Sweat The Standard Podcast

On Sweat the Standard, Vanessa and Terrance sit down with Dara Landry, co-owner of an independent Black bookstore in Houston, Texas. Dara shares how a lifelong love of books—and the safe space Black bookstores gave her and her husband—helped inspire them to open their own store in 2020.

Tune in for Dara’s entrepreneurship journey and three lessons she’s learned along the way.

This week on Sweat the Standard, Vanessa and Terrance welcome Houston financial coach John Brucato for a conversation that goes beyond the numbers. John shares five tips to help entrepreneurs navigate the mental and financial realities of building a business — before, during, and after you launch. Because taking care of yourself and taking care of your bottom line aren't as different as you think. Tune in, take notes, and get inspired.

Find John @john_htxfinancialcoach on all socials.

This week on Sweat the Standard, we are joined by the incredible Jess DeFeo, founder of JMD Creative Consulting, and she is making entrepreneurship feel exactly the way it should — simple, smart, and a whole lot more fun. Jess walks us through her 3 go-to tips for building a business with intention and joy. Tune in, take notes, and get inspired.

EPISODE 2 OF SWEAT THE STANDARD IS HERE

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about the grind — it’s also about the moments that remind you why you started.

In Episode 2, Vanessa & Terrance shift the conversation toward the joy behind building something meaningful. From proud milestones and staying connected to their purpose, to what’s next for their businesses, this episode dives into the rewarding side of entrepreneurship that often gets overlooked.

We’re talking:

The moments that make it all worth it

What we’re most proud of Staying connected to our “why"

Future goals & vision for our businesses Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

PLUS a rapid fire round covering: Coffee or cocktails while planning?

Biggest myths about entrepreneurship

And more quick-hit questions

If you’re building, dreaming, or figuring it out as you go — this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune into Episode 2 now.

WELCOME TO EPISODE 1 OF SWEAT THE STANDARD 🎙️🔥

In this intro episode, Vanessa & Terrance sit down to kick off the podcast and dive into the real side of entrepreneurship — the part people don’t always see.

From taking the leap into business ownership to navigating fear, self-doubt, growing pains, and lessons learned the hard way… this episode sets the tone for what Sweat The Standard is all about.

We’re talking:

⚡ The “I’m really doing this” moment

⚡ What people don’t see behind the journey

⚡ Early mistakes & lessons

⚡ Building systems, support & structure

⚡ The grind behind growing a business

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or just someone chasing something bigger — this podcast is for you.