In this episode of The Activated Entrepreneur Podcast, I sit down with my longtime friend Jon Laster—comedian, app founder, and living proof of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

We grew up together, and he was mentored by my dad, who coached him in basketball and helped him earn a college scholarship. Today, Jon is not only making people laugh on stages across the country but also innovating in the tech world as the founder of Blapp—a revolutionary app focused on discovering and supporting Black-owned businesses.

We talk about:

• The impact of mentorship and growing up in our community

• How Jon transitioned from athlete to nationally touring comedian

• What inspired him to build Blapp and the challenges of launching an app

• Staying grounded while building a brand that makes people laugh—and think

• Full-circle reflections and advice for the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs

If you’re into stories of grit, creativity, purpose-driven tech, and a few laughs along the way, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Connect with Jon:

Website: www.blappapp.com 

Instagram: @blapptheapp | @hewasfunny

Connect with Brooke:

Website: www.brookeberndt.com 

Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach

Facebook: Brooke Berndt

Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach 

Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

Join us on the Activated Entrepreneur Podcast for an insightful conversation with Taylor Williams of Williams Law, a specialist in trademarks and contracts. Taylor shares her unique journey into the legal world, from an early interest in criminal justice to a career focused on the transactional side of law. Listen in as Taylor clarifies the often-confused concepts of trademarks, LLCs, and copyrights, highlighting the role of trademarks as crucial source identifiers for brands. We explore the potential pitfalls of trademark infringement, including the risks of inadvertently using a name already claimed by another entity, and emphasize the importance of distinguishing trademarks from LLCs, which are merely the business's legal name registered with the state.

Explore the intricate process of securing trademark protection, particularly for courses and digital products in today's expanding digital economy. Taylor underscores the importance of conducting a thorough clearance search before filing a trademark application to prevent potential denials. Discover the strategic value of having a unique and non-descriptive name for a course, especially if trademark protection is desired. We also discuss the geographical limitations of trademarks and compare state versus federal protection, offering valuable insights for businesses considering expansion into new markets.

Connect with Taylor:

Website: www.denvertrademarklaw.com 

Instagram: @denvertrademarklaw

LinkedIn: Taylor Williams

Connect with Brooke:

Website: www.brookeberndt.com 

Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach

Facebook: Brooke Berndt

Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach 

Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

Join me as I share my journey and strategies for selling out your in-person events with confidence and purpose. We'll explore the powerful impact of creating experiences with intention and marketing them energetically, with a focus on leveraging FOMO to boost engagement. You'll discover how to craft a compelling vision of what attendees might miss and the significance of behind-the-scenes content to showcase the unique perks of your event. I also highlight the importance of using inclusive language that fosters a sense of belonging and share effective countdown techniques to build anticipation and urgency. Whether you're planning a retreat, workshop, or business boot camp, these strategies are designed to fill your room with dream clients.

In our conversation, I emphasize the crucial role of direct messaging in driving sales and the personal touch required to convert interest into ticket purchases. Learn how personalized communication, especially through voice messages, can create meaningful connections and open doors to future opportunities. Persistence in follow-ups and the potential of Facebook groups as engagement tools are also discussed. Additionally, I delve into the world of email marketing, sharing insights on integrating it into your event strategies to create seamless experiences and convert new faces into long-term clients. With practical tips like using QR codes and iPad stations, you'll be equipped to make the sales process smooth and tangible. Get ready to unlock the potential of your events and ensure participants feel valued and eager to engage with your future offerings.

Connect with Brooke:

Website: www.brookeberndt.com 

Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach

Facebook: Brooke Berndt

Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach 

Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation with Shana Yurko, a talented video coach and YouTube expert, as we explore her remarkable journey from producing infomercials in Los Angeles to empowering entrepreneurs to leverage the power of YouTube. Our chat touches on how we met at the Highest Self Gala, where Shana was navigating the event just five weeks postpartum. She shares captivating stories from her early career, including fetching coffee for rappers and her first major gig in video production with InStyler, which paved the way for her expertise in using video as a powerful tool for branding and sales.

In our discussion, Shana offers valuable advice for aspiring YouTube creators, emphasizing the importance of overcoming perfectionism and embracing a "good enough is good enough" mindset. We highlight strategies for creating engaging content with simple tools like an iPhone, focusing on delivering valuable information and building a solid foundation for a YouTube channel. Listen in as we cover practical tips on content creation, such as using direct-to-camera videos to answer specific questions, which can help attract and retain an ideal audience. We also touch on the potential of storytelling and vlogs to connect with viewers and stress the importance of starting simple before venturing into more complex formats.

Connect with Shana:

Website: www.shanayurko.com 

Instagram: @shanayurko

Youtube: @Shana Yurko

Connect with Brooke:

Website: www.brookeberndt.com 

Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach

Facebook: Brooke Berndt

Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach 

Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

Welcome to an inspiring conversation on the Activated Entrepreneur Podcast, where I sit down with Gina Schreck, the visionary founder of the Village Workspace. Gina shares her entrepreneurial journey, starting with her transition from a corporate job to entrepreneurship in 1995. She takes us through her unexpected venture into social media management, where she assembled a team of talented stay-at-home moms to manage social media for major brands. Discover the unique origin story of the Village Workspace and how Gina overcame challenges to create a nurturing, home-like co-working environment for women and mothers, embodying the power of saying "yes" and figuring things out along the way.

Listen in as we explore the balance between entrepreneurship, faith, and marriage, especially during the challenges of the pandemic. I share how faith played a crucial role in sustaining my coworking space, while Gina reflects on the joy and clarity she found in her 60s. Together, we celebrate the balance of maintaining a vibrant marriage and pursuing personal interests, highlighting the importance of staying active and curious at any age. Gina's husband, Kirk, encourages exploring new activities together, reinforcing the joy found in both personal and professional pursuits.

Connect with Gina:

Website: www.thevillageworkspace.com 

Facebook: Gina Schreck

Instagram: @ginaschreck

LinkedIn: Gina Schreck

Connect with Brooke:Website:

www.brookeberndt.com 

Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach

Facebook: Brooke Berndt

Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach 

Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

Join us as we welcome Sarah Murphy, the remarkable founder of Omni Neurofeedback, who shares her inspiring journey from a series of unsuccessful ventures to discovering her true passion and purpose. Sarah opens up about her initial struggles as a serial entrepreneur and how neurofeedback played a pivotal role in building her confidence and understanding her potential to help others. With a focus on stepping into leadership with healthy core values, Sarah discusses her path from working under another company to launching her own successful practice, which has grown into a team of eight. Her story offers valuable insights into the courage it takes to pursue one's dreams and the importance of leading with integrity and purpose.

Listen in as we explore the profound impact of neurofeedback on personal and professional development through the transformative journey of Aubrey Randall. Neurofeedback not only enhanced her confidence and leadership abilities but also helped foster patience and grace. This discussion sheds light on the role of neurofeedback in retraining the brain's electrical output to alleviate symptoms associated with mental illness, ADHD, PTSD, and concussions. We aim to demystify neurofeedback and highlight its potential to improve cognitive behavior, offering a path from mental illness to mental health and wealth.

Connect with Sarah:

Website: www.omnineurofeedback.com 

Facebook: OMNI Neuro

Instagram: @omnineurofeedback

Connect with Brooke:

Website: www.brookeberndt.com 

Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach

Facebook: Brooke Berndt

Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach 

Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

Join me in this special birthday episode as I celebrate turning 50 and reflect on the powerful journey of embracing new beginnings at any age. I share personal stories of finding love later in life, launching my coaching business at 46, and the exciting journey of starting a podcast and beauty brand just before hitting the big 5-0. My story is a testament that age is truly just a number and that every life experience can lead to new opportunities. I hope to inspire you to shatter the myth that it's too late to start something big and to embrace your own timeline with confidence and courage.

In this heartfelt conversation, I explore the idea that your age is your superpower, not a limitation. With examples from well-known figures like Oprah, Vera Wang, and Colonel Sanders, I aim to motivate you to recognize the unique experience, perspective, and resilience you possess. I encourage you to take bold steps and trust in yourself, no matter where you are on your journey. Whether you're looking for love, starting a new business, or simply pursuing a passion, remember that the best time to begin is now. Let's celebrate this golden era together and activate the potential within us all.

Connect with Brooke:Website: www.brookeberndt.com 

Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach

Facebook: Brooke Berndt

Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach 

Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

Join us for an inspiring journey into the world of entrepreneurship as we welcome Becca Cooper Leebove, the founder and chief strategist of Shubu Creative. Becca shares her incredible story of transitioning from a career in PR and marketing to launching her own branding, marketing, and PR agency in 2018. Driven by a passion for creativity and a desire for flexibility, Becca faced numerous challenges, including a cease and desist letter that prompted a significant rebranding. Listen in as she offers valuable insights into overcoming obstacles and the lessons she learned about standing out in a competitive market.

Explore the power of awards as strategic tools for business growth and visibility. We'll discuss how awards, like "Top Workplaces" or "Innovative Company of the Year," can enhance a business's reputation and credibility. With insights drawn from experiences at Vail Resorts and other companies, we highlight the persistence required in the application process and how even smaller recognitions can boost visibility through tools like Google reviews. Learn how targeting industry-specific awards, such as 5280 for restaurants, can further amplify your business success.

Connect with Becca:

Website: www.shubucreative.com 

Facebook: ShuBu Creative

Instagram: @shubu_creative

LinkedIn: ShuBu Creative

Connect with Brooke:

Website: www.brookeberndt.com 

Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach

Facebook: Brooke Berndt

Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach 

Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

Welcome to the Activated Entrepreneur Podcast, where I am thrilled to introduce you to Bryonna Williams, the brilliant mind behind Flick of the Whisk. Bryonna shares her incredible journey from a dissatisfied interior designer to a thriving entrepreneur specializing in custom buttercream cakes and cupcakes. Her story is one of courage and determination, marked by a bold decision to leave her job and invest $7,000 in a spot at the Cherry Creek Farmers Market. With only $4,000 in savings and an unexpected twist in her baking plans, Brianna's cake jars became an instant hit, igniting the success of her business and inspiring countless aspiring entrepreneurs.

Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of balancing business with social media, highlighting the importance of a strong mental mindset and a clear "why" to navigate the online space. We discuss how personal goals can evolve, emphasizing both monetary and non-monetary aspirations, such as achieving work-life balance and flexibility. Discover strategies to manage the mental strain of social media and the art of balancing content creation with business operations, as Bryonna shares her journey of developing habits and routines to effectively juggle multiple responsibilities.

Connect with Bryonna:

Website: www.flickofthewhiskcakes.com 

Instagram: @flickofthewhiskcakes

TikTok: @flickofthewhiskcakes

Connect with Brooke:

Website: www.brookeberndt.com 

Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach

Facebook: Brooke Berndt

Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach 

Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

Join us in this exciting episode of the Activated Entrepreneur Podcast, where I am thrilled to welcome the incredible Grace Perry from Grace Perry Productions. Grace is a dynamic actress, film producer, and creator coach who has transitioned from the corporate and startup world to pursue her passion for digital production. In our conversation, Grace shares her inspiring journey and her dedication to empowering female entrepreneurs through photography, video production, and social media management. We discuss the importance of collaboration and mutual support, recounting our own experiences as "collab besties" and the transformative projects we've created together. Listen in as we emphasize the significance of finding a partner who not only shares your vision but also inspires you to be your best self.

In another segment, we explore the nuances of event planning and the essential lessons learned from organizing a mastermind and content camp. We discuss the critical importance of clear terms, conditions, and contracts, and the challenges of managing tech platforms for seamless payment processing. Grace and I share our insights on the intricate planning required for such events, likening it to wedding planning, and underscore the need for the right tools and strategies to ensure successful collaborations. As we reflect on our partnership, we touch on overcoming personal growth challenges and how these experiences have influenced our events and collaborative ventures.

Connect with Grace:

Website: www.graceperryproductions.com

Instagram: @gperryproductions | @giveyourselfgracepod

Connect with Brooke:

Website: www.brookeberndt.com 

Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach

Facebook: Brooke Berndt

Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach 

Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com