The Second Degree with Emily Merrell

Meet Dana Gaydon, the Orange County and Palm Springs based branding and wedding photographer who is rewriting the rules of how female entrepreneurs show up on camera. In this episode, Emily sits down with her dear friend Dana, who has shot two SDS retreats in Palm Springs and Sedona, to trace her path from a 12-year-old inspired by her CIA grandfather's black and white scrapbooks and a Linda McCartney photo book, all the way to building a thriving branding business in Southern California.

Dana shares why she swore off weddings in the 90s after assisting two type-A photographers named Glory who shot stiff square albums on tripods, and what changed her mind when friends started asking her to document their days the way she had always wanted to, real and unposed and full of in-between moments. She breaks down what branding photography actually is, why putting a picture of herself on her own website was the most counterintuitive marketing move she ever made, and the surprising ROI of showing up as her most colorful most "extra" self. She also walks through the toolkit she uses to translate a person into a visual story, including human design, Enneagram, Myers Briggs, brand archetypes, and her beloved color theory.

Plus the chaotic adventure of shooting Taco Bell on Hollywood Boulevard, the vulnerability of taking up space in public locations like Sedona's Tlaquepaque, why feeling comfortable with your photographer matters more than almost any other qualification, and a deep dive into Dana's other superpower, thrifting vintage blazers (she owns over 40 and is on a self-imposed ban from buying more). If you have been putting off booking brand photos because the idea of being seen feels like a lot, this episode is the gentle nudge and the permission slip you have been waiting for.

To learn more about Dana Gaydon, check out her website https://danagaydon.com/ and her instagram account https://www.instagram.com/modernjoydana 

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Emily sits down with Dr. Linden Will, optometrist and Director of Community Engagement at LASIK.com, for a candid, funny, and surprisingly eye-opening (pun intended) conversation about everything you've ever wanted to know about LASIK but were too scared to ask. 

Emily shares her own experience getting LASIK done at LASIK Plus in Denver — consultation and procedure in the same day — and Linden demystifies the process from the doctor's side. 

From debunking the "your prescription isn't stable enough" myth to breaking down the real cost comparison against a lifetime of contacts and glasses, this episode will have you seriously reconsidering why you're still fumbling for your glasses every morning. 

Whether you've been putting it off for years or just never thought you were a candidate, this one's for you. 

What we dig into: 

• Why so many eye doctors don't refer patients to LASIK — it's not what you think (hint: it's not a conspiracy, it's just not taught in school)
• Breaking down the cost — why $4–5K upfront actually pencils out against a lifetime of dailies, contact fittings, and glasses, plus LASIK.com's $100/month payment plans and 0% interest options
• Emily's first-hand patient experience — consultation and procedure in the same day, being barely able to see without her negative six prescription, and comparing it favourably to unmedicated childbirth
• The biggest LASIK myths busted — astigmatism, age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, prescription changes, and the fear that the flap will move (spoiler: all laser LASIK locks it in place)

To learn more about Linden Will and Lasik check out Lasik.com. Visit lasik.com/socials and use code EMILY for $1,100 off.

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In this episode of The Second Degree Podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with Melissa Nichols, founder of Reforming You, to unpack what women should have been taught about their health—but weren’t.

After spending years working in pharmaceuticals and clinical trials, Melissa made a bold pivot into Pilates, health coaching, and preventive wellness. Today, she helps women understand their bodies, balance their hormones, and take a proactive—not reactive—approach to health.

Together, Emily and Melissa explore:

• Why prevention matters more than waiting for a diagnosis
• How hormones quietly influence weight, energy, sleep, and mood
• Signs of hormone imbalance, perimenopause, and thyroid issues
• The truth about endocrine disruptors and everyday toxins
• Why stress is one of the most overlooked health risks for women
• How to advocate for yourself in the doctor’s office
• Simple lifestyle shifts that can make a meaningful difference
  
  

This conversation is educational, grounding, and empowering—perfect for any woman who wants to feel more informed, supported, and in control of her health journey.

To learn more about Melissa Nichols check out her instagram https://www.instagram.com/reforming_you/ 

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After building a successful career in finance, Carolin realized that access to information wasn’t the real problem—confidence, language, and systems were.

Today, she helps women feel powerful, informed, and unapologetic about their money through education, strategy, and mindset work.

Together, Emily and Carolin unpack:

• Why women are conditioned to stay quiet about money
• The biggest financial mistakes high-achieving women make
• How to build wealth without restriction, shame, or burnout
• The difference between “earning more” and actually keeping more
• Why financial literacy is a form of self-trust and self-advocacy
• How entrepreneurs can make smarter decisions with cash flow, taxes, and investing

This episode is practical, empowering, and a must-listen for any woman who wants to feel financially confident, capable, and in control—whether you’re building a business, growing your career, or simply ready to stop avoiding your bank account. 

To learn more about Carolin Helff check out instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the_financially_fierce for more information on her upcoming programs.

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 In this inspiring episode of The Second Degree Society Podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Karen Martiz, founder of Skin Mix and Lash Boulevard.

What began as a chance meeting in a Denver neighborhood turned into a deep friendship — and today, Karen opens up about her remarkable journey from struggling single mom to thriving med-spa owner, product developer, educator, and beauty industry innovator.

Emily and Karen dive into:

• Scaling Lash Boulevard into a product line, online academy, and international supply chain
• Pivoting during the pandemic and finding new growth through e-commerce
• Launching Skin Mix, building luxury branding, and creating community through membership-based skincare
• What it really takes to build a business while raising kids, taking big risks, and trusting your instincts
• The chance encounter that introduced Karen to the beauty industry
• Opening her first spa with limited resources—but unlimited drive
• Becoming an early leader in lash extensions and product development
• Traveling to South Korea and China to build her supply chain
• Growing Lash Boulevard through e-commerce and online training
• Navigating pandemic shutdowns and restructuring her business
• Launching Skin Mix and creating elevated skincare experiences
• The power of community, collaboration, and neighborhood roots
• Building a recurring-revenue model with The Good Skin Club
• Advice: Start before you’re ready and solve problems as you go

Plus, Karen shares her favorite treatments, unexpected hobbies (mountain biking!), and the advice she wants every woman in business to hear.

If you’re dreaming of launching something new or are craving a dose of bold entrepreneurial energy this episode is a must-listen.

To learn more about Karen Martiz  check out her website https://skin-mix.com/  and on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/skin_mix_/ 

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 What if buying an engagement ring felt as personal as the proposal? Wove CEO Simone Kendle sits down with Emily Merrell to unpack how Wove reinvented custom jewelry, from virtual design sessions with GIA-trained experts to their genius “try-before-you-buy” replica ring that de-stresses proposals and perfects fit and style.

Simone shares the brand’s surprising military roots, why lab-grown color diamonds expand creative freedom, and how she scaled a consumer luxury company by leading with storytelling, community, and collaboration. They also dig into women-first leadership, team culture across cities, and the power of building your “village” before you need it.

Whether you’re ring-curious, scaling a startup, or obsessed with great networking, this episode is a gem, pun very much intended.

Here are the highlights: 

• Inside Wove’s model: Virtual designers, GIA expertise, and fully custom pieces—without the showroom pressure.
• Replica rings = relief: A sterling silver & CZ duplicate lets couples test drive a design before committing.
• Lab-grown color diamonds: Creativity, access, and why yellow diamonds don’t have to live only in museums.
• Military roots to luxury brand: How two West Point grads sparked Wove—and why that mission still matters.
• Scaling as a modern CEO: Marketing, partnerships, and turning meaning-rich pieces into a movement.
• Culture > burnout: Building trust on distributed teams, “social capital,” and women-led management.
• Your network = your village: Simone’s framework for finding mentors, peers, and protégés before you pivot.
• A fifth C for jewelry: Beyond Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat—Collaboration drives the perfect piece.
• Permission slip: Give yourself grace—you can be inspired and still figuring it out.

To learn more about Wove check out https://wovemade.com/ and on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/wove_made 

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In this inspiring episode of The Second Degree Podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with V Peterson, the energetic founder of Bodied, Denver’s rhythm-based fitness studio redefining what it means to move with purpose. 

V shares how she blended step aerobics, strength training, and Pilates into a signature workout that’s as much about connection as it is about sweat. 

Together, Emily and V explore the journey from vision to brick-and-mortar, the lessons learned from leading a team of women, and the power of staying open when you’re building something entirely new.

Here are some of the episode highlights: 

• How V blended step aerobics, strength training, and Pilates to create the Bodied method
• The story behind turning a road-trip idea into a Denver fitness destination
• Why celebration and community are central to Bodied’s culture
• The power of being bad at something new—and showing up anyway
• How V manages leadership, boundaries, and team dynamics while growing a brand
• Plans for expansion and virtual offerings beyond Denver

To learn more about V Peterson check out Bodied Denver and on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bodieddenver  

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On this episode of The Second Degree Podcast, Emily Merrell sits down with Erin Hines, a holistic business coach and founder of Darn Good Business Coach, to dive into the intersection of business strategy, human design, and personal alignment. 

Erin shares her journey from corporate burnout to building a business that aligns with her energy and purpose. We explore how human design can be a game-changer in decision-making, leadership, and entrepreneurship—helping you work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re a business owner or just looking to better understand yourself, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Highlights:

• Erin’s journey from corporate burnout to becoming a holistic business coach
• The role of human design in entrepreneurship and decision-making
• Understanding energy alignment for productivity and avoiding burnout
• How different human design types thrive in business
• Using human design for stronger leadership and communication
• The importance of trusting your intuition in business and life

To learn more about Erin Hines check out her website Darn Good Business Coach and on instagram at https://instagram.com/bedarngood/ 

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In this episode of The Second Degree Podcast, host Emily Merrell chats with Erica Ballard, a life coach, sound healer, and Theta healing practitioner. 

Erica shares her journey from public health to health coaching and into the transformative world of spirituality and energy work. They dive into the power of rest, navigating life's pivots, and embracing personal growth with humor and grace. 

Whether you're an overachiever on the brink of burnout or someone seeking alignment and clarity, Erica’s story will inspire you to slow down, trust yourself, and embrace your path.

Highlights:

From Public Health to Personal Healing

• Erica's journey from public health and corporate wellness into health coaching and spiritual practices.
• The moment she realized it was time to stop focusing on kale and start focusing on mindset and energy work.

The Power of Rest

• Why rest is the ultimate key to unlocking your energy and creativity.
• Erica’s advice for overachievers who struggle to slow down and embrace stillness.

Sound Healing & Theta Healing

• A beginner-friendly breakdown of sound healing and Theta healing.
• How these practices combine science and spirituality to release trauma, rewire beliefs, and create alignment.

Navigating Life’s Pivots

• Erica's evolution from health coaching to life coaching, overcoming perfectionism, and finding her voice in a crowded industry.
• The challenges of optics and authenticity while building a meaningful business.

Creating a Life on Your Terms

• How to shift from living for external validation to designing a life that feels good to you.
• Why it's okay to take a step back, reevaluate, and restart when necessary.

Practical Self-Help & Spirituality

• Erica's approach to blending science and spirituality in her coaching practice.
• Tips for accessing inner guidance and trusting the journey, even when it’s messy.

Permission to Play and Rest

• Erica’s heartfelt message: You can’t screw up your life—so embrace rest, follow your energy, and create your own rules.

To learn more about Erica Ballard check out her website https://www.ericaballard.co/  and on instagram at @IamEricaBallard

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Welcome to The Second Degree Podcast with Emily Merrell! 

In this episode, Emily sits down with the extraordinary Susan Lieu, a multi-hyphenate powerhouse: author, playwright, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and so much more. 

Susan shares her journey of turning intergenerational trauma into art and healing, her reflections on resilience as a first-generation Vietnamese-American, and the lessons she's learned from chasing success while staying true to herself. This conversation is packed with humor, heartbreak, and inspiration—don’t miss it!

Highlights:

Susan’s Storytelling Journey

• Susan began as a stand-up comedian and transitioned into storytelling through her one-woman show, 140 Pounds: How Beauty Killed My Mother.
• The inspiration behind her work stems from her mother's tragic death during a botched cosmetic surgery and the unresolved trauma within her family.

Navigating Identity and Success

• Growing up as a Vietnamese-American, Susan grappled with cultural expectations, the weight of perfectionism, and her dual identity.
• She shares how these pressures shaped her drive for success and her ongoing battle to redefine what success truly means.

Creating Art Through Healing

• Susan tracked down her mother’s surgeon, studied legal depositions, and explored her family’s history to process her grief and build her narrative.
• Her storytelling blends heartbreak with humor, showing how vulnerability can lead to liberation and deeper connections.

Reflections on Body Image and Society

• Susan discusses how intergenerational trauma influences body image and self-worth, tying her mother’s experiences in the beauty industry to broader cultural expectations.
• Her TEDx talk, “How to Make Peace with Your Belly Fat,” reframes body insecurities through empathy and empowerment.

Entrepreneurship and the Immigrant Dream

• Susan reflects on her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, building a thriving nail salon business from nothing to create a better life for her family.
• She emphasizes the sacrifices and resilience of immigrant families and the lessons they teach about perseverance and resourcefulness.

Impact Through Creativity

• Susan’s memoir, The Manicurist’s Daughter, is now taught in colleges and used as a tool for healing in therapy settings.
• Her podcast, Model Minority Moms, explores the challenges of being everything for everyone while learning to prioritize oneself.

To learn more about Susan Lieu check out her book The Manicurist’s Daughter and her podcast Model Minority Moms and on instagram at instagram.coms/susanlieu. 

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