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Susan B. Merry is the inspiring founder of Inner Joy, an activewear company emphasizing comfort and style for older women. Launching her company at the impressive age of 78, Susan brings a unique perspective as a lifelong dancer and a retail veteran. With a background that includes working for prominent names like Chico's and Barnes & Noble, Susan combines her retail expertise with a deep passion for dance therapy. Her mission is to create activewear that empowers women to feel good in their bodies, regardless of age.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Talking Shizzle pod, host Taylor Wilson jumps into a conversation with Susan B. Merry, the spirited founder of Inner Joy. The episode centers around Susan’s personal and entrepreneurial journey that began at the age of 78. Listeners will be drawn in by Susan's late-blooming entrepreneurial spirit, her lifelong dedication to dance, and her commitment to providing quality activewear for older women. Taylor and Susan explore themes of resilience, lifelong learning, and how fashion can be empowering no matter your age.

As they chat, Susan discusses the motivations behind starting her business, rooted deeply in her love for dance and a clear gap she identified in the activewear market. Keywords such as "entrepreneurship," "activewear for older women," and "dance therapy" serve to highlight Susan’s journey and the unique niche she aims to fill. The conversation also touches on the challenges of launching a business later in life, the importance of comfort in activewear, and the ever-evolving landscape of fashion as it becomes more inclusive for all age groups. Susan's compelling story is a testament to the idea that it is never too late to pursue one’s passions and make a difference.

Key Takeaways:

• Susan Merry started Inner Joy at 78, blending her passion for dance with her retail experience to fill a gap in the market for comfortable, stylish activewear for older women.
• Her brand emphasizes movement, comfort, and body positivity, aligning with the principles of dance therapy, a field Susan is passionate about.
• The journey from conception to product launch took about a year and a half, highlighting the persistence and learning required in starting a business.
• Challenges in marketing to the older demographic illustrate a shift away from traditional methods to a more digital strategy, including an upcoming launch on Amazon.
• Susan's commitment to creating quality products in the U.S. and incorporating feedback from her customers speaks to her dedication to mindfulness and community.

Resources:

• Inner Joy Activewear: https://innerjoyactivewear.com/ - Discover comfortable, stylish activewear catering to older women.

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Jordan Diatlo is the CEO and founder of Leadoff Studio, an acclaimed industrial design studio based in Long Island City, New York. With a rich professional history in industrial and product design, Jordan has worked with major companies including Nike, Walmart, and Lululemon, as well as numerous innovative startups. Originally passionate about graphic design, Jordan transitioned to industrial design during his education at Carnegie Mellon University. He has significant experience in the industry, having designed over 60 products during his tenure at Quirky, a startup known for pushing the boundaries of invention.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Talking Shizzle, host Taylor Wilson converses with Jordan Diatlo, the visionary behind Leadoff Studio. Discover the intricate world of industrial design, where creativity and functionality merge to create innovative, tangible products. Jordan sheds light on the exciting journey from ideation to market, detailing how Leadoff Studio collaborates with entrepreneurs to turn their visions into reality. The episode also dives into the fascinating stories behind some of the products Jordan has helped design for brands like Ro, Nike, and Lululemon, highlighting his expertise in crafting user-friendly consumer experiences.

Join as Jordan takes us through the meticulous process of product development, emphasizing the importance of user experience and brand trust in industrial design. With a focus on creating products that stand out, he shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of designing for top brands and startups alike. Whether it's a transformative dental product for children or innovative packaging for online pharmacies like Ro, Jordan’s work exemplifies the art and science of industrial design. Aspiring entrepreneurs and design enthusiasts will find this episode rich with wisdom and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

• Product Development Process: Jordan elaborates on the step-by-step process from idea inception to manufacturing, highlighting the importance of understanding the user's journey.
• Building Brand Trust: Hear about the critical role of packaging and user experience in establishing trust, particularly in sensitive sectors like healthcare.
• Navigating Challenges: Learn from Jordan's experiences as he shares the trials of working with major brands and startups, emphasizing adaptability and creativity.
• Evolving Industry Insights: Discover the dynamic nature of industrial design and how Jordan’s journey from graphic design to industrial design informs his current work.
• Entrepreneurial Wisdom: Jordan offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to dive into product design and development.

Resources:

• Leadoff Studio: Leadoff Studio Website
• Brush Babsy: Brush Babsy Website
• Ro (Roman): Information on Ro and their health products can be found at their website.

Tune in to this episode to experience firsthand the innovative world of product design and gain actionable 

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About the Guest(s):

Mallory Green is the founder of Rains Marketing, an agency dedicated to creating scroll-stopping content for hotel and travel brands. With extensive experience in hotel branding, influencer collaborations, and social media strategy, Mallory has built a reputation for transforming generic content into engaging, user-generated social media experiences. Her expertise lies in blending creativity with strategic planning to deliver compelling campaigns that resonate with target audiences. Mallory also hosts the Oui Oui Travel Podcast, where she explores the dynamic world of travel marketing and shares insights from her work in the industry.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Talking Shizzle, host Taylor Wilson sits down with Mallory Green, founder of Rains Marketing, to delve into the vibrant world of hotel branding and influencer marketing. With a focus on crafting distinctive identities for hotel brands, Mallory shares her expertise on creating content that grabs attention and drives engagement. The conversation unpacks the intricacies of working with influencers, planning creative campaigns, and the unique challenges faced in the travel marketing sector. Listeners will gain insights into the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into developing captivating social media content for leading hotel brands.

The episode tackles the myths and realities of influencer marketing, showcasing how Mallory's team effectively sources and collaborates with influencers to create authentic and impactful content. They discuss the balance between digital engagement and the on-ground realities of hotel branding, emphasizing the importance of understanding each property's unique offerings. The discussion also touches on the evolving social media landscape, exploring the role of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and even emerging technologies such as AI in shaping brand narratives. With a focus on innovative strategies and experiences, this episode is a treasure trove for marketers seeking to enhance their brand's visibility in the competitive travel sector.

Key Takeaways:

• Highlighting the role of influencer marketing in creating authentic connections with audiences and driving hotel brand engagement.
• Emphasizing the importance of user-generated content and detailed planning in crafting successful marketing campaigns.
• Understanding the challenges and strategies in differentiating hotel brands in a homogeneous market.
• Exploring the potential of AI and emerging social platforms in enhancing the impact of travel marketing efforts.
• The crucial balance between creativity and logistics in event planning and executing marketing initiatives effectively.

Resources:

• Mallory Green: Instagram
• Rains Marketing: Website
• Oui Oui Travel Podcast: Follow on Instagram

Dive into this enriching conversation to uncover the dynamic world of travel marketing with Mallory Green. For those seeking to master the art of brand differentiation and engaging content creation, this episode is not to be missed. Keep tuning in for more insightful episode

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Jamie Trull is a seasoned CPA and corporate accounting veteran turned entrepreneur. Founder of "Power in Numbers," Jamie specializes in teaching small business owners how to uncover hidden profits and strategically manage their finances. With her new book "Hidden Profit," she offers insights on finding profitability to fuel life and business goals. Jamie is known for her engaging teaching style which resonates primarily with women entrepreneurs, helping them overcome financial uncertainties to build sustainable, purpose-driven businesses.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of Talking Shizzle, host Taylor Wilson sits down with Jamie Trull, a dynamic female entrepreneur and the brain behind "Power in Numbers." Jamie is celebrated for her unique approach to helping small business owners discover hidden profits within their operations. With her upcoming book, "Hidden Profit," Jamie aims to debunk the myths around financial management for entrepreneurs, especially women who typically doubt their fiscal strategies. The conversation sheds light on embracing financial strategy to drive both personal and professional objectives.

Jamie Trull shares her journey from being a corporate accountant to pursuing entrepreneurship out of necessity and personal choice when faced with a career crossroads. Her empathetic style and insight have amplified her impact, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when she pivoted to offer crucial financial advice through her online platforms. Jamie introduces concepts like 'Profit Levers' and 'Profit Planning,' encouraging listeners to realign their financial habits to foster lucrative business ecosystems. Her candid discussion emphasizes the alignment of profit with purpose, challenging the conventional narrative around financial success and its correlation with societal impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Jamie emphasizes the significant potential of women entrepreneurs in using profit to fuel purpose-driven initiatives, highlighting the economic ripple effect when women thrive financially.
• The episode covers strategic approaches like adjusting pricing and cost management, presenting these as pivotal levers to unlock hidden profits.
• Jamie’s 'Profit Planning' method offers a structured way to allocate profits towards personal and business goals, underpinning a balanced financial strategy.
• The importance of frequent review and adjustment of pricing is stressed, aligning this with market demand and operational scalability.
• Jamie challenges the misconception that profit is at odds with purpose, instead advocating for profit as a means to enable broader social impact and personal fulfillment.

Resources:

• Jamie Trull’s website: jamietrull.com
• YouTube Channel: Jamie Trull
• Book: Hidden Profit - pre-order available on her website, releasing October 21st.
• Relay Financial: Business banking service mentioned for managing multiple accounts efficiently.

Tune into this episode to discover how Jamie Trull’s insights can transform your approach to financial management in your business, uncover hidden profits, and drive both purpose and profitability. Stay connected for more impactful episodes on Talking Sh

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About the Guest(s):

Doug Hartjes
Doug Hartjes is a seasoned expert in the nonprofit sector, currently leading Cor Consulting. With extensive experience as CEO of major nonprofits, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and Make-A-Wish Foundation in North Carolina, Doug brings a wealth of knowledge in nonprofit operations, funding, and management. He is deeply committed to helping organizations navigate financial challenges and leverage resources effectively.

Episode Summary:

Wow, this is a power packed episode of Talking Shizzle, Taylor Wilson welcomes Doug Hartjes from Cor Consulting to discuss the critical challenges facing nonprofit organizations due to recent government policy changes. As government funding freezes become a reality, Doug shares insights on navigating this precarious landscape for nonprofits that heavily rely on grants and federal assistance. Amidst this financial uncertainty, it's time for nonprofit leaders to craft crisis plans and explore diversified funding sources to sustain their operations.

Throughout the discussion, Doug emphasizes the importance of proactive communication with boards, donors, and staff members. He advises nonprofit organizations to invest in fundraising resources instead of cutting them and underscores the crucial role of donor relationships. As organizations face potential cuts, continuing engagement with stakeholders and exploring diversified funding streams becomes vital. By sharing real-life insights and examples, this episode offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders determined to thrive in challenging times.

Key Takeaways:

• Nonprofits need a crisis plan to address possible funding cuts, focusing on diversifying their funding streams and investing more in fundraising resources.
• Doug underscores the importance of building strong donor relationships, emphasizing that effective communication and stewardship are crucial.
• Nonprofit boards should be proactive in examining financial scenarios, engaging in forecasting, and embracing their duty of care to support organizational stability.
• Current government policies, particularly executive orders affecting DEI initiatives, may require nonprofits to reevaluate their language and compliance strategies.
• Amid challenges, opportunities for strengthening donor engagement and enhancing board involvement are abundant, with an emphasis on empathy and transparent communication.

Resources:

• Cor Consulting - Doug Hartjes' consulting firm providing guidance for nonprofit organizations.
• Council of Nonprofits - A resource for nonprofits with FAQs on executive actions and what to do if federal contracts are terminated.

For a deeper understanding and more practical insights, tune in to the full episode. Stay connected for more inspiring stories and expert advice on upcoming episodes of Talking Shizzle. 

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About the Guest(s):

Carly Euler is the Marketing Director at Memory Fox, a cutting-edge tech platform designed to assist nonprofits in gathering, organizing, and sharing impact stories. With significant experience in nonprofit work, Carly brings a profound understanding of authentic and ethical storytelling, aiming to revolutionize how nonprofits collect and disseminate narratives to bolster their missions and fundraising efforts.

Episode Summary:

In this spicey episode of Talking Shizzle, our host Taylor Wilson chats with Carly Euler from Memory Fox about the importance of ethical storytelling in nonprofit marketing. As they dive into what it means to collect and share stories ethically, they explore how nonprofits can balance authenticity with sensitivity to strengthen their branding and fundraising efforts. The discussion also touches on how Memory Fox is setting itself apart by embedding ethical storytelling principles into its platform, ultimately enhancing how stories are told and shared.

The episode provides a large amount of insights and practical strategies that nonprofits can adopt to ensure they engage in ethical storytelling. Carly explains the importance of obtaining informed consent, managing how stories are updated, and retaining transparency with storytellers. This conversation uncovers the potential benefits ethical storytelling can offer, including stronger community relations and more effective fundraising. Throughout, listeners are encouraged to consider how shifting towards ethical practices not only aligns with moral imperatives but can also lead to tangible benefits for nonprofits and their missions.

Key Takeaways:

• Ethical storytelling involves collecting and sharing stories without exploiting the people involved, focusing instead on authenticity and consent.
• Carly Euler explains that nonprofits can still raise significant funds using ethical storytelling practices, countering misconceptions that emotional distress-driven narratives are necessary for successful fundraising.
• Implementing processes such as informed consent and periodic follow-ups can enhance transparency and trust between storytellers and nonprofits.
• An ethical storytelling standards guide can unify team practices and ensure that all stories are handled consistently, fostering long-term trust and engagement.
• Memory Fox differentiates itself in the nonprofit space by integrating ethical storytelling into its platform, aiding organizations in aligning their marketing practices with ethical standards.

Resources:

• Memory Fox Website
• Carly Euler on LinkedIn

Explore this compelling episode in full to gain a comprehensive understanding of ethical storytelling and its impact on nonprofit sector marketing strategies. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions from the Talking Shizzle podcast, where innovation meets mindful business growth.

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About the Guest(s):

Grady Teske is the founder of Rising Tides and a seasoned fractional CMO with a solid seven-year track record in the tech industry. He specializes in building and scaling marketing systems and processes, focusing on sales, distribution, and leveraging AI for business growth. Before Rising Tides, Grady spent years establishing North American subsidiaries for multinational corporations, where he honed his skills in creating new business units within existing companies. Grady is deeply passionate about utilizing technology to maximize human interaction in business.

Episode Summary:

In this awesome episode of Talking Shizzle, Taylor Wilson welcomes Grady Teske, founder of Rising Tides, to explore the intricate balance between human interaction and AI in modern marketing and sales systems. Taylor and Grady discuss how businesses can effectively integrate AI to optimize their processes while maintaining the human touch essential for customer relationships. They delve into strategies for building systems that not only increase efficiency but also foster genuine connections with customers.

This episode is packed with insights on harnessing AI tools, creating customer-centric systems, and ensuring that technology serves to enhance—not replace—the human element in business interactions. Grady shares his perspective on how businesses can maximize humanity by focusing on listening, analyzing, and iterating systems. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs through conversation and content that resonates on a personal level. Both experts contemplate the future of AI-driven marketing and what it means to stay authentic in an increasingly digital world.

Key Takeaways:

• The balance between AI and human interaction is critical; businesses should aim to maximize humanity in their systems.
• Effective systems for marketing and sales should prioritize conversation and customer alignment.
• AI can enhance processes by offering insights and structure, but human creativity remains irreplaceable.
• Overcomplicating systems can be a barrier; keeping systems simple and iterative is more effective.
• Building customer-centric systems requires a thoughtful approach to listening and customizing experiences.

Resources:

• Grady Teske on LinkedIn
• Rising Tides Website
• Weekly Invoice Newsletter

For a deeper understanding of integrating AI in your business strategy and building systems that not only perform well but also keep customer engagement high, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on Talking Shizzle, where the journey to business growth and systems optimization continues. Don't miss a beat; make sure to subscribe!

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About the Guest(s):

Kathy Kempff is the founder of Nuclavis, a company that specializes in creating mobile fundraising solutions for nonprofits. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Kathy has developed a keen understanding of the needs of these organizations. Her focus is on delivering custom app solutions that enhance donor engagement and community building. Kathy is known for her innovative approach to product development, taking insights from her deep industry knowledge and utilizing data to refine and improve her offerings.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Talking Shizzle, host Taylor Wilson sits down with Kathy Kempff, the visionary founder of Nuclavis. They explore the journey of building and launching a mobile fundraising platform in the nonprofit sector.Packed with plenty of insights, particularly for entrepreneurs and leaders looking to take a product to market efficiently and effectively. Kathy shares her experiences and the strategies she used to build a successful company in a niche market, highlighting the significance of listening to customer needs and leveraging partnerships.

Kathy speaks about her process of taking Nuclavis from concept to a thriving business within two years. She underscores the importance of balancing data with instinct in product development and talks about the pivotal role partnerships played in scaling her business. Listeners gain valuable knowledge on how to navigate product launches, refine ideas based on user feedback, and maintain brand consistency across various touchpoints. Kathy's pragmatic advice serves as a guide for startups aiming to carve out a niche in competitive industries.

Key Takeaways:

• The strategic importance of forming partnerships and how they can significantly contribute to business growth and client retention.
• The role of data and instinct in product development and how to effectively balance both to refine and enhance offerings.
• Leveraging customer feedback and market demands to shape and innovate your product features for better market fit.
• How to identify market gaps through active listening and aligning product development with customer needs.
• Bootstrapping tips for technology startups that emphasize mindful resource allocation and intentional business growth.

Resources:

• Nuclavis Website
• Contact Nuclavis at [email protected] for more information on their mobile fundraising solutions.

The episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring anecdotes that promise to guide listeners in navigating product development and market entry with confidence. Don’t miss this chance to learn from Kathy Kempff’s journey and subscribe for more episodes filled with innovative business growth strategies.

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About the Guest(s):

Jeff Hatten
Jeff Hatten is the founder of the Edutainment Studio, a company dedicated to creating engaging and humorous content that educates and entertains audiences. With a career rooted in sales and video production, Jeff brings a unique blend of humor, creativity, and business acumen to his work. Before founding the Edutainment Studio, he launched a SaaS business and has been consistently involved in creating innovative marketing content tailored to stand out in today's saturated digital environment. Jeff is known for his honest, public approach to building his business and his ability to connect with audiences through insightful and entertaining content.

Episode Summary:

Check out this fun episode of Talking Shizzle... With our host Taylor Wilson who talks with Jeff Hatten about his idea for Edutainment. Jeff is the founder behind the Edutainment Studio. Aimed at merging educational content with entertainment, Jeff's studio stands out by helping brands capture audience attention through innovative and humorous videos. As Jeff shares his journey of building in public, the episode becomes a valuable resource for those curious about the the details of modern-day content creation and business innovation.

Jeff who is also a seasoned sales professional with a knack for humor, unveils his strategy for crafting content that not only educates but also entertains. The discussion covers the challenges of launching a business with transparency, sharing his past experience with a SaaS company as a lesson in adaptability and community engagement. Jeff's unique approach, which he dubs "edutainment," demonstrates the power of blending humor with marketing to rise above the content noise. As Taylor and Jeff explore companies successfully utilizing these strategies, such as Tom Boston and ClickUp, listeners gain insights into effective marketing and the courage it takes to redefine traditional business narratives.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Humor in Marketing: Jeff emphasizes using humor to distinguish brand content in the crowded digital landscape.
• Building in Public: Jeff advocates for transparency, documenting his business-building process to foster community engagement and feedback.
• Edutainment Explained: The concept of edutainment combines educational messaging with entertainment, making content more engaging and effective.
• Lessons in Adaptability: Jeff reflects on his past experience with a SaaS startup, highlighting the importance of being flexible and open to change.
• Inspiring Success Stories: The episode highlights successful edutainment examples like Tom Boston's work for Sales Loft and ClickUp's creative content strategies.

Resources:

• Jeff Hatten on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile (not mentioned explicitly, but implied as a resource)
• The Edutainment Studio: Linkedin

Listeners are encouraged to dive into this episode to better understand how humor can revolutionize brand messaging in today's saturated market. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from Talking Shizzle!

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Josh Reyes is a seasoned graphic designer with over ten years of experience in the marketing and creative industries. Beginning his career with Warner Music, he has worked with major brands like PacSun and Live Nation, crossing sectors from entertainment and fashion to finance. Recently, Josh took a leap into entrepreneurship by founding his own agency, Asymtry Studio, where he combines his extensive in-house experience with his passion for helping brands find their visual identity.

Joseph Cornell is a film production veteran with a background in documentary and television storytelling. He has a keen interest in showcasing the human elements of brands through video. Joseph founded Traveling Tribe Media, a creative agency that leverages his decade-long experience to help businesses use video to tell their stories and authentically connect with audiences. He has worked on documentaries like "Humans and Other Animals," showcasing the similarities between humans and animals.

Episode Summary:

Join host Taylor Wilson as she dives into the dynamic world of branding and visual design with new agency owners, Josh Reyes of Asymtry Studio and Joseph Cornell of Traveling Tribe Media. This fast action and packed episode uncovers how these creative professionals are navigating their new entrepreneurial ventures while leveraging their vast experience in graphic design and video production. As they share their personal journeys, they explore the integration of AI in creative work, discuss trends like modern retro in design, and the rising demand for authenticity in branding strategies.

In this super info-packed episode of Talking Shizzle, Taylor Wilson leads an insightful chat on brand differentiation through visual identity and storytelling. Josh Reyes emphasizes the importance of core values in developing a brand's visual identity, while Joseph Cornell goes into the art of storytelling to build a connection with audiences. Together, they address the evolving landscape of creative work in 2025, highlighting how small businesses can leverage design and video to cut through market noise.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Change: Both guests highlight the necessity of adapting to AI as a powerful tool for creatives, providing both opportunities and challenges.
• Core Values First: Josh Reyes notes that a brand's essence and core values should precede visual identity to truly differentiate in a crowded market.
• Human Connection: Joseph Cornell stresses storytelling as a way for brands to express their human side, making their core values resonate with audiences.
• Authenticity Matters: The discussion reveals a trend toward authenticity, with businesses favoring genuine content that reflects true brand personas over highly polished productions.
• Modern Retro Trends: Josh Reyes identifies the resurgence of 90s and Y2K design influences, reimagined through a contemporary lens for today's market.

Resources:

• Asymtry Studio Instagram
• Traveling Tribe Media Instagram
• Creative Shizzle Website

Stay tuned for more inspired discussions and innovative pe

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