Episode 37: The Role of Isolation and the Need for Community
What role does isolation play in your mental health and self-care strategy?
Business owners and entrepreneurs are notorious for locking themselves away and keeping their head down all in the name of success. People may offer help, but only they know how to do it "right".
Isolation is no joke and has real impacts on your perspective with reality. In just a few hours of being alone, your sense of time, space and self-worth are dramatically impacted.
Community, as the antithesis of isolation, creates a strong foundation of accountability, support and vulnerability.
Our guest this week, is someone who posted an extremely powerful message about this very topic and I had to sit down with her to talk about her own journey with isolation, community and mental health.
If you'd like to follow Stacy DeChant, here is her Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacey.dechant
If you'd like to support The SpitFire Podcast, head on over to www.patreon.com/thespitfirepodcast and show some love!
Episode 36: Self-Care and Anxiety Management with Jessie DaSilva
Get a 101 and graduate course level rundown of the ins and outs of self-care when I sit down with my direct downstairs neighbor and wellness coach, Jessie DaSilva.
As someone who manages GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) while coaching people in healthy lifestyles, Jessie has experienced the need for self-care in addition to therapy and sometimes medication.
We're pealing back the cloak of secrecy and getting real with our anxiety and what we can all do to support one another on our journeys.
Follow Jessie's Journey on Instagram: www.instagram.com/j_dasilva
Episode 35: What's Your Spirit Animal? Emma Sage Fine Art
So you want to be an artist? You go to school, study, get a degree... and then what?! You gotta pay your bills, but how do you monetize your creativity?
After graduation and working a 9-5, Emma Sage fell back in love with painting and with the spark from her fiance created her adorably awesome art collection.
Hear Emma's 3 Tips for artists looking to start a business and what her SpitFire Super Power is.
@emmasagefineart
Episode 34: Behind the Lens with Cerissa Photography
Cerissa Tulop of Cerissa Photography joined me on my roof for a sunset interview and photoshoot. Cerissa is a member of the SpitFire Circle and has been busting through her blocks around sharing her personal story on social media. We're talking about the steps she took to get out of her comfort zone to start attracting her ideal clients.
Join us for the July 10th Pre-release event for "Spitting Fire: Your Guide to Reignite and Maintain Your Passion at Home, Work and Beyond" RSVP at www.spitfirecoach.com/book
Episode 33: Getting Punky with Lex Monson, Co-Founder of Punk Post
Sure you get a ton of messages on your Facebook wall when it's your birthday or a special occasion, but what if someone took the time to send you a special message?
That's exactly what inspired Lex Monson, the co-founder of Punk Post. She wanted to give the middle finger to lazy half-assed communication by creating custom cards from people who care.
I talked to Lex about the challenges of growth, the need for self-care and how many workouts are acceptable before a shower is necessary.
Check out Punk Post at www.punkpost.co
Episode 32: Andromeda Peters, Miss Virginia - Passion Through Pageantry
Miss Virginia Andromeda Peters treks to SW DC at the peak of DC traffic for her first ever podcast appearance. Host, Lauren LeMunyan tries on the crown and considers a new career path while they discuss Andromeda's challenging past that led her to where she is today.
As a therapist, Andromeda is teaching the tools that helped her rise above her circumstances with self-love and mindfullness.
**Update: Andromeda is now Miss United States 2018!
IG: @andromedapeters @selflovetherapist
www.andromedapeters.com
Episode 31: Junior Bryce, Royalty Management, Business Consulting and Keeping it Saxy
http://thespitfirepodcast.libsyn.com/episode-30-junior-bryce-royalty-business-consulting-and-keeping-it-saxy
Episode 30: Guest Host Justin Trawick Flips the Script on Lauren's 2nd Anniversary of Leaving the 9-5 World
On June 4, 2016, Lauren LeMunyan walked away from her 11-year career in association management to start her coaching firm. Two years later to the day, she sits down with full-time musician and the host of The Circus Life Podcast, Justin Trawick, to talk about her journey in becoming and staying a coach.
There a bonus song by Justin Trawick and The Common Good in this episode!
Check out The Circus Life Podcast at www.thecircuslife.com
Listen to Justin's music and see where he's playing next at www.justintrawick.com
Feel free to support this podcast at the following Patreon link: www.patreon.com/thespitfirepodcast
Episode 29: Philippa Hughes - Using the Dinner Table to Understand Differing Opinions
Philippa Hughes is no stranger to conflict, in fact she welcomes it at her dinner table and in her community. Her "band-aid" ripping style leaves no gray area around her take on issues like racism, politics and connection.
Our discussion was tangent-filled awesomeness - I'll just leave you with that.
Find out why Philippa hates the word "influencer" and her struggle to say "no" when friends are involved.
Episode 28: Partner, Play
Mary Kathryn (MK) Nagle is no stranger to a courtroom, a theater stage and hard work. With her fingers glued to the keyboard, MK is a masterful machine when it comes to storytelling - which I learned is very helpful when writing briefs. She has written over 9 plays all while serving as a partner at Pipestem Law, a firm specializing in tribal sovereignty of Native nations and peoples.
MK is a true SpitFire and connects her passion to her family's history in order to educate generations to come.
Episode 27: Stop Being Stingy with Your Contacts - Chelsea Tucker from The Start Up People Maven
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn
So who’s on your list? Chelsea Tucker thinks about this question more than the average person - like it’s her job. Well, because it is!
As the Marketing Guru for the start-up People Maven, Chelsea promotes sharing your network and contacts to enhance the collective awesomeness.
Find out who made her list!
www.peoplemaven.com
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