The Podcast Lane

What do you do when your parents are proud, stubborn, and one slippery rug away from a hospital stay? You call someone who has seen that rug issue before.

Welcome to The Podcast Lane 10 in 10 series, Season 11, where host Carrie Habel, co founder and managing partner of Thread Advisory Group, sits down with Drew Seifried of TruBlue Home Service Ally of Phoenix. Carrie is living this topic with her own parents, who would, she notes, not agree that they are ready for any of it.

Drew has been in the Valley since the late 90s, and he calls himself a fairly new business owner when it comes to employees. His company is in its second year, with a mission to help seniors stay in their homes. He describes today's parents as the proud generation, people who do not need help until they actually do. The stakes are real. In Drew's words, "One in four people over the age of 65 will actually fall."

The business began with his own father. At 84, his dad took a bad fall and broke several bones in his face. Walking through the house afterward, Drew realized this was only the first of many, and he found nothing out there that would have served his father. Ten employees and a fleet of trucks later, he says the work changed how he sees purpose, and that becoming disconnected from it can make a person decline much faster.

Carrie asks how someone finds him, and Drew explains the moment most families are unprepared for: the hospital social worker asking whether a parent is safe to go home. His team does a safety assessment from the driveway to the bedroom, covering lighting, rugs, bathrooms, and the daily routines of cooking and getting around, then builds a roadmap. The fixes range from taping down a rug to ripping out a 1975 tub for a roll in shower.

The tips are the fun part. A door latch that holds the door open, which Drew calls "an easy eight dollar, eight dollar fix," plus plug in night lights, supportive footwear instead of slippers, and double sided tape for the rugs that refuse to leave. He also stresses the right cane or walker, and a village of caregivers and specialists, with True Blue as the ally that connects families to them.

His closing advice is to plan for parents the way you would plan for a baby: prepare now, prevent early, and skip the scramble later.

About the guest: Drew Seifried started this business to help seniors like his father, who should not be climbing ladders or handling risky repairs. He also understands the pressure adult children face when they have families and responsibilities of their own and cannot always manage a parent's home repairs and safety needs. He holds certification from the National Home Builders Association as a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. A US Air Force veteran, Drew is also committed to the veteran community through his 501c3 charity Golf Fore Good, helping wounded warriors get into accessible built homes.

Contact Drew: for information on services, visit trubluephoenix.com. To book a home safety or repairs consultation, call 602.818.8566. 
To reach him personally, email [email protected].

Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger.

Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here.

Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

Welcome to The Podcast Lane 10 in 10 series, Season 11, where host Carrie Habel, co founder of Thread Advisory Group, sits down with Will Lane of CodeBuddy. Carrie opens by wondering if Will might be a relative of the podcast lane. His answer: "It's possible." We will let that one hang.

Will came out of high school and into the trades, starting in low voltage tech work with no firm plan and a sense that college was not it. Nudged toward electrical, and it clicked. He put in the hours, started his apprenticeship, and began to notice a glaring problem. Too many tradesmen were coming up without fully knowing what they were doing or why. That gap can mean real hazards for the end user, and Will could not shake the question of how to close it.

His answer was CodeBuddy, an AI based tool. Companies bring their specs and code books, CodeBuddy builds out what to focus on in the field, and a report comes back. It started as a chat platform, and an electrician can download the app on an iPhone, ask questions about the work at hand, and scan a part of the job to see what might be a violation or a safety hazard. Will explains that individuals can use it on their own, but the full power is on the business side, where a company can load in specifications for a specific job and cut down on rework.

Carrie draws out the human side too. Will played defensive line, though he is candid that football was not the big influence, and he credits the work ethic more than the sport. Today he handles commissioning management on critical system startups for data centers in Arizona. He is a father of two, a husband, and a man who is very glad his wife keeps the home front running. His motivation is plain: catching dangerous situations, protecting people, and saving equipment for very large companies.

Looking ahead, CodeBuddy is expanding into new verticals, including trucking through a new relationship with Open Force, and the team is working on a Google Play version. Will's biggest lesson as a co founder is communication. Direct works well with trade partners, and he is learning to dial it down elsewhere. As he says, "It's working so far."

More details:
Will Lane has spent roughly the last decade in the electrical trades, on demanding projects including hospitals, data centers, and semiconductor facilities. He has worked close to the installation, dealing with what comes up in the field, and more recently moved to a general contractor for a wider view of how projects get delivered. About four years ago he and his co founder turned what they saw firsthand into CodeBuddy, an AI chat tool that helps trade professionals get the right code, requirement, or answer and install things correctly the first time.

Find CodeBuddy
Website: www.CodeBuddy.chat
LinkedIn: Code Buddy LLC
Instagram: @codebuddy.chat https://www.instagram.com/codebuddy.chat

Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger.

Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here.

Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

What happens to your money when a marriage ends, and who actually helps you make sense of it?

In this episode of The Podcast Lane 10 in 10 series, host Carrie Habel, co founder of Thread Advisory Group, sits down with Kristina Heckel, CDFA®️, CFEI®️, CADP™️, principal and founder of Bloom Divorce Advisory Services. Kristina is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst who helps individuals and couples make informed financial decisions, whether they are planning ahead or navigating divorce.

Kristina did not start in finance. With a business degree in global hospitality leadership, she spent most of her career in hospitality operations before pivoting into financial services. Working with widows and then friends going through divorce, she kept seeing the same themes of uncoupling, and Bloom was born. She has lived it too. After her own painful separation, she went from two incomes and half the bills to one income and all of them, and that experience shapes the empathy she brings to every client conversation.

In this conversation, Kristina breaks down the technical and personal sides of money and why understanding the emotions behind financial decisions matters during a major life transition. She shares why asking for help is often the hardest first step, and why there is no shame in not knowing every detail of your household finances.

As Kristina explains it, amicable divorce is a term many people get wrong. It does not mean you and your soon to be ex have to be friendly. In the model she describes, the professionals you hire agree to work amicably on your behalf. With everyone committed to full disclosure and open communication, she says the process is built to be less expensive, less conflict driven and more efficient, with the big goal of moving from spouses to effective co parents when children are involved.

When should you bring in a divorce financial expert? Kristina says most people find her at the very beginning, sometimes before they have even said the word divorce out loud, but she can step in at any stage, from early planning to the middle of a case that needs court reports or financial exhibits. From her experience, attorneys often appreciate having a CDFA on the team to handle marital balance sheets and financial schedules.

In the interview, Kristina also introduces the podcast she is creating, Rooted in Money, with guests including certified divorce lending professionals, a divorce real estate expert, an emotional reactivity consultant and a family law attorney.

Kristina is not an attorney and does not provide legal advice. This episode is a conversation about the financial side of divorce, not legal or financial advice for your situation.

About our guest: Kristina Heckel, CDFA®️, CFEI®️, CADP™️, is the principal and founder of Bloom Divorce Advisory Services, helping individuals and couples navigate the financial side of divorce through organization, settlement scenarios, separate property tracings, mediation and amicable divorce support. Learn more at bloomdas.com and find her 

Vault Kit at go.bloomdas.com/vault-kit

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Website: www.bloomdas.com

Digital Business Card: https://popl.co/card/RSw1jL8e/3/

Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger.

Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here.

Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

What if your body has been trying to tell you something, but you haven't had the tools to understand the message?

In this episode, we sit down with Christina Ivanhoe, founder of Golden Heart Wellness, a certified integrative health practitioner who takes a whole person approach to wellness, combining epigenetic hair testing, nutrition, biohacking, coaching, and trauma informed healing.

With more than 20 years of personal and professional experience, Christina works with men, women, teens, high performing executives, and athletes who are looking for a more personalized approach to understanding their health and wellness.

Her mission goes beyond identifying physical concerns. Christina believes people need to feel seen, heard, loved, and validated as they work toward feeling better in their body, mind, and soul.

Faith, Healing, and Hope

Faith is at the center of Christina's approach to caring for others.

She shares how her own childhood experiences shaped her faith and ultimately prepared her to connect with clients who may be carrying their own emotional wounds and life experiences.

Christina believes that addressing the whole person means creating space for conversations about stress, childhood experiences, trauma, and the emotional factors that can affect how someone feels.

Her goal is simple: to give people hope and help them take the next step toward greater wellness.

What Is Epigenetic Hair Testing?

A major part of Christina's practice is epigenetic hair testing, which she describes as a tool for identifying areas that may need further attention when someone has been experiencing ongoing symptoms.

During the conversation, she discusses how the testing can provide information related to areas such as:

• Nutritional needs
• Vitamins and minerals
• Amino acids
• Hormonal and adrenal patterns
• Gut and intestinal health
• Food sensitivities
• Mold and other environmental factors
• Heavy metals
• Candida and parasites
• Hydration
• EMF exposure

Christina explains how she uses the results to create a personalized 90 day wellness protocol based on the individual's needs.

Looking Beyond the Symptoms

One of the biggest themes of this conversation is the importance of looking at the whole person rather than focusing on one symptom.

Christina shares examples from her practice and explains why nutrition, hydration, stress, lifestyle, emotional wellness, and other factors can all be important pieces of the bigger picture.

She also emphasizes that her approach is designed to complement, rather than replace, traditional medical care.

In This Episode

• How faith shaped Christina's approach to wellness
• The connection between emotional and physical wellness
• Why feeling seen, heard, and validated matters
• What epigenetic hair testing is designed to evaluate
• How personalized wellness protocols are created
• Nutrition, hydration, hormones, gut health, and stress
• The role of trauma informed healing
• Why high performers may need a personalized wellness strategy
• How Christina works with teens, adults, executives, and athletes
• The importance of hope in the healing journey

About Christina Ivanhoe

Christina is the founder of Golden Heart Wellness and a certified integrative health practitioner. With more than 20 years of personal and professional experience, she helps individuals pursue greater wellness through personalized approaches involving epigenetic hair testing, nutrition, biohacking, coaching, and trauma informed healing.

Her work focuses on helping people better understand their bodies and create practical wellness strategies that support their individual goals.

Note: Wellness testing and coaching are not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Individuals should work with qualified healthcare professionals regarding medical conditions, medications, and treatment decisions.

Connect With Christina Ivanhoe

Golden Heart Wellness
Website: www.goldenh​eartwellness.com
Phone: 602-690-7054

Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger.

Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here.

Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

What if the problem isn't a lack of willpower, discipline, or success?

In this episode, we sit down with Fred Auzenne, founder of Clear Edge Institute and creator of Clear Edge 90, a 90 day performance program designed for executives, founders, physicians, and senior operators.

A former U.S. Army Counterintelligence Captain with an MBA and more than 25 years of experience as a performance facilitator, Fred has worked with organizations including FranklinCovey and helped engineer a revenue turnaround that took one company from $7 million to $24 million.

Fred brings a different perspective to alcohol use among high performers. His approach focuses less on labels and more on the patterns, routines, environments, and behaviors that can become deeply embedded over time.

Fred has been alcohol free for 44 years, and today he teaches leaders what he calls the Alcohol Free Advantage.

The Architecture Behind the Habit

High achieving professionals are often disciplined, successful, and capable of managing enormous responsibilities. So why can alcohol become such a difficult pattern to change?

Fred explains his concept of an "architecture problem," describing how repeated behaviors can become automatic routines rather than simply a question of willpower.

You may make a decision during the day that you aren't going to drink that night, only to find yourself following the same familiar routine after dinner.

The question becomes: How do you change the architecture that created the pattern?

In This Episode

• Why traditional recovery approaches don't work for everyone
• Alcohol and high performing professionals
• The connection between alcohol, habits, routines, and behavioral patterns
• Why willpower alone may not be enough to change a long standing habit
• How drinking patterns can develop gradually over 10, 20, or 30 years
• Why successful professionals may struggle privately with alcohol
• The difference between having a "drinking problem" and having a behavioral architecture problem
• How neuroscience and personal development influence Fred's approach
• Why changing the pattern may be more effective than simply trying to resist it
• Fred's personal journey of 44 years alcohol free

About Fred Auzenne

Fred Auzenne is the founder of Clear Edge Institute and creator of Clear Edge 90, a 90 day performance program for executives, founders, physicians, and senior operators.

A former U.S. Army Counterintelligence Captain, Fred holds an MBA and has more than 25 years of experience as a performance facilitator. His professional background includes work with FranklinCovey and leading business performance initiatives.

Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Fred focuses on helping high performers understand the systems and behavioral patterns that influence their performance.

Listen to the full conversation for a thought provoking look at alcohol, habits, high performance, neuroscience, and what it takes to create lasting behavioral change.

alcohol free, alcohol free advantage, high performers and alcohol, executives and alcohol, alcohol use and professionals, alcohol free lifestyle, drinking habits, alcohol habits, behavioral patterns, neuroscience and habits, high performance, executive performance, alcohol free for professionals, sobriety for high achievers, alcohol and leadership, Clear Edge Institute, Clear Edge 90, Fred Auzenne, Scottsdale Arizona

Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger.

Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here.

Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

What if the biggest problem with your marketing isn't your marketing?

What if you simply have the wrong marketing partner?

In this episode, we sit down with Brennah Davis, founder of The Marketing Matchmakers, professional agency matchmaker, marketing myth-buster, entrepreneur, artist, and proud mom.

After building and growing two successful marketing agencies, Brennah discovered something surprising. Business owners weren't necessarily looking for another agency to sell them marketing services. They needed someone they could trust to help them figure out what kind of marketing they actually needed.

And that's where the idea for The Marketing Matchmakers was born.

Marketing Is Not Just "Marketing"

One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is how often business owners use the word "marketing" without actually knowing what they need.

Do you need:

Social media?

Lead generation?

Paid advertising?

SEO?

Branding?

Website development?

Content creation?

Marketing automation?

The answer depends on your business goals.

Brennah starts by asking questions and getting to the heart of what the business is actually trying to accomplish.

If a business says, "We need leads, and we'd love to do social media," Brennah may discover that simply posting organically isn't going to solve the real problem.

The strategy has to come before the service.

Get the Decision Makers in the Room

Brennah also shares one of her biggest lessons when helping businesses choose a marketing partner: make sure the right people are part of the conversation.

Sometimes a manager reaches out looking for marketing help, but the business owner or decision maker isn't involved.

That can create problems later.

Brennah believes the people responsible for the business, the budget, and the goals should be part of the process so everyone understands what the company actually needs.

It's a simple step that can save businesses time, money, and frustration.

So, What Exactly Is a Marketing Matchmaker?

Think of Brennah as a marketing broker with a very important difference.

She doesn't charge businesses for the matchmaking process.

Instead, she works with marketing agencies and connects businesses with potential partners based on goals, expertise, values, and fit.

Rather than handing a business one option, she typically presents three possibilities so the business can make an informed decision.

That means the conversation isn't simply:

"Here's an agency. Hire them."

It's:

"Let's figure out what you need first."

Not Every Agency Makes the Cut

Brennah isn't simply matching businesses with whoever is available.

She evaluates the agencies she works with based on how they communicate, how they treat clients, their expertise, and whether their values align with the businesses they serve.

She even explains that she has chosen not to work with agencies whose behavior or communication conflicts with her personal values.

Because the right marketing relationship isn't only about capabilities.

It's about trust.

From Art School to Entrepreneurship

Brennah's entrepreneurial journey began with creativity and a family history of entrepreneurship.

She originally went to art school with dreams of becoming a professional painter before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Arts and Design.

That creative foundation eventually led her into marketing, agency ownership, and ultimately the creation of The Marketing Matchmakers.

Today, she combines creativity, strategy, business experience, and a strong desire to advocate for business owners.

The Bigger Conversation

This episode is a reminder that marketing doesn't have to feel overwhelming.

You don't have to know every marketing acronym.

You don't have to hire the biggest agency.

And you don't have to say yes to every shiny new marketing tactic.

You need to understand your goals and find the right people to help you reach them.

Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, startup, or established company, the right marketing partner can make a tremendous difference.

And sometimes, the smartest marketing decision you can make is admitting:

"I don't know what I need yet."

That's exactly where a good matchmaker can help.

About Brennah Davis

Brennah Davis is the founder of The Marketing Matchmakers, where she helps businesses find vetted marketing partners based on their goals, needs, values, and expertise.

A former marketing agency owner, Brennah has built her career around helping businesses make smarter marketing decisions. She is also the host of MKTG Unmuted, where business owners and marketing professionals have honest conversations about what really works, what doesn't, and what happens behind the marketing highlight reel.

When she's not matching businesses with marketing experts, Brennah enjoys CrossFit, creating custom artwork and sneakers, and spending time with her son, Grey.

Connect With Brennah

The Marketing Matchmakers
602-736-7622
[email protected]

marketing matchmaker, marketing agency, how to choose a marketing agency, marketing strategy, small business marketing, digital marketing, marketing consultant, marketing partner, marketing services, lead generation, social media marketing, SEO, paid advertising, marketing for entrepreneurs, business growth, marketing mistakes, marketing myths, Arizona marketing, Phoenix marketing, Brennah Davis, The Marketing Matchmakers, MKTG Unmuted

Join the Conversation

Have you ever hired a marketing company and later realized you weren't even sure what you were paying for?

Tell us in the comments: What is the hardest part of marketing your business right now, knowing what you need, finding the right partner, or knowing who to trust?

Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger.

Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here.

Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

What does your business look like online?

If the answer is a collection of old headshots, random selfies, stock photos, and whatever picture you happened to take last Tuesday, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Bella Cagnetta, founder, creative director, and photographer behind Chic Shoots Photography, to talk about something every business owner needs but many overlook: intentional brand photography and visual storytelling.

With more than two decades of experience in graphic design, art direction, photography, and creative strategy, Bella brings an agency-level perspective to helping entrepreneurs and businesses become more visible, professional, and memorable online.

And yes, we talk about the dreaded LinkedIn selfie.

Because Bella has seen them too.

Your Brand Is More Than Your Logo

Bella explains why professional photography isn't simply about getting a pretty headshot.

It's about creating a visual identity that communicates who you are, what you do, and why people should trust you.

From LinkedIn and Instagram to websites, social media posts, Reels, carousels, and marketing campaigns, the right images can become some of the most valuable content a business owns.

Bella's approach starts before the camera ever comes out.

She creates mood boards, develops shot lists, considers styling and composition, and thinks strategically about how the images will actually be used.

The goal?

Not just one great photograph.

A library of content your business can use again and again.

Feeling Awkward in Front of the Camera? You're Not Alone.

One of the most relatable parts of this conversation is Bella's approach to helping people feel comfortable during a photo shoot.

Instead of constantly saying, "Put your hand here" or "Turn your head this way," Bella gets people talking.

She learns about their businesses, their families, their passions, and what makes them tick.

Before long, they're having a conversation instead of thinking about the camera.

And sometimes, Bella says, the moments between the planned shots are the best ones.

That's where authentic personality comes through.

Why Personal Branding Photography Matters

Today, your potential customers may discover you on Instagram or LinkedIn before they ever visit your website.

Your visual presence matters.

Bella shares why consistent, professional personal branding photography can help entrepreneurs:

• Build credibility
• Create a recognizable brand
• Show up professionally on social media
• Build trust with potential clients
• Create months of marketing content
• Communicate personality and expertise
• Stand out in a crowded digital marketplace

And here's the big takeaway: your audience isn't just buying what you do. They're deciding whether they trust you to do it.

Your photos are part of that first impression.

From Photography to the Full Brand Experience

Bella's creative background allows her to see the bigger picture.

Through Chic Shoots Photography, she combines photography, video, styling, and social media content to create cohesive visual marketing for businesses and personal brands.

Her work includes beauty, salon, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial brands, including Xtension Envy and My Salon Suite.

She also offers styling support for clients who aren't sure what to wear or how to present themselves on camera.

Because sometimes the question isn't, "How do I pose?"

It's:

"What the heck am I supposed to wear?"

Bella gets it.

The Story Behind Chic Shoots

Bella's creative roots go back much further than photography.

With a background in fashion design and a grandmother who was a seamstress, Bella has always been drawn to color, composition, style, and visual storytelling.

She discovered that while she didn't necessarily love sewing, she loved everything surrounding the creative process.

That eventually evolved into the work she does today.

The Goddess Project

Bella is also developing The Goddess Project, a portrait and storytelling series celebrating women's resilience, reinvention, and courage through some of life's most challenging chapters.

It's another example of what Bella believes photography can do.

It doesn't just capture what someone looks like.

It can capture who they are and what they've overcome.

The Conversation to Take With You

If you've been putting off professional photos because you don't feel photogenic, don't know what to wear, or think you can get away with one good headshot from five years ago, this episode might change your mind.

Your brand is telling a story every time someone sees your face online.

The question is:

Is it telling the story you want people to hear?

About Bella Cagnetta

Bella Cagnetta is the founder, creative director, and photographer behind Chic Shoots Photography, a Scottsdale based creative studio helping businesses and personal brands become more visible through strategic brand photography, video, and social media content.

With more than 20 years of experience as a graphic designer, art director, and agency owner, Bella brings a strategic creative perspective to every project, from concept development and styling to photography, Reels, carousels, and ongoing social content.

Connect With Bella

Website: chicshootsphotography.com
Instagram: @chicshootsphotography
Email: [email protected]

brand photography, personal branding photography, Scottsdale photographer, Scottsdale brand photographer, business photography, professional headshots, personal branding, social media photography, entrepreneur branding, photography for business, visual branding, brand storytelling, LinkedIn headshots, social media content creation, Scottsdale business photographer, Chic Shoots Photography, Bella Cagnetta, photography for entrepreneurs, small business marketing, personal brand photographer

Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger.

Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here.

Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

What if your marketing agency disappeared tomorrow? Would you still have the keys to your website, domain, advertising accounts, Google Business Profile, and digital assets?

That is one of the important questions Jessica Feldman wants every business owner to ask.

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Feldman, founder of Digital Vibes Agency, to talk about digital marketing, local SEO, paid advertising, AI, marketing automation, and one of the biggest mistakes business owners can make: not owning their own digital assets.

With more than 17 years of experience in digital marketing and more than 11 years running her own company, Jessica has worked with major brands, agencies, and small businesses. After leaving corporate America in 2023, she focused on helping small business owners build practical, affordable marketing strategies that actually make sense.

And she's not here to sell you marketing smoke and mirrors.

She's here to explain it.

You Should Have the Keys to Your Kingdom

Jessica has a simple philosophy:

Every business owner should have the keys to their kingdom.

Your domain. Your website. Your hosting. Your advertising accounts. Your digital platforms.

Even if someone else manages them for you, you should still own them and know how to access them.

Jessica explains why handing over ownership of your digital assets can create serious problems when an agency relationship ends, an employee leaves, or business partners go separate ways.

You don't have to understand every technical detail.

But you should know what you own.

Digital Marketing Should Be Measurable

One of the biggest misconceptions about digital marketing is that it has to be complicated.

Jessica explains why digital marketing should be transparent and trackable, and why business owners deserve to understand where their marketing dollars are going.

From local SEO and paid advertising to websites and marketing automation, the goal isn't simply to "do marketing."

It's to create visibility, attract the right audience, generate qualified leads, and understand what is actually working.

AI Is Changing Marketing. Are You Ready?

Then we get into the conversation everyone is having: AI and marketing.

Jessica discusses AI readiness, GEO, AIO, artificial intelligence optimization, and how businesses can use AI to become more discoverable.

But she also brings up something many business owners may not be thinking about: AI risks.

What happens when employees put confidential financial information, trade secrets, or intellectual property into open AI platforms?

Jessica explains why businesses should consider creating clear AI policies and understanding how AI is being used inside their organizations.

When AI Sounds Like... AI

And then comes the fun part.

Can you tell when a website was written entirely by AI?

Jessica says the answer is often yes.

The problem isn't using AI. The problem is losing your brand voice, originality, personality, and human connection in the process.

AI can help businesses work smarter, but your audience still wants to know there is a real person behind the brand.

This conversation is packed with practical marketing insight for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to navigate the rapidly changing world of digital marketing and AI.

About Jessica Feldman

Jessica Feldman is the Founder of Digital Vibes Agency, helping businesses grow through data-driven digital marketing, local SEO, paid advertising, AI-ready content, and marketing automation.

With more than 17 years of experience, Jessica focuses on increasing visibility, generating qualified leads, and delivering measurable ROI through transparent, results-focused marketing strategies.

Jessica Feldman, Digital Vibes Agency, digital marketing, digital marketing strategy, local SEO, SEO for small business, AI marketing, AI readiness, artificial intelligence optimization, GEO, AIO, marketing automation, paid advertising, Google Business Profile, website ownership, domain ownership, small business marketing, digital marketing for entrepreneurs, marketing strategy, AI for business, business growth, online visibility, lead generation, digital assets, brand voice, Scottsdale marketing, Arizona marketing.

Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger.

Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here.

Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

What happens when a four year old pulls up a chair to the kitchen stove and starts stirring his mother’s marinara?

For Chef Joseph Lerner, it turns out, that was the beginning of a lifelong passion.

In this episode, we sit down with Chef Joseph to talk about food, family, entrepreneurship, the reality of working in professional kitchens, and why a great meal is about so much more than what is on the plate.

Chef Joseph’s culinary journey started young, inspired by time in the kitchen with his mother and the chefs he watched on television. That early curiosity eventually led him to Johnson & Wales University, a career working with private restaurants and international hotel and resort companies, and ultimately to building businesses of his own.

Today, Joseph is the owner of Curate Cuisine, a premier private chef service in the Valley, as well as Curate Cafe in North Scottsdale, where he serves breakfast, lunch, house-made pastries, and house-roasted coffee.

Food Is More Than Food

One of the most memorable parts of this conversation is Joseph’s perspective on what food really means.

For him, cooking is about gathering.

It's about sitting around a table with family and friends, sharing stories, celebrating milestones, and remembering the meals that helped shape us.

Food can be a form of time travel.

One bite can take you back to your childhood, your grandmother's kitchen, a holiday dinner, or a table filled with people you love.

And sometimes, the best ingredient isn't even on the plate. It's the people sitting around it.

The Reality Behind the Chef's Coat

We also get a glimpse behind the scenes of professional cooking.

Joseph shares the misconception that being a chef is all glamour, television appearances, beautiful dishes, and celebrity moments.

The reality?

It's hard work.

It's long hours, dedication, pressure, sacrifice, and sometimes missing important family time.

And one of the biggest challenges isn't necessarily the food. It's building the right team.

Joseph talks openly about the difficulty of finding great people, developing young cooks, watching talented employees move on, and constantly rebuilding a kitchen team.

It's a reminder that entrepreneurship and leadership aren't always about having the perfect recipe. Sometimes, it's about learning how to adapt when the recipe changes.

From a Childhood Passion to Building a Business

Joseph's story is also an entrepreneurial one.

What started with a childhood love of cooking has grown into multiple businesses and a vision for continued growth.

From private chef services to Curate Cafe in North Scottsdale, Joseph has turned his passion into something people can experience for themselves.

And perhaps the most relatable part?

When asked about his future aspirations, his answer includes something many business owners can understand:

Retirement.

But for now, he's still cooking, creating, growing, and building.

Pull Up a Chair

This conversation is a fun reminder that our passions often start long before we realize where they're going to take us.

Sometimes it's a chair pulled up to the kitchen counter.

Sometimes it's watching someone cook.

Sometimes it's simply realizing that you love bringing people together.

For Chef Joseph Lerner, that passion became a career, a business, and a way to create experiences around the table.

And honestly, we're pretty glad that little boy decided to stay in the kitchen.

About Chef Joseph Lerner

Chef Joseph’s culinary journey began at the age of four with a chair pulled up to a 80’s model GE stove, stirring his mother’s marinara. After that, it was always a goal of his to become a Chef. In the younger years, watching “Great Chefs of The World” , “Grillin & Chillin With Bobby Flay” and the old school Emeril Lagasse helped drive Chef Joseph’s urge to get in a kitchen. Later, he attended the acclaimed Johnson & Wales University, built a career in opening up private restaurants and worked for international hotel/resort companies. Currently, he owns Curate Cuisine, one of the premier most recommended Chef services in the valley along with his standalone, Curate Cafe. A contemporary cafe located in north Scottsdale where he serves up breakfast, lunch , made in house pasties along with house roasted coffee. 

Connect With Chef Joseph Lerner

Curate Cuisine: www.curatecuisine.com
Curate Cafe: www.curatecafe.co
Phone: 843-364-7617
Instagram: @curate_cuisine
Instagram: @curate_cafe

Chef Joseph Lerner, Curate Cuisine, Curate Cafe, private chef Scottsdale, private chef Phoenix, Scottsdale chef, Phoenix chef, North Scottsdale restaurants, North Scottsdale cafe, Arizona chef, culinary entrepreneur, chef interview, professional chef, private chef services, catering Scottsdale, food and family, cooking and family, chef entrepreneurship, Johnson & Wales chef, restaurant entrepreneur, Arizona food scene, Scottsdale food, Phoenix food, chef life, culinary career.

Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger.

Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here.

Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

In this episode, we sit down with Katy Cotten, Co-Founder and COO of Dakota London Hair Extensions, the first hair extension only salon franchise in the United States.

With nearly 30 years in the beauty industry, Katy recognized an opportunity early in her career. Instead of simply working with hair extensions, she envisioned creating a salon dedicated entirely to them.

That vision became Dakota London.

Katy and her husband, Scott, spent 14 years building, testing, and refining the business before launching their franchise model in November 2025. In less than a year, Dakota London has grown to 35 awarded territories across the country.

In this episode, Katy shares the story behind that growth and the decisions that helped turn a bold idea into a scalable business.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• Why Katy chose to create a hair extension only salon
• What separates Dakota London’s hair quality from the competition
• How years of testing and relationships shaped their proprietary product line
• Why Dakota London is a service only business
• How 14 years of refining systems prepared the company for franchising
• What it’s like building a business with your spouse
• Why defining roles and recognizing each other’s strengths matters in business
• What franchise partners are really looking for beyond a business opportunity
• The importance of creating community, connection, and support
• How to build a business with purpose while maintaining an elevated client experience

Katy’s story is a powerful reminder that overnight success is often built on years of preparation.

She and Scott didn’t start with the goal of franchising. They focused on creating something exceptional, refining the systems, taking care of their people, and building a business they believed in.

Then, when the time was right, they shared the “sauce.”

Get ready to be inspired, take notes, and think bigger about what’s possible.

Meet Katy Cotten

Katy Cotten is the Co-Founder and COO of Dakota London Hair Extensions, the first hair extension only salon franchise in the United States. With nearly three decades in the beauty industry, Katy is passionate about helping entrepreneurs build businesses with purpose while creating an elevated client experience and a culture rooted in excellence, connection, and long term success.

Connect With Katy
Dakota London Hair Extensions

Instagram: @dakota.london.hair and @katy.cotten.dakota.london
LinkedIn: Katy Cotten
Email: [email protected]

Brought to you by The Podcast Lane.

#10in10 #ThePodcastLane #KatyCotten #DakotaLondon #HairExtensions #BeautyIndustry #BeautyBusiness #FranchiseSuccess #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Franchising #SmallBusiness #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #ArizonaBusiness #ScottsdaleBusiness #SuccessStory

Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger.

Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here.

Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency