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This isn’t just a milestone—it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the practice of showing up. In this episode, Angela and Sami get real about what 175 episodes have taught them: how to let go of the pressure to be perfect, reframe what success looks like, and lean into meaningful, fun, and fulfilling work.

They talk about the doubts that almost stopped them early on, the episodes that unexpectedly took off, and why metrics like downloads and dollars don’t tell the whole story. It’s vulnerable, honest, and full of the kind of perspective that comes only from doing the work—one step at a time.

In this episode:

- The myth of being “flaky” and how to rewrite it
- Reframing low-performing episodes (hello, renaming magic)
- What success looks like when you stop chasing the algorithm
- Why podcasting became more than content—it became connection

Let’s keep this going.
If this episode hit home, share it with someone who’s taking their own small-but-mighty steps. And seriously—thank you for walking this journey with us.

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What if the colors around you could transform your mood, mindset, and even your life?

In this vibrant episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Sami and Angela sit down with brand architect and color psychology expert J. Nichole Smith (Nic) to explore the powerful (and often overlooked) connection between color, psychology, and joy.

From navigating burnout to creating joy-centered brands, Nic unpacks how we can all use color as a tool for emotional resilience, intentional living, and everyday rebellion against the beige life.

💡 In This Episode:

• The real difference between joy and happiness (and why it matters)
• How color works on a psychological level—and what that means for your home, wardrobe, and energy
• The subtle ways we avoid joy in the name of comfort or safety
• Why choosing color is a form of courage (yes, even your throw pillows count!)
• A practical challenge to help you feel the shift starting today

🧠 J. Nichole Smith (Nic) shares:

• Why joy is the antidote to fear and manipulation
• How her clients transform their brands and their lives through color harmony
• Her go-to framework: The Color Brand Method
• A peek into her upcoming book on “Joy-First Decision-Making”

🛠️ Take Action:

• 🌈 Challenge of the Week: For 7 days, avoid wearing black, white, or gray near your face—and watch what shifts.
• 🎨 Take Nic’s Color Quiz: Discover your personality-based color group at joyfirstworld.com
• 📲 Follow Nic on Instagram & LinkedIn: @jnicholesmith

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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

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We’ve all heard “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”—but what if that’s actually true and empowering? In Part 2 of our conversation with Anna Beth Gorman, we shift from financial literacy to the life-changing concept of social capital—and how women can build it with intention.

This episode is a masterclass in forming relationships that matter—not just for your career or business, but for your personal safety, freedom, and future. From building a “kitchen cabinet” of advisors to recognizing your value in the room, we’re talking about connection as a form of currency.

Angela, Sami, and Anna Beth share real-life stories of how knowing the right people opened doors—and how that wasn’t luck. It was a strategy. And it’s something you can start doing today.

If you’ve ever wondered how to network without feeling fake, how to surround yourself with the right people, or how to create opportunity for yourself and others—this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What “social capital” really means and why it matters so much for women
• How to create your personal board of directors (aka your “kitchen cabinet”)
• Why networking is often relational, not transactional—and how to do it well
• How women can leverage social capital to unlock financial opportunity
• Encouragement for women reentering the workforce or starting something new

🔥 Missed Part 1? Go back and listen to The Conversation Every Woman Needs to Be Having with Anna Beth Gorman to get the foundation on financial literacy, resilience, and the building blocks of real wealth.

Connect with our guest:

• Anna Beth Gorman is the CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas: https://womensfoundationarkansas.org
• Follow the WFA on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn
• Support their mission: Even $25/month makes a huge difference in advancing women’s economic security in Arkansas!

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Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.

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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

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Money. Just saying the word can make some of us sweat. And yet—it impacts every corner of our lives. In this episode, we’re starting a deeply honest, sometimes hilarious, and always empowering two-part conversation with Anna Beth Gorman, CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas.

In Part 1, we talk about what wealth really looks like for women—not yachts or private jets, but retirement accounts, health insurance, education, business ownership, and the ability to withstand life's inevitable plot twists.

We reflect on our Girl Scout roots and how early money lessons shaped the way we lead today. From cookie sales and budgeting field trips to advocating for our worth in the workplace, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical wisdom, and much-needed validation.

Whether you’re just starting to think about money or you’ve been building your financial strategy for years, this conversation will challenge the way you see your finances—and your power.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The overlooked difference between the gender pay gap and the wealth gap
• How personal experiences, trauma, and upbringing shape our financial habits
• What “wealth” really means (hint: it’s not your purse or paycheck)
• Why women struggle to talk about money—and how to start that conversation safely
• The four foundational pillars of wealth every woman should know

🔥 Heads Up: This is Part 1 of a powerful 2-part series! In Part 2, we dive into how social capital—aka your relationships—can become your most valuable asset. You won’t want to miss it.

Connect with our guest:

• Anna Beth Gorman is the CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas: https://womensfoundationarkansas.org
• Follow the WFA on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn
• Support their mission: Even $25/month makes a huge difference in advancing women’s economic security in Arkansas!

Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!

Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.

Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.

Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

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This week, Angela and Sami are joined by Kathryn Heizer, also known as The Cascade Effect Coach, for a real and powerful conversation about how we influence others — often without even knowing it.

From corporate leadership to parenting, from grief to goal-setting, we unpack what it means to live and lead intentionally. Kathryn shares her transition from the corporate world into coaching, the inspiration behind “The Cascade Effect,” and how even our smallest actions ripple outward.

We also talk about:

• The difference between our true self and the "avatars" we put on
• How stress and grief change how we show up (and why that’s okay)
• Letting go of dreams that no longer fit — and realizing you may already have what you wanted
• How leaders can support team members without taking it all on themselves
• Why coaching isn’t about fixing — it’s about freeing

If you’ve ever felt like you’re wearing a mask, holding too much, or unsure how you’re impacting those around you — this one’s for you.

🔥 Favorite Takeaways:

• “You're never too far down the river to pivot.”
• “Your energy shapes the room — even when you don’t say a word.”
• “We don’t have to blow everything up to begin again. Sometimes it’s just about the first next step.”

🧠 About Our Guest:
Kathryn Heizer is a certified life coach helping high-performing professionals find clarity, calm, and momentum — in and out of the workplace. She partners with leaders to support teams, offering coaching for individuals or on-site “office hours” to create real-time transformation.

Find her at CascadeEffectCoach.com or follow her on Instagram and Facebook @CascadeEffectCoach.

If this episode sparked something in you or reminded you of someone who needs to hear it — share it! Let’s keep the cascade effect going. 💧✨

Until next time, go be freaking awesome.

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Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.

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Do you ever feel like you're stuck reacting to problems instead of leading with clarity and vision?

In this episode of Be Freaking Awesome, Angela and Sami sit down with business consultant and author Todd Smith for a game-changing conversation that blends football strategy, leadership insight, and real-world wisdom. Drawing from his book First and Ten on the Twenty, Todd uses powerful sports metaphors to reframe what it really means to lead, whether in business, life, or personal growth.

You'll discover why so many leaders stay stuck on the sidelines and how to elevate your perspective, shift from critic to creator, and build your own skybox of support. Todd also shares the heart behind his novel I Pledge Allegiance, a story shining light on homeless veterans, and how preparation, perspective, and purpose shape lasting success.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why reacting isn't leading, and what to do instead
• How to create a skybox perspective in your business or life
• The three types of preparation every leader needs
• What football, Broadway, and business have in common
• How to lead with purpose, not just hustle
• Why one powerful idea can change everything

Action Steps:

• Audit your current perspective. Are you too close to the field to see clearly?
• Identify your skybox voices. Who’s helping you see the big picture?
• Shift your self-talk from critic to coach and notice what changes

This episode is for purpose-driven leaders, problem-solvers, and entrepreneurs ready to stop playing every position and start calling better plays.

Ready to shift from chaos to clarity? Let's go.

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In this moving and insightful episode, Angela and Sami speak with Jody LaVoie, founder of Widows in the Workplace and The Grief Company. Following the traumatic loss of her husband, Jody assumed leadership of his company, all while raising three daughters and facing unimaginable grief.

Now a grief expert and coach, Jody shares how that experience shaped her purpose—and how she now equips both individuals and organizations to better navigate grief. This conversation offers both professional insight and personal reflection, with practical guidance for anyone experiencing or supporting others through loss.

💡 What We Talk About:

• Jody’s story of sudden loss and becoming a leader overnight
• How grief shows up in unexpected places (including the office)
• Why “just let me know if you need anything” isn’t that helpful
• Ways to show up for grieving friends or coworkers
  
  

📘 Key Takeaways:

• Grief does not follow a timeline—and that’s normal
• Thoughtful action is more impactful than asking “how can I help?”
• Managers have a vital role in creating supportive workplace environments
• Small gestures, like checking in or offering practical help, go a long way
• Healing often involves rebuilding on your own terms—both emotionally and physically

💬 Thank you for being a valued part of the Be Freaking Awesome community. If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who may benefit.

🔗 Resources
Connect with Jody on LinkedIn: Jody LaVoie

Widows in the Workplace: www.widowsintheworkplace.com

The Grief Company: www.thegriefcompany.com

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Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.

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🔧 What if communication isn’t just a tool—but the tool?

In this thought-provoking and hilariously vulnerable conversation, Sami shares the messy middle of writing a book about communication—and Angela digs deep into what it means to clarify not just our words, but our hearts.

From exploring the emotional roots of poor communication to dissecting how our inner world struggles to translate into language, this episode is both a sneak peek at Sami’s evolving book and a powerful guide to more meaningful conversations.

Whether you're navigating conflict with a spouse, talking to a friend, or leading a team, the insights here will make you rethink how you show up in conversation—and in life.

🎧 Press play to laugh, learn, and feel a little more seen.

📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why communication is more than just saying the right thing—it’s about being understood
✅ How to identify what you actually want before entering a conversation
✅ What “bad communication” really means—and why it’s often a symptom, not the root problem
✅ The difference between heart language and spoken language
✅ How cultural or emotional context changes the way we interpret words
✅ Why some conversations should start with “What do I want from this?”

Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!

Sign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.

Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.

Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at podcast@bfreakingawesome.com.