Slay The Gatekeeper

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson is joined by Chris—aka The Conversion Alchemist—a SaaS message-market fit specialist and conversion copywriter with a unique background in engineering and UX. After 10 years in industrial automation, Chris pivoted into digital marketing, serving as UX lead at Conversion Crimes and working with brands as a CRO expert since 2016.They dive into why starting a newsletter now (not later) is one of the most powerful things you can do for your brand—and exactly how to get people to actually sign up. Chris shares his favorite “cheat codes” for writing high-converting copy, including the importance of deep market research, decoding how your ideal client makes decisions, and clarifying your positioning and messaging strategy.Courtney and Chris also unpack how to use AI without sounding robotic—exploring practical ways to integrate tools like Google Gemini, Claude, Typing Mind, and Team GPT to supercharge your writing process without losing your voice.They also talk about making your first offer irresistible, and how Chris uses personalized Loom video audits to build trust and drive conversions right out of the gate.This episode is full of grounded, actionable insight for creatives, founders, and marketers ready to sharpen their message, grow their list, and turn their content into conversions.Connect with Chris: 🔗 Twitter (X) 📸 Instagram 🎥 YouTube 💼 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

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney is joined by Alexandria Roemer, founder of the Fully Focused retreat and a powerhouse in building community through creativity, authenticity, and bold self-expression. Alexandria shares her journey of moving to Austin without a network and how she turned a few loose connections into a thriving community by saying yes, reaching out, and showing up.They talk about the power of intentional networking, how to build real connections in new cities, and why surrounding yourself with the right people changes everything. Alexandria breaks down her approach to immersive coworking retreats—designed to combine productivity with meaningful connection—and how they’ve become a catalyst for clarity, confidence, and creative breakthroughs.The conversation also explores how AI tools can support self-development, the role of subconscious reprogramming in personal growth, and what it really means to choose discomfort as a path to transformation. Alexandria opens up about her decision to remove her breast implants, the deeper identity work that came with it, and how regulating the nervous system can unlock everything from visibility online to peace in daily life.This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change, building a personal brand, or craving more purpose in how they work and connect.Follow Alexandria on Instagram at @alexandria.roemer and learn more about Fully Focused retreats at @fullyfocused.co.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 sits down with attorney Morgan Ipanema to break down the legal barriers often faced by entrepreneurs—especially those who don’t fit the traditional mold. Morgan is the founder of Ipanema Law Group, a modern law firm that works with entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners to protect their brands and grow their businesses. She focuses on intellectual property, business formation, and contracts—helping clients feel confident and clear as they build.As a new mom and business owner herself, Morgan brings a grounded, approachable vibe to legal work and is passionate about making the law feel practical, supportive, and aligned with her clients’ goals.The conversation covers essential legal ‘cheat codes’ for business owners, including the importance of trademarks, securing your brand early, maintaining clean business operations, and the benefits of fractional legal counsel. Morgan also shares insights from her career journey, emphasizing the need for written agreements and proper legal structures to protect and scale businesses. This episode is packed with practical advice and step-by-step guidance to help entrepreneurs navigate the complex legal landscape efficiently and affordably.Connect with Morgan:Instagram: @morganipanemaLaw Firm IG: @ipanemalawLinkedIn: Morgan IpanemaCourtney 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 Thamina Stoll — an award-winning advocate for women’s economic advancement, angel investor, content creator, and founder of The Sheconomist, a media company helping high-achieving women unlock freedom of time and choice through financial and career self-advocacy.By 28, Thamina had influenced over eight figures in revenue at LinkedIn and became the youngest member of the global leadership team at Women@LinkedIn. Now a Senior Client Solutions Manager advising a Fortune 30 company on corporate reputation and customer acquisition, she brings her expertise in B2B marketing, sales strategy, and brand building into every conversation.Courtney and Thamina explore what it means to build generational wealth, develop an abundance mindset, and strategically use corporate benefits and personal branding to your advantage. Thamina also shares her journey navigating chronic illness and premature fertility decline, and how it’s deepened her commitment to advocating for women’s health, career sustainability, and financial freedom.Featured in Forbes, Nasdaq, and named one of Germany’s “100 Women of the Year” and the world’s #1 “Women Future Leader Role Model” in 2023, Thamina brings both personal insight and tactical brilliance to a conversation every ambitious woman should hear.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 insightful discussion, Magdalena Mystik, a systems strategist turned modern mystic and founder of Rosa Mystika, dives into her transformative journey from a strict religious upbringing to blending science with ancient wisdom. She shares groundbreaking insights on dismantling limiting beliefs and integrating energy work with personal growth. The importance of scent in rituals, community support through retreats, and practical tools for reprogramming the mind are highlighted. It's a captivating blend of modern frameworks and age-old practices for self-development.

In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson sits down with Whitney Woodcock—crypto investor, engineer-turned-educator, and founder of Queen of Millions, a global crypto education platform and community helping over 200+ women build exponential wealth and financial freedom through the decentralized future.Whitney shares how she transitioned from her engineering career to becoming a self-made crypto success story—turning a $25K investment into over half a million dollars in just 9 months. Her story is one of radical self-belief, bold financial decisions, and the importance of betting on yourself. Today, she’s on a mission to help ambitious, intuitive women understand crypto patterns, build confidence in their investment strategy, and align their finances with their highest vision of wealth.Courtney and Whitney break down the fundamentals of entering the crypto space—what to know before investing, how to read economic signals, and why timing matters more than you think. They unpack the power and potential of altcoins, the mindset shifts required to step into financial independence, and how women can lead in the future of decentralized finance.This episode is a crash course in crypto clarity, financial empowerment, and learning how to think—and invest—for yourself. Whether you’re crypto-curious or ready to go all in, this conversation is packed with insight, real talk, and a roadmap for taking control of your wealth story.Follow Whitney on Instagram: @whitney.magic.crypto Join the Queen of Millions community: queenofmillions.com/queenofmillions 🎁 Use code SLAY100 to get $100 off your membershipCourtney 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 Avni Barman—engineer, product leader, investor, and founder of Gen She, a media company and venture fund empowering over 500,000 Gen Z women across Instagram, TikTok, newsletters, podcasts, and a job board.With over four years of experience in Big Tech as both an engineer and product manager, Avni shares her journey of building a high-impact platform and investing directly in the future of women in entrepreneurship, tech, venture, and media. Gen She writes $50–$100K checks into startups led by their own community, with a mission to help young women break into the top 1%.Courtney and Avni dive into actionable “cheat codes” for career acceleration—how to document your work to negotiate raises, land internships that matter more than grades, send cold outreach that opens doors, promote yourself with intention, and build leverage in the job market. They also discuss the power of community, how to navigate chaotic startup environments, and creative ways to access high-value opportunities like conferences for free.This conversation challenges outdated career advice and offers a modern, tactical roadmap for young professionals who want to make bold moves and own their path forward.Avni Barman’s Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avnibarman_/<br> TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@avnibarman_<br> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avnibarman/Gen She Newsletter: https://newsletter.generationshe.co/subscribe<br> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gen.she/<br> Fund Website: https://www.generationshe.co/fundCourtney 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, Courtney sits down with two powerhouse women representing Golden Rule Mushrooms — Rachel Pastor and Tiffany Hurd — to talk about disrupting the wellness space with the healing potential of microdosing and psychedelics. Golden Rule is a product-based company with a mission rooted in education, wellness, and community. More than just a brand, Golden Rule is leading a movement to help people heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves through the intentional use of psychedelic medicines. Rachel Pastor is a dynamic entrepreneur, transformation expert, and advocate for holistic wellness. She shares her powerful journey from addiction to impact — using her story to inspire radical self-evolution. Tiffany Hurd, Microdosing Advisor and Head of Partnerships at Golden Rule, offers a science-backed lens into the world of psychedelics, showing how intentional microdosing can unlock creativity, emotional resilience, and leadership in both life and business. Together, they’re breaking down outdated stigmas, sharing practical tools, and offering a fresh perspective on what it means to truly heal, rise, and slay the gatekeeper within. This conversation is a reminder that mushrooms are more than medicine — they’re a path to personal power, purpose, and transformation. ---- 1. Get your free microdosing guide here https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=WKGmWH&g=RFgV5x 2. Get 10% of your first purchase by using code: courtney10 Resources: 1. List of Medications & Supplements you can microdose with: https://microdosinginstitute.com/microdosing-101/faq/microdosing-combining-medication-supplements/ 2. Psychedelic data base: https://www.bizdelics.com/psychedelics-ecosystem-data-base/#therapeutic GOLDEN RULE DISCOUNT CODE:  courtney10https://goldenrulemushrooms.comCourtney 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 Brittini Burton—founder of Big Pussy Energy (BPE), a global movement empowering women to step into their full, unapologetic ‘fuck yes’ selves through pleasure, sensual movement, and sisterhood. With a thriving community of BPE baddies in Austin and beyond, Brittini is on a mission to reconnect women with their bodies, intuition, and raw, untapped power.Together, Courtney and Brittini explore how feminine energy, movement, and embodied pleasure serve as gateways to deeper self-worth, creativity, and liberation. Brittini opens up about her journey from burnout to embodiment, how BPE was born, and why sensuality is a radical act of self-ownership.The conversation dives into the real work of healing—dismantling internalized judgment, navigating patriarchal conditioning, and learning to fully receive. With practical insights and lived wisdom, Brittini offers listeners a transformative invitation to reconnect with their inner fire and live life turned all the way on.Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome + Meet Brittini Burton 04:14 – From Burnout to Embodiment: The BPE Origin Story 18:14 – Seduction, Sensuality, and Power 26:57 – Feminine Energy vs. Patriarchal Programming 37:12 – How Your Sex Life Reflects Your Whole Life 45:01 – Embodying Creativity and Big Pussy EnergyCourtney 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 Dr. Talaya Waller, a pioneering personal branding consultant and founder of Valuables®, the first AI platform designed to measure executive brand equity as a financial variable. Backed by Techstars, JP Morgan, and Oracle NetSuite, Valuables helps investors evaluate how public-facing leaders impact valuation, trust, and risk before capital is deployed.Dr. Waller shares her journey from entering the world of personal branding in 2009 to her bold vision of transforming Valuables into a billion-dollar company. Along the way, she opens up about what it means to build a human-centric brand in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Drawing from her experience advising global institutions like the United Nations, Amazon, Google, Merck, and the U.S. Air Force, she breaks down how executive and corporate brand strategies can drive tangible business outcomes.Together, Courtney and Dr. Waller explore personal branding as a powerful, often underestimated tool for shaping professional legacy, leadership, and enterprise value. The conversation dives into how leaders can manage their personal brand with the precision of a professional athlete—balancing authenticity, consistency, and storytelling to build lasting influence.Dr. Waller’s insights—rooted in both cutting-edge AI innovation and timeless marketing principles—offer listeners a roadmap for strategically leveraging their unique story. Her work, including her book Personal Brand Management: Marketing Human Value (held in over 300 university libraries worldwide), emphasizes radical clarity, brand equity as a measurable asset, and the importance of aligning one’s personal narrative with business goals.A special focus on long-term brand resilience and executive presence rounds out the episode, offering listeners a compelling invitation to own their value, lead with intention, and position themselves for sustainable impact.CJ Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aCJ Offerings:Maven: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandVIP Intensive Workshop: https://www.thecourtneyjohnson.com/vipGumroad: https://courtneyjohnson.gumroad.com/