
The Aspiring Solopreneur
*Formerly known as Solopreneur: The One-Person Business Podcast*
Welcome to The Aspiring Solopreneur, the weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of solopreneurship. Join us as we bring you insightful interviews with industry experts and successful solopreneurs who have mastered the art of running their own businesses.
Are you a solopreneur looking for guidance on how to attract clients? Or maybe you're searching for ways to stay motivated and overcome the challenges of working alone. Perhaps you're even struggling with the intricacies of taxes and financial management. No matter what obstacles you face, The Aspiring Solopreneur Podcast is here to provide you with the knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice you need.
In each episode, our hosts, Joe Rando and Carly Ries, sit down with a diverse range of guests, including seasoned solopreneurs, marketing gurus, financial experts, and productivity specialists. Together, they unpack the secrets to solo success, sharing their personal stories, strategies, and actionable tips.
Learn from those who have paved the way before you, as they reveal their tried-and-true methods for growing their company of one.
Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr's SoloSuite Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro!
Access LifeStarr Intro: https://www.lifestarr.com/lifestarr-intro-for-solopreneurs
Latest episodes

May 29, 2025 • 10min
197. Solopreneurs, Stop Winging It and Get Your Systems Together
Discover why solopreneurs must adopt organized systems from day one! The hosts discuss the power of documentation in improving efficiency and simplifying future outsourcing. Learn how consistent processes can boost your credibility and brand image, drawing comparisons to the reliability of McDonald's. They also share personal experiences showing how structured workflows can reduce stress and enhance productivity, giving you more freedom to focus on what truly matters. Tune in for must-have tips to streamline your solo business!

May 27, 2025 • 26min
196. High Peaks to Rock Bottom: Reinventing Yourself When Life Hits Hard
It started as girl talk… and turned into one of the most honest, powerful conversations we’ve had on this show.In this episode, Carly sits down with Athena Brownson, former professional skier turned real estate powerhouse, as she opens up about the journey from chasing air in halfpipes to battling chronic illness and redefining what it means to thrive. Athena shares her hard-earned wisdom on resilience, identity shifts, and the power of building a life (and business) around what truly matters.If you've ever faced a setback that rocked your world—or are in one right now—this is the episode your heart needs.Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr's SoloSuite Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro!Access LifeStarr Intro

May 22, 2025 • 9min
195. [Re-Release]: Why Taking Time Off Is the Secret to Sustained Solopreneur Success - Soundbite Episode
In today's sound bite episode, we’re tackling a topic that hits home for every solopreneur: taking time off. As a solopreneur, your time is your currency—stepping away from work can feel like a trade-off between relaxation and revenue, or between recharging and losing momentum.But here’s the thing: burnout isn’t good for business, and neither is running on empty. So, how do you balance the need to step back without feeling like your business is stepping backward?Stick around, because in this episode, we’ll share actionable strategies to plan your time off and manage client expectations!Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr's SoloSuite Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out SoloSuite Intro!Access SoloSuite Intro

May 20, 2025 • 29min
194. The Escapepreneur's Blueprint To Working From Anywhere And Loving What You Do
In this episode, Carly and Joe chat with Karen King, aka The Escapepreneur, about what it really takes to build a business that lets you work from anywhere. From discovering your true passions to keeping things ridiculously simple (think: Facebook group + PayPal), Karen shares her journey from burnout to freedom and how you can do the same. Whether you're craving more flexibility, family time, or just want out of your Groundhog Day routine, this conversation will have you rethinking what’s possible, and maybe even booking a one-way ticket.Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr's SoloSuite Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro!Access LifeStarr Intro

May 15, 2025 • 13min
193. Have A Solo Business and Struggling? These Rookie Moves Might Be Why
Ever wonder what rookie mistakes might secretly be sabotaging your solopreneur journey? In this episode, Carly and Joe dive into the biggest blunders new solopreneurs make, from flying solo a little too solo to underpricing, overplanning, and forgetting the golden rule of lead gen. Whether you're just starting out or already in the thick of it, these are the missteps to avoid if you want to build a business that actually works for your life. Bonus: Get the inside scoop on their upcoming book Solopreneur Business for Dummies!Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr's SoloSuite Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro!Access LifeStarr Intro

May 13, 2025 • 29min
192. Get to Work: The Simple Mantra That Can Lead to Solo Success
What do addiction recovery, international web hosting, youth boxing, and AI-powered solopreneurship have in common? Ken Cox. In this raw and inspiring episode, Ken shares how hitting rock bottom sparked a complete life overhaul—from buying a boxing gym to launching tech ventures that run on AI. If you're stuck overthinking, this episode might just be the wake-up call you need. Let's get to work.Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr's SoloSuite Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro!Access LifeStarr Intro

May 8, 2025 • 10min
191. [Re-Release] The Roadmap to Reliable Income for Every Solopreneur - Sound Bite Episode
Feeling like you’re constantly chasing your next paycheck or running out of time to grow your business? You’re not alone! In this short episode, Carly and Joe dive into the game-changing potential of recurring revenue for solopreneurs.From Joe's firsthand experience building subscription-based businesses to Carly's actionable tips for keeping your pipeline full, you’ll learn how to create financial stability, reduce your selling time, and focus on doing what you love.This episode offers creative strategies and insights to make recurring revenue work for you. So, be sure to tune in!Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr's SoloSuite Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro!Access LifeStarr Intro

May 6, 2025 • 29min
190. The Power of the Pivot: Reinventing Yourself After Layoffs and Burnout
What do laid-off marketers, disgruntled Gen Xers, and rule-breaking entrepreneurs have in common? They all need to hear this episode. Laura Zavelson joins us to talk about why niching down is your secret weapon, how to sell without sounding salesy, and the real reason you’re probably undercharging (hint: it’s not because you need another certification). Whether you're plotting your escape from corporate or building your solo biz one belief-shifting post at a time, Laura has insights for you.Hit play and find out why following the rules might just be costing you the fun and the clients.Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr's SoloSuite Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro!Access LifeStarr Intro

May 1, 2025 • 10min
189. [Re-Release] Building Your Personal Brand: It’s More Than a Logo and a Tagline - Sound Bite Episode
Think your brand is just a logo and a color scheme? Think again! As a solopreneur, YOU are your brand. In this sound bite episode, we dive into what truly makes a personal brand stand out.From embracing your unique strengths to building trust with your audience, we break down why your brand is about more than just marketing—it’s about who you are and how you show up.Plus, we’ll tackle the common mistakes solopreneurs make when crafting their brand (spoiler: calling yourself an "expert" isn’t always the best move).Tune in for insights, laughs, and practical advice on how to make your personal brand unforgettable.Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro!Access LifeStarr Intro

Apr 29, 2025 • 33min
188. Beyond “Find Your Why”: A Smarter Approach to Purpose-Driven Solopreneurship
Feeling lost trying to "find your passion"? You're not alone—and maybe that's not even the right thing to be chasing! In this powerful episode, we sit down with Paul Davis, creator of the Genius Code, to uncover why passion fades, purpose sticks, and how true inspiration can unlock the life and business you were meant to build. (Warning: you might get a little teary in the best way possible.) If you're a solopreneur craving more meaning and momentum, you cannot miss this one!Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr's SoloSuite Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro!Access LifeStarr Intro