The Simplifiers Podcast

Are you ready to create more pleasure in your life? Well, buckle up, buttercup and let's take a walk together. You'll want to listen to this one without others around, trust me.

My special guest today is author Laura Zam and she's simplifying how to create more pleasure in life. Let's face it… a life worth living isn't solely about work, money, and success. In fact, some would say (including me) that those things are a small sliver of what makes a life whole. Let's talk about pleasure, desire, sex and asking for you really, really want… my goodness, now THAT'S a great topic to simplify!

Here's how.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• Why pleasure is a key component to living a whole life
• How to begin to ask for what you desire, especially if you've been a people pleaser for so long
• What to do if you've got zero libido, feeling overworked, and on the verge of burnout
• For those who might be dealing with past sexual trauma, she shares her personal story and what helped her reemerge stronger
• …and ultimately, where you can find more time in your schedule, especially during the holidays for pleasure.

Remember, we are not robots and we cannot focus on our work 24/7… as humans, we need to define our desires, learn to discern which are the healthiest for us to attract, and communicate them with others. Laura shares her journey creating more pleasure in her life and what she learned all along the way. No matter if you're single, married, male, female or none of the above, this one's for you!

It's time to #DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/laura-zam-create-more-pleasure

What does it mean to systemize your business? Great question… it's all about automating the recurring tasks, creating structure where there is chaos, and ultimately, doing less. Doesn't that sound nice? Well, it's totally possible and all within your grasp, too.

My special guest today is Monique Malcolm and she's simplifying how to systemize your business. If you're feeling like you're constantly spinning your wheels and pulling late nights to get everything accomplished, it's time to level up and put in place a few systems and processes. We break it all down for you in simple, easy to follow steps.

Here's how.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• First off, why this is important and the reasons why even a solopreneur really needs a training manual, as well
• What the difference is between "systems" and "processes"... and "tools"
• Where to begin - what's the first step when systemizing your business
• How to determine your "D/W/M/Q" tasks and how to begin to document the steps out
• …and ultimately, decide which project management tool you need to stay on track.

I really want to encourage you to take the next six weeks as a time to focus on your business. As we move into the holiday season, it's easy to take the foot off the gas pedal and wind things down. Look, slowing down is fine and necessary, periodically.

However, in that space of rest and reflection, vow to take tiny, baby steps towards systemizing your business. Get yourself in a place where you feel confident moving into the new year as an entrepreneur. It's time to simplify!

It's time to #DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/monique-malcolm-systemize-your-business

How do you live boldly after unwanted change? Many of us have been contemplating this very question for a while now. When the things you love the most are stripped away from you and you're left in a pile, attempting to pick up the pieces… what's the first step?

My special guest today is author Miriam Neff and she's simplifying how to live boldly after unwanted change. Let's face it… if you're listening to this episode, it's likely that you're grappling with a big upheaval in your life and trying to sort out what path to take next, right? The outlook might seem a bit murky or the tasks may seem endless, but don't give up… there's hope and the way out (or rather, through it) is simpler than you think.

Here's how.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• When big, unwanted change smacks you across the face… what people typically do as their first reaction that is the WRONG thing to do
• Why it's so tempting to fill the void after losing something (or someone) important in your life - what to do instead
• She believes that "forgiveness not just recommended but required" when we experience brokenness in our lives - here's why
• How to cultivate more boldness in your work and life after a big, unwanted change
• Where to begin when creating a new vision for where you're headed next, especially when it's so hard to let go of the past
• …and ultimately, what the first step is when financially recovering from this unwanted change.

This entire year has been a nosedive into studying change for me. As many of you know, I'm writing a book all about change… how to navigate it and simplify it. So when Miriam's book came across my desk, it took my breath away.

Her wisdom, her grace, her poise through the unexpected passing of her husband Bob… all of it was incredibly inspiring and brought me hope as well. May her spirit and her story ripple out and inspire your life path this week, as well.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/miriam-neff-live-boldly-after-change

It's time to embrace your power, my friend, in what may feel like a bit of a chaotic world. The US elections are done, it is finished. Leaders have been elected and the real work now begins.

My special guest today is author Christine Arylo and she's simplifying how to embrace your power in a chaotic world. No matter where you sit on the spectrum of how the election went, the entire world let out one giant exhale when the results were announced… and about 70 million people in the US felt a gut punch. As time goes on, we all must figure out a way to listen more (to ourselves and to others who look/feel/think nothing like us) and champion better compassion and empathy. This is the path to rebuild, reimagine, and come together in shared power.

Here's how.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• Why she believes women are so prone to overwhelm and utter burnout… and what the real risks are of women overworking
• How we can begin to reimagine how we work - what needs to change immediately and what's the first step
• What are some ways we can tap into our true feminine wisdom more, in order to defy the "hustle & grind" mentality that's out there today
• She defines what 'harmonic defiance' is and how it can help create positive change in our lives and in the world around us
• How we can we drop down into our life force to gain clarity on where to head next
• …and ultimately, she shares a few simple ways we can start and end our days that will help us take back our power.

I feel like this conversation is a fantastic continuation of last week's episode with Kim Chestney (e142) as we learned about tapping into our Intuition. In my mind, this is the "okay, what's next" step into mapping out your trajectory to finish this year strong, after all.

Remember, if your lifetime is made up by the 1000 daily choices you make today, I hope you choose well. Give yourself this gift by carving out time for rest, reflection and journaling anything that peaked your interest in today's conversation. It might just spark a new idea, a new path towards embracing your inner power that helps everyone WIN.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

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Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/christine-arylo-embrace-your-power

What if you could tap into your Intuition to make better decisions… would you try? Many believe you decide with either your head, your heart or your gut… that deep, inner knowing when grappling with a situation. But what if you could better tune into that voice inside you to gain clearer insight and a solid path to follow in the months ahead?

My special guest today is Kim Chestney and she's simplifying how to tap into your Intuition to make better decisions. Yup, it's happening again… change is afoot, some countries are going into another lockdown, the US presidential election results are upon us, and now more than ever, we need a guide to lead us through.

Spoiler alert, that guide is YOU… and your deep, inner wisdom. Here's how to tune in to what she's trying to say.

We tackle all aspects of it, including:

• How she defines "Radical Intuition" - what it is and isn't, so you can identify your own Intuition and how it's working in your life right now
• Why your Intuition can help you become a better entrepreneur - in what ways can it help you with decision-making at work?
• What the 4 types of Intuition are and how to harness and tap into them today in your daily decisions
• • The Healer - physical
  • The Sage - mindful
  • The Visionary - creative
  • The Mystic - transcendental
• It feels like we as humans are collectively waking up in 2020 - she calls it the "Intuition Revolution" and her insight on what the next step is for all of us to rebuild and reimagine life as we know it
• …and ultimately, no matter how the US presidential election goes, she shares some ways we could utilize our Intuition for better self-care, so that we can choose the next right step towards thriving in the year ahead

Kim is an absolute delight and I loved chatting with her. She believes that the truth is within you and that when you surrender to it, you begin to own your inner power. Bottomline, radical change can be found when you are true to yourself… that's where we gain deep insight.

And when we do that, we all rise together.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/kim-chestney-intuition-make-better-decisions

Have you been curious on how to go vegan? In the slew of big changes that have happened this year, what's one more, eh? No but really… if you've been contemplating a move towards a more healthy, plant-based lifestyle and away from eating meat, here's where to begin.

My special guest today is Michelle Cehn and she's simplifying how to go vegan. This is part two from our conversation earlier this season on how to stock your plant-based 'pandemic pantry' (episode 131). We received an overwhelmingly positive response to that episode, which leads me to believe that many of us are considering eliminating meat and animal products from our diets.

Here's how.

We tackle all aspects of it, including:

• If you're ready to take the leap and stop eating meat, she reveals the first step that is crucial towards success
• Why you need to 'build a bank of great plant-based recipes' and where to find them
• How to "veganize your kitchen" and what the very best (and most affordable) tools you'll need to get started
• • high-powered blender
  • food processor
  • an assortment of spices
  • one sharp knife
• When and where you can find a community of plant-based people both locally and globally, that'll support you along the journey
• What the single most important thing you must do once you go plant-based
• …and ultimately, she shares the very best tips if you happen to fall off the wagon.

Michelle shows us the friendly way to introduce a more plant-based diet and lifestyle into your home and family. For so many of us, let's be REAL - this is super scary… what's left to eat if I eliminate meat and cheese from my diet!??! I know, I know… it's my fear, as well. However, I put myself forth as tribute to try it out, ask all the "dumb questions," and help to simplify it down for us.

Will you join me on this journey? I promise it'll be fun and might help all of us reduce the brain fog, gain more natural energy, and even save some money on groceries all along the way!

It's time to #DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/michelle-cehn-how-to-go-vegan

How do you build resilience? I mean, would you consider yourself a resilient person? The visual that immediately comes to mind is a boxer who can dip, duck, dive, weave and jive, no matter what punches are thrown her way. She keeps going, never giving up. (Come to think of it, that makes a lot of sense, considering my sympathetic nervous system typically chooses to fight 9 times out of 10 over flight. What about you?)

My special guest today is Carrie Montgomery and she's simplifying how to build resilience in an uncertain world. She's a dynamic entrepreneur that's certainly had to dip, dive and keep going through a series of debilitating chronic illnesses… most recently a viral brain infection. Through a pandemic, no less. You see, resilience is built in the little moments when no one is looking. And she shares what she's learned along the way to becoming a stronger, more vibrant and whole person.

Here's how.

We tackle all aspects of it, including:

• What's changed in her business and in her life since we last spoke in season one - and what happened in late 2019 that made her dramatically shift how she runs her online business
• How she defines "resilience" and what helped her build her resilience through tough and uncertain times
• What role 'discipline' plays in becoming a more resilient entrepreneur and all-around human
• Why being "unattached in life" is so important
• What was learned when she took a step back from social media and actively marketing her business online for 10 months, in order to give herself space to heal
• …and ultimately, how to begin to "reclaim yourself" after trauma or big change

I hope you find Carrie's story just as inspiring as I do. I know it helps me to remember that no matter what you're grappling with in this moment, there are others around the world that stand beside you on that journey. Their courage to tackle their walls gives me strength to take on my own. Brick by brick, day by day… really, choice by choice, we each are learning to reclaim and restyle our lives.

And bottomline, we're better together. You can do it, I believe in you!

It's time to #DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/carrie-montgomery-build-resilience

Would you like to make more time in your life? Boy, that'd be nice! And yes, it's totally possible, too… It's all about learning how to organize your life, your schedule, and reexamine how you prioritize your days. So, let's talk about that!

My special guest today is Nache Snow and she's simplifying how to organize your life and make more time. It's time to get back to the basics, do less, and give ourselves permission to (truly) rest more to recharge and flip the script on productivity altogether.

Here's how.

We tackle all aspects of it, including:

• what's working for her with time management through the pandemic and with life being so upside down this year
• how to take an inventory of where your time goes through this week ahead
• why batching your tasks will help you make more time in your life… here's how to do it
• what happens every time you look back on your day and say, "that task took way longer than I expected!!?" - what's going on there?
• …and ultimately, she shares the very best, practical tools she uses to help her stay accountable to her daily schedule and keep on track.

Let me be clear… this episode is NOT going to perpetuate the productivity shame and noise that you may have heard throughout the lockdown season… the trope of "you're wasting time if you're not doing ALL the things right now!"

What I hope you glean from this is actually to learn how to do less, re-prioritize everything on your plate, and remember how to give yourself a little bit of grace all along the way.

Our generation has never experienced something quite like this in our lifetime. This is uncharted territory and that is HUGE.

So hear my words…

You're doing a great job. Keep going... and remember what brings you joy and helps you remember who you are, deep down inside. Focus here first and when you make time for these experiences, your life expands exponentially as well.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

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Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/nache-snow-organize-your-life-make-more-time

We are staring down the barrel of the last 90 days of 2020, one of the most hellacious years I've experienced in my lifetime. And if you're a small business owner and are still holding strong, that deserves a massive award.

I applaud you.

Your resilience, grit, determination and "never give up" attitude means you've been able to stabilize things and keep from closing the doors on your venture. Well done, you.

So today, let's talk about how to pivot in the 4th quarter and scale your business through this leg of the pandemic. What is required of you in the next 90 days is going to be something WAY different than what you had to endure last spring, at the beginning of lockdown. And don't panic, that's actually a GOOD thing.

My special guest today is Jennifer Dopazo and she's simplifying how to pivot and scale your business through a pandemic. Our conversation will help you get back to the basics in your product or service offering, so you've got fresh clarity on how to strategically tackle the fall and winter months ahead, minus the burnout, overwhelm, and yuck all along the way.

Here's how.

We tackle all aspects of it, including:

• How to finish 2020 strong by taking a quick audit of your business
• What aspects of your business you need to examine in this auditing process and how to do it
• • pricing, offering, positioning, and more
• Why it's super smart to utilize Pareto's 80/20 rule to help you scale your business revenue this quarter
• How to cultivate more collaborations with other entrepreneurs, either locally or globally to help you hit your sales numbers and better serve your customers
• …and ultimately, what steps you can take now to plan ahead for 2021, especially when life seems so uncertain.

Jennifer launched her super successful branding & design studio smack dab in the middle of the 2008 recession, attracting big name clients like Danielle LaPorte, The New York Times, and more.

Not an easy feat… and in this, she's gleaned the very best tips on how to think lean, act scrappy, and maintain flow when the world seems so uncertain around you. Lord knows, we all could use a little of that inspirational energy right now as we close out this crazy year.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/jennifer-dopazo-pivot-scale-your-business

Q: are you ready to increase your profits and (finally) start to master your finances for your small business? In order for all of us to finish this year strong, we might need to have a heart-to-heart with our numbers. When we do this, we can get back on track and start to recover from the multitude of curveballs that were thrown at us this year.

My special guest today is Danielle Hayden and she's simplifying how to increase your profits and teaching us how to master our finances. For many people, talking about money is a touchy subject. Danielle breaks it all down in a super approachable way, no matter if you've been in business for 10 years or 10 seconds… and you won't need a degree in finance to figure all of this stuff out, I promise!

Here's how.

We tackle all aspects of it, including:

• What the 3 basic financial numbers are that you should know and track regularly
• • time spent per job
  • what are your top 3 operating expenses
  • and your total profit and loss (P/L)
• Why it's important to uncover your "numbers story" - what are the numbers trying to tell you and what to do about it?
• How to get your financial house in order in just 1 hour per week… it's simpler than you think to start to feel empowered by your numbers
• What reports you should pull and review every week
• • your profit/loss statement (P/L)
  • your balance sheet
  • your cash flow forecast or financial dashboard
• …and ultimately, what is the best (and simplest) way for you to increase your profits this week.

If you've been zoomed into other areas of your business for awhile now and left your bookkeeping software to collect dust, don't sweat it. I promise, if you take the time to listen to today's episode, it'll inspire you to dive back into your numbers and gain clarity on your financials in no time flat.

Remember, fear is just trying to keep you safe… so if you've been putting off your bookkeeping or just avoiding your bank statements for awhile now, it's going to be okay. After today's conversation with Danielle, I know you'll feel empowered and ready to take simple action to get back on top.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/danielle-hayden-master-your-finances