Gratitude Geek

She’s booked 30,000 podcast interviews, and the guests who actually made money all did one thing differently. In this episode of Gratitude Geek, Kandas Rodarte and Interview Connections founder Jessica Rhodes break down how to turn podcast guesting into real revenue instead of chasing vanity metrics.​ You’ll learn why building real relationships with hosts beats obsessing over audience size, how niche shows often convert better than “big name” podcasts, and what realistic download numbers look like even for established brands. Kandas and Jessica also unpack guesting strategies, audience–message fit, and why consistency matters more than any single “big break.”​ They share practical tactics like collaborating on YouTube, repurposing interviews across platforms, using email and playlists to warm up your own audience, and applying gratitude as a business strategy to stay top of mind for referrals. If you’re a Gen X woman solopreneur who wants podcast guesting to actually lead to clients, this conversation is your playbook.​ Link to the full show notes and resources: https://kandasrodarte.com/305​ Timestamps00:00 The Evolution of Podcasting02:23 Guesting Strategies for Success04:30 The Importance of Engagement07:02 Visibility and Audience Growth09:46 The Value of Niche Targeting12:34 Building Relationships with Hosts15:31 Leveraging Social Proof18:28 The Role of Consistency in Podcasting20:08 Metrics and Engagement Strategies24:25 Evaluating Podcast Metrics26:28 The Importance of Relationships in Podcast Guesting28:11 The Role of Authenticity in Podcast Pitches29:27 Value in Storytelling and Lessons Learned31:52 The Longevity of Podcasts33:12 The Power of Collaboration in Podcasting35:06 Ethics of Content Sharing and Credit38:03 Gratitude as a Business Strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are $10K offers really the only path to a successful online business? Writer and community-builder Carol Tice shares why the high-ticket guru model fails most Gen X women entrepreneurs—and what actually works instead: sustainable communities that fit real lives. 00:00 RV Living and Lifestyle Freedom 01:46 Building a $6M Community 07:26 Trust and Online Communities 14:26 How to Launch a Paid Community 17:32 Why the $10K Offer Model Fails 20:44 Finding Real Community Opportunities 25:55 Advice for Gen X Women Entrepreneurs 31:43 Closing Gratitude and Outro You'll learn how Carol built a $6M writing community without $10K offers or hype-driven funnels, the trust factors that make online communities thrive, and practical next steps for launching or pivoting a paid community in 2025 that aligns with Gen X women values. Connect with Carol Tice Website: https://www.skool.com/community-growth-academy/about YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CommunityGrowthAcademy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/business-book-ghostwriter-community-entrepreneur-carol-tice/ Free case study: https://pages.communitygrowth.school/cga-case-optin-page Full show notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/304 Join the Gratitude Geek community: https://kandasrodarte.com/lab Gratitude Geek is proud to be part of: Podmatch – https://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch Marketing Podcast Network – https://marketingpodcasts.com Feminist Podcasters Collective – https://feministpodcasterscollective.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcast predictions for 2026 are already taking shape. In this episode of Gratitude Geek, Kandas Rodarte and Amy Stone dive into the trends that matter most for women podcasters, especially Gen X women building sustainable, story‑driven shows. They unpack fresh data about women‑hosted podcasts, CPMs, and listener growth, then connect it to real‑world decisions about ads, networks, YouTube SEO, and how to book (and be) better guests in 2026. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why women‑hosted shows make up a minority of podcasts but over‑index on downloads and ad revenue. How Gen X women have become one of the fastest‑growing podcast listener groups—and what that means for your content and offers. What’s changed in podcasting since 2016, from indie hosting and RSS to celebrity shows, video, and “is this even a podcast?” confusion. How bro marketing, culture, and power dynamics shape who gets booked, who gets paid, and who gets heard. Our podcast predictions for 2026: new creators, shifting CPMs, Substack / algorithm fatigue, SEO vs schema, and authenticity / verification tools. Practical moves Gen X women podcasters can make now: booking more women, using networks and directories wisely, and building collaborative communities instead of going it alone. About our guest Amy Stone is the host of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, an interview‑style podcast where she shares real turning‑point stories and practical strategies for navigating adult life with more honesty and less perfectionism. Links & resources Full episode show notes: KandasRodarte.com/303 Listen to Amy’s show: The Art of Imperfect Adulting Explore Gratitude Geek Lab: KandasRodarte.com/lab If this episode resonates Follow Gratitude Geek in your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. Share this conversation with a Gen X woman podcaster who is ready to grow her show in 2026. Leave a quick rating or review to help more women find the show. Chapters 00:00 – Live Stream Blooper & Intro 02:30 – What Changed in Podcasting Since 2016 05:30 – Women in Podcasting: Stats That Matter 10:00 – Why Women Need to Book More Women 15:00 – Bro Marketing and Gendered Pitches 19:00 – Power, Culture, and Who Gets to Talk 26:00 – The Business of Podcasting in 2025 33:00 – Podcast Predictions for 2026 41:00 – What Gen X Women Podcasters Can Do Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When does values-based marketing stop feeling meaningful and start feeling performative? In episode 302 of Gratitude Geek, Kandas Rodarte talks with marketing and public relations veteran Leslie Smith about how solopreneurs can market with meaning without slipping into optics-driven or shallow campaigns. They explore why alignment matters more than visibility, how storytelling builds trust, and what small business owners can realistically do to support causes they care about. This episode is especially relevant for Gen X women solopreneurs who want their marketing to reflect their values, strengthen relationships, and support sustainable business growth in 2026 and beyond. Topics covered include:– What makes values-based marketing feel authentic versus fake– Why awareness alone isn’t enough– How alignment builds long-term trust– Practical ways solopreneurs can participate in meaningful marketing– Why press releases and blogging still matter 🔗 Show notes and resources:https://kandasrodarte.com/302 Chapters: 00:00 When values-based marketing feels off03:22 What values-based marketing actually means04:43 Authenticity versus performative marketing09:21 Audience alignment and shared values10:52 Why storytelling builds trust13:25 Community impact and collaboration15:54 Built-in opportunities for meaningful marketing19:35 Practical strategies for solopreneurs24:54 Press releases and blogging still matter35:01 Closing gratitude and final thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your goals keep fizzling out by February, this episode is your wake-up call. Award-winning author and goal strategist Debra Eckerling joins me to break down the five essential goal-setting shifts Gen X women solopreneurs must make before 2026. We dig into the real drivers of motivation, the role of personal growth in building momentum, and the overlooked power of celebrating small wins along the way. Deb also explains why traditional SMART goals fall short, how the DEB Method creates clarity you can actually act on, and how intentional networking accelerates every business milestone. If you’re ready to design a year that finally matches the vision in your head, this conversation gives you the tools to do it. In this episode:• Why SMART goals fail so many people• The DEB Method for building a life you actually want• How to post your goals everywhere (and why it works)• The science and strategy behind celebrating small wins• Using networking as a goal-achievement tool• How directed journaling reveals answers you didn’t know you had• What it really takes to stay consistent all year long Connect with Debra Eckerling:https://TheDEBMethod.com Full show notes:https://kandasrodarte.com/301 Chapters: 00:00 Intro & why most people set goals backwards01:01 The DEB Method explained07:41 Why SMART goals fail10:48 Post your goals everywhere12:52 Celebrate small wins to build motivation20:44 Mission and motto as your compass25:16 Directed journaling for clarity27:55 Track your progress like it matters32:47 How Deb landed Guy Kawasaki & Brian Tracy42:30 Deb’s moment of gratitude Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains a discussion about suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a loved one, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7. Please take care while listening and make sure you're in the right headspace. You are not alone. We Can Do Hard Things. That's the message from eight women in business who share life advice on overcoming adversity in this milestone 300th episode panel. These women prove that you don't need to be superhuman—you just do what's necessary. Hear stories of cancer, incarceration, single parenthood, dementia caregiving, MS diagnosis, and mental health challenges from women over 40 who rebuilt their businesses and lives. Christie Going navigates single parenthood while building a breast cancer recovery practice. Diana Dru Botsford lives with MS while maintaining her screenwriting career. Rachel Allen shares her husband's incarceration and creating community around taboo topics. Charlene Stewart balances dementia caregiving with her fitness business. Lauren Roach advocates for mental health transparency. Kathi Laughman shares choosing the 15% survival rate when her daughter was born at 27 weeks. Di Hilstad talks about breaking her ankle and learning to walk again. KEY TOPICS COVERED: Women in business overcoming adversity including cancer, MS, mental health, caregiving Life advice from business women who rebuilt after devastating loss Breaking stigma around mental health, incarceration, asking for help Creating community through vulnerability and transparency Choosing your number: Focusing on possibilities instead of statistics Working with men vs women in business Prison advocacy and supporting families affected by incarceration ABOUT THE PANEL: Christie Going - Licensed massage therapist, holistic breast cancer recovery program Diana Dru Botsford - Star Trek TNG writer, screenwriting professor Kathi Laughman - Strategist, possibilitarian, 40-year business intelligence career Lauren Roach - Mental health advocate, left Deloitte for wellness brand Rachel Allen - Copywriter, 16 years, clients in 21 countries Charlene Stewart - Certified power hoop instructor Di Hilstad - Entrepreneur, first scrapbooking store Vancouver Island RELATED EPISODES: Episode 18: Diana Botsford - Character-Driven Storytelling Episode 30: Kathi Laughman - Personal Leadership Episode 189: Rachel Allen - Authentic Marketing Episode 293: Christie Going - Breast Cancer Recovery FULL EPISODE BLOG POST: https://kandasrodarte.com/300 SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@gratitudegeek Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gratitude-geek/id820738086 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/27dh0T1PbwsWXxfmNWZPy8 Website: https://kandasrodarte.com CONNECT WITH KANDAS: Weekly Email: https://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe Instagram: https://instagram.com/gratitudegeek LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gratitudegeek SUPPORT THE SHOW: After 300 episodes, my equipment needs replacing. Every contribution helps! https://kandasrodarte.com/support ABOUT YOUR HOST: Kandas Rodarte is a growth coach for women solopreneurs over 40. She hosts the Gratitude Geek Podcast and co-hosts Sci-Fi Book Pod. A metastatic breast cancer thriver with 30+ years of marketing expertise, Kandas believes gratitude is a business strategy that helps women build genuine, lasting connections. #WeCanDoHardThings #WomenInBusiness #WomanOver40 #BusinessWomen #GratitudeGeek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Image Cycling - Ursula Mentjes, five-time bestselling author and business growth expert, reveals how to align your subconscious with true desires instead of ego-driven goals. Ursula grew up on a small Minnesota farm, then scaled from outside sales rep to president of a $27 million company in five years before launching her own seven-figure coaching business. She shares the subconscious programming that nearly kept her stuck and how image cycling changed everything. Discover how image cycling overrides subconscious blocks preventing business growth, why your brain decides against goals 11 seconds before you're aware, and why distinguishing heart's desires from ego goals is critical for Gen X women entrepreneurs. KEY TOPICS: Image cycling technique: Align subconscious mind with true desires in 25 steps True desires vs ego-driven goals: Why some goals never happen Subconscious decides 11 seconds before conscious awareness Dr. William Bengston Method and resonant bonding Pinwheel visualization technique step by step Quantum physics and manifestation without belief Letting go of limiting beliefs about hard work Gratitude over grit for sustainable success CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction to image cycling and subconscious alignment 02:39 - Farm lessons: Discipline and hard work programming 05:00 - Rotating crops concept applied to business 06:46 - How the subconscious mind works 07:18 - Your brain decides 11 seconds before you know 10:24 - Image cycling: Aligning desires with subconscious 15:00 - Image cycling process with pinwheel technique 19:40 - Quantum physics and belief systems 22:22 - Words impact health and healing 24:03 - Water science and healing modalities 25:16 - Personal healing journeys 26:40 - Skepticism and openness to new ideas 29:03 - Importance of adaptability 31:23 - Questioning beliefs and truth 33:16 - Gratitude vs grit in success 34:27 - Letting go of limiting beliefs 38:32 - Gratitude for influential mentors 42:15 - Pomodoro technique and productivity breaks ABOUT URSULA MENTJES: Ursula specializes in image cycling, subconscious reprogramming, and helping Gen X women entrepreneurs align true desires with business growth. She hosts the Quantum Revenue Expansion Podcast and has written five bestselling books. Connect: https://www.ursulainc.co/ Free Masterclass: https://www.ursulainc.co/ Books: https://amzn.to/43HCBKv Podcast: https://podfollow.com/1213169440 ABOUT GRATITUDE GEEK: The podcast for Gen X women entrepreneurs who understand gratitude is a business strategy. Host Kandas Rodarte is a growth coach, metastatic breast cancer thriver, and advocate for women building genuine connections in business. Subscribe: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@gratitudegeek Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gratitude-geek/id820738086 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/27dh0T1PbwsWXxfmNWZPy8 Website: https://kandasrodarte.com Support: https://kandasrodarte.com/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to sell art online without feeling salesy from Miriam Schulman, author of Artpreneur. Discover proven marketing strategies for artists, how to sell art on email, and why traditional business advice doesn't work for creative entrepreneurs selling art online. About Miriam Schulman Miriam Schulman is the author of Artpreneur: The Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from Your Creativity and host of The Inspiration Place podcast. After leaving Wall Street post-9/11, she built a thriving art business and now teaches artists how to market and sell their work authentically. Connect with Miriam Schulman Website: https://schulmanart.com Free AI Tool - Artpreneur Daily Altar: https://schulmanart.com/altar Book: Artpreneur https://amzn.to/47Z7ECW Podcast: The Inspiration Place - https://www.schulmanart.com/podcast/  Instagram: https://instagram.com/schulmanart  What This Episode Is About In this episode, Miriam Schulman shares her journey from Wall Street analyst to successful artist making a sustainable living from her creativity. She breaks down the specific challenges artists face when marketing their work and provides actionable strategies to sell art online authentically. Key Takeaways Artists need different marketing strategies than other businesses because generic advice doesn't address their unique challenges The FOMO email strategy: Show what you just sold to create desire without being pushy Understanding the belief triad: Customers evaluate their self-worth, not just your art's value Some buyers actually want the most expensive option (Veblen goods) as a signal of quality and status Building an employee-first business with clear boundaries creates sustainability AI tools like ChatGPT can help organize your thinking, but human creativity remains irreplaceable Episode Highlights 0:00 - Introduction: Why marketing rules don't apply to artists  2:30 - From Wall Street analyst to full-time artist  5:15 - The 9/11 pivot: Choosing values over money  8:45 - Gen X strengths in business and fear-based decisions  12:10 - Email marketing for artists: The FOMO strategy  15:20 - Understanding buyer psychology when selling art  18:30 - The belief triad: Self-worth, product value, customer worth  22:15 - Overcoming objections: "It's too expensive" and beyond  26:40 - Why popular art sells faster: Social proof in action  29:35 - Veblen goods: Some buyers want the most expensive option  32:50 - Building an employee-first business with boundaries  36:20 - Using AI for artist business: The Artpreneur Daily Altar  39:45 - Why AI won't replace human creativity in art  42:10 - Moment of gratitude: Teachers who believed in her Resources Mentioned Artpreneur by Miriam Schulman - https://amzn.to/47Z7ECW Byron Katie's Four Questions technique  Artpreneur Daily Altar (Custom ChatGPT) - https://schulmanart.com/altar Related Episodes You Might Love 🎙️ Episode 273: Jake Thomas on YouTube Title Optimization - Learn how to write titles people can't resist clicking - https://kandasrodarte.com/273  🎙️ Episode 264: Nate Morse on LinkedIn Client Acquisition - Turn LinkedIn connections into paying clients - https://kandasrodarte.com/264  🎙️ Episode 255: Mickie Kennedy on Press Releases for Small Businesses - Get media attention without spending thousands - https://kandasrodarte.com/255  Your Turn What's your biggest challenge when marketing your creative work? Drop a comment or share your thoughts on Instagram or LinkedIn - I'd love to continue the discussion! Support the Show If this episode brought you value, here's how you can help: ✨ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods ✨ Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it ✨ Want to be a guest? Send me a message on Podmatch - https://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch  ✨ Support the podcast financially - Help me upgrade my equipment after 298 episodes: https://kandasrodarte.com/support About Your Host Kandas Rodarte is a growth coach for women solopreneurs over 40. She hosts the Gratitude Geek Podcast and co-hosts Sci-Fi Book Pod. A metastatic breast cancer thriver with 30+ years of marketing expertise, Kandas believes gratitude is a business strategy that helps women build genuine, lasting connections with clients, colleagues, and community. Subscribe & Listen YouTube: https://youtube.com/@gratitudegeek Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gratitude-geek/id820738086 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/27dh0T1PbwsWXxfmNWZPy8?si=2303ea26860c436e Website: https://kandasrodarte.com Connect with Kandas Weekly Email: https://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe Instagram: https://instagram.com/gratitudegeek LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gratitudegeek Work with Kandas Are you a woman solopreneur over 40 who's experienced something difficult like cancer, divorce, or loss? Kandas helps women rebuild their businesses and lives with strategy, systems, and gratitude as a business tool. 🌐 Learn more: https://kandasrodarte.com/start-here Gratitude Geek Podcast is made possible by listeners like you. Disclaimer: Some links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. This helps support the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Self-care is not selfish and thanking yourself is essential for Gen X women. Licensed massage therapist Christie Going joins Kandas Rodarte to discuss why women struggle with self-gratitude, how to thank yourself daily, and practical self-care tips including their 30-day fitness challenge, hydration hacks, and why Snoop Dogg's "I want to thank myself" moment matters. What You'll Learn: Why self-care is not selfish (especially for Gen X women) How to thank yourself daily without feeling awkward Real results from a 30-day fitness challenge (including the struggles) Why "I woke up above ground" is a powerful gratitude practice How to make water taste better with natural electrolytes The placebo effect and belief in healing (80% success rate) Key Highlights: Self-Care Is Not Selfish: Women are taught to care for everyone else first. Christie discusses why asking for and accepting help is hard for women, and how intimate wellness work helps women in this vulnerable aspect of their lives. The 30-Day Fitness Challenge: Kandas and Christie share their honest experience completing a 30-day squats and sit-ups challenge. They discuss crying on day 1, missing days, modifying exercises, and why posting progress on Instagram kept them accountable. Both completed 30-35 reps by day 30. Hydration Hacks: Natural electrolyte alternatives without artificial sweeteners including pink Himalayan salt rock in water, lemon juice, pinch of baking soda to lower pH, and a mineral water recipe with baking soda, brown sugar, salt and lime juice (tastes like coconut water). Gratitude Practices That Work: Gratitude journaling (1-3 lines per day), "I woke up above ground" daily reminder, Mary Kay Ash's "I'm fantastic" response, and Snoop Dogg's "I want to thank myself" moment. About Christie Going: Christie Going is a licensed massage therapist, reflexologist, and aromatherapist based in Houston, Texas. She specializes in helping women with holistic wellness through reflexology, breast health work, scar treatment using Dolphin MPS, lymphatic drainage, and urinary incontinence work. Website | Super Patch Resources Mentioned: Gratitude Journal | Super Patch (Focus, Peace, Liberty) | Pink Himalayan Salt | 30-Day Squats Challenge Key Quote: "Everything good that's ever happened in your life happened because of YOU. So thank yourself." - Kandas Rodarte Related Episodes: Episode 238: Steve Gamlin on Visualization and Gratitude Practices Episode 246: Andrew Kap on Law of Attraction and Daily Gratitude Episode 293: Christie Going on Holistic Therapies for Breast Cancer Recovery Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to overcome stage fright as a woman entrepreneur and leader. Speaker and author Mahlena-Rae Johnson shares her 3-step framework (relax, relate, release) to help introverted women leaders conquer public speaking anxiety and step into their power on stage with confidence. In episode 296 of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with Mahlena-Rae Johnson—speaker, comedian, 6-time author, and self-proclaimed "Professor X for Introverted EdTech CEOs with Stage Fright"—to discuss how women can overcome stage fright and public speaking anxiety. Why do 80% of women experience stage fright compared to only 60% of men? Mahlena breaks down the gender gap in public speaking anxiety and shares actionable strategies for introverted women leaders who need to show up and speak with authority. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The real reason women fear public speaking more than men (hint: it starts before you even open your mouth) Mahlena's "Relax, Relate, Release" 3-step framework for overcoming stage fright How to practice public speaking in low-stakes ways, starting with a 30-second video challenge Why introverts actually have advantages on stage Physical symptoms of stage fright and how to manage them before, during, and after presentations How to step into your power as a woman speaker despite societal judgment The importance of planning your recovery time after giving a presentation How body dysmorphia and self-perception affect women's confidence on stage About Mahlena-Rae Johnson Mahlena-Rae Johnson has spent over 20 years teaching introverted leaders how to hone their public speaking superpower. She's the author of six books, including Speak Anyway: A Public Speaking Guide for Introverted CEOs with Stage Fright. Her work focuses on helping women leaders overcome public speaking anxiety and deliver powerful presentations with confidence. Mahlena is also a comedian and sci-fi author who brings humor and storytelling into her speaking coaching practice. She's passionate about helping introverted CEOs recognize that their quiet nature isn't a weakness—it's a strategic advantage. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Speak Anyway: A Public Speaking Guide for Introverted CEOs with Stage Fright by Mahlena-Rae Johnson: https://amzn.to/43aEDTf Public Speaking Statistics (gender gap data): https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/public-speaking-statistics Toastmasters International for public speaking practice: https://toastmasters.org Connect with Mahlena-Rae Johnson LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/mahlena YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mahlenaspeaks Books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nw3bgN Related Gratitude Geek Episodes Episode 167: Public Speaking Coach Meridith Grundei on Presentation Skills Episode 177: Jennifer S. Wilkov on Empowering Women to Speak Up and Be Heard Episode 275: Fletcher Ellingson on Rewiring Fear Stories Subscribe & Listen YouTube: https://youtube.com/@gratitudegeek Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gratitude-geek/id820738086 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/27dh0T1PbwsWXxfmNWZPy8?si=2303ea26860c436e Website: https://kandasrodarte.com Connect with Kandas Rodarte Weekly Email: https://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe Instagram: @gratitudegeek LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gratitudegeek Support the Show Help Kandas upgrade her podcasting equipment! After 296 episodes and nearly 10 years, her microphone and headphones need replacing. Every contribution helps keep Gratitude Geek going strong. Support here: https://kandasrodarte.com/support Work with Kandas Are you a woman solopreneur over 40 who's experienced something difficult like cancer, divorce, or loss? Kandas helps women rebuild their businesses and lives with strategy, systems, and gratitude as a business tool. Learn more: https://kandasrodarte.com/start-here About Gratitude Geek: Gratitude Geek is the podcast for women solopreneurs over 40 building genuine, lasting connections with clients, colleagues, and community. Hosted by Kandas Rodarte—growth coach, metastatic breast cancer thriver, and marketing expert with 30+ years of experience. Theme music by Rev Rock and Soul Lily Disclaimer: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could prevent breast cancer before it starts? And what if you could turn that journey—plus divorce and life's biggest challenges—into comedy gold? Comedian Merit Kahn joins host Kandas Rodarte to share her powerful story as a BRCA1 previvor who chose preventative mastectomy at age 40. Merit transformed her experience into a one-woman comedy show called "Optimistic Personality Disorder" and now helps women rewrite the stories that limit their lives. This conversation will make you laugh, think differently about genetic testing, and realize that you have the power to rewrite any belief that doesn't serve you. About Merit Kahn: Merit Kahn is a comedian, keynote speaker, and certified emotional intelligence coach. As a BRCA1 gene carrier with an 87% lifetime breast cancer risk, she chose preventative surgery and turned her story into an inspiring comedy show that tours nationally. IN THIS EPISODE 0:00 - Introduction & Welcome Merit Kahn 1:30 - Merit's Story: Rewriting Life Through Comedy 4:15 - Family History & Discovering Genetic Testing 8:45 - Making the Preventative Mastectomy Decision 14:20 - Being a Previvor vs Survivor vs Thriver 17:30 - Creating the Optimistic Personality Disorder Show 21:45 - Finding Humor in Dating After Surgery (hilarious implant sales rep story!) 26:10 - The Business of Comedy & Working with Directors 30:25 - Writing Your Own Material & Comedy Ethics 34:50 - Predestination vs Making Your Own Path 38:15 - How Humor Connects, Inspires & Creates 42:00 - Merit's Moment of Gratitude 44:30 - Where to See the Show & Closing KEY TAKEAWAYS ✨ Genetic testing gives you choices—knowledge is power when it comes to cancer prevention ✨ Being a "previvor" means taking proactive steps before cancer happens ✨ You can rewrite any belief that was handed down to you or that you created in the past ✨ Comedy requires laughter every 7-10 seconds—there's a science to stand-up ✨ Tragedy plus time equals comedy, but nobody said it had to take a long time ✨ Laughter lightens the load you hold, making it easier to carry life's challenges RESOURCES & LINKS Full Show Notes:  https://kandasrodarte.com/295  Merit Kahn: Website: https://OptimisticPersonalityDisorder.com  or https://OPDShow.com  Upcoming Shows: Nebraska, Colorado, and touring nationally in 2026 Related Gratitude Geek Episodes: Episode 294: The Goldilocks Procedure with Deb Davis - https://kandasrodarte.com/294  Episode 275: Rewriting Fear Stories with Fletcher Ellingson - https://kandasrodarte.com/275  Mentioned in Episode: Myriad Labs Genetic Testing:  https://myriad.com/  Comedy Works (Denver):  https://comedyworks.com/  Moms Unhinged Comedy Tour:  https://momsunhinged.com/  ABOUT GRATITUDE GEEK Gratitude Geek is a podcast for women solopreneurs over 40 who believe gratitude is a business strategy. Host Kandas Rodarte, a metastatic breast cancer thriver and growth coach with 30+ years of marketing expertise, shares conversations about resilience, entrepreneurship, and building authentic connections. Connect with Kandas: Instagram: https://instagram.com/gratitudegeek  LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gratitudegeek  Website: https://KandasRodarte.com  Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. It helps other women solopreneurs find the show! Episode 295 | Part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Series Theme Music: Rev. Brock and Soul Lily #BreastCancerAwareness #Previvor #ComedyHeals #WomenOver40 #BRCAGene #GratitudeGeek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 294, I chat with Deb Davis, breast cancer thriver and author of "The Faces of Transparency: What We Reveal," about healing, transparency, and self-advocacy. Deb shares her journey through abuse, breast cancer recovery, and the power of breaking silence. Together they explore three game-changing self-care practices, why transparency matters more than perfection, and how to truly support someone facing cancer—and what NOT to do. What You'll Learn: Three self-care practices that transform healing: saying no, listening to your body, and laughter as medicine Why transparency is the key to freedom and helping others How writing became Deb's breakthrough during breast cancer recovery The Goldilocks breast surgery procedure most women don't know exists Why unsolicited advice hurts and what to say instead How survivor's guilt shows up and how to navigate it What being your own medical advocate really means This is a conversation about becoming whole after trauma and cancer try to break you. RESOURCES & LINKS: The Faces of Transparency: What We Reveal (affiliate): https://amzn.to/42KXq7l Deb's Substack: https://substack.com/@empowermentthroughtransparency Connect with Deb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/detroitcityheadshots/ Liberty by The Super Patch Co (reduces inflammation): https://grateful.superpatch.com Help Fund a New Microphone: https://kandasrodarte.com/support Full Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/294  EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Breast Cancer Awareness Month 02:47 Self-Care Practices for Thrivers 05:17 The Faces of Transparency: Deb's Book Journey 11:02 Overcoming Abuse: A Personal Story 16:34 Life After Trauma: Building a New Future 21:57 The Publishing Process: From Manuscript to Book 27:19 Navigating Substack as an Author 29:43 The Power of Connection and Asking for Help 32:13 Living with Breast Cancer: A Daily Reality 35:55 Survivor's Guilt and Community Support 38:29 Navigating Advice and Misconceptions 43:12 Body Image and Choices After Mastectomy 49:31 Gratitude and Self-Identity Post-Cancer === About Gratitude Geek: Gratitude Geek is the podcast for female solopreneurs over 40 building genuine, lasting connections with clients, colleagues, and community. Each episode features conversations with women who've faced adversity—cancer, divorce, loss—and transformed it into wisdom and business growth. Host Kandas Rodarte is a growth coach and metastatic breast cancer thriver with 30+ years of marketing expertise. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment & share! Join the Gratitude Geek community and stay updated with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Sign up for our email list here:  http://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe  Support Gratitude Geek Podcast  At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. As a listener, reader, and subscriber, you are part of this mission, and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://kandasrodarte.com/support Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show! Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network.  Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility:  http://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you're diagnosed with cancer, your oncologist will tell you about chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. But what about the complementary therapies that could help you manage side effects, reduce pain, and heal more completely? In this revealing conversation, Kandas sits down with licensed massage therapist and reflexologist Christie Going to discuss the holistic modalities that most doctors never mention—not because they don't work, but because they're simply not part of standard oncology training. Christie specializes in breast cancer recovery and shares practical, accessible tools including reflexology (a non-invasive foot therapy that works on all body systems), aromatherapy protocols that actually reduce nausea, and a revolutionary microcurrent device that releases scar tissue adhesions and restores your body's energy flow. This isn't about replacing medical treatment—it's about complementing it with evidence-based practices that can make your journey more bearable and your recovery more complete. Whether you're currently in treatment, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand what options exist beyond conventional care, this episode offers hope, practical guidance, and permission to advocate for your whole-body healing. What You'll Learn 🦶 Why Reflexology Surprises Everyone: Learn about this non-invasive modality that requires no disrobing and works on every system in your body—plus hand points you can use at home for shoulder pain and stress 🏥 The Cancer Care Quality Gap: Kandas shares her shocking experience with three different cancer centers and why the same diagnosis can mean vastly different treatment experiences depending on where you live 👂 The Four Ears Strategy: Why you should never go to a medical appointment alone, plus how to use AI tools like Notebook LM to record, transcribe, and analyze your doctor visits 🌿 Aromatherapy That Actually Works: The specific essential oils and protocols that helped Kandas avoid vomiting during aggressive chemotherapy (hint: it's not just peppermint) ✂️ Scar Work That Changes Lives: Discover the Dolphin Neurostim—an FDA-cleared microcurrent tool that uses acupuncture points to release adhesions, improve range of motion, and reconnect your body's energy pathways ⚡ The Vagus Nerve Secret: How this one cranial nerve affects your entire body and why three simple parasympathetic reset points can provide immediate relief 💪 Intuitive Healing Permission: Christy's empowering message that your body already knows what it needs—you just need to take baby steps and trust yourself 📋 Protocols Your Doctor Won't Know: From lymphatic massage timing to incontinence treatment to C-section scar release, learn what's actually available beyond conventional care Guest Bio Christy Going is a licensed massage therapist, reflexologist, and aromatherapist with 12 years of experience. As the owner of Going Forward Therapies in the greater Houston area, she specializes in helping women heal energetically, emotionally, and physically during breast cancer recovery. After losing her mom's best friend to breast cancer in 2008, Christie became passionate about providing the supportive care that most medical systems overlook. Her mobile practice brings compassionate, skilled holistic care directly to clients throughout West Houston, and she's certified in innovative modalities including the Dolphin Neurostim for pain relief and scar work. Key Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction & How We Met Over Greeting Cards 02:30 - The Vegas (Utah?) Reflexology Story 05:45 - Christie's Personal Journey with Breast Cancer 09:20 - Why Every Breast Cancer Story is Different 12:40 - The Non-Standardized Quality of Cancer Care in America 18:15 - Bringing Extra Ears to Medical Appointments 21:30 - Using AI Tools Like Notebook LM for Medical Records 24:10 - What is Reflexology & How Does It Work? 28:45 - The Shoulder Point Demo & Intuitive Healing 31:20 - Aromatherapy & Essential Oil Blending 34:50 - The Dolphin Neurostim Tool: Microcurrent Meets Acupuncture 38:30 - How Scar Work Reconnects Your Body Energetically 42:15 - The Future of Holistic Health in Cancer Care 45:20 - Rapid Fire Questions & Moment of Gratitude 47:30 - Final Advice: Listen to Your Body Resources Mentioned Notebook LM by Google: Free AI research tool for organizing and analyzing medical appointment recordings—helps you remember what your doctor actually said Super Patch: Non-invasive patches that work with your body's neural matrix for inflammation and focus support (Christie's affiliate link available) Dolphin Neurostim: FDA-cleared microcurrent tool for pain relief, scar work, and acupuncture point therapy—find a practitioner near you Greeting Card Business: The relationship-building system both Kandas and Christie have used for over a decade Quick Tips You Can Use Today For Shoulder Pain: Press gently into the fold where your pinky finger meets your hand (same side as the pain). Hold for 30 seconds while breathing deeply. For Medical Appointments: Use your phone's voice memo app or an AI transcription tool to record every appointment. You'll be surprised what you didn't hear the first time. For Scar Tissue: Any scar over 12 weeks old can benefit from specialized work—don't assume "that's just how it is now." For Stress Relief: Your feet hold reflex points for every system in your body. Even gentle foot massage can trigger relaxation responses. Connect with Christy Going Going Forward Therapies - Serving Northwest Houston and beyond:  https://christiegoing.com SendOutCards:  https://sendoutcards.com/190010  The Super Patch Company: https://christiegoing.superpatch.com/  Find a Dolphin Neurostim Practitioner: https://mpstherapist.com/  Full Show Notes:  https://kandasrodarte.com/293  Free Resource 8 Bold AI Experiments for Small Business Momentum Practical ways to use AI in your business without the overwhelm—because running a business while managing your health requires smart systems. Download at: http://kandasrodarte.com/bold Moment of Gratitude Christy shares the powerful story of an elderly client with a pituitary gland tumor. After his doctor approved the use of frankincense essential oil alongside his conventional treatment, he returned three months later with tears in his eyes—the tumor was gone. "When people tell me how much I've helped them," Christy reflects, "that's what stays with me." This story beautifully illustrates the potential of complementary care when integrated thoughtfully with medical treatment. A Note on Complementary vs. Alternative Care The modalities discussed in this episode are meant to complement, not replace, conventional medical treatment. Always consult with your healthcare team before adding new therapies to your care plan. The good news? More doctors are becoming open to integrative approaches—you just have to ask. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying new treatments or therapies, especially during cancer treatment. Individual results may vary. Gratitude Geek is the podcast for micropreneurs building genuine, lasting connections with clients, colleagues, and community. Hosted by Kandas Rodarte, growth coach for women solopreneurs over 40 and metastatic breast cancer thriver. Theme music by Rev. Brock and Soul Lily Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you choose the harder path? Award-winning writer Erica Neubert Campbell shares her transformative breast cancer journey with host Kandas Rodarte in this powerful October breast cancer awareness episode. After watching her mother battle and lose her fight with breast cancer, Erica faced her own diagnosis with hard-won wisdom—choosing a double mastectomy over the easier lumpectomy option. Discover her life-changing nightly gratitude practice (the 5-5-5-3 method), learn how writing just one sentence per day led to publishing a vulnerable book with real surgical photos, and hear the bathroom conversation with a stranger that changed everything. From reframing broken appliances as love reminders to building "horseshoe breasties" communities, Erica proves gratitude isn't a feeling—it's a choice you make every single day, especially during life's hardest moments. Connect with Erica Neubert Campbell 🌐 Website:  https://ericaneubertcampbell.com  📖 Book: https://amzn.to/4gYzVgP (affiliate link)  🖇️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-neubert-campbell-936279/  📝 Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/292  === Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment & share! Join the Gratitude Geek community and stay updated with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Sign up for our email list here:  http://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe  Support Gratitude Geek Podcast  At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. As a listener, reader, and subscriber, you are part of this mission, and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://kandasrodarte.com/support Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show! Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network.  Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility:  http://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us in this inspiring episode featuring Luba Patlakh, the Founder & Director of Kidology, Inc. As a resilient entrepreneur, Luba shares her remarkable journey from Manhattan broadcast journalism to establishing a thriving pediatric speech therapy practice. Discover how resilience is not just a personal trait, but a pivotal entrepreneurial superpower that shapes extraordinary businesses. Luba's story reveals the value of transferable skills from previous careers and the realities of running a healthcare practice. Tune in to learn how to transform setbacks into stepping stones for success, advocate for IEPs, and balance compassion with profitability. Listen now to uncover how community support and play-based therapy can truly help families thrive! Key Takeaways Resilience is your entrepreneurial superpower - Learn how to transform setbacks into stepping stones Your "previous life" skills transfer - Why your journalism, corporate, or other career experience is pure gold Healthcare business realities - The unexpected challenges of running a therapy practice (and how to navigate them) Compassion + profit can coexist - How to scale your mission-driven business without losing your soul IEP advocacy made simple - Practical strategies for parents navigating educational support systems Play is powerful - Why play-based therapy gets results in pediatric care Community support matters - Building networks that help families thrive Episode Timestamps [00:00] Introduction - Why resilience defines entrepreneurial success [03:33] Mental reset techniques every entrepreneur needs [06:11] The journalism to therapy career pivot that changed everything [08:47] How the immigrant experience builds unshakeable resilience [12:29] Broadcast journalism skills that translate to business success [17:01] Real challenges of building a healthcare business [19:13] Why Kidology's multidisciplinary approach works [23:26] The crucial role of recess and play in education [29:10] Balancing compassionate care with sustainable growth [34:13] IEP advocacy and empowering parents to speak up Connect with Luba Website: kidologyinc.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lubapatlakh Full Show Notes:  http://kandasrodarte.com/291  Love This Episode? Subscribe & Review: Your ratings and reviews help other women entrepreneurs find the show! Share: Know someone who needs to hear Luba's story? Send them this episode. Connect: Join our community of purpose-driven women building businesses with heart. Free Resource for You Move the Needle: 8 Bold AI Experiments for Small Business Momentum Get your free guide: kandasrodarte.com/bold About Gratitude Geek Gratitude Geek is the podcast for female solopreneurs over 40 who want to grow businesses rooted in authenticity, connection, and gratitude. Hosted by Kandas Rodarte—business coach, podcaster, and internet marketing pioneer—each episode features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and changemakers who prove you can build success without selling your soul. Subscribe: gratitudegeek.com YouTube: @gratitudegeek Support the Show: kandasrodarte.com/support At Gratitude Geek, we spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. You're part of this community, and your support means everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LEGO isn’t just child’s play—it’s a tool for curiosity, confidence, and connection. In episode 290 of Gratitude Geek, host Kandas Rodarte sits down with Eric Archer, a middle school history teacher, lifelong LEGO builder, and dad of four, to explore how creativity with bricks shapes problem-solving skills and family bonding. From LEGO’s new “She Built That” campaign to conventions like Brick World, Eric shares how play inspires STEM engagement for girls, strengthens community, and even acts as self-care. Discover surprising ways creativity and curiosity can fuel both learning and personal growth. Learn LEGO builds more than castles—it builds problem-solving skills. Encouraging girls in LEGO opens doors to STEM confidence. Conventions like Brick World celebrate imagination and connection. Play doubles as family bonding and self-care. Logistics in LEGO mirror lessons from history and industry. Curiosity is the secret sauce for learning at any age. Connect Eric on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@LEGO_and_History  LEGO She Built That:  https://www.lego.com/en-us/she-built-that  Full Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/290 Grow 8-Bold AI Experiments for Small Business Momentum: http://kandasrodarte.com/bold Chapters 00:00 LEGO and Childhood Development 06:00 A Teacher’s Take on Creativity in the Classroom 11:00 Why Girls in LEGO Matters 15:00 Problem-Solving: From History to Building Bricks 20:00 Teaching vs. Content Creation 25:00 Family Bonding Through LEGO 30:00 Accessibility and Affordable Play 33:00 LEGO as Self-Care and STEM Gateway 36:00 Rethinking History Education === Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment & share! Join the Gratitude Geek community and stay updated with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Sign up for our email list here:  http://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe  Support Gratitude Geek Podcast  At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. As a listener, reader, and subscriber, you are part of this mission, and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://kandasrodarte.com/support Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show! Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network.  Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility:  http://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcasting can feel scary, exciting, and life-changing all at once. On episode 289 of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with Alesia Galati of Galati Media, who helps women entrepreneurs find their voice and share it with the world. We get real about imposter syndrome, explore how gratitude and connection sustain a podcasting journey, and celebrate marginalized voices in literature. If you're a Gen X woman entrepreneur rebuilding after a major life disruption, this conversation about telling your story and building community is for you. What You'll Learn: How podcasting builds connection, community, and confidence for women entrepreneurs Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and trusting your voice Using gratitude as daily fuel for creative work Supporting marginalized voices through storytelling Setting realistic expectations while staying authentic to your values Gen X women entrepreneurs face unique challenges. We're navigating ageism in industries that prioritize youth, battling funding bias that compounds existing gender disparities, and managing the pressures of the sandwich generation while caring for both children and aging parents. The mental load of juggling business responsibilities alongside caregiving can lead to burnout and adrenal fatigue. Many of us struggle with a fierce sense of self-reliance that makes delegation difficult. We try to do everything ourselves, which increases stress and slows business growth. Imposter syndrome hits harder when we're already fighting against assumptions that we're less adaptable or relevant. This episode addresses these realities head-on, offering practical wisdom for women rebuilding after cancer, divorce, loss, or other major life disruptions. Resources: Drop the Mic Summit: kandasrodarte.com/dropthemic Connect with Alesia Galati: 🌐 Website: galatimedia.com 🎤 Podcasts: galatimedia.com/podcast Show Notes: kandasrodarte.com/289 📥 Grab your free guide: Move the Needle: 8 Bold AI Experiments for Small Business Momentum → kandasrodarte.com/bold Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment and share! Join the Gratitude Geek community: kandasrodarte.com/subscribe Support Gratitude Geek Podcast: Help finance the show at kandasrodarte.com/support Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show! Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network. Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility: kandasrodarte.com/podmatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your darkest chapter became the foundation for your greatest success? In this episode of Gratitude Geek, Kandas Rodarte sits down with Lydia Knight, a cult survivor who rewrote her life and rose to become a 7-figure CEO and executive coach. Lydia shares how she transformed indoctrination into empowerment, why curiosity is more powerful than fear, and how the “algorithms” of our brains shape the way we lead, communicate, and connect. Her story is one of resilience, neuroscience, and practical strategies that every woman solopreneur can use to step fully into her own leadership. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to reprogram fear into curiosity Practical brain hacks for personal and professional growth The invisible forces that shape how women are treated in leadership Why community and connection are essential to transformation Connect with Lydia Knight Website: https://theshecenter.org Free app: https://theshecenter.org/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshecenter Book:  https://amzn.to/41Hj63L  Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/288  === Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment & share! Join the Gratitude Geek community and stay updated with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Sign up for our email list here:  http://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe  Support Gratitude Geek Podcast  At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. As a listener, reader, and subscriber, you are part of this mission, and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://kandasrodarte.com/support Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show! Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network.  Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility:  http://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Running your own business is rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and sometimes downright soul-sucking. In this episode of Gratitude Geek, I chat with three powerhouse solopreneurs—Deb Davis, Nicole Halveka, and Di Hilstad—about survival-level self-care strategies for women over 40. From setting boundaries and asking for help to creating your personal “Survivor’s Toolkit,” we cover practical, real-world ways to protect your energy, thrive in your business, and still find time to breathe. Whether you’re facing burnout, health challenges, or just want to reclaim your calendar, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you survive—and even enjoy—entrepreneurship. Meet the Host Kandas Rodarte is a business coach, podcaster, and internet marketing pioneer who has been helping women solopreneurs over 40 grow businesses that fit their lives for decades. Living with metastatic breast cancer since 2014, she understands firsthand the importance of self-care, boundaries, and working smart—less hustle, more impact. Meet the Guests Deb Davis is an accomplished headshot photographer and author, known for her stress-free sessions and expert expression coaching. She serves as President of Professional Photographers of Michigan (2024–2025) and is an elite Associate with the Peter Hurley Photography Group. Deb helps professionals over 40 show up fully, inside and out, using photography as a tool to highlight confidence and authenticity. Her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor has reshaped her approach to self-care and legacy, making her a relatable guide for solopreneurs navigating life and work simultaneously. Nicole Halveka is a burnout recovery and prevention coach who helps solopreneurs thrive amid chaos. With a background in institutional church leadership and years of navigating conflict and change, Nicole emphasizes spiritual practices, intentional planning, and community support as keys to sustainable success. She founded her coaching business to pass along strategies that help women over 40 avoid burnout while building businesses that reflect their true values. Dianna “Di” Hilstad is a bold, creative entrepreneur and solopreneur coach who helps women build businesses that feel authentic. Known for blending strategy with sass, Di has reinvented herself multiple times, including navigating breast cancer, a hysterectomy, and a broken ankle. She champions asking for help, setting boundaries, and thinking outside the box, making her insights invaluable for women balancing health, life, and business. Links Deb:  https://upage.in/deb  Nicole:  http://defythetrend.com/  Di:  http://instagram.com/dihils  Energy Mapping:  https://designingyour.life/insights/find-your-flow-with-energy-maps/  Full Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/287 Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Self-Care for Solopreneurs 01:01 – Deb Davis: Self-Care Journey and Insights 01:50 – Nicole Halveka: Burnout Recovery and Business Growth 03:40 – Facing Mortality: Deb’s Perspective on Legacy 06:46 – Creating a Survivor’s Toolkit for Solopreneurs 12:00 – Establishing Boundaries and Recognizing Limits 19:15 – Di Hilstad: Asking for Help and Pausing When Needed 22:35 – Lessons on Self-Care and Community Support 25:18 – Setting Boundaries Through Asking for Help 27:59 – Balancing Giving and Receiving 29:08 – Understanding and Enforcing Boundaries 31:51 – Impact of Personal Stories on Relationships 37:40 – Navigating the Sharing of Personal Experiences 40:07 – Lightning Round: Quickfire Insights === Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment & share! Join the Gratitude Geek community and stay updated with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Sign up for our email list here:  http://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe  Support Gratitude Geek Podcast  At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. As a listener, reader, and subscriber, you are part of this mission, and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://kandasrodarte.com/support Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show! Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network.  Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility:  http://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is money really the measure of success—or is joy the real currency of entrepreneurship? In episode 286 of Gratitude Geek Podcast, host Kandas Rodarte talks with Gretchen Schoser, founder of Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions and co-host of the award-winning podcast Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads. After surviving a mental health crisis, Gretchen rebuilt her life and business from the ground up. Today she helps small business owners embrace people-first leadership, employee wellness, and authentic growth strategies. Together, we explore how gratitude, resilience, and humor can transform not only your business—but your entire outlook on success. This conversation is packed with wisdom for female solopreneurs, creative entrepreneurs, and small business owners who want to grow with purpose instead of pressure. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why joy—not money—creates sustainable business success How to reinvent yourself after personal or professional setbacks Practical wellness habits to help entrepreneurs thrive How gratitude builds stronger client and team relationships Time Stamps: 00:00 – Intro: Chasing Joy vs. Chasing Money 02:15 – Gretchen Schoser’s Mental Health Journey 07:40 – From Pain to Purpose: Launching Schoser Solutions 12:10 – People-First Leadership for Small Business Owners 18:25 – Gratitude as a Business Growth Strategy 23:50 – Using Humor & Honesty in Podcasting 29:30 – Reinventing Entrepreneurship After Setbacks 35:00 – Wellness Habits for Entrepreneur Success 42:15 – Small Business Hiring & Team-Building Tips 48:20 – Advice for Female Solopreneurs Over 40 53:00 – Final Takeaways: Choosing Joy Every Day Connect with Gretchen Schoser: 🌐 Website: https://schosersolutions.com 🎙️ Podcast: https://goesoninourheads.net 📖 Full Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/286  📥 Grab your free guide: Move the Needle: 8 Bold AI Experiments for Small Business Momentum → http://kandasrodarte.com/bold === Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment & share! Join the Gratitude Geek community and stay updated with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Sign up for our email list here:  http://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe  Support Gratitude Geek Podcast  At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. As a listener, reader, and subscriber, you are part of this mission, and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://kandasrodarte.com/support Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show! Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network.  Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility:  http://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices