This week, we’re thinking about what it really takes to build a brand that stands out – one rooted in transparency, community, and real results.

In this episode of Thinking About, I’m sitting down with Connie Lo and Laura Thompson, the co-founders of Three Ships, an all-natural skincare brand working to turn radical transparency into the industry standard. What started with just $4,000 in savings and a DIY formulation in their apartment kitchens has grown into a thriving beauty brand stocked in major retailers like Whole Foods and Indigo.

Beyond their clean skincare formulas, what truly sets Three Ships apart is how they’ve built an engaged, loyal community by prioritizing real customer feedback, education, and ingredient transparency. In this episode, Connie and Laura pull back the curtain on how they scaled Three Ships without sacrificing their values, what it takes to run a business as co-founders, and why staying connected to their community has been key to their success.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• The origin story of Three Ships and how they turned a kitchen experiment into a thriving skincare brand.
• How radical transparency, community, and real customer feedback have set them apart.
• The realities of scaling a business while staying true to your values.
• Their biggest lessons as co-founders, from decision-making to navigating challenges together.
• The power of brand storytelling, product education, and authenticity in an industry full of marketing gimmicks.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a business, want a behind-the-scenes look at how to scale a brand with integrity, or just love hearing inspiring founder stories, this episode is for you.

Let's Connect

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals.

Continue the conversation with me on IG / Tiktok @thinkingaboutpodcast and @kirstimcnabney. Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking.

Connect with Connie Lo and Laura Thompson, the co-founders of Three Ships

Visit https://www.threeshipsbeauty.ca/

Laura on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laura.athompson

Connie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/itsconnielo

Three Ships on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/threeshipsbeauty

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This week, we’re thinking about what happens when you stop chasing opportunities and start attracting them by fully embracing who you are.

In this episode of Thinking About, I’m catching up with Rachel Kelly, a Toronto-based floral artist, designer, and community builder who made the leap from running a coworking space to creating stunning floral installations and large-scale art pieces. Rachel’s journey has been anything but linear, but what’s made her business thrive is her deep understanding of magnetism, energy, and trusting her intuition.

We dive into what it means to flow instead of force when it comes to creative work, why saying yes before you have it all figured out can lead to the best opportunities, and how she balances real-life creativity with the pressures of showing up online.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• How Rachel built a creative business that attracts aligned opportunities rather than chasing them.
• The shift from pushing in business to embracing flow and trusting what’s meant for you.
• Her evolving relationship with social media, online presence, and creative energy.
• Why prioritizing real-life experiences over digital content has been a game-changer.
• The lessons she’s learned about boundaries, burnout, and making space for joy.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re forcing things instead of allowing them to unfold, or if you’re looking for inspiration to follow your unique path, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to go for it.

Let's Connect

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals.

Continue the conversation with me on IG / Tiktok @thinkingaboutpodcast and @kirstimcnabney. Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking.

Connect with Rachel:

On Instagram @makelemonadeco

Visit https://www.makelemonade.ca/

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This week, we’re thinking about what it really means to show up as your full, unapologetic self – online, in business, and in life.

In this episode of Thinking About, I’m joined by Puja Malhotra, a branding strategist and founder of Roop Creative Agency, where she helps entrepreneurs build authentic, impactful brands that attract dream clients with confidence. With nearly a decade of experience in branding, website design, and strategy, Puja offers personalized services, including full-service design, intensives, and audits – all with a strong focus on making businesses feel like a true reflection of the people behind them.

She’s also the creator of Corporate Dropout: Mentorship for Creatives, a 6-month program empowering entrepreneurs to leave the 9-to-5 grind and build sustainable, scalable businesses.

We dive into the power of authenticity in branding and business, why showing up fully as yourself is the key to creating meaningful connections, and how stepping outside the box leads to more aligned opportunities.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• The truth about authentic branding – what it really means and why so many people get it wrong.
• The permission we need to show up fully as ourselves and how to start practicing that daily.
• Overcoming self-doubt & imposter syndrome when building a brand that truly reflects you.
• How growing up in an immigrant household shaped Puja’s approach to identity, belonging, and business.
• The unlearning required after leaving the corporate world and why true success looks different than what we’ve been sold.
• Finding community, balance, and self-trust in an online world that constantly tells us to do more.
• Why branding is more than just a logo and how to build a business that actually feels like you.
• The mindset shifts that help you attract the right clients and opportunities without forcing it.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, showing up online, or feeling like you have to fit into a certain box, Puja’s insights will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and ready to step into your most magnetic, fully you version of success.

🎧 Listen to the latest episode of Thinking About wherever you get your podcasts.

Let's Connect

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals.

Continue the conversation with me on IG / Tiktok @thinkingaboutpodcast and @kirstimcnabney. Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking.

Connect with Puja:

On Instagram and threads Roop Creative Agency

Visti Puja's website https://www.roopcreativeagency.com

Read Puja's newsletter  https://www.roopcreativeagency.com/newsletter

Send us a text

This week, we’re thinking about what’s working, what’s shifting, and how I’m easing into a new season after a busy start to the year.

In this solo episode of Thinking About, I’m reflecting on Q1 so far – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. January felt like a creative high, February brought heaviness, and now, stepping into March, I’m finally feeling lighter.

We’ve had some incredible conversations on the podcast this year about energy management, burnout, and redefining success, and I’ve been learning a lot from my own journey. Let’s chat about the personal wins and lessons that have shaped my year so far, plus a look ahead at what’s coming in Q2.

In this episode, I’m talking about:

• The highs & lows of Q1 from creative energy to the challenges of February.
• Being 100 days sober – what this milestone has meant to me and what’s shifted along the way.
• Reflecting on the progress made in running events (one of my big goals for the year).
• Creativity ebb & flows
• Rest, delegation & letting go of doing it all
• My workout routine & prioritizing movement
• The little things making a big impact
• What’s I’m focusing on for the next couple months

If you’ve been feeling like the year is flying by or if you’re still finding your groove, this episode is a reminder that things don’t have to be perfect to be good, progress happens in seasons, and every step forward counts.

Links from the episode:

Steff Sullivan sobriety episode

Courtney Croucher episode

Alyssa Fry astrology episode

Let’s Connect:

📲 Follow along on Instagram & TikTok: @thinkingaboutpodcast & @kirstimcnabney

💌 Subscribe on Substack for more conversations & reflections: Substack

✨ If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to leave a review! Your support helps Thinking About grow and reach more listeners.

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This week, we’re thinking about what balance really means, why it’s okay to not have it all figured out, and how small, intentional choices can create meaningful shifts in your daily life.

In this episode of Thinking About, I’m joined by Les Alfred, an award-winning podcast host, speaker, and content creator whose work in the wellness space has inspired so many – including me. Les has spent nearly a decade creating approachable, inspiring wellness content, leveraging her expertise as a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and certified yoga instructor to help others create nourishing habits and build space for a life that feels truly aligned.

As the host of Balanced Black Girl, a chart-topping podcast that explores all aspects of wellness—including self-care, personal finance, productivity, and movement, Les is on a mission to help others redefine success and cultivate balance on their own terms.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• Why balance isn’t about perfection—and what to focus on instead.
• How to create a life that actually works for you, instead of forcing yourself into routines that don’t fit.
• The power of small, intentional choices that shape how you show up every day.
• How Les made bold moves, left corporate life, and built a business that aligns with her values.
• The importance of embracing different seasons of life and learning to trust your next step—even when you don’t have it all figured out.
• How something as simple as getting dressed in the morning can shift your mindset and boost confidence.
• The key to building community as an adult and making meaningful friendships in a new city.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just craving more ease in your daily life, this conversation will help you rethink how you define success, structure your routines, and trust yourself to make the next move—no matter what season of life you’re in.

🎧 Listen to the latest episode of Thinking About wherever you get your podcasts.

Let's Connect

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals.

Continue the conversation with me on IG / Tiktok @thinkingaboutpodcast and @kirstimcnabney. Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking.

Connect with Les

On Instagram @balancedles and @balancedblackgirlpodcast

On Tiktok @balancedles and @balancedblackgirl

Listen to Balanced Black Girl on Spotify, Apple or YouTube

Shop Spacious Rituals

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If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly pushing, striving, and checking off the next thing on your to-do list—only to still feel exhausted and unfulfilled—this episode is for you.

This week, I’m joined by Roslyn McLarty, an executive coach and founder of Within, who helps high-achievers create sustainable success without sacrificing their wellbeing. After co-founding and scaling the sports media brand The GIST, Roslyn found herself deep in burnout, battling self-doubt, overwhelm, and exhaustion. Now, she helps others redefine their relationship with work, rest, and personal fulfillment.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• The real signs of burnout – and why most people don’t recognize them until it’s too late.
• Why so many high-achievers feel like they’re never doing enough (and how to challenge that belief).
• How to break free from hustle culture and trust that rest is productive.
• Practical mindset shifts and nervous system tools to help prevent burnout.
• How perfectionism and people-pleasing contribute to burnout—and what to do about it.
• Small, intentional habits that create more ease in your daily life.
• Roslyn’s journey from burned-out founder to building a business rooted in alignment and well-being.

This episode will give you tangible insights to redefine success in a way that prioritizes your energy, creativity, and well-being.

Let's Connect:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals.

Continue the conversation with me on IG @thinkingaboutpodcas and @kirstimcnabney. Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking.

Connect with Roslyn:

On Instagram @roslynmclarty

Read her newsletter: https://within.beehiiv.com/

Learn more about her coaching: withincoaching.co

Send us a text

In this episode of Thinking About, we’re rethinking fitness, movement, and mindset with Marilynn Roth, a fitness coach who helps women build strength and confidence without extreme diets or punishing workouts.

Together, we explore the importance of shifting how we think about exercise – moving away from “I need to look good for my vacation” and instead focusing on how movement supports everyday life, longevity, and mental wellbeing.

What We Cover In This Episode:

• The biggest mindset shift when it comes to exercise and nutrition (hint: it’s not about aesthetics)
• Why it’s never too late to start prioritizing movement, no matter your fitness level
• How to audit your current habits to set realistic, sustainable fitness goals
• The power of understanding your WHY—Marilynn’s #1 tip for staying committed
• How to reframe meal prepping and working out from a “chore” to an empowering part of your routine
• Marilynn’s 5 foundational fitness pillars that help create long-term success
• Her journey from a stable teaching career to becoming a fitness coach and what she learned along the way
• The connection between physical and mental health and how movement plays a key role in emotional well-being

If you’re looking for sustainable ways to build strength, stay consistent, and actually enjoy movement, this episode is packed with practical tips, motivation, and mindset shifts that will help you create a fitness routine that sticks.

Let’s Connect:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals.

Continue the conversation with me on IG @thinkingaboutpodcast and @kirstimcnabney. Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking.

Connect with Marilynn:

On Instagram @marilynnrothfitness

Listen to the Get Sculpted Podcast on Spotify or Apple

Send us a text

In this episode of Thinking About, we’re kicking off a new series of casual conversations with friend of the podcast Heather Drudge! Every other month, we’ll be sitting down for an unfiltered coffee chat – just like the FaceTime calls we have on a regular basis. This episode is all about navigating friendships as an adult, managing energy, and making space for both joy and rest in a busy life.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The highs and lows of the past month – what’s been bringing us joy and what’s been challenging.
• The importance of finding community and nurturing friendships, especially as an adult.
• How energy management plays a role in daily life and why small habits (like taking a break or going for a walk) can make a huge difference.
• The balance of being social while also honoring rest, because you can do both!
• Why recognizing and trusting your gut is key to making aligned decisions.
• How having the right friends in your corner can help you see your own growth.
• Practical advice for making new friends as an adult (without it feeling awkward).

Let's Connect:
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals.

Continue the conversation with me on IG @thinkingaboutpodcast and @kirstimcnabney. Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking.

Connect with Heather
On Instagram @heather.drudge

Visit Heather's website, heatherdrudge.com

Join Office Hours, our weekly co-working community

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In this episode of Thinking About, we're exploring how to manage energy in ways that support joy, balance and overall wellbeing. This week, we're welcoming back Teri Canestraro, who shares her personal journey of energy management and transformation, offering practical insights and tools to help prevent burnout and cultivate a more intentional, joyful life.

What We Cover In This Episode

• The important of recognizing your energy levels each morning and how this simple practice can set the tone for the day.
• Teri's 100% energy theory, a practical approach to daily energy management that emphasizes self-care and helps avoid burnout.
• Actionable strategies to maintain energy throughout the day, such as staying hydrated, spending time in nature, and incorporating gentle movement like stretching.
• How mindfulness and mental health play a crucial role in managing energy and maintaining balance.
• Teri's personal transformation from corporate burnout to living a life rooted in joy and wellness.
• The impact of personal growth on relationships and how prioritizing self-care can strengthen connections with loved ones.
• Why taking responsibility for your own wellbeing is essential to living a fulfilling, balanced life.

Teri's story is a powerful reminder that joy can be felt more deeply when we prioritize our wellbeing and avoid burnout. By implementing small, intentional practices, we can manage our energy, support our mental health and create more space for connection in our daily lives.

Let's Connect:
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who could use a little more mindfulness in their life. Your support helps Thinking About reach more listeners and grow our community of thoughtful, intentional individuals.

Continue the conversation with me on IG @thinkingaboutpodcast and @kirstimcnabney
Follow along on Substack for more conversations on the things that keep us thinking

Connect with Teri
On Instagram @teri.can and @oneseedcollective
Listen to the One Seed Podcast
Download Teri's 100% energy guide
Find more on the One Seed Collective website at oneseedcollective.ca

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Welcome back to a new year of Thinking About! The new year feels like perfect time to reflect, reset, and dive into a year full of possibility. Whether you’re setting bold goals or easing into the new year with intention, this episode is all about embracing messy action and taking meaningful steps forward.

This year’s theme: Bold moves and messy action
2025 is calling for growth, connection, and stepping outside our comfort zones. If the idea of “messy action” resonates with you, I'm right there with you — it’s all about starting where you are, even if the path ahead isn’t perfectly clear. Sometimes the smallest, imperfect steps lead to the biggest transformations.

In this episode, we're exploring:

• Reflecting on the lessons I'm carrying forward from 2024.
• Why embracing imperfection can unlock new opportunities.
• Practical ways to step into bold action this year.
• Moments that had me thinking to help motivate you to make your next move.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or uninspired, this is your sign to change things up and experiment. From rethinking how we engage with social media to carving out more time for creativity, sometimes all it takes is a small shift (or a conversation with a friend) to reignite excitement and inspiration.

Let's dive deeper together
This year, Thinking About is expanding into new spaces—literally! Join me on Substack for more stories, insights, and actionable advice to support your personal growth journey. It’s a space designed to bring this community even closer together and dive deeper into the topics that matter most. Subscribe here: kirstimcnabney.substack.com

How you can join the conversation
I'd love to hear from you: What are your goals, intentions, or dreams for 2025? Share them on Instagram (@thinkingaboutpodcast or @kirstimcnabney) or comment on Substack — let's inspire and support each other as we take bold steps forward.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps grow this community and bring more of these conversations to life. Let’s make 2025 the year of connection, growth, and bold moves—together.

Links mentioned in the episode

• Kirsti's episode on the Say It I Dare You podcast (Apple or Spotify)

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