In this week’s episode of The Found Podcast, I’m sitting down with a brand new friend, Sarah Prasser: entrepreneur, community-builder, and the woman behind Frannie’s Market in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Sarah and I were introduced by a past guest (and wonderful human!) Jennae Cecelia, and wow—what a gem.

Sarah is the founder of Frannie’s Market, a specialty grocery store rooted in hospitality, local love, and food that brings people together. Whether it’s curating regional goods, offering cozy and aesthetically beautiful catering, or opening her doors for community classes, Sarah puts people at the heart of everything she does.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• How Sarah built Frannie’s Market with intention and a deep love of local

• Why people and community are at the core of every decision she makes

• The power of knowing yourself as a founder—and learning when to say no

• The newest addition to her business: Frannie’s Coconut Kefir, a probiotic coconut kefir that’s expanding into wholesale and distribution

• How she navigates the contrast between local-first retail and scaling a product-based business

Sarah drops so many golden nuggets for founders, especially those of us building in small towns, rooted in people-first values, and dreaming big. You’re going to love her blend of heart and hustle.

✨ Tune in and meet your new business bestie, Sarah Prasser.

Helpful Links:

• Learn more about Frannie's Market
• Learn more about Frannie's Coconut Kefir. Use code WELCOME10 at check out for 10% off your first order. 
• Learn more about Molly's Empowerment Communities starting in September when you click here.
• Join Molly's weekly(ish) Founder's Field Notes email list here. 

In the hustle of entrepreneurship, we’re often told to say yes—to opportunity, growth, and grit. But sometimes the most powerful move we can make… is to say no. In this solo episode, Molly reflects on five pivotal moments when choosing “no” over “yes” created the space, alignment, and peace she truly needed—both in her business and in her life.

From walking away from steady income to turning down the dream office space, Molly walks you through the stories, lessons, and surprising gifts that came with each decision. Whether you’re deep in decision fatigue or sensing it’s time for a shift, this episode will remind you:

“Every time we say no, we’re also saying yes—to space, to integrity, to what really matters.”

Inside this episode:

• The early career “no” that opened the door to MKM

• Why walking away from a client six weeks in felt hard but right

• Saying no to real estate dreams and big-agency expectations

• The evolution from service provider to strategic leader

• The cost (and clarity) of holding onto things that no longer fit

Resources Mentioned:

• Bronnie Ware’s Top Five Regrets of the Dying

• MKM Founder's Field Notes Email List: https://mkm.myflodesk.com/email

• Follow Molly on Instagram: @mollyknuth

• Empowerment Communities: https://www.the-restorationproject.com/empowerment-communities/

In this episode of The Found Podcast, I sit down with my friend, client, and total ray of sunshine—Brooke Fitzgerald. As the Energy builder, Coach, and Partner at The Restoration Project, Brooke brings an incredible mix of empathy, authenticity, and actionable tools to her work with individuals, teams, and organizations.

Together, we talk about:

• How change begins with the individual

• The power of personal growth tools and how Brooke uses them in her coaching

• What it means to lead with integrity and intuition

• How to say “no" more and “yes" less

• Trusting yourself and finding your way to enough

Brooke’s energy is contagious, her wisdom is practical, and her heart for helping others grow is unmatched. If you're in a season of transition, decision-making, or wanting to better support your team or yourself—this one is for you.

Tune in to feel empowered, inspired, and equipped to grow—right where you are.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about The Restoration Project: https://www.the-restorationproject.com/

• Connect with Brooke Fitzgerald: https://www.the-restorationproject.com/our-story/meet-our-team/brooke-fitzgerald/

• Follow me on IG: @mollyknuth_mkm

Time of recording: 1:03 PM on Friday, May 23, 2025. And while that might not mean anything to you, it marks a huge transition in my world: my four kids are officially out of school for the summer. For the next three months, my home will be full of extra bodies, extra snacks, and a whole lot less quiet.

In this episode, I’m sharing what it looks like (and feels like) to move into summer as an ambitious woman, a business owner, and a mom. I talk about the mindset shifts I’ve had to make, the lessons I’ve learned from past summers, and the real-life logistics that help me stay grounded when life gets chaotic.

This isn’t a step-by-step guide—it’s a conversation between you and me. If you’re staring down the summer calendar wondering how the heck you're going to do it all, this episode is here to remind you: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to do it perfectly.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Why my original “just work in the mornings” plan was hilariously unrealistic (yes, sarcasm included)

• The hard truth: our kids need more structure than we think—and so do we

• How I’ve learned to adjust my expectations instead of just pushing through

• Why this might be a better season for planning than producing

• What it looks like to make space for rest and fun (even when it’s not my natural instinct)

• The importance of routines, especially for little ones who thrive on consistency

• Why reduced productivity isn’t a failure—it’s just a shift

If you’re a high-achieving woman navigating summer with a full house and a full calendar, I hope this gives you permission to breathe, pivot, and let some things go.

And if nothing else, know this: you’re doing great. Really.

🎧 As heard on the podcast:

Fall Empowerment Communities with The Restoration Project are open for enrollment! Join Molly in one of two small, powerful groups for leadership-driven women ready to grow in community — Connect to Something Greater and dive into the book Mary Magdalene Revealed or participate in Lead with Love, a multimedia, multi-month journey exploring how we can lead in a grounded, loving way.  ✨ Spots are limited — learn more here: https://www.the-restorationproject.com/empowerment-communities/ 💌 Want more behind-the-scenes real talk from Molly?

Subscribe to Founder’s Field Notes — her free weekly email full of business wisdom, storytelling, and the messy middle of being a founder. It’s honest, inspiring, and a little rebellious (just like this podcast).

✨ Join the list: 

2025 has been a year of growth, learning, and bold decisions.

In this episode, I break down the top five moves I've made so far this year in my business, how they impacted me, and what you can learn from them to inspire your next level. 

Spoiler: They’re more internal than you might expect.

What You'll Learn:

• Why a beauty upgrade changed how I show up

• How curiosity and creativity opened new doors

• The power of connection and letting go of control

• Why personal growth is often the path to business growth

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence starts with small, seemingly superficial shifts

• Curiosity leads to serendipitous growth

• Creativity isn’t just a luxury—it’s necessary

• Connection fuels everything

• Releasing control can be the most strategic move you make

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Strengths Coaching with Arica Ohloff

• Your Brain on Art (book)

• The Restoration Project Celebration Days

• Creator’s Club

• IRDC Experience

She’s back! In this action-packed follow-up episode, Amanda Hofman — one of the founders of NYC-based Go To Market Studio — returns to The Found Podcast to talk all things strategic merch.

We first met Amanda in Episode 157, where we dove into her career journey and how she built a company rooted in intentional, anti-boring custom merchandise for brands that want to stand out and create lasting impressions.

In this 2025-focused conversation, Amanda and I get tactical about:

• How to make branded merch that actually gets used (and remembered)

• Why merch should be part of your strategic marketing plan—not an afterthought

• Specific ways service-based businesses, speakers, coaches, and digital brands can integrate merch into their sales funnels and brand experiences

• Trends in merch design, sourcing, and storytelling that can help you level up in the new year

• Actual examples of real businesses and how Amanda would coach them to create and use merch

This is a must-listen episode for anyone planning a product launch, team retreat, client gifting campaign, or live event.

If you want to grow your visibility and deepen your connection with your audience in a tangible way—this is your episode.

🔗 Connect with Amanda:

Website: Go To Market Studio Instagram: @gotomarketstudio

🎧 As heard on the podcast: 

Fall Empowerment Communities with The Restoration Project are open for enrollment! Join Molly in one of two small, powerful groups for leadership-driven women ready to grow in community — Connect to Something Greater and dive into the book Mary Magdalene Revealed or participate in Lead with Love, a multimedia, multi-month journey exploring how we can lead in a grounded, loving way.  ✨ Spots are limited — learn more here: https://www.the-restorationproject.com/empowerment-communities/ 💌 Want more behind-the-scenes real talk from Molly?

Subscribe to Founder’s Field Notes — her free weekly email full of business wisdom, storytelling, and the messy middle of being a founder. It’s honest, inspiring, and a little rebellious (just like this podcast).

✨ Join the list: https://mkm.myflodesk.com/email

What if marketing your book didn’t feel overwhelming, or like you were blindly throwing posts into the social media void? In this episode of The Found Podcast, I sit down with book marketing expert Jenn Hanson-DePaula to talk about sustainable, strategic ways to reach your ideal readers—without selling your soul or spending thousands on fleeting publicity.

And while a majority of our conversation is about marketing books (and what we're currently reading!), the skills and strategies Jenn shares are applicable to any listener who is marketing a product or service.

With over 24 years in the industry, Jenn has helped everyone from first-time self-published authors to New York Times bestsellers craft marketing strategies that actually work because they’re built around clarity, connection, and the author’s unique voice.

We talk about:

• The biggest mistakes authors make when launching a book

• Why you don’t need to be everywhere or do “what everyone else is doing”

• The difference between trend-chasing and relationship-building

• How to create a book marketing strategy that serves you for the long haul

Whether you're preparing for your first launch or trying to revive a backlist, Jenn’s wisdom will help you feel empowered, equipped, and excited to connect with the readers who truly need your words.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Jenn & her services here: https://jenndepaula.com/

• Take the free Author Platform Quiz or access other FREE resources here: https://jenndepaula.com/free-downloads

• Follow Jenn on Instagram: @jenndepaulabookmarketing

• Listen to her podcast: Book Marketing Simplified

Sponsor Shoutout:

Today’s episode is brought to you by Hey Sister! — a one-day event created for rural women craving in-person connection, authentic conversation, and fresh inspiration for life and work in small towns. Happening Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington, Iowa with incredible speakers, hands-on activities, and tangible takeaways for your personal and professional life.

🎟️ Grab your ticket at heysisterevent.com and come find your community of like-minded women this spring!

In this back-to-basics episode (that we're now going to turn into a series called Molly's Must Haves) of The Found Podcast, we're diving into the real, raw, and refreshing marketing moves that have worked for me in 2025.

I’m pulling back the curtain on my own strategy for Molly Knuth Media, revealing what’s working, what I’ve let go of, and how you can apply these lessons to your own business.

Whether you’re in year one or year nine, this episode will help you rethink your approach and give you full permission to market in a way that feels good, grounded, and effective.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why 2025 has been a pivotal year for shifts in life, leadership, and marketing

• The importance of understanding the season of your business

• The best marketing moves I made this year (and what I quit doing)

• How to use AI (like ChatGPT!) the right way

• Why I’m doubling down on podcasting, email, and in-person connection

• What it means to lead ambitious women through authenticity, not algorithms

Key Takeaways:

1. Put your time, energy, and dollars where it makes the most sense for your goals.

2. Let go of outdated rules — especially on social media.

3. Use tools like AI to save time and start strong, not to replace your voice.

4. Know what season your business is in so you can market accordingly.

5. You don’t need to be everywhere — just where it matters.

Resources Mentioned:

• Founder’s Field Notes email series

• Descript for podcast and video content

• ChatGPT and other AI tools for creative kickstarts

Action Steps for Listeners:

• Audit your current marketing strategy: What’s working? What’s not?

• Identify what feels aligned and sustainable

• Give yourself permission to evolve

Ready to reimagine your marketing? Tune in now and let’s build something that feels really good.

Sponsor Shoutout:

Today’s episode is brought to you by Hey Sister! — a one-day event created for rural women craving in-person connection, authentic conversation, and fresh inspiration for life and work in small towns. Happening Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington, Iowa with incredible speakers, hands-on activities, and tangible takeaways for your personal and professional life.

🎟️ Grab your ticket at heysisterevent.com and come find your community of like-minded women this spring!

This week, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a dear friend and incredible leader: Sarah Watson. Sarah and I have worked closely together through The Restoration Project,  a coaching and consulting organization in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, helping leaders and teams live, lead, and work with greater meaning.

In today’s conversation, Sarah shares her gift for creating calm, building intentional community experiences, and empowering others to take their next best step. We talk about:

• How creating space and connection for leaders can fuel real action

• The importance of protecting your time, energy, and heart

• How evolving through different seasons of life and career brings out new sides of ourselves

• Why listening deeply to yourself is the key to finding your next step

• The story behind Sarah’s journey, including quitting her career twice to find the right fit for her life and mission

Sarah’s wisdom, warmth, and leadership truly embody the spirit of The Restoration Project and everything she touches, including her newest passion project, the Kick Ass Lady Club (yes, it’s just as awesome as it sounds!).

If you’ve been craving more intention, ease, and community in your life, this episode is going to feel like a deep breath.

🎧 Tune in now to hear Sarah’s inspiring story and practical advice for building a life and community you love.

Sponsor Shoutout:

Today’s episode is brought to you by Hey Sister! — a one-day event created for rural women craving in-person connection, authentic conversation, and fresh inspiration for life and work in small towns. Happening Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington, Iowa with incredible speakers, hands-on activities, and tangible takeaways for your personal and professional life.

🎟️ Grab your ticket at heysisterevent.com and come find your community of like-minded women this spring!

In this heartwarming episode of The Found Podcast, Molly takes you inside one of Dubuque, Iowa's most inspiring spaces: Convivium Urban Farmstead. 

Molly sits down with Leslie Shalabi, co-founder of Convivium, to talk about how their nonprofit uses the power of food to combat disconnection, build relationships, and cultivate community.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The founding story of Convivium Urban Farmstead
• How food can be a universal tool for connection and healing
• Simple, local actions that create a ripple effect in communities
• Why creating intentional spaces matters in divided times
• How anyone can start building community with what they already have

Sponsor Shoutout: Today’s episode is brought to you by Hey Sister! — a one-day event created for rural women craving in-person connection, authentic conversation, and fresh inspiration for life and work in small towns. Happening Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington, Iowa with incredible speakers, hands-on activities, and tangible takeaways for your personal and professional life.

🎟️ Grab your ticket at heysisterevent.com and come find your community of like-minded women this spring!

Connect with Convivium Urban Farmstead: Website | Instagram

Referenced in this episode:

• Episode 191: Creativity as Joy: Embracing the Process with Ana Dellamuth of Lovely Little Light

Tune in and get inspired to nourish your own community, one connection at a time.