Swearing By It

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

Do you find it easier to hire people or fire people? 

In today’s episode, Sydney and Audrina discuss the tricky topics of finding new employees and letting go of wrong-fit ones. Lots of pivots, changes, and rearranges have been happening at The Hive, so this topic is truly topical. Hiring might seem like the easier side, but it’s really not. You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s okay. It’s all part of the process: fail, learn, and then pivot.

Audrina and Sydney share their hiring processes and the key things you need to consider. Of course, you need to think about the scope of the role and what you want the person to achieve... but it’s also about being aligned with values and soft skills too. And it’s important to hire for diversity, not just in terms of gender or skin color, but in the way their brain works. What’s the point in having someone just like you who matches your skillset? Audrina’s tip is to look for people who fill the gaps.

Learning to trust your gut will save you so much heartache in the long run. If you sense someone isn’t the right fit, just let them go. You’re not just doing yourself a disservice by hiring them (wasting time, money, and resources), you’re actually holding them back from being 100% happy. At the end of the day, when you’ve got the right people, everything feels easier. Sydney downsized from 12 people to 5… and those were the happiest days they ever had in the company.

In This Conversation:

• Audrina talks about weighing up experience versus drive. If someone has the right attitude and they’re hungry to grow with your company, does it matter if they haven’t got the perfect resume? (Sydney agrees, but she didn’t before.)
• Sydney touches on why you shouldn’t hire people in your immediate network. (Just because you adore someone, it doesn’t mean they’re going to excel in the role you want them to fill...)
• Audrina and Sydney chat about how to know if you’ve got the right people or if it’s time to clean house and start again. Sydney’s advice is to document how everything’s going. If things feel clunky and you’re having to get too involved, that could be a tell-tale sign something’s not right. But if you do have the right people? Treat them like gold.
• On the flip side, Sydney and Audrina talk about what to do when someone calls upon you as a reference when they’re considering hiring someone. Real talk: Honesty is always the best policy.

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! 

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/

How do you switch back and forth between your different roles?

In today’s episode, Audrina and Sydney are flipping the switch from talking business with a sprinkle of life to talking about life with a sprinkle of business. From juggling step- and biological kids (and the unique challenges that come with that) to living in different places, moving across countries with kids and animals, AND running multiple businesses, life can be chaotic (that’s an understatement…). Mistakes are going to happen, but it’s all about learning from them.

With so many things happening in our lives, it can be hard to work out what to prioritize and where to put the most value. You’ve got to think about how to best take care of yourself, your partner, your kids, your dogs, your businesses… it’s not easy. There’s no one perfect solution, it’s about figuring it out along the way, accepting it’s a constant work in progress, and learning to put yourself first. (But if you *do* have the perfect solution, we’re all listening…)

This episode neatly summarizes the purpose of this podcast—it’s a safe space to share what’s really happening behind the scenes, so you know you’re not alone. It’s not about knowing all the answers, it’s about sharing experiences of what works (and what doesn’t) so you can take what’s helpful. We’re all human, and that sometimes means having stomach issues, arguing with your spouse, dealing with fertility struggles… then getting on a call to talk client strategy. But being happy in the chaos is so much better than being miserable in the calm.   

In This Conversation:

• Sydney touches on the mistake she made with her hostel and how she’d handle it differently. (Spoiler: It involved being too kind when firing everybody…)
• Audrina shares why it’s important to separate your ego so you can weigh up the benefits of your decisions when running a business. Is it better to do the difficult thing now and deal with the consequences, or put it off and face different issues down the line?
• Audrina and Sydney discuss what they’re doing for their relationships, including setting boundaries, hearing your partner out, and learning to balance different communication styles (under-communication versus over-communication).
• Audrina talks about the major changes happening in her life and how she and her partner, Zach, are navigating their new normal (starting with getting across the US border in a trailer with dogs…).

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! 

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/

How would you handle working with your life partner as your business partner?

In this week’s episode, Sydney and Audrina dive into the ins and outs of managing relationships and navigating complex situations around working alongside family and friends—including juggling kids while running a business. They offer handy tips and tricks from everything they’ve figured out along the way, so you can make your personal and working life run so much smoother. (Hint: it’s all about communication.)

There are lots of simple tools you can use for good communication, like taking time to pause when things start getting stressful. Learning to pick your battles, deciding which hills to die on (and which ones aren’t a big deal), and taking the time to explain your vision and your reasons—instead of brushing your thoughts and feelings aside—makes such a difference. Another great tool is letting each other know what ‘number’ (energy level) you’re at so you can help each other out. It can be hard to bounce between work and life stuff, so literally call it out and label where you’re at: ‘Business partner hat is going on right now.’

Having a successful working relationship with your partner comes from the foundational relationship-building effort outside of work. You need to be able to truly listen to your partner and respect each other’s boundaries, otherwise unaddressed issues can bleed into work *and* regular life. It’s really important to have space for regular conversations and to discuss difficult things upfront because they won’t get better unless you change your approach.

In This Conversation:

• Audrina and Sydney talk about why you need to have your own roles (and even separate departments!) when working with your partner. Make sure you understand each other’s skills and strengths so you can decide what you’ll each focus on to avoid stepping on each other’s toes…
• Sydney reflects on the impact of making decisions together, no matter how small they seem. (This may or may not have come from nearly getting divorced over a decision about curtains…)
• Audrina and Sydney discuss managing their work and personal lives, including how they chat about work outside of work. Sydney’s parents decided work was an off-limits topic for date night, but Sydney and Audrina are the opposite. (It’s all about what’s best for you!)
• Audrina touches on managing the balance between knowing when to work things out yourself and when to get your partner’s input. It’s important to be self-aware—start with yourself, then go from there.

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! 

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/swearingbyitpod/ 

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

What matters to you? What are you capable of right now?

In this week’s episode, Audrina and Sydney talk flipping the switch from a people-pleasing mentality to calling people out for falseness, and shifting from a lack mindset to receiving, thriving, and abundance. It’s important to go out of your way to show up with a positive energy so you can appreciate all the little things—that energy can be generated by who you spend time with and how you talk to yourself.

Sydney and Audrina discuss how self-serving won’t get you far in life. If you’re only seeing what other people can do for you (instead of what you can do for them), your world is going to get really small, really fast. Start looking for opportunities to help people succeed, build, and reach their goals. Think about what you’re sending out into the universe, what you’re attracting, and how you’re communicating—then the universe will respond to you.

Work-life balance? There is none. We only have one life, so if you don’t set expectations and boundaries and hold people to them, that’ll affect you in ALL areas. Inviting self-awareness into your life and getting clear on your expectations will make everything run smoother. Communicating in a way that feels natural and authentic might come with some trial and error… but it’s a continual learning process. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re hoping to receive. (And don’t be afraid to be playful!)

In This Conversation:

• Audrina dives deep into reciprocal relationships. They don’t always have to be a 50/50 split, but there should be an amount of give and take—no one’s here for one-sided relationships and partnerships.
• Sydney and Audrina discuss shifting towards an abundance mindset by focusing on the wins (no matter how small) and finding opportunities to celebrate as much as possible.
• Audrina talks about the importance of doing your homework before meeting with people, vetting them as much as they’re vetting you, and being authentic and genuine in *every* interaction. (Instead of glazing over or adding meaningless comments on posts…)
• Audrina and Sydney explore spending in alignment and being more intentional and conscious about money. The first step is understanding your finances, because awareness is everything. Shifting your mindset from ‘bills you have to pay’ to ‘luxuries you get to buy’ helps build so much gratitude. (Top tip: Set aside a fun fund!)

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! 

If the universe could give you one gift, what would it be? What are you open to receiving right now? 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:
The Adventure Challenge: Couples Edition

How do you prioritize your spending? Have you set yourself up for the future? 

In today’s episode, Sydney and Audrina talk money management and the balancing act of paying off debt while setting yourself up for the future. From horrific financial situations to unprecedented global pandemics, entrepreneurship isn’t always a glamorous life seen through rose-tinted glasses. But if it lights you up and you’re intentional, you just have to do whatever it takes to keep going. And remember—you’re not alone.

Sydney gets raw and real about her experience setting up and opening a hostel in Guatemala, and how they couldn’t lose the opportunity because that was literally all they had. From selling her wedding ring to borrowing $25 for groceries, Sydney’s situation was dire. She went from raising over a million dollars for her company to working out what to do to avoid homelessness and starvation. But she pulled herself out.

Positive things can come from difficult times, like getting to know yourself better. You learn to let go of things that don’t serve you, including relationships. These situations make it really clear to see who you can count on—they can also show you what you truly need in life. Although Audrina’s previous life looked like ‘the ideal,’ she’s now much happier and fulfilled at her core after realizing how much she doesn’t need.

In This Conversation:

• Audrina and Sydney dive into the importance of letting go of your ego when you’re in a dire situation because you have to just do what you can to get through. When you need to ask for help, the worst that’s going to happen is they’ll say no… but the best is they’ll say yes.
• Sydney talks about how they poured everything into the hostel and saw it as their savings account—and lifeline. She spent many years working for someone else and wasn’t fulfilled, so she couldn’t give up (even though they were only sleeping four or five hours a night for months on end…).
• Audrina and Sydney touch on negative spending habits and how they can be so hard to break. A guilty mindset around spending isn’t helpful, but understanding and aligning with what you value and where you put your money is.
• Sydney opens up about how much debt she’s managed to pay off in the last five years (hint: it’s a lot) and one of the biggest things she learned about getting into that much debt.

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! 

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:
Deeper Than Money By Chloe Elise