Shows
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerThe Real Reason Interruptions Derail Your Workday: And Why It’s Not a Focus or Discipline ProblemMelissa talks about why interruptions derail productivity, how most planning tools miss the mark, and what actually helps the brain regain focus and momentum after being pulled away from work.Interruptions are a normal part of real life — but the way they disrupt our work often leaves us feeling frustrated, scattered, and behind.In this episode of Lighten Your Load, Melissa explains why the real challenge isn’t the interruption itself, but what happens after — when we try to return to work without any context for where...
2026-02-2307 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerPushing Through Isn’t a Workflow StrategyWhen life and business feel heavy, pushing through can seem like the responsible thing to do. But what if the constant friction you’re feeling isn’t a motivation problem — it’s a clarity problem?In this episode, Melissa talks about why slowing down isn’t giving up, and how pausing to look at your workflow can actually help you regain momentum, reduce mental load, and protect your energy.This episode is for seasoned, experienced business owners who are balancing their business alongside other demanding roles — like family responsibilities or managing their health — and want their workflow...
2026-02-0910 min
The Unapologetic MidLife Podcast"Life After Breast Cancer" Grief, Divorce & Healing in Midlife with Melissa MillerIn this deeply moving episode of The Unapologetic MidLife Podcast, host Mindi Lobuzzetta, LMHC, sits down with Melissa Miller, a Stage 3 breast cancer survivor, senior graphic designer, and founder of Fearlessly Forward, to explore what happens when life as you know it completely shatters — and how you rebuild from the inside out. Melissa was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer just weeks before her wedding, despite living a healthy lifestyle and being a cancer advocate herself. In this raw and honest conversation, she shares what it was like to go from supporting others through cancer to becoming a pa...
2026-01-131h 21
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerInvisible Systems → Visible Workflow Paths| Two Click Visibility Series (Episode 3)🎙 Invisible Systems → Visible Workflow PathsLighten Your Load VA Support — Two-Click Visibility Series (Episode 3)If you feel like you’re constantly starting over when you sit down to work—scrolling, searching, and second-guessing your tools—this episode is for you.In today’s conversation, Melissa Miller, former longtime CNA turned Virtual Assistant Operations Manager, walks you through why the problem isn’t your planning tool… and it’s not your discipline either.It’s a workflow visibility issue.Our brains...
2025-12-1622 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerEP002-When Invisible Systems Hide Your ProgressIf you’ve been wondering why progress feels slow — even though you’re doing everything you can — this episode brings some gentle clarity. Today, Melissa shares the real reason your workload feels heavier than it should: your system may be invisible, and invisible systems create invisible progress.When your workflows live inside scattered folders, buried tools, or places you rarely open, your brain can’t track what’s done, what’s in progress, or what needs attention. It’s not about discipline. It’s about visibility.• Why your brain was never meant to r...
2025-12-0805 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerClarity Is the Calm Before GrowthIn the final episode of the Calm Systems Series, Melissa walks you through the essential truth every entrepreneur eventually faces: you can’t scale from chaos.Growth only becomes sustainable when your systems are simple, visible, and trustworthy — the kind your brain can navigate without the overwhelm or constant re-deciding.Most entrepreneurs unknowingly build their business on memory instead of structure. Tasks get scattered, roles blend together, and everything takes longer than it should. But this isn’t a personal failure — it’s a systems visibility issue. And it’s fixable.In this epis...
2025-11-2507 minLighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerEpisode 4: Break the Re-Deciding Loop for a Lighter WorkflowWelcome to Episode 4 of the Calm the Systems Series.Today, we’re uncovering a quiet but powerful pattern that drains your energy, slows your progress, and keeps your business feeling heavier than it needs to be: the re-deciding loop.This is what I call the re-deciding loop — basically, it’s the pattern your brain falls into when it keeps getting stuck on the same daily, weekly, or monthly decisions in your business. It’s the mental cycle that keeps you spinning in place, unable to scale...
2025-11-1706 minLighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerWhen Clarity Hides in Plain SightIf your systems feel scattered or you find yourself constantly searching for what you just saw yesterday, this episode will help you breathe a little easier.Melissa shares how clarity often hides in plain sight — and how simple visibility can completely change the way your business feels day to day.When everything lives in your head or across too many tools, even small decisions start to feel heavy. But when you can see your business clearly, you create calm, focus, and freedom.In this ep...
2025-11-1006 minLighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa Miller🎧 LYL-EP002: When Your Brain Becomes the BacklogIf your brain feels like it’s running on overdrive — holding everything from family schedules and business tasks to endless mental reminders — this episode is for you.In today’s conversation, Melissa shares how easy it is for entrepreneurs, caregivers, and busy parents to get stuck running their lives from memory, and what happens when our brains become our default “storage system.”You’ll learn why that constant mental load leads to anxiety, fog, and fatigue — and how simple external systems can help you release what you’ve been holding.This episode isn’t about adding more...
2025-11-0309 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerEp 001-The Story Behind My Rebrand — From Caregiving & Entrepreneurship Reimagined to Lighten Your Load VA SupportIn this heartfelt episode, Melissa Miller opens up about the personal journey that inspired her brand transition from Caregiving & Entrepreneurship Reimagined to Lighten Your Load VA Support.Drawing from 15 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant and her own experience caring for loved ones with chronic illness, Melissa shares how her caregiving background shaped her passion for helping small business owners find calm, structure, and support in their daily operations.This episode is a beautiful behind-the-scenes look at how one chapter led naturally into the next — and how the heart of...
2025-10-2706 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerFinding Your Heaven Island with Rick HenkinIn this episode of the Caregiving & Entrepreneurship Reimagined Podcast, Rick Henkin shares his inspiring journey of caring for his wife, Sonja, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Rick shares about the initial shock and the emotional rollercoaster that followed, including the challenges of his wife's Capgras syndrome. He explains how he moved from a place of stress and resentment to one of peace and acceptance by developing his "Heaven Island" mindset. The conversation also highlights that caregiving is often only a season of life, underscoring how important it is to stay connected with your passions and who you are throughout...
2025-06-2352 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerYour Largest Organ is Talking: Listening to What Stress Does to Your Skin.Is your skin trying to tell you something about your stress levels? In this episode, Melissa talks with Dr. Jeanne Retief about the mind-skin connection. Discover how stress can cause skin issues and learn practical, holistic strategies for managing your triggers and supporting your body's largest organ. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has struggled with unexplained skin issues, chronic stress, or the weight of caregiving.In this episode, we cover:(7:55) - Jeanne's journey from a career in human rights law to being diagnosed with a panic disorder and starting...
2025-06-1637 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerEssential Tips for Caregiving on the Go: Part 2 with Christy Byrne YatesThis week on the Caregiving and Entrepreneurship Reimagined podcast, host Melissa and returning guest, Christy Byrne Yates, dive into the practicalities of caregiving beyond the home. They discuss strategies for managing caregiving responsibilities while on the go, whether it's for short errands or extended travel. They emphasize the importance of preparation, organization, and self-care for caregivers who are constantly balancing multiple roles.Key Talking Points:Caregiving Beyond the Home: Caregiving isn't confined to the home; it extends to errands, events, and travel. Planning for emergencies and daily stability is crucial.The...
2025-03-1743 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerJuggling Work and Caregiving: Part 1 with Christy YatesEpisode Summary:In this first part of a two-part conversation, Melissa Miller welcomes author and speaker Christy Yates, who shares her journey as a working mom caring for parents with dementia through keynotes, workshops, coaching, and her podcast Untangling Alzheimer’s & Dementia, a podcast by AlzAuthors.com to support caregiving families. Melissa and Christy talk about the challenges of balancing work and caregiving, emphasizing the importance of navigating the healthcare system, implementing effective systems, and prioritizing self-care. Christy shares her personal experiences and provides practical advice for first-time caregivers, particularly those in th...
2025-03-1058 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerBalancing Business and Caregiving with Doug C. Brown
This week on the Caregiving & Entrepreneurship Reimagined Podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur Doug C. Brown, who shares his journey of learning to build his life around his business.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
- The importance of defining clear life goals and building your business around your desired lifestyle.
- Doug's personal experiences and the pivotal moments that led him to reevaluate his priorities.
- Practical strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life, especially when caregiving.
- The significance o...
2025-02-0342 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerEmbracing Mindset for Success in Caregiving & Entrepreneurship with Eva Zaberl withIn this episode, Melissa Miller welcomes Eva Zaberl, a mindset and anxiety coach to explore the pivotal role of mindset in both caregiving and entrepreneurship. Together, they delve into how our thoughts and emotions can either propel us forward or hold us back in these demanding roles. Whether you're balancing the responsibilities of caregiving or steering your business towards success, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement to help you thrive.
Key Topics:
1. The Power of Mindset:
- Understanding how mindset influences your journey in caregiving and business....
2025-01-2035 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerEmbracing Harmony & Mindset in Entrepreneurship with Marianne HickmanIn this episode of the Caregiving and Entrepreneurship Reimagine podcast, host Melissa Miller welcomes special guest Marianne Hickman, is an accomplished international public speaker, speaker trainer, and personal mentor, with a proven track record of helping industry experts monetize their message. She has graced over two thousand stages worldwide, sharing her expertise on self-development, message delivery, and revenue growth through stage leverage.
Marianne is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve financial success and create positive impacts in their communities. She is married to Richard Hickman, and together they are raising six children while building a...
2025-01-1336 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSelf-Care, Resilience, and Finding Your Voice with Adam ParryIn this week's episode of the Caregiving and Entrepreneurship Reimagined podcast, I sit down with fellow entrepreneur and life coach, Adam Parry, to explore the intricate balance between caregiving responsibilities and entrepreneurial pursuits. We share our personal journey, highlighting the importance of self-care, finding one's voice, and the invaluable role of mentorship.Key Takeaway: The Power of Coaching: Adam shares how discovering life coaching transformed his life during a stressful period, empowering him to take control of his destiny and become the person he aspired to be. Self-Care as a P...
2024-11-1137 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerBalancing Caregiving & Entrepreneurship: Self-Care Tips with Renee MohrIn this episode of the Caregiving and Entrepreneurship Reimagined podcast, Melissa Miller talks with Renee Mohr about how important prioritizing self-care is for caregivers and entrepreneurs. Renee shares her experience and expertise in holistic health and nutrition.Key Takeaways: Self-Care is Essential: Just like the oxygen mask analogy, taking care of yourself first is crucial for effectively caring for others and managing your business. Renee's Journey: From dealing with seizures to discovering the power of nutrition, Renee shares her transformative journey towards better health and wellness for her family.
2024-11-0433 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa Miller"Balancing Entrepreneurship, Motherhood, and Homeschooling with Fiona Sim"Welcome to another episode of the Caregiving and Entrepreneurship Reimagine Podcast!
I am thrilled to have Fiona Sim, a dedicated mom, entrepreneur, and certified business strategist, as our guest this week.
Fiona shares her journey from a small town in Scotland to becoming a successful business strategist who helps parents balance their entrepreneurial dreams with homeschooling and family life. Together, we explore the challenges and triumphs of managing multiple roles and responsibilities while pursuing personal and professional goals.
Key Takeaways:
1. Mindset Shifts: Fiona emphasizes the importance of changing...
2024-10-2842 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerNavigating Life's Complications: A Personal JourneyIn this episode, Melissa opens up about being diagnosed with a new skin disorder diagnosis amidst her responsibilities as a caregiver, entrepreneur, and parent. Melissa emphasizes the unpredictability of life and the importance of taking things one step at a time. She draws parallels between caregiving, entrepreneurship, and marathon training, reminding listeners that progress takes time and perseverance.
Key Takeaways:
- Life is complex and unpredictable, especially for caregivers and entrepreneurs.
- Melissa shares her personal experience with a new skin disorder diagnosis and the adjustments it required.
...
2024-10-2110 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerNavigating the Early Stages of Caregiving with Tracee Loran
In this week's episode of the Caregiving and Entrepreneurship Reimagine Podcast, Melissa talks with Tracee Loran, a New York City-based writer, actress, and devoted caregiver, talks about some of the challenges she faced when she became one of the primary caregivers for her 97-year-old grandmother, highlighting the suddenness and emotional weight that came with this new responsibility. She offers invaluable insights and practical tips for managing the early stages of caregiving, from finding the right support systems to balancing personal well-being with caregiving duties.
Melissa and Tracee discuss the importance of building...
2024-10-1441 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerNavigating Grief and Loss: Insights from Dr. Natasha TrujilloIn this episode, Melissa sits down with Dr. Natasha Trujillo, a counseling and sports psychologist, to explore the multifaceted nature of grief and the concept of potential. Dr. Trujillo, author of her memoir "And She Was Never the Same: A Multigenerational Memori", shares her expertise and personal experiences to help us understand how grief manifests in various forms and how it intertwines with our lives as caregivers and entrepreneurs.Key Discussion Points:- Understanding Grief: Grief is not just about loss through death; it encompasses many life transitions and...
2024-10-0746 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerMastering Email Marketing for Caregiver Entrepreneurs with Anna CrosbyIn this episode of the Caregiving and Entrepreneurship Reimagined Podcast, Melissa sits down with fellow entrepreneur and email marketing strategist, Anna Crosby.
Anna is is an email marketing strategist for online business owners. She helps her clients figure out what to say in their emails, so that they send more emails and make more money.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Why Email Marketing?
- The control and consistency email marketing offers compared to social media.
- How email marketing can reach a larger portion of y...
2024-09-301h 12
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerEmbracing Every Moment: Lessons from 9/11 for CaregiversHey Caregivers,
In this special bonus episode of the Caregiving and Entrepreneurship Reimagine podcast, I reflect on the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, sharing personal memories and the profound impact the event had on my mental health. I emphasize the importance of expressing love to your family and friends, especially in the context of caregiving, where daily stresses can overwhelm. If you're a caregiver, I encourage you to seek support, validate your experiences, and know that you don't have to face these challenges alone, I'm here to support you!
Key Takeaways:
...
2024-09-1209 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerMonthly, Quarterly, or Biannual: How Often Should You Update Medical Records?Hey Caregivers!
In this episode, I dive deep into the importance of maintaining and frequently updating medical records for your loved ones, especially those with chronic illnesses. I share personal experiences and practical tips on how to create a system that works best for you, whether it's monthly, quarterly, or biannually.
I also discuss the benefits of using tools like Google Calendar and Google Docs to keep everything organized and accessible.
Key Takeaways:
- Creating a medical record is just the beginning. The real challenge is in keeping it updated.
2024-09-0616 min
Faith Fueled Living: Christian Mindset, Purpose, Wellness and Biblical Encouragement for WomenHow to Take Care of & Support Yourself and Your Loved Ones as a Caregiver with Melissa MillerMelissa Miller, a caregiver and business coach, shares her journey of becoming an entrepreneur while caring for her chronically ill husband. She emphasizes the importance of online entrepreneurship as a solution for caregivers who need flexibility and safety. Melissa highlights the need for caregivers to prioritize self-care and create systems to manage their caregiving responsibilities effectively. She also emphasizes the importance of being prepared medically and organizing important documents. Overall, Melissa's story showcases the challenges and opportunities faced by caregivers and provides valuable insights for both caregivers and entrepreneurs. In this conversation, Melissa Miller shares her insights and experiences...
2024-06-1945 min
Bomb LifeUnlocking Relationship Success: Love Hacks with Kelli Miller |224 Are you ready to transform your relationship? Welcome This Week's Guest Kelli Miller Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW is a psychotherapist, best-selling author, and radio host. Kelli is the award-winning author of the couples relationship book “Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues” and the two-time award winning author of “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli currently works in private practice to individual and couples. Find her on Instagram Vist her site HERE Unlocking Relationship Success "There are so many distractions now, we don't have the same attention...
2024-06-1341 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerNavigating Grief's Winding Path: Faith, Hope, and HealingHey Caregivers,
We all know as caregivers that we’ll eventually experience the pain of our loved one passing, but we have a choice of how we face that season of our journey.
In this week’s episode of Caregiving & Entrepreneurship Reimagined Podcast, my guest, Mae Renfroe, shares how she courageously confronted losing her son, father, and brother in a short amount of time by leaning on her faith, resilience, and unwavering hope that resides within each of us.
Mae found peace and encouragement in worship music and journaling to both heal and docu...
2024-05-2747 min
Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo20. What You Need to Know about For-Profit Long-Term Care Homes, and How to Prepare Our Parents and Ourselves for Care During Our Senior Years With a Looming Elder Care Crisis on the Horizon With Lawyer Melissa MillerAging and care in our older years impacts all of us... Have you ever thought about how you want to live out your senior years? Have you discussed this with your own aging parents? Maybe, you’re already caring for an elderly family member or have admitted them to a long-term care facility that can help them manage a disease like dementia or assist them with mobility issues. Today in Ontario, there are 76,000 residents in long-term care homes with another 30,000 people on waitlists. In the next five years, it’s estimated that an additional 50,000 people will need care in a nu...
2024-05-161h 19
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerEmbrace Imperfection: Finding Support on the Entrepreneurial Caregiving JourneyHey Caregivers!
Being a mom, caregiver, and business owner isn't always easy.
In this week's episode, Aeoliana Elliot a mom, former paralegal, and podcast strategist shares the importance of creating systems that work for you during the season of motherhood, caregiving, or entrepreneurship you're in.
We dive into specific tips and strategies for streamlining your daily tasks and responsibilities, from creating recurring weekly tasks to breaking down bigger projects into smaller daily or weekly tasks. Aeoliana and I talk about how taking the time to plan so we stay focused and consistent when we do work on our tasks, whether...
2024-05-1352 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSimplify Caregiving and Business with Melissa's Genius Workflow TipsHey Caregivers!
Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to care for your chronically ill loved one and building your own business?
As a caregiver and business owner myself I get how complicated it can be to juggle the needs of yourself, your sick loved one, and your clients.
In this week's podcast episode, I share some tips for creating simple, stress-free systems that work for you and your unique situation. I talk about how having a plan helps you be prepared beforehand and helps you navigate the unexpected be it a medical emergency or...
2024-04-2917 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerTravel Checklist for Caregivers: Enjoy Your Next Trip Without Extra StressHey Caregivers!
I'm back with another caregiving chat about how traveling with a chronically ill loved one can feel stressful, but I promise that it doesn’t have to feel that way.
In this week’s podcast episode, I share my best tips for preparing medically and logistically while still creating meaningful time and memories with your loved one.
I'll walk you through what you need to discuss with your loved one in planning phase, how to organize and pack medications and documents, plus how to have a backup plan if you run out...
2024-04-1518 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerManaging Business and Caregiving: Top 10 Transferable Skills with Rebecca Adelman
Did you know that there's a connection between your role as a caregiver and entrepreneur?
In this week's episode of the Caregiving & Entrepreneurship Reimagined Podcast, I chat with Caregiver and Lawyer Rebecca Adelman about 10 overlapping skills that you need both as a caregiver and business owner.
Get ready to reimagine your caregiving and entrepreneurial journey in a whole new way!
In this episode, you will be able to:
Master time management as a caregiver and take control of your schedule.
Navigate the legal and financial aspects of caregiving with confidence...
2024-03-1848 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerRegulate Your Nervous System: A Caregiver's Guide to Mind-Body Care with Sarah Boss
Does it feel like you're running on an empty tank, trying to care for your loved one without any relief in sight? Isolating yourself and not prioritizing time to daily nurture your mind, soul, and body will only leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and teetering on the edge of burnout.
Join me in this week's episode of the Caregiving & Entrepreneurship podcast where my guest, Sarah Boss, and I share simple, alternative techniques for regulating your nervous and caregiver burnout.
Discover effective self-care techniques for caregivers that promote emotional well-being and resilience.
...
2024-03-1147 min
Uncopyable Women in BusinessEpisode 28 | Melissa Richey - Bonus Question EpisodeSend a textIn this bonus episode, you'll get to see a different side of Melissa. She answers these questions: What did you want to be when you grew up? What’s something you want to do that you haven't yet? What's something you like about yourself?What's something about yourself you'd like to change?What's your favorite vacation spot?Tune into hear her answers!-----With over 10 years of experience in the roofing and building envelope industry, Melissa is a passionate and strategic sales manager who strives to deliver the be...
2024-02-0904 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerHow to Take Care of Yourself When You're Too Busy Taking Care of Others with Zerla StollerIs one of your 2024 goals improving your physical health?
In this week's episode, I talk with Zerla Stoller, Functional Health Practitioner, licensed Physician Assistant, and mother of two.
Zerla shares about:
1. Her struggles with anxiety + unexplained symptoms.
2. How she found answers and healing through a holistic approach by leveraging Functional Medicine.
3. How healing her body and mind naturally, has allowed her to create a business to help other women with similar issues while still being fully present with her family.
...
2024-01-1528 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerFilling Your Cup First: Prioritizing Self-Care So You Can Serve Others with Christina FontanaDr. Christina Fontana, AKA The Pharmacist Coach, is a pharmacist, holistic healer, rapid transformation business coach, speaker, and 5-time author and survivor of multiple traumatic experiences which include: being homeless, broke, battling eating disorders, and struggling with PTSD and anxiety. Even amid all these traumatic experiences she's found ways to turn her her pain into purpose, empowering women all over the world to step into more purpose, power, and prosperity.
Over the last 11 years, Christina has been providing uplifting, transformational content through her YouTube videos, books, courses, programs, and Conferences. Her mission is to empower more healers...
2024-01-0833 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerUnleash Productivity: Whitney Gardner's Time Mastery Strategies"Action creates clarity. Give yourself grace and realize that you're probably going to mess up and make mistakes, and that's okay. It's all part of the journey."- Whitney Gardner
Are you tired of feeling like your life is out of control because of your hectic schedule?
In this episode of the Caregiving & Entrepreneurship Reimagined Podcast, I sit down with busy mom, wife, dog mom, and CEO of The Bold Mama Co, Whitney Gardner.
Whitney is passionate about helping moms feel empowered and in control of their relationships, schedules, and self-care by helping...
2023-12-1837 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerEmail Marketing Secrets: Unlocking Success for Caregiver Entrepreneurs with Liz Wilcox
“Show that you are invested in your people. Share your vision, values, and how you do business. Let them know they are on the right list and that you care.” - Liz Wilcox
Are you a caregiver entrepreneur struggling to connect with your audience through email?
Do you feel scared every time you click send or have had little to no engagement with your email list?
In this week's episode of the Caregiving & Entrepreneurship Reimagined podcast, my Email Marketing Coach, Liz Wilcox dropped in to share some simple email communication strategies to help enco...
2023-12-1138 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerTransform Your Well-being: Alison Reeves Reveals Tools for Nervous System Regulation Are you struggling to find a healthy balance between your caregiving and business role? Are you frustrated that despite your best efforts to manage stress, your anxiety still increases, which is impacting your ability to fulfill your caregiving and business responsibilities?
In this episode, I sit down with Alison Reeves, mindset and business coach with a background in marketing and blogging.
Alison is passionate about helping entrepreneurs work through their stress and trauma by regulating their nervous system using somatic coaching techniques.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Discover effective strategies fo...
2023-11-1533 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerBalancing Act: How to Thrive as a Caregiver, Mom, and Entrepreneur with Ashley RachelIf you're feeling overwhelmed and constantly pulled in different directions, trying to juggle your responsibilities as a caregiver, mom, and business owner, then you are not alone!
Ashley is a business and marketing mentor for coaches. She works mainly with self-love coaches mindset coaches, and coaches in the mental health realm to help them attract paying clients, grow to $5k consistent months, and create a life of freedom where they get to focus on what matters most to them-- like being a present mom and spending lots of quality time with their family instead of needing to...
2023-10-0235 min
The Art & Soul Show - Photography Podcast for Newborn and Family PhotographersLet’s Play: Advice for Fun, Playful, Child-Led Photo Sessions with Melissa MillerPicture this scene: You’re shooting a children’s photo session and the kids are crying, their parents are frazzled, and no one is having a good time, especially not you. Maybe you’ve experienced this yourself, or you’ve at least heard horror stories about this happening. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are strategies you can use to make it a more playful and fun photo session. Happy kiddos equal happy photos, after all. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Melissa Miller, a children and family photographer and educator. She shares why chil...
2023-09-2723 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerFinding Happiness as a Caregiver: Insights from Charlotte BayalaIf you're feeling trapped in a never-ending cycle of caregiving, constantly putting others' needs before your own, and having no time or energy left for your own fulfillment, then you are not alone!
Despite your best efforts, the guilt and exhaustion keep piling up, leaving you overwhelmed and disconnected from your desires and dreams.
My special guest this week is Charlotte Bayala, a caregiver, mom, and podcaster who continually finds strength in adversity. When her husband was diagnosed with cancer a decade ago, Charlotte was thrust into a new role as a caregiver. She navigated through the chaos by utilizing...
2023-09-2529 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSeason 3 Episode 3: "Secure Your Future: Long-term Care Planning for Caregivers and Entrepreneurs with Claire Mbugua and Latondra Williams"Claire Mbugua and Latondra Williams, financial strategists, reveal the importance of securing long-term care and estate planning for entrepreneurs while navigating the conflict between financial stability and compassionate caregiving.
“Being prepared financially for the unexpected is so important. We're covering our assets.” - Claire Mbugua
My special guest is Claire Mbugua & Latondra Williams
Financial strategists Claire Mbugua and Latondra Williams come from different walks of life, with Claire having worked as a nurse in the healthcare industry and Latondra holding over 20 years of experience in the food service industry.
But what unit...
2023-06-2647 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSeason 3 Episode 2: The Power of Inclusivity: Building Accessible Spaces for Immunocompromised Individuals with Claire & Armanathia Sepia
Attention caregivers of immunocompromised individuals! Have you heard these myths about creating accessibility in healthcare and the arts?
Myth #1: Immunocompromised individuals don't need as much accessibility as others.
Myth #2: It's too expensive to create accessibility for immunocompromised individuals.
Myth #3: It's impossible to make healthcare and the arts fully accessible for immunocompromised individuals. Don't believe these myths!
Meet Claire and Armanathia Sepia, two dynamic artists, and advocates dedicated to making healthcare and the arts more accessible for immunocompromised individuals. Through their work with Sister Creatives, they create su...
2023-06-2044 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSeason 3 Episode 1: "Balancing Caregiving, Entrepreneurship & Self-Care: Becki Lee's Journey"When life threw Becki Lee a curveball, she found sanctuary in writing. Little did she know that her pursuit of self-care would lead to an unexpected twist in her journey toward becoming a published author. Brace yourself for a story of resilience, love, and the power of self-care. And just when you think you know where this story is headed, prepare to be surprised...
In this episode, you will be able to:
Realize the value of integrating self-care practices for the benefit of caregivers and entrepreneurs.
Foster a sense of...
2023-05-2243 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSeason 2 Episode 9 "Creating a Fair Play Household with Valerie Recore's Expertise"If you're feeling overwhelmed and anxious trying to balance work and family, despite exhausting efforts to plan and organize with no success, then you are not alone!
Introducing Valerie Recore, a Productivity Coach on a mission to help working mothers find balance and control in their lives. As a mother and entrepreneur, Valerie knows firsthand the struggles of managing work, family, and self-care. Her discovery of the Fair Play Method has enabled her to support other moms in creating a more equitable household and saying no to unnecessary tasks. With a focus on prioritizing...
2023-05-1646 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSeason 2 Episode 14: Navigating Caregiving, Motherhood, and Business with Rebekah Lara“Ask for help and build your support network to help you manage the stresses of being a caregiver and mompreneur.” - Rebekah Lara
My special guest this week is Rebekah Lara a tenacious mompreneur with a diverse professional background. She is a fellow mompreneur and published author and found herself in a challenging situation when her special needs children developed some complicated health issues. She had to leave her corporate career to be home full-time to take care of her children. While adjusting to her newfound caregiving role, Rebekah discovered a way to balance caregiving, motherhood, and entr...
2023-05-0234 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSeason 2 Episode 13: Creative Arts as a Path to Emotional Healing with Kristina Lucia Andrews
"Focus first on you, you need to figure out what makes you tick and how you process and how you cope so you can then know how to set those boundaries." - Kristina Lucia Andrews
Kristina Lucia Andrews is passionate about using creative arts to help adults and children with trauma and challenging experiences. Discover how Christina's work can help you move through your pain and struggles to nurture and encourage your relationships, with an emphasis on baby steps and grace. But be warned: real life happens and it's a marathon...
2023-04-2436 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerMastering Communication in Marriage with Erin WoodruffIn this episode, you will be able to:
Enhance your communication skills in caregiving and marital relationships.
Harness professional and communal resources for caregiver assistance.
Foster personal growth and entrepreneurial spirit through caregiving experiences.
Cultivate a supportive network to counter caregiver seclusion.
Cherish individuality and sidestep comparisons in caregiving journeys.
My special guest is Erin Woodruff is a Communication Coach who focuses on helping high-achieving women, especially those married to introverts, to communicate with confidence, clarity, and curiosity. Her expertise in understanding introversion and extroversion allows her to guide clients in fostering open and...
2023-04-1742 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerFinding Balance in Life's Storms with Erin Kay: Christian Life Coach InsightsErin Kay, a devoted Christian mom and life coach, found herself at a low point in her life when her marriage and health started falling apart. In the midst of her struggles, she realized that her self-care routine wasn't sufficient and she needed to make some changes to better care for her physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Erin discovered the importance of adapting her self-care routines according to her changing circumstances and needs in order to maintain balance and keep herself and her family well-cared for. With the help of supportive friends and mentors, she began to develop a...
2023-04-1038 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerOvercoming Perfectionism with Kerry Evelyn: A Balanced Life
Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to juggle caregiving, entrepreneurship, and self-care? You've likely been told to 'just work harder', but without the tools and strategies to achieve balance, it can seem like an impossible task. Join us for this episode to discover how to reclaim control and reclaim your life.
"You have to be open to the very differences because it is always better in the long run."" - Kerry Evelyn
We're designed for the community. God designed us specifically to have people that we can fall on and rely...
2023-04-031h 00
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSeason 2 Episode 7: "Unlock Pain Relief & Injury Prevention Tips with Megan Ehrlich""Transform your health and avoid injury with Megan Ehrlich's proven strategies for lasting pain relief!"
You will learn proven strategies for lasting pain relief from Megan Ehrlich to transform your health and avoid injury.
Megan Ehrlich is a licensed physical therapist and pain relief coach. She has five years of experience in the healthcare industry and has a unique understanding of the needs of caregivers. Megan is passionate about helping caregivers take care of themselves and provides curated information and tips to help them in their caregiving journey.
2023-03-3029 min
The Business Builder Way21. Business Advice From Your Future Self ft. Melissa Miller & Xana WinansIn today's episode, we are joined by two powerful business builders Xana Winans, CEO of Golden Proportions Marketing, and Melissa Miller, CEO of TCB Promotions. Xana is about 10 years ahead of Melissa's business journey in many aspects. This collaboration is an incredible display of the ups and downs in business while leaving you with tangible insights for your own business. You will hear Melissa asks the hard questions of Xana to gain insight into leveling up in business. Listen as Xana shares her experiences through the 2008 recession and then having to transition to fully remote during the pa...
2023-03-2150 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSeason 2 Bonus Episode "Caring for a Loved One? Rishawn Dindai Shares Digital Caregiving Support Resources"Rishawn Dindai is the co-founder of a website that helps caregivers get resources to manage their self-care and feel supported in their caregiving journey. He has also been a caregiver himself, having cared for his grandfather with dementia and other chronic illnesses for most of his adult life.
Rashawn Dindai cared for his grandfather with multiple chronic illnesses. He had to learn to be creative with his caregiving journey in order to make sure he had time for himself and to be supported while caring for his grandfather. He used digital resources such as I...
2023-03-0751 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerNavigating Motherhood & Chronic Illness with Christine Hortsman: A Journey of Grief, Fear & Change with Christine HortsmanWhen Christine Hortsman, an author, mom, and entrepreneur finds herself battling motherhood and chronic illness, she must find a way to prepare for the unexpected and build a support system to advocate for her family in order to overcome the central conflict.
"Preparing and planning and setting yourself up for success is not to overwhelm or cause stress, it's actually to decrease stress." - Christine Hortzman
Christine Hortsman is an author, mom, entrepreneur, and chronic illness warrior who battles motherhood and chronic illness. She is a career and life coach and corporate trainer, helping individuals find the balance between their p...
2023-03-0649 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa Miller"Discovering Healthy PR Parenting Strategies with Marjie Hadad"In this episode of the Caregiver Coffee Chat podcast, Marjie Hadad, a mother, and expert in PR parenting strategies shares her unique journey of motherhood and how to use repetition and self-care to empower children and help them thrive with life skills.
Marjie Hadad is an author, speaker, and mother of three grown children. She has 30 years of experience in public relations and is on a mission to start a PR parenting movement, teaching parents how to use their professional skills to parent and share the best of themselves with their children.
2023-02-2742 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSaying No to Being a Martyr & Mom with Suzanne Culberg"Framing it all as a season is one thing that's been particularly life challenging for me, I think can take a lot of the pressure off many people, right?"-Suzanne Culberg
"Learn why it's time to stop sacrificing your own health and well-being to please others with Suzanne Culberg's revolutionary "no-martyr, no-maid" approach!
"Framing it all as a season is one that's particularly challenging, I think can take a lot of the pressure off many people, right?"-Suzanne Culberg
Suzanne is a busy mom, author, and speaker, and is your NOPE Coach who he...
2023-02-2042 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSeason 2 Episode 3: "Unlocking Spiritual Wellness: Michelle Ikem's Journey to Healing"When Michelle Ikem, an empowerment coach and holistic healer, faces her own struggles with anxiety, depression, and stress, she encourages busy stay-at-home moms and spousal caregivers to prioritize spiritual wellness and intentionally surrender control to God, empowering them to break free from self-sabotage and discover the life they were meant to live.
"We don't like our spouses to be sick. We don't like to go through a traumatic health situation. So I just want to encourage you that it is not selfish to take care of yourself from the inside out." - Michelle Ikem
Michelle...
2023-02-141h 02
Beyond Adversity with Dr. Brad MillerSupporting Moms Without a Mom on Their Path to Resilience with Psychologist and Mom Coach Melissa ReillyIn this episode, Melissa shared how her faith in God greatly impacts her life as a mother and her family. She also talks about the practices women can do to improve themselves as a mother.Having a connection with God impacts her life a lot. Dr Melissa became a Sunday school teacher, gained friends who supported her, and her son’s friends were also part of the church.Dr Melissa discusses the importance of mothers recognizing their own strengths to gain confidence. Doing it can help moms focus on what will make them great mothers....
2023-02-0323 minBeyond Adversity with Dr. Brad MillerMom’s Without A Mom: A Path Through Postpartum Pain with Dr. Melissa ReillyIn this episode, Melissa shared her story of being a mom without a mom and the actions that she took to overcome her depression.Dr. Melissa is born into a typical family, having both parents and an elder and younger sister. Unfortunately, her elder sister died when she was young. And at the age of 25, her mother died. And seven months later, her younger sister passed away.Despite these tragic events she experienced, she continue to live her life and have a family of her own. Dr. Melissa talks about her difficulties in g...
2023-02-0222 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSeason 2 Episode 1: "Finding Balance In Your Identity Beyond Motherhood: Jenna Hodge Shares Her Journey"Rediscovering your identity and reconnecting with yourself is essential to being the best mom, wife, and caregiver you can be.
"It can't be all about your kids."-Jenna Hodge
"We can't fill from an empty cup. We really can't. And if we don't have a full cup, we can't nurture our marriage, take care of our children, serve our clients, and produce helpful resources. It is very important that you put yourself first."-Melissa Miller
Jennana Hodge is a busy mom of three and passionate about helping other moms reconnect with themselves. She...
2023-01-3050 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa Miller“Sometimes It Hurts to Mom with Lauren Rose"It's not fun, and sometimes it literally hurts to be a mom, but there is no shame in that. Do whatever you need to do and prioritize yourself - you can't fill an empty cup."
Lauren Rose is a busy wife, mother, and entrepreneur.
She began dealing with chronic illness began back when she was just eight years old dealing with depression and anxiety and well into her teens, 20s, and 30s have been diagnosed with a number of health issues: tension headaches, migraines, neurology headaches TMJ disorder autoimmune disease arthropathy inflammatory arthritis, spinal degeneration....
2023-01-2344 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa Miller"Motherhood Identity Crisis: Heidy De La Cruz's 3 Tips for Reconnecting"In this bonus podcast episode, Heidy De La Cruz confronts the challenge of redefining her identity as a daughter of Christ, wife, mother, and online entrepreneur, and offers her insight on how to intentionally nurture relationships and practice self-care for lasting success.
"You are more than just being a mom, online entrepreneur, your identity as being a certain crafter. You are so much more than what any label or stigma society could ever place on you. You are a daughter of Christ, first and foremost, and have been given this one life, this one body."
Hei...
2023-01-2030 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa Miller"Talking about the Impact of Generational Trauma on Your Health" with Claire & AmaranthiaIn this episode of the Caregiver Coffee Chat Podcast, I sit down with Claire and Amaranthia, are mother-daughter co-founders of sistacreativesrising.com which is their business for helping marginalized Black Women heal from their experiences of childhood and domestic abuse or bullying through art.
Claire's Story:
In one week in March 2022, days after launching Sista Creatives Rising with her daughter Amaranthia, Claire lost her mobility by the hour. Enduring emergency surgery to remove a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma from her spine, she let go of all delusions and illusions about her health. Claire is now within the 1% category to walk...
2023-01-161h 33
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSeason 1 Episode 12: "Creating a Non-Negotible Holistic Self-Connection Time" with Sadie TichelaarWhen Sadie Tichelaar, a life coach and advocate for self-connection, joins Melissa on her Caregiver Coffee Chat podcast to discuss spiritual connection, she encourages listeners to prioritize themselves and create boundaries to prevent the vicious cycle of burnout.
Sadie Tichelaar is a life coach who helps women build self-connection and create a way to take up more space with intention. She shares her journey of burnout, which led to her discovering the importance of spiritual connection, and how it can help moms and caregivers show up in the way that they want to. She emphasizes the importance of creating non-negotiable...
2022-12-201h 00
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSeason 1 Episode 10: "Finding A Healthy Balance Between Motherhood and Entrepreneurship" with Heidy De La CruzAs an ambitious Christian mom, remember to focus on your why, be intentional with your time, and take care of yourself.
Here's what I cover with Heidy De La Cruz in this episode:
1. The importance of taking care of oneself, both physically and mentally, in order to avoid burnout
2. The importance of being intentional with one's time, in order to find a healthy balance
3. The importance of spending time in the word of God, in order to remember one's purpose and be intentional with everything one does
Heidy De La Cruz is a mom, an entrepreneur, and a creative writer...
2022-12-1425 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa Miller✨"Creating a Natural Self Care Routine with Essential Oils" with Cindy Vallone✨Cindy Vallone is a doTerra expert and advocate who shares her story of using essential oils as a natural alternative for self-care.
"Self-care is non-negotiable. We have to take care of ourselves, especially if we're being called to care for others."
Cindy Vallone is a mum of two, a voice and video coach, and a dōTERRA essential oils expert and advocate. She first learned about essential oils six years ago when she was introduced to them as a natural alternative for headaches and migraines. She has since become passionate about using essential o...
2022-11-2939 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerEpisode 7: "Learning to Find Your Life Again After Becoming a Stay At Home Mom" with Gillian AstaritaIn today’s episode, I sit down with Gillian Astarita who is a full-time Stay At Home Mom of two and a mompreneur who’s passionate about helping moms find their identity again after they become Stay At Home Moms by:
•leaving the mom guilt behind
•figuring out daily what works best for them in how they prioritize their self-care and meet their family's needs
•planning ahead so they're set up for success long-term
Follow Gillian for more helpful tips on finding your identity as a Stay At Home Mom on:
Inst...
2022-11-1456 min
Lighten Your Load Podcast with Melissa MillerSeason 1 Episode 2: "Prioritizing Your Self Care to Prevent Burnout with Dr. Francesca OwooIn this episode, my special guest, Dr. Francesca Owoo, who is a Licensed Professional Therapist shares tips on the importance of why prioritizing your self care is so important in preventing burnout as a caregiver.
Not just in terms of you yourself having more health issues but the emotional, mental and spiritual toll chronic illness has on your relationship in how you communicate with your spouse, children, and other family.
We also touched on other resources that you can leverage to help you find a healthy balance in managing the impacts of chronic illness both...
2022-10-1053 min
Taylor Way Talks07 - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Spousal Caregiving with Melissa MillerCW: Spouse with epilepsy / chronic illness and medical emergencyDawn Taylor invites guest Melissa Miller, a former Certified Nursing Assistant, to the show to talk about her new life now as a stay-at-home mom and full-time caregiver to her husband. Melissa shares the two year journey she’s been on and why she’s passionate about opening discussions on this subject. Melissa and her husband were both relatively young when he had his first seizure in 2020 and since then his epilepsy has intensified, leading to more and more seizures. Melissa is now his full-time caregiver as we...
2022-09-2640 min
Taylor Way Talks07 - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Spousal Caregiving with Melissa MillerCW: Spouse with epilepsy / chronic illness and medical emergencyDawn Taylor invites guest Melissa Miller, a former Certified Nursing Assistant, to the show to talk about her new life now as a stay-at-home mom and full-time caregiver to her husband. Melissa shares the two year journey she’s been on and why she’s passionate about opening discussions on this subject. Melissa and her husband were both relatively young when he had his first seizure in 2020 and since then his epilepsy has intensified, leading to more and more seizures. Melissa is now his full-time caregiver as we...
2022-09-2640 min
Depth with Jenna Miller25 | Sister Chats - Confidence, Foreplay & Living Pleasure First With Melissa MillerCW: Mortality
In today's episode Jenna sits down with her sister Melissa to talk about sisterhood, pleasure and sexual expression. It is a fun and light hearted chat, the kind you might hear at a slumber party.
Jenna & Melissa chat:
- Sisterhood and the impacts on sexuality
- Living a pleasure first
- Sexual confidence
- High sex drives in women
- Best sexual experiences
- The power of foreplay
- Pre-bed sensuality rituals
- and more!
Connect...
2022-08-1649 minBeyond Adversity with Dr. Brad Miller209: How Tik Tok Saved A Mom From Disaster with Melissa Lea HughesMelissa talks about the struggles and difficult circumstances that she went through during the real, adverse event that impacted all of us, the COVID crisis, and how she was able to work through all of it and eventually turned her life around through the power of social media. Dr. Miller and Melissa will also talk about many other things such as family, faith, and about being a mother.Melissa lost her job after the pandemic started. Her family just moved into their new home from living overseas and she needed a job to get the house. Fortunately...
2022-07-2838 min
Profoundly PointlessSurvival Expert Melissa MillerDo you have the skills to survive if everything goes wrong? From the African desert to the Amazon rainforest, Survival Expert Melissa Miller has been dropped into some of the most dangerous environments on Earth. We talk wilderness survival, urban survival and what really happens on the hit TV show Naked and Afraid. Then, we countdown the Top 5 Pieces of Summer Clothing.Show email: nickvinzant@gmail.comMelissa Miller: 02:24ishPointless: 31:50ishTop 5: 52:37ishhttps://www.instagram.com/melissabackwoods (Melissa Instagram)facebook.com/melissabackwoods (Melissa Facebook)...
2022-05-251h 03
The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLEThe Green Insider – Ep. 98 – Melissa Miller – Follower Friday – Clean TxIt’s a week of return guests as Melissa Miller drops by the show once again to promote the GRIDNEXT event going down in Houston on March 30-31. A veteran of the renewable industry for more than 20 years, Miller has been an instrumental part in the renewable push in Texas and has worked with Clean Tx and what was TREIA before the two merged in 2020 – for more than seven years. Now, after two consecutive virtual events, GRIDNEXT is coming to Houston and Melissa and her team couldn’t be more excited about finally getting to meet folks in person to bot...
2022-03-1813 min
The Conversation SeriesEp. 26: Melissa Miller - Miss Rover, Van Life, Travel, Creating and Growing a BrandEveryone please welcome Melissa to the mic! I am sitting down with content creator, storyteller, photographer, and traveler, Melissa Miller, otherwise known as Miss Rover. We are talking about her creating and growing her Miss Rover Brand, what Van Life is like, her full-time travel business and life, and more.
The Conversation Series: Melissa Miller Blog Post-- https://bit.ly/3GsiaCB
✺Melissa Miller's Social Media✺
~Instagram: @miss.rover (https://bit.ly/3eUH1Up)
~TikTok: @miss.rover (https://bit.ly/3n20U0h)
~Twitter: @MissRoverTravel (https://bit.ly/3m...
2022-02-0223 min
The From Burnout to Recovery Show with Dr. Kate: Your Journey to Recovery Burnout Starts HereEpisode 20 - Spousal Care Taker Burnout with Guest Melissa MillerEpisode 20 I explore Spousal Caregiver burnout with our guest Melissa Miller.
Melissa Miller, a Former Certified Nursing Assistant from 2004 until July 2020 when husband began having epileptic seizures. Began her journey as Stay At Home Mom and Caregiver for her husband officially in May 2020. Melissa Created her business out of own frustration of lack of resources for women who are thrust into making that choice of to transition home full time to care for their husband and children? She is Passionate about offering support that she never had when she began her journey and being sure women take care of themselves...
2022-01-1800 min
WobizzleS2 E08: An Interview With Beth Z – Your NerdyBestFriendIn this fun and informative episode, Melissa and Michelle interview Beth Z of YourNerdyBestFriend.Beth is a technology and app guru and a whole lot of fun. Listen in as Michelle and Melissa tap Beth’s beautiful brain for the lowdown on the latest tech tools to help make video conferencing more fun, the best apps for time management and improved focus, and a whole lot more. Find Beth at www.yournerdybestfriend.com or text NERD to 66866.Here are the tools Beth refers to in this episode.Make virtual meetings more fun with:...
2021-02-2335 minWobizzleS2 E07: The Psychology of Resilience: Tapping Into Your Ability To Thrive In ChaosThe struggle is most definitely real! The challenges and uncertainty of the ongoing pandemic are taking a toll on all of us. In this episode, Melissa and Michelle interview Dr. Dayle Lattie, a licensed clinical psychologist and professional “coach for life,” on the psychology of resilience and how you can train your brain to be more resilient and thrive in the face of chaos and conflict.Find out more about Dr. Lattie at drlattie.com.
2021-01-2646 minWobizzleS2 E06: Keep Politics, Religion & The Great Pumpkin Out Of Your Marketing MixWe’ve all got opinions, and social media gives us so many ways to share them. But that doesn’t mean you should. In this week’s episode, Melissa and Michelle share some real life examples of how letting your feelings fly on Facebook and other social media could harm your business.
2020-12-2945 minWobizzleS2 E05: The Five Things We Wish Someone Had Told Us Before We Started FreelancingFrom fighting off Imposter Syndrome to not giving away the farm, in this episode of The Wobizzle Podcast, Michelle and Melissa reminisce over the five things they wish someone had told them before they launched their freelancing careers.
2020-12-0142 minWobizzleS2 E04: The Wobizzle Podcast: The Minimalist’s Guide To Managing Social MediaNot enough time (or energy) for managing social media? In this week's episode of The Wobizzle Podcast- the Minimalist's Guide To Managing Social Media, Melissa and Michelle interview Claire Sakaoka, owner of the public relations and digital marketing firm, Engage5w to get social media management tips for time-crunched freelancers and solopreneurs.
2020-11-1045 minWobizzleS2 E03 - Get Off To A Fabulous Start In 2021It’s not too early to start setting your freelance business up for success in the new year. In this episode, Melissa and Michelle guide listeners through the action steps they can be taking right now to help grow their client bases and their revenue in 2021.
2020-10-2658 minWobizzleS2 E02 - A Freelancer’s Guide To Staying Organized & ProductiveOne of the keys to successful freelancing is being able to manage multiple projects at once. In this episode of The Wobizzle Podcast, Melissa and Michelle share their favorite tips for keeping projects organized, staying ahead of deadlines and doing it all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
2020-10-1346 min
Women's Money WisdomEpisode 34: Money Talk for College Students with Stacy MillerIn this episode Melissa Joy, CFP® speaks with Stacy Miller, CFP®, Vice President, and Wealth Advisor of Bright Investments LLC. Stacy shares her tips on talking with young adults about money concepts as well as shares her personal experiences with her two college-aged sons.· How to send your college freshman off to school with a credit card.· Teaching two ways to approach the concept of living within your means.· Why a HIPAA release form is important for your college student.· What insurance needs should you consider for your college student? · How identity...
2020-10-1327 minWobizzleS2 E01 - The Pandemic PivotCOVID-19 has turned everyone’s lives upside down. But opportunities to launch a freelance career or grow your existing freelance business are out there.In this episode, Michelle and Melissa highlight the most important characteristics of successful freelancers and offer tips for women who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 or who are feeling job insecure and are considering freelancing as their next career move.
2020-09-3051 min
Wobizzle10a: Back to the StudioWhat a summer! Michelle and Melissa are back in the studio after a summer hiatus and are ready to help you get prepared for a productive fall! A little travel, a little time off, and some great summer sunshine can help reset even the busiest entrepreneur and the process definitely helped us re-focus and tackle the workload with renewed enthusiasm. Here’s to growth and change and making the most of the coming season!
2019-09-2517 min
Wobizzle9: Setting & Raising RatesAre you struggling with setting a freelance rate? Let's face it ladies. We're all ready to rally on the issue of pay equality in the workplace, but we are notorious for charging too little for our freelance work. So, how do you set a rate that is compatible with the value that you and your expertise bring to the table? Today, Michelle and Melissa tackle the tough topic of what you should charge. They'll have tips for setting a freelance rate, giving yourself a raise on a regular basis, how to handle pricing on flat rate projects, and warning...
2019-07-1659 min
Wobizzle8: Predatory MarketingA lot of businesses fall victim to predatory marketing and may not even realize it. Today, Michelle and Melissa are going to talk about what predatory marketing is, how to spot it, and how to protect your business from it. This is not an attack on sales professionals, but takes a hard look at those who are focused only on selling the product – whether it’s a good fit for the client or not. We recognize that shopping for ad space or marketing help can be overwhelming, especially if it’s not what you do. We’ve got tips to help...
2019-06-2450 min
Wobizzle7: When Is It Time to Fire a Client?Not all clients are a good fit, and sometimes it’s better to part ways sooner rather than later. Today, Michelle and Melissa will discuss how to know when it’s time to fire a client, and how to do it gracefully. Sometimes it’s scope creep, sometimes the client is a haggler, or perhaps they push their way to the front of the line and expect you to be “always on”, and sometimes the project just isn’t a good fit. We get it, and know that when it’s time to let them go it’s super scary. Sometimes...
2019-06-0350 min
Wobizzle6: When Was the Last Time You Had a Day Off?In today’s episode Michelle and Melissa look at why it’s important to take time off, and how to make it happen. Burnout is bad, and an “always-on” approach to work will lead to it fast. Busy isn’t always a good thing and if you don’t pace yourself, your mental, emotional, and mental health will suffer. We share strategies to help you avoid the negative side-effects of high performance, and tips on forecasting, ways to maximize efficiency and workflow, and how to set a schedule and stick to it.
2019-05-1442 min
Wobizzle5: Surviving Peaks & ValleysToday Michelle and Melissa are tackling an issue every business owner has to deal with – surviving peaks and valleys. We share strategies on how to deal with the ups and downs of a changing workflow while you’re in the moment and look at ways to see the peaks and valleys coming and plan accordingly. We also share tips on managing expectations, developing a more balanced schedule, and look at the always dreaded valley panic. Learn how to continue to deliver your best and ride the wave of small business ownership!
2019-04-1558 min
Wobizzle4: Scope CreepIn this episode, Michelle and Melissa tackle the issue of scope creep, aka the projects that start to creep beyond the scope of what was originally agreed upon. It happens, and while sometimes it can be a good thing, other times it can be problematic. We discuss ways to communicate with the client when this happens, as well as ways to protect yourself financially, and how to protect your schedule as well as other clients and projects that you have going on. Learn how to stay in the zone of your money-making best, and make the projects you take...
2019-03-2941 min
Wobizzle3: The Art of the PivotIn this episode, Michelle and Melissa talk about the art of the pivot. Regardless of your industry, it’s a given that your business will evolve over time and we discuss how you need to expect it and be ready for it. We also look at the importance of paying attention to trends, keeping up with technology, and adapting quickly to meet the needs of your clients (or customers). You’re responsible for your own success, so get comfortable with the pivot - your ability to stay competitive in an ever-changing marketplace depends on it!
2019-03-1342 min
Wobizzle2: Getting PaidMichelle and Melissa talk about getting paid. If you’re a full-time freelancer, you’ve no doubt had to deal with slow paying or even no-paying clients. We’ve been there, and today will discuss the importance of a contract, the art of the advance, invoicing and collection strategies, general tips and tricks for getting paid faster, and some tools to help you keep it all together.
2019-02-2843 min
Wobizzle1: Make Working From Home WorkWith this episode of The Wobizzle Podcast,Michelle and Melissa tackle ways to make working from home work. Looking at everything fromthings to think about before you get started to maximizing space, setting boundaries, andfinding support, the home-based veterans share their own experiences, and lessons learnedalong the way.
2019-01-3152 min
Wobizzle0: IntroThe Wobizzle Podcast is an extension of Wobizzle.com, which serves as aresource for women who own or aspire to own their own businesses. Hosts Michelle (West)and Melissa (Miller Young) both want to help other women, and with each episode will providethe tips and tools you need to succeed.
2019-01-3109 min
Leading Through Change with Melissa AgnesTCIP #059 – The Human Capital Component Of Crisis Management, With Sam MillerEarlier this week, I published a #crisisready video that discusses the emotional factors that can quickly escalate an incident to crisis-level. Remaining on the topic of emotional impact and the human factors of crisis management and preparedness, I'm excited to be sharing the latest Crisis Intelligence Podcast with you! I recently had the opportunity to have a conversation with Sam Miller, a psychotherapist with a particular expertise in trauma counselling, and a keen understanding of the psychology of business and the workplace. Within this podcast, Sam and I discuss "the human capital component" that should be factored...
2017-02-0149 min