Most online courses are not really courses.

They are video vaults, content dumps, or glorified workbooks with a “mark complete” button.

In this Connector’s Edge Conversation, Michael Whitehouse talks with Dr. Catrina Mitchum, a recovering academic and learning designer who helps business owners create courses, programs, memberships, and learning experiences that actually help clients get results.

Catrina brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education, where she taught teachers how to teach adults online. In this conversation, she explains why good course design is not about dumping everything you know into videos and PDFs. It is about helping people apply what they are learning, giving them the right amount of support, and designing around the outcomes you actually want your clients to achieve.

Michael and Catrina also explore how this applies to The Connector’s Edge itself: onboarding, member education, networking goals, user experience, and how to help people take action instead of simply giving them more information.

In this episode, Michael and Catrina talk about:

• Why “a wall of content” is not a course
• The difference between teaching and talking at someone
• Why application needs to be built into the learning experience
• How adults learn differently and why they need to know the purpose behind each activity
• Why expertise can make it hard to explain what you actually do
• How feedback can make a course more effective without requiring live teaching every step of the way
• Why many learning platforms track the wrong things
• How accessibility improves the learning experience for everyone
• How The Connector’s Edge could use learning design to improve onboarding and member success
• Catrina’s developing platform for helping people design better learning experiences

Dr. Catrina Mitchum is a recovering academic and learning designer who helps business owners create courses like they give a shit about client outcomes.

She has nearly two decades of experience in higher education, teaching teachers how to teach adults online. Today, she helps small and mid-sized businesses create learning experiences that get results using learning science, instructional design, and adult learning theory.

She is also the host of Course Creation Crap, where she helps people get unstuck wherever they are in the course, program, membership, or learning experience creation process.

This episode is part of Connector’s Edge Conversations, a series introducing you to the kind of thoughtful, interesting, aligned people you can meet inside The Connector’s Edge.

The Connector’s Edge helps you make better connections by matching you with people based on who you are, what you care about, and who you actually want to meet.

You can find Catrina on The Connector’s Edge. If you already have an account, log in and look for her profile. If you don’t have an account yet, you can create one for free at:

https://www.theconnectorsedge.com

TCE Guest: Dr. Catrina Mitchum

What if the voices in your head are not there to sabotage you?

What if they are trying to protect you, but using old programming that no longer serves you?

In this Connector’s Edge Conversation, Michael Whitehouse talks with Ell Graniel, a mental wellness mentor with more than 30 years of experience helping people get their brains working for them instead of against them.

Ell talks about intrapersonal communication, neuroplasticity, NLP, old labels, self-protection, asking for what you want, and how the brain can be reprogrammed when you learn to recognize the patterns running underneath your choices.

Her rooftop message is simple and powerful:

It doesn’t have to be that way.

In this episode, Michael and Ell talk about:

• Why Ell says she gives people’s brains “a bubble bath”
• How the voices in your head are often trying to protect you
• Why labels like “lazy” or “bad at technology” can become self-fulfilling
• The difference between “I’m bad at this” and “this is not my thing”
• How neuroplasticity allows people to create new patterns
• Why asking is powerful, even when the answer might be no
• How old fear responses can keep people stuck in familiar but unhealthy situations
• Why “what’s your why?” is different from falling into “why me?”
• How complaining can become a default pattern
• Why The Connector’s Edge saves time by helping people identify better-fit connections before getting on a call

Ell Graniel has more than 30 years of experience helping people understand and work with their own minds. With a background in communication, training, neuro-linguistic programming, negotiation, and personality-type predictors, she helps people shift the internal patterns that affect how they speak, feel, decide, connect, and take action.

She is also the author of four international bestselling books. Her most recent book, The Law of Subtraction, teaches people why they have struggled to sustain the changes they want and how to fix that.

This episode is part of Connector’s Edge Conversations, a series introducing you to the kind of thoughtful, interesting, aligned people you can meet inside The Connector’s Edge.

The Connector’s Edge helps you make better connections by matching you with people based on who you are, what you care about, and who you actually want to meet.

You can find Ell on The Connector’s Edge. If you already have an account, log in and look for her profile. If you don’t have an account yet, you can create one for free at:

https://www.theconnectorsedge.com

TCE Guest: Ell Graniel

Dr. Tamir Qadree, known as “The Dean of Dynamic Results,” has spent decades helping entrepreneurs, coaches, and sales professionals unlock their true power. In this high-energy conversation, he reveals how metaphysical principles, mindset mastery, and self-discipline create tangible success. From sales excellence to spiritual insight, Dr. Tamir shares how to focus, shift habits, and channel your energy to manifest real results in business and life.

🔥 Learn more about Dr. Tamir’s courses, podcast, and free resources:

https://coach.thedeanofdynamicresults.com

https://learn.tamirqadree.com

📧 Contact: [email protected]

🎧 Want to meet guests like Dr. Tamir or be featured on powerful podcasts?

Register for the next Podapalooza:

👉 https://guywhoknowsaguy--checkingout.thrivecart.com/podapalooza/

🎙️ Connect with Michael Whitehouse:

https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com

https://www.summits.fun

https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/9qbook

Daniel Kobryner spent 35 years in international sales before answering a deeper calling. In this episode, he shares his journey from business executive to life coach, speaker, and spiritual guide. Daniel discusses his Mindvalley certification, embracing universal energy, and how unlocking childhood patterns can lead to powerful transformation. If you're curious about spiritual coaching, authenticity, and how to follow your purpose later in life, this conversation will resonate deeply.

🌐 Learn more about Daniel’s coaching, programs, and story:

👉 https://www.danielkobryner.com

🎧 Want to meet guests like Daniel or be featured on great podcasts?

Register for Podapalooza:

👉 https://guywhoknowsaguy--checkingout.thrivecart.com/podapalooza/

🎙️ Connect with Michael Whitehouse:

Website: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com

Events: https://www.summits.fun

Get the 9 Foundational Questions of Business: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/9qbook

What if you could bring in new customers without breaking the bank on ads or burning time on funnels that don’t convert? In this episode, Jennifer R Glass, award-winning business growth architect and CEO of Business Growth Strategies International, shares how entrepreneurs and small business owners can generate leads and boost profits without wasting money on ineffective marketing. From leveraging hidden revenue streams to simple, scalable strategies, Jennifer gives you the tools to grow your business—without the ad budget.

📚 Grab Jennifer’s free business growth resource:

👉 https://www.bgsi.us/jv-small-business

🔗 Connect with Jennifer Glass:

LinkedIn: https://bgsi.me/li

Facebook: https://bgsi.me/jg-fb

Instagram: https://bgsi.me/jg-ig

🎧 Want to meet guests like this or be featured on great podcasts?

Register for the next Podapalooza:

👉 https://guywhoknowsaguy--checkingout.thrivecart.com/podapalooza/

🎙️ Connect with Michael Whitehouse:

Website: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com

Events: https://www.summits.fun

Get the 9 Foundational Questions of Business: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/9qbook

If sales calls make you sweat, this episode is your game-changer. Kristina Jensen is a seasoned enrollment strategist who has generated millions in revenue for coaches and course creators. She joins Michael Whitehouse to break down the three biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make that cost them clients—and shares the powerful questions you should be asking instead. Learn how to lead enrollment calls with clarity, confidence, and connection so your next “sales” call feels more like service.

🎯 Connect with Kristina Jensen:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinaleejensen/

🎧 Want to meet guests like this or be featured on great podcasts?

Register for the next Podapalooza event:

👉 https://guywhoknowsaguy--checkingout.thrivecart.com/podapalooza/

🎙️ Connect with Michael Whitehouse:

Website: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com

Events: https://www.summits.fun

Get the 9 Foundational Questions of Business: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/9qbook

Want more sales, speaking gigs, and stage-worthy credibility? Eric F. King is here to show you how. As the founder of Studio Speaking and a seasoned sales and leadership coach, Eric shares how speakers, coaches, and consultants can position themselves as experts by leveraging studio events, video presence, and niche focus. From stage strategy to visibility assets, you’ll learn what really works to stand out in a crowded market.

🎯 Connect with Eric F. King:

Website: https://studiospeaking.com

Free Resource – 100 Ways to Market Your Business: https://successwitheric.com/100

🎧 Want to meet guests like this or be featured on great podcasts?

Register for the next Podapalooza event:

👉 https://guywhoknowsaguy--checkingout.thrivecart.com/podapalooza/

🎙️ Connect with Michael Whitehouse:

Website: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com

Events: https://www.summits.fun

Get the 9 Foundational Questions of Business: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/9qbook

Most new coaches never make it past their second year in business—and it’s not because they’re bad at coaching. In this episode, sales mentor Tessa Lynne Alburn joins Michael Whitehouse to reveal the truth the industry won’t tell you: coaching certification doesn’t prepare you for sales. If you’ve been told to just “raise your vibe,” build a website, or run a summit without learning to sell, this conversation is your wake-up call. Learn what actually works to enroll clients with authenticity, integrity, and consistency.

🎯 Connect with Tessa Lynne Alburn:

Website: https://withtessa.com

🎧 Want to meet guests like this or be featured on great podcasts?

Register for the next Podapalooza event:

👉 https://guywhoknowsaguy--checkingout.thrivecart.com/podapalooza/

🎙️ Connect with Michael Whitehouse:

Website: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com

Events: https://www.summits.fun

Get the 9 Foundational Questions of Business: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/9qbook

What if your brand could speak directly to the hearts of the people you’re meant to serve? In this episode, Michael Whitehouse talks with Rich Kozak, founder of RichBrands, who shares how real branding starts from the inside—with your purpose, your vision, and the impacts you’re meant to make. With 49 years of experience and a servant’s heart, Rich breaks down what branding truly is (and what it isn’t), the four elements every lasting brand needs, and how clarity can speed you into your divine purpose. This is branding for people who care deeply—and want to grow authentically.

🔗 Connect with Rich Kozak:

Website: https://richbrands.org

Free Masterclass: https://brandfirstordie.com

🎙️ Connect with Michael Whitehouse:

Website: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com

Upcoming Events: https://www.summits.fun

Get the 9 Foundational Questions: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/9qbook

Mary Gaul is a business coach, speaker, and founder of Success Magnified. In this episode, she shares how she helps women solopreneurs turn big ideas into focused action—with clarity, confidence, and fun. We talk about managing idea overwhelm, creating aligned offers, and building the accountability needed to truly grow. If you're feeling scattered or stuck, Mary’s practical, heart-centered guidance is just what you need.

🎯 Connect with Mary Gaul:

Website: https://www.successmagnified.com

🎙️ Connect with Michael Whitehouse:

Website: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com

Events: https://www.summits.fun

Get the 9 Foundational Questions of Business: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/9qbook