Episode 26: Mid-Year Recap with The SpitFire Coach
I can't believe this is the 26th episode! What started as a challenge to push out of my fear and start a podcast is now a huge source of pride.
Episode 26 is a reflection on the lessons I've learned through the creative process and also what I've learned from my inspirational guests. When I started, I thought a formula would emerge for the structure of each episode, but I soon realized that an organic free-flow discussion not only allowed for more entertaining discussions, but also allowed everyone to drop their guard a little bit more.
I am honored to hold the space for my courageous guests and listeners to explore those scary areas and work through them. No journey is the same and it's certainly not easy, so if The SpitFire Podcast can be the place where we vent, experiment, sound-board and play, I'm happy to be the facilitator of that awesomeness. Here's to another 26 and beyond!
Episode 25: Relentlessly Going After The Fitness Industry with Johnny B of Relentless PT
John Burgard is accomplished by any standards. He's published hundreds of songs, launched successful businesses and raised a healthy family. But none of this was handed to him. From a series of traumatic events that haunted his formative years, Johnny B knew he was meant for more than the chaos surrounding him. His relentless pursuit to better himself and those around him is infectious.
www.relentlesspt3.com
Episode 24: F*CK IT! Let's Do It! with the Founders of Sip City
At 25 these ladies are busting through the beverage industry! With bottles of switchel in hand a SpitFire approach to business development, they are showing up, delivering and asking for what they need.
I got to sit down and taste their amazing concoctions mixed with sparkling wine. This stuff is amazing (and I don't have a poker approach). WARNING: There are a bunch of F bombs dropped in the show, so make sure you have ear buds in. Enjoy!
About The Founders of Sip City
In 2012, both women battled parallel autoimmune and digestive issues—Josie in Nashville, and Nikki in Boston—and began tinkering with homemade concoctions to improve their health. While Josie and her mother began crafting apple cider vinegar drinks called Haymaker’s Punch in the kitchen, Nikki was home-brewing switchel, the same product under a different name and an alternative to expensive kombucha. When Nikki brought her concoctions to work at PBS, her coworkers were immediately hooked. Before long, Nikki had established an underground smoothie/switchel subscription service with loyal customers, run right out of the WGBH newsroom.
Fast forward to January 2017. A mutual friend brought Nikki and Josie together at the Women’s March in Boston, and it was like love at first sight. Bonding over everything from all-natural, gluten-free products to kombucha cocktails, the two quickly discovered that they had been making the same apple cider vinegar and ginger drink—switchel, or Haymaker’s Punch in the South—to help alleviate their health symptoms. That commonality sealed the deal: both women realized the need to do something more with their lives, and they needed to do it together.
In June, Nikki moved to Washington DC, inspired to take a chance and create something new. She and Josie had become closer since the Women’s March. The two linked up one night in NoMa, over boozy homemade popsicles on Nikki’s roof. That’s when they decided: “Screw it, let’s start something.” They researched and realized the untapped potential for the drink that they both turned to in their time of need. After building a business plan and creating product samples, Nikki and Josie pitched Union Kitchen. Today, they are co-owners of Sip City, a functional beverage company focused on convenient, on-the-go drinks for mindful consumers.
www.sipcitydc.com
@sipcitydc
Episode 23: Real Talk About Working in Media with Britt Waters
The voice of The Mystics and 94.7 Fresh FM, Britt Waters is no stranger to the mic or bold opinions on her love of Justin Bieber's swag and her drive for education and hard work. Britt battles the assumptions of non-accessibility and the myth of the overnight success.
@itsbrittwaters
www.brittwaters.com
About Britt Waters
Britt Waters is a Jersey girl residing in the nation’s capital where she has become a recognizable face and voice of the city through her work as a radio, television and arena host. She continues to bring success to the entertainment, sports and news fields in the powerful city she now calls home. She is the nightly radio jock on CBS Radio’s 94.7 Fresh FM and a TV host on the DC Cable Network as well as working for Monumental Sports and Entertainment as an in-game host at DC’s Capital One Arena for the Washington Mystics (WNBA) and Washington Valor (AFL). Whether on-screen or in the community Britt brings laughs, conversation and lots of energy.
Britt got her big break in the broadcasting world entertaining millions on the nationally syndicated Russ Parr Morning Show immediately after obtaining her BA in broadcast journalism from University of Maryland, College Park. Britt Waters calls her social media the “uncut,” view of her life. When asked about her legacy she says, “I’d like to be known as someone that shared the lives of others to greater the lives of all, because that to me is what journalism is all about.” Outside of work, she loves to bake, socialize and catch up on her five magazine subscriptions. Her goal is to use her platform to promote education and independence. She stays motivated by the scripture, Proverbs 31:25.
Episode 22: The Power of Words On and Off Camera
If you’ve ever watched Debra Alfarone report or anchor the news in Washington, DC, you know she’s professional, direct, energetic, caring, compassionate and conversational.
Debra also harnesses the power of storytelling to give a voice and deliver inspiration to people who need it: people coming out of prison, women who have survived domestic violence or sex trafficking situations, people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and people struggling with addiction. She shows up and stands up for the under-served and under-represented.
Debra’s path to becoming a news anchor in the nation’s capital was not without obstacles. She speaks to groups about the lessons she’s learned and stories she’s told to inspire others to live their best life. Debra also coaches up-and-coming journalists to show up as their best self and blogs about the stories behind the stories you see on TV.
Episode 21: Harnessing District Pride with JC Smith of Bailiwick Clothing
What started as a winning entry in a t-shirt design contest with 8 years of fermentation, turned into the iconic brand known by most, if not all, DC residents. From "202" to "The District vs Congress" this playful company goes beyond party lines, to facilitate connection and community among our "51st State."
JC Smith joins me on his day off to talk about his journey and future plans for Bailiwick and brings me some awesome new designs.
Check out www.bailiwickclothing.com and pick yourself up some awesomeness!
Episode 20: Growing Bold with Patricia Brooks
Assumption: Introverts are Home Bodies that Don't Take Risks
Fact: Patricia Brooks is an introvert who quit her job, wrote a book and moved to France to a city she didn't know a soul in.
How does someone who didn't own a passport until 2013, get the courage to put herself out there, write a book and start fresh in a brand new country and city? Here Patricia Brooks' story and find out how.
About Patricia Brooks
Patricia Brooks is a certified life coach and speaker. She is the author of Growing Bold: How to Overcome Fear, Build Confidence, and Love the Life You Live. Known as The Courage Catalyst, Patricia helps people, who are underwhelmed by the life they are living, find what makes them happiest. She inspires them to take bold action and pursue their dreams so they can live the extraordinary lives they were meant to live.
During the course of her 25-year project management career in Corporate America, Patricia found herself dissatisfied and underwhelmed with her life. After the deaths of her parents she woke up to the reality that life is short. Not wanting to die without really having lived, she decided to follow her dream. Now Patricia has grown bold and is walking the talk. She is currently living in France where she continues to coach and write her next book.
Links
Growing Bold: How to Overcome Fear, Build Confidence, and Love the Life You Love
Snag yourself a copy of Growing Bold: How to Overcome Fear, Build Confidence, and Love the Life You Live
Episode 19: Making Web Savvy Sense of SEO with Rebecca Gill
At the age of 11, Rebecca Gill emancipated herself and became a ward of the state in northern Michigan. With grit and resilience inspired by her SpitFire grandmother, Rebecca now focuses on creating value and helping people to grow her web marketing company into a six-figure business in the first six months.
Nine years later, her company, Web Savvy Marketing, provides e-books, Webinars, Masterminds and one-on-one guidance to help individuals and companies build an effective online marketing strategy leveraging SEO.
Check out her resources at www.rebeccagill.com
Get your DIY SEO Resources here: https://www.diyseocourses.com/sp/
Episode 18: From the Baltimore Projects to Projecting Passion, Cheryl Wood of Cheryl Empowers
Cheryl Wood is a passionate, mission-driven woman determined to live life on my own terms. Cheryl grew up in poverty in a housing project in the inner city of Baltimore, MD. She graduated high school with good grades but didn't go to college so she could go straight into the workforce to support her mom. Even without a college degree, she was able to make a good salary as a legal secretary, which she did for 15 years until she needed a change. In 2009, Cheryl started a small mommy t-shirt business on the side. A year later (September 18th to be exact) she was asked to speak at Morgan State University. And that's exactly where she discovered her natural born talent for public speaking.
From that moment forward she spoke at as many places as she could until she felt confident leaving her full-time job. Cheryl is now speaking around the globe and teaching others how to own their power on the stage. www.cherylempowers.com
Episode 17: Writer, Actor and Activist Kyla Garcia
I got to sit down with the multi-faceted and uber talented, Kyla Garcia who is currently starring in "Sovereignty" at DC's own Arena Stage. Kyla happens to live on my floor for the moment and my dog, Rico Suave is OBSESSED with her.
Get a cup of tea as you listen to the amazing knowledge being dropped about Native Americans, Sovereign Rights, Female Empowerment, and Self Accountability.
This is a super quotable episode, so be prepared to take copious notes!
Here are some links to help re-frame the narrative:
Here are a few TED talks on Native American culture:
And here is a book Kyla highly recommends: https://www.amazon.com/NotYourPrincess-Voices-Native-American-Women/dp/1554519578
Episode 16: Tapping Into Your Full Potential with Belinda Brown
Fellow IPEC graduate and Executive Game-Changing Coach, Belinda Brown, calls in from Paris, France. We talk about the limiting beliefs, assumptions and fears that keep us stuck into ruts and patterns that don't serve us.
Belinda has an amazing fresh perspective on diversity and inclusion that may initially surprise you, but as you listen you understand the strength in similarities and enhancements of individual uniqueness.
About Belinda Brown
Prior to her coaching and consulting work, Belinda spent over 15 years in roles in management and leadership roles European and American multinational organizations such as Carrefour, Renault, Brambles and Walt Disney Worldwide. She developed cross functional relationships within Business units located in Europe, Asia and America. There, she developed and implemented cost reduction and risk management strategies to drive organizational growth and effectiveness. Along with her leadership responsibilities, she was involved in the creation of programs to develop talent and managers for Carrefour and Shurgard Self Storage Europe.
Belinda brings extensive experience across multiple industries to her work in executive and leadership coaching. Her passion lies in empowering women and diverse leaders to BE who they are wherever they are so corporate cultures can shift and embrace feminine leadership and diversity development as powerful skills. She also consults with companies in the areas of organizational development, talent development and diversity management.
Belinda’s focus can be put into three general topics: (1) Self-Awareness, Executive Presence, Communication and Personal Branding; (2) Women Leadership & Professional Development; and (3) Leadership in a Globalized and Diverse Environment.
Belinda’s extensive background and experience has proven to be of extreme value for her clients. Some of her work consists of debunking myths and addressing real challenges encountered by her clients in the corporate environment. By becoming self-aware, developing communication skills and embracing their uniqueness, her clients can develop strategies and create new opportunities for personal growth and career success. www.equanimityexecutive.com
Episode 15: The Watercolor Wonder Woman, Cassie Carpenito
It's a podcast filled with alliterations and illustrations (hehe) Cassie Carpenito of Cassie Creative joins us to talk about her journey from being a leasing agent to a copy writer to a watercolor artist. We talk about the pitfalls of comparison in the Instagram world and why you should never trust Etsy to set your price as an artist.
Check Cassie and her amazing time lapsed videos on Instagram @cassie.creative and view her work at www.cassiecarpenito.com
Check out past episodes, sign up to be a guest and support us on Patreon.
Episode 14: Multi-Instrumental and Conscious-Based Thinker, Brian Farrow
After getting delayed multiple times on his way back from a gig in Elko, Nevada, Brian pushed through jet lag and sleep deprivation to join me for a robust discussion on the music industry, starting a nonprofit in Greece and his idea to start a new business.
If you're interested in learning more about Brian's nonprofit efforts, check out the link below.
Melodies from Refugees:
https://www.gofundme.com/melodies-from-refugees
Support The SpitFire Podcast: http://www.patreon.com/thespitfirepodcast
Episode 13: Beyond Resilient with Marc Cordon
Fellow iPEC Coach, Marc Cordon joins Lauren for a unfiltered and raw discussion about their paths to becoming coaches. For Marc, a career in academia brought success but a feeling that left him feeling burnt out, angry and wanting something else. After pursuing coaching certification, Marc found himself drawn to the misfits, rebels and ostensible iconoclasts who want to serve the greater good.
Today he does just that and has written a book about the process, "Beyond Resilience." www.iambeyondresilient.com
Feel free to reach out to Marc for a free copy of Beyond Resilient: marc@marccordon.com
If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit our Patreon Page. www.patreon.com/thespitfirepodcast
Episode 12: Criminologist, Activist and Author LJ Samuel Takes a Stand Against Interpersonal Violence
It's a very Southwest DC kind of day when our fiery guest, LJ Samuel stops in. She's got a PhD in criminology, 2 books under, and now a brand new nonprofit focused on educating and preventing interpersonal violence, Cupid's Sting.
We're getting real about rape, race, and rehabilitation. If you're not talking about it, you need to listen to this episode.
If you live in the DC Metro Area, check out the launch event for Cupid's Sting. Sponsor, Attend or Partner in space or promotion. March 14th 6:30pm - 8:30pm, SW BID
Instagram: @cupidssting
Twitter: @cupids_sting
Email: info@cupidssting.org
If you like this podcast, we'd love your support at www.patreon.com/spitfirepodcast
If you'd like to be a guest or see more episode, check us out at www.spitfirepodcast.com
Episode 11: Rethinking The Way We Meet and Interact with Arianna Rehak
Hailing from Montreal, Canada, Arianna Rehak snagged the title of first international podcast guest. In addition to being a bad ass who survives 15 below temperatures, Arianna is a community-building rock star who created a virtual conference for association professionals with collaboration and community engagement at the forefront.
It's not all roses and coffee meet ups as Arianna put in a series of 19-hour days up until the launch date. Hear her creative process, the ideal number to create collective knowledge and how she attempts to balance a start up and life on the outside.
Feel free to check out the e-books and recorded sessions from Surge, a virtual conference provided by Association Success.
Download the e-book here:
https://pages.associationsuccess.org/future-of-learning-ebook/
Episode 10: Redefining SpitFires, Boxes and Expectations with Emma G
Emma G pops in from a workout to talk about her journey to DC from New Zealand, her struggles to balance the expectations of two cultures as a dual citizen and the challenge of worth and pricing as a musician.
Warning: This episode contains a number of "Truth Bombs"
Learn more about Emma G: www.emmagmusic.com
If you'd like to support The SpitFire Podcast, become a Patreon patron at www.patreon.com/spitfirepodcast
If you'd like to be a guest or nominate someone for the show, visit www.spitfirepodcast.com
Episode 9: From Karaoke Queen to Perfectionist Front Woman, Ginny Hill
Ginny Hill trucks down to Southwest DC on a snowy morning to sit down and talk about her journey in performing. It took her to 30 to realize she was the bomb dot com and we're so happy she took the leap!
We're talking about work-balance integration, motivation and goals for 2018.
For more information about Ginny:
https://www.theperfectionistsdc.com/
If you'd like to be a guest on The SpitFire Podcast, please visit www.spitfirepodcast.com and fill out the form.
If you like what we're up to and want to support it, please visit our Patreon page at www.patreon.com/spitfirepodcast
Episode 8: Peace and Conflict Resolution with Shermikia Lemon
Peacefully Profitable Coach Shermikia Lemon calls in from North Carolina to talk about her journey into conflict resolution. After gaining a masters in peace and conflict strategies, Shermikia made the bold decision to leave the corporate world and apply her passion for calm to those in need. Now as a coach and wellness consultant, Shermikia guides her clients into a more peaceful, productive and prosperous life.
For more information on Shermikia visit www.peacefullyprofitable.com
If you like this show and want to support it, feel free to do so on our Patreon page. https://www.patreon.com/spitfirepodcast
Episode 7: What Makes Louisa Hall Tick?
The Sweetly Snarky Songstress, Louisa Hall, sits down at my kitchen island to talk about her new album, videos, dating dos and don'ts and her quest for latte foam art.
Check out Louisa Hall at www.louisahallmusic.com and save the date for her album release on February 16 at Jammin' Java!
Visit www.spitfirepodcast.com for more information on how you can be a guest on a future episode.
If you like this podcast and want to support it, please visit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/spitfirepodcast