No to Normal

It’s an “Ask Me Anything” episode and all the questions I got were about TrustedHousesitters and what it’s like to be a traveling pet sitter! From booking your first stay to dealing with potential trip cancellations in a foreign country, I’m sharing my advice as a full-time traveling pet sitter.Ready to start your own travel pet sitting adventure??Use my referral link to get 25% off any TrustedHousesitters annual plan: https://trustedhousesitters.pxf.io/YRxZZe—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

”Yeah, I’d love to travel buuut I can’t afford that. I’m in a relationship. I can’t leave my pets behind…” Stop right there! Those are excuses and they’re holding you back from living your dream life.Today’s guest, Lauren Messner, is proof that not only can you get paid to live and work in some of the most beautiful places in the world, but you don’t have to do it alone!Since leaving her corporate job without a backup plan over 3 years ago, Lauren has been traveling full-time with the love of her life and their cat, Leche. From caretaking on an island to working in the High Sierras, Lauren and her partner have been able to experience the joy of seasonal work and the nomadic lifestyle most people just dream about.If you want to make the leap but feel too scared, Lauren’s story and advice will be the push you need!—[Free Download] Freedom Travel Guide: The Freedom Travel Handbook [Free Download]Follow today’s guest on Instagram: Lauren🌾🍄 (@lauren_messner1)Follow today’s guest on TikTok: Lo 🥾🌲🏔️ on TikTokFollow the pod on Instagram: Danielle | Unconventional Living Coach (@notonormalpod)—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

We all have that idea that would be fun “someday.” We throw it out as a joke over a glass of wine with friends or on a road trip. We laugh and say, “wouldn’t it be fun to launch that *insert random business idea here*?”Well, Funk It Coffee and Thrift is one of those ideas that actually went from dream to reality! Markie Russell is on the show today to chat about how she and her best friend actually took the leap and launched Funk It Coffee and Thrift.In this episode:Why the “don’t work with friends” rule isn’t always correctHow they were able to get business loans, oversee the construction process, and hire an amazing team without prior experienceHow “fun” is a core principle of the business and how they ensure that comes through in everything they doThe reality of running a business like this and advice for anyone ready to make their random idea a reality too—Have your own business ideas but feel stuck? Book a 1:1 call with Danielle:Empower Hour — No To NormalLearn more about Funk It Coffee and Thrift: Funk It Coffee and ThriftFollow the pod on Instagram: Danielle | Unconventional Living Coach (@notonormalpod)—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

Taking the leap to quit your job and try something new is always scary and it’s easy to keep putting it off, but sometimes the universe steps in and makes the decision for you.That’s what happened in the case of today’s guest, Josephine Wong. When she was laid off from her graphic design job a couple of years ago, she took it as a sign to finally go after some of her bucket list dreams. She took a solo trip, she leaned into content creation, she tried new hobbies, and today she’s on the show to talk about what’s she learned during that time.If you’ve been feeling stuck and like you aren’t making the most of your free will lately, or you’re terrified at the idea of starting over, this episode is for you!—JOIN CANNONBALL: http://notonormal.co/cannonballFollow today’s guest on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephinellwong/Follow the pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notonormalpod/—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

Our society loves celebrating a big life milestone. Engagements, weddings, babies; these are the things that prompt parties (and gifts).But what if that’s not the path you’re on? When is it your chance to feel celebrated?Any. Time. You. Want.In this episode, we’re digging deep into:Why certain milestones get celebrated over others (and why that needs to change)How to identify moments in your own life that deserve recognitionCommon mindset blocks that stop us from celebrating ourselvesAnd how to invite others into your joy, even when it feels a little vulnerableIf you’re constantly downplaying your accomplishments or rushing towards the next goal without pausing, this episode is for you.—Join Cannonball: http://notonormal.co/cannonballShare your little wins with me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heydaniellerenee/—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

Just because your first plan didn’t work out doesn’t mean you’re not meant for something incredible. Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the thing that really clicks. And that’s a story that today’s guest, Jamie Kowalik, knows all too well.Jamie is the founder of Glo Creative Design Studio (and the designer behind the No to Normal website!) Before scaling her studio to a multi-6 figure business, she was struggling to make ends meet, she was putting bills on credit cards, and navigating motherhood and burnout, in the middle of a global pandemic…In today’s episode, Jamie is sharing:How she pivoted from a failed business and dove headfirst into a brand new career she had no experience withWhat happened when she finally allowed herself to dream biggerHow she balances her schedule to enjoy life to the fullest while still running a thriving businessAnd more!If you’ve been feeling stuck or discouraged lately, or you’ve been wondering if it’s too late to go after the life you actually want, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.—Check out Glo Creative Design Studio: High-Converting Squarespace Website Templates & Web DesignJoin Cannonball, my masterclass on taking messy action: Cannonball by @heydaniellerenee | Stan[Free] Download the Freedom Travel Guide: No To NormalLove today’s episode? Share on IG and tag me @‌heydaniellerenee—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

Normally I’m the one asking the questions, but today I’m answering them! I was recently a guest on the Travel Creator Podcast and I loved our conversation there so much that I wanted to share it here too. In this episode:How I knew it was finally time to quit my 9-5 even though I was scaredWhat my “North Star” is and how I use it to keep moving forward and build a life I genuinely loveWhat it really looks like to live an unconventional life that other people don’t understand…and so many fun side tangents like my desire to monetize everything, how I converted a mini school bus pre-covid, and what it’s like to travel the country as a pet sitterThis conversation was like sitting down with a bestie over a couple of drinks and I hope you’ll walk away feeling like, “If Danielle can do it, so can I!”If you loved today’s interview, you can find The Travel Creator Podcast hosted by Laura Haley wherever you listen to podcasts!—Book an Empower Hour Call with Danielle: Empower Hour — No To NormalHave questions? Shoot me a DM: Instagram (@heydaniellerenee)—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

Burnt out from trying to keep up with the algorithm? Editing new videos every day, engaging in the DMs, showing up on stories… It’s A LOT.But what if I told you that there’s an easier (and more profitable!) way to connect with your audience?In today’s episode, I’m joined by Laura Haley (@travelcontentwriting) to chat about the one strategy that most travel creators overlook: newsletters!We cover how email can help you build a successful and sustainable travel brand, the easiest way to write emails people actually want to open (even if you’re not a “writer”), and how to grow an email list from scratch.If you're ready to post less, explore more, and stop fighting the algorithm—this one's for you.—Follow the me on Instagram: Instagram (@heydaniellerenee)Follow today’s guest on Instagram: Instagram (@travelcontentwriting)[FREE DOWNLOAD] Get my Freedom Travel Handbook here: The Freedom Travel Handbook [Free Download]—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

Surprise!I’m popping into your feed on a Thursday with a quick bonus episode to announce that Cannonball, my brand-new course, is officially OPEN! 🎉In this short and sweet episode, I’m breaking down what’s inside the course, who it was made for, and why now’s the perfect time to join as a founding member.If you’ve been stuck in overthinking mode and dreaming of a life that feels more you — this is your sign.Founding Member Perks:$100 off for founding membersFull refund in exchange for sharing course feedbackLifetime access + future updatesReady to make the leap??Join here: Join the Cannonball Waitlist (http://notonormal.co/cannonball)

You already have a personal brand - even if you’ve never thought about it that way.It’s not about being an influencer or having a perfectly curated aesthetic. Your personal brand is how you show up in the world, how you’re perceived, and how you connect with others.Today, I'm joined by Krista Marie - personal branding strategist, photographer, and podcast host - to break down what it really means to create a personal brand that feels like you, and not just some performance.In this episode, we’re covering:What a personal brand actually is (and what it isn’t)How to build your brand around your values, not just your visualsThe difference between your niche and your personal brandHow to show up authentically - even if you don’t feel “ready” yetIf you’re ready to create a personal brand you’re actually proud of without all of the overwhelm and generic advice, this episode is for you!—Follow today’s guest on IG: Instagram (@heykristamarie)Listen to the Amplify Your Brand & Business Podcast: Podcast—Cannonball opens tomorrow!Join Cannonball: notonormal.co/cannonballHave questions? Shoot me a DM: Instagram (@heydaniellerenee)—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

”It’s not the right time” is one of the most common excuses we tell ourselves about why we’re not taking action toward our dream. We assume that the timing will be better down the road, and we convince ourselves that we’re actually being responsible by waiting!Spoiler: It’s not responsible. It’s self-sabotage.In this episode, we’re debunking the “right time” myth and how you can stop falling into this trap. If you’re ready to stop thinking and start doing, you’re in the right place!—JOIN THE CANNONBALL WAITLIST: Join the Cannonball Waitlisthttp://notonormal.co/cannonballHave a question about today’s episode? Email danielle@notonormal.co—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

You don’t have to be a textbook people pleaser to end up living a life that’s not actually yours. Maybe you’re stuck in a job you hate, a relationship that feels off, or just going through the motions because change feels too hard.Today’s guest, Kat Amey, hit her 30s and realized she was deeply unfulfilled—so she decided to rewrite the script. Now, she helps other women stop people pleasing and start building lives that feel true to them.In this episode, we’re diving into:How people pleasing quietly keeps you stuckWhat it actually takes to figure out what you really wantThe bold choices Kat made to start over—and how they changed everythingWhy “authentic living” isn’t just a buzzword, but a powerful practiceIf you’re feeling stuck, questioning your path, or craving a life that feels more true to you, this episode is your reminder that it’s never too late to begin again.—Follow today’s guest on Instagram: Instagram (@kat_amey)[FREE CLASS]Overthinking Masterclass hosted by Kat Amey: Overthinking Masterclass[FREE DOWNLOAD]Get my Freedom Travel Handbook here: The Freedom Travel Handbook [Free Download]—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

"I don’t know what I want" is one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves. More often than not, you do know—you’re just afraid to say it out loud.Maybe it feels unrealistic, maybe you’re scared of failing, or maybe you’re worried about what people will think.Good news: we’re going to tackle those fears together!In this episode:Why ignoring your dream doesn’t make it go away (it just makes you unhappy)The real reasons people convince themselves they don’t know what they wantHow to finally admit what you want—and start making it happenIf you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your next step, this episode will help you break through the doubt and move forward with confidence.—[FREE DOWNLOAD] Get my Freedom Travel Handbook here: The Freedom Travel Handbook [Free Download]Book a 1:1 EMPOWER HOUR Call with Danielle: Empower Hour — No To NormalHave a question about today’s episode? Email danielle@notonormal.co—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

Our National Parks are in danger, plain and simple. After mass layoffs in February, the National Park Service is now facing staffing issues that are going to have a direct impact on everything from park cleanliness and camping availability to visitor safety and emergency response times.Because of this news, I thought it was important to draw attention to the amazing programs that the NPS provides to the public by revisiting my conversation with Ranger Connie from 2023. Connie Lau is a former high school teacher who made a huge career pivot by stepping out of the classroom and into the great outdoors as a park ranger at Yosemite.After hearing about Connie’s role as a ranger, I think you’ll have an even greater appreciation of this type of work (I know I did!), and maybe even be inspired to make a big career pivot yourself!Learn more about the current layoffs:‘Be prepared to self-rescue’: Yosemite might be dangerous and dirty this summer - The San Francisco Standard5 ways you can help national parks: 5 simple ways to help national parks right nowCredits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

Did you know that Americans spend an average of 40 minutes per day dreaming about someplace they’d rather be?That’s almost 5 hours a week that people are thinking about their escape from their day-to-day life!In this episode, I’m giving you a list of ways to make that escape sooner rather than later, even if you haven’t been saving up for a trip.From couchsurfing and housesitting, to volunteering and seasonal work, there are so many ways to get free lodging while traveling ranging from weekend getaways to multi-month adventures… and I know this is true because I’ve tried them myself and I’m ready to share them with you!—Looking for even more ideas to make your travel dreams a reality??[FREE DOWNLOAD] Get my Freedom Travel Handbook here: The Freedom Travel Handbook [Free Download]—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

It’s the TikTok Shop follow-up episode you’ve been waiting for! After having Amanda Pacropis on the podcast for episode 47 to talk about how she earns 5-figures a month as a TikTok Shop Affiliate, I gave myself a little challenge to see what would happen if I posted 3+ times per day.Could I actually earn money as a new TikTok Shop Affiliate? Does posting consistently really matter? And most importantly, is there a way to do it that doesn’t feel manipulative or fake?Well, from October 11-December 11, I posted 202 TikTok Shop videos in preparation for the holiday gift-buying season, and the results are officially in!In this episode, I’m sharing:How much I earned during my TikTok Shop experiment (spoiler alert: I hit my first 4-figure month!)The highs and lows of TikTok selling, and what I plan on doing differently moving forwardMy 5 biggest tips for hitting high-commission days as a TikTok Shop affiliate while staying true to your values and avoiding burn outIf you’re ready to turn scrolling time into passive income & free products WITHOUT sacrificing authenticity then this is the episode for you!—[FREE DOWNLOAD]Get my Freedom Travel Handbook here: notonormal.myflodesk.com/freedomguideHave a question about today’s episode? Email danielle@notonormal.co—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

Do you ever feel like your own internal dialogue is your biggest obstacle? Sure, there are challenges in life that are objectively hard, but that extra layer of self-doubt can make those tough goals feel impossible.Today’s guest, A.J. Aldana, knows this struggle all too well. In this episode, A.J. shares how he overcame his biggest insecurities and pushed past limiting beliefs to accomplish something extraordinary—hiking all 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail.In this episode, we’re diving into:How A.J. went from self-doubt to achieving one of the most physically and mentally demanding goals imaginableThe power of challenging your inner critic and building trust in yourselfLessons from A.J.’s inspiring journey that you can apply to your own goals (no hiking required!)Plus, A.J. is sharing some fun BTS facts and stories from the trail including his go-to meal, the songs he just couldn’t stop listening to, and his scariest animal encounter.If you’re ready for a little trail magic and a lot of inspiration, this episode is for you.—[FREE DOWNLOAD] Get my Freedom Travel Handbook here: https://notonormal.myflodesk.com/freedomguideFollow A.J. on IG: Instagram (@ajaldana.jpeg)—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

Do you ever feel like the goal you've been working on for weeks, months, or even years just isn’t paying off? You’ve got this vision in your head of what it could be, but progress feels painfully slow, and you’re starting to wonder if it’s even worth it.Take a breath. You’re not alone. Progress is happening—even if you can’t see it yet. You’re planting seeds that will grow if you give them time.In today’s episode, I’m diving into:How to stay patient and motivated when it feels like nothing is working.How to evaluate whether you should pivot or if fear is steering you in the wrong direction.Inspiring success stories of people who stayed the course, trusted their vision, and played the long game.If you’re ready to quiet your self-doubt and step into the unshakable confidence you deserve, this episode is for you. Hit play and let’s get into it!—[FREE DOWNLOAD] Get the Freedom Travel Handbook here: notonormal.co Follow the show on IG: Instagram (@notonormalpod)—Credits:Editing by Midnight Sun PodcastingCover art by Kinsey H. DesignsIntro music by SergeiMaloy, Audio Jungle

It’s that time of year again when everyone starts talking about all the ways they’re going to be successful, productive, and better than ever in the new year.But how often have you excitedly set a big new year’s resolution, only to get bored with it by January 20?You’re not alone!In this episode, we’re talking about why New Year’s resolutions often fail, and what you can do instead to have an amazing 2025.Rather than looking at what to ADD in the new year, pause and reflect about what you want to LEAVE BEHIND from this year.Use these questions from the episode to help you get clear on the areas of your life that need a little editing and simplifying:What worked for you this year?What didn’t work for you this year?What felt heavy or draining?What brought me joy, ease, and lightness?What limiting beliefs or thought patterns are no longer serving you?What emotions are you holding onto that no longer align with who you’re becoming?I’ll see you back here for a new episode on January 8!Follow the show on Instagram: Instagram (@notonormalpod)

Have you ever felt like the holiday season is more about checking boxes than actually feeling festive?You’re not alone.In today’s episode, I’m talking with the owner of Hannah’s Enchantments about how to create your own joyful rituals, so that you can actually enjoy and remember this time of year!Whether you're in a warm climate and missing that "winter magic" or just need a fresh way to make the holidays feel special, Hannah is giving you the permission to do things differently, without the obligation, overwhelm, or comparison.Learn more about today’s guest here: Home | Hannah's EnchantmentsDownload my free “Quit Your Job, Not Your Dreams” guide here: No To Normal