The X Podcast with Brenda Rigney looks at the invisible work of Gen X women entrepreneurs. You’ll hear from Brenda, a 27+ year corporate exec drop-out and solopreneur on what it takes to run your business behind the scenes. Brenda will share her personal stories and lessons weekly and debunk the myths that stop you from launching your dream biz. Brenda coaches entrepreneurs in her ALIGNED AF Community membership, at her global retreats and in private coaching experiences. Learn more at Brend ...
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Brenda Rigney Podcasts
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ill communication: copywriting tips & sales strategies for small businesses
Kim Kiel - Marketing & Copywriting Strategist
As a small business owner, you know copywriting is one of the essential “skills to pay the bills.” But how often do you sit down at your laptop and struggle with knowing what and how to write? You’re not alone. It’s difficult to write your own copy (even for pro copywriters). Plus, when you’re juggling a family, clients, and a team... there just isn’t enough time in the day to do it all. It’s why sending an email to your list or updating your website never gets crossed off your to-do list. E ...
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For parents who want to navigate divorce & co-parenting with more ease & confidence. Coach Meg Gluckman shares tools, tips, and resources for thriving during and after divorce. Topics include: decision-making, parenting, new relationships, co-parenting, schedules, money, career, body image, habits, and more.
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Midlife is an awakening, not a crisis! It's also about a lot more than menopause! This podcast shines a light on the often missed opportunity of being an empty nester, searching for a new purpose and creating a new chapter for the future. You'll hear guest interviews and insights on finding your inner strength, making brave decisions and taking a leap to live with courage! We talk about happiness, relationships, money, family, work and love, and a good dose of 'woo' too! Find out more at htt ...
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Share this powerful piece of authority content to attract premium clients in 2026
6:38
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6:38Want to position yourself as the go-to expert in 2026? I'm sharing the one writing prompt that'll make your ideal clients sit up and pay attention - and it's easier than you think. This content strategy builds authority, showcases expertise, and directly speaks to the clients you want to work with. Plus, I'm revealing how to turn this single piece …
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At 56: What Running a Skool Community Taught Me About Energy, Income, and Building Smarter
12:45
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12:45In this episode, I share the real lessons I’ve learned about running a business and a community in midlife—after corporate leadership, burnout, reinvention, perimenopause, and building multiple communities on Skool.If you’re a midlife woman entrepreneur who:• Is tired of chasing algorithms• Wants recurring income instead of constant launches• Needs…
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Looking back and ahead - 11 reflective prompts to set achievable goals for business and life in 2026
12:37
12:37
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12:37It's that time of year when everything feels like a whirlwind - wrapping up business, closing final sales, and creating holiday magic for the whole family. If you're heading into 2026 feeling a little disheveled and disorganized, this episode is for you. I'm sharing 11 powerful reflection prompts to help you honour your wins from 2025, release what…
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Top 6 marketing & copywriting trends for 2026
22:52
22:52
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22:52The marketing landscape is shifting fast, and 2026 is gonna reward business owners who prioritize clarity, humanity, and true community over viral trends and algorithm chasing. In this episode, I'm sharing the six marketing and copywriting trends I'm seeing that will define success in the coming year - from community-driven business models to gener…
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Midlife, Motivated & Making Money on Skool
42:58
42:58
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42:58In this special episode, I’m doing something a little different — sharing an interview I did with the brilliant Kim Kiel on her podcast, Ill Communication. Kim is a seasoned copywriter and the host of Ill Communication (that’s I-L-L Communication), where she shares practical copywriting tips and soulful sales strategies for small businesses. She es…
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What’s saving my life right now - December 2025
18:14
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18:14In this episode, I'm taking a pause from the business hustle to share what's actually keeping me grounded and functioning during this busy season. Hear all about my new skincare obsession (complete with a quartz roller that resets my entire nervous system) to a spa subscription that's forcing me to actually take care of myself, plus the weirdest li…
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You're invited to the Get'er Done Holiday Mixer
5:10
5:10
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5:10The holiday season hits different when you're a Gen X business owner juggling kids' recitals, aging parents, and trying to keep your business running. I'm sharing how to set up your marketing so you can actually step away and enjoy the holidays without the last-minute scramble. Plus, I'm inviting you to my annual Get Shit Done Holiday mixer (www.ki…
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Using Skool to streamline business, build community, generate leads and scale revenue with Brenda Rigney
42:58
42:58
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42:58In this episode, I'm trying something totally new - my first real-time interview! I sit down with Brenda Rigney, a fellow Gen X entrepreneur who's cracked the code on using the platform Skool to generate leads, build community, and create remarkable revenue streams. Brenda spent 27 years climbing the corporate ladder with multimillion-dollar brands…
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If You Want to Run a Summit on Skool… Watch This First
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34:54In this episode, I’m sharing something special.I was invited as a guest expert inside Dan Harrison’s Quantum 100 Mastermind on School to walk his members through exactly how I built and monetized the AI-Driven Business Summit — a summit that brought in 4,600+ participants, fully paid for its own ad spend, and grew a highly engaged community on Scho…
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How to stop procrastinating and get into marketing motion
18:41
18:41
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18:41Self-proclaimed "world's biggest procrastinator" Kim Kiel gets real about how perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking can paralyze your marketing. After ghosting her own email list for six months (yes, a copywriter who ghosted her list!), Kim discovered the power of B-minus work and strategic constraints. She shares the exact mindset shifts and p…
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5 Content Shifts Improving My Conversions This Year
11:39
11:39
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11:39Inside today’s conversation, I’m breaking down the 5 content shifts that are creating higher conversions in my business — without dancing, pointing, or burning myself out on social media.Over the last year, I’ve rebuilt my ecosystem around intentional content, my Skool communities, and simple systems that actually move people from follower → member…
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If you're tired of hearing from the same gurus shouting each other out and talking about the same things over and over again, this episode is for you. Kim shares why she's excited about Regeneration 2025, a free virtual summit that's bringing together diverse voices who are reimagining business as a force for good. You'll discover why the online co…
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Stop Hustling for Leads — Why Your Next Summit or Bundle Belongs on Skool
7:11
7:11
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7:11Hey friends, it’s Brenda here 👋 — welcome back to The X Podcast! If you’re a midlife woman entrepreneur who’s tired of hustling for leads, juggling too many tech tools, or talking to a passive audience that never converts, this episode is for you. I’m pulling back the curtain on my AI-Driven Business Summit — how we brought in 4,400 attendees, 9,00…
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Should businesses skip out on Black Friday promos? And what to do instead!
25:18
25:18
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25:18Black Friday and Cyber Monday don't have to be a frantic scramble for your business. In this replay episode from Empire Secrets, Kim shares four strategic alternatives to the traditional Black Friday hustle - from building swipe files and generous unsubscribing to participating in Giving Tuesday and shopping smart for your business needs. Whether y…
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124. A More Helpful Understanding of Grief with Susie Ruth
33:34
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33:34“Grief is something we have and we carry with us, but we can feel everything when we’re grieving.” Divorce & Co-Parenting Coach Meg Gluckman and Life & Grief Coach Susie Ruth share their personal stories and discuss how grief is more than sadness—it's a mix of emotions that can be honored through ritual, community, and honest expression. Together, …
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Pull a tarot card or share other "witchy" content this week {Writing Prompt}
8:05
8:05
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8:05Halloween is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time to shake up your content strategy with something unexpected. In this sweet and short episode, Kim shares an out-of-the-box seasonal content idea that'll help you connect with your audience on a more human level. Whether you're into tarot cards, pumpkin recipes, or scary business lessons…
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Evolve or Fade: Why Adaptable Coaches Are Leading the Next Wave
26:37
26:37
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26:37The coaching world is changing fast.The ones who’ll win aren’t the earliest adopters — they’re the ones who stay curious enough to evolve.In this episode, I’ll show you how adaptability — not algorithms — is your real edge in 2026.The coaching landscape is evolving — fast. The loudest voices won’t win this next chapter… the most adaptable ones will…
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Play to your strengths using your cycle through menopause
32:27
32:27
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32:27Have you ever wondered why your energy, mood, and creativity still seem to follow a rhythm — even after menopause? In this fun episode of the Midlife Freedom Podcast, I’m joined by Alex Coble-Frakes and Anna Sneed, founders of The Agenda Period, to explore how your natural cycle continues to influence your energy, relationships, and sense of purpos…
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Are you ready for a premium business? (spoiler: yes!)
16:23
16:23
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16:23Kim tackles the biggest roadblock keeping seasoned entrepreneurs stuck on the sidelines: the belief that they're "not ready" for premium clients and high-ticket offers. If you've been watching others with less experience get more attention while you undervalue your expertise, this episode reveals why you're probably more ready than you think. Kim s…
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Why I’m retiring my signature program (and what’s coming next)
14:24
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14:24After seven years in business and 165 episodes, I'm retiring my signature program, The Joy of Copy Club. This past year felt heavy. I lost my spark. I even applied for a job (spoiler: didn't get it). But the universe had other plans. New clients reached out. Podcast downloads doubled. My newsletter is growing like never before. I realized something…
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In this episode, Kim invites you to her brand-new live workshop, Master Your High-Ticket Message: How to Attract and Win Premium Clients. If you've been struggling to raise your rates, exhausting yourself with lower-ticket offers, or wondering how to position yourself as THE go-to expert, this episode is your wake-up call. Kim walks you through exa…
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7 beliefs that block women entrepreneurs from premium clients
20:32
20:32
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20:32High ticket buyers are still buying — even in a softer economy. In this episode of the Ill Communication Podcast, I’m busting 7 of the biggest myths I hear from Gen X business owners about premium offers. From “my niche can’t command premium rates” to “I’ll alienate my audience” or “I need a bigger audience first,” I’ll share real-life examples and…
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Your next 100 days could change everything
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15:16We’re officially 100 days away from the end of 2025 — and in this episode, I’m getting real about what that means for your business, your health, your wealth, and your energy. I’ll walk you through the 4 big focus areas I’m prioritizing to finish the year strong — plus a few vulnerable lessons I’ve learned along the way. If you’ve felt scattered or…
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How high-ticket offers help entrepreneurs create revenue resilience in a recession
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14:11We’re not just in an economic recession — we’re also in a trust recession. Consumers and businesses are being more choosy than ever about where they spend their money. So how do you keep selling in shaky times? Spoiler: it’s not by slashing your prices. In this episode of the Ill Communication Podcast, I’m showing you why doubling down on premium, …
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The We Do Not Care Club - Business and Marketing Edition
12:16
12:16
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12:16Leading up to my milestone birthday, everyone kept asking: How are you going to celebrate? Big party? Big event? Honestly, I didn’t want to do any of that—and for the first time, I felt totally okay about it. I gave myself permission to celebrate exactly how I wanted, which is how I ended up fully embracing the We Do Not Care Club. In this episode,…
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Lead Generation That Works: 4 Proven Strategies for Midlife Women Entrepreneurs
23:31
23:31
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23:31Running a business shouldn’t feel like a grind—or rely only on referrals and networking events. In this episode, I share the four lead generation strategies I teach inside the Aligned AF Community that help midlife women entrepreneurs attract clients consistently without burning out: ✅ Short-form content that builds visibility ✅ Long-form content t…
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Sell more in Q4: 18 ideas for your year-end promos {Summer Remix}
16:03
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16:03In this episode, Kim shares 18 unconventional and totally doable ways to run year-end promotions that boost revenue without discounting your prices. You’ll learn how to think strategically, playfully, and profitably about Q4 sales. From Black Friday and Cyber Monday to creative pop-up promos tied to seasons, theme days, and even your business birth…
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Life after corporate - creating more purpose and freedom with Brenda Rigney
41:15
41:15
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41:15In this episode, we talk about how to reinvent yourself after divorce in midlife, especially if you’ve spent years following expectations that no longer feel true to you. Brenda Rigney shares her journey of leaving a corporate career for more freedom and purpose, and the powerful lessons she learned along the way. The links mentioned are: 1. Brenda…
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The Gen X playbook for writing copy that sells high-ticket offers {Summer Remix}
11:22
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11:22In this episode of ill communication: copywriting tips and sales strategies for small businesses, Kim Kiel dives into: Copywriting tips to simplify your sales message and attract more clients How to avoid jargon and write copy that resonates with your audience Why formal “corporate-sounding” copy is holding you back Simple strategies to make time f…
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10 simple ways to share your values in your business and marketing (and why it’s important you do) {Summer Remix}
18:55
18:55
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18:55In today’s world, sharing your values online can feel risky. Speak up and you might face criticism. Stay silent and you risk feeling out of alignment. As recent events in the online marketing world have shown, navigating that line isn’t easy. In this Summer Remix episode from early January, I’m revisiting one of the most loved episodes of the year,…
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The online world is shifting fast—and the smartest business owners in 2025 are the ones embracing real alignment over constant hustle. In this episode, I’m walking you through 3 powerful trends that will shape the way you grow next year (and beyond). We’re not talking vague predictions or recycled guru advice—these are real strategies I’m using wit…
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Mastering high-ticket sales - the psychology of premium buyers and what makes them say yes {Summer Remix}
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22:43Hot take: it’s actually easier to sell a $5K offer than a $100 one. (Especially if you’re not down for chasing thousands of likes and followers.) This week’s Summer Remix episode of Ill Communication is a listener pick, voted in by my LinkedIn crew. And honestly? They nailed it. Because selling high ticket offers isn’t just a smart move, it’s a sus…
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How I Accidentally Deleted 600 Subscribers 😳
7:28
7:28
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7:28If you’ve ever felt proud of your growing list… but deep down, you're unsure who’s actually opening, clicking, or buying—this episode is for you. Today I’m walking you through a real story (yep, the one where I panicked and deleted 600 people), and giving you the 5-step re-engagement plan I wish I had back then. Because growing your list is great. …
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Dean Jackson’s 9-word email: dos, don’ts and why it still works in 2025 {Summer Remix}
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12:13This summer, I’m bringing back some of my most-loved podcast episodes, and today’s is a gem. You’ve likely heard of the 9-word email, a magical little formula created by marketing legend Dean Jackson. It’s short, punchy, and still incredibly effective for re-engaging leads and booking new clients in 2025. But here’s the problem. Most people are usi…
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5 Silent Killers Sabotaging Your Email List (and How to Fix Them)
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6:49
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6:49You built the freebie. You got a few subscribers. And then… crickets. If you’ve ever felt like your email list isn’t working—this is for you. In this episode, I walk you through 5 silent killers that are secretly sabotaging your list growth, engagement, and sales (even when you’re doing “everything right”). More importantly? I give you the fixes th…
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20 Tiny habits that help me generate $1million as a Gen X business woman {Summer Remix}
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18:00Running a business doesn’t have to be all 5am wake-ups, endless social media posts, and high-pressure launches. Over the past 6 years, I’ve quietly built a chill, service-based business that has brought in over one million dollars in lifetime revenue. No complicated funnels. No viral Reels. No fancy productivity hacks. Just a handful of habits that…
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Peace & Profit: 5 Quiet Power Moves to Build a Business That Honors Your Life
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7:16If you’ve been craving freedom in your business but keep slipping back into hustle-mode… this episode is for you. So many midlife women entrepreneurs are still chasing success the old way: more offers, more noise, more pressure. But here’s the truth: You don’t have to choose between peace and profit. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 quietly powerful …
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{Summer Remix} Niche down, profit up: 5 surprising benefits of picking a niche (and why your small business needs one in 2025)
18:36
18:36
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18:36Welcome back to the Ill Communication podcast! This summer, I’m remixing hand-picked episodes to help you refine your message and sharpen your sales strategy for the year ahead. Today’s episode is all about the power of picking a niche (something that can feel intimidating when you're trying to grow your business). But narrowing your focus doesn’t …
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The 3 R’s That Actually Drive Business Results in 2025
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32:24
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32:24If you’re tired of chasing random strategies that might work and ready to build a business that actually delivers aligned results—you’re in the right place. 🙌In this episode, I break down the 3 R’s that drive sustainable business growth:✅ REACH – Get in front of the right people, not just more people✅ RELATIONSHIPS – Stop marketing to strangers and…
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{Summer Remix} Write your elevator pitch or power statement to cut through the noise and call in your ideal buyer
11:16
11:16
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11:16If you tuned in to last week's episode, you know we discussed the importance of being bold and clear in your messaging and marketing. Right now, one of the biggest trends is having a clear point of view. Nothing helps you stand out more in your marketing than knowing how to articulate what you do and whom you help in a clear and compelling way. Som…
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How I Manage My Priorities Without Burning Out
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7:05Feeling overwhelmed by everything on your to-do list? In this episode, I’m breaking down the real systems I use to stay productive, avoid burnout, and build a business that supports my life—not the other way around.I walk you through the exact strategies that keep me grounded and growing, including the 80/20 task audit, time-blocking by energy, off…
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{Summer Remix} Boost Sales in 2025 with These 7 Marketing Trends
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24:48Welcome to the Summer Remix series on the Ill Communication Podcast! ☀️ Every summer, I take a short break from recording new content and re-air some of the most popular episodes (fan favourites, most downloads!) This week, we’re revisiting an episode originally released at the very start of 2025. In it I share 7 copywriting and marketing trends th…
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The 3 marketing essentials your small business needs to boost sales this year
19:27
19:27
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19:27The marketing landscape has changed big time, and today’s buyers are more cautious, more skeptical, and taking way longer to say yes. In this episode of Ill Communication, I’m breaking down the three essentials your business needs to sell with more clarity and ease in 2025, especially in what many experts are calling a “trust recession.” We cover: …
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How to use the FAB formula to write copy that generates sales
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10:36Tired of writing sales copy that just seems to list out features and specs, but leaves your readers yawning? In this special 150th episode of Ill Communication, I’m diving into the secret sauce that transforms dull, lifeless sales copy into a message that sparks curiosity and inspires action: the FAB Formula. It’s the technique that helps you bridg…
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The Neuroscience of Success: why entrepreneurs need to celebrate more
12:26
12:26
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12:26How often do you stop to truly celebrate your wins—big and small? In this episode, I dive deep into why celebrating successes matters more than you think, both in your business and in your personal life. From sharing personal stories of family milestones to reflecting on how I often skip over acknowledging wins in business, this episode is all abou…
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The Summer of Ease Workshop is back! Why small business owners should join!
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7:48
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7:48What would it take for you to truly unplug this summer—without your business missing a beat? I’m sharing all the juicy details about my most popular workshop of the year: The Summer of Ease. I walk you through why planning now can give you the freedom to enjoy more sunshine and yes—more ease. Join me as I break down exactly what we’ll be doing toge…
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My Evergreen Funnel That Converts Every Month
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18:51
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18:51I originally shared this conversation on Kylie Kelly’s podcast, Inside the Inbox — and it was too good not to bring over to my own podcast and YouTube channel.In this episode, I break down how I’ve been consistently growing my email list to over 1,000 leads per month — all by focusing on one signature workshop I teach every single month.No new funn…
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How to handle the emotional and mental health challenges of entrepreneurship with Rebecca Vigelius
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29:35This episode is different—and deeply personal. I'm stepping away from the usual copywriting tips to talk about something many of us avoid: mental health, burnout, and the hidden toll of holding it all together. The past year left me mentally and emotionally tapped out, and I didn’t even fully realize it until I was on the other side. So in honor of…
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Reinvention at Any Age: Lori Pappas on Wisdom, Resilience & Saying Yes to Life
42:03
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42:03In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by the remarkable Lori Pappas, who shares her extraordinary journey of personal and professional reinvention. Now in her 70s, Lori reflects on why this might just be the best decade of her life. From breaking through early career challenges in a male-dominated industry to spearheading meaningful projects in Eth…
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Why seasonal content is smart for your business {Writing Prompt}
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8:29How do you turn what's happening in your life right now into compelling content your audience actually wants to read? I’m sharing a powerful seasonal writing prompt that will help you show up consistently and with purpose—whether it’s through email, social media, blog posts, or your podcast. I’m in the thick of baseball season with my son, and it g…
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