Slay The Gatekeeper

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Chris Lee, world-renowned transformational coach, speaker, and author, to talk about the profound inner work behind success, abundance, and self-mastery.Chris has spent over 25 years transforming the lives of thousands of people worldwide through his workshops, coaching, and media appearances, teaching people how to live an abundant, prosperous life. He’s known for his direct yet compassionate approach that gets to the root of limiting beliefs and rewires your mindset for radical change.We talk about the difference between having all the information (thanks ChatGPT) and transformation, why motivation alone isn’t enough, and how to break free from the victim mindset that keeps you playing small. Chris shares the habits, hacks, and perspective shifts that have shaped top performers, from redefining self-worth to mastering your self-talk and holding yourself (and others) to the highest standard.If you’ve ever felt like you know what to do but can’t seem to do it... this conversation will completely change how you see yourself and your potential 🤞03:05 The fear of “no”, and why you should ask anyway08:40 What makes transformational coaching different from motivation18:50 Information ≠ Transformation, why knowing isn’t doing25:40 Healing your neural pathways and reprogramming your beliefs33:00 The $100K personal development budget that changed everything40:10 Ditch the drainers for dreamers and build a growth-minded circle47:25 Feedback as a superpower for unstoppable growth54:30 From victim to creator, reclaiming your power1:03:10 The language shift that changes everything: “I have to” → “I choose to”1:14:40 Living your dream now, not laterAbout Chris LeeChris Lee is a transformational trainer, coach, and speaker with over 25 years of experience leading workshops and seminars around the world. He has trained thousands of people through his signature programs, helping them create extraordinary results in business, relationships, and life.He is the author of the bestseller Dile Yes! Ala VIDA, and the creator of The Torch Workshop, a leadership seminar for teens offered globally. Chris has led corporate trainings for organizations such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, Amgen, Procter & Gamble, and Miss America, and has been featured across Univision and Telemundo.He is also a recurring guest on The School of Greatness podcast with Lewis Howes and continues to inspire audiences worldwide through his transformational work and speaking engagements.Connect with Chris:
📱 Instagram: @chrisleemotivatorStay connected with me📧 Contact: courtney@smoothmedia.co 👍 Instagram: @courtlynnjohnson 💼 LinkedIn: Courtney Johnson🎶 TikTok: @courtney..johnson

This week's episode features Jacqueline Snyder, designer, business strategist, and CEO and founder of The Product Boss. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how entrepreneurs turn creative ideas into brands that scale.Jacqueline has helped over 2,000 founders launch product-based businesses, from small-batch makers to celebrity lines worn by Kim Kardashian, Carrie Underwood, and Gwen Stefani. She shares the cheat codes behind building a profitable brand: the habits that create momentum, the “Known For” method to choose your hero product, and the power of testing ideas before investing a cent.We also dive into how consistency compounds growth, why people want to be told what to buy, and how investing in yourself changes everything. If you’ve been sitting on an idea or second-guessing your next move, this conversation will light the fire to get started. Action takers are money makers! 💸04:24 Consistency is what scales you08:11 How to start a product-based business the smart way09:22 The “Known For” method: how to pick your hero product10:19 Inside celebrity brands: Jessica Alba, Gwen Stefani, and the power of authenticity13:07 Why ideas fail, and how action takers turn creativity into cash15:16 Test and Try: how to validate your product idea with $019:47 Bootcamps & challenges that actually convert28:08 Tell people what to buy (and why it always works)29:18 Investing in yourself and lifting your ceilingAbout JacquelineJacqueline Snyder, the visionary CEO and founder of The Product Boss, brings over two decades of expertise to the world of product-based businesses. As a first-generation American, she achieved global success with her own product business, Cuffs Couture, dressing celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Carrie Underwood and selling in 60+ stores worldwide, generating over $100k in its first year through using a multi-sales channel approach. Combining her personal accomplishments with her background in fashion design, Jacqueline has guided over 2,000 fashion brands to success through one-on-one consulting. Known as the product-based business expert, she has generated over $10 million in course sales and helped over 80,000 product business owners surpass their goals. The Product Boss was also recognized as the 466th fastest-growing company in America by Inc 5000 and her podcast, The Product Boss Podcast, is among the Top 10 Apple Marketing Podcasts.Connect with Jacqueline:
📱 Instagram: @theproductboss🎙️ Podcast: The Product Boss: Business Coaching for Product-Based Female Entrepreneurs🌐 Website: theproductboss.comStay connected with me👍 Instagram: @courtlynnjohnson 💼 LinkedIn: Courtney Johnson🎶 TikTok: @courtney..johnson

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Whitney Uland, writer, coach, and creator of How to Be Famous, to talk about building a life, brand, and income that match who you are.We get into fame, creative flow, and why your “main character era” has more to do with energy than aesthetics. Whitney shares her cheat codes for success, from the millionaire morning habit that changed everything to why the world rewards people who decide they’re worthy before anyone else believes it. We also dive into the balance between structure and intuition in content creation, how to stop hiding behind strategy, and the kind of art that draws money, opportunities, and the audience meant for you.If you’ve been manifesting but nothing’s landing, this conversation will help you step into the person you’ve been visualising! 🪞03:30 How repurposing can reignite your creativity05:10 The “make your bed” mindset and habits that build momentum08:45 Turning burnout into flow and finding your creative rhythm12:50 The viral post that hit 4M views, and what it revealed about vulnerability16:00 Feminine vs. masculine energy in business and content19:30 The sober-curious edge: how clarity fuels focus and success24:00 Why discipline is the real love language of growth32:10 Creating content as a tool for manifestation36:00 Celebrity energy, magnetism, and becoming the person you’re posting about39:30 The artist’s responsibility: creating with purpose and integrity40:30 Fame, self-belief, and giving yourself the green lightAbout WhitneyWhitney Uland is a writer, actor, and coach helping creators embody confidence, self-belief, and purpose through storytelling and energetic alignment. Through her podcast How to Be Famous and her signature coaching, she teaches artists and entrepreneurs to merge vision with action and build influence rooted in authenticity.Connect with Whitney:
📱 Instagram: @whitneyuland🎙️ Podcast: How to Be FamousStay connected with me👍 Instagram: @courtlynnjohnson 💼 LinkedIn: Courtney Johnson🎶 TikTok: @courtney..johnson

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Nick Gray, entrepreneur, author, and community-builder, to talk about what it takes (and what to do) to get noticed, connect with the right people, and create opportunities out of thin air. Nick shares some of the most practical and refreshing networking advice you’ll ever hear, from why he offers free airport rides to founders, to how hosting meetups led to business deals, friendships, and even new companies. We talk about how to start before you’re ready, what to post when you’re stuck, how to turn fear into consistency, and why being generous with your ideas, time, and presence can open more doors than any marketing strategy! If you’ve ever felt like you don’t know where to start or how to “get in the room,” this episode is your playbook 🤝🔗 Mentioned in the episodeCourtney’s Fully Focused Retreat (October 19–22!)
4 days of co-working, wellness, and clarity in community.Nick’s Resources:* The Airport Rides Strategy — How generosity builds your network faster than ads* How to Host a Great Meetup — Nick’s step-by-step guide to bringing people together05:12 The mindset shift that helped Nick reach billion-dollar founders07:50 How the *Airport Ride Strategy* created genuine friendships and opportunities11:40 Hosting meetups that *don’t suck*, the “green day” rule and core group method17:30 How to turn a small event into a profitable business asset23:40 The behind-the-scenes blog Nick wrote about structuring half-day events26:00 The “Friends Newsletter”, and why it’s still the most underrated networking tool31:20 How sharing personal stories online builds a *category of one* brand38:20 Consistency vs. optimization, and how to finally stop overthinking content45:10 What “Minor League Famous” really means, and why you should aim for itAbout NickNick Gray is an entrepreneur, author, and community-builder based in Austin, Texas. He’s best known for founding and selling Museum Hack, a company that reimagined museum tours through storytelling and fun. He’s also the author of The 2-Hour Cocktail Party, praised by Atomic Habits author James Clear as “a must-read for anyone who wants to host a great event.” He’s been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and New York Magazine for his creative approach to networking and connection. Nick has built and sold multiple businesses, including a family aviation company, and now lives in Austin, Texas, where he writes, hosts events, and shares ideas through his popular Friends Newsletter, read by over 10,000 entrepreneurs and creatives. Today, he helps creators, founders, and business owners build stronger communities through simple, intentional gatherings.Connect with Nick:
🌐 Website: nickgray.net 👍 Instagram: @nickgraynews 💼 LinkedIn: Nick GrayStay connected with me👍 Instagram: @courtlynnjohnson 💼 LinkedIn: Courtney Johnson🎶 TikTok: @courtney..johnson

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson answers listener questions from the comfort of her bed in a candid Q&A session. She covers everything from booking speaking gigs and building a personal brand to overcoming fear, imposter syndrome, and the struggle to price your work with confidence. Along the way, Courtney shares her own stories, lessons learned, and the strategies she uses to create content consistently while balancing work and play.You’ll walk away with practical advice, relatable insights, and a dose of inspiration to help you grow as a creator and entrepreneur—without losing your sense of self in the process.Never say “i don’t know what to post” again— Start your mornings with strategy and accountability in Sunrise Content Club.  live zoom meeting weekdays at 8am CT with daily prompts, proven frameworks, and real-time coaching. Can’t make it every day? You’ll still have the prompts, replays, and community accountability to keep you consistent. Join here → ⁠https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-club⁠Courtney Johnson Socials:Insta: ⁠@courtlynnjohnson⁠Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/⁠Podcast: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj⁠Tiktok: ⁠@courtney..johnson⁠Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnson⁠Newsletter: ⁠https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a⁠Work with Courtney:Level Up on Linkedin: ⁠https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand⁠Short Form Video Accelerator: ⁠https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc⁠

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson welcomes Alannah Connealy, founder of Raena Health, for a candid conversation on women’s health and entrepreneurship.They dive into surprising wellness insights—like aspirin for period pain, the power of progesterone, myths about cancer, the dangers of seed oils, and the nutritional role of gelatin—while weaving in Alannah’s personal journey, entrepreneurial lessons, and her upcoming book on rethinking cancer.You’ll walk away with fresh health tips, business inspiration, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to build purpose-driven solutions that truly help women thrive.About Alannah Connealy CEO & Founder of Raena Health — clean, effective hormone solutions for women.Instagram: @alannahconnealy LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alannahconnealy Company: @raenahealthSign up at skedsocial.com/trial for your 14-day free trial.Never say “i don’t know what to post” again— Start your mornings with strategy and accountability in Sunrise Content Club.  live zoom meeting weekdays at 8am CT with daily prompts, proven frameworks, and real-time coaching. Can’t make it every day? You’ll still have the prompts, replays, and community accountability to keep you consistent. Join here → ⁠https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-club⁠Courtney Johnson Socials:Insta: ⁠@courtlynnjohnson⁠Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/⁠Podcast: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj⁠Tiktok: ⁠@courtney..johnson⁠Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnson⁠Newsletter: ⁠https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a⁠Work with Courtney:Level Up on Linkedin: ⁠https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand⁠Short Form Video Accelerator: ⁠https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc⁠

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson takes listeners on a powerful deep dive into money, mindset, and the energetics of abundance through an unfiltered Q&A. She unpacks the hidden beliefs that shape how we view wealth, why intuition and fear both play a role in financial decision-making, and how generational conditioning keeps so many of us stuck in scarcity. Courtney shares practical tools and exercises to reprogram your money story, navigate risk without self-sabotage, and take inspired action without burning out.Together, these questions open the door to a bigger conversation about purpose, divine timing, and the balance between waiting for clarity and hiding behind procrastination. Courtney also explores the idea of dreams as destiny—and how aligning with your vision can turn possibility into reality.You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on abundance, tangible strategies to shift your relationship with money, and the clarity to move toward the life you’re meant to create.Never say “i don’t know what to post” again— Start your mornings with strategy and accountability in Sunrise Content Club.  live zoom meeting weekdays at 8am CT with daily prompts, proven frameworks, and real-time coaching. Can’t make it every day? You’ll still have the prompts, replays, and community accountability to keep you consistent. Join here → ⁠https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-club⁠Courtney Johnson Socials:Insta: ⁠@courtlynnjohnson⁠Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/⁠Podcast: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj⁠Tiktok: ⁠@courtney..johnson⁠Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnson⁠Newsletter: ⁠https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a⁠Work with Courtney:Level Up on Linkedin: ⁠https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand⁠Short Form Video Accelerator: ⁠https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc⁠

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson sits down with hypnotherapist Zach David Paul for a powerful deep dive into the subconscious mind, performance, and breaking free from hidden programming. Zach unpacks the misunderstood world of hypnosis—how elite athletes and entrepreneurs use it for peak performance, why it can be more effective than traditional methods, and the real impact subconscious conditioning has on your daily life. Together, Courtney and Zach explore the “cheat codes” to reprogramming your mind for success, the difference between manipulation for good vs. harm, and the shadowy systems that keep you stuck. The conversation also shines a light on the failures of the public school system, the importance of surrendering to service, and the role of self-awareness in unlocking freedom, with Zach sharing practical tools, free resources, and a grounded perspective on how you can use hypnosis as a pathway to growth and alignment. You’ll walk away with a fresh understanding of your subconscious, practical strategies to break old patterns, and the inspiration to reclaim your power—perfect if you’re curious about the untapped potential of your mind and ready to step outside the boxes society has placed around you.Never say “i don’t know what to post” again— Start your mornings with strategy and accountability in Sunrise Content Club.  live zoom meeting weekdays at 8am CT with daily prompts, proven frameworks, and real-time coaching. Can’t make it every day? You’ll still have the prompts, replays, and community accountability to keep you consistent.Join here → https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubCourtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubLevel Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson sits down with coach and creator Justin Amiraslani for a raw, wisdom-packed conversation on mindset, self-leadership, and creating the life you actually want.Justin opens up about the biggest cheat codes he’s discovered—from rewiring limiting beliefs and reframing “victim language,” to shifting how we view sales, triggers, and even everyday habits like doing the dishes. Together, Courtney and Justin unpack how simple mindset shifts can open the door to abundance, ease, and deeper alignment with your vision.The conversation explores why taking action (not waiting for perfection) is the true qualification for success, how to strengthen your relationship with receiving, and why surrounding yourself with the right community is non-negotiable if you want to grow. Justin also shares his unique approach to handling conflict, reframing objections, and cultivating gratitude as a daily practice.Listeners will walk away with practical tools for breaking free from self-sabotage, building confidence in decision-making, and approaching both business and life with more play, presence, and power.A must-listen if you’re ready to stop overthinking, get out of your own way, and start living fully into your dream.Courtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubLevel Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson is joined by award-winning ADHD creator Dani Donovan. Known for her viral comics, TikToks, and bestselling Anti-Planner, Dani has built a global community by sharing the ups and downs of life with ADHD.She opens up about perfectionism, gamification, body doubling, and the systems that actually stick—plus how embracing vulnerability helped her connect more deeply with her audience.Dani’s work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian, and she was the closing keynote speaker at the 2021 International ADHD Conference. Her content has inspired thousands to seek diagnosis, treatment, and self-acceptance.🔗 Connect with Dani: YouTube | TikTok | Website | InstagramCourtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubLevel Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc