who have motivated, challenged, and shaped them both personally and professionally.

From powerhouse entrepreneurs to everyday role models, Sydney and Audrina reflect on the women (and men) who’ve influenced their growth as female entrepreneurs. They share how stories of resilience, risk-taking, and authenticity have pushed them to build businesses while navigating the messy reality of life. Expect heartfelt conversations, behind-the-scenes lessons, and a reminder that inspiration often shows up where you least expect it. Whether you’re an entrepreneur searching for motivation, someone rethinking your work-life balance, or simply curious about who fuels their drive, this episode will leave you fired up to chase your own vision.

In This Conversation, You’ll Hear:

• Why role models matter in both entrepreneurship and everyday life
• How stories of resilience and authenticity help reframe tough seasons
• The surprising sources of inspiration that shape confidence and leadership
• Why surrounding yourself with the right people is a game-changer for growth
• Practical ways to harness inspiration and apply it to your business and mindset
  
  

For more unfiltered conversations about entrepreneurship, mindset shifts, and building a life that feels good inside and out, follow Swearing By It so you never miss an episode. Want to share who inspires you? DM us on Instagram or connect on LinkedIn, we’d love to hear it.

Connect with Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swearingbyitpod/

Audrina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrinablackburn/
Sydney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneymsherman/

Join our newsletter for tips & behind-the-scenes we swear by: https://link.summitchasersnetwork.com/widget/form/7XkfV0qriC3EHLqskyyx 

What if you stopped overthinking every decision and simply did it for the plot? Life and entrepreneurship are messy, unpredictable, and full of hard choices, but sometimes the boldest moves lead to the best stories.

In this episode of Swearing By It, Sydney and Audrina open up about the spontaneous, chaotic, and sometimes questionable choices they’ve made—both in business and in life. From unplanned pivots to personal curveballs, they share the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped who they are as women in business and as humans navigating it all. Expect laughs, raw honesty, and powerful lessons on trusting your gut, embracing uncertainty, and finding meaning in the mess. Whether you’re chasing a big dream, making a scary decision, or just need a reminder that you’re not alone in the chaos, this one’s for you.

In This Conversation, You’ll Hear:

• Why “do it for the plot” moments often lead to unexpected growth
  
  
• Personal stories of unplanned life decisions that shaped their businesses and relationships
• How to navigate risks without getting stuck in fear or analysis paralysis
• Why embracing imperfection and spontaneity matters in both entrepreneurship and personal life
• The mindset shift that can help you reframe chaos into opportunity
  
  
  

For more unfiltered conversations about entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and building a life that’s real (not polished), follow Swearing By It so you never miss an episode. Got your own “do it for the plot” moment? DM us on Instagram or connect with us on LinkedIn, we’d love to hear it.

Connect with Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swearingbyitpod/Audrina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrinablackburn/
Sydney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneymsherman/

Join our newsletter for exclusive tips and behind-the-scenes: https://link.summitchasersnetwork.com/widget/form/7XkfV0qriC3EHLqskyyx

Ever wonder why some conversations flow and others feel like pulling teeth? The way you communicate at work, at home, and everywhere in between, can make or break relationships, teams, and opportunities.

Sydney and Audrina unpack how their personal communication skills shape both business relationships and life at home. From “direct and no-fluff” styles to overusing exclamation points so you don’t sound cold, they share the honest truth about adapting your approach for better connection, team communication, and leadership. You’ll hear real-life stories from women in business, plus actionable communication tips to help you create stronger relationships, whether you’re in a boardroom or a kitchen.  Expect behind-the-scenes stories from business and personal life, plus tips you can use right now to communicate with more clarity, empathy, and confidence.

In This Conversation, You’ll Hear:

• The pros and cons of a “fix-it-first” communication style, and how to soften it without losing efficiency
• Why changing the way you communicate is harder than it sounds (and how to actually do it)
• How to adapt your style for virtual conversations so you don’t come across as cold or blunt
• Why your go-to style might serve you in some areas… and sabotage you in others
• The small tweaks that can completely shift how people respond to you in business and relationships
  
  
  

For more unfiltered conversations about entrepreneurship, relationships, and the daily reality of “doing it all,” follow Swearing By It so you never miss an episode. Got a communication win (or fail) you want to share? DM us on Instagram or connect with us on LinkedIn.

Connect with Us:
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swearingbyitpod/

 Join our newsletter for tips & behind-the-scenes we swear by: https://link.summitchasersnetwork.com/widget/form/7XkfV0qriC3EHLqskyyx 

Audrina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrinablackburn/
Sydney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneymsherman/

Would you rather build a business that lets you drop $300 on dinner and buy cute dresses on autopilot… or build an empire that might pay off big someday, but requires scrimping, sacrificing, and seriously uncomfortable money convos along the way?

In this episode, Sydney and Audrina unpack the very real tradeoffs of entrepreneurship, especially when it comes to money, lifestyle, and long-term vision. Audrina shares what it was like to walk away from a cushy corporate salary (and the easy lifestyle that came with it) to build something that lights her up… even if it means budgeting every dollar right now. And Sydney shares what it’s been like to never collect a paycheck from someone else, just risk, reward, and reinvesting it all back in the business.

They also go deep on how to talk money with your team, without oversharing, overcompensating, or accidentally creating chaos. Because open-book leadership is powerful… but transparency still needs boundaries.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• Why the empire-building path is not glamorous (but can still be the right choice)
  
  
  
• What Audrina gave up (and gained) when she left the paycheck life behind
  
  
  
• Why business owners often overlook the real value of capital, especially when it’s fundraised
  
  
  
• Smart, low-effort ways to start building passive income as a founder
  
  
  
• How to have that awkward equity convo with your business partners (without blowing things up)
  
  
  
• What to do when your favorite employee asks for a raise you can’t afford—and how to keep the relationship strong anyway
  
  
  
• A candid look at how different cultures handle money transparency at work
  
  
  
• The blueprint for having honest money talks with your team: what to share, what to keep private, and how to build trust without giving away the farm
  
  
  
• How to spot early signs that you and your business partner aren’t financially aligned, and why it matters a lot
  
  
  

If you’ve ever wrestled with money guilt, team transparency, or the big question of whether it’s worth sacrificing now to build something bigger later… this one’s for you.

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swearingbyitpod/

Join our newsletter, we swear you’ll love it: https://link.summitchasersnetwork.com/widget/form/7XkfV0qriC3EHLqskyyx

LinkedIn:
Audrina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrinablackburn/
Sydney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneymsherman/ 

Is your relationship worth fighting for… or is it time to let go?

You can ask your friends. You can read all the books. But sometimes the only way to really know what’s going on in your marriage… is to live through it.

In this episode, Audrina and Sydney open up about their previous marriages, the hard lessons they learned the messy way, and what they’d do differently if they could do it all again. From unhealthy dynamics to silent resentment to fighting for something that just wasn’t right, they share it all - no shame, no sugarcoating.

A great marriage isn’t “easy.” (That’s a myth.) The tough question is: Are you willing to fight for it?

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• Why Sydney says her marriage to a good, growth-minded partner is harder, and better, than the one she left
• The advice she gave her brother about marriage (and the one question you have to ask yourself before you commit)
• What to do if you catch yourself constantly pointing the finger at your partner
• How to set expectations early and communicate through hard seasons before things quietly implode
• The one thing that ended both Sydney and Audrina’s marriages, and why it’s more common than you think
• The three relationship killers to watch for… and the one dealbreaker that ends everything
• What Audrina’s relationship looks like now, and what they’ve gotten so much better at
• What they wish they knew about love, partnership, and fighting for something that’s actually worth the work

If you’re in a relationship, out of one, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you tune into what really matters. 

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swearingbyitpod/

Join our newsletter, we swear you’ll love it: https://link.summitchasersnetwork.com/widget/form/7XkfV0qriC3EHLqskyyx

LinkedIn:
Audrina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrinablackburn/
Sydney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneymsherman/ 

Running a business with your partner sounds kinda hot, right? Power couple vibes, shared goals, steamy boardroom banter... until you’re both tired, stressed, snapping at each other over Slack, and the only thing getting pounded is your to-do list.

In this episode, Sydney and Audrina get real about what it’s like to build businesses and relationships with their romantic partners, and how that dynamic shows up in the bedroom. Sometimes it adds fuel to the fire. Other times… let’s just say, business stress isn’t exactly an aphrodisiac.

They don’t stop at the work/love balance. They go there - full stop. Sex, desire, confidence, connection, and self-pleasure. They also touch on why so many people are struggling behind the scenes. 

Did you know?

• Millennials and Gen Z are having less sex than previous generations did at their age, a trend known as the “sex recession.”
• 95% of straight men say they “always” or “usually” orgasm during sex, compared to just 65% of straight women. (Yep. That’s the orgasm gap, and we have thoughts.)
• And communication? It’s consistently ranked as one of the top predictors of a satisfying sex life. So if you’re not talking about it, it’s time to start.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• The stats on female arousal that explain a lot about why your sex life might feel off (and what you can do about it)
• The dirty little secret: Women love sex. A lot. So let’s start talking about it like grown-ass women
• Why a low-key sex rut can ripple through your whole relationship, and how to get out of it
• What sex really represents (hint: it’s not just about the act)
• Why sex gets way better as you get older
• Audrina and Sydney’s go-to mindset shifts to feel more confident, sexy, and connected
• How to build physical connection when you’re not exactly in the mood but still want to keep the spark alive
• Why low sex drive isn’t a life sentence, and what you can actually do about it
• Pro tips from women for the men who want to step it up in the bedroom (yes, we’re giving you the playbook)

This episode is your permission slip to talk more openly, ditch the shame, and reconnect with your body and your partner, no matter how many businesses, babies, or back-to-back meetings are in the mix.

Because you deserve to feel powerful and turned on—in and out of the office.

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swearingbyitpod/

Join our newsletter, we swear you’ll love it: https://link.summitchasersnetwork.com/widget/form/7XkfV0qriC3EHLqskyyx

LinkedIn:
Audrina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrinablackburn/
Sydney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneymsherman/

Ever made a mistake so cringey it kept you up at night for years? Good, that means you’re doing it right.

In this episode, Audrina and Sydney get real about the mess-ups that shaped them... the kind that felt like disasters in the moment but ended up being the exact lessons they needed. These aren't just "oops" moments. We're talking business partner drama, pricing flops that nearly tanked whole businesses, and the hard lessons that come with mixing friendship and hiring.

But here’s the twist: they wouldn’t undo any of it. Because every painful misstep helped them build the profitable, rock-solid agency they run today.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• Why the old saying “hire slow, fire fast” hits extra hard when you’ve learned it the hard way
  
  
• How to hire someone close to you (without setting fire to the relationship)
  
  
• Sydney’s boat analogy that’ll change how you think about delegating in your business
  
  
• Why it’s so important to remind your clients the impact you’re making — even if it feels obvious to you
  
  
• A peek at how Sydney got herself out of the day-to-day at The Hive so she could focus on CEO-level growth
  
  
• Why the lowest-paying clients often demand the most (and how to protect your energy)
  
  
• And the hot take: business mistakes might be more valuable than an MBA
  
  

If you’re dreaming of starting something of your own (or knee-deep in figuring it out), this one’s for you. Mistakes aren’t proof that you’re failing, they’re signs you’re in the game, learning, adjusting, and getting sharper every step of the way.

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swearingbyitpod/

Join our newsletter, we swear you’ll love it: https://link.summitchasersnetwork.com/widget/form/7XkfV0qriC3EHLqskyyx

LinkedIn:
Audrina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrinablackburn/
Sydney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneymsherman/ 

Referenced: 

Carrying On When It Feels Like Everything’s Falling Apart

Are you supposed to write out your goals in a spreadsheet with due dates, deliverables, and color-coded categories? Or is it enough to just think about them in the shower and hope for the best?

Turns out… there’s no one right way to do it.

In this week’s episode, Audrina and Sydney pull back the curtain on how they actually set and achieve goals — while raising kids, running multiple businesses, and trying to stick to that morning workout routine. 

They dive into what works for them — from vision boards to quarterly goal rewrites — and why it’s totally okay to pivot when a goal just isn’t clicking anymore.

So if your goal-setting style doesn’t include a whiteboard or a perfect planner, don’t panic — this week’s episode is still for you.

In This Conversation:

• How to make big, overwhelming goals feel doable — and actually start making progress
  
  
• Why manifestation is B.S. if you don’t do this one thing
  
  
• A behind-the-scenes story of how Sydney manifested her dream home — and the mindset shift it required
  
  
• Why businesses can’t outsource all their marketing — and how to breathe authenticity
  
  
• What’s currently on Audrina’s vision board (hint: it’s bold)
  
  
• How rewriting your goals every quarter (like Sydney does) can keep you aligned, grounded, and on track
  
  

Whether you’re a spreadsheet person, a post-it-note person, or a “dream about it and hope for the best” person — this episode will help you rethink how you approach your goals and give yourself permission to do it your way.

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swearingbyit/

LinkedIn:
Audrina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrinablackburn/
Sydney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneymsherman/ 

Is it even possible to raise happy, confident kids and run a business (or three)? What do you do with the guilt that creeps in when you’re sending emails instead of playing with Montessori toys? And honestly… does it really matter who spends the most time with your kids, as long as someone’s giving them one-on-one attention?

In this week’s episode, Audrina and Sydney open up about their messy, guilt-ridden, yet incredibly rewarding experiences with balancing parenting and entrepreneurship. Sydney’s a mom of two toddlers, and Audrina’s a stepmom of two—and between answering work emails, trying to get their kids to eat, and feeling guilty about screen time, they’re wondering the same things you are:

“Am I messing this up?”
“Am I doing enough?”
“What even is enough?”

They get real about screen time struggles, wondering if it’s okay to hire lots of help (spoiler: it so is), and what they wish they could give their kids but can’t right now. And they also share some mindset shifts that help them drop the shame, zoom out, and remember: you don’t have to do it all to be doing it right.

In This Conversation:

• Why boredom is actually a blessing—and how letting your kids feel it can stir creativity (and give you a minute to breathe)
  
  
  
• A mindset shift that’ll help you stop comparing yourself to the “perfect moms” and trust your own methods and priorities
  
  
  
• What psychologists say about how involved you really need to be (hint: you’re probably doing more than enough)
  
  
  
• The big question: Can you outsource some of the parenting if their caretaker is really damn good at their job (and has a degree in children’s studies)?
  
  
  
• The difference between guiding your kids vs. fixing everything for them—and why the former builds resilience
  
  
  

Here’s the truth: You’re not failing. You’re building a life—for yourself and your family. Sometimes it looks messy. And you're doing great. 

So if you’ve ever cried over feeling like you’re not doing enough (or cried because the kids are fighting over who gets to scoop the dog poop), this one’s for you.

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swearingbyit/

LinkedIn:
Audrina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrinablackburn/
Sydney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneymsherman/ 

What if you automatically believed things would work out for you, instead of expecting things to blow up in your face?

In this week’s episode, Audrina and Sydney talk about reframing and shifting your mindset by believing that everything is going to fall into place. The more good vibes you put out there, the more you’ll see those things coming towards you. And they’ll just keep rollin’ in. (This topic was sparked by Audrina’s exciting news that she’s now got a house in Vegas!)

A key theme in this episode is gratitude. What are you grateful for right now? Sydney and Audrina discuss how they reground and reframe their mindsets to be more positive, especially when things feel rough. Audrina and Sydney also share what they’ve found out about themselves by going from having so much to so little… and why it’s the best thing that could have happened to them. Here’s the key takeaway: Dig into the root of what makes you truly happy, then chase more of that.

It’s not just about ‘thinking’ positively though, it’s about taking aligned actions to actually make those things happen. When things don’t work out as you expect (because that’s life!), respond with: ‘What do I need to learn in this moment?’. An error at The Hive led to Sydney crying into the ocean… then immediately picking herself up and working out how to fix it. (Her positive mindset helped her solve the problem so much faster than if she stayed stuck on the negatives.)

In This Conversation:

• Audrina and Sydney share how they’re embodying a more positive, grateful mindset by really celebrating small wins and focusing on the everyday moments that often get overlooked (from clients paying on time to treating yourself to a coffee). Be excited about the small things, don’t diminish them!
• Sydney reflects on why you have to keep moving when things get hard, because it’s preparing you for what’s to come. (It’s all part of your journey.) Shifting your mindset to start embracing things coming more easily isn’t easy, but if you take the action steps, the proof will unfold.
• Audrina explains why it’s so helpful to have constant reminders that pop up on your screen. (Listen in to find out what her daily mantras are!)
• Sydney and Audrina wrap up by exploring what their lives would look like if they were the luckiest girls in the world. (Hint: They don’t want the world, just for their worlds to feel easier, more settled, and more secure.)

For more unfiltered conversations about entrepreneurship, family life, and managing the daily demands of “doing it all”, click the Follow button so you don’t miss an episode! 

So, if you were the luckiest person in the world, what would your life look like in six months? Have a think and reflect on it, and if you feel comfortable, come and share your thoughts on Instagram or LinkedIn!

If anything we talked about resonated with you, we’d love to hear about it! Always feel free to reach out with questions, comments, or future topics you want to hear.

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swearingbyit/

LinkedIn:
Audrina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrinablackburn/
Sydney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneymsherman/ 

Resources We Mentioned:
Chloe Elise’s Deeper Than Money podcast