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5 of 262

The Distinctive Edge as a Business Owner in 2025
There’s something that no one tells you when you start a business: it’s not always about who’s the smartest, who has the best graphics, or who shouts the loudest online. The ones who make it, the ones who actually last, have something else. They have an edge. In this episode, I sat down with Megan Yelaney, one of the most grounded, no-BS business coaches I know. Megan’s been in the game since 2012. She’s seen trends come and go. She's seen launches blow up and businesses burn out. And what she’s learned is that the entrepreneurs who stand out aren’t the ones doing the most—they’re the ones who know who the hell they are. Megan coined the phrase “your distinctive edge,” and let me tell you: once you hear her break it down, it will change how you show up. We’re talking about building a brand that feels like home. From the power of being relatable and aspirational, to why repeating your origin story weekly isn't annoying (it's genius), to how to craft a personal brand that doesn't burn you out—this is a full-on mini masterclass. And it’s one that every woman in business needs to hear. In this episode, you’ll learn: [00:50] | Megan’s Journey From Network Marketing to Business Strategy How Megan went from wellness to coaching, and what she discovered about the people who actually stick around in the industry. [03:36] | Why Building a Lasting Business Matters More Than a Big Launch The longevity in business and why “slow and steady is sexy.” [04:19] | What If You Don’t Feel Like You Have a Distinctive Edge? Why being “normal” is actually your advantage and how your personality can become your most potent brand asset. [05:52] | The Power of Being Relatable AND Aspirational How to find that sweet spot between being your audience’s bestie and their biggest goal. [08:04] | The Chanel Bag Moment A real-talk moment about values, wealth, and being rooted in what actually matters to you. [11:27] | Megan’s 5-Part Framework for Your Business Story Megan walks through the exact blueprint to make your story unforgettable. [16:50] | A Real Client Example of Turning Story into Strategy Megan shares a case study of how a health coach unlocked her edge through her unique “Foundation Fix” phase. [18:28] | Where & How Often Should You Tell Your Story? From emails to reels to carousels—Megan breaks down the content strategy behind storytelling that actually converts. [19:49] | The Carousel That Got 9 Inquiries + 3 High-Ticket Sales in 48 Hours How one hook (“I gained 10 pounds during COVID...”) turned into real sales—and why simplicity works. [22:00] | Why Repetition is Key—Even on Instagram Why you should be telling your story every single week, and how to change the hook, not the heart of the message. [24:14] | Can You Have More Than One Origin Story? Spoiler: YES. We unpack how different stories attract different clients—and how to choose the right one. [26:56] | It’s Okay Not to Share Certain Stories Even if your story is powerful—like infertility, loss, divorce—you get to choose what becomes part of your brand. [30:13] | How to Tell Stories That Connect Without Always Selling Not every post needs a CTA to sell—sometimes, connection is enough. [32:34] | Organic Selling That Doesn’t Feel Like Selling Megan’s philosophy on “selling without selling,” and how to invite people to work with you in a way that feels like service. [34:48] | The 5-Day Storytelling Challenge Share one story every day you’re on social media—and watch what happens. [36:07] | Sam’s London Marathon Confession My personal story from the London Marathon—and how it connects directly to my brand values. [40:30] | The Power of Personality and Values in Building Trust This might be the most important takeaway: people hire people they know. Not just what you do, but who you are. Connect with me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_samanthahearne_/ Connect with Megan Yelaney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganyelaney/ Grab the free Business Story Blueprint: https://meganyelaney.com/business-story-blueprint Join The Bulletproof Experience Membership here: https://www.samanthahearneproducts.com/Bulletproof
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45:08
Using Email Marketing to Make Sales in Your Business
You know those moments when you're doing all the things in your business like sending the newsletter, posting on socials, launching different offers—but your email list still feels like it’s just… there? Not converting. Not doing much of anything. I’ve been there too. That’s exactly why I brought on today’s guest: Kennedy from Email Marketing Heroes. Kennedy has helped over 8,000 paying clients master email marketing in a way that’s simple, sustainable, and actually profitable. Before all that? He was a psychological entertainer performing on luxury cruise ships (yes, really). So when he talks about understanding people, (and getting them to take action) he knows exactly what he’s doing. In this episode, we go deep into the real purpose of your email list, how to finally build what Kennedy calls your “sausage machine” (aka a system that predictably turns subscribers into buyers), and why sending more emails—yes, even three a week—might be the smartest move you make this year. Because here’s the truth: building a list isn’t enough. What you need is a system. A machine. Something that runs in the background and brings in sales on repeat. This conversation is a full-on masterclass in how to stop winging it with your emails and start selling with clarity and confidence—without spending hours writing newsletters no one reads. In this episode, you’ll learn: [04:22] | Why Your Business Is Harder Without an Email List Kennedy breaks down why every part of your business gets easier once you have an engaged list, and what you're missing if you’re not converting through email. [08:31] | The Only 3 Things You Should Focus On in Your Business Those 3 things being audience building, conversion, and service, and how email automates one whole chunk of your workload. [13:59] | The Sausage Machine Strategy: Turn Leads into Sales How to create a system where every subscriber becomes a buyer and why most people never scale because they skip this part. [19:25] | The Truth About Email Metrics Kennedy explains why the only metric that matters is how today compares to yesterday. [24:30] | Want Higher Open Rates? Email More Often The real reason people aren’t opening your emails (it’s not your subject lines) and why you should be emailing 3x a week—minimum. [28:22] | The Simple Email Framework That Converts: Story, Lesson, Offer How Kennedy writes daily emails that sell, in 15 minutes or less and how you can steal this method today. [34:14] | Planning Your Email Calendar Around Promotions How to structure story-based emails around launch windows without overwhelming your list or yourself. [36:02] | Which Email Software Should You Use? Kennedy’s honest take on choosing the right platform (spoiler: pick the one that makes you want to puke the least). [40:23] | Haven’t Emailed in a While? Send This First Use Kennedy’s “Terrible Friend” email template to warm a cold list without scaring people off. [43:23] | How to Write High-Converting Emails Faster (With or Without AI) The secret to ditching blank-page paralysis—plus how to use ChatGPT the right way to write emails in your voice. Email Marketing Heros Affiliate Link: emailmarketingheroes.com/sam Connect with me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_samanthahearne_/ Join The Bulletproof Experience Membership here: https://www.samanthahearneproducts.com/Bulletproof
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47:28
The Power of Having a Podcast with James Burtt
Picture this: you're sitting at your desk, maybe with a coffee in hand, thinking about all the content you should be creating to grow your brand. Instagram posts. Reels. Email newsletters. Maybe a blog or two. It feels like a never-ending hamster wheel, right? Now imagine if one piece of content could do all of that for you. One episode. Multiple platforms. Endless visibility. That’s the power of podcasting—and today, we're going deep into exactly how that works. In this episode, I’m joined by one of the most experienced voices in the podcasting world, James Burtt. James isn’t just a podcast strategist—he’s launched over 180 shows (and counting), worked with celebrity names and global brands like Ted Baker, and built a business by helping others amplify their voice in ways that actually drive results. But James didn’t come from a glamorous broadcasting background. He was a “failed” radio presenter who decided to figure it out as he went—and in doing so, he’s uncovered the real strategies that work for everyday entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, and creatives who want to show up, stand out, and serve. This isn’t just a conversation about microphones or software (though we talk about that too). It’s a full-blown masterclass on content leverage, business positioning, audience building, and the behind-the-scenes truths most people don’t tell you about launching a podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn: [04:22] | Why You Shouldn’t Start a Podcast (Unless...) James breaks the myth that everyone should have a podcast and shares the real criteria to know if it’s right for you. [05:04] | The Podcast as a Content Engine We explore how one episode can be repurposed into 10+ forms of content across all platforms, boosting ROI and visibility. [07:14] | Should You Start on Zoom or Go Full Studio? James talks about matching your podcast production level with your brand and why “done is better than perfect.” [09:59] | 80% of Podcasting is Promotion If you only focus on recording and not promoting, you're missing the point. Learn how to actually make your podcast work for you. [12:03] | The 3 Most Common Podcast Goals (and How to Meet Them) From signing clients to building authority to avoiding video, we cover different podcast strategies based on your outcome. [14:51] | How One Podcast Rekindled a £80k Client Deal James shares jaw-dropping stories of how businesses have used podcasts to land major deals—often without even trying. [16:19] | How to Turn Guests into Ambassadors A step-by-step email strategy to make your guests feel like stars and help them promote your show. [18:57] | Should You Do Solo Episodes, Interviews, or Panels? No right answer here—just lots of smart advice on how to choose (or mix) formats based on your audience and your goals. [21:25] | Why Solo Episodes Build Expertise Fast Nervous to go solo? James explains why these are crucial for personal branding and trust. [26:01] | The Truth About Show Notes (and SEO) What actually gets pulled into search rankings and how to write show notes that help your podcast get found. [30:18] | Best Low-Cost Tools to Uplevel Your Podcast We discuss tools like Riverside, Opus Clip, and Otter.ai to help you record, edit, and repurpose your show without overwhelm. [33:35] | Nailing the Intro and Outro Tips on how to hook listeners in the first 3 seconds and create calls to action that actually convert. [37:08] | Why Consistency is Everything James leaves us with a golden reminder: consistency is your podcast’s secret weapon. Plus, why batching is a game-changer. Connect with me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_samanthahearne_/ Connect with James Burtt here: https://www.instagram.com/jamesburttofficial/ Join The Bulletproof Experience Membership here: https://www.samanthahearneproducts.com/Bulletproof
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41:59
What is Intentional Thinking with Pete Cohen
Let’s get real—this is one of the most honest and freeing conversations I’ve had, not just with myself, but with someone who truly gets it. In this episode, I’m joined by Pete Cohen, keynote speaker, author, and internationally renowned coach with over 30 years of experience helping people and organizations move from simply surviving to fully thriving. Pete has coached Olympic champions, corporate leaders, and some of the most high-performing individuals in the world. In this episode, he brings his signature blend of wisdom, clarity, and radical encouragement to our conversation about intentional thinking, identity, and creating a life that feels deeply aligned. I’m also opening up about why I took a pause from this podcast—not because I was burned out, but because I felt deeply called to slow down, get quiet, and listen to what my life was trying to tell me. That space gave me the clarity I didn’t know I was missing—and it’s reshaping everything, from my business model to how I define success. Pete and I also talk about the very human experience of navigating transitions—the messy middle between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming—and how intentional thinking can be a grounding force in that process. This is a heart-led conversation about doing business, motherhood, creativity, and life differently. More honestly. More freely. More aligned. In this episode, you’ll learn: [03:15] | Why I Took a Step Back from the Podcast I talk about the intuitive pause I felt called to take, how it led to a powerful reset, and why those quieter seasons can be the most transformational. [06:40] | The Real Reason I’m Restructuring My Business I open up about what burnout taught me about hustle culture, my own limits, and the importance of honoring the season I’m in. [10:25] | Embracing Ease Without Losing Momentum I’m learning to lead with more softness, stillness, and self-trust—and I share how that’s showing up in both my life and business right now. [15:30] | What Happens When You Release Control This part gets vulnerable: the magic (and discomfort) of surrendering outcomes, and why that surrender has been essential to my growth. [21:10] | A New Way to Think About Productivity I’m redefining what it means to “get things done”—without pushing, proving, or performing. [28:00] | How My Business Model Was Draining Me I realized my current structure no longer fits who I am. I share the bold shifts I’m making to create more freedom, flow, and alignment. [34:45] | The Power of Full Presence in Motherhood and Entrepreneurship I reflect on what I’m learning about being with what is—instead of holding onto what was or rushing into what’s next. [40:15] | Reconnecting to Creativity and Content From a Place of Authenticity When my voice went quiet, I had to learn how to stop forcing content. I talk about how I’m reigniting my creativity from a deeper, truer place. [47:05] | What’s Next for the Brand and Community I give you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s evolving—from new offers to the ways I want to serve with even more depth and intention. Connect with me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_samanthahearne_/ Connect with Pete Cohen here: https://www.petecohen.com/ Join The Bulletproof Experience Membership here: https://www.samanthahearneproducts.com/Bulletproof
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53:12
Becoming an ICONIC Leader in Your Industry With Kayleigh Greenacre
I want you to imagine this—your business is growing, you've got sales, you're doing “the thing”… but there’s still that little voice that says, “How do I get to that level? How do I go from being in the game to being the one people can’t stop watching?” That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. To do things your way. To get visible without the cringe. To finally feel like your business looks, sounds, and feels like you. In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Kayleigh Greenacre—personal brand queen, iconic leader, and someone who doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to visibility, positioning, and standing out online… she walks it. Daily. She brings a boldness and clarity that I know so many of you are craving right now. We talk content that actually connects (and converts), what really sets a leader apart in today’s online space, how to become magnetic without being manic on socials, and yes—we get real about the fears that hold us back and the traps that look like strategy but actually keep us stuck. Whether you're in your messy middle, ready for your next evolution, or secretly planning your comeback era, this one is for YOU. In this episode, you’ll learn: [02:45] | The Truth About Personal Branding Why your personal brand is more than a vibe or aesthetic—and how it directly impacts your visibility, positioning, and sales. [05:30] | Content That Converts vs. Content That Just Looks Good The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when trying to “show up” online—and how to shift into high-impact content creation that actually moves the needle. [08:10] | Becoming Magnetic Online How to stop trying to be “everywhere” and instead focus on being so clear that your dream clients can’t look away. [10:45] | The Power of Perspective How to talk about what you do in a way that positions you as the expert without feeling salesy or repetitive. [13:20] | Owning Your Evolution Why your next level of visibility requires you to let go of outdated narratives—and what happens when you finally do. [16:05] | What Makes a Leader Iconic Kayleigh’s take on what truly sets an iconic leader apart in the crowded online space—and how to step into that energy without forcing it. [19:30] | Building Momentum with Simplicity The key to creating consistent, aligned momentum in your business, even when you feel like you're in a “messy middle” season. [22:00] | Being Seen Without Burning Out How to show up boldly without feeling like you’re constantly performing or “on.” [25:15] | Breaking Out of the Content Hamster Wheel Why more content isn’t the answer—and what to do instead to create a deeper impact with less. [28:10] | Your Next Visibility Era A closing message on stepping into your own version of visibility, leadership, and brand power—without the rules, the noise, or the comparison. Connect with me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_samanthahearne_/ Connect with Kayleigh Greenacre on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kayleighgreenacre/ Join my £250k The Simple Way Training here: https://www.samanthahearneproducts.com/250k-the-simple-way
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31:43