The Ripple Effect Podcast with Steve Harper

Are you afraid of your romantic relationship getting in the way of your career and vice versa? What if I told you that your relationship could be the secret weapon behind your biggest professional success, rather than the thing holding you back? Welcome to The Ripple Effect Podcast! In this episode, I sat down with the incredible Gabriela Embon. She is an inspiring speaker, relationship coach, and author of Becoming a Power Couple. We discussed one of the most overlooked dynamics in modern life: how your career and your relationship are deeply connected, whether you realize it or not. As someone who’s been through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and marriage at the same time, this conversation hit me right in the heart. Gabriela has a gift for breaking down the emotional and practical challenges that ambitious couples face, especially when life feels overwhelming, communication breaks down, or resentment starts to creep in. Her coaching approach doesn’t just focus on fixing problems. She helps you engineer a relationship that fuels your career and creates the kind of love you don’t just survive, but thrive in. We talked about everything from managing stress at work without bringing it home to the unspoken expectations that can quietly destroy a connection. Gabriela’s four-pillar framework for building a legendary marriage is packed with actionable insights that you can start using today! If you’ve ever felt like you’re sacrificing your relationship to chase your goals, or like your partner just doesn’t “get” what you’re building, trust me. This episode is for you. It’s honest, relatable, and packed with the kind of wisdom I wish I’d had years ago. And if you’re in a relationship and trying to balance ambition, stress, and love, do not miss this one. So, what’s one thing you’ve done to better integrate your career and your relationship? Leave a comment Ripple with Gabriela Embon Website: gabrielaembon.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabrielaembon Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond #becomingapowercouple #therippleeffectpodcast #worklifeintegration #entrepreneurshipandrelationships #marriagecoaching #gabrielaembon #steveharper #powercouplecoaching #relationshipadviceforentrepreneurs #careerandlove

I’ve been telling you that I’m leveling up this podcast. Today’s episode proves it!  I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Sophie Mazzaro, a world-renowned mural artist, sneaker customizer, and creative force whose journey is anything but ordinary. From her roots as a German exchange student in Texas to painting the now-iconic Kobe Bryant mural on the Venice Beach Pier, Sophie’s story is a masterpiece. Every connection she made along the way contributed to the stunning tapestry of her artistic journey. As I interview Sophie Mazzaro for The Ripple Effect Podcast, she opens up about her early days growing up in Berlin, her move to LA to chase an acting dream, and how that world led her straight into the life of a full-time artist and entrepreneur. Despite growing up with parents in the IT industry, Sophie went in the opposite direction and pursued the creative route. She’s worked on custom sneakers, tattooed incredible pieces, and painted massive murals, including one from the 72nd floor of the tallest building in LA.  What blew me away was Sophie’s unfiltered honesty about the artistic grind: how she navigates creative burnout and the realities behind the “starving artist” perspective. We talk about the emotional story behind her Kobe Bryant tribute, building a business around her art, and her bold new chapter living in Wyoming, painting breathtaking wildlife pieces inspired by her surroundings. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to turn art into a business, what it’s like to be a mural artist, or how to make it as a creative, this episode will empower you. This isn’t just another artist interview. This is the story of a woman unapologetically forging her own path, one brushstroke at a time. Listen and get inspired by one of the most creative and driven artists of our time. This is Sophie Mazzaro, and this is her Ripple Effect. PS. Wait for the surprising announcement from Sophie Mazzaro in the end!   Ripple with Sophie Mazzaro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiemazzaroart/   Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com.   #sophiemazzaro #rippleeffectpodcast #kobebryantmural #muralartist #femaleartist #streetart #customsneakers #artentrepreneur #creativejourney #artistinterview #artinspiration #wyomingartist #californiasober #fromgermanywithart #artistlife #womeninart #createwithoutlimits #artpodcast #behindtheart

Join digital marketing maven Jen Lehner, founder of Jen Lehner Media, LLC, as she dives into the revolutionary impact of AI on digital marketing. Jen passionately explains how AI is reshaping digital ad campaigns and introduces listeners to the best tools to harness by 2025. She shares insights on adapting to emerging tech trends, the importance of community in entrepreneurship, and offers a friendly guide to AI for beginners. With anecdotes and humor, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay relevant in the digital landscape!

Being a podcaster is easy. You just have to talk nonstop and pour your heart out in front of a mic, right? Wrong. Welcome to a very real and raw solo episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast. I’m Steve Harper, and today, I’m pulling back the curtain on my podcast journey, from awkward first episodes and painful feedback to moments of personal growth. If you’ve ever started something with zero experience and are unsure if anyone would care, you need to hear this. Listening to someone else’s stories and experiences is a fantastic way to learn. So, in this episode, I will share how I found my voice as a podcast host and what it means to improve through small, consistent efforts. I’ll serve you truths about embracing authenticity, overcoming the fear of being on camera, and learning how to be a great interviewer, even when I thought I had no clue what I was doing. For content creators, entrepreneurs, aspiring podcasters, or just someone trying to do meaningful work when nobody’s watching, I hope this solo episode inspires you to keep going! Podcasting, for me, has become more than just a mic and a message. It became about inspiring people by making them realize their real impact on the world. It’s a Ripple Effect that continues to grow, one authentic conversation at a time. If you’re new here, welcome to the journey. And if you’ve been riding this wave with me for a while, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Ripple On!!!    Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com  Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper  Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com.   #podcastjourney #therippleeffectpodcast #solopodcast #authenticstorytelling #startsmalldreambig #creatorlife #entrepreneurmindset #selfgrowth #contentcreatortips

From the moment our conversation began, I knew this episode would be something special. Meghan Potter brings the kind of energy that lights a fire in your soul. If you’ve ever felt called to do more, lead with purpose, or rise to your potential but weren’t sure how to take that first step, this is the wake-up call you’ve been waiting for. Meghan Potter is a leadership development coach and founder of Lead Like a Lady Coaching, where she helps new and aspiring managers build the skills and confidence to lead thriving teams. With over a decade of experience in the tourism industry and a background in middle management, Meghan specializes in teaching foundational leadership skills like giving and receiving feedback, navigating difficult conversations, and supporting employee growth. She’s passionate about making leadership less overwhelming and more human, offering practical, bite-sized tools through her social platforms, digital templates, and eBooks. Her mission? To empower more women to step into leadership and enjoy the work they do. In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, we conversed about what it really means to be a woman in leadership today: the challenges, the pressure, and yes, the superpower of staying calm when things get chaotic. We also discussed career growth, leading with empathy, and why you don't need a title to lead. This conversation is about more than just professional development. It’s about building momentum, creating positive Ripples in your community, and leading from the heart. Meghan proves that empowering women is more than a mission. It’s a movement. If you’re here for leadership coaching tips, inspiration for your career, or just need a reminder that you can absolutely do hard things with grace, go ahead and hit play. You’re going to fall in love with Meghan’s energy! Oh, and don’t forget to follow for more powerful content on women in leadership, personal growth, and the Ripple Effect of being unapologetically you.   You can also watch Meghan’s video interview here: https://youtu.be/HTpJWw7W9Aw   Ripple with Meghan Potter Instagram: @leadlikealady_ Join Meghan’s newsletter list by checking out the link in her IG bio.   Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com  Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe  Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond    #womeninleadership #leadershipcoaching #leadlikealady #calmisasuperpower #empoweredwomenempower #firsttimemanager #careergrowth #emotionalintelligence

Are you feeling uncertain about your next career move or overwhelmed by the state of the job market in 2025? In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, we engage in a powerful conversation with Lisa Ramirez, Senior Vice President of Operations and Client Success at Indeed. In her role, she focuses on operational efficiency and effectiveness as well as building scalable systems and processes, helping employers meet their hiring goals. She joined Indeed in 2019 as Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive Officer. Lisa shares her unique journey, offering firsthand insight into how Indeed is helping people get jobs through innovation, adaptability, and deep empathy for job seekers and employers. This conversation explores the evolving job market, from the rise of AI in hiring to the importance of client success and user experience. Lisa discusses how Indeed’s pay-for-performance model and commitment to customer impact are transforming how employers find talent and job seekers navigate opportunities. We also unpack how to lead with intention, the role of empathy in business, and what organizations can do to engage the younger and older workforce.  Lisa’s perspective offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Indeed’s mission and culture create Ripple Effects across industries and generations. So, if you’re ready to rethink what a successful career can look like and how to align your energy with meaningful work, this is the episode for you!    Connect with Lisa Ramirez on LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-henken-ramirez-2b07167/ Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond To inquire about Steve Harper's availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com. #lisaramirez #indeed #futureofwork #careeradvice #jobsearch2025 #clientsuccess #therippleeffectpodcast #steveharper #leadership #workwithpurpose #careerchange #womenintech

Angela Pappas, an expert in leadership development with a rich background at Tesla and Palo Alto Networks, shares transformative insights on the future of work. She emphasizes the power of emotional intelligence and servant leadership, arguing that the best leaders ask the right questions instead of having all the answers. Angela discusses building trust-based relationships, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and the importance of continuous development in navigating career transitions. Her passion for fostering an inclusive workplace shines through, making leadership a journey of empathy and connection.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Blair Channing Rae. She is a Navy veteran, social worker, writer, and social media influencer who is seriously lighting up the world one Ripple at a time. Today, we dive into Blair’s incredible journey from serving in the military to becoming a powerful voice for mental health awareness. She shares her experiences living with bipolar disorder, opening up about how vulnerability and honesty have fueled her mission to connect, inspire, and empower others. Blair’s story is a beautiful example of how authentic connections can happen across social media platforms like Instagram, X (Twitter), Threads, and beyond. From her first posts that caught my eye to the incredible spark of friendship that grew across the miles, Blair has shown what The Ripple Effect really means. It is through creating positivity, building real community, and showing up with light even on the hardest days. She has been a lifestyle influencer since 2023, and her content focuses on mental health, identity, pop culture, and relationships. She is also currently working on a book of essays entitled Being Social: The Psychology of Social Media. If you’ve ever wondered how a mental health advocate and a social media influencer could roll all that into one unstoppable force, Blair Channing Rae is your answer. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this conversation about resilience, friendship, purpose, and the power of a single Ripple to change lives. Listen until the end and Ripple On!!!   Ripple with Blair Channing Rae: @iwritergirl  Ripple with Steve Harper  Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com  Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe   To inquire about Steve's availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com.   #therippleeffectpodcast #steveharper #blairchanningrae #mentalhealthawareness #veteranvoices #positivevibes #bipolardisorderawareness #bipolardisorder #navy

Ready to level up your brand and tap into the future of marketing? Natalie Micale is a dynamic founder who goes all in—whether leading her company, mentoring entrepreneurs, or redefining what it means to build a personal brand in the digital age. A proud Latina entrepreneur, Natalie started her career as a TV anchor and reporter in the Midwest, where she honed her ability to craft compelling narratives that captivate audiences. Her transition from television to the agency world was a strategic one. While serving as Head of Business Development at Evol Empire Creative, she gained a deep understanding of the ROI companies demand from their branding and marketing efforts. That experience laid the foundation for Oh Hello Agency, a creative powerhouse she built from the ground up. What started as a brand innovation lab quickly became a full-scale creative firm, crafting high-impact brand strategies for clients across industries. Known for her bold, cutthroat approach to brand growth and her unwavering commitment to authenticity, Natalie has helped countless businesses and entrepreneurs elevate their influence through a multimedia-first approach. In 2025, Oh Hello Agency was acquired by The Big Smoke Media Group, an Australian agency, solidifying Natalie’s reputation as a visionary in the branding and media landscape. Natalie discussed what’s next for creative agencies, the rise of human-centric branding, and how AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini transform content creation and marketing strategy. Whether you’re working in a creative agency or just AI-curious, listen up! She also shares real talk on imposter syndrome, entrepreneurial mindset, and how content creation (3–4 posts a week) builds trust and visibility. If you’re all about future-forward branding, this is a must-watch for crushing the marketing trends of 2025 and beyond. Hit play and get inspired! ____________________________________________  Follow Natalie on Instagram: @nataliemicale Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliemicale/ Visit Oh Hello's website: https://oh-hello.co ____________________________________________  Ripple with me! Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com    #therippleeffect #steveharper #nataliemicale #ohhelloagency #brandingstrategy #aiinmarketing #natalieMicale #contentcreationtips #personaldevelopment #marketingtrends2025 #digitalbranding #womeninentrepreneurship #chatgptforbusiness #femaleleaders #futureofbranding

What happens after winning a Super Bowl and two national championships? Former Nebraska football star Tony Veland shares his journey from the field to the boardroom as the Director of Development for the University of Nebraska Foundation. For Tony, it doesn’t matter whether he’s in the sports arena or the boundless field of life. He is strongly committed to encouraging, imparting knowledge, and helping in any way he can. For today’s episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, Tony opens up about transitioning from a football athlete to a community leader. He also discusses why STEM education and engineering careers are crucial for the future, how companies must adapt to workforce development, and the value of mentorship and teamwork. Tony’s passion for giving back is stronger than ever as he continues to mentor young athletes and professionals to achieve their dreams. He also serves on numerous nonprofit boards, building positive lasting change for those in the community. Bringing the discipline and lessons of sports to life, Tony is 100% an inspiring force and a role model for all! This interview will surely leave an indelible mark on whoever gets to hear Tony’s message and legacy. ____________________________________________ 💧Ripple with Tony Veland LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tony-veland-6303b5 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tv_thirty_two/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.veland.9/ ____________________________________________ 💧 Ripple with me! Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com 💧Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper 💧 Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond 💧 To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com. #therippleeffect #steveharper #tonyveland #sports #football #life #superbowl #engineering #lifechanging #inspiringstories