Grief & Pizza

In this conversation, Alex Hillman shares his journey from web developer to co-founder of Indy Hall, one of the first co-working spaces in the United States, exploring how community building, meaningful relationships, and iterative learning have shaped his entrepreneurial path.LinksIndy Hall10k IndependentsCreators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Alex Hillman - Guest

Jessica Abel shares her extensive journey as a creative, starting as a cartoonist and evolving into a business coach for creatives. She discusses her experiences in the comics industry, the challenges of making a living as an artist, and the importance of teaching business fundamentals to aspiring artists. The conversation highlights the need for creatives to adapt their business models and find ways to support their artistic practices while navigating the complexities of the art market.LinksWebsiteAutonomous Creative ConferenceCreators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Jessica Abel - Guest

In this episode, we dive deep with Rob Hardy, a writer whose "devotional pursuit of a more beautiful internet" has led him to craft powerful manifestos that challenge the status quo. Rob shares his journey from filmmaker to manifesto writer, including the emotional roller coaster of entrepreneurship and his transformative experience writing "The Source", an article on perfectionism that resonated deeply with Ben and Marie. LinksUngated LifeUngated MediaManifestoryTakeawaysMetrics and views destroy what makes the internet meaningful—connecting with our unique peopleManifestos contain three elements: articulating what's wrong, envisioning what's possible, and building a bridge between themPerfectionism oscillates between shame and grandiosity, while healing happens in the uncomfortable valley betweenCommunity support systems show us our struggles aren't unique and we don't need to face them aloneSustainable businesses start from safety, not scarcity, which leads to chasing metrics and "best practices"Writing a manifesto transforms the creator by forcing confrontation with deeper values and identityManifestos help startups clarify values, improve decisions, guide hiring, and attract aligned customersCreating from conversation rather than control allows for genuine connections and surprising insightsCreators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Rob Hardy - Guest

In this episode, we're talking to founder Andrew Askins about his experience growing an agency, getting acqui-hired, and then getting fired. We talk about company culture, the unique challenges of being a founder, and what it's like to bootstrap a software business. LinksAndrewAskins.comMetaMonster.aiTakeawaysSelling a business creates unexpected emotional challenges, particularly around maintaining team culture and transparency during transitionThe shift from founder to employee requires significant identity adjustment and emotional processingMindfulness practices and somatic therapy provide practical tools for managing entrepreneurial stress and anxietySuccessful entrepreneurship requires balancing optimistic vision with realistic anxiety managementStrong partnerships can provide essential emotional and strategic balance in business leadershipTeaching and public speaking effectiveness comes from authentic storytelling rather than technical perfectionFear of judgment often blocks creative potential more than actual skill limitationsBuilding genuine community and psychological safety unlocks both team and individual growthCreators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Andrew Askins - Guest

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Corey Wilks, a licensed clinical psychologist and executive coach who helps high performing entrepreneurs overcome their limiting beliefs and build a values aligned life and business. We also talk about what it means to navigate entrepreneurship when you're neurodivergent.  LinksCoreyWilksPsyD.comCreator AlchemyTakeawaysADHD can lead to both challenges and strengths in entrepreneurship, often driving hyper-focus and creativity.Theory crafting can be a form of self-sabotage, preventing action and real-world execution.Authenticity in coaching relationships fosters trust and allows clients to embrace their true selves.Productivity should serve personal goals, not become an end in itself.Many entrepreneurs feel trapped by their own success, creating a 'gilded cage' instead of freedom.Fear of failure, ridicule, and uncertainty are common barriers for entrepreneurs.Coaching high-performing clients can be more rewarding than working with those who lack motivation.Understanding what one truly wants is crucial for personal and professional alignment.The journey of self-discovery is often complex and requires confronting uncomfortable truths. Change can be overwhelming, but it's essential for growth.Many people wait for permission to pursue their desires.Fear of success often stems from the fear of isolation.Coaching should focus on facilitating transformation, not giving advice.Fun and passion are key to successful content creation. Authenticity resonates with people and builds connections.Creators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Corey Wilks, Psy.D. - Guest

Joel Hooks, the creator of Egghead.io and Badass.dev, shares his journey in educational content delivery, software development, and music production. He emphasizes the importance of owning platforms for course creation and explores the role of AI in enhancing collaboration. Joel discusses the challenges of navigating online course development since 2019 and highlights his transformative fitness journey, stressing the significance of mindset in personal growth. He also dives into the evolving landscape of social media and its impact on community engagement in creative fields.

Educator and project management expert Monica Lim discusses strategies for handling burnout, building resilience through high-pressure situations, teaching experience for public speaking, managing ADHD, creating ideal days, leveraging AI and automation for productivity, and learning to code for business decisions.

Entrepreneur and content creator Thomas Frank joins the podcast to discuss transitioning from content creation to software development, team building, modular software tools, structured play for learning, breaking phone habits, shifting focus, importance of family and community in decision-making. Entertaining and insightful conversation with Thomas Frank.

In this episode, Mariah shared her unique approaches to content creation, exploring the ease and effectiveness of podcasting as a marketing channel. She reflects on her business pivots and the transition to a new business structure that allows for more spaciousness and personal growth, discussing her transition from a CEO role to a Creator-Founder role. She also shares her desire to experiment and try new things, which led her to downsize her team and focus on her own creativity. So much amazing learning in one episode; what a treat!LinksMariahCoz.comChapters(00:00) - Mariah Interview (00:13) - Building a neurodivergent friendly business (02:25) - How do you know when you're in a good or bad creative cycle? (04:31) - How do you evaluate where a project or idea might fit in your business? (12:34) - How Mariah made a podcast be an easy lift (17:48) - How did Mariah land on podcasting as her main platform? (21:43) - What is the structure of Mariah's current business? (36:10) - How did you learn that you wanted to be a creator and not a CEO? (46:31) - Being a destroyer and not always a creator (50:55) - What does your current iteration look like? (54:29) - Why would you intentionally avoiding big opportunities? (01:05:56) - Do you use any AI tools in your work currently? (01:07:07) - What's the best way for people to find out more about Mariah Coz? TakeawaysCreating a neurodivergent-friendly business involves designing processes and systems that accommodate individual needs and mental health challenges.Focusing on substance over aesthetics in content creation can lead to faster and more efficient production.Podcasting can be an easy and effective marketing channel, providing a platform for sharing ideas and connecting with an audience.Transitioning from ads to podcasting can offer more freedom and flexibility in content creation and delivery.Reevaluating roles and creating spaciousness in business can lead to personal growth and a more sustainable approach to work. Transitioning from a CEO role to a creator role requires making changes to the way programs are delivered and the structure of the business.Embracing change and experimentation is essential for personal and professional growth.There is a difference between a "Creator" founder and a CEO, and it's important to understand one's own strengths and desires.The creator CEO role requires elasticity and the ability to transition between different roles and responsibilities.Fear of visibility can hold back growth, but saying yes to new opportunities can lead to personal and professional development.Creators & Guests Marie Poulin - Host Benjamin Borowski - Host Mariah Coz - Guest

Founder Marie Ng shares her journey from advertising to software development, building a customer base, funding vs bootstrapping, hiring process, life as a founder with ADHD, and the importance of design and branding. The podcast discusses transitioning careers, effective marketing strategies, seeking funding for growth, hiring the right team, and creating a supportive team environment.