In this episode of the Branding Your Business podcast, Praise Santos McKenna discusses how becoming an educator can significantly elevate your brand. By positioning yourself as a thought leader, you can build trust with your audience and create marketing momentum. The conversation explores various ways to educate your audience, both for free and through paid channels, and emphasizes the importance of identifying key skills that potential clients need to learn before hiring you. Practical steps are provided to help listeners develop their educational content and engage their audience effectively.
Takeaways
In this episode of the Branding Your Business podcast, host Praise Santos McKenna speaks with Christi Johnson, a compassionate business strategist and founder of the Dream Biz Lab. Christi shares her journey from a passionate young photographer to experiencing burnout while running a successful business. She discusses the importance of recognizing burnout, the support she received during her recovery, and how she learned to embrace playfulness in her work. Christi emphasizes the need for a supportive community and the significance of self-care, especially for creative entrepreneurs. The conversation highlights the importance of following one's passions and nurturing creativity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Connect with Christi:
https://christijohnsoncreative.com
https://christijohnsoncreative.com/lab
Burnout Proof Business Planner & Boundaries Toolkit: https://christijohnsoncreative.com/boundaries
View the transcript of the episode HERE!
Join the Building & Becoming Community Waitlist
Get our Brand Guide
Learn more about Brand Coaching (pro tip: mention this podcast and get some cool perks!)
Connect with Praise:
https://instagram.com/comeplum
https://instagram.com/brandingyourbusinesspodcast
In this final episode of our 8-part email marketing series spotlighting Flodesk, Praise Santos McKenna dives into how to measure, evaluate, and actually use your email analytics to improve your performance and deepen relationships with your audience. From open rates and CTRs to your unsubscribers (yes, we’re even talking about them), Praise breaks down what to look for and what to do with the data. Bonus tip? Use analytics to find your most loyal readers—and send them a little love note. You’ll walk away with practical steps to turn your email list into a powerful relationship-building tool that actually works for your brand.
Listen to past Email Series episodes:
Episode 1: Why Every Brand Needs An Email List
Episode 2: How To Get Your First 100 Subscribers
Episode 3: Build Your Email Sequence
Episode 4: Design On Brand Emails People Want To Open
Episode 5: Keeping Your Email List
Episode 6: Emails That Sell
Episode 7: Why Flodesk Automations Are Your Secret Weapon For Email Success
View the transcript from this episode here.
Check out comeplum.com/flodesk to receive 50% off your Flodesk subscription + more resources!
Connect with Praise:
In this episode of Branding Your Business, Praise Santos McKenna sits down with Emmy-winning filmmaker and storyteller Daniel Mogg of Mogg Media. From working with NFL stars and Russell Wilson to directing heartfelt short films, Daniel shares the creative practices, value-driven decision-making, and resilience that fuel his work. They unpack the power of “alignment” in choosing projects, why storytelling matters for brands, and how to network in ways that feel genuine (spoiler: it’s not about business cards). Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur or a brand-builder, you’ll leave with practical tools to filter opportunities through your values and craft stories that connect.
Connect with Daniel:
https://www.instagram.com/danieljmogg/
View the transcript of the episode HERE!
Join the Building & Becoming Community Waitlist
Get our Brand Guide
Learn more about Brand Coaching (pro tip: mention this podcast and get some cool perks!)
Connect with Praise:
https://instagram.com/comeplum
https://instagram.com/brandingyourbusinesspodcast
In this episode of the Branding Your Business podcast, host Praise Santos McKenna dives into the magic of Flodesk automations (aka workflows) to help you save time and nurture your audience on autopilot. You’ll learn what automations are, explore key workflow ideas like welcome sequences, nurture series, event reminders, and re-engagement campaigns—and discover Flodesk’s latest Spring 2025 upgrades (segment exclusions, repeatable workflows, and date-specific delays).
By the end, you’ll be ready to set up your first automation, streamline your email marketing, and focus on what you do best: building brands you and your clients love.
Listen to past Email Series episodes:
Episode 1: Why Every Brand Needs an Email List
Episode 2: How to Get Your First 100 Subscribers
Episode 3: Build Your Email Sequence
Episode 4: Design on Brand Emails People Want to Open
Episode 5: Keeping Your Email List Engaged
Episode 6: Emails that Sell
View the transcript from this episode HERE.
Check out comeplum.com/flodesk to receive 50% off your Flodesk subscription + more resources!
Connect with Praise:
@brandingyourbusinesspodcast
In this heart-forward episode of Branding Your Business, Praise Santos McKenna sits down with Mike Brevik, founder of the Midwest-based branding agency CyberDogz for a soulful and strategy-rich convo. Mike opens up about his transition from corporate marketing to running a brand agency rooted in relationships, grit, and that iconic “Midwest nice.” They unpack why owning what others already see in you—your smile, your roots, your curly hair—is a branding superpower, and why relationships (not transactions) are the true growth strategy.
Mike shares agency lessons, client stories, and how side projects that just feel fun (like co-branding a motorcycle) are fueling his work in 2025. They talk consistency, personal brand resistance, and building a brand with pride—plus the secret power of asking: “Wouldn’t it be cool if…?”
Connect with Mike:
Instagram: @Cyberdogzmarketing
Website: cyberdogzmarketing.com
Podcast: Brand Retro
View the transcript of the episode HERE!
Join the Building & Becoming Community Waitlist
Get our Brand Guide
Learn more about Brand Coaching (pro tip: mention this podcast and get some cool perks!)
Connect with Praise:
https://instagram.com/comeplum
https://instagram.com/brandingyourbusinesspodcast
In Episode 6 of the Branding Your Business podcast, we’re talking about something that makes most of us squirm: sales. But what if selling didn’t have to feel sleazy? In this episode, Praise shares four approachable, story‑driven strategies to help you sell through email without being salesy—using Flodesk.
We’re reframing sales as service, leaning into storytelling, softening our CTAs, and segmenting smartly. If you want to connect more deeply with your audience and turn subscribers into clients without the ick, this one’s for you.
Listen to the Roz Miller-Choice Episode about storytelling here.
Listen to past Email Series episodes:
Episode 1: Why Every Brand Needs an Email List
Episode 2: How to Get Your First 100 Subscribers
Episode 3: Build Your Email Sequence
Episode 4: Design on Brand Emails People Want to Open
Episode 5: Keeping Your Email List Engaged
View the transcript from this episode HERE.
Check out comeplum.com/flodesk to receive 50% off your Flodesk subscription + more resources!
Connect with Praise:
@brandingyourbusinesspodcast
In this inspiring episode of Branding Your Business, Praise Santos McKenna chats with Mya Nichol—a social media strategist, educator, and mom—about building a life‑giving business that balances purpose, profit, and presence. Mya shares her “stacking income, stacking memories” mantra and how discovering pregnancy prompted her to redesign her business for sustainability. We dive into her 90‑day Instagram reel journey that led to growth from 2K to 10K followers, her actionable tips on hooks, bios, funnels, and time audits—and why timeless content matters more than trending tactics.
Connect with Mya at @myanichol or myanichol.com, and learn more about her IG University for personalized Instagram strategy.
View the transcript of the episode HERE!
Join the Building & Becoming Community Waitlist
Get our Brand Guide
Learn more about Brand Coaching (pro tip: mention this podcast and get some cool perks!)
Connect with Praise:
https://instagram.com/comeplum
https://instagram.com/brandingyourbusinesspodcast
In Episode 5 of our Flodesk email marketing series on the Branding Your Business podcast, we’re diving into the art of writing emails that actually get opened. Praise shares four tried-and-true tips to boost email engagement: crafting irresistible subject lines, choosing a consistent (non-spammy) send schedule, delivering value-packed content with the 80/20 rule, and using Flodesk's segmentation tools to speak directly to what your audience wants. It’s practical, doable advice that helps you connect authentically—no sleazy tactics required.
Listen to past Email Series episodes:
Episode 1: Why Every Brand Needs an Email List
Episode 2: How to Get Your First 100 Subscribers
Episode 3: Build Your Email Sequence
Episode 4: Design on Brand Emails People Want to Open
View the transcript from this episode HERE.
Check out comeplum.com/flodesk to receive 50% off your Flodesk subscription + more resources!
Connect with Praise:
@brandingyourbusinesspodcast
In this transformative episode of Branding Your Business, host Praise Santos McKenna sits down with Hooman Radfar—computer scientist, startup founder (AddThis → Oracle), and CEO of Collective—to unpack the often-overlooked struggles of self-employed professionals.
They deep‑dive into why an S‑Corp tax election (aka “S‑election”) can save you ~$10K annually, when it’s worth the paperwork overhead, and how Collective is building a full suite (think: payroll, CFO resources, insurance) for service‑based solo founders.
Along the way, Hooman shares how his immigrant parents’ small business shaped his mission, the company’s people-first culture, and the Japanese principle of kaizen (continuous small improvements). You’ll walk away relieved, informed, and ready to thrive without financial burnout.
Get one month free with Collective: http://share.collective.com/PM3798
Connect with Hooman:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hooman
https://www.instagram.com/hoomanradfar
View the transcript of the episode HERE!
Join the Building & Becoming Community Waitlist
Get our Brand Guide
Learn more about Brand Coaching (pro tip: mention this podcast and get some cool perks!)
Connect with Praise:
In this episode of Branding Your Business, Praise Santos McKenna walks you through how to add your brand identity into your Flodesk emails for a cohesive and clickable inbox experience. You'll learn how to upload logos, colors, fonts, and brand info, pick templates that fit your vibe, and build emails that feel undeniably you. Plus, she shares simple tips for keeping consistency across your website and email and ending each message with a clear call-to-action that serves your audience (and your goals!).
Listen to past Email Series episodes:
Episode 1: Why Every Brand Needs an Email List
Episode 2: How to Get Your First 100 Subscribers
Episode 3: Build Your Email Sequence
View the transcript from this episode HERE.
Check out comeplum.com/flodesk to receive 50% off your Flodesk subscription + more resources!
Connect with Praise:
@brandingyourbusinesspodcast
On this episode of Branding Your Business, Praise sits down with Adam Nathan, co‑founder of Almanac and Blaze.ai, to unpack why small teams and solo creators are rebuilding trust—one consistent action at a time—and how AI tools can help them scale marketing without burnout. This episode dives into Adam’s journey from the White House, Apple, and Lyft to launching Blaze, which grew to 1M+ users in a year by giving teams what they need: lightning-fast, agency-level content for $49/month.
Get Blaze CEO Adam Nathan's cheat codes to building and growing a $150M company in your inbox every week with Startup Tycoon. Powered by Adam's experience shipping product to millions, raising $46M, and hyperscaling to $7M+ in revenue in 15 months with only 25 people.
Subscribe here: https://www.startuptycoon.com/
Try Blaze.ai’s 7‑day free trial: blaze.ai
View the transcript of the episode HERE!
Join the Building & Becoming Community Waitlist
Get our Brand Guide
Learn more about Brand Coaching (pro tip: mention this podcast and get some cool perks!)
Connect with Praise:
In this episode of Branding Your Business, we’re diving into the unsung hero of email marketing: the welcome sequence. I’ll show you how to create one in Flodesk that not only delivers your freebie, but also introduces your brand, builds trust, and gets people excited to hear from you. We cover what to include, when to send it, and why this moment matters so much.
Listen to past Email Series episodes:
Episode 1: Why Every Brand Needs an Email List
Episode 2: How to Get Your First 100 Subscribers
View the transcript from this episode HERE.
Check out comeplum.com/flodesk to receive 50% off your Flodesk subscription + more resources!
Connect with Praise:
@brandingyourbusinesspodcast
In this heart-to-heart episode of Branding Your Business, Praise sits down with Erin Perkins, the powerhouse behind Mabely Q and champion of accessibility in the business world. Erin, who is deafblind, shares her story of leaving corporate life to build a business rooted in inclusion—not just the buzzword kind, but the kind that makes real impact.
From the origin story of her heartfelt brand name to practical tips on color contrast, alt text, and why your Instagram graphics might not be reaching everyone, Erin brings wisdom, humor, and soul. Whether you're a small biz owner or a seasoned entrepreneur, you'll walk away inspired (and with an action plan). Visit mabelyq.com to learn more, and don’t miss Erin’s Successible education platform for hands-on learning.
Connect with Erin:
https://www.instagram.com/mabely_q/
Join the Building & Becoming Community Waitlist
Get our Brand Guide
Learn more about Brand Coaching (pro tip: mention this podcast and get some cool perks!)
Connect with Praise:
In this episode of the Branding Your Business podcast, Praise Santos McKenna unpacks an often-overlooked part of branding—sound. Yup, that’s right, we’re double tapping into how brand sound shapes connection, memory, and even brand trust. From the unexpected White Lotus theme switch-up to the magic behind Netflix's “ta-dum,” we talk about how sound helps brands stick in our brains and our hearts. Plus, we explore how to evolve your brand’s identity without losing what already works. Whether you're a creator, small business owner, or building a personal brand, this episode helps you think beyond visuals and start designing for the full sensory experience.
Learn more about Brand Coaching (pro tip: mention this podcast and get some cool perks!)
Connect with Praise:
@brandingyourbusinesspodcast
In this episode of the Branding Your Business podcast, Praise sits down with David Leventhal, the founder of Playa Viva—a regenerative resort on Mexico’s Pacific coast—and co-founder of Regenerative Travel. Together, they dive into what it means to run a values-driven, eco-conscious business, how listening deeply can shape your entrepreneurial path, and the mindset shift from sustainability to regeneration. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to build a mission-led brand that genuinely transforms communities, ecosystems, and even your own legacy, this is your invitation to listen in.
Learn more at https://playaviva.com and https://regenerativetravel.com.
Connect with David over on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leventhald
Join the Building & Becoming Community Waitlist
Get our Brand Guide
Learn more about Brand Coaching (pro tip: mention this podcast and get some cool perks!)
Connect with Praise:
https://instagram.com/comeplum
https://instagram.com/brandingyourbusinesspodcast
How do you grow your email list from zero to your first 100 subscribers—without feeling spammy or sleazy? In this second episode of our email marketing mini-series, Praise breaks down the exact steps to make it happen: from identifying your niche audience and their pain points to crafting a lead magnet that actually works (think: Canva PDFs, pose templates, exclusive discounts). You’ll also learn the key places to promote your opt-in so that people actually sign up. Whether you're just getting started or need a refresh on your strategy, this episode gives you the practical tools to build an email list that grows your business.
Need an email platform? Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk: comeplum.com/flodesk
Connect with Praise:
What do international conflict mediation and brand strategy have in common? According to brand visibility expert Chloé Nwangwu—everything. In this episode, Praise Santos McKenna sits down with Chloé to explore how being under-recognized isn’t just a feeling—it’s systemic. From cognitive biases like the "reciprocity gap" to the difference between differentiation and distinction, Chloé breaks down the psychology of brand visibility, especially for brands often left out of the conversation. If you're a small business owner, creative, or underdog with something powerful to say, this episode gives you the mindset and tools to finally be seen.
Resources mentioned by The Brand Scientist
Connect with Chloé:
https://www.nobiworks.com/nerdlist
https://www.nobiworks.com/codex/winning-the-mind-war
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nwangwu/
https://www.instagram.com/nobiworks/
Learn more about Brand Coaching over at comeplum.com
(pro tip: mention this podcast and get some cool perks!)
Connect with Praise:
What would happen to your business if Instagram went down tomorrow? In this episode of Branding Your Business, we’re kicking off our email marketing mini-series by talking about why every business—yes, even yours—needs an email list. We share Cheryl’s story, a talented boudoir photographer who lost access to her biggest platform, and break down exactly why relying solely on social media is risky business. From real ROI numbers to simple steps to get started (hint: Flodesk is your friend), this episode gives you the permission and plan to build a direct, powerful connection with your people. Learn more about Flodesk, sign up, and get free resources at comeplum.com/flodesk
Connect with Praise:
@brandingyourbusinesspodcast
In this episode of Branding Your Business, host Praise Santos McKenna sits down with Olivia Langan, CPA and founder of Frolic Bookkeeping, to explore how creative entrepreneurs can transform their relationship with finances. Olivia shares her journey from tax preparation to bookkeeping, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's numbers to make informed business decisions. The discussion delves into the Profit First method, aligning financial practices with personal values, and practical steps to achieve financial clarity and confidence.
Connect with Olivia:
https://frolicbookkeeping.com/
https://www.instagram.com/frolicbookkeeping/
Learn more about Brand Coaching over at comeplum.com
(pro tip: mention this podcast and get some cool perks!)
Connect with Praise:
@brandingyourbusinesspodcast