More Than Just: Conversations with Misfits, Entrepreneurs and Change-makers

In this fun and upbeat episode, I’m talking with Founder & CEO of Conquer Your Business, Erin Marcus (she/her). Together, we talk about the importance of taking responsibility for your life and working with our brains – not against them – to get the best outcomes for ourselves and our businesses.We also explore:Figuring out what you suck at and not doing itGiving yourself a break, but not letting yourself off the hookThe helpfulness of embracing exclusively low-brow mediaFinding out what you’re good at and exploiting it in service to othersHow it’s all possibleLinks:Visit the Conquer Your Business WebsiteListen to the Ready Yet?! PodcastFollow Erin on InstagramFollow Erin on LinkedInFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

In this episode I’m joined by Rob Deptford (he/him). Together, we discuss the podcast industry, storytelling, and how audio can help build a strong brand identity.We also discuss:The state of podcasting and where it is post-pandemic boomHow McDonald’s used a podcast in its brand strategy (and brought back the infamous Szechuan sauce)Podcasting as an evergreen product that continues to add value over timeThe power of the personal element in brandingWhy the numbers aren’t the best measure of your podcast’s successBeing willing to go off-brand and share yourself more holistically with your audienceLinks:Visit the Bizcastly WebsiteVisit Rob’s WebsiteListen to Rob’s Podcast Dirt Road JourneysBuy Rob’s Books on AmazonFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jennifer Ramirez, founder of the women’s group & Rise. Together, we discuss her decision to rebuild her life as a single mother and abuse survivor and how she’s using her experience to empower other women on their journeys.We also get into:Choosing yourself firstTurning down distractionsSitting with the discomfort of the changes you need to makeThe power of women sharing their stories with each otherHow Jennifer educates her daughter on speaking up to stay safeLinks:Visit the Women Rise Chicago WebsiteContact Jennifer Directly: jennifer@womenrisechicago.orgFollow & Rise on InstagramFollow & Rise on TikTokFollow & Rise on FacebookFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

In this episode, I’m joined by phenomenal human, “Spider” Meka Hemmons. Together, we discuss how magic can occur when we accept our whole selves in front of the camera and how we can better embrace the whole story of our lives.We also discuss:Embracing the full circle of life, including the down timesThe scary concept of complacencyHow photography chose MekaTaking ownership of our lives and our choicesThe importance of doing the pre-work before opening the door to the rest of your lifeLinks:Visit Meka’s WebsiteFollow Meka on InstagramFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast👏 This episode is sponsored by The Inner Circle Business Network, an exclusive community of business professionals looking to connect, make quality introductions, and grow business. Learn more about this truly remarkable professional network by checking out their events or taking their membership quiz today.🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

In this episode, I’m talking with Mallika M Thoppay, a volunteer educator for children living in rural India and the author of two children’s books — Unfair and Lovely and the upcoming Tangled Roots. Together, we discuss her experiences as an educator and the impact she hopes her book will have. We also explore:Finding the right volunteer opportunities for you and your lifestyleWhat inspires Mallika’s commitment to her volunteer workHow technology is helping connect children in rural India to educational opportunitiesColorism and its impact on children’s sense of self worthWhat Mallika hopes her book helps accomplishLinks:Get Free Kindle version of Mallika’s Book Unfair and LovelyVisit Mallika’s WebsiteFollow Malllika on InstagramFollow Mallika on TwitterFollow Mallika on LinkedInFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

Today I’m joined by writer, teacher, podcaster and small business owner Amelia Hruby. I first met Amelia at her book launch party in 2018, and I’m so excited to have her on the podcast now, five years later.Together, we have an honest and vulnerable conversation about the realities of being self-employed, giving and receiving feedback, and running a business without social media.We also explore:How to be flexible with your time in busy seasonsThe boundaries we create around workLearning to sit with feedback and respond with integrityThe myths social media platforms tell small business ownersEmbracing experimentation in life and businessLinks:Learn more about Amelia at ameliahruby.comLearn more about Softer Sound at softersounds.studioListen to Off the Grid podcastGet the free Leaving Social Media ToolkitFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast👏 This episode is sponsored by Amelia's business, Softer Sounds, a feminist podcast studio for entrepreneurs & creatives. If you want to launch a podcast, they’re the team you need to sound good and feel great! Head to softersounds.studio to learn more.🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

Today I’m joined by dedicated biohacker, fitness trainer, and health coach, Josh Holland. Together, we discuss the benefits of a sustainable, holistic approach to health and fitness. We also explore:The importance of sustainable changesSetting goals that are realistic and in line with your lifestyle and what you truly wantBio-hacking and how you’re probably already doing itJosh’s simple-but-powerful 4-week 15 x 5 workout challengeLinks:Visit Josh’s WebsiteOrder Josh’s book The Awareness ShiftTry the 15x5 WorkoutFollow Josh on InstagramSee more from Josh on YoutubeFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast👏 This episode is sponsored by Softer Sounds, a feminist podcast studio for entrepreneurs & creatives. If you want to launch a podcast, they’re the team you need to sound good and feel great! Head to softersounds.studio to learn more.🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

Today, I’m joined by Indigenous artist and beader, Ori Aguila (they/them/him). Together, we discuss making culturally significant art that evolves with the study and growth of one’s heritage.We also talk about:The influence of color theory in Ori’s workHow making art & making money work hand in handOri’s journey as a transracial adopteeOri’s practice of being very careful about the energy that influences their workThe private and transformative work of reconnecting with ancestral cultureUpholding a boundary around access to yourself and your storyLinks:Visit Ori’s websiteSupport Ori's mutual aid requestFollow Ori on Instagram @oribastoaguila & @oabeadworks Follow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast👏 This episode is sponsored by Softer Sounds, a feminist podcast studio for entrepreneurs & creatives. If you want to launch a podcast, they’re the team you need to sound good and feel great! Head to softersounds.studio to learn more.🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

Season two continues to sizzle! Today’s episode is full of goodness and inspiration thanks to our guest, VP Wright (she/they).VP is an author, dancer, diversity and inclusion consultant, multi-passionate creative, mother, and all-around outstanding human being. Together, we discuss the winding path that life and business takes us on, and how defining it in neat narratives isn’t always for the best.We also discuss:The fallacy of a linear path through business and lifeDisappointing encounters with performative anti-racismLiving a balanced life with time for more than going to work and coming homeThe value of having incredible friendsDoing the things that really align with you, even if they’re painfully unplannedLinks:Visit VP’s WebsiteFollow VP on InstagramRead VP’s Book You Are EnoughFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast👏 This episode is sponsored by Softer Sounds, a feminist podcast studio for entrepreneurs & creatives. If you want to launch a podcast, they’re the team you need to sound good and feel great! Head to softersounds.studio to learn more.🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

Welcome back, friends! It is such a wonderful feeling to be kicking off Season 2. In today’s episode, I get personal and vulnerable as I share some of my own struggles in my business. But I also share how those struggles have changed my thinking and what I’m shaping this show to be as a result.I also discuss:Getting caught up in selling my solutions and losing focus on what matters mostHow you don’t have to be 10 steps ahead to be a leaderUn-structuring my business and focusing on my strengths and desiresWhat I hope makes this show more than just a podcastLinks:Read Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult TimesFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by style coach Jaime Diehl. Together we talk about the relationship between fashion and mental health and how we can stop should-ing all over our wardrobe.Tune in to hear us discuss: The difference between a stylist and a style coachHow to give ourselves permission (rather than seeking it from others)Our entrepreneurial and self-discovery journeysHow so many shoulds get embedded into our closets & the clothes we wearThe power of style to transform our self-imageWhy you are not an avocado (or an apple or a pear) 🥑🍎🍐 Links & resources:Follow Jaime on Instagram @jaimediehlstyleVisit Jaime’s websiteFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast👏 This episode is sponsored by My VA Rocks, a virtual assistant agency that pairs you with the help you desperately need. Want to see how My VA Rocks can support you? Head to their website at myva.rocks to book a complimentary consultation call! And follow on instagram at @myvarocks🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

Today, I’m joined by the infinitely talented Amyna Love, multi-passionate creator with an ever-growing list of talents, including singing, playing instruments, writing music, dancing, and painting. Together we talk about the flow of living life as a multi-passionate creative.Tune in to hear us also discuss:Being a true GeminiThe beauty of finding a therapist that is in tune with the way you’re trying to growThe energy domino effect that sometimes starts with a trip to the salonLetting your timing be your timingLinks:Follow Amyna on InstagramWrite a Song with AmynaFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

This week, I am joined by Stephanie White, copywriter and COO of By the Way Creative. Together, we have a thoughtful and powerful conversation about boundary setting and seeing boundaries as more than limits.We also discuss:Doing business your way, not the way others say you should, from the beginningThe critical need to set great boundaries in business and in your personal lifeThe caretaker expectations that get placed on women that make them unintentional martyrsPutting hours of white space in the calendar for creativity and creative thinkingThe way boundaries change with you over timeLinks & resources:Follow Stephanie on Instagram: @bythewaycreativeVisit Stephanie’s Website: https://bythewaycreative.com/Follow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

This week, I’m joined by Jennifer Nagel, former fitness coach who is now a skilled connector and business coach. Join us as we discuss the ups and downs of leaving a hard-earned identity behind to embrace rebuilding from an authentic place.We also discuss such things as:Rethinking the way we network to be more about human connectionHow community helps us see ourselves and our potential more clearlyShowing up as yourself honestly, even if you’re not hi-def readyThe truth about how success looks (hint: it’s just messy and normal)Diversity and Inclusion: a Banana Republic masquerading as a Benetton adGetting to know yourselves and your desires well so you can listen to your gutLinks:Follow Jennifer: @therealjennifernagel Visit Jennifer’s website Follow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherry Follow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast👏 This episode is sponsored by My VA Rocks, a virtual assistant agency that pairs you with the help you desperately need. Want to see how My VA Rocks can support you? Head to their website at myva.rocks to book a complimentary consultation call! And follow on instagram at @myvarocks🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

This week, I’m joined by my friend Benjamin Ritter, Leadership and Career Coach for senior leadership professionals. We discuss his journey from odd jobs to professional fulfillment and building the life you truly want.We also discuss:The fallacy of productivitySaying no as an imperative skill in work and lifeEntrepreneurial things we learn (or don’t) from our parentsThe impact of re-readingHow goals are sometimes not the goalLinks & resources:Visit Benjamin’s websiteFollow Benjamin on Instagram @ritterbenj See Benjamin in action on YouTubeFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast👏 This episode is sponsored by My VA Rocks, a virtual assistant agency that pairs you with the help you desperately need. Want to see how My VA Rocks can support you? Head to their website at myva.rocks to book a complimentary consultation call! And follow on instagram at @myvarocks🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ajanta Chakraborty, dance instructor and owner of Bollywood Groove & Culture Groove. Together, we discuss the struggle to find a sense of place and belonging for multicultural individuals and how embracing other cultures can have a long-lasting, positive impact on society as a whole.We also talk about:Supporting children’s well-being by helping them find excitement in their culture and learning to celebrate itMaking space for cultural learning to reduce a fear-based view of the worldMisconceptions about Bollywood, bellydancing, and camelsThe limiting nature of the word “should”Effort vs. impact and the importance of the 2x2 matrixBeing a piece in a larger picture with others trying to make the same changes instead of taking it all on yourselfLinks & resources:Follow Ajanta’s work on Instagram @culturegroovekids Visit Ajanta’s website Follow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast👏 This episode is sponsored by My VA Rocks, a virtual assistant agency that pairs you with the help you desperately need. Want to see how My VA Rocks can support you? Head to their website at myva.rocks to book a complimentary consultation call! And follow on instagram at @myvarocks🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

In today’s episode I’m joined by networking specialist Megan Wessels. We discuss the importance of finding your voice and tuning into your authentic self to live your life to the fullest.Tune in to hear us discuss:The importance of women connecting with other women in spaces where they feel safe to be fully open and honest.Navigating changing perceptions of parental figures, and their impact on our beliefs about our selves.The imperativeness of finding your inner voice and authentic self if you want to have an impact on others.An exciting project for school children in ChicagoMegan’s decision to embrace vegetarianism as a way to reduce her impact on global climate change.Links & resources:Follow Megan on Instagram @powerfulpartnersVisit Megan’s website https://powerfulpartnersinc.com/Follow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast✨ This episode is sponsored by the amazing Molly Hebda Photography. Want a visual brand that’s as multi-faceted as you are? Follow @mollyhebdaphotography on Instagram & grab your FREE Visual Brand Planner today!🙌  This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the multi-talented, multi-faceted Nazhah Khawaja. Together we talk about writing, parenting, creative community, and the power of telling our stories.Tune in to hear us discuss: How Nazhah follows her many passionsWhy having a daughter made Nazhah reevaluate her identityThe power of creative community and storytellingHow writing a book helped Nazhah heal & validate her experiencesBoundaries with storytelling & social mediaBeing honest with our kids & receiving their advice⚠️Noise alert! Chicago construction really does what it wants, friends. So you’ll hear some background noise in this episode. Please forgive the interruptions. Links & resources:Follow Nazhah on Instagram @nazhah_kRead Nazhah’s book The Other Side of LifeLearn more about Early Autism ServicesListen to Nazhah’s podcast Life at EASeFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast🙏 This episode is sponsored by My VA Rocks, a virtual assistant agency that pairs you with the help you desperately need. Want to see how My VA Rocks can support you? Head to their website at myva.rocks to book a complimentary consultation call! And follow on instagram at @myvarocks🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by podcaster and writer Rodney Perry. Together we talk about letting go of other peoples’ expectations and stepping into your creative power.Tune in to hear us discuss: How Rodney claimed the title of “Creative”Rodney’s journey to starting his podcastThe implications of being told you’re “well-spoken”Microaggressions & “diversity” efforts in the workplaceRodney’s workplace experiences & deciding to leave his jobThe passive-aggressive structure of corporate culturePermission to do your own thingLinks & resources:Follow Rodney on IG @kings_memoirsListen to Rodney’s podcast The Simply King PodcastVisit Rodney’s website Life as KingFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast👏 This episode is sponsored by My VA Rocks, a virtual assistant agency that pairs you with the help you desperately need. Want to see how My VA Rocks can support you? Head to their website at myva.rocks to book a complimentary consultation call! And follow on instagram at @myvarocks🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by DJ, entrepreneur, and podcaster Mary Nisi. Together we talk about inspiration, connection, and how DJing is about so much more than just music.Tune in to hear us discuss: How having a bunch of bad bosses led Mary to start her businessWhy DJing is about way more than just musicWhat inspires Mary to take up a new projectHow entrepreneurs are a different breed of personThe best and worst things about diving into new ideasParenting our autistic kids & how that makes us better at our workThe value of doing things your wayThe power of having open conversations🤣 LAUGH ALERT! At some spots in this episode, my laugh overpowered my mic. You don't want to miss the jokes, but apologies if you have to turn the volume down.Links & resources:Follow Mary on Instagram @marynisi & @allupinmyladybusinessListen to Mary’s podcast All Up In My Lady BusinessHire Toast & Jam to DJ your Chicago wedding or eventFollow Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherryFollow the podcast on Instagram @morethanjustpodcast🧃This episode is sponsored by ERIS, a woman-owned, Chicago-area cider company that elevates the humble Michigan apple into ciders for your enjoyment. Find their ciders at Trader Joe's, Binny's, Mariano's, Jewel & Heinen's, or visit them at 4240 Irving Park Rd. To learn more & order, visit their website or follow them on Facebook & Instagram @erischicago.🙌 This podcast is supported by listeners like you! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd appreciate it if you could make a donation of any amount at this link. You rock!