Resisting any type of structure in your business will send you down a wild path. On the final episode of Season 2, Alexa and Erin discuss the best ways to approach structure without creating a cage. Time tracking, experimentation, and analogies can help break you free of overwhelmed, unscheduled chaos. If you are a creative who needs space to build, structure is actually what will provide that freedom if implemented properly. 

“Creativity often asks you to think outside of the box, but it never defines the box in the first place. When we define the box or even provide ourselves a little bit of structure, it gives us something to jump off of instead of having to start from scratch all over again.” - Alexa

Mentioned in this Episode:

• The Ordinary Business Network TheOrdinaryBusiness.com by Jess Creatives
  

Connect with Alexa:

• https://alexahowell.myflodesk.com/ 
• https://www.instagram.com/alexa.c.howell/
• https://www.threads.com/@alexa.c.howell 
  

Connect with Erin:

• www.lunimae.com
• https://www.threads.com/@lunimaestrategy 
• https://www.instagram.com/lunimaestrategy 

Chapters:

00:00 Journey into Unqualified Success

00:06 Introduction to the Podcast and Host

03:13 The Balance of Structure and Creativity

04:50 Alexa Intro

05:51 The Ordinary Business Network Promo

06:14 Defining the Box for Creativity

08:56 Overcoming Overwhelm with Structure

11:59 The Power of Brain Dumps and Parking Lots

15:02 Time Tracking: A Tool for Freedom

17:44 Delegating with Clarity

22:38 The Importance of SOPs in Business

23:10 Transforming Limitations into Opportunities

25:26 Creating Effective Marketing Systems

27:31 Understanding Marketing Pillars

30:32 Balancing Business and Life

32:34 Sustainable Business Practices

33:58 Planning for the Unexpected

36:07 Establishing Emergency Protocols

41:05 Containers vs. Cages in Business Systems

Alexa steps into her expertise and guides Erin as she figures out what to offer as a free opt-in for her business. This is the second of the peer coaching episodes where we focus on one person’s struggles. Be sure to listen to episode 4 if you liked this format! We dive into the ideal clients, what their current struggles are, and what makes sense for a four week free challenge where the goal is to increase email subscribers. 

The rapid fire questions include discussions on why heading to bed with a book means you don’t have a set bedtime, the best birthday treat, and how millennials will never answer the phone.

Connect with Alexa:

https://alexahowell.myflodesk.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/alexa.c.howell/

https://www.threads.com/@alexa.c.howell 

Connect with Erin:

www.lunimae.com

https://www.threads.com/@lunimaestrategy 

https://www.instagram.com/lunimaestrategy 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Host

00:25 Rapid Fire Fun Questions

10:10 How to create a Freebie

Mentioned in this Episode:

Erin’s Offboarding Overhaul Challenge - took place in August 2026 but you can grab the evergreen version: https://lunimae.kit.com/offboard-overhaul 

The right time to change your CRM. How to bring simplicity into your tools without starting over. What you should care about when outlining a new process. Alexa and Erin discuss all of these ideas and more on episode four. 

This is the first of two peer coaching episodes where we ask each other to solve problems on a recorded line. Today Alexa talks about her need to feel like she has a fresh start with her tools as she pivots what her business looks like. 

We also kick off the convo with more fun questions that provide some delicious details about childhood activities, how many tabs we have open, and what drinks we’re loving. 

Connect with Alexa:

https://alexahowell.myflodesk.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/alexa.c.howell/

https://www.threads.com/@alexa.c.howell 

Connect with Erin:

www.lunimae.com

https://www.threads.com/@lunimaestrategy 

https://www.instagram.com/lunimaestrategy 

Chapters:

00:00 Fun Questions with Alexa

07:15 Introduction to Two Desks Down Podcast

11:04 Tech Stack Transformation

15:38 Simplifying Client Management

16:23 Navigating Client Communication Challenges

18:35 Streamlining Client Processes with Automation

21:25 Simplifying Workflow Management

24:07 Refining Offers and Client Experience

26:20 Testing and Confidence in Systems

29:10 Building an Effective Tech Stack

Quotes

”You're refining them as you go. You make them better. So each person that goes through it might get a slightly different experience, but it's going to be an improved experience.” - Erin (re: offers) 

“And anytime a client has questions, that's an indicator to make a note somewhere and say something has to change.” - Erin 

“I can see like it's similar with systems of like how can we just like make this one tweak so that we're not having to redo an entire workflow or an entire process? We can just make it work for you.” - Alexa

“Many times when we're talking about up leveling a client experience, it comes down to more communication.” - Erin

“I think making those small changes in our business  actually helps us think about the process better.” - Alexa

Building a public-facing success as a business owners is hard enough without wondering how others will judge. Alexa and Erin discuss celebrating others’ success without overanalyzing it (aka Tall Poppy Syndrome). How we can use the wins of others for inspiration rather than trying to replicate exactly what THEY did. Despite how hard it might be, how to celebrate ourselves without the caveat. We cover so much in this episode including Reality TV, Homesteading, Baby Hippos, and Amy Poehler. Listen in for all the goods. 

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Amy Poehler memoir, Yes Please
• Amy’s podcast Good Hang
• Kaitlyn Kessler Rich + Regulated Podcast
• Vix Meldrew Instagram Post that kicked off today's main topic
• Sam at Nomad Copy has a Launch email Checklist for $1 with code TWODESKS
  

Connect with Alexa:

https://alexahowell.myflodesk.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/alexa.c.howell/

https://www.threads.com/@alexa.c.howell 

Connect with Erin:

www.lunimae.com

https://www.threads.com/@lunimaestrategy 

https://www.instagram.com/lunimaestrategy 

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:25 Current TV Shows and Binge-Watching Habits

02:54 Podcast Preferences and Listening Habits

04:32 Unique Job Aspirations and Reality TV Insights

07:48 Describing Professional Roles to Different Audiences

10:55 Business Evolution and Personal Branding Strategies

11:31 Nomad Copy Launch Checklist

12:14 Alexa Intro

13:56 Perceptions of Women in Business and Launching

14:25 The Tall Poppy Syndrome and Its Impact

16:48 Separating Success from Identity

17:44 Marketing Perspectives on Success

19:12 The Importance of Authentic Connection

22:49 Celebrating Success Without Caveats

25:28 Strategies for Celebrating Wins

31:38 Reflecting on Success and Celebration

Don’t burn the business down just to change your offer. Alexa and Erin talk about how it’s OK to pivot as a small business owner and that we don’t hit a point where we’re supposed to have it all figured out. Letting go of the shoulds in the business to uncover what we really want. We talk about what a sustainable business is and how to create one. 

If you’ve ever wanted to make your own granola, been curious about life in Cleveland, or want a new favorite TikTok follow, listen in as we explore so much in this 40-minute episode.  

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Passions Collective 
• Nicole Groovy Social
• Paizley from Peach Honey

Connect with Alexa:

https://www.instagram.com/alexa.c.howell/

https://www.threads.com/@alexa.c.howell 

Connect with Erin:

www.lunimae.com

https://www.threads.com/@lunimaestrategy 

https://www.instagram.com/lunimaestrategy 

Chapters:

00:25 Creative Conversation Starters

03:11 Family Connections and Reunions

05:51 Travel Experiences and Reflections

08:33 Food Obsessions and Culinary Adventures

11:14 Work-Life Balance and Time Management

14:12 Social Media and Personal Branding

15:04 Introduction to Alexa Howell

16:26 Navigating Business Growth and Change

20:16 Defining Sustainable Business Practices

22:47 Strategies for Business Sustainability

27:05 The Importance of Community in Business

30:34 Honesty and Self-Reflection in Business Goals

In episode 1 of season 2 we cover all the basics: books, crafts, and what vegetable you want to take into battle. Alexa and I dive deep into why saying yes to fun things is the best way to keep yourself from being consumed by your business. While it’s easy to let it become your personality, we didn’t start a business to keep us from life. Listen in to hear tips on how to enjoy life more, what crafts to start, and how to keep boundaries at work. 

How to limit your Work Time 

• Boundaries
• Thinking to Action
• Brick the Phone

Starter Crafts

• Go to Pinterest for inspiration on what you actually want to make
• Beading
• Hand Lettering
• Water color 

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Rules for the Summer by Meghan Quinn https://authormeghanquinn.com/products/rules-for-the-summer 
• Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--and How to Think Deeply Again https://stolenfocusbook.com/
• Beneath by Ariel Sullivan https://www.arielsullivan.com/books/beneath 

Connect with Alexa:

https://alexahowell.myflodesk.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/alexa.c.howell/

https://www.threads.com/@alexa.c.howell 

Connect with Erin:

www.lunimae.com

https://www.threads.com/@lunimaestrategy 

https://www.instagram.com/lunimaestrategy 

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:17 music

00:25 Exploring Current Reads and Interests

02:35 Crafting and Hobbies: A Personal Touch

05:44 The Tree Incident: A Story of Resilience

08:34 Meet Kona: The Pandemic Puppy

11:13 Business Journey: From Designer to Mentor

12:02 Introduction of our Guest

13:06 What are you doing for fun?!

14:08 Finding Balance: The Importance of Play

16:52 Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Business Stress

22:15 Introducing Fun: Starter Crafts and Activities

24:12 The Art of Gift Wrapping: A Creative Tradition

In a very hot topic right now, Caitie and I discuss when it's appropriate to use AI in your business and when you might want to stick with your human brain. 

As tempting as it may be, it’s better to struggle through the writing process than let AI take over. The human element is why people hire you and that isn’t what shows up when you let AI take the wheel.

00:00 Introduction to Two Desks Down Podcast

00:30 The Evolving Conversation on AI Copywriting

03:12 Navigating the Nuances of AI in Copywriting

06:00 The Importance of Authenticity in Copy

08:50 Overcoming Creative Blocks with AI

11:45 The Balance Between AI Assistance and Human Creativity

14:19 Privacy Concerns and the Future of AI in Business

Mentioned in the Episode:

Jess Creatives Online Business Survey - https://jesscreatives.com/blog/state-of-online-business-2025/ 

The AI post Caitie mentioned: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVRvxTSkgv6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

Connect with Caitie:

https://caitiecupplescreative.com/ 

https://www.threads.com/@caitiecupplescreative 

https://www.instagram.com/Caitiecupplescreative

Connect with Erin:

www.lunimae.com

https://www.threads.com/@lunimaestrategy 

https://www.instagram.com/lunimaestrategy 

The peer support episode features a live review of website copy for the podcast page! Listen in to hear where it started, what tips Caitie suggested and take a peek to see where it ended up. 

This is the perfect episode to tune in if you’re looking for copy editing tips as you write your own podcast page. 

1. Record the podcast (or do the offer) before writing the page to better craft the message
2. Read it out loud to notice what’s happening
3. What to put on a podcast website page
4. Thoughts on putting a gif on a page
5. Buttons everywhere
6. Copy roughly designed to support the web designer
7. Podcast pages vs. Sales Pages Copywriting

00:00 Texting vs. Talking: Communication Preferences

01:13 Spelling Struggles: The Challenge of English

03:25 Morning Routines: Waking Up with Kids

05:03 Aspiring Authors: The Dream of Writing Children's Books

07:42 Crafting a Podcast Page: Writing Tips and Strategies

20:04 Podcast vs. Sales Page: Key Differences in Writing

Links for Episode 5:

1. Tori Sprankle who designed the Podcast page https://www.torisprankel.com/  
2. Take a look at the final podcast copy: www.lunimae.com/two-desks-down-podcast 

Connect with Caitie:

https://caitiecupplescreative.com/ 

https://www.threads.com/@caitiecupplescreative 

https://www.instagram.com/Caitiecupplescreative

Connect with Erin:

www.lunimae.com

https://www.threads.com/@lunimaestrategy 

https://www.instagram.com/lunimaestrategy 

This episode is all about Schedules and Time Blocking Calendars. Business owners often struggle to figure out the best schedule for their business each week and this week we talk through real life example.

This is a Peer Coaching episode where Caitie shares her dilemmas around her weekly schedule and Erin helps provide suggestions. 

This discussion includes:

• Scheduling work at 80% 
• Whether to block a whole day or sections of the day for your own business 
• When to let clients book calls
• Figuring out how to overlap client projects
• 5th week is always free

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Sweet vs. Salty: A Taste of Preferences

01:12 Weird Things Associated to Your Brand

02:54 The best Concert

05:01 Birthday Traditions: Celebrating with Desserts

08:17 Peer Support: Managing Your Schedule

11:11 Task Management: Tools and Strategies

13:59 How to move time blocks when you're having fun

18:55 Nighttime Laptop Rules

19:55 When to schedule a project kickoff call

27:38 Thoughts on Calls Days of the Week

Catch up on Epsidoes 1-3: www.lunimae.com/two-desks-down-podcast

Connect with Caitie:

https://caitiecupplescreative.com/ 

https://www.threads.com/@caitiecupplescreative 

https://www.instagram.com/Caitiecupplescreative

Connect with Erin:

www.lunimae.com

https://www.threads.com/@lunimaestrategy 

https://www.instagram.com/lunimaestrategy 

S1:E3 Life is Expensive! Balancing Contracting Work in your Business 

We're using a Thread as a jumping-off point for today's conversation. Caitie and Erin go deeper into the realities of running a business and why doing consulting work might be THE thing that keeps your business afloat, not something to be ashamed of.

Wanna join the conversation? DM us on Instagram and share your thoughts. We might even just talk about it in a bonus episode.

00:00 Vacation Preferences: Beach vs. Adventure

01:43 Jobs you wish you knew about

03:07 Looking forward to in 2026

03:35 What's for Dinner?

04:59 Caitie Intro

05:27 Business Realities: Contract Work and Retainers

16:01 Weighing Your Options with a Contract Opportunity

20:21 Summer Schedules

25:23 Corporate vs. Business Owner Risks

Mentioned In this Episode: 

• The Thread that started the Conversation
• KP is a Certified 9-grid freak | Social Media + content strategy for weirdo small business owners feeling lost on social - learn more here
• The massive Chicken Pot Pie
  

• Connect with Caitie:
  • Website
  • Threads

• Connect with Erin
  • Website
  • Instagram