Best Emily Merrell Podcasts (2025)

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From Single Mom to Med Spa Mogul: Karen Martiz on Building Skin Mix & Lash Boulevard 39:00

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11d ago39:00

39:00

In this inspiring episode of The Second Degree Society Podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Karen Martiz, founder of Skin Mix and Lash Boulevard. What began as a chance meeting in a Denver neighborhood turned into a deep friendship — and today, Karen opens up about her remarkable journey from struggling single mom to t…

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Beat Wall Street at Its Own Game | Robert Rolih on Investing Smart, Avoiding Fees, and Building Real Wealth 33:44

27m ago33:44

33:44

Most people invest their money trusting “financial experts” who profit whether you win or lose. Hidden fees, poor advice, and overcomplicated portfolios quietly steal your wealth—often costing you millions over a lifetime. The financial industry isn’t built for your success—it’s built for theirs. You work hard for your money, yet your investments m…

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A Working Man’s Guide to True Success | Dr. Mark Teague on Principles, Time, and Building a Legacy 29:43

20h ago29:43

29:43

Today’s culture often tells us life should be easy—that struggle is unfair and someone else is to blame when things go wrong. Yet real success still comes from the same time-tested values that built this country: hard work, integrity, and personal responsibility. Many people feel lost, frustrated, or stuck, chasing quick fixes or blaming circumstan…

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Building Wealth, Stories & Studios | Brent Lindstrom on Real Estate, Writing & the 10-Year Freedom Plan 42:11

3d ago42:11

42:11

Most people want to follow their dreams, but they’re stuck trading time for money. They tell themselves, “someday I’ll write that book, make that film, or start that business,” but life, bills, and fear keep getting in the way. Without a plan, passion alone isn’t enough. Too many creative entrepreneurs burn out chasing projects that don’t pay—or wo…

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The Entrepreneur Whisperer | Randy Gage on Freedom, Wealth, and Breaking the Poverty Mindset 42:11

8d ago42:11

42:11

Most people want wealth, health, and happiness—but they’ve been programmed to believe they don’t deserve it. They chase money with the wrong mindset, stuck in debt and self-sabotage, confusing busyness for progress. From school to social media, we’re conditioned to think small. We’re told money is evil, rich people are greedy, and success requires …

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AI Agents, Automation & the Future of Work | Joy Rowland on Building Smart Businesses with Virtual Employees 38:26

16d ago38:26

38:26

Business owners and professionals are overwhelmed—emails, calls, and endless repetitive tasks leave no time for innovation. Meanwhile, AI is advancing at lightning speed, threatening to replace entire job sectors. How can you stay relevant and use technology to your advantage instead of being replaced by it? IBM just saved over $3.5 billion using A…

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Breaking the Hedge Fund Barrier | Justin Kuyper on Democratizing Elite Investing for Everyone 31:06

17d ago31:06

31:06

For decades, hedge funds and elite private investments have been reserved for the wealthy few. Everyday investors are left out—limited by regulations, high fees, and lack of access to opportunities that could truly grow their wealth. While millions chase average returns through ETFs and index funds, the world’s top funds continue to multiply fortun…

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Ep. 225: Chris Ramos 2:05:01

17d ago2:05:01

2:05:01

Christopher Ramos is currently serving as Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He conducts the UVU Wind Symphony and directs instrumental studies within the music education area. He additionally teaches courses in conducting, music education, and music appreciation.He received the DMA in instru…

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From Corporate Cage to Fractional Freedom | Joanna Zhang on Building a VA Empire with Heart 35:10

22d ago35:10

35:10

Most entrepreneurs start with big dreams but get trapped doing everything themselves—burning out on admin work, marketing tasks, and endless to-dos that steal the joy of running their business. They want to scale but can’t afford full-time help. Hiring VAs feels risky and time-consuming. And trying to “do it all” often leads to exhaustion, poor res…

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Selling, Scaling & Starting Over | Ian Noble on Building Freedom Beyond the Family Business 38:31

27d ago38:31

38:31

Many entrepreneurs dream of selling their business but rarely think about what comes next. After years of hard work, they find themselves unsure how to replace the income, identity, and purpose their company once provided. Without a plan, selling your business can feel less like a victory and more like an identity crisis. You go from being the deci…

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Ep. 224: Wade Ronsse 2:04:14

24d ago2:04:14

2:04:14

"Wade Ronsse is a touring drummer, private drum teacher, session musician, and a small but enthusiastic part of Boise, Idaho's vibrant music scene. He tours nationally with Americana/Jam troubadour Jeff Crosby and has been a part of many (mostly locally) well regarded bands, including Lounge on Fire, Wend, Sun Blood Stories, Freeman Dejongh, and Ri…

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Rings, Replicas & Real Leadership: Wove CEO Simone Kendle 52:25

25d ago52:25

52:25

What if buying an engagement ring felt as personal as the proposal? Wove CEO Simone Kendle sits down with Emily Merrell to unpack how Wove reinvented custom jewelry, from virtual design sessions with GIA-trained experts to their genius “try-before-you-buy” replica ring that de-stresses proposals and perfects fit and style. Simone shares the brand’s…

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223: David Singer 2:08:02

1M ago2:08:02

2:08:02

David Singer is an internationally acclaimed clarinetist whose career has included twoperformances at the White House and more than 150 appearances in Carnegie Hall.Joseph Horowitz in The New York Times wrote about David Singer, “To describe hisplaying would be to enumerate a catalogue of virtues.”Mr. Singer’s recording of the Aaron Copland Clarine…

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Building Community Through Movement with V Peterson, Founder of Bodied 47:28

1M ago47:28

47:28

In this inspiring episode of The Second Degree Podcast, host Emily Merrell sits down with V Peterson, the energetic founder of Bodied, Denver’s rhythm-based fitness studio redefining what it means to move with purpose. V shares how she blended step aerobics, strength training, and Pilates into a signature workout that’s as much about connection as …

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The Silver Guru Speaks | David Morgan on Precious Metals, Fiat Collapse, and Financial Freedom 38:22

1M ago38:22

38:22

In a world of rising inflation and crumbling currencies, traditional investments feel increasingly risky. For decades, people have relied on fiat money—yet history proves that every unbacked currency eventually fails. So, what happens when the dollar loses its dominance? Financial uncertainty isn’t just about markets—it’s about control, fear, and f…

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From Brazil to Business Freedom | Rafael Pinho on Building Companies That Run Without You 44:49

1M ago44:49

44:49

Too many business owners are trapped inside their own companies. They’ve built successful operations, but instead of owning a business, they’ve just created a stressful job — one they can’t step away from without everything falling apart. Without an exit plan or systems in place, owners risk burnout, financial loss, and missed opportunities. Many b…

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Rich by Choice | Dr. Nicholas E. Michels on Mindset, Money, and Living Intentionally 37:33

1M ago37:33

37:33

Most people work their entire lives chasing wealth—only to realize too late that money alone doesn’t bring happiness or security. They’re financially busy but emotionally broke, unsure how to align their money with the life they actually want. Without clarity and purpose, wealth becomes another burden. Families drift apart, burnout sets in, and peo…

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Ep. 222: Ann Wood 1:53:06

2M ago1:53:06

1:53:06

Ann Wood@Woodlucker is a paper botanical artist who graduated from Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 1986. She also earned a two year degree from Hawkeye Institute of Technology in photography.Before creating botanical pieces, she was an exhibitor at craft shows with her husband, Dean Lucker, all over America. Some of the shows include the S…

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Turnkey Real Estate Freedom | Dr. Axel Meierhoefer on Investing, Performance, and the Future of Wealth 54:12

2M ago54:12

54:12

Many professionals and investors want to build passive income through real estate but end up overwhelmed—spending too much, managing the wrong properties, and becoming accidental landlords instead of financial freedom seekers. They chase “hot markets,” listen to bad advice, and ignore the systems that actually build wealth. The result? Burnout, neg…

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Ep. 221: Amy Reader 2:06:07

2M ago2:06:07

2:06:07

Amy Reader is an Asheville-based fiber artist and educator. She works primarily with wool, yarn, felt, and thread. Her work explores tiny moments of joy found in the natural world, translated through her vivid sensory experience as an autistic artist. Amy has been a professional artist since 2018. She was named one of The Rising Tide’s 20 On The Ri…

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From Army Chaplain to Financial Freedom | Joshua Brooks on Serving Veterans Through Wealth & Purpose 31:14

2M ago31:14

31:14

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be one of the hardest challenges veterans face. Many leave service with leadership skills, discipline, and purpose but without clear direction on how to manage their finances or build long-term stability. Thousands of veterans struggle with underutilized benefits, financial stress, and uncertainty ab…

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Solving Dyslexia, AI, and the Future of Learning | Russell Van Brocklen on Research, Education, and Freedom 40:15

2M ago40:15

40:15

Millions of kids struggle with dyslexia and reading, yet most school systems are failing them. Even with record-high spending per student, literacy rates are collapsing, leaving children—and their parents—frustrated and hopeless. Parents are told to wait it out, spend thousands on testing, or accept special education programs that rarely work. Mean…

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Ep. 220: Dhyana Ziegler 2:11:56

2M ago2:11:56

2:11:56

By Artifice Podcast by Emily Merrell

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From Burnout to Profit Prophet | Christian Brim on EOS, Creatives & Redefining Success 44:09

2M ago44:09

44:09

Many entrepreneurs build businesses only to hit a wall. Growth stalls, burnout creeps in, and despite all the hard work, the business feels more like a trap than a path to freedom. It’s a frustrating cycle—owners pour themselves into operations, avoid narrowing their niche, and get stuck doing work that doesn’t align with their strengths. The resul…

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Franchising Your Freedom | James Hilovsky on Finding the Right Business-in-a-Box 34:00

2M ago34:00

34:00

Many mid-career professionals dream of leaving the 9–5 grind, but the fear of starting a business from scratch holds them back. Creating systems, building operations, and taking on risk can feel overwhelming. This fear keeps people stuck—working long hours for someone else’s dream, instead of building their own. Too often, people dive into the wron…

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Ep. 219: Katrina Cain 2:12:32

3M ago2:12:32

2:12:32

Hailing from the vibrant city of Austin, Katrina Cain is a Texas-rooted artist with a voice shaped by the open road. Born in Dallas and raised across many statelines, she grew up without a hometown, and that search for belonging runs deep through her songwriting. Now finding herself at home in Austin, Katrina's sound captures the raw truth of Ameri…

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Ep. 218: Marcia Peck 1:57:16

3M ago1:57:16

1:57:16

Marcia Peck is an award-winning writer and accomplished musician, celebrating over 50 years as a cellist with the Minnesota Orchestra. Inspired by the rhythms and sounds of music echoed in language, her debut novel, Water Music: A Cape Cod Story, combines all of her passions –music, writing, and Cape Cod. The book has received critical acclaim and …

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Protecting Your Eyes in a Digital World | Dr. Roger Wu on iDrink, Blue Light & Entrepreneurship 45:47

3M ago45:47

45:47

We spend more hours than ever glued to our screens—and our eyes are paying the price. From dry eye to macular issues, the digital age is creating new vision problems we never faced before. Yet, most people ignore it until it’s too late. If you’ve ever ended the day with tired, burning eyes, struggled with blurred vision after long Zoom sessions, or…

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Ep. 217: Kathryn Bertine 1:51:49

3M ago1:51:49

1:51:49

Kathryn Bertine is an author, athlete, activist and documentary filmmaker. As a professional cyclist, she raced five years on the World Tour pro circuit. Prior to racing, Bertine was a columnist and senior editor for ESPN. Her award-winning documentary film, HALF THE ROAD: The passion, pitfalls and power of women’s professional cycling debuted in 2…

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Turn Words Into Wealth: Aurora Winter on Books, Authority & Freedom 53:40

3M ago53:40

53:40

Turn Words Into Wealth: Aurora Winter on Books, Authority & Freedom Too many entrepreneurs are experts in their fields but invisible to the world. They know they have wisdom to share, yet they struggle to stand out, attract clients, or build authority in a crowded market. The reality is: without visibility, your business growth is capped. Tradition…

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Unschooling, Homeschooling, and Rethinking Education with Moira Mills 48:02

4M ago48:02

48:02

Most parents assume traditional school is the only path to prepare their kids for success. But with declining literacy rates, rising stress, and rigid systems, many children are left unprepared for real life. Parents know something feels broken. They see their kids losing curiosity, struggling with structure, or even dreading school. Yet, the idea …

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Profit First, Peace of Mind Later: How Debbie Deknight Built Financial Freedom from Zero 37:47

4M ago37:47

37:47

Most small business owners are working themselves to the bone… yet still feel broke. Revenue is coming in, but there’s never enough left over. Retirement feels like a pipe dream, and worst of all, there’s no safety net when life hits hard. This was Debbie Deknight’s reality—until a personal crisis forced her to quit her job and take control of her …

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Ep. 216: Roxy Becofsky 2:06:40

4M ago2:06:40

2:06:40

Roxy is the creative mind behind Xanne Fran Studios, a sculpture and jewelry shop with a focus on magical figurative design. Inspired by the natural world and the world of her imagination, she brings to life dreamy jewelry designs in gold and silver, and fantasy sculptures in classic, timeless bronze. She got her start as a figurative artist, focus…

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Ep. 215: Briar West 1:42:45

4M ago1:42:45

1:42:45

Briar West, a visionary fluid artist raised in Southern California, infuses her work with the essence of the ocean. She embraces the elegance of imperfection and the beauty in chaos. Through her art, she captures the notion that we are all imperfectly perfect, and believes that’s a beautiful thing. Briar’s journey into art is as unconventional as h…

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Why 80% of Businesses Don’t Sell — And How You Can Beat the Odds | Evan Poling on Exit Strategy & BizRetire 31:07

4M ago31:07

31:07

Most business owners spend decades building their company—only to discover that when it’s time to sell, no one wants to buy it. In fact, 80% of businesses listed for sale never sell, leaving owners with nothing to show for years of hard work. That’s not just a missed payday—it’s a financial nightmare that could derail your Freedom Day plans. Add in…

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Luke Van Der Veer: How Website Rentals Create Passive Income & Freedom Through Digital Real Estate 26:00

4M ago26:00

26:00

Tired of building someone else's dream in a 9-to-5? The traditional path school, job, save for retirement often ends in burnout, not freedom. If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, you’re not alone. Luke Van Der Veer broke the mold—and built his own digital empire. After years of trying side hustles, Luke discovered the power of renting out website…

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Ep. 214: David Taylor 2:11:28

4M ago2:11:28

2:11:28

Receiving B.S. and M.S. degrees from The Julliard School of Music, David Taylor started his playing career as a member of Leopold Stowkowski's American Symphony Orchestra, and with appearances with the New York Philharmonic under Pierre Boulez. Simultaneously, he was a member of the Thad Jones Mel Lewis jazz band, and recorded with groups ranging f…

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Justin Dixon: From Corporate Recruiter to Entrepreneur – Building Hire Tomorrow 42:48

4M ago42:48

42:48

Stuck in a corporate job and wondering if you can make the leap to entrepreneurship? Most professionals dream about freedom—working for themselves, building a business, and living life on their terms—but fear and finances keep them locked into the 9-to-5. Justin Dixon made the jump. After 18 years in corporate recruiting (including roles at Comcast…

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4x Founder Tanner Haas on Building Startups, Lessons Learned & the Vision Behind Freedom Chat 41:14

4M ago41:14

41:14

Ever wonder what it really takes to build and scale a startup? Too many entrepreneurs rush into business with passion but no plan—burning money, wasting time, and sometimes walking away defeated. But what if you could learn from someone who’s done it four times—building, selling, and scaling real companies? Meet Tanner Haas. At just 18, Tanner laun…

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From Dropout to Real Estate Mentor: How Giancarlo Built Wealth Through Property Management & Coaching 29:06

5M ago29:06

29:06

Think you need a degree to succeed in real estate? Think again. Giancarlo Carangelo dropped out of high school at 16 and started working in restaurants—but he knew he wanted more. Tired of long hours and low pay, he took a chance on a real estate course, and that single decision changed everything. Today, he’s a successful real estate investor, pro…

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Ep. 213: Chad Pilkington 2:26:21

5M ago2:26:21

2:26:21

Chad's artwork embodies beautiful woods from around the world. What began as retirement gifts for his fellow active duty servicemen has turned into amazing creations exhibiting the Pacific Northwest, wildlife, instruments, pop culture, ancient culture and mythology. Chad understands how to use the unique characteristics of the wood to enhance his w…

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$1M in 17 Months: Jeanne Omlor on Coaching Success, Organic Marketing & Entrepreneur Mindset 27:04

5M ago27:04

27:04

Tired of “invisible hustle” with no clients or income to show for it? Many coaches, consultants, and service providers waste years on the wrong marketing strategies, burned out and broke—trading time for exposure instead of results. That was Jeanne Omlor’s story… until she turned it all around. After eight years of grinding offline with little trac…

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Travel the World for Free: How Tim Walker Uses Credit Card Points to Fund Dream Vacations 31:17

5M ago31:17

31:17

Dreaming of travel but think you can’t afford it? For many families, vacations feel like a luxury—something you squeeze in when the bills are paid and life slows down. But what if you could turn your everyday spending into free flights, five-star resorts, and international adventures? That’s exactly what Tim Walker did. Living in one of the poorest…

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Ep. 212: Hanna Davydova 2:06:07

5M ago2:06:07

2:06:07

My name is Hanna. I’m an artist, art therapist, and special education teacher. I’m Ukrainian and have been living in Estonia for three years now because of the war in Ukraine — it’s dangerous in my hometown, Kyiv.I draw inspiration from the majesty of nature and from people whose words align with their actions.My hobbies include collecting stones, …

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Ep. 211: Stu Beavers 1:53:01

5M ago1:53:01

1:53:01

Stu Beavers is a metal artist from Durham, NC. Stu’s mother was a welder, and though she tried to teach him, he always preferred painting and drawing. It wasn’t util he took a formal welding class at Durham Tech that those lessons with his mom clicked and he understood her love of metal—he’s been obsessed ever since. He is heavily inspired by wildl…

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From Zero to Side Hustle Samurai: How Bart Merrell Built Multiple Income Streams Without a Day Job 49:44

5M ago49:44

49:44

Stuck in a 9-to-5 and wondering how to escape the grind? You’re not alone and today's guest proves there's another way. Meet Bart Merrell, the Side Hustle Samurai. He never had a "real job" and built a thriving lifestyle by stacking creative side hustles from DJing high school dances to launching a dog training business and even monetizing his own …

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From E-Commerce to Coaching Couples: Larry & Sue’s Journey to Financial & Marital Freedom 45:48

5M ago45:48

45:48

Feeling stuck in a cubicle or overwhelmed in your business with no way out? Many couples dream of working together and building a business—but the reality often leads to stress, miscommunication, and burnout. Larry and Sue Pruett have been there. After 20+ years of working jobs and building businesses side-by-side, they sold their e-commerce compan…

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Burned Out at 7 Figures: Why Charley Johnson Quit His 85-Employee Business for Freedom 31:32

6M ago31:32

31:32

Charley Johnson had it all—by traditional standards. He was a successful business owner with 85 employees, pulling seven figures. But he was miserable. Overworked, overwhelmed, and never home, Charley realized he was climbing the wrong mountain. So he did what few entrepreneurs have the courage to do: he burned it all down. He sold his company, bui…

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Telling Stories That Last Forever: How Chance McClain Turned Personal Loss Into a 7-Figure Legacy Business 48:37

6M ago48:37

48:37

Most people wait until it’s too late to capture a loved one’s story. They assume there’ll be more time, more chances, more tomorrows. For Chance McClain, that realization came just days after filming his stepfather’s life story—he passed away five days later. What started as a favor for a friend turned into a calling. A single interview turned into…

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From $5K Side Hustle to 7-Figure Woodworking Business: How Stoane Loundenslager Built Financial Freedom 38:16

6M ago38:16

38:16

Are you a hobbyist dreaming of turning your passion into real profit? Too many creatives stay stuck, unsure how to scale their side hustle without burning out or going broke. Stoane, founder of Wood and Stone, went from cleaning job sites to building a 7-figure woodworking business—all while staying true to his craft. In this episode, Jeff and Stoa…