Best Kati Whitledge Podcasts (2025)

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622: Signs A Stylist is Leaving, with Kati Whitledge 18:53

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2h ago18:53

18:53

In this episode, Kati uncovers the warning signs that a stylist may be leaving your salon and why addressing issues head-on is essential for a healthy team. She shares insights on managing growth as salons expand, including how shifting mindsets can affect culture. Kati also opens up about balancing directness with kindness in difficult conversatio…

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621: Money Talks! 34:50

2d ago34:50

34:50

This episode is a must-listen for Salon Owners who want to take control of their financial future. Guest expert Kristin Stutz, a former Stylist and Salon Owner turned certified financial planner, shares how she helps owners connect the dots between business and personal finances. You’ll discover strategies for overcoming financial fears, building w…

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620: The Most Important Meeting is Not the Meeting 18:41

6d ago18:41

18:41

The meeting after the meeting is the most important piece of the puzzle. In this episode, Kati pulls back the curtain on how her companies plan meetings and the meeting after the meeting. She shares her salon’s meeting structure—from daily GM check-ins to monthly gatherings that mix in professional development and celebration. You’ll hear smart str…

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619: What Gen Z Stylists Need for Future Success! 43:36

9d ago43:36

43:36

This week on Beyond The Technique, Kati sits down with industry legend and Paul Mitchell Artistic Director, Stephen Moody, to explore what Gen Z stylists truly need to thrive. From shifting trends in hairdressing to the timeless power of consultation and communication, Stephen shares insights gained from a career shaped by Sassoon and fueled by a p…

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618: Nothing Is as Good or As Bad as It Seems 19:39

13d ago19:39

19:39

In this episode, we explore the powerful truth that nothing is ever as good—or as bad—as it seems, especially when we’re viewing someone else’s life or success from the outside. We dive into how to shift your mindset, stop living in emotional extremes, and break free from the trap of comparison. You’ll learn how to self-evaluate with wisdom, stay g…

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617: Master Your Craft with Ryan Weeden! 35:25

16d ago35:25

35:25

From aspiring actor to Founder of Masters of Balayage, Ryan Weeden’s journey proves that passion and persistence can transform your career. In this episode, Ryan and Kati dive into the evolution of the hair industry—from fast-tracking behind the chair to building an education empire that now fills retreats and workshops nationwide. You’ll hear how …

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616: Stop Settling 21:26

20d ago21:26

21:26

Are you settling for less than you’re capable of in your health, relationships, or business? In this episode, Kati shares a powerful and personal journey of waking up to the areas of life where she had been settling—and how faith sparked the shift toward lasting transformation. From surrounding yourself with better influences to taking 100% ownersh…

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615: Your Real Competition is Not In This Industry 26:16

23d ago26:16

26:16

What if your salon’s biggest competition isn’t another salon—but luxury experiences like concerts, festivals, and designer brands? In this episode Beauty Industry Expert, Tim Fisk joins us to unpack why salon owners must compete digitally for clients' attention and dollars. Tim dives into how important building trust with younger guests and masteri…

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614: Be A Girl’s Girl 19:27

27d ago19:27

19:27

Kati Whitledge opens up about the leadership lessons she learned as a fiercely loyal teen—and how those early experiences shaped the way she empowers women today. From standing up for her friends to navigating the complexities of female friendships, Kati shares how sisterhood, not competition, is the foundation of strong salon teams. She reflects o…

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613: Rise of The Fiercely Committed! 39:24

1M ago39:24

39:24

Today we sit down with celebrity stylist and industry mentor, Danielle Keasling to explore the Rise of the Fiercely Committed—a journey marked by bold pivots, personal growth, and unapologetic authenticity. Danielle shares how she transitioned from marine biology to mastering the art of hairstyling, building a career that spans high fashion, educat…

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612: Make Better Long-Term Decisions 21:53

1M ago21:53

21:53

In this episode, Kati shares a powerful 10-step framework inspired by Tony Robbins for making life-changing decisions that truly stick. You’ll learn how to get into a peak state first—because the quality of your decisions depends on your mindset and emotions when you make them. She’ll guide you through aligning decisions with your core values, your…

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611: Building Community, with Daniel Johnson 26:49

1M ago26:49

26:49

Kati welcomes Daniel Johnson, founder of the Green Beauty Community Foundation and The Salon Chair Guys, to share his powerful journey of community-building and sustainability in the beauty industry. From growing up in his father’s barbershop to developing eco-friendly solutions for salons, Daniel’s story is one of passion, purpose, and resilience.…

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610: Technology CANNOT Replace Everything 16:27

1M ago16:27

16:27

In this episode, Kati explores the irreplaceable human elements that make salon experiences truly magical. From authentic conversation and intuitive energy reading to mentorship and meaningful touch, she shares ten ways that AI will never replicate what happens between real people. You’ll be reminded why community, creativity, and emotional intelli…

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609: Where You Get Education Matters, with Ashlee Norman! 32:07

1M ago32:07

32:07

What’s the difference between being internet-famous and being truly educated? In this episode, Kati sits down with globally renowned colorist, educator, and content creator Ashlee Norman to dive deep into the world of hair education—and the impact (both good and bad) that social media has had on the craft. Ashlee shares her incredible journey from …

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608: You’ll Be Judged Regardless 16:13

2M ago16:13

16:13

Today, Kati gets real about being judged at every stage of her transformation—from weighing over 250 pounds to becoming ultra fit and confident. She shares how judgment doesn’t disappear with success—it simply takes a different shape—and explores the double standards women often face in both business and beauty. Drawing from personal experience and…

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607: Serve Without Sacrificing 34:43

2M ago34:43

34:43

In today’s episode, Kati welcomes salon owner and stylist mentor Lexi Dawn, who shares her journey from Costa Rica to building a luxury booth-rental salon in Carmel, Indiana. Lexi reveals how she empowers stylists to serve without sacrificing, by setting boundaries, pricing with purpose, and staying confident in their value. She unpacks practical s…

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606: Appearance Standards 9:02

2M ago9:02

9:02

In today’s mini episode, your host Kati Whitledge breaks down why professional appearance standards—not just dress codes—are essential in the salon industry. She shares compelling data showing that well-groomed professionals earn more trust, land jobs faster, and even boost their sales by up to 20%. Kati explains how first impressions are formed in…

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605: Speak Confidently in Any Situation 33:39

2M ago33:39

33:39

Are you ready to speak confidently in any situation, even tough ones? In this episode, returning guest Dawn Bradley shares powerful stories about setting boundaries with compassion, managing client cancellations professionally, and building self-trust in the face of anxiety and people-pleasing. Learn how to stop outsourcing your worth, communicate …

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604: Get Feedback and Grow Your Salon 17:45

2M ago17:45

17:45

What if we told you that you can grow your salon by getting more feedback. In this episode, Kati shares how continuous feedback from team members, clients, and prospective hires boosts engagement, retention, and overall productivity—backed by real stats and real-world examples. You’ll hear how her salon uses tools like virtual shadowing, career fai…

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603: A Loyalty Program That Makes You Money 34:06

2M ago34:06

34:06

Are you leaving money on the table with your salon’s loyalty program? In this episode, salon industry expert and business coach, Doug Campbell joins Kati to share how salons can structure loyalty programs that actually increase profits—plus how to leverage retail, train your front desk like a sales team, and avoid common marketing pitfalls. Don’t m…

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602: The Spender vs. The Saver 16:32

2M ago16:32

16:32

Do you truly understand the psychology behind your clients’ buying decisions? In this episode, Kati Whitledge breaks down the key differences between spenders and savers, offering real-world insights from her book From First Date to Forever. You’ll learn how to identify each persona, how to speak their emotional language, and how to deliver a clien…

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601: How to Survive The Beauty Industry 48:06

2M ago48:06

48:06

In this raw and inspiring episode, Wesley Palmer reveals the real challenges of surviving and thriving in the beauty industry. From dropping out of hair school to becoming a top educator with Paul Mitchell, Wesley shares the unfiltered journey of career reinvention, industry burnout, and the power of authentic connection. You’ll hear how sobriety, …

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600: What I've Learned from Doing 600 Podcasts! 15:56

3M ago15:56

15:56

It’s our 600th episode! I’m Kati Whitledge, and when I launched the Beyond The Technique podcast in 2016, there were no American podcasts for salon owners—so I created one. In this milestone episode, I’m sharing the five biggest lessons I’ve learned through hundreds of unscripted conversations with salon pros, educators, and leaders, and how podcas…

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599: Build Your Clientele from Bridal Styles 33:12

3M ago33:12

33:12

Join us today as we feature Instagram Influencer and Educator, Kell Grace! Kell is known for teaching four updos in four minutes. She reveals how she built a high-demand brand through simple, wearable styling techniques—and teaches salon owners how to turn brides into long-term clients. With over 300,000 followers and two decades of experience, Kel…

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598: The Power of Play 24:39

3M ago24:39

24:39

What if the secret to unlocking your salon team's innovation, energy, and connection was... play? In this powerful episode, Kati welcomes Mia Sundstrom, Director of Play Transformation at the National Institute for Play, who shares how understanding and embracing your unique "play personality" can lead to peak creativity and workplace culture break…

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597: Sharing Faith in Your Salon 34:54

3M ago34:54

34:54

In this deeply personal episode, Jentry Petzold shares his journey back to the beauty industry after a five-year hiatus, where he built businesses in waste management and real estate. Jentry opens up about the faith transformation that changed everything—moving from New Age practices to Christianity. Jentry is on a mission to empower beauty profess…

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596: Rethink Team Based Pay 43:52

3M ago43:52

43:52

In this episode, industry experts, Brett Pierce and Michael Yost get candid about the highs and lows of leading a team, learning financial fundamentals, and building a thriving culture. They share the evolution of their understanding of business operations, the power of team-based pay—and the myths surrounding the concept, and how career growth can…

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595: Get AI at Your Salon Without Doing It Yourself 29:35

4M ago29:35

29:35

In this episode, tech entrepreneur Ameet Kallarackal joins us to explore how AI is transforming the salon industry. From website optimization to content creation, Ameet shares how his company, Glammatic, helps salon owners drive traffic, increase appointments, and stay ahead of the digital curve. They address the common fear of losing brand voice w…

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594: Healthy Competition & Collaboration 31:37

4M ago31:37

31:37

In this inspiring episode, Kati welcomes first-time podcast guest Kayla Swanson, a rising leader in the beauty industry who shares her unexpected journey from virtual assistant to event producer and podcast host. Kayla opens up about her personal transformation, how she found her purpose, and the mindset shifts that helped her embrace feedback and …

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593: Level The Fk Up! 43:09

4M ago43:09

43:09

In this powerful and raw episode, Lisa Giles, founder of Straight Out of Cosmo, shares her deeply personal journey from a vocational school hairstylist to salon owner, educator, and industry disruptor. She opens up about overcoming trauma, embracing authenticity, and how hairstyling gave her purpose, healing, and the platform to help others do the …

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592: Master The Customer Journey 33:16

4M ago33:16

33:16

In this episode, we welcome Siobhan McCaffrey from Phorest Salon Software to uncover what truly goes through a client’s mind before they book with a new salon. She shares the crucial metrics that signal why some salons stall in growth—and how to fix the breakdowns in your buyer’s journey before they hurt your bottom line. Plus, stick around until t…

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591: How to Make Six Figures Behind-The-Chair 29:00

5M ago29:00

29:00

In today’s episode, our founder and host Kati Whitledge reveals how beauty pros can earn six figures by mastering the business side of being behind the chair. She shares proven strategies for building a loyal, high-spending clientele that keeps coming back and spends more each visit. If you’re a salon owner who wants your team to boost retention an…

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590: A Simple Lesson in Curls 42:27

5M ago42:27

42:27

We are joined today by global educator and curl specialist Aaron Scott Lacy, who shares his powerful industry journey and the mindset that’s helped him rise without needing external validation. Aaron opens up about what balance looks like in his life, how he defines true success, and the intentional approach he brings when teaching groups of all si…

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589: Raising Prices The Right Way 42:10

5M ago42:10

42:10

In this episode we bring industry icon Ivan Zoot to explore the often-dreaded but absolutely essential topic of pricing in the beauty business. With over 40 years of experience, Ivan breaks down the misconceptions around price increases and reveals the power of data-driven decisions that can boost confidence and client retention. From the real reas…

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588: The Successful Have This in Common 23:10

5M ago23:10

23:10

Today you’ll learn what the most successful people have in common. Our host, Kati Whitledge shares simple daily habits that foster a growth mindset, like documenting your wins and reflecting on lessons learned. You’ll gain strategies for navigating setbacks, setting clear goals, and taking bold action—even when it’s uncomfortable. Whether you're an…

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587: Be a 6-Figure Booker! 42:55

6M ago42:55

42:55

Unlock the secrets to becoming a six-figure booker! In this episode, we welcome beauty industry coach Justin Gold, who reveals the six keys to booking $100K or more in services. Whether you're a stylist striving to hit new income goals or a salon owner looking to elevate your team's performance, this conversation is packed with game-changing insigh…

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586: Efficient, Intentional, and Revs Your Spirit Up! 29:43

6M ago29:43

29:43

Get ready to be inspired as the incredible J. Ladner returns to share his game-changing approach to taking your career behind the chair to the next level! If you're willing to adapt and embrace a more efficient way to color hair, J’s insights will light you up. He’s not only a master of his craft but a passionate advocate for ensuring hairdressers …

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585: Deliver World Class Customer Service 29:04

6M ago29:04

29:04

Get ready to be inspired by first-time guest Marty Smith, a seven-figure multi-location salon owner who got into the beauty industry at a young age and never looked back. Marty takes us through every stage of his journey to salon ownership, sharing the key moments that shaped his success. He reveals the core team values that drive world-class custo…

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584: Emily Chen is The Influencer of Our Industry! 33:34

6M ago33:34

33:34

In this episode we welcome back the incredible Emily Chen, known as @EmChenHair on Instagram and recognized as one of the top 25 influencers across all industries. Emily shares her inspiring journey from high school dropout to six-figure stylist, ultimately building a thriving seven-figure commission salon. Now a global educator, she empowers hairs…

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583: Use Video to Attract Ideal Clients 35:52

6M ago35:52

35:52

Join us for today for a conversation with video production expert Chris Sulimay, who began his journey in the beauty industry over 30 years ago and has since evolved into a go-to video strategist for speakers, coaches, and consultants. Chris reveals the key elements we’ve been missing in our video content and shares expert tips on how to stand out …

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582: Secret Shoppers to Audit Your Salon 33:07

7M ago33:07

33:07

Get ready for an eye-opening conversation with returning guest and seven-figure salon owner, Ashley Thomas! Unlike traditional salon business coaches, Ashley brings a unique edge to the industry by secret shopping salon client experiences, uncovering hidden gaps that impact retention and revenue. In this episode, she reveals the critical steps salo…

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581: What Your Clients Know That You Don’t 39:33

7M ago39:33

39:33

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Greg Starkman, Founder and CEO of Innersense Organic Beauty, as he shares his journey from hairstylist to beauty executive to pioneering the organic haircare movement. Greg and his wife set out to create high-performance, non-toxic hair products, driven by a mission to revolutionize clean beauty. He discus…

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580: The Life of A Barber 38:33

7M ago38:33

38:33

Get ready to be epically inspired by John Mosely, the globally recognized force behind Popular Nobody. In this powerhouse episode, John takes us through his journey—his childhood, the people who shaped him, how he embraced his uniqueness, and the game-changing mindset barbers need to succeed. Packed with wisdom and unending quotes, this conversatio…

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579: True Profits Start with This! 37:15

7M ago37:15

37:15

In this episode, we welcome Ross Loveland, owner of True Profit Salons, as he shares essential financial insights that can transform your salon’s profitability—taking you from minimal earnings to 20% profit or more. If you’re working with a bookkeeper or CPA, Ross reveals a powerful question to challenge their understanding of your business and ens…

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578: Make Instagram Easy, with Jamie Dana! 47:41

8M ago47:41

47:41

Level up your Instagram game this year! Social media influencer and hairstylist educator Jamie Dana joins us to share what’s in and out for Instagram, how to simplify your strategy, and the key insights that drive success. From content cadence to must-watch metrics, plus her done-for-you platform and virtual workshops for salon teams, this is the e…

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577: Retail Compensation for Commission Stylists 21:54

8M ago21:54

21:54

In today’s episode, Kati Whitledge unveils her innovative 2025 compensation structure for commission stylists, featuring simplified, dollar-based retail KPIs that are clear, achievable, and easy for every team member to understand. Hear how her leadership team developed this approach, the importance of testing and measuring new concepts, and the va…

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576: The Ultimate Anti-Aging Formula 38:57

8M ago38:57

38:57

Join us as Dr. John Rusin, renowned physical therapist and personal trainer, reveals his ultimate blueprint for living a vibrant, strong, and youthful life. From mobility and strength to anti-aging strategies, Dr. Rusin shares expert advice on optimizing training, physical movement, and nutrition. Discover practical tips to keep your body healthy a…

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575: Your Hormone Health in 2025 31:52

8M ago31:52

31:52

Discover the powerful connection between hormones and health with functional medical and hormone specialist Karen Hanson. Karen shares the key symptoms both men and women experience when hormones are out of balance, the critical role vitamin D plays in overall wellness, and what to focus on as we navigate the aging process. Don’t miss this insightf…

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574: Put The Spark Back In Your Business 33:08

9M ago33:08

33:08

Join Salon Owner and CEO of Spark Pro Global, Heather Harris, as she reveals the two pivotal decisions she made after discovering her newly purchased salon was unprofitable. Heather shares how she learned to delegate effectively, quantify the value of her time, and empowers other salon owners to buy back their time. Don't miss her insights on creat…

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573: Teach Your Team to Build Their Ticket 35:54

9M ago35:54

35:54

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Atlanta Nail Tech Influencer and Salon Owner, Tahra Clarke! Tahra shares her journey to success, including her innovative approach to running her nail salon, purchasing her own commercial building, and empowering nail technicians to build their tickets to achieve six-figure incomes. Whether you're in the n…