Back in 2016, Alanna Rusnak stumbled upon a big problem in the book world: small-town writers, like Alanna, were having a tough time getting their stories and work out there. So, what did she do? She decided to tackle the challenge head-on and started her own little publishing company called Chicken House Press.

At first, Chicken House Press was all about getting Alanna's own book out into the world. And it worked! Her novel went on to become a Canadian bestseller, a finalist for the Kobo Emerging Writer Award, and named one of the top reader-recommended books of 2017 by CBCBooks.ca!

And Alanna didn't stop there, she turned Chicken House Press into a full-blown publishing powerhouse, helping writers from all corners of the globe share their tales with the world.

In our chat, Alanna shares everything you need to know about getting your book published. And our talk was so inspiring, she's all about motivating you to start putting those words down on paper, no matter where you're from or what kind of story you want to tell. So, if you've ever dreamed about writing something – whether it's a novel, an essay, or even just a blog post – this episode is your go-to guide for getting started.

You can find Alanna / Chicken House Press

Alanna’s Facebook

Alanna’s Instagram

Website

Podcast

Buy The Church in the Wildwood on your Kindle

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Clean It Club Podcast:

Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

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31 – Nicole Manion

This was such an inspiring episode and interview. I hope you love it, and take away as many positive insights as I did.

Nicole is an inspiring creator who started her first

Nicole believes in collaboration, growth, and inspiring the

I love this episode. Nicole is a powerhouse entrepreneur and it was an honour to interview her.

You can find more about Nicole at:

Beauty Behind the Brand Podcast

Nicole Manion Instagram

Muskoka Aesthetics Inc.

Miskoka Beauty Inc.

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https://run.terryfox.ca/team/waples-family

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Listen to the Podcast with me on the Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

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Lauren’s Best Podcast

Clean It Club Podcast:

Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

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The Small Towns, Big Dreams Podcast

Hosted by Beki Waples

Rebecca gave me TWO body butters for a giveaway! See Instagram/Facebook on May 2nd for details, or forward your newsletter sign up to [email protected]. Giveaway closes May 17th.

My conversation with Rebecca left me thoroughly inspired to dream bigger than I have been. Enjoy listening.

**Throughout the podcast, I mistakenly refer to her location as "the Muskokas" several times. Rebecca does clarify that this is not the correct name. I apologize for the oversight and will use the term "Muskoka" going forward.

You can find The Detour Co:

Website

Instagram

Retail Locations

Sign up for the Newsletter

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Listen to the Podcast with me on the Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

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Lauren’s Best Podcast

Clean It Club Podcast:

Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

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Please follow Small Towns Big Dreams on:

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Buy Me A Coffee

Or send me an email at: [email protected]

The Small Towns, Big Dreams Podcast

Hosted by Beki Waples

This week is a sit down with Fayth Irwin, a driven

You can find Fayth at:

Website

Instagram – Tip of the Tongue

Instagram – Smiles by Fayth

We also discuss:

Girl Boss Solutions – Virtual Assistants

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Listen to the Podcast with me on the Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

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Lauren’s Best Podcast

Clean It Club Podcast:

Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

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I met Jennifer when she was speaking at a WBOSS event here in Port Elgin. Before she took the stage, we exchanged small talk, but when she began speaking, it felt like destiny intervened – that’s a bit dramatic, but I really resonated with everything she said. At the end of her talk, she mentioned she loved books, and it cemented it for me – I had to have her on the podcast.

Jennifer is a Naturopathic doctor, and a Fast Way to Fat

Tune in for insights that impact both your business and

Learn more about Jennifer:

Instagram

Website

Faster Way to Fat Loss

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Clean It Club Podcast:

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Meet Ben Frisch, the visionary behind GET Digital Support. As the owner of GET Digital Support and two other businesses under the B Fresh Marketing Group, Ben is a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for empowering small businesses.

GET Digital Support was born when the Town of Collingwood and the County of Grey launched the Digital Main Street Program, offering free digital marketing support to local businesses. Although the program concluded in March, Ben’s commitment to small business success remains unwavering. He now provides FREE Digital Audit Reports to business owners, along with a wealth of free resources, guides, and webinars.

At GET, digital marketing education is at the forefront. Whether you’re in Collingwood, Calgary, or Charlottetown, Ben’s insights and expertise are invaluable for businesses across Canada. From consulting to content creation, web design to digital marketing services, Ben wears many hats as a busy business owner.

In this episode, we dive into Ben’s journey, explore how he built his thriving businesses, and uncover practical strategies for enhancing your digital presence. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this conversation is packed with tips and tricks to navigating digital marketing.

You can find GET Digital Support, and his other businesses here:

GET Digital Support

FREE Digital Audit

GET Digital Support Resources

GET Digital Support Webinars

TwentySharp

B Fresh Media

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Clean It Club Podcast:

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26 – Connect Rehab

Clare D. and Steph S. are the dynamic duo behind Connect Rehab. If you've passed by their offices on the East side of Owen Sound and simply assumed it's just another physiotherapy clinic, you'd be selling yourself short. Clare and Steph joined forces with a shared vision of making a significant impact on their community's well-being and believed that they could create a powerhouse of a facility that could address your health concerns, and also empower individuals to become stronger and healthier through several different health and wellness programs. And guess what? They're making it happen!

In this interview we chat about all that their offices

You don’t want to miss this one. You’ll be eager to schedule an appointment at Connect Rehab before the episode even finishes.

You can find Connect Rehab Online here:

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Also – You should check out Creamery Hill Farms

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Clean It Club Podcast:

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Kinga is a recovery and wellness coach who helps “everyone who’s ever had anything happen to them, ever”. She is a passionate advocate dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey to recovery from various life challenges including addiction. Drawing from her own experiences of overcoming addiction she empowers others through her online program, The Self Control Solution.

That is a very official sounding way of describing what Kinga does – but after my short interview with Kinga – I can tell she does way more than that.

When Kinga came to my house we sat Oprah style, and while I thought this interview would be all about her… it was actually quite a therapeutic interview for me. Kinga has this energy around her, where you feel safe and comfortable and she asked insightful questions that really made me question my past and present relationship with alcohol.

If you listen to this one, just know that I talk about some uncomfortable things, but I also know that my listeners may have uncomfortable things they need to talk about and Kinga might be your answer for that.

You can find Kinga:

Website

Instagram

Podcast

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Clean It Club Podcast:

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24 – Dimmick Studio with David & Kristin D.

Dimmick Studio is a family-owned art studio founded by David and Kristin Dimmick based in Southampton, ON. With a deep-rooted love for the community and a strong belief in supporting local businesses, Dimmick Studio strives to create art that resonates with people from all walks of life. I was excited for this interview because I was interested in how they work as a team, and they juggle their business alongside their full-time jobs and family commitments. Running their own business was always on the radar, and they have both been able to find their passion and it is really inspiring. This episode offers valuable insights for those considering a similar entrepreneurial path. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, art, or the dynamics of collaboration within a partnership.

You can find Dimmick Studio:

Website

Instagram

Southampton Arts

Collective Co.

Square Foot Show – April 11-13

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Why every new and repeat mom needs a doula!

Katie has an entrepreneurial spirit, and I am so excited to see where she goes!

I will recommend her to any and everybody! Coming home from the hospital with a newborn is hard, and Katie makes the transition to parenthood easier for new moms with questions, and help!

Talking to Katie felt like talking to an old friend. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!

Also: If you have any diapers – any size, that are in open bags, you can bring them to me or Katie – and we will get them in the hands of mothers who need them!

You can contact Katie at:

Website

Instagram

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