Today’s episode? It’s for when things are really hard. Like… the world’s-on-fire, tech’s-breaking, brain’s-short-circuiting kind of hard. Whether you're grieving, dealing with burnout, or your business is scaling faster than your sanity can keep up—I got you.

We’re talking about how to keep showing up when you feel like hiding under your desk (no shame, I’ve been there).

In this episode, I dig into:

• What “hard” really means (hint: your hard is valid, period.)
• Why showing up doesn’t have to mean showing up everywhere
• One-minute-at-a-time wisdom from an English professor
• The difference between finding community and getting help (both matter)
• Why “bare minimum” is sometimes exactly what’s needed

This isn’t your typical “just push through” pep talk. This is grace-filled, real-world advice for humans who also happen to run businesses.

So if you’re in the thick of it, press play. Then send it to a biz buddy who needs it too.

Learn more about BizMagic or the BizMagic Podcast.

In this episode, I sat down with my longtime client and communication powerhouse, Lisa Merlo Booth, to talk about the sticky (but super important) stuff: defensiveness in business communication.

Lisa is a relationship coach, speaker, and full-on paradigm shifter who's on a mission to transform how we show up in relationships—romantic, professional, and everything in between. This convo was juicy, real, and full of “aha” moments. You’ll hear:

• Why defensiveness is rampant in professional settings (yes, even yours)
• The three defensiveness archetypes and how they show up at work
• What it actually means to “speak it clean” and why it changes everything
• How to lead your team with grounded, powerful strength (without being a jerk)
• What to do when you are the defensive one (hi, me 🙋‍♀️)
• Why humane kindness and accountability are non-negotiables in a thriving business culture

Lisa also talks about her wildly impactful live course on defensiveness (which I highly recommend—it's changed the way I show up in my biz and my life).

If you’ve ever felt triggered by feedback, shut down in tense convos, or struggled to hold boundaries with clients, this one’s for you.

Lisa isn’t your typical relationship coach. With over 20 years of experience as a relationship coach and trained therapist, she cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of the matter. Lisa tackles complex issues head-on with clarity, humor, and a no-nonsense approach that drives real, lasting change.

Her mission is to help individuals, couples, teams, and organizations create radically new relationships and cultures that don’t just survive—they thrive.

The old relationship rules are broken, and Lisa is here to rewrite them. Through her Radically New Relationships™ Paradigm, she challenges outdated norms and replaces them with a bold, transformative framework. Her approach ensures relationships are deeply supportive, powerfully connected, and built to last.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/LisaMerloBoothStraightTalk

https://www.instagram.com/lisamerlobooth

www.lisamerlobooth.com

Offer: It's Not Me It's You, Tackling Defensiveness 6-week course starts Tuesday, May 13th.

Learn more about BizMagic or the BizMagic Podcast.

In this episode of the BizMagic Podcast, I’m diving headfirst into the sparkly, chaotic world of all-in-one business platforms (lookin’ at you Kajabi, Kartra, GoHighLevel, etc.).

Are they unicorns that solve all your biz tech woes? Or shiny, overpriced distractions that leave you screaming into your coffee? Buckle up, 'cause I’ve got thoughts.

In this episode, we’re talkin’:

• What all-in-ones actually are and what they promise (spoiler: it’s a lot)
• The real pros that make them a legit choice for some folks
• The dark side of these platforms that nobody brags about on sales pages
• When they make total sense—and when to run far, far away
• Why affiliate deals muddy the waters (yeah, I said it)
• The right way to choose your tools without falling for the hype

This isn't about bashing platforms or preaching “my way or the highway.” It’s a real, practical breakdown so you can make the best decision for your biz without the tech regret hangover.

✨ Wanna rant or rave about your favorite all-in-one? Email me at patti@bizmagic.co or slide into my DMs on Instagram @bizmagicco. I’m always down for a nerdy tech chat.

💫 And don’t forget to share this episode with your fellow business nerds, leave a review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Word of mouth is pure magic ✨

Learn more about BizMagic or the BizMagic Podcast.

Let’s be real—I used to ignore my email list like it was an old Tamagotchi I forgot to feed. But once I realized how much actual power it has to reach people directly (no algorithm middleman)? Total game-changer.

In this episode, I sat down with the brilliant and badass Blaire Brown of Visionary Advantages to talk all things email marketing—specifically why “Direct to Inbox” is where it’s at in 2025.

We get into:

• Why relying solely on social media is basically gambling with your visibility
• How email marketing cuts through the noise and builds real relationships
• What a welcome/nurture sequence actually is—and why you need one like... yesterday
• The magic of conversational, authentic email content (a.k.a. not sounding like a marketing robot)
• Tips to revive your stale email list without sending a “Hey stranger…” (cringe)
• How unsubscribes are not a personal attack—they’re actually good for business
• Blaire’s fave email platform (spoiler: FloDesk lovers, unite!)

Plus, we nerd out a little on strategy, share our email list screw-ups (because who hasn’t ghosted their list once or twice?), and wrap up with Blaire’s current tech stack.

Links & Resources:

• Blaire’s Website: visionaryadvantages.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyitsblairebrown/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visionary-advantages/

✨ Like the episode? Share it with your favorite biz bestie, rate the show, and hit that subscribe button so you never miss the magic.

Learn more about BizMagic or the BizMagic Podcast.

In this episode of the BizMagic Podcast, I’m diving into the world of workflows—yep, that buzzword everyone loves to say but rarely explains. Spoiler alert: you probably already have some workflows, even if they’re unintentional and held together with duct tape and willpower.

Workflow Magic: 5 Tips to Streamline Your Day is packed with the exact steps I use (and teach my clients) to take the chaos out of daily biz tasks. Whether you're juggling clients, a team, or just your own brain, these tips will help you make smoother, smarter moves behind the scenes.

Here’s what you’ll get:

• Why starting with what’s already working is smarter than reinventing everything
• How to automate (without automating total chaos)
• Why batching your work can be a game-changer for energy and time
• The magic of templates to save your brain and your inbox
• A reminder to review and refine your systems regularly—no dusty workflows allowed

I also shout out some fav tools like Zapier, Dubsado, 17Hats, ClickUp, and even a quick Gmail hack you might not know about.

✨Remember: this is about building systems that work for you. Not someone else’s perfect Pinterest board of a business—yours.

Got a question? Wanna brag about your favorite workflow tip? Email me at patti@bizmagic.co or come hang out on Instagram @bizmagicco.

If you’re craving real support with your backend tech, automations, or just figuring out what to use and when—check out Tech Magic, our signature service that helps you make the backend of your biz less of a disaster.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a biz buddy, rate it, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps us grow this magical little pod

Learn more about BizMagic or the BizMagic Podcast.

It’s time for some real talk about email marketing platforms—because I’ve used a ton of them, and I have thoughts. In this episode, I’m spilling the tea on which ESPs (email service providers) I actually like, which ones are solid free options, and which ones I would 100% ghost if they were people.

I’m breaking down why Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is my ride or die, why MailerLite is a strong runner-up, and why MailChimp makes me want to scream. Plus: a few insights on ActiveCampaign, Drip, and what you really need to think about when choosing an ESP for your biz.

In this episode, I’m talking about:

• Why Kit continues to be my go-to, even after trying “bigger” platforms
• The free ESP I recommend to clients again and again
• When ActiveCampaign is worth the investment—and when it’s not
• Why MailChimp and Drip are on my personal “never again” list
• What to look for in an ESP that grows with your business (without making you rage quit)

Links & Mentions:

• Kit (ConvertKit)
• MailerLite
• ActiveCampaign

Need help choosing the right platform or making a switch?

Hit me up at patti@bizmagic.co—I’d love to help you figure out what works best for your biz (and yes, I can help with migrations too).

If this episode saved you from a MailChimp meltdown or helped you rethink your setup, share it with a fellow biz owner! And don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it really helps!

Learn more about BizMagic or the BizMagic Podcast.

Welcome back to another episode of the BizMagic Podcast! This time, we're diving into a topic that doesn't always get the attention it deserves but is essential for business growth: storytelling.

Joining me is Katelyn Calhoun, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker and the founder of Calhoun Creative Consulting, where she helps businesses craft compelling narratives that resonate. If you’ve ever wondered why storytelling is important for your brand, how to do it effectively, or why it makes people want to work with you—this episode is for you.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why storytelling is crucial for building trust and connection in business
• How a well-crafted story can make your brand unforgettable
• The science behind storytelling and how it impacts memory and decision-making
• Common mistakes people make in storytelling (and how to avoid them)
• Different ways to use storytelling beyond social media (think testimonials, case studies, and brand messaging)
• How to naturally weave a call to action into your stories
• Practical tips for building confidence in sharing your story

About Katelyn:

Katelyn Calhoun is a seasoned visual storyteller and the founder of Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm dedicated to helping brands craft authentic narratives that foster trust and connection. With over a decade of experience in video production and documentary filmmaking, she specializes in translating complex ideas into compelling stories that resonate.

An Emmy-nominated filmmaker, Katelyn’s work blends artistry with strategy, ensuring that every story she tells serves a purpose. Her award-winning film Hellbender in the Blue (2021) was celebrated at international festivals, showcasing her ability to inspire action through documentary storytelling. She has collaborated with top organizations to produce impactful narratives, bringing a thoughtful and intentional approach to every project.

At the heart of Katelyn’s work is a belief in the power of story to build meaningful relationships. Through Calhoun Creative Consulting, she helps businesses articulate their values with clarity and creativity, ensuring their message not only reaches the right audience but leaves a lasting impact. Whether through full-service video production, strategic consulting, or brand storytelling, she equips her clients with the tools to communicate with authenticity and purpose.

Beyond her work, Katelyn is an endurance runner, traveler (on both land and sea!), and advocate for the human experience in all its forms. Her passion for adventure and connection fuels her storytelling, making her a trusted guide for brands looking to engage their audience through the art of narrative.

Katelyn's Links and Resources:

https://calhouncreativeconsulting.com
Instagram: @katelyn.a.calhoun @calhouncreativeconsulting
LinkedIn: Katelyn Calhoun Calhoun Creative Consulting

FREE 30-minute Story Strategy Session with Katelyn for listeners of this episode!

Learn more about BizMagic or the BizMagic Podcast.

Welcome back to another episode of the BizMagic Podcast, where tech meets business with a side of sarcasm! Today, we’re diving into a tool that can completely transform how you run your business: a CRM (Customer Relationship Management system).

If you’ve ever lost track of a lead, scrambled to find client details, or felt overwhelmed by admin tasks, a CRM might be your new best friend. In this episode, we cover:

• What a CRM actually is (hint: it’s more than a fancy contact list)
• Why I think most business owners with clients should have one
• How a CRM saves time, boosts professionalism, and tracks growth
• Key factors to consider when choosing the right CRM for your business
• Popular CRMs like 17Hats, Notion, Dubsado, HoneyBook, HubSpot, and more

The right CRM isn’t about picking the fanciest option—it’s about choosing one that works for you. Whether you need automation, invoicing, or simple organization, there’s a CRM that fits. Future You will thank you!

Links & Resources:

• Explore TechMagic to get personalized CRM recommendations: bizmagic.co/tech-magic

Learn more about BizMagic or the BizMagic Podcast.