The Aspirant Podcast

The Aspirant Podcast

By Natasha ClawsonBusinessEntrepreneurship
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The Aspirant Podcast episodes

  • The One Word That Could Transform Your Year

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    What if one word could guide your year, bring focus to your goals, and shift how you approach your day-to-day? In today’s episode, I’m sharing the word I’ve chosen for 2025 and the story behind how it found me.

    This word is already helping me rethink progress, tackle big dreams, and find joy in small, daily wins—and it might just do the same for you.

    If you’re ready for a fresh perspective and a little inspiration, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in!

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    8 min
  • 5 Common Marketing Setbacks (and How to Overcome Them to Build Confidence and Boost Sales in 2025)

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    Are these common marketing challenges holding you back from achieving your business goals?

    In this episode, I break down the five most frequent marketing roadblocks I see with my clients and share actionable strategies to overcome them. You'll discover how to adopt a proactive marketing mindset that not only builds your confidence but also helps grow your income this year.

    Here’s what we’ll tackle together:

    • Struggling to find time for marketing.
    • Feeling afraid of coming across as salesy, repetitive, or annoying.
    • Relying too much on word-of-mouth instead of taking proactive steps.
    • Feeling lost when it comes to how or where to start marketing yourself.
    • Doubting the effectiveness of your efforts, leading to hesitation or even giving up altogether.

    If any of these resonate, make sure you listen until the end! Take the first step toward overcoming these challenges today.

    Bonus Resource: Don’t forget to grab your free copy of the Mindset Reset Meditation at natashaclawson.com/mindset-reset to set yourself up for success.

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    17 min
  • Kelley Sewell - Find the Courage to Write and Publish Your First Book

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    Ever dreamed of writing a book but don’t know where to start? In this episode, Natasha Clawson sits down with Kelley Sewell, CEO of Redcliff Publishing, author, and writing coach, to demystify the path to publishing. Kelley shares insights into self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing, outlining the pros and cons of each approach.

    They discuss the logistics of writing a book, finding time amidst a busy schedule, and overcoming fears of vulnerability and criticism. Kelley also emphasizes the importance of defining your audience and marketing your book early, using creative strategies like local events, social media, and grassroots press to generate buzz.

    Whether you’re writing to share your story, establish credibility in your field, or leave a lasting impact, this episode will inspire you to take that first step toward your dream of becoming an author.

    Takeaways:

    • Hybrid publishing combines professional guidance with author royalties.
    • Writing a book takes consistency and a strong "why."
    • Marketing starts while writing—engage your audience early.
    • Overcome fear by focusing on your message and its impact.

    Tune in to learn actionable strategies for writing and publishing your first book, no matter your starting point!

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    About Kelley:

    Kelley Sewell is the CEO of Redcliff Publishing, a hybrid publisher dedicated to helping authors bring their stories to life. As an accomplished author and writing coach, Kelley provides expert guidance through the publishing journey, offering support at every step. Driven by a passion for storytelling, she empowers writers to overcome self-doubt, craft meaningful books, and share their unique voices with the world. Learn more at kellysewell.com or follow her on Instagram @kellythewriter.

    Redcliff Publishing

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    30 min
  • Stephanie Pottick - Navigating Business Legalities and Protecting Intellectual Property

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    Ever wondered how to safeguard your business while staying focused on what you love? This week, I sat down with Stephanie Pottick, a business and trademark attorney with a unique perspective. Before becoming a lawyer, Stephanie spent 14 years in the toy industry, working on iconic products like Wizard of Oz dolls and Sesame Street toys. Now, she combines her business expertise with legal know-how to help entrepreneurs protect their businesses and thrive.

    In this episode, Stephanie breaks down intimidating legal topics into simple, actionable steps. We discuss:

    • Why protecting your intellectual property is essential (and how it can make you money).
    • What business owners should know about trademarks, copyrights, and contracts.
    • The pitfalls of skipping insurance or waiting too long to protect your assets.
    • How to balance taking smart risks while limiting your liability.

    Whether you're a course creator, coach, or small business owner, Stephanie’s advice will help you navigate the legal maze with confidence and clarity. Plus, you'll learn why she actually loves reading contracts (and how her passion translates into better protection for her clients).

    Tune in to learn how to build a legally sound business foundation so you can focus on growing with peace of mind!

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    Connect with Stephanie:
    Pottick Law Services
    LinkedIn
    Protect For Success Course

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    36 min
  • Jen Jones Donatelli - How to Make Headlines (And Why It’s Easier Than You Think)

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    Ever dreamed of seeing your name in bold letters on National Geographic, Time, or Martha Stewart? You’re not alone—and you’re not out of reach. This week, I sat down with Jen Jones Donatelli, a journalist, certified coach, and media strategist, to unlock the mystery of landing those coveted media features.

    Jen has helped her clients get featured in prestigious publications like National Geographic, TIME, BBC, Martha Stewart, and Apartment Therapy. She’s passionate about showing entrepreneurs and creatives how to navigate media opportunities—without breaking the bank on expensive PR firms.

    In this episode, we cover:

    • The difference between paid and organic media coverage (and why the latter is more rewarding).
    • How to identify the right publications or podcasts for your audience.
    • Actionable tools and platforms like HARO and Quoted that connect you with media opportunities.
    • Why leveraging smaller, local outlets can sometimes bring even more impact than national features.
    • Tips for crafting a pitch that makes editors and producers sit up and take notice.

    Jen also shares how her signature program, Start Your Press, empowers participants to become their own best publicists, equipping them with the skills and confidence to pitch, land, and leverage media coverage.

    Whether you're dreaming of that “as seen in” section on your website or just want to explore new ways to amplify your brand’s reach, this episode is packed with gold. Get ready to ditch the overwhelm and start making media exposure work for you.

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    Start Your Press: Become Your Own Best Publicist 
    November 19-20 11 AM - 2:30 PM EST
    $279 (early bird rate of $259 before Nov. 11, or with code NATASHA if signing up after Nov. 11)
    Learn More >>

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    Interested in connecting more with Jen? Catch her over at the Creative Groove and drop her a line. In addition to Start Your Press, she offers individualized one-on-one coaching for media and hosts an Artist Way Series throughout the year. Get your creative groove on with Jen! 

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    44 min
  • Helen Horyza - How to Make Smarter Business Decisions by Tapping Into Your Values

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    In this episode, Award-winning author and founder of Career Coach Entrepreneur Academy, Helen Horyza, joins to explore the pivotal role that values play in both personal and professional decision-making. Helen explains how defining and aligning with core values can guide smarter, more confident choices in business and life.

    Listeners will discover the importance of having both corporate and personal values, and how these two sets can work together to create a strong foundation for navigating challenges. Whether running a business, leading a team, or charting a new career path, Helen's insights offer practical guidance for making decisions that feel authentic and aligned with what truly matters to you.

    Perfect for entrepreneurs, service providers, and anyone looking to build a values-driven business or life, this episode will inspire listeners to take a closer look at the values that drive you forward.


    Episode Resources:

    Elevate Your Career Book
    Elevations Career Assessment

    Episode Guest:

    Meet Helen Horyza: Award-winning author and founder of Career Coach Entrepreneur Academy, an ICF Level One accredited coaching school. With a Master's in Career Counseling and ICF PCC coaching credential, Helen has helped thousands of people  make successful career transitions. Discover her wisdom in her 'Elevate Your Career' book and on her YouTube channel. Helen will elevate your perception of what is possible.

    Connect with Helen 

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    27 min
  • Grace Purdum - What Service-Based Businesses Can Learn from a Horse Rescue

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    In this episode, we’re diving into an unexpected source of business wisdom: a horse rescue. Join us as we sit down with Grace Purdom, President of Hope for Horses and co-owner of Advantage Horsemanship,  to uncover how innovative strategies for managing a horse rescue and riding school can offer fresh perspectives and approaches for service-based businesses. 

    Grace shares her journey of relocating a nonprofit across the country and rebuilding its entire donor and volunteer base through community outreach, marketing automation, and innovative business models. We’ll discuss how she applied tech solutions like automated email campaigns and subscription-based services to streamline operations and increase profitability—lessons that service-based business owners can learn from to improve efficiency, build stronger relationships, and scale sustainably.

    Whether you’re in marketing, consulting, or any service-based industry, this episode will challenge you to think outside the box and adopt new strategies from the barn to the boardroom. If you're ready to innovate and automate in ways you never considered, this conversation is for you!

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    31 min
  • Lindsay Hurty - Unlocking Midlife Fulfillment and Business Success Through Mentorship and Intentionality

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    Ever wondered how mentorship and accountability can transform your life and business? Join us as we uncover the secrets of midlife fulfillment and entrepreneurial success with self-development specialist Lindsay Hurty. Discover how long-standing accountability groups can create powerful self-led "mini masterminds," offering a robust support system that fuels growth. Lindsay shares the concept of "mutual mentors," where balanced relationships drive mutual development, and recounts how peer encouragement played a pivotal role in her professional milestones. 

    Unpack the power of "sparkatypes" to design a fulfilling work life and explore the transformative potential of "forever letters" in personal life and business planning. Lindsay discusses the importance of managing energy-draining tasks so you can focus on your most meaningful work. Tune in and be inspired to lead your business and life with intention and a growth mindset. 
     

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    47 min
  • Marie Reginato - Tips to Show Up Confidently on Camera

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    Ever wondered how to overcome camera anxiety and show up consistently on social media? Join me as I chat with my fabulous cousin, Marie Reginato, who transitioned from a traditional nine-to-five job to becoming a successful cookbook author and motivational leader. Marie shares her early struggles and triumphs in starting a food blog and how the courage to put herself on Instagram opened doors to incredible opportunities, including growing her Instagram to over 60K followers. We dive into the secrets of consistent effort, the importance of talking about your work, and trusting in the right timeline for success.

    Connect with Marie: https://www.instagram.com/marie.reginato/

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    37 min

About The Aspirant Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Hello, incredible entrepreneurs, and welcome to 'The Aspirant Podcast!' I’m your host, Natasha Clawson, a Digital Marketing Educator and Strategist, and I’m here to help you build a business that…