Slay The Gatekeeper

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

Mila Holmes, a creative content creator and social media expert, shares her inspiring journey from door-to-door preaching as a Jehovah's Witness to thriving on TikTok. Dive into her 'cheat codes' for success, including rejection therapy and the importance of rest. She discusses pricing strategies for freelancers and how to secure lucrative brand partnerships while nurturing genuine networks. Mila emphasizes taking timely action on ideas, encouraging listeners to embrace spontaneity for enhanced creativity and career growth.

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, hosted by Courtney Johnson, Courtney interviews Caley Dimmock, an 11-year veteran in online advertising. Caley shares insights on when to start using ads, the importance of properly pricing services, the power of being multi-passionate, and the significance of setting boundaries in business. They discuss common pitfalls and the necessity of messy action for clarity. Caley also provides cheat codes for refining one's audience, the value of tiny offers, and maintaining a high-end brand perception. The conversation underscores the idea that big income is often sought for the freedom, rest, and ease it can afford rather than just the money itself.Caley Dimmock is a leading Marketing Strategist and Business Coach, and an established authority on digital ads, who’s all about making business growth simple, courageous, and aligned. Over the past 10 years she's helped hundreds of businesses significantly and profitably scale their revenue, with a focus on lean building, doing more with less, leveraging data, neuroscience and psychology-based marketing, and personal development. She's been featured by Forbes, CBS, Thrive Global, CBC, and more.Beyond the business stuff, she’s an INFJ, Enneagram 4, ADHDer, and mom to a hilarious 3-year-old who keeps her grounded (mostly). In her downtime, you’ll find her in Nova Scotia knee-deep in her garden or manifesting big dreams at her A-frame cabin.Connect with Caley:Instagram: @cjdimmockLinkedIn: Caley DimmockThreads: @cjdimmock

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson welcomes Abbey Page, a personal style strategist for single men who turns them into hot, well-dressed, right swipe single men. Abbey builds custom style strategies and outfit formulas that boost confidence, spark conversations, and make her clients look effortlessly cool—without spending hours or precious brain power thinking about clothes. Think: the girlfriend effect, without the actual girlfriend.Abbey discusses her approach to helping men achieve a cohesive and attractive style with minimal effort. They explore the cultural factors influencing men's fashion choices, the impact of clothing on mental health and opportunities, and why investing in quality pieces can be life-changing. Abbey also shares practical styling tips and stresses the importance of strategic wardrobe planning to enhance personal branding and communication.The episode is packed with engaging anecdotes, valuable insights, and actionable advice for men looking to elevate their style and confidence.Instagram: @abbey_page_ | Threads: @abbey_page_ | LinkedInCourtney 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