In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, marketing powerhouse Julie Matzen joins Rich and co-host Michelle Hayes to share how her innovative platform, Boarderline, is transforming the way small and mid-sized businesses access expert marketing advice. Julie explains how AI, strategic planning, and curated advisory boards are giving entrepreneurs affordable access to top-tier knowledge, without burning through budgets. A must-listen for anyone looking to launch or grow a business in today’s digital world.

Guest: Julie Matzen

Julie Matzen is a seasoned marketing expert with over 25 years of experience working with major brands like Sherwin-Williams, Oura, and Yale Smart Locks. She is the founder of Mayday Agency and co-founder of Boarderline, a groundbreaking advisory platform that connects startups and small business owners to elite industry experts. Julie’s mission is to make high-level guidance accessible to entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.

Main Topics:

· Julie’s path from PR to founding a full-service ad agency

· The birth and mission of Boarderline

· Common marketing mistakes small business owners make

· Why “everyone is not your customer”

· How to use AI effectively—and what to avoid

· Strategic planning and the importance of a business plan

· PR vs. paid media: what works and why

· How to build an advisory board on a budget

· The future of advertising and attribution in a post-cookie world

· Why personalization and strategy matter more than “cute content”

Resources mentioned:

· Mayday Agency (Julie’s marketing agency)

· Boarderline – Business advisory platform

· Sherwin Williams, Cricut, Oura Ring, Yale Smart Locks, Master Lock

· Brad DeLava – Media expert at Borderline

· Janet Notardonato – Market research expert at Borderline

· Authority Magazine (Medium.com feature)

· LegalZ

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Sponsored by CleverCat Marketing

In this eye-opening episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Meridee Hlokoff shares her powerful story of starting smoking at age 11, battling addiction for years, and finally quitting through a unique method: Cold Laser Therapy. But her journey didn’t end there. Now a coach and founder of LaserQuit, she’s helping others overcome addiction by addressing the trauma and emotional pain that fuels it. This episode goes far beyond nicotine, touching on alcohol, food, drama addiction, and the life-changing power of emotional healing.

Guest: Meridee Hlokoff

Meridee Hlokoff is a recovery coach, energy healer, and founder of LaserQuit, a business that uses Cold Laser Therapy to help people overcome various addictions—from smoking to food, alcohol, and more. After a lifetime of addiction and trauma, including starting smoking at 11 and enduring multiple relapses, she found success with Cold Laser Therapy and turned it into a mission to help others. She’s now been sober for over a decade and operates multiple business locations, helping clients around the world reclaim their lives.

Main Topics:

· Meridee’s personal story of starting smoking at age 11

· The generational impact of addiction and cancer

· How Cold Laser Therapy works and why it’s effective

· Why most addiction is rooted in childhood trauma

· The overlooked dangers of alcohol and vaping

· How gut health impacts addiction and cravings

· Emotional suppression vs. sitting with feelings

· Shifting from negativity to daily positivity

· Meridee’s mission and business growth with LaserQuit

· Her future plans for speaking and expanding internationally

Resources mentioned:

·

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Sponsored by Harford County Living

After being fired from her federal government job, Megan Ewing didn’t crumble; she transformed. In this powerful episode, Megan shares her deeply personal journey of rebuilding her life and redefining success. From overcoming imposter syndrome to launching two books and a growing movement that empowers youth with vision boards, Megan shows how resilience and self-belief can create a ripple effect that changes lives.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with self-worth, thinking of starting a business, or needing inspiration to reclaim their narrative.

Guest: Megan Ewing

Megan Ewing is a growth strategist, author, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker who helps businesses and individuals break through limiting beliefs and build empowered futures. After being fired from her federal government job, she turned adversity into action, launching successful ventures, publishing two self-help books, and creating Share the Vision, a youth empowerment initiative. Megan lives in Maryland with her husband and three children, and continues to inspire others through speaking engagements, coaching, and her bold, purpose-driven brand.

Main Topics:

· Megan’s journey from being fired to launching multiple businesses

· The emotional toll of job loss and reclaiming identity

· Writing Think Big, Act Bold and A Blueprint for Breakthrough Success

· Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding self-worth

· The importance of mindset in entrepreneurship

· COVID’s impact on their business and family life

· The birth and mission of the Share the Vision initiative

· The power and psychology behind vision boards

· How colors (like red!) influence branding and perception

· Self-publishing, audiobooks, and designing her book covers

· Building confidence through speaking and coaching

· Supporting underserved youth through creative tools

Resources mentioned:

 Megan Ewing’s books:

Send us a text

Pre-order your copy today

Support the show

Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts

Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:
Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett
Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook
Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett
Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett
TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok

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