The Bubbles Effect

In today’s episode of The Bubbles Effect, I’m joined by Christina Bulkilvish for an honest, grounded conversation about rebuilding self-trust, identity, and confidence after major life shifts. ✨Christina shares her powerful personal journey, from surviving a domestic violence relationship to a career upheaval, and a life-altering concussion, to ultimately choosing herself, quitting her job, and stepping into a life of solo travel and purpose. We talk about how those experiences shaped her work helping ambitious people stop overthinking, break limiting patterns, and start creating lives they’re genuinely excited to wake up to.We dive into what solo travel teaches you about resilience and self-trust, how to rebuild your identity after heartbreak or a big transition, and why keeping small promises to yourself is one of the most powerful ways to move forward, in life and in business. ❤️Christina also shares practical, actionable ways to get out of your own way, overcome analysis paralysis, and reconnect with what actually feels aligned, rather than what you think you should be doing.This is a quick, thoughtful and encouraging conversation about choosing yourself, taking small steps, and remembering that growth doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.✨ Topics we cover:Rebuilding after major life shiftsSolo travel and resilienceSelf-trust, confidence, and identityOvercoming overthinking and analysis paralysisTaking aligned action in life and businessI loved this conversation and I think you will too!Connect with Christina here: confidencecoachchristina.com

It’s Monday, February 2nd, and in this short Marketing + Mindset episode of The Bubbles Effect, I’m sharing the most-clicked link from last week’s newsletter, plus a mindset thought that’s been sitting with me in a big way!On the marketing side, I’m diving into a brand-new social platform called Moltbook, a social network built entirely for AI agents. Humans aren’t allowed to participate (we can only observe), and it’s already sparked a lot of curiosity about how AI bots interact, collaborate, and create on their own. It’s not traditional social media, but it’s fascinating to watch where this could lead. 🤖Then we shift into mindset.I share a quote that stopped me mid-scroll: “You have to be aggressive about living the life you want.” ✨It sparked some honest reflection around time, goals, visibility, and the ways we sometimes hide behind being “busy” instead of being intentional. I open up about what’s been holding me back, especially when it comes to being visible, and why I know that has to change if I want the life I’m working toward.I’ll leave you with one simple question to think about this week:Are you aggressively going after the life you want to live and if not, why?As always, this is a quick episode meant to get you thinking, grounded, and moving forward as you start your week. Thanks for listening, and I’ll be back with great conversations later this week. 🥂Read the article here: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/ai-agents-social-media-platform-moltbook-rcna256738

Life doesn’t always follow the plan we so carefully map out and this conversation is a powerful reminder of what can happen when it doesn’t.In today’s classic bubbly chat, I’m joined by Andrea Nanigian, a former corporate sales leader whose life took an unexpected turn when her son became suddenly and seriously ill. What followed was a years-long season of caregiving, resilience, and redefining who she was outside of her career. That journey ultimately led her to create This Way Up, a podcast supporting parents and caregivers navigating mental health challenges, and later to launch Car Oracle, a white-glove auto concierge service for busy executives.We talk about what it really means to start over, how life’s hardest seasons can prepare you for entrepreneurship, and why humor, adaptability, and “just doing the thing” matter more than having a perfect plan. We also dive into marketing lessons, organic growth, using AI as a thinking partner, and why trust and relationships still win, especially in industries where skepticism runs high.This is one of those real, honest, life-didn’t-go-as-planned conversations with champagne, Diet Coke bubbles, and plenty of perspective along the way.Pour yourself something bubbly and settle in. 🥂Connect with Andrea here: www.caroracle.com www.thiswayuppodcast.com

In this episode of The Bubbles Effect, I’m joined by Scott Dupont, aka The Movie Finance Guy , and this conversation completely reframed how I think about funding, marketing, and building anything from the ground up.Scott has raised over $10 million for independent films, but what makes this episode so powerful is how transferable his insights are for any entrepreneur or creator. We talk about his unexpected path from corporate marketing at Xerox, to entrepreneurship, to becoming a working actor, producer, and now a go-to expert in film finance. 🎥We break down:Why marketing has to come first... before the product, service, or film is even madeHow to think about funding like an entrepreneur (not just “bootstrapping”)The importance of building the right team with real experienceWhy having “skin in the game” matters more than the dollar amountWhere investors actually come from (and when not to approach strangers)Creative ways to use crowdfunding, equity, and even product placement as long-term marketing playsScott also shares how movies are essentially startups, why gross revenue beats profit-based promises, and how entrepreneurs today are living in a true renaissance of opportunity thanks to podcasts, social media, and digital reach. 📲If you’ve ever thought about starting a business, raising money, launching a creative project, or even investing in one , this episode will give you a whole new lens.🥂 Plus, Scott shares details about his podcast Finance Your Movie and offers advice for anyone sitting on a story or idea they’d love to bring to life!It's a great conversation that you don't want to miss! Connect with Scott here: www.MovieFinanceGuy.comCheck out his podcast: Finance YOUR Movie on all podcasting platformsP.S. Something big is coming on 2.2.2026 - head here to be the first to know about it: https://nb.marketing/stella

It’s a Monday episode of The Bubbles Effect, which means I’m sharing the most-clicked link from last week’s Friday newsletter, plus a mindset reset to start your week strong.🙌This week, I'm talking about the recent shakeup with TikTok, what the platform changes mean for creators and business owners, and why some users are already experimenting with new social platforms. On the mindset side, I dive into the idea of creating an unbreakable mindset, inspired by a talk rooted in the teachings of Napoleon Hill. I explore self-talk, discipline, repetition, and why success often comes down to the conversations you’re having with yourself... especially when things feel hard or uncertain. ❤️If you’re navigating change in your business (or life) and need a grounded way to refocus, this episode is for you. P.S ✨ Something new is coming next week... built for business owners who want clarity, momentum, and support. Stay tuned.Links: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/social-network-upscrolled-sees-surge-in-downloads-following-tiktoks-us-takeover/https://youtu.be/e2FQKfcAu6I?si=q64x_wXEM2eNS8lI

This week on The Bubbles Effect, I sit down with Amanda Spann, author, entrepreneur, and one of the leading voices helping non-technical founders turn ideas into apps without losing their sanity (or their savings). 💸If you’ve ever thought, “I think my business might need an app… but I have no idea where to start,” this conversation is for you.Amanda shares her own journey from the music industry into tech, how imposter syndrome almost kept her out of the space entirely, and what finally shifted when she realized you don’t need to be a coder (or live in a dark basement fueled by Mountain Dew, ha) to build powerful software. We talk honestly about the mistakes she made building her first app, why so many founders lose time and money in the process, and how things have dramatically changed thanks to AI, no-code, and low-code tools.We also dig into one of my favorite parts of the conversation: how to know if you even need an app at all. Amanda breaks down her “vitamin vs. painkiller vs. oxygen” framework, shares real examples of when an app makes sense (and when it doesn’t), and explains why lived experience and domain expertise are now the biggest competitive advantage in tech.Plus, we talk about her upcoming book, I Have an App Idea, which walks founders step-by-step through building a revenue-ready app, without tech skills, and why this moment in time is one of the most accessible ever for everyday innovators. 💥If you’re curious about apps, AI, GPTs, scalability, or how technology can actually give you time back instead of creating more overwhelm, you’re going to love this episode 🥂Connect with Amanda here: Theappaccelerator.com@theamandaspannPreorder her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Have-App-Idea-Essential-Building/dp/1964686571

Hey y'all, it’s Monday, and we’re kicking off the week with a quick, grounding episode where marketing strategy meets mindset shifts 🔥In this short but powerful conversation, I break down the most-clicked article from last week’s Bubbles Effect newsletter: What’s the difference between AEO and GEO? With marketing acronyms multiplying by the minute, I simplify what Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) actually mean, how they differ from traditional SEO, and why a smart 2026 marketing strategy needs all three working together. Think featured snippets, AI overviews, long-form content, and how people really search today.I also share the key takeaways from the article (linked in the show notes) so you can quickly understand:Where AEO helps you show up with direct answersHow GEO supports visibility inside AI tools like ChatGPT and PerplexityWhy different content types serve different goalsThen we shift into mindset.I open up about recognizing personal patterns, breaking out of familiar loops, and choosing to respond differently... even when change feels uncomfortable. If you’ve ever noticed the same situations showing up again and again, this episode offers a gentle journaling prompt and a reminder that real growth often starts with awareness and a willingness to do things differently.It’s a simple episode to help you start the week informed, reflective, and moving forward with intention.Cheers to learning, evolving, and rising, just like bubbles 🥂Here is the article: https://neilpatel.com/blog/geo-vs-aeoGet the newsletter here: https://nb.marketing/resources

In this New Year kickoff episode, I’m officially ringing in 2026, sharing a few behind-the-scenes updates (new gear, a refreshed process, and exciting guests ahead), and easing back into our Monday Marketing & Mindset rhythm.We dive into what’s shifting in the marketing world right now, including Instagram’s updated hashtag limits, Meta’s latest platform experiments, Threads’ new podcast integrations, and why raw, real, imperfect content is predicted to outperform overly polished posts in 2026. If you’ve been holding back because things don’t feel “perfect,” consider this your green light.I also share my word for the year: Replenish. And I chat about why filling your cup (personally and professionally) is the energy I’m carrying into this next chapter. I also talk about intention-setting, community, and how staying human in an AI-driven world is more important than ever.Because just like bubbles… we rise to the top.Cheers to a fresh year, real conversations, and growing together. 🥂P.S. What is your word for 2026? Share in the comments so we can support each other!

Hey y'all! Today I’m back after a three-week break (a little rusty and with less-than-perfect audio 🙈), but this conversation is SO worth the listen.In this episode of The Bubbles Effect, I’m joined by Laura Aura, dynamic speaker, personal growth coach, and host of The Gutsy Podcast. We talk about what it really looks like to make “gutsy moves” in life and business 🙌Laura opens up about growing up in a toxic environment, finding her voice through podcasting, and how becoming a mom was the catalyst for changing everything. ✨ We dig into intuition, burnout, people-pleasing, and that sneaky habit of building businesses that don’t actually feel good anymore.You’ll hear us chat about:Why gutsy moves are often tiny daily decisions...not just huge life pivotsHow to audit your business for alignment (and what to ruthlessly let go of)Using your body and intuition as a compass instead of just “shoulds” and hustleThe importance of fun, connection, and actually liking the business you’ve builtQuick heads up: the sound quality isn’t my best on this one (still working out kinks with tools and waiting on new equipment!), but the conversation is awesome, especially if you’ve been feeling the nudge to change something in your business or life.Connect with Laura at lauraaura.com and find The Gutsy Podcast wherever you listen. 💛Thanks for tuning in and I’m so happy to be back, and I’ll see you on Friday for more mindset, marketing, and momentum (and some champers) 🥂

It’s Monday, which means it’s time for a little marketing and mindset to kick off your week!⚡In this short episode, I’m sharing the most-clicked article from Friday's Bubbles Effect Newsletter and it’s all about Instagram engagement. I dive into a simple tip that can help your posts reach more people (and spoiler: it’s all about timing). ⏰Then I shift gears into mindset... specifically affirmations/journaling/meditating. I talk about how, for years, I said all the right things but didn’t feel the change until I was truly ready to receive it. If you’ve ever felt like your mindset work isn’t “working,” this one’s for you. ✨It’s a quick listen to help you start your week grounded, focused, and encouraged because when mindset and marketing align, momentum follows.🗞️ Grab my free weekly Bubbles Effect Newsletter with the latest marketing tips and trends at nb.marketing/freebies☕ Want to connect? Schedule a fun little coffee chat with me here: https://calendly.com/nbmarketing/coffee-chatBecause just like bubbles, we rise to the top. 🥂

Welcome back to The Bubbles Effect, where mindset, marketing, and momentum meet 🔥In this short episode, I’m diving into two powerful themes: how Gen Z is changing the way we search online and the reminder we all need to just take the leap.We’ll explore data showing that 86% of Gen Z now searches for products on TikTok (yes, you read that right!) and what that means for your marketing strategy as the next generation’s buying power grows. Then, I’m switching gears into mindset mode with a dose of real talk about life’s brevity, trusting your gut, and moving forward...even when it’s scary.Because whether it’s trying a new platform, launching that dream idea, or simply saying yes to something new, the magic happens when you stop waiting and start doing. ✨Tune in, get inspired, and remember: just like bubbles, we rise to the top.🥂Read more here

In this week’s Power Hour on The Bubbles Effect, I’m joined by Ari Bliss, a professional ballerina turned mindfulness coach and podcaster 🩰 Our conversation beautifully blends movement, mindset, and the magic of staying present. We talk about how early discipline (like ballet or sports) teaches lifelong lessons in collaboration, resilience, and self-awareness, even when we don’t realize it. Ari shares how she transitioned from the stage to helping others reconnect with their bodies and minds through mindfulness and movement, and why giving ourselves space to feel, move, and heal can open up powerful new energy in life and business. ❤️Whether you’re building a brand, creating content, or just trying to slow down long enough to breathe, this conversation is a gentle reminder that awareness is where momentum begins. ✨ Connect with Ari:Podcast: Growth, Grace & GratitudeYouTube: Ballet DailyInstagram & Threads: @growthandgracemindset

Welcome back to The Bubbles Effect, formerly Bubbles & Biz! I’m Nicole Bernard, and this show is where mindset, marketing, and momentum meet. 💥 Mondays are for mindset, Wednesdays are Power Hours packed with actionable strategy in 30 minutes or less, and Fridays keep our classic tradition alive: champagne + founder stories because just like bubbles, we rise to the top. 🥂This week’s Power Hour dives into a topic I’m super interested in: nervous system regulation and how it fuels sustainable wealth and business growth. 📈My guest, Gigi Bier, is a nervous system wealth coach who went from corporate burnout to bookkeeping pro to coaching entrepreneurs on profitability, mindset, and the body-based tools that make success stick. We unpack:Why mindset alone can lead to quick wins… and quick backslidesThe nervous system “states” and how to spot yoursPractical daily regulation tools Gigi’s “3 C’s of Safety”How a regulated nervous system helps you create and keep wealth (goodbye, imposter spiral)Takeaways you can use today:Do 2–10 minutes of belly breathing, twice a day.Build awareness: notice your state, then pick a matching micro-reset (walk/stretch for freeze; movement for fight/flight).Strengthen the 3 C’s: check your context, lean into real connection, and reduce choice overload.Connect with Gigi and grab all of her goodies here: https://gigibier.comIf this episode resonated with you, please follow/subscribe and share it with a friend who’s building big things without burning out. See you Friday for champagne and an inspiring founder story! 🥂

Hey guys! Welcome to the very first episode of The Bubbles Effect, formerly Bubbles & Biz! I started this podcast back in 2019 (in my closet 🙈) with a glass of champagne and a mission to connect with other entrepreneurs. Six years later, the show has evolved just like entrepreneurship itself and now it’s where marketing, mindset, and momentum meet! In this episode, I’m kicking things off by sharing how my marketing journey began 20 years ago as an intern at Microsoft. From learning creative strategy (before social media even existed!) to understanding the power of brand loyalty, that experience shaped everything I do today.I’ll also share my biggest marketing tip, how to blend creativity and strategy to build lasting connections, and a mindset reminder that it’s always okay to evolve. Whether you’re rebranding, shifting directions, or simply craving something new in your business, this is your permission slip to make the change.Because just like bubbles, we rise to the top. 🥂Get the weekly newsletter here: https://nb.marketing/freebies

On this week’s Power Hour, I’m joined by Tianna Mamalick, an SEO + content strategist and founder of SMB Marketing School. 🥂We dig into what SEO really means in 2025 (hint: it’s inseparable from content), how AI is changing discovery without replacing the basics, and why “zero-click” answers and multi-path customer journeys demand clearer messaging than ever. Tianna breaks down technical vs. practical SEO in plain English, the role of backlinks again, and why your Google Business Profile is a must, even for service-area businesses. We also chat Threads (we both love it!) and the difference between branding flair and the clarity Google, and your buyers, actually need. 🙌Quick wins you can tackle today:Add clear service/product categories to your homepage and link to dedicated pages.Create separate pages for each core service (no more “one giant services page”).Claim + complete your Google Business Profile and load it with plain-spoken keywords.Connect with Tianna: smbmarketingschool.com and @smbmarketingschool on Threads/Instagram.If this episode helped, share it with a fellow biz owner and leave a review!

Raise a glass (of coffee, ha) y'all, it’s Power Hour Wednesday! 🙌Today I’m chatting with Cortney St Clair, the “It Factor” stylist behind the ICON Style Method, and wow… this convo flipped the way I think about style, branding, and showing up as the next‑level version of ourselves. 💅Cortney breaks down how strategic style + subconscious reprogramming + magnetic personal branding work together (yes, your closet can be a growth tool!) and why congruence and consistency across your photos, reels, stories, and real life matter more than we think. We also chat about “enclothed cognition” (the science-y proof that what you wear changes how you think and perform), building outfit templates so getting dressed takes under five minutes, and the simple clarity questions that turn a wardrobe into a system. 💥Power Hour Takeaways:Style isn’t a reward for success, it’s a tool to step into it.Congruence wins: your on‑brand image should match your message everywhere you show up.Outfit templates = less decision fatigue, more momentum (hello, five‑minute mornings).Your 30‑Minute Homework:💎 Answer Cortney’s clarity questions about who you’re becoming and how she looks below.💎 Do a quick audit of your IG: does your image match your message across posts, reels, and stories?💎 Create one go‑to outfit template you can grab tomorrow morning.Resources mentioned:Cortney’s pinned IG carousel on building your seven‑figure style and the ICON Style Method here: https://www.instagram.com/cortneystclairHer downloadable clarity questions: https://www.cortneystclair.com/style-success-journal-prompts⁠Connect with Cortney here: www.instagram.com/cortneystclairwww.cortneystclair.comCheers and see y'all Friday 🥂

This week’s Power Hour is packed with game-changing PR wisdom from the one and only KJ Blattenbauer, powerhouse publicist, founder of HearSay PR, and author of How to Be a Media Darling 🥂We dive into why visibility isn’t vanity, it’s a business strategy, and how entrepreneurs like us can start showing up without feeling overwhelmed. KJ shares her signature 3-part framework, busts the myth that you need to “wait until you’ve made it” before pitching, and offers incredibly simple (yet powerful) ways to get noticed without a flashy agency.✨ If you’ve ever felt invisible in your industry or unsure of how to start sharing your story, this episode is your permission slip to step into the spotlight, one thoughtful pitch at a time.We also talk about:The biggest mistakes business owners make with PRHow one design client went from local to House Beautiful cover starTips to turn everyday questions into media goldWhat to post if you only have 30 minutes a weekWhy “talking about yourself like you talk about your best friend” is a must🎧 Grab a glass, press play, and get pitchworthy. PR doesn’t have to be intimidating, it just needs to be intentional.🔗 Connect with KJ:Instagram: @kjblattenbauerWebsite: hearsaypr.comJoin us for free networking and co-working in the Bubbles & Biz Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bubblesandbiz

Hey friends and welcome back to another episode of Bubbles & Biz! I know it’s Tuesday… not Monday. But life, am I right? Between school starting, a few injuries and illness, and just trying to get back into the swing of things, I’m embracing the season I’m in. ✨In today’s episode, I share some quick but need-to-know marketing updates including new LinkedIn metrics, Instagram testing clickable links in posts (finally!), and some big AI news from Apple and a TikTok update. Then I take a more personal turn with a mindset reflection around loss, legacy, and why I jumped back into entrepreneurship nine years ago after losing my dad. ❤️It’s a reminder to check in with your why, honor the journey, and make space for pivots if what you’re doing no longer aligns. Life is short, let’s build businesses that light us up! Thanks for sticking with me as I get back on schedule. Power Hours are back on Wednesdays, and our Friday Bubbles episodes are bubbling this week, too 🥂👉 Want these updates and freebies delivered to your inbox? Head to nb.marketing/hello to get on the list!

We're back!!!After an August break, I’m SO excited to be back! In this episode, I dive into a brand-new Buffer report that analyzed 27 million Instagram posts and the findings might surprise you. From how often to post (spoiler: 3–5x per week = double the growth) to the surprising performance difference between Reels and carousels, I break down what “good” engagement really means and how to build a content strategy that works.On the mindset side, I’m sharing reflections from The Alchemist, specifically how the desires in our hearts are there for a reason. If you’ve been feeling stuck or uncertain in your journey, this episode is a reminder to reconnect with your purpose and trust that the universe is conspiring to help you.✨ Marketing momentum. ✨ Mindset clarity. ✨ All in under 10 minutes.So grab a glass and let's chat!

Hey y'all! 👋 It’s August, and I wanted to let you know that Bubbles & Biz is taking a short summer break before coming back refreshed and ready for an exciting fall season. 🫶In this episode, I shares why I'm pressing pause for the month! I have been fighting off a lingering cough, savoring the last days of summer with family, making some podcast updates and gearing up for a strong September comeback 🔥I also drop a few quick marketing updates you’ll want to know:Instagram’s Edits App: Why using it could boost your Reels reach.Google & AI Content: Why human involvement is still essential for ranking and reader trust.AI Search Updates: How Google’s AI is pulling and displaying content differently (with a blog on https://nb.marketing/blog for more details).And for this week’s mindset tip? I open up about the power of rest. Even for entrepreneurs who feel wired to hustle, taking time to slow down can lead to more creativity, clarity, and joy. I encourage you to listen to your intuition, embrace the pause, and trust that amazing things can still happen in the background. ❤️The podcast turns six years old this month, and I am SO grateful for every listener and guest who have been part of this incredible journey! 🥂See y'all in September! 🍂🏈Binge the website or book a free strategy session here: https://nb.marketing