The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth

This episode's intention: Be honest with yourself about something you've been actively avoiding. In April of 2022 I made a huge investment in "the next big thing" that I was hoping meant a huge boon of cash for my business. Rather than investing in a bookkeeper… which I think I knew I needed… I covered by insecurities by investing in an opportunity to make MORE money because that would magically solve everything. That didn't work. This episode is your reminder to just do the thing. Avoiding my problem didn't do me any good and probably made it worse. My investment in hiring Sheila Hansen CPA has been amazing for my business. I'm so grateful to have her on board, but I'm bummed to think that I could be six more months ahead if I had listened to myself in the first place. **NOTE: this episode originally aired in September 2023, so any programs or offers advertised in the episode may no longer be available. Resources Perspectives from a "Failing" Business Owner Podcast episode High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard Satoteur Assessment "How to Stop Avoiding What Scares or Overwhelms You" article Tune in this week for the Re-Find series and get the downloadable guide here Connect with Molly Find me, Molly Knuth, on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Molly Knuth Media on Facebook and Instagram.

This episode's intention: Become aware of the correlation between what you eat with your body cues, energy levels, and mental clarity. I'm so annoyed that I have to share this episode. But I (unfortunately) have found a huge correlation between what I eat and how I feel. When I fall out of my positive health routines like drinking a lot of water and exercising regularly, I am tense and irritable. By working with a nutrition coach over the past few years, I've learned which foods support and deplete me. I know I feel best when I am intentional and consistent with nutrition and exercise. I really wish I could live on fair food year round, but I learned the hard way how much food really affects my mood. When I eat like shit, I feel like shit, and I treat other people… not so great. **NOTE: this episode originally aired in September 2023, so any programs or offers advertised in the episode may no longer be available. Resources Book: The Body Keeps the Score Sweat Inspire Sisterhood Macronutrients Guide Sweat Inspire Sisterhood freebie: What does 100 grams of Protein Look Like? Nutrition Statistics Article Tune in this week for the Re-Find series and get the downloadable guide here Connect with Molly Find me, Molly Knuth, on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Molly Knuth Media on Facebook and Instagram.

This episode's intention: How can I spend intentional time outdoors to ground myself? How can we forget the early days of the pandemic? I remember bursting into tears at the thought of leaving my house to pick up a drive-up pizza. So much was uncertain. I was desperate for activities to keep kids off screens and occupy their brains and bodies. "Nature walks" became a favorite pastime. Nature was kind enough to bless us with a warm spring and we were outside on our property whenever we could be. We loved naming the "sites" on our property, watching the seasons slowly change, and just existing. Now that life is relatively back to normal, with its activities and demands on our time, our nature walks are less frequent. But I know I feel best with some dirt under my nails. I'm so grateful for the medicine that nature provided in those scary pandemic times, and for reminding us that calm can be found in our own backyard. **NOTE: this episode originally aired in September 2023, so any programs or offers advertised in the episode may no longer be available. Resources "Nurtured Nature" article Ocean Relaxation film River Sounds film Forest Relaxation film Landscapes Relaxation film Tune in this week for the Re-Find series and get the downloadable guide here Connect with Molly Find me, Molly Knuth, on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Molly Knuth Media on Facebook and Instagram.

This episode's intention: Who am I surrounded by, and how can I be an influencer? You've heard that you are the average of the five people with whom you spend the most time. Think about the energy and conversations you surround yourself with. Do you feel supported? Does this align with your future? Awesome! If you feel off, consider how you can influence conversations and energy to be more positive. Take the time to assess your circle and see if it is providing the support you need. Maybe it's time to adjust your average. **NOTE: this episode originally aired in September 2023, so any programs or offers advertised in the episode may no longer be available. Resources "Choose Your Circle Wisely" article Tribes by Seth Godin Contagious Emotions article Tune in this week for the Re-Find series and get the downloadable guide here Connect with Molly Find me, Molly Knuth, on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Molly Knuth Media on Facebook and Instagram.

This episode's intention: How can I grow my (physical and mental) muscles today? When I reflect back on the times in my life when things seemed to be going really well- when I was really crushing it in other aspects of my life- I was weight training. I find that mind-body connection so fascinating. I know personally, and research supports, that strength training supports self-confidence, mood, and brainpower. Making time for fitness hasn't always been simple. In yesterday's episode I shared how I started to value strength training. Sometimes I'm even stronger than I was then and sometimes prioritizing fitness is the furthest thing from my mind. But I know, and I challenge you to discover, that strength in workouts translates to strength in many aspects of life. **NOTE: this episode originally aired in September 2023, so any programs or offers advertised in the episode may no longer be available. Resources Sweat Inspire Sisterhood Glutes + Arms workout Sweat Inspire Sisterhood Arm-Toning exercises Sweat Inspire Sisterhood Travel-Friendly workout Tune in this week for the Re-Find series and get the downloadable guide here. Connect with Molly Find me, Molly Knuth, on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Molly Knuth Media on Facebook and Instagram.

This episode's intention: How can I build confidence in myself in just 10 minutes? Back in 2015 I was a 28-year-old stay-at-home mom of three kids in four years. I didn't feel like I had the time or energy to spend on myself. That spring when a fitness studio opened up in my small town, a friend and I signed up for the daily 5:15 am fitness classes. I don't know that I was particularly interested in fitness, but the invitation to get out of the house and spend time with friends was enough to get me hooked. I took "before" pictures and continued them for the nine months I went to these classes. My body changed a bit, but the most important change I could see was in my confidence and smile. This habit showed me I was a dependable person capable of showing up and making a change. After this episode, I challenge you to see what you can do with a 10-minute block of time each day for one week. It's hard to carve hours out of your busy life, but those minutes build up. See what happens when you prove to yourself what consistency can do for you. **NOTE: this episode originally aired in September 2023, so any programs or offers advertised in the episode may no longer be available. Resources Atomic Habits by James Clear "Enhancing Our Confidence" by Lindsay Leahy of The Restoration Project 20-Hour Rule article on LinkedIn Tune in this week for the Re-Find series and get the downloadable guide here Connect with Molly Find me, Molly Knuth, on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Molly Knuth Media on Facebook and Instagram.

This episode's intention: What do I need to make me wake up in the morning and actually BE in a good mood? I started what I now call my "unravelling" period in the summer of 2022. For too many times in the same week I found myself staring at the ceiling at 3 am with my mind racing with all of my to-dos. Giving up on sleep, I started my work day. How could this be my dream small business? Was this "balance" sustainable in the future? In this episode I share how I freed up space to dream, create, and just enjoy life again. Dang it if I'm not proud of my Candy Crush streak and my ability to finally just enjoy something again. I've been waking up happy each morning (at a more appropriate time!) invigorated and alive. **NOTE: this episode originally aired in September 2023, so any programs or offers advertised in the episode may no longer be available. Resources Screen time statistics of average Americans Check out the Happiness Lab Podcast with Dr. Laurie Santos Tune in this week for the Re-Find series and get the downloadable guide here. Connect with Molly Find me, Molly Knuth, on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Molly Knuth Media on Facebook and Instagram.

This week on The Found Podcast, I'm joined by the incredible Lexi Marek Beeler—a marketer, community builder, and proud ag advocate who has turned her passion for storytelling and connection into a thriving business and a movement. Lexi's story is one of roots and reinvention. From growing up on a family farm in rural Iowa, to shaping digital marketing strategies for startups, government, and corporate organizations, to now leading her own consulting business and co-creating the Hey Sister! community—Lexi is the epitome of an ambitious, grounded woman making her own path in every season of life. We talk about everything from the origins of her career (hint: pigs, perseverance, and a dad who refused social media) to her belief in the power of rural America, and her journey to align work and life in a season that finally feels "just right." ✨ In this episode, you'll hear about: How Lexi turned farm chores into her first marketing gig. Why moving back to the farm gave her the reset she didn't know how much she needed. The role of community, sisterhood, and support in personal and professional growth. Finding alignment in seasons of change (and why imperfect perfection is worth striving for). Lexi's advice for women who are ready to take the leap into their next big dream. 💡 "You don't have to be biologically related to create a sisterhood. Community is what carries us." – Lexi Marek Beeler 🔗 Listen now and get inspired by Lexi's story of joy, grit, and growth. Resources: LMB Consulting Hey Sister! Collective

What happens when women gather in a space designed for creativity, connection, and renewal? Today's guest, Julie Burton, founder of ModernWell, has an answer for that—she calls it ModernWell Magic. Julie created ModernWell as more than just a coworking space. It's a place where women can work, dream, launch big ideas, and feel deeply supported by community. From sparking books and businesses to helping ambitious women feel less alone, ModernWell has become a hub of inspiration in Minneapolis—and now in Wayzata, Minnesota, too. In this episode, Molly and Julie talk about: ✨ Why women have a unique need for connection and nurturing ✨ How ModernWell became an incubator for books, businesses, and podcasts ✨ The importance of having a physical space that feels safe, supportive, and inspiring ✨ The role of community in combating loneliness, anxiety, and burnout ✨ Julie's vision for building spaces women truly want to be in Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or simply craving more connection, this conversation will remind you that you're not meant to do it alone. Connect with Julie: 🌐 ModernWell Website 📖 Julie's Book The Self-Care Solution: The Modern Mother's Must-Have Guide to Health and Well-Being

What if we thought about mental health the same way we think about physical health? That's the question at the heart of this week's conversation with Megan Hammes, founder of Hammes Homestead and Consulting, workplace well-being expert, and long-time listener of The Found Podcast. Megan brings over 20 years of experience in employee health and wellbeing management, and in this episode, she shares her personal journey from being on the team at a large organization to starting her own business after the pandemic. Her story is both deeply personal and highly relevant for ambitious women, entrepreneurs, and leaders navigating how to care for themselves and their teams. Together we talk about: ✨ The slow, intentional process of leaving a place you love to start something new ✨ Why mental health deserves the same attention as physical health and how to talk about it ✨ The reality that 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental health challenge in any given year, and what that means for the workplace ✨ Why social connections are the most powerful thing you can do for your health ✨ How redefining success and leaning into your strengths can lead to more joy in life and business This is a conversation for anyone who's ever felt stretched too thin, wondered how to balance ambition with well-being, or wanted to better support themselves and others at work. Resources & Links Mentioned: 2025 State of Workforce Mental Health Report | Lyra Health Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness | TED Blue Zones Connect with Megan at Hammes Homestead and Consulting Follow Megan on LinkedIn Connect with Molly on Instagram: @mollyknuth Read the blog + full recap: mollyknuthmedia.com/blog

In this inspiring and eye-opening episode, I'm joined by Stephanie Grutz, FNP, a family nurse practitioner, integrative medicine expert, and founder of The Health Spa by Vive in Peosta and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. You might know Steph from The Healthy Practitioner, her educational YouTube channel, or her thriving Instagram community. I've followed her for years, and finally sitting down for this conversation was both exciting and humbling—because there's so much I didn't know about her industry, despite being deeply curious about it. Steph brings a refreshing and empowering approach to wellness, helping women proactively care for their health through integrative medicine, IV therapy, hormone support, and so much more. Together, we dig into what it really means to optimize your body and mind—especially as ambitious women balancing life, work, and well-being. You'll hear about Steph's personal health journey, why she launched her own supplement line, the potential of the therapies she provides in her clinics, and how small, intentional choices can lead to life-changing results. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What integrative medicine really is—and how it helps you optimize every part of your life Why so many women today are breaking generational patterns around food, wellness, and body awareness How ketamine-assisted therapy is helping patients reconnect neural pathways and heal from stress and trauma What to look for in quality supplements, and why Steph created her own line The pivotal patient story that reminded Steph of the power in even the smallest hormone changes How Steph found deep alignment with her purpose by building a career rooted in helping others Links & Resources: Website: thehealthypractitioner.com YouTube: The Healthy Practitioner Clinics: The Health Spa by Vive (Peosta + Cedar Rapids, IA) Supplements: Select Balance ✨ If this episode spoke to you, please share it with a fellow ambitious woman who's ready to care for herself in a deeper way. And don't forget to leave a review if you're loving what you're hearing. It helps us grow and reach more listeners like you.

Welcome to August with a fiery reminder from Molly in this solo episode: Take care of yourself, lady! In this deeply honest and (I hope) empowering episode, I share what it really looks like to prioritize well-being as a woman, business owner, mom, and human being. From physical symptoms to emotional overload, I go behind the scenes of my personal wake-up call and how I'm learning to reset my health, protect my peace, and redefine what self-care means on my own terms. This isn't just about bubble baths and green juice. It's about boundaries, burnout, body wisdom, and being brave enough to say, "Something's gotta give." What You'll Hear in This Episode: 💡 Why women entrepreneurs are more likely to experience burnout, imposter syndrome, and anxiety and how to combat it 💡 The moment I realized I wasn't okay and how my body sent the first signals 💡 Letting go of the Apple Watch and the anxiety it created 💡 How burnout in business and family life culminated in physical health symptoms 💡 The real impact of 25 days of 75 Hard (even without finishing the program!) 💡 How unmet expectations, unspoken emotions, and staying in misaligned relationships can weigh us down 💡 The power of honest conversations, healthy boundaries, and choosing yourself again and again Key Quote: "Self-care can be fluffy—and it can also be real meaningful action. You can say yes to a face mask, but you can also say yes to your mammogram. You can say no to 3pm meetings and yes to rotting in bed with your favorite book. Both matter." Resources 9 in 10 Americans have put off health checkups and screenings that could help save their lives How Organizations Can Support Women's Mental Health at Work Entrepreneur Mental Health and Burnout Statistics Connect With Molly: Instagram: @mollyknuth Website: mollyknuthmedia.com

Hey friend, you are in for something truly special today. In this episode of The Found Podcast, I'm joined by the radiant and wise Anji of Soulful Living with Anji. I first met Anji in late 2024 during a guided meditation and oracle session at Vela Yoga in Marion, Iowa with my friends at The Restoration Project—and that experience was one of the most profound moments of my entire year. Truly. It shifted how I show up personally and professionally in 2025. Anji is a gifted intuitive empath, psychic medium, and spiritual mentor who helps people reconnect with their inner wisdom, divine purpose, and soulful path. With over 25 years in the health and wellness space and having supported tens of thousands of clients, Anji brings both deep experience and powerful intuition to her work. In this conversation, we dive into: Why tuning into your own inner voice is the key to soulful living How spiritual practices and healing modalities can support your physical, emotional, and energetic wellbeing What it means to be a divine messenger and how Anji lives out that calling The importance of rest, surrender, and trusting the timing of your life Practical ways to begin reconnecting with your spiritual center—no matter where you're starting from Whether you lean toward the "woo" or like to keep things grounded, Anji has a way of speaking straight to the soul. I walked away from this conversation feeling more clear, more curious, and more connected...and I think you will too. I already know I want a Part 2 before the end of the year. But until then, I hope this conversation lights something up in you. Connect with Anji: Website: Soulful Living with Anji Instagram: @soulfullivingwithanji

This week's episode is all about joy, adventure, and the transformative power of travel. I'm joined by my friend Lea Droessler, a Midwest native now based in Golden, Colorado, whose story is expansive, energizing, and oh-so-inspiring. Lea is a travel coach and trip planner, but that's just scratching the surface. She's a small business owner, gourmet cook, feminist, wife, mom, grandma, and total adventure enthusiast—and she brings all of that wisdom into her business, Sunny and Turquoise Travel. Lea's passion? Creating opportunities for women to gather, grow, and deeply relax through immersive travel experiences. She believes travel isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. Whether it's a long weekend with your girlfriends or an international adventure, travel can be a way to reconnect with yourself and those around you. 🎧 In this episode, we cover: Lea's winding path through business, food, and family to finding her calling in travel Why women's travel groups are about so much more than sightseeing The healing power of stepping away from your everyday routine The BIG dream that's been on Lea's heart, and how you can help her make it a reality! If your soul is craving fun, expansion, or a little escape, you're going to love this conversation. 🔗 Links & Resources: Connect with Lea: Sunny and Turquoise on Instagram Learn more at sunnyandturquoisetravel.com

This week on The Found Podcast, we're keeping things fun—literally. Molly sits down with some very special guests who know a thing or two about summer joy: her four kids! Back by popular demand, Aiden (14), Charlotte (12), Corinne (10, almost 11), and Henry (8) return to the mic to share their favorite memories, stories, and can't-miss moments from over the years at the Great Jones County Fair in Monticello, Iowa. With laughter, real talk, and kid-approved insights, this episode explores: 🎡 What makes the Jones County Fair the "Five Best Days of Summer" 🐄 The behind-the-scenes of showing cattle and the difference between a market and breeding calf 🎢 Favorite fair rides (including a wild Genesis ride story!) 🌭 The must-have food, from Chuckie's tenderloins to the iconic 4-H food stand 🎤 Their top concert memories (Lainey Wilson fans, you'll love this) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why this tradition matters so much to their family, and why it might just be perfect for yours too Plus, parenting tip of the week from an 8-year-old: Want your kids to be totally wiped out (in a good way)? Take them to the fair. Tune in for an episode filled with charm, chaos, and contagious joy, just like a good summer day should be. 🎧 Available now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 👉 Follow along @mollyknuthmedia for more fair fun this week!

This week's episode is pure summer joy—and a celebration of one of Iowa's most beloved traditions. In a world where ambitious women are often told to "do it all," we're flipping the script with July's podcast theme: just have fun. And who better to join us for that conversation than someone whose work quite literally brings fun to tens of thousands of people every single year? Meet Abby Jaeger, office manager of the Great Jones County Fair in Monticello, Iowa, a role that puts her at the heart of one of the most iconic summer events in the state of Iowa. For 173 years, this fair has been drawing farm families, concertgoers, foodies, and fun-seekers from across the state and behind it all is a team of dedicated folks like Abby who make the Five Best Days of Summer happen. In this episode, you'll hear: How Abby balances high-stakes logistics with heartfelt connection Why the fair is more than concerts and corn dogs—it's community What it takes to run a massive annual event while raising a young family The importance of trusting yourself, evolving with the times, and leading with heart Why sometimes, you just need a five-minute cry under your desk before getting back to work (relatable!) Favorite Quotes from Abby: "I love to work hard, and I love to work hard for things that I love. And this is that—a thousand percent." "I'm gonna take five. I'm gonna crawl under my desk, have a good fiver, and then get to work." "They're up before the pigs and cows get here, and they're awake when the beer tent closes. There's no time off when you're on the fair board." "Thinking back, I'm like, how in God's name did I do that? Plus I had two five-year-olds!" Tune in to hear: Behind-the-scenes stories from one of Iowa's most iconic events The evolution of fair life over the decades What keeps Abby motivated to show up, year after year Why making space for fun matters in the middle of your full, ambitious life The fair lineup for 2025 - get more info at https://greatjonescountyfair.com/ 🎟 Whether you're a fair regular or new to the experience, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for the people and passion that make big summer traditions possible. Grab your lemonade, find a shady spot, and hit play 🎡 Listen now to Episode 210 on Apple Podcasts + Spotify

This week's episode is a little off-script—and that's exactly the point. As ambitious women and small-town founders, we often prioritize productivity, progress, and performance... but what about play? In this episode of The Found Podcast (and all month long!), I'm diving into something that doesn't always make the business checklist: fun. Not passive, flopped-on-the-couch-after-a-long-day rest, but real, active, silly, let-your-hair-down, make-a-mess, laugh-til-you-cry fun. You'll hear stories from my scavenger hunt archives (yes, really), how I intentionally brought joy and connection back into my 2024, and why fun isn't frivolous—it's a vital part of leadership, creativity, and life. Because joy isn't a distraction from the work. It's fuel for the work. In this episode, we cover: Why high-achieving women lose connection to fun—and how to get it back The history of my scavenger hunts (yes, including costumes and awards) How disconnection in early 2024 led me to create something just for joy The planning and magic behind our annual TRASHed Scavenger Hunt What happened when a group of grown adults chose laughter, chaos, and friendship on purpose Why "fun" belongs in your business plan—and how to start . 💌 Connect with Molly: Instagram: @mollyknuth Website: mollyknuthmedia.com

In this week's episode of The Found Podcast, I'm sitting down with a brand new friend, Sarah Prasser: entrepreneur, community-builder, and the woman behind Frannie's Market in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Sarah and I were introduced by a past guest (and wonderful human!) Jennae Cecelia, and wow—what a gem. Sarah is the founder of Frannie's Market, a specialty grocery store rooted in hospitality, local love, and food that brings people together. Whether it's curating regional goods, offering cozy and aesthetically beautiful catering, or opening her doors for community classes, Sarah puts people at the heart of everything she does. In this conversation, we dive into: How Sarah built Frannie's Market with intention and a deep love of local Why people and community are at the core of every decision she makes The power of knowing yourself as a founder—and learning when to say no The newest addition to her business: Frannie's Coconut Kefir, a probiotic coconut kefir that's expanding into wholesale and distribution How she navigates the contrast between local-first retail and scaling a product-based business Sarah drops so many golden nuggets for founders, especially those of us building in small towns, rooted in people-first values, and dreaming big. You're going to love her blend of heart and hustle. ✨ Tune in and meet your new business bestie, Sarah Prasser. Helpful Links: Learn more about Frannie's Market Learn more about Frannie's Coconut Kefir. Use code WELCOME10 at check out for 10% off your first order. Learn more about Molly's Empowerment Communities starting in September when you click here. Join Molly's weekly(ish) Founder's Field Notes email list here.

In the hustle of entrepreneurship, we're often told to say yes—to opportunity, growth, and grit. But sometimes the most powerful move we can make… is to say no. In this solo episode, Molly reflects on five pivotal moments when choosing "no" over "yes" created the space, alignment, and peace she truly needed—both in her business and in her life. From walking away from steady income to turning down the dream office space, Molly walks you through the stories, lessons, and surprising gifts that came with each decision. Whether you're deep in decision fatigue or sensing it's time for a shift, this episode will remind you: "Every time we say no, we're also saying yes—to space, to integrity, to what really matters." Inside this episode: The early career "no" that opened the door to MKM Why walking away from a client six weeks in felt hard but right Saying no to real estate dreams and big-agency expectations The evolution from service provider to strategic leader The cost (and clarity) of holding onto things that no longer fit Resources Mentioned: Bronnie Ware's Top Five Regrets of the Dying MKM Founder's Field Notes Email List: https://mkm.myflodesk.com/email Follow Molly on Instagram: @mollyknuth Empowerment Communities: https://www.the-restorationproject.com/empowerment-communities/

In this episode of The Found Podcast, I sit down with my friend, client, and total ray of sunshine—Brooke Fitzgerald. As the Energy builder, Coach, and Partner at The Restoration Project, Brooke brings an incredible mix of empathy, authenticity, and actionable tools to her work with individuals, teams, and organizations. Together, we talk about: How change begins with the individual The power of personal growth tools and how Brooke uses them in her coaching What it means to lead with integrity and intuition How to say "no" more and "yes" less Trusting yourself and finding your way to enough Brooke's energy is contagious, her wisdom is practical, and her heart for helping others grow is unmatched. If you're in a season of transition, decision-making, or wanting to better support your team or yourself—this one is for you. Tune in to feel empowered, inspired, and equipped to grow—right where you are. Resources & Links: Learn more about The Restoration Project: https://www.the-restorationproject.com/ Connect with Brooke Fitzgerald: https://www.the-restorationproject.com/our-story/meet-our-team/brooke-fitzgerald/ Follow me on IG: @mollyknuth_mkm

Time of recording: 1:03 PM on Friday, May 23, 2025. And while that might not mean anything to you, it marks a huge transition in my world: my four kids are officially out of school for the summer. For the next three months, my home will be full of extra bodies, extra snacks, and a whole lot less quiet. In this episode, I'm sharing what it looks like (and feels like) to move into summer as an ambitious woman, a business owner, and a mom. I talk about the mindset shifts I've had to make, the lessons I've learned from past summers, and the real-life logistics that help me stay grounded when life gets chaotic. This isn't a step-by-step guide—it's a conversation between you and me. If you're staring down the summer calendar wondering how the heck you're going to do it all, this episode is here to remind you: you're not alone, and you don't have to do it perfectly. What You'll Hear in This Episode: Why my original "just work in the mornings" plan was hilariously unrealistic (yes, sarcasm included) The hard truth: our kids need more structure than we think—and so do we How I've learned to adjust my expectations instead of just pushing through Why this might be a better season for planning than producing What it looks like to make space for rest and fun (even when it's not my natural instinct) The importance of routines, especially for little ones who thrive on consistency Why reduced productivity isn't a failure—it's just a shift If you're a high-achieving woman navigating summer with a full house and a full calendar, I hope this gives you permission to breathe, pivot, and let some things go. And if nothing else, know this: you're doing great. Really. 🎧 As heard on the podcast: Fall Empowerment Communities with The Restoration Project are open for enrollment! Join Molly in one of two small, powerful groups for leadership-driven women ready to grow in community — Connect to Something Greater and dive into the book Mary Magdalene Revealed or participate in Lead with Love, a multimedia, multi-month journey exploring how we can lead in a grounded, loving way. ✨ Spots are limited — learn more here: https://www.the-restorationproject.com/empowerment-communities/ 💌 Want more behind-the-scenes real talk from Molly? Subscribe to Founder's Field Notes — her free weekly email full of business wisdom, storytelling, and the messy middle of being a founder. It's honest, inspiring, and a little rebellious (just like this podcast). ✨ Join the list:

2025 has been a year of growth, learning, and bold decisions. In this episode, I break down the top five moves I've made so far this year in my business, how they impacted me, and what you can learn from them to inspire your next level. Spoiler: They're more internal than you might expect. What You'll Learn: Why a beauty upgrade changed how I show up How curiosity and creativity opened new doors The power of connection and letting go of control Why personal growth is often the path to business growth Key Takeaways: Confidence starts with small, seemingly superficial shifts Curiosity leads to serendipitous growth Creativity isn't just a luxury—it's necessary Connection fuels everything Releasing control can be the most strategic move you make Mentioned in the Episode: Strengths Coaching with Arica Ohloff Your Brain on Art (book) The Restoration Project Celebration Days Creator's Club IRDC Experience

She's back! In this action-packed follow-up episode, Amanda Hofman — one of the founders of NYC-based Go To Market Studio — returns to The Found Podcast to talk all things strategic merch. We first met Amanda in Episode 157, where we dove into her career journey and how she built a company rooted in intentional, anti-boring custom merchandise for brands that want to stand out and create lasting impressions. In this 2025-focused conversation, Amanda and I get tactical about: How to make branded merch that actually gets used (and remembered) Why merch should be part of your strategic marketing plan—not an afterthought Specific ways service-based businesses, speakers, coaches, and digital brands can integrate merch into their sales funnels and brand experiences Trends in merch design, sourcing, and storytelling that can help you level up in the new year Actual examples of real businesses and how Amanda would coach them to create and use merch This is a must-listen episode for anyone planning a product launch, team retreat, client gifting campaign, or live event. If you want to grow your visibility and deepen your connection with your audience in a tangible way—this is your episode. 🔗 Connect with Amanda: Website: Go To Market Studio Instagram: @gotomarketstudio 🎧 As heard on the podcast: Fall Empowerment Communities with The Restoration Project are open for enrollment! Join Molly in one of two small, powerful groups for leadership-driven women ready to grow in community — Connect to Something Greater and dive into the book Mary Magdalene Revealed or participate in Lead with Love, a multimedia, multi-month journey exploring how we can lead in a grounded, loving way. ✨ Spots are limited — learn more here: https://www.the-restorationproject.com/empowerment-communities/ 💌 Want more behind-the-scenes real talk from Molly? Subscribe to Founder's Field Notes — her free weekly email full of business wisdom, storytelling, and the messy middle of being a founder. It's honest, inspiring, and a little rebellious (just like this podcast). ✨ Join the list: https://mkm.myflodesk.com/email

What if marketing your book didn't feel overwhelming, or like you were blindly throwing posts into the social media void? In this episode of The Found Podcast, I sit down with book marketing expert Jenn Hanson-DePaula to talk about sustainable, strategic ways to reach your ideal readers—without selling your soul or spending thousands on fleeting publicity. And while a majority of our conversation is about marketing books (and what we're currently reading!), the skills and strategies Jenn shares are applicable to any listener who is marketing a product or service. With over 24 years in the industry, Jenn has helped everyone from first-time self-published authors to New York Times bestsellers craft marketing strategies that actually work because they're built around clarity, connection, and the author's unique voice. We talk about: The biggest mistakes authors make when launching a book Why you don't need to be everywhere or do "what everyone else is doing" The difference between trend-chasing and relationship-building How to create a book marketing strategy that serves you for the long haul Whether you're preparing for your first launch or trying to revive a backlist, Jenn's wisdom will help you feel empowered, equipped, and excited to connect with the readers who truly need your words. Links & Resources: Learn more about Jenn & her services here: https://jenndepaula.com/ Take the free Author Platform Quiz or access other FREE resources here: https://jenndepaula.com/free-downloads Follow Jenn on Instagram: @jenndepaulabookmarketing Listen to her podcast: Book Marketing Simplified Sponsor Shoutout: Today's episode is brought to you by Hey Sister! — a one-day event created for rural women craving in-person connection, authentic conversation, and fresh inspiration for life and work in small towns. Happening Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington, Iowa with incredible speakers, hands-on activities, and tangible takeaways for your personal and professional life. 🎟️ Grab your ticket at heysisterevent.com and come find your community of like-minded women this spring!

In this back-to-basics episode (that we're now going to turn into a series called Molly's Must Haves) of The Found Podcast, we're diving into the real, raw, and refreshing marketing moves that have worked for me in 2025. I'm pulling back the curtain on my own strategy for Molly Knuth Media, revealing what's working, what I've let go of, and how you can apply these lessons to your own business. Whether you're in year one or year nine, this episode will help you rethink your approach and give you full permission to market in a way that feels good, grounded, and effective. Here's what we cover: Why 2025 has been a pivotal year for shifts in life, leadership, and marketing The importance of understanding the season of your business The best marketing moves I made this year (and what I quit doing) How to use AI (like ChatGPT!) the right way Why I'm doubling down on podcasting, email, and in-person connection What it means to lead ambitious women through authenticity, not algorithms Key Takeaways: Put your time, energy, and dollars where it makes the most sense for your goals. Let go of outdated rules — especially on social media. Use tools like AI to save time and start strong, not to replace your voice. Know what season your business is in so you can market accordingly. You don't need to be everywhere — just where it matters. Resources Mentioned: Founder's Field Notes email series Descript for podcast and video content ChatGPT and other AI tools for creative kickstarts Action Steps for Listeners: Audit your current marketing strategy: What's working? What's not? Identify what feels aligned and sustainable Give yourself permission to evolve Ready to reimagine your marketing? Tune in now and let's build something that feels really good. Sponsor Shoutout: Today's episode is brought to you by Hey Sister! — a one-day event created for rural women craving in-person connection, authentic conversation, and fresh inspiration for life and work in small towns. Happening Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington, Iowa with incredible speakers, hands-on activities, and tangible takeaways for your personal and professional life. 🎟️ Grab your ticket at heysisterevent.com and come find your community of like-minded women this spring!

This week, I'm thrilled to introduce you to a dear friend and incredible leader: Sarah Watson. Sarah and I have worked closely together through The Restoration Project, a coaching and consulting organization in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, helping leaders and teams live, lead, and work with greater meaning. In today's conversation, Sarah shares her gift for creating calm, building intentional community experiences, and empowering others to take their next best step. We talk about: How creating space and connection for leaders can fuel real action The importance of protecting your time, energy, and heart How evolving through different seasons of life and career brings out new sides of ourselves Why listening deeply to yourself is the key to finding your next step The story behind Sarah's journey, including quitting her career twice to find the right fit for her life and mission Sarah's wisdom, warmth, and leadership truly embody the spirit of The Restoration Project and everything she touches, including her newest passion project, the Kick Ass Lady Club (yes, it's just as awesome as it sounds!). If you've been craving more intention, ease, and community in your life, this episode is going to feel like a deep breath. 🎧 Tune in now to hear Sarah's inspiring story and practical advice for building a life and community you love. Sponsor Shoutout: Today's episode is brought to you by Hey Sister! — a one-day event created for rural women craving in-person connection, authentic conversation, and fresh inspiration for life and work in small towns. Happening Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington, Iowa with incredible speakers, hands-on activities, and tangible takeaways for your personal and professional life. 🎟️ Grab your ticket at heysisterevent.com and come find your community of like-minded women this spring!

In this heartwarming episode of The Found Podcast, Molly takes you inside one of Dubuque, Iowa's most inspiring spaces: Convivium Urban Farmstead. Molly sits down with Leslie Shalabi, co-founder of Convivium, to talk about how their nonprofit uses the power of food to combat disconnection, build relationships, and cultivate community. In this episode, you'll hear about: The founding story of Convivium Urban Farmstead How food can be a universal tool for connection and healing Simple, local actions that create a ripple effect in communities Why creating intentional spaces matters in divided times How anyone can start building community with what they already have Sponsor Shoutout: Today's episode is brought to you by Hey Sister! — a one-day event created for rural women craving in-person connection, authentic conversation, and fresh inspiration for life and work in small towns. Happening Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington, Iowa with incredible speakers, hands-on activities, and tangible takeaways for your personal and professional life. 🎟️ Grab your ticket at heysisterevent.com and come find your community of like-minded women this spring! Connect with Convivium Urban Farmstead: Website | Instagram Referenced in this episode: Episode 191: Creativity as Joy: Embracing the Process with Ana Dellamuth of Lovely Little Light Tune in and get inspired to nourish your own community, one connection at a time.

Imagine a place where you walk in and people genuinely ask how your day is, not out of politeness, but because they care. A third place. In today's episode, we dive into why physical, in-person communities matter more than ever for women, especially in our hyper-digital age. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ What a "Third Place" is and why it matters ✅ The science-backed benefits of in-person connection ✅ How your community shapes your life and business ✅ Small and big ways to engage with your local community ✅ How to create your own gathering space if one doesn't exist Featured Resources: U.S. Surgeon General Report on Loneliness (2023) Harvard Women's Health Watch on longevity and connection Gallup Workplace Study on remote work and isolation Your Challenge This Week: Step out of your routine and find (or create) your third place. Share where you've found community by tagging me @MollyKnuth_MKM on Instagram or leaving a podcast review!

This week on The Found Podcast, we're continuing our conversation on one of the most important ingredients for female entrepreneurs and small business owners in 2025: community. And who better to help us dig deeper into this topic than returning guest and true community-building expert, Emily Reuschel? Emily is a rural wife, mom, and multi-passionate entrepreneur with a heart for growth and connection. From her early career as a teacher and camp counselor to her current work facilitating masterminds and leading in-person retreats, Emily's mission is clear: help women come home to themselves and find belonging with others. In this episode, we explore the many forms community can take: virtual, in-person, and even niche-based (yes, we even have a moment to ooh and aah over the Empyrean series!). Emily brings her grounded insight, tangible advice, and heartfelt encouragement to the table, reminding us that finding your people starts with intention, energy, and a willingness to be seen. If you've been craving real connection this year, or wondering where to even begin, this conversation is a must-listen. And be sure to stick around all the way to the end. Emily's final thoughts are a gentle but powerful nudge to take the next step. In this episode, we cover: Emily's journey from educator to community leader The value and dynamics of virtual vs. local communities How shared passions and niche interests can create unexpected bonds The energy and magic that come from intentional gatherings Practical tips for finding or creating community that fits you How vulnerability leads to deeper connection—online and offline Resources & Links: 🎙 Listen to Emily's first episode on The Found Podcast here. 📚 Learn more about Emily and her work at emilyreuschel.com or give her a follow on IG. 💬 Let us know what resonated with you—DM us or leave a review!

Hey friend, welcome back to The Found Podcast! If there's one thing I've learned in my years of business, it's this: You cannot do this alone. No matter how independent, driven, or capable you are, success is never a solo journey. Yet, so many ambitious women hesitate to reach out, lean on others, or build the community they need to thrive. In this episode, I share my journey of discovering the power of community, from my first vision-boarding session with EmpowerHer to the mastermind groups and business friendships that have shaped my success. We dive into why finding your people is crucial and how you can start building your own circle of support today. What You'll Learn: Why isolation leads to burnout (and how to avoid it!) The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people who challenge and support you Actionable steps to find, build, and nurture your community How to let go of the "I can do it all by myself" mentality and lean on others when needed Key Takeaways: You are not alone. Find the right community that aligns with your goals and values. Your community should challenge you. Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Success isn't about doing it all. It's about knowing who to call when you need help. If you're feeling isolated while you pursue your ambitious goals, take this episode as your sign to get started in finding your people.

This week on The Found Podcast, I'm joined by the hilarious and insightful Lauren Trefethren—the creative force behind the beloved Instagram account Lauren Midwest. If you love Midwest culture, motherhood musings, and content that perfectly balances humor and heart, you're in for a treat. Lauren's journey is anything but conventional (which is what I LOVE). She started as a school counselor, but life had other plans. Now, she's building a thriving online community by sharing relatable, laugh-out-loud Midwest moments while also tackling deeper topics like grief, identity, and the realities of content creation. Oh yeah, and did I mention that as of March 26, you can now catch her on Netflix's new reality show Million Dollar Secret? Yeah, she's on that. In this episode, we dive into: ▪️Lauren's unexpected career pivot from counseling to content creation ▪️The highs and lows of showing up authentically online ▪️The challenges and misconceptions of being a full-time creator ▪️A nostalgic trip back to mid-2000s culture during our small talk round And because we like to keep it real, we're also letting you in on some serious tech struggles we had while recording this episode (Zoom, why must you test us?!). Hit play now and let us know: What's your favorite Midwest stereotype that you 100% live by? 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! Connect with Lauren: 📸 @laurenmidwest on Instagram

Welcome back to The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth! I am beyond excited for this week's conversation with the one and only Thea Larsen, the powerhouse behind Cowgirls Over Coffee. At the end of 2024, I started noticing a lot of Instagram engagement from a particular account and thought to myself: "There's no way this person is following me." Thea was out there making an impact, building a community, and guiding ambitious women in a way that was inspiring and fresh. How could I have even crossed her radar? Fast forward to today, and not only did we connect on Instagram, but we recorded two whole podcasts for you to enjoy and learn from! In this episode, Thea and I go beyond business and marketing to talk about: ✨ How we consume social media in ways that serve us ✨ The difference between coaching and facilitating growth ✨ The soft skills that help us live full, well-rounded lives ✨ Developing consistency and rhythms that fit our lives—not just a calendar ✨ Managing the push-and-pull of ambition, motherhood, and personal well-being Thea is a former CEO turned working ranch wife, mom of two, and community builder who helps women find balance, reduce overwhelm, and grow in a way that feels right—without sacrificing their dreams through her Cowgirls Over Coffee community. She's relatable, conversational, and the accountability partner we all need! You're going to love this episode. 🎧 Tune in now! 📌 Resources & Links: Follow Thea on Instagram: @cowgirlsovercoffee Learn more about Cowgirls Over Coffee: cowgirlsovercoffee.com Catch my episode on Thea's podcast by tapping here. If you loved this episode, don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

Welcome to another episode of The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth! Today, I get to sit down with the incredible Dr. Claire Muselman. I was introduced to Dr. Claire less than a month ago when I attended a women-in-business event in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was the keynote speaker, and let me tell you, I was immediately captivated. The way she engaged with the audience, energized the room, and encouraged interaction was nothing short of electric. From the very first moments of our conversation, you're going to feel that energy radiate through your speakers. In today's episode, we dive deep into the power of energy and how the energy you bring into a room impacts your environment, your relationships, and ultimately, your success. Dr. Claire shares incredible insights about leadership, innovation, rewiring your brain, and stepping into your fullest potential. So grab your notebook and pen because she is going to be dropping statistics, strategies, and insights that you'll want to capture and implement. Trust me, this is an episode packed with actionable takeaways! What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to choose your energy and use it to influence those around you The importance of rewiring your brain for success and innovation How to enhance communication and leadership skills Strategies for personal and professional growth How to create a lasting, positive impact About Dr. Claire Muselman: Dr. Claire Muselman is passionate about leadership, empowerment, and innovation. Through her work, she helps individuals ascend to new heights by igniting their passion, illuminating their leadership, and helping them radiate the brilliance they already possess. She brings a powerful mix of energy, strategy, and insight that will leave you inspired and ready to take action. Connect with Dr. Claire Muselman: Website: https://drclairemuselman.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drclairemuselman/

Welcome back to The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth! In this episode, we kick off Women's History Month with a deep dive into the state of women in 2025, the third year in a row of this particular episode format. This week I reflect on the challenges women face in the workforce, access to childcare, pay disparity, and political representation. Drawing from research, statistics, and personal experiences, we discuss how much progress has been made and how far we still have to go. I also explore the importance of finding personal success and working together as women to overcome obstacles and move mountains....because none of us can do this work alone, we were never meant to. Key topics include: The impact of childcare costs and accessibility on women in 2025 The current state of gender pay disparity Representation of women in government and politics The overwhelming nature of social media and how to manage information overload about what women "should" be pursuing The power of women uniting and finding their unique paths to success Resources: Blog post with detailed citations and sources now available at mollyknuthmedia.com/blog. Listen in to explore these critical issues and how we can all contribute to positive change for women's futures!

This week, I'm joined by my friend and creative powerhouse, Ana Dellamuth! Anna and I first connected through Empower Her, a community for female entrepreneurs in Eastern Iowa, and I've been inspired by her joyful outlook ever since. Anna's journey from teacher to creator is a beautiful example of how creativity isn't just about art—it's about community, courage, and joy. She specializes in hand lettering, calligraphy, and brand design, but she also brings people together through her Creators Club, a monthly gathering where women explore new creative projects (and step out of their comfort zones!). In this episode, we dive into: ✨ The importance of creativity in everyday life (even if you don't think you're "artistic") ✨ How creativity can be a tool for connection, confidence, and self-discovery ✨ The joy of trying new things without the pressure of perfection ✨ Why creativity is more about the process than the final product ✨ My (hilarious) experience with finger knitting and how it pushed me past my fears Ana's message is one we all need to hear: creativity is joy. It's not about being perfect—it's about making space to explore, grow, and have fun. Hit play and get ready to be inspired to bring a little more creativity into your life! 🎧 📲 Free Resource for Business Owners: 10 Questions to Ask Prior to a Rebrand 📲 Free Resource for Creative Enthusiasts: Creativity Challenge 📲 Learn more about Lovely Little Light: https://www.lovelylittlelight.com/home 📲 Follow Ana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelylittlelight/

Are you creating or just consuming? In today's episode, we're diving into the power of creativity and how shifting into a creative mindset can make your life more fulfilling and productive in unconventional ways. What You'll Learn: Why 75% of people feel they're not living up to their creative potential How creativity is a learned behavior, not just a natural talent The importance of creativity beyond traditional artistic expression What you need to foster creativity: time, space, and inspiration How I'm prioritizing creativity in 2025 The science behind right-brain vs. left-brain thinking and achieving flow The CAT Model (Calm Down, Make Art, Transcend) from Dr. Martha Beck Let's break free from the idea that creativity is a luxury—it's a necessity for problem-solving, innovation, and living a more joyful life. Tune in to find out how you can tap into your creative potential in 2025! 💡 Let's connect! Share your thoughts on Instagram @mollyknuth_mkm and tag me in your creative projects! Helpful Links: Lovely Little Light Creator's Club Dr. Martha Beck episode of We Can Do Hard Things

In this episode of The Found Podcast, I'm sitting down with a guest whose words have been inspiring me for years—poet and author Jennae Cecelia. If you've ever found yourself drawn to poetry as a way to process emotions, reconnect with your values, or simply feel seen, this conversation is for you. Jennae shares her journey of discovering poetry as her calling, the role of creativity in personal growth, and how writing has helped her (and so many others) return to themselves. We also dive into the process of writing — how she's structured her days and her life to make room for writing and celebrating life. If you're a woman navigating change, seeking creative expression, or dreaming of publishing your own words, Jennae's story will remind you that your voice matters. In This Episode, We Cover: ✨ Jennae's journey to finding herself through writing ✨ Practical insights into her writing and creative process ✨ How the publishing world has evolved—and what it's like to self-publish a book AND an exciting announcement about something new in 2025! ✨ Why creativity is a necessary part of reconnecting with who you are More About Jennae Cecelia: Jennae is a poet and best-selling author who has been sharing her words with the world since 2017. With multiple self-published collections under her belt, she is now preparing to release her first traditionally published book later this year—a major milestone in her career. Through her work, Jennae encourages women to embrace creativity as a way to process emotions and rediscover themselves. 📖 Check out Jennae's books and upcoming releases: jennaececelia.com 📲 Follow Jennae on Instagram: @jennaececelia

It's 2025, and I'm kicking off the year (okay, I know, it is February already, but I'm just getting warmed up over here) with some thoughts on what women—especially ambitious moms, business owners, and entrepreneurs—don't need more of this year. Spoiler alert: it's not another free download that's only two pages long, another social media platform, or another "life-changing" productivity hack. In this episode, I'm sharing how I eased into the new year (hello, sauna time and slow workouts) and a download of information that hit me on a random Saturday. We're talking about stripping away the excess and focusing on what really matters: creating instead of consuming, making space for what we love, and redefining success on our terms. Tune in to hear: How I intentionally eased into 2025 Why women don't need more shoulds this year What it really looks like to align with your own values The power of connection, third spaces, and nerding out over what you love Why you were never meant to do life alone as an ambitious woman It's time to stop chasing more and start making space for what truly fuels us. Let's get find ourselves in episode 188 of The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth. Connect with Molly: Find me and all my business life/personal life shenanigans at @mollyknuth_mkm on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe to Founder's Field Notes, my weekly email series, where I talk about what I'm observing in life and in business in real time at https://mkm.myflodesk.com/email.

What are you wondering about in 2025? "Wonder" is my word of the year, and over here I've been wondering: What don't I know yet? What do I want/need to learn this year? What does work look like in the months ahead? Where do I need to slow down? What do I need to stop doing? What does my audience need to hear? Want to hear? What moments in my life made me know "wonder?" So I took a little pause on recording and producing new episodes to make space and get perspective, and this episode is the product of all that wondering. The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth will be back weekly in February with more stories and strategies for finding ourselves while founding businesses as ambitious women. Links from the episode: The Daily Stoic Onyx Storm

How did your year go? Honestly. How do you measure the "success" or "failure" of a year? I propose looking at 3 areas of your business and/or life to unpack the past 12 months and make room for how you'd like 2025 to be: Numbers Value Time Listen in to this week's episode for all the details and questions to help you reflect on 2024 and make space for the new year ahead.

You can be transformed by this episode if you let it. I'm 100% serious. Today I'm sitting down with Money's Mom herself, Gina Knox. Guys, I'm seriously tingly at the opportunity to share her message with you this week on the pod! Gina Knox is a financial coach for entrepreneurs with variable income. She teaches entrepreneurs and small business owners how to save $100k with her program Small Business Money School, then she helps her clients create a 7-figure wealth portfolio with her mastermind 7 Figure Wealth. Over her career as a coach Gina has helped her clients save $8,257,123.75 (as of 10-28-24)! Gina's podcast, Small Business, Big Money, is an amazing resource for those who want more financial understanding AND key skills and strategies that will help them get there. Personally, I worked with Gina since March 2024 to help me build savings at MKM and help identify. And I can personally attest to the fact that her systems work. I have more money on hand than I have in the history of my business' 7-year history, and I know how to put my money to work for me. In this episode we talk about money systems you can implement (aka: the Cash Flow Waterfall), debt, money mindset, planning for the future, and building wealth. But most of all, I want you to hear the energy and excitement of our conversation and that money can feel this level of freeing for you too. Trust me, if I can do these things, you can to. You can be transformed by this episode if you let it. Key Takeaways "Your financial data in your business is the biggest gold mine of data that your business has. It is such a wasted opportunity when folks ignore it or avoid it." "What's important about money is that you have some kind of mental model for how to visualize it in your brain." "Businesses spend money to make money." "I've worked with over 700 companies, and I've never seen a business that hasn't used debt at one point or another." "Debt is a business tool." "Stop waiting for a windfall, solve your actual money problems." Key Links Molly's episode on Gina's Podcast Small Business Money School Small Business, Big Money podcast

In this episode...you might get uncomfortable. I know it's only recently that I'm not getting itchy when talking about MONEY with others. But that's exactly why today's conversation is so important, especially for female entrepreneurs and small business owners. You see, the less we talk about money, the bigger it looms over us. The less we talk about money, the more shame and guilt is allowed to grow. The less we talk about money, the more stories we make up in the absence of facts and data. So today, I'm diving in to my personal money story over the course of my life and business at Molly Knuth Media. We'll unpack the money misbeliefs I held for decades and the people and tools that have helped me dismantle those misbeliefs in recent years to build healthy money systems and practices. Links: Managing Your Money Mindset with Sheila Hansen Perspectives from a Failing Business Owner Pricing and Packaging Sheila Hansen CPA Sheila Hansen Profitable Women Podcast Gina Knox Small Business Money School Gina Knox Small Business Big Money Podcast

Today I welcome a past guest, dear friend, and resilience expert to the podcast to share skills and strategies that we can practice to stay resilient in our lives, work, and engagements. Whitney Sullivan is a speaker, educator, team trainer, and coach with a background in health, wellness, higher education, communications, entrepreneurship and the Enneagram. All these life experiences have allowed her to test and build up her resilience over time and use it to help her current clients and students build what she refers to as their "resilience batteries." The Resilience Battery In today's episode, Whitney shares that resilience is like a battery - the more charge you have going into challenges, setbacks and failures, the more capacity you have to thrive in the face of them. In the interview, Whitney shares that resilience is less about willpower and more about wellness. Tending to your resilience battery will help you stay energized, manage stress, prevent overwhelm and avoid burnout in work, life and leadership. By practicing self awareness and knowing when our own resilience batteries are in the various color zones, we can be proactive about our wellness and enact interventions to keep us healthy and resilient. Green Zone: your most energized self. We still experience stressors in this zone, it's just that our challenges are balanced evenly with our comforts. We have capacity to face whatever comes our way. Yellow Zone: your most stressed self. This is when challenges start to outpace comforts and things feel like they're moving faster than we can keep up with. The signs for needed self-care intensify a little bit, so we want to intervene and address them here. Orange Zone: your exhausted self. Your mind and body's final call before depletion, and we start to get "emergency alerts" from our body. These alerts might appear as outbursts, reacting to triggers, or feeling the desire to quit or engage in numbing behaviors. We may still be in a good mood and have decent morale, but our highs are higher and our lows are lower. Red Zone: your depleted self. Your nervous system is overwhelmed and you experience a hard time making decisions, problem solving, and seeing the big picture. In the interview, Whitney shares stories, strategies and skills to help you identify and move through the zones in your own life to keep yourself resilient and healthy. For additional support, you can grab her Resilience Battery Tracker or her To-Do List Audit at the links below. Key Takeaways "Owning a business is a masterclass of resilience." "[Resilience is] not this innate ability, it's a nurtured capacity." "[Resilience is] not a matter of willpower, it's a matter of wellness." "I like to think of resilience as a battery and the more charge you have going into each day, the more capacity you have to thrive, no matter what challenges come your way." "We have to go on offense with our wellness, not defense." "I want everyone to not underestimate the power of 10-20 minutes." "I'm always evaluating what I need to grit and what I need to quit." "One thing that lead me into burnout was this 'I never quit' mentality…and it's sneaky because that looks like resilience, doesn't it? …but that actually just exposed me to a lot of harm in my health." "To grit is staying the course and working hard when the easy, but wrong thing, would be to quit. To quit is letting go of what's not working and moving on when the easy, but wrong thing, would be to grit." More about Whitney: Whitney Hinshaw Sullivan is a resilience speaker, Enneagram practitioner, team-builder and coach. Her professional training and coaching business is designed to: Help leaders and teams use the Enneagram to positively influence their relationships, responsibilities and results Support emerging leaders in the development of skills in communication, stress management and self-mastery Deliver keynotes and company webinars on resilience, connection and purpose With a background in leading health/wellness and student leadership programs in higher education, she has been a professional educator since 2012. Whitney's favorite moments in higher education were always when others stopped by her office and asked, "Hey, Whitney. Do you got a minute?" She loved the coaching conversations and mentorship moments that followed so much, that she opened her own business in 2021 in order to do it even more. In 2024, Whitney created The Enneagram Studio: a virtual learning platform designed to deliver professional Enneagram trainings, masterminds, coaching and more. Her goal is to demystify the Enneagram and make it an accessible and mainstream professional development tool in leadership, business and higher education settings. She currently lives in Bozeman, Montana with her husband Tim, where she is also an avid reader, outdoor adventurer, and communication professor at Montana State University. Connect with Whitney at https://www.whitneysullivan.com/ Resilience Battery Tracker: https://whitn

Last week both in our email and on The Found Podcast, we dove into the concept of "resilience" and how the people we surround ourselves with can help us through the highs and lows that come with being small business owners and entrepreneurs. Our discussion drew upon the Harvard Business Review article entitled "The Secret to Building Resilience" by Rob Cross, Karen Dillon, and Danna Greenberg. In their article, the authors found that resilience has been shown to positively influence work satisfaction and engagement, as well as improve overall well-being, and lower depression levels. But they are very clear that resilience isn't just a kind of solitary internal "grit" that allows us to bounce back. Their research shows that resilience is also heavily enabled by strong relationships and networks. Using that as our model for resilience, I can apply it to many interactions in my personal and professional life. I can apply it to various seasons in my personal life and my business at Molly Knuth Media, but I also think we can apply it to our business marketing, because Lord knows we need to bounce back from setbacks often when our marketing plans go awry. So in today's episode of the podcast, I ask the question: "How can we stay resilient in our marketing?" Molly's thoughts on resilient marketing: People do business with people. You choose the marketing trends, don't let the trends choose you. Tell stories in your marketing content, assets, and channels. Focus on long-term impact, not short-term wins. In today's episode (Number 182 now streaming on iTunes and Spotify), I go into detail about how you can use these resilient marketing methods for your own business in Q4 of 2024 and beyond. More Helpful Links Link to full article: https://hbr.org/2021/01/the-secret-to-building-resilience Submit your Q&A here: https://bit.ly/thefoundpodcastquestions Book a discovery call here: https://bit.ly/30minuteswithmkm

I've been in business for 8 years here at Molly Knuth Media and had this podcast for over 4 of those years, and let me be the first to tell you: it has not always been easy. There have been successes and struggles. High points and lows. People who've been on my team that are no longer with me. Contracts I've had to cancel with clients. Contracts clients have cancelled with me. Programs I've started and ended. Groups I've joined and quit. Being in business this long means I've seen some things…and I also know enough to know that I do not and will not ever know it all. I can just do my best to stay open and stay resilient in the face of it all. I recently read an article from the Harvard Business Review entitled "The Secret to Building Resilience" by Rob Cross, Karen Dillon, and Danna Greenberg Resilience is typically described in our society as the ability to bounce back from setbacks, and this ability to stay resilient is often described as the difference between "successful" and "unsuccessful" people. In their article, the authors found that resilience has been shown to positively influence work satisfaction and engagement, as well as improve overall well-being, and lower depression levels. But they are very clear that resilience isn't just a kind of solitary internal "grit" that allows us to bounce back. Their research shows that resilience is also heavily enabled by strong relationships and networks. So what can we learn from this today? We can each nurture and build our resilience through cultivating a wide variety of interactions with people in our personal and professional lives. These interactions can help us to alter the magnitude of any challenge we face. Our relationships can also help crystalize the meaningful purpose in what we are doing or help us see a path forward to overcome a setback. It is our relationships and connections that motivate us to keep going, even in our toughest times. In this episode of the podcast we explore a little more of the article and apply its resilience exercise to our own businesses. Be prepared to get gritty as we analyze our own resilience and ask ourselves: "Are my relationships broad and deep enough to help support me when me and my business hit setbacks?" Episode and article takeaways: Resilience is not an individual characteristic through nature/nurture - but through connections and interactions. "Resilience is not something we need to find deep down inside ourselves: we can actually become more resilient in the process of connecting with others in our most challenging times." "Collectively, the relationships we develop are a toolbox that we can turn to in our most difficult times, which we can rely upon to help us navigate day-to-day life challenges" Relationships and connections help us in the follow 8 areas shift or manage workloads make sense of people or politics in certain situations find confidence to push back and help self-advocate see a path forward release negative emotions laugh at ourselves and the situation remind us of purpose/meaning maintain perspective If you feel like your resilience needs a little boost, ask yourself: "are your relationships broad enough and deep enough?" In conclusion, we are not resilient because we have survived. We are resilient because we set ourselves up to connect with people that allow us to thrive. Different people in our lives serve to help us in different ways, that's ok and allowable. More from Molly Link to full article: https://hbr.org/2021/01/the-secret-to-building-resilience Submit your Q&A here: https://bit.ly/thefoundpodcastquestions Book a discovery call here: https://bit.ly/30minuteswithmkm

"And so that's what I think about with resilience too, like, it's not this innate ability, it's a nurtured capacity. And that's something that I talk about a lot, is that, you know, it's not a matter of willpower, it's a matter of wellness...we're all resilient. We just need to nurture that capacity." - Whitney Sullivan Resilience is defined as the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. As women, as business owners, as family members, as friends, as HUMANS, we have all had difficulties that we have had to recover from quickly. We've failed at tasks, missed deadlines, and had unexpected health issues pop up. We've dropped the ball, we've said the wrong thing, we've done the wrong thing, and we've had challenges put upon us by ourselves and others. It's not a matter of if we'll need to be resilient in times where things don't go as planned, but a matter of when and how we will be expected to be resilient. Resilience isn't easy, it isn't comfortable to cultivate, but it is important to become aware of so we can support ourselves and others through hardships. In today's mini-episode of The Found Podcast, we talk about cultivating resilience in regards to this moment in time in the United States, and how we will all need to practice resilience in the days and weeks ahead. My friend and upcoming podcast guest, Whitney Sullivan who is an expert on resilience, shares her perspective on resilience and how to support ourselves in the process.

I'm not going to get long-winded here, friends. This is THE process I use with every new client here at MKM to ensure that all the marketing foundations are in place for every business I am in touch with: a marketing audit. In today's episode, you'll hear the steps I take to make sure all my clients' marketing is consistent and driving potential clients and customers in the right direction. We're auditing: 1. Your Social Media Footprint 2. Your Website 3. Your Physical Marketing Don't forget: Share this podcast, leave a review and help your business besties with their marketing too! Bonus: get my marketing audit checklist in a handy-dandy printable PDF here: https://mkm.myflodesk.com/auditchecklist More from Molly: Get the checklist: https://mkm.myflodesk.com/auditchecklist Submit your Q&A here: https://bit.ly/thefoundpodcastquestions Book a discovery call here: https://bit.ly/30minuteswithmkm

Guys, this interview is so much fun. Today I'm sitting down with a new friend, Madelyn Victoria a local marketing strategist in her small town in Alabama, to discuss all things marketing for local businesses. While we primarily focus on helping local businesses enhance their holiday marketing efforts this Q4 of 2024, Madelyn's strategies and actionable tips are practices you can employ all year round to create visibility and sales for your business. A few quick tips from Madelyn that you'll hear us break down in detail in the podcast: "Marketing is all about knowing what your audience wants and giving that to them in the best way possible." Double down on growing community and collaborating with other businesses to maximize your marketing and get in front of new clients and customers. Having limited-time products for the season is a great way to create a special feel for the holidays. For some businesses, like our friends in retail, this is part of your regular business strategy, but any business can tie in limited-time holiday opportunities. "There's a big lull [for retailers] in January and February, but what helps mitigate that is getting all peoples' email addresses during the holiday time." Focus your efforts, choose 3 places to show up and spend your energy and your time on only those. This helps you reduce the pressure of feeling like you need to show in all the places at all the times. Helpful links Get Madelyn's Visibility Guide here Episode 108 of The Found Podcast: Holiday Marketing Strategy MailerLite Metricool Notion Canva Full Focus Planner HGTV Hometown Takeover Season 1 Downtown Dickins Christmas event Emily Henry Funny Story book Unreasonable Hospitality book More About Madelyn Madelyn Victoria helps small businesses create a marketing strategy to attract more clients and increase profit while making a local impact. With seven years of experience in the digital marketing industry, Madelyn uses her knowledge and experiences to help her coaching clients take their businesses to the next level. Connect with her at https://madelynvictoriaco.com/ or get her "3 Simple Strategies to Become More Visible, Get More Customers, and Increase Your Profit" guide at https://madelynvictoriaco.com/visibility

Quick, answer the following questions: when was the last time you made an actual post on your socials? when was the last time you shared a post that you cared about to your newsfeed? when was the last time you doom scrolled? when was the last time you saw anger and hatred in a meme or in someone's comment section? when was the last time you felt happy after being on social media? A couple of months ago I was in a conversation with my friend and client, Lindsy, and we were both talking about how draining it felt to participate in social media. So I had a realization: if I want a better experience when I'm on social media, I have to take action and be part of the solution. This means doing more creating, purging the accounts and people that drain me, being active and interactive, and practicing Social Leadership. Let's commit to listening to this episode and afterward, becoming social leaders, owning the power that we have over our algorithms and experiences online and using it for the good of us all. Quick Tips for Improving Your Social Media Experience: You get more of what you click on. So stop clicking into click-baity, dumb shit. Unfollow. Accounts, people, trends, platforms. Follow: what brings you joy. Make something. Creating brings more joy than consuming. Be a human. Engage, look for humanity, uplift, educate. Implement time limits. Apps, bricks, lockboxes. Think critically. Connect. with others IRL and with yourself. Ask: why do these little digital boxes have such a hold on me? Next: practice social leadership: 30-day posting my favorite photos to make Facebook suck less initiative. Encourage others to join in. Have productive conversations, and encourage connection offline. Put your phones away when you're in a gathering next time. Critically ask yourself, how am I contributing to the dumpster fire I'm being served? This is especially important if you are using social to market your business. If you are annoyed/aggrieved and generally questioning your presence on socials, be sure your content you release on behalf of your business meets these standards too. Give people something to care about, not something to scroll past. Support my friend Nicole's Hurricane Helene recovery Amazon wish list. I met her through social media, and I'm using social media to connect her cause with more people who can help. Connect with Molly: Submit your Q&A here and get your questions answered on an upcoming episode of the podcast: https://bit.ly/thefoundpodcastquestions Book a discovery call here to see how Molly can help your business thrive through intentional, strategic marketing: https://bit.ly/30minuteswithmkm

You are shit. Your ideas are shit. Nobody is going to buy the shit you are trying to sell.... ....sound familiar???? Starting and growing a business is as much a personal journey as it is a professional one. If you are trying to found a business and have others find the products and services you offer, you will have to come face to face with some hard truths about yourself and that little voice inside your head. And the worst part of it all...no one is going to do this work for you. You need to lead yourself through this process. It's a shitty process, but in order to get the good shit, you need to come face to face with the shit you're carrying around. I promise you can do it. And this episode will help you get started. 7 hard truths you need to face in order to lead yourself to your next level: "You are shit." Your ideas are shit. You have some really awesome shit you're a little scared to share with others. You have some shit to own. You have some shit to let go of. You have some shit to organize. Your timing is shitty. Connect with Molly Find me and all my business life/personal life shenanigans at, @mollyknuth_mkm, on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Molly Knuth Media for all the marketing tips and trends at @mollyknuthmedia on Facebook and Instagram.