The Aspirant Podcast

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If you’ve heard that SEO is dead, you’re not alone, but it’s far from true. 

In this episode, I’m joined by SEO expert and agency owner Stella Morrison of The Stellastro Effect to talk about how AI is changing the way people search for information and what that means for your website, visibility, and long-term marketing strategy.

We dive deep into:

• What AI overviews are and how they’re impacting your click-through rates
• Why ChatGPT isn’t replacing Google (yet)
• The SEO fundamentals that still matter, even in an AI-driven world
• The biggest mistakes business owners make with their websites
• Practical tips to improve your site speed, user experience, and content starting today
• Why SEO is a long game and why waiting another year is a big mistake

Stella talks about claiming your space online as a woman in business and how even minor updates to your website can lead to long-term visibility and growth.

If you’ve been wondering whether to invest in SEO or feeling overwhelmed by the tech talk this episode will ground you, guide you, and give you an actionable next step.

About Stella Morrison:

Stella is the founder of The Stellastra Effect, an award-winning, woman-owned digital marketing firm focused on SEO, content marketing, and website design and development.

She is an award-winning former journalist and content marketing expert with nearly 20 years of editorial experience. Her specialties are in SEO, editorial and content strategy, brand voice development, and thought leadership development.

Stella was named a Marketing Maverick 40 Under 40 by NJ Ad Club in 2025. She is a two-time Content Marketing Awards winner, earning “Best Topic Specific Blog” two years in a row from the Content Marketing Institute in 2023 and 2024. She was also the 2023-2024 Content Marketing Editor for the American Marketing Association - San Francisco chapter. In addition to her awards, Stella develops and delivers workshops and panels on SEO, content marketing, and marketing in restricted industries for trade shows and conferences across the U.S. 

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

• Connect with Stella on LinkedIn
• Find Stella’s woman-owned powerhouse agency here

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If you run more than one business or have a personal brand alongside your company, you’ve probably asked: Should I split them up on LinkedIn?

The short answer — not always.

In this quick episode, I share how to decide whether to combine your businesses and personal brand under one LinkedIn profile or keep them separate. You’ll hear two real-world client examples — one where the audiences were so different that separation was the only way to protect the brand, and another where the personal brand and company aligned so well that keeping everything together made perfect sense.

You’ll learn:

• The one question to ask before creating another business page or profile
• How to use your personal profile as your highest-ROI asset on LinkedIn
• When combining brands strengthens your presence vs. when it confuses your audience
• How to keep things simple while still reaching the right people

If you’ve been juggling multiple brands and wondering how to show up without burning out, this is your permission slip to simplify — and make your personal profile work harder for you.

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Feeling stuck in your business? Or like you just aren’t landing the clients you want (or used to)? 

In this episode, I’m joined by Topaz Hooper, founder of American Copywriter Co, who recently rebranded her own business and now helps global companies launch and grow in the U.S. market. Whether you’re feeling bored, misaligned, or just sensing it’s time for a change, this conversation will help you get clear on what’s next! 

We’re talking about: 

• The key signs it’s time to rebrand (and what to do first)
• Why even a small pivot can reignite your creativity
• What to fix if your website “feels off” but you don’t know why
• How to refresh your brand without blowing your budget

Topaz shares lessons from her own reinvention and what it really takes to stand out in a crowded market, including where AI fits into the conversation.

This one’s packed with insights, so tune in and let me know what lands for you!

About Topaz Hooper:

Topaz Hooper, the founder and chief copywriter at American Copywriter Co. A new copywriting company helping global businesses launch and grow in the U.S. with messaging that resonates with American consumers. She's also the founder of Cruelty-Free Copywriter, a copywriting business helping plant-based, vegan, and sustainable brands turn heads, stand out, and change the world.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

• Connect with Topaz on LinkedIn
• Learn more about American Copywriter Co here
• Interested in Vegan, Cruelty-free copywriting? 

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In this episode, I’m joined by visibility strategist Jenn from Visibility Ecosystem to talk about one of the most underutilized marketing tools out there — podcast tours. Whether you’re launching something new, trying to expand your reach, or just plain tired of social media, this episode breaks down how podcast guesting can help you build buzz and attract dream clients.

We talk about:

• What a podcast tour actually is 
• Why smaller, niche shows might bring you better results than the big names
• How to prep your funnel and tracking before you start pitching
• The difference between drip tours and batch booking (and how to choose what’s right for you)
• How to pitch even if you’re newer in business or don’t have a big audience yet
• Real-world examples of clients using podcast tours to book $2K+ clients, pivot their audience, and grow their reach

If you’ve been looking for a more authentic, relationship-driven way to show up and get visible, then make sure to listen to this episode!

About Jenn Zellers

Jenn is a visibility strategist for established online business owners who want to spend more time on what they love than on marketing. Unlike other marketing strategists, she and the Visibility Ecosystem team use speaking and collaborations as marketing seeds so you're always doing or talking about your work... even when you're not "marketing"!

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

• Follow Jenn on IG!
• Email Jenn to get the Podcast Tour support you need at [email protected]

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If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling in “I could do anything for anyone!” energy—but still wondering why your dream clients aren’t knocking—this one’s going to hit home.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by my long-time creative partner and fellow strategist, Laurie Peterson—who recently did something that took her over 15 years to do: finally name and clearly position her consulting brand. 

We’re getting real about what makes it so hard to define our own niche (even when we do it for others!), the fears that keep us from choosing, and how to shift from listing your services… to telling a powerful story.

Inside, we talk about:

• Why being multi-passionate can feel like a curse when it comes to positioning
• The fear of boredom, missed opportunities, and “getting it wrong”
• How Laurie reframed her question—and finally landed on The Founder’s Sidekick
• A simple 3-step exercise to uncover your “why” (and make messaging feel so much easier)
• Why creativity is a practice—and how to bring more play into your business decisions

Whether you're a generalist who’s tired of being forgettable, or a solopreneur trying to figure out how to niche down without limiting yourself—this convo is the permission slip and perspective shift you’ve been waiting for.

About Laurie Peterson

Laurie Peterson is an entrepreneur, patented inventor, and silicon-valley trained marketer with a Berkeley/Haas MBA. Laurie has twenty years of experience developing and promoting award-winning digital and physical products. With experience in software, hardware, and consumer products, Laurie assists venture-backed startups as The Founder’s Sidekick.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

• Learn more about how The Founder’s Sidekick support entrepreneurs here
• Connect with Laurie on LinkedIn
• Curious about Toy Inventing? Go here!

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LinkedIn doesn’t have to feel like a corporate suit you’re squeezing into.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, underqualified, or just downright awkward about showing up on LinkedIn, this episode is the breath of fresh air you need.

I’m joined by the brilliant and down-to-earth Sue Gresham (aka “The LinkedIn Lady”), who breaks down what it really takes to build visibility and relationships on the platform, all while leaning into your own secret sauce. 

We talk about:

• Why you don’t have to post daily to be successful on LinkedIn
• Simple ways to show up (even if imposter syndrome has got you down)
• How to uncover and own your unique “secret sauce”
• Tips to create conversations that are actually memorable (and don’t feel salesy)

Whether you’re trying to get more visibility, find high-quality leads, or just stop ghosting your LinkedIn inbox, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to take the next step.

👉 Tag us on IG with your favorite takeaway or DM us the tip that resonated most!

About Sue Gresham:

Sue Gresham is a LinkedIn Coach and Strategist who helps micro-business owners, coaches, consultants and service providers get noticed, grow their business, and build relationships that actually lead somewhere. 

Known as “The LinkedIn Lady” by many, Sue combines strategy with heart – breaking down LinkedIn into simple, manageable activities that instill confidence, bring visibility, and results.  

She’s the creator of the Link to Success Framework and she brings stories, takeaways and lightbulb moments to every talk.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

• Connect with Sue on LinkedIn and grab her Summer Special LinkedIn Review!
• Learn more about Sue’s workshops here

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Are you ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start speaking with bold, authentic confidence? 

In this episode of The Aspirant Podcast, we’re joined by the amazing Jen Oliver, a TEDx speaker coach and champion of real, heartfelt expression and connection. She’s here to share how to uncover your true voice—whether you’re pitching a client, sharing your story on stage, or communicating something important in your personal or romantic life. Jen’s dropping truth bombs on how to quiet the mental noise, connect with your body, and show up as the truest version of YOU. 

We talk about:

• Why "finding your voice" is actually an inside job
• How to work with performance anxiety (instead of letting it silence you)
• The daily practices that help you speak from your body—not your inner critic

No matter where you’re starting from, this convo will help you show up more powerfully and authentically in every area of your life.

Makes sure to listen to the whole episode, some of the juiciest bits are at the end of this one! ❤️

About Jen Oliver:

Jen Oliver coaches women to speak with impact and is highly effective at helping her clients show up REAL while leveraging their story and mission to exert powerful influence. 

Jen enters her 4th season as an Executive Producer, Director of Curation and Speaker Coach for TEDxFolsom and contributes to other U.S. based speaking events. She is also a force behind WomanSpeak™ - an internationally recognized body of work teaching the art and soul of public speaking. 

Jen hosts the Listen for REAL podcast and is currently co-founding a platform that equips and supports women as they explore their inner world, unearth their truest voice, and speak with a new level of confidence - personally and professionally.

Jen is available for private coaching in addition to custom group workshops.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

• Learn more about what Jen here
• Connect with Jen on LinkedIn
• Transform your idea into a Signature Talk by joining Jen’s 90-day TEDx Talk Accelerator Program

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Ever get stuck in a spiral of “what ifs” that stops you from moving forward in your business? You’re not alone and this episode is exactly what you need to give you the motivation and know how to do something different next time.

Today, I’m joined by Elizabeth Dodson, co-founder of the tech company HomeZada, to talk about how to stop overthinking, trust your gut, and make bold decisions (even if you’re scared). With over 25 years in tech and business development, Beth brings real talk on staying grounded, reflecting on what works, and ditching the shiny objects that distract so many entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The power of “positive what ifs” and how to make decisions with more ease
• Why trusting your intuition is a skill (and how to strengthen it)
• How to reflect on past wins and losses to grow exponentially without burning out

This one’s full of feel-good encouragement, hard-earned wisdom, and mindset shifts you’ll want to come back to again and again.

🎧 Loved this chat? Tag me on IG with your favorite takeaway, I want to know what resonated! 

About Elizabeth Dodson:

Elizabeth Dodson is Co-Founder of HomeZada, an online and mobile home management platform that helps homeowners manage their homes to save time and money and reduce stress. Elizabeth Dodson has over 25 years in technology and business development. Prior to HomeZada, she joined Meridian Systems and assisted in the growth of this young startup. As the Director of Business Development for Meridian Systems, she managed all the partners, their programs, and sales. She holds a BS in Business from Stevenson University and her MBA from Loyola University of Maryland.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

• Learn more about Homezada here
• Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn

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What do handmade greeting cards and holiday truffles have to do with entrepreneurship?

In this special solo episode, I’m taking you back to the early days of my business journey, back before I ever even knew, or dreamed where I’d be today! From childhood creative projects to unexpected pivots, this is my story and how I got here. 

Maybe this episode inspires you to reflect on your own early days. What were the unexpected experiences or skills you were gaining that you never imagined would be laying the groundwork for your business?

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If you’ve ever poured your heart into a high-ticket offer and launched it—only to hear crickets—you are so not alone!

In this episode, Business and Growth Strategist Melissa Glick joins us to break down what’s really happening when your best offer flops and how to course-correct fast. From building buyer-ready pipelines to leveraging curated events, we dig into the real strategies that convert, all while maintaining that real, relational approach. 

You’ll learn:

• Why your offer might be falling flat (and how to adjust it fast)
• How to spot the difference between freebie hunters and true buyers.
• A repeatable system for filling your pipeline using curated events
• Why selling isn’t gross—and how to feel good doing it

By the end of this conversation, you’ll be ready to rethink your launch, refine your sales engine, and start attracting ideal clients.

About Melissa Glick:

Melissa Glick is a business and growth strategist who helps solopreneurs and small business owners scale through smart systems and social selling. After building and selling a 7-figure tech company, Melissa founded Peak CEO to teach others how to break free from daily operations and grow with confidence. Her approach blends done-with-you systems for sales, marketing, operations, and finance, helping clients create predictable revenue and real freedom. 

Known for her blunt honesty and strategic mind, she’s passionate about transforming both businesses and lives—having done it herself, including a 100 lb. weight loss. Melissa specializes in organic lead generation, LinkedIn growth, and closing high-ticket deals without feeling “salesy.” When she’s not helping clients build sexy systems for smart growth, you’ll find her dancing, traveling, or leading powerful workshops that empower entrepreneurs to thrive.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

• Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn
• Learn More about Melissa Here

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