Get ready to be pulled into the incredible journey of Curt and Martha Van Inwegen, founders of Life Elements, a nature-based skin and body care company built on clean ingredient and relentless perseverance. What started at a 4th of July picnic with other makers in Southern California sparked a path to entrepreneurship that would change their lives forever. Now, 20 years later, Life Elements continues to thrive and serve a loyal community that swears by their products. In this episode, you'll hear stories of grit, growth, and the power of staying true to your values no matter the odds.Try out some of their products on their website- we highly recommend the healing honey stick!
Ever gotten a piece of criticism that stung? Yep, us too. After seven years in business, Chrissy & Ryan have heard it all—and they’re sharing the deets. From recent feedback to unforgettable zingers, they’re breaking down how to handle criticism without letting it ruin your day, sort what’s helpful from what’s not, and even use it to level up your business. Because let’s be real: if you’re running a business, criticism will happen—so let’s talk about how to handle it like a pro and not get sent into a spiral.
Honestly, this solo quick episode from Chrissy is embarrassing, but maybe helpful? Tune in to hear about a mistake Chrissy made that was discovered a day before leaving the country for 9 days and how it's a reminder to stay on top of all of the worst things about your job.
You may think that learning about a medical diagnostic imaging center may not relate at all to your business, but we promise the wisdom and experience in this episode is a must listen for all couples running a business together or if you're simply interested in a fascinating business plan. This remote episode dives into the story behind Imago MRI, a couple-owned diagnostic imaging center that’s redefining healthcare by putting patients first. Craig and Dr. Laurel Lemasters openly share the unique, fun, and sometimes challenging experience of launching a business together after spending much of their marriage in very different careers. We talk about their vision for expansion, the role their children play in the business, and the legacy they hope to leave for future generations. Tune on in!Imago MRI WebsiteImago MRI instagram
Chrissy and Ryan pop in to recap the summer including an exciting work trip for Chrissy, big work change for Ryan, what's brining us joy about Mountain Goat and what's stressing us out. This ep will make you feel better about everything you're behind on in your business and life. Come be friends with us.
From 1994 to 2014, The Handlebar was the spot to catch live music in a mid-sized venue in Greenville, SC. Chrissy & Ryan saw plenty of shows there, but only recently discovered it was run by a couple—John Jeter and Kathy Laughlin. After leaving their newspaper jobs in Florida in the early 90's, the pair moved to the Upstate with one bold goal: open a music venue, despite having zero experience in the industry. In this episode, Chrissy & Ryan sit down with John Jeter, the booking mastermind behind The Handlebar, to hear the venue’s origin story, behind-the-scenes tales, and plenty of marriage-and-business wisdom. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of starting a business—you’ll laugh along with John’s stories and leave inspired to learn more. Read more about John's stories of The Handlebar in his book, Rockin' a Hard Place
This episode is unlike anything we’ve done before. Chrissy sits down with health coach and owner of Berrion Berry to explore how women can optimize their lives—and their businesses—by syncing with their menstrual cycle. It’s a topic that was once considered taboo, but we’re diving into the science behind it to uncover how female entrepreneurs can thrive by working with their bodies, not against them. Plus, we talk about how male partners can better understand and support their female partners’ cycles to improve planning, communication, and overall harmony. This is a fresh, non-traditional way to level up your life and business.Optimize Your Flo @berrionlberry
Welcome back to Counselingish—aka free business couples therapy with Chrissy, Ryan, and their bestie/pastor Lee McDerment. Expect plenty of laughs, a few “uh-oh” moments, and the kind of questions only your best friend would dare to ask.
Corey and Baylee Simpson went from small-town roots to launching multiple businesses including their newest one: a mobile coffee shop in a vintage camper—now evolving into a soon-to-open brick-and-mortar café, currently mid-renovation, with bold expansion plans ahead. In this episode, we explore how their personal journeys led them to offer only gluten-free products, their strategy behind limited-edition merch drops, and the teamwork that makes it all possible. They’re opening this business with another couple, longtime partners in multiple ventures. Along the way, you’ll hear how both couples have learned to play to each other’s strengths—and why, if pride gets in the way, working with your spouse can be a recipe for disaster.www.crownandbloomcoffee.com
On this interview episode, Ryan puts Chrissy in the hot seat to answer some surprise questions that lead to some deep business insights. We're talking second location, closing down, changing the business model, and more. Tune in to this quick episode to hear more about the ins and outs of this couple running a business together!Subscribe to our newsletter.
In this very unserious episode, Chrissy interviews Ryan and asks all the juicy questions about what it’s really like to run a business as a married couple—including a few gems from Ryan’s days as a child businessman. From honest truths to wild pipe dreams, you’ll get a candid peek behind the curtain—plus Ryan’s hot take on whether every couple should work together. Don’t miss this lighthearted yet insightful look into their business and marriage dynamic.Sign up for our newsletter.
In this solo episode, Chrissy shares 4 practical tips to help you fight less when running a business with your spouse—based on real-life arguments she and Ryan have had while building Mountain Goat together. Learn from their experience, laugh a little, and walk away with tools to protect both your business and your marriage. It’s a quick, easy listen with plenty of honest insight. Got your own tips? Send them our way!Subscribe to our newsletter
Meet Lauren and Brandon Alpert, actors who fell in love and, just three weeks later, embarked on an international theater tour. Their global adventure sparked a passion for craft cocktails, inspiring them to launch Yes Cocktail Co. to bring restaurant-quality mixers to homes across the U.S. From their start at a farmers market to nationwide shipping, their step-by-step journey showcases the grit and perseverance honed by their acting backgrounds. Aspiring entrepreneurs and couples in business will find inspiration and insights in their story. Tune in!Yes Cocktail Co. Sign up for Business Partner Partners Newsletter!
Join Chrissy for a solo episode sharing proven strategies for balancing parenthood and business ownership during the busy summer months. She offers practical, actionable advice and key mindset shifts to ensure you, your family, and your team are set up for success. Tune in to learn how to manage the demands of summer while keeping your business on track.Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter!
In this episode, Chrissy and Ryan sit down for a heartfelt chat with Georgia and Grace, Mountain Goat’s Operations Manager and Assistant Manager. The duo shares memories from their hiring process, insights into the vibrant staff culture that’s kept them both with the company for over 2.5 years, and plenty of behind-the-scenes laughs. Perfect for listeners curious about Mountain Goat’s inner workings or seeking practical tips to create a workplace where staff thrive.Sign up for our newsletter!
In this episode, Chrissy sits down with Faith Hanan—copywriter and SEO strategist—to talk about why ignoring SEO is a mistake you can't afford to make. Faith breaks down the basics of SEO in a way that's simple, practical, and actually fun. You'll walk away with actionable tips to help Google work for you, not against you. If you're a business owner ready to strengthen your online presence and set yourself up for long-term success, this episode is a must-listen.Work with FaithSign up for our newsletter!
Brandon and Emily Wiseman founded Fit Mom Method to support busy moms not just in losing weight, but in transforming their mindset. In this episode, Chrissy and Ryan sit down with the couple to talk about their early relationship (they met at the gym—how fitting!), how they navigate business decisions together, the evolution of their business, and what drives their passion for helping women thrive. Fit Mom Method Fit Mom Instagram: @fitmom.methodSign up for Business Partner Partners Newsletter!
In this episode, Chrissy and Ryan recap the Inaugural Golden Goat Awards—a staff celebration where employees dressed in cocktail attire and received actual GOAT trophies tailored to their unique qualities. While they touch on the logistics of planning the event, the heart of the episode is about sparking ideas to celebrate and appreciate your team, no matter the size. As a small business owner—whether you’re solo or working with your spouse—finding creative ways to show your team they matter is essential. You'll come away inspired with new ideas to make your staff feel truly valued.Newsletter & Subscribe: www.partnerpartners.net
Leaving your business—whether it’s for a day, a week, or a month—can feel overwhelming. How do you step away without everything falling apart? In this episode, Chrissy walks through key questions to ask yourself before heading out of town or taking a much-needed mental health break. Taking time off has huge benefits, but the stress of preparing to leave can sometimes feel heavier than the break itself. Chrissy shares why it’s always worth it—and how stepping away can actually reveal important gaps in your business that are ready to be filled.
In this episode, Chrissy sits down with Caroline Hull, founder of Wild Home Podcasting, to talk all things small business and podcasting. Caroline is a podcast strategist who helps women coaches and consultants grow their businesses through strategic podcasting.She shares her unexpected journey from ballerina to podcasting pro (trust us—you’ll want to hear it), how to define your goals and measure success, and why podcasting can be such a powerful tool for building community. We also dive into the rise of video, the pivots she's made in her business, and how those shifts have shaped her mission to help others grow their audience and impact.Even if you’re not planning to start a podcast, this episode is packed with tangible ideas you can apply to your business today.https://www.wildhomepodcasting.com/