The RBL Media Podcast

RBL Media
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

The RBL Media Podcast is for the rule-breakers, the misfits, and the ones who refuse to blend in. Entrepreneurship isn’t polished—it’s raw, relentless, and rebellious. Here, we spotlight the founders and creators who go against the grain, disrupt the norm, and build brands that actually matter. If you’re carving your own path and daring to do business differently, this is your space.

  1. Sep 15

    Community Over Competition and Capturing What Matters with Crystal R Photography

    Sometimes, all it takes is one person seeing something in you before you’re able to see it in yourself. For Crystal of Crystal R Photography, it happened more than once. After years of loving photography, encouragement from professional photographers finally gave her the push to turn that passion into a business. And once she decided to go for it, her existing relationships within Hawaii’s small business and pet communities helped open doors almost immediately. In this episode, Crystal and Pualena talk about what it looks like to build a creative business through connection instead of competition. She shares how other photographers became mentors, collaborators, and referral partners, and why she sees her biggest competition as herself. They also get into the realities of photographing animals, from learning how to work with timid pups to capturing those perfectly imperfect candid moments that reveal who they really are. This conversation goes beyond getting a great photo. Pualenda and Crystal talk about senior pets, end-of-life sessions, and the incredibly special bond pet owners have with the animals who become part of their families. Crystal shares why she encourages pet parents to step in front of the camera, even when they’d rather stay behind it, and why those photos don’t need to be shared with anyone to be valuable. Because at the end of the day, these aren’t just pictures. They’re memories of a relationship, a season, and a moment you can never recreate. About Crystal Crystal is the photographer behind Crystal R Photography, specializing in capturing pets and the people who love them. What began as a lifelong love of photography grew into a business after encouragement from fellow photographers and the support of Hawaii’s small business and pet communities. Her work goes beyond creating beautiful portraits. Whether she’s photographing a playful pup, a senior pet, an animal with a disability, or a quiet moment between a pet and their person, Crystal focuses on preserving personality, connection, and the memories that matter most. Resources discussed in this episode: Hawaiian Humane SocietyMake-A-WishFur Angel FoundationKey Moments: [00:40] When a Lifelong Passion Becomes a Business[02:10] Sometimes Someone Else Sees It First[04:51] Your Community Might Already Be Your Network[07:07] The Power of Asking for Mentorship[10:16] Community Over Competition[16:33] Dogs Aren’t Going to Pose on Command[18:55] The Photos That Tell Their Story[24:43] Rabbits, Blind Cats, and Pets in Paradise[30:16] Why You Need to Get in the Photo[31:34] The Honor of End-of-Life Photography[34:33] Creating a Session Around the Client[37:50] Not Every Photo Has to Be for Social Media[39:42] Your Biggest Competition Is Yourself[42:29] Connect with Crystal R Photography Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media: Website: RBLMedia.coFacebook: RBL-MediaTwitter: @RBLMedia_coInstagram: @RBL.Media Contact Crystal | Crystal R Photography: Website: crystalrphotography.com Instagram: @crystalrphotographyFacebook: @crystalrphotographyhawaii Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Community Over Competition and Capturing What Matters with Crystal R Photography

  2. Aug 18

    The Role of AI in Web Design and Why Human Creativity Still Matters

    AI is everywhere right now, and the web design world is no exception. In this episode, Pualena dives into one of the biggest conversations happening in the creative industry: Is AI going to replace designers? After plenty of experimenting, exploring, and even wrestling with a little AI-induced imposter syndrome herself, Pualena shares why she sees AI less as a replacement for human creativity and more as an exciting tool that can help us bring bigger ideas to life. From vibe coding and AI-generated copy to DIY websites and custom animations, AI is growing more capable all the time. But there’s a catch: when everyone has access to the same tools, everything can start looking and sounding the same. For small businesses especially, standing out matters more than ever. Pualena shares why your personality, story, values, vision, and unique brand energy are still some of your biggest advantages, and why a strong brand foundation can actually help you get much better results from AI. Pualena also gets practical about the true cost of DIY. AI might make it possible to build something yourself, but that doesn’t always make it the fastest or easiest option. Between prompting, troubleshooting, integrations, coding, and figuring out how everything fits together, a “quick” AI project can turn into hours (or weeks!) of work. Whether you’re ready to DIY with AI or bring in a professional who knows how to use these tools strategically, this episode is an encouraging reminder that human expertise is still incredibly valuable. Resources discussed in this episode: Claude ChatGPT Gemini Canva --  Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media:  Website: RBLMedia.co Facebook: RBL-Media Twitter: @RBLMedia_co Instagram: @RBL.Media Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Role of AI in Web Design and Why Human Creativity Still Matters

  3. Aug 4

    The Pivot Without the Wreckage

    As entrepreneurs, we're constantly evolving, and our businesses should evolve with us. But making a pivot can feel overwhelming, especially when you've invested so much time and energy into building what you already have. Pualena explores how to recognize when it's time for a change, why pivots are often signs of growth rather than failure, and how to move forward without losing sight of your bigger vision. Throughout the episode, she shares practical ways to evaluate what's working, let go of what no longer serves your business, and make strategic decisions that create new opportunities. Rather than reacting from fear or burnout, you'll learn how to pivot from a place of clarity, confidence, and intention. If you've been wondering whether it's time to refine your offers, reposition your brand, or take your business in a new direction, this episode is your reminder that growth often begins with the courage to embrace change. Every successful entrepreneur faces moments of reinvention, and your next pivot could be the one that opens the door to your biggest opportunities yet. Resources discussed in this episode: The Brand Wrap --  Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media:  Website: RBLMedia.co Facebook: RBL-Media Twitter: @RBLMedia_co Instagram: @RBL.Media Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Pivot Without the Wreckage

  4. Jul 21

    Is Your Brand Working For You? Take The 5-Point Brand Audit

    Your brand should do more than look good. In this solo episode, Pualena shares a powerful five-point brand audit designed to help business owners evaluate whether their brand is truly working for them or whether they're constantly compensating for misalignment. She breaks down what branding really means beyond logos and colors, explaining why brand energy, consistency, and alignment are the true drivers of recognition and growth. Throughout the episode, Pualena explores the five essential areas every entrepreneur should regularly assess: audience alignment, visual coherence, voice consistency, offer clarity, and marketing leverage. Each section includes a diagnostic question, common warning signs, practical exercises you can complete this week, and guidance on recognizing when it's time to seek outside support. Along the way, she shares personal stories from her own rebrand, lessons learned from years of running RBL Media, and actionable strategies that can immediately improve how your business is perceived. Whether you're a new entrepreneur refining your message or an established business owner preparing for your next stage of growth, this episode will help you identify where your brand is building momentum and where it's quietly costing you opportunities. Grab a notebook, work through the exercises, and start building a brand that consistently works on your behalf. Resources discussed in this episode: Wordpress.org Squarespace Kajabi  RBL Brand Wrap --  Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media:  Website: RBLMedia.co Facebook: RBL-Media Twitter: @RBLMedia_co Instagram: @RBL.Media Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Is Your Brand Working For You? Take The 5-Point Brand Audit

  5. Jul 7

    How to Build a Signature Offer That Sells (Without Scope Creep)

    If you've ever found yourself saying yes to every client request, struggling with scope creep, or wondering how to package your services into something clients immediately understand, this episode is for you. Pualena breaks down the exact five-step framework she uses at RBL Media to create signature offers that protect your time while delivering exceptional client experiences. You'll learn how to identify patterns in your previous client work, transform those patterns into a premium offer, create clear boundaries around scope, price based on outcomes instead of hours, and confidently sell a repeatable service that clients trust. Along the way, Pualena shares honest lessons from her own business, including where she got it wrong, how she corrected course, and why predictability is one of the most valuable things you can offer your clients. Whether you're a designer, consultant, coach, marketer, or any service-based entrepreneur, this episode will help you package your expertise into an offer that's easier to market, easier to refer, and far more sustainable as your business grows. Resources discussed in this episode: Pia Silva The Brand Wrap --  Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media:  Website: RBLMedia.co Facebook: RBL-Media Twitter: @RBLMedia_co Instagram: @RBL.Media Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    How to Build a Signature Offer That Sells (Without Scope Creep)

  6. Jun 23

    The Three Layers of Visibility Every Business Owner Needs to Master

    In this episode, Pualena explores why visibility is one of the most overlooked yet essential components of business growth. While many entrepreneurs focus on perfecting their products or services, she explains that even the best offer cannot succeed if nobody knows it exists. Using her signature framework, "Get Visible. Be Memorable. Stay Profitable," Pualena breaks down the three layers of visibility that help businesses build awareness, establish trust, and create long-term momentum. She walks listeners through the first two layers: what you say and where you say it. The first layer centers on storytelling, including both your own origin story and the transformation stories of your clients. Pualena explains how authentic storytelling creates connection, attracts aligned clients, and helps potential customers see themselves in your journey. She also introduces a powerful placement strategy using the metaphor of a storefront on a busy street versus a hidden shop in an alleyway, illustrating how businesses can leverage both high-traffic platforms and niche communities to grow their audience. Finally, Pualena explores the concept of being "Omni AF," a term coined by her mentor Pia Silva, which describes the experience of appearing consistently across multiple platforms and touchpoints. She discusses the importance of creating content regularly, overcoming the "cringe ceiling" that keeps many entrepreneurs from showing up, and building systems that support long-term consistency. Whether you're just beginning to market your business or looking to increase your visibility in a crowded marketplace, this episode offers practical strategies to help you stand out, attract the right audience, and create lasting brand recognition. Resources discussed in this episode: Pia Silva – Business strategist, author, and founder of No BS Agency Mastery Scale Solo by Pia Silva Yelp for Business  --  Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media:  Website: RBLMedia.co Facebook: RBL-Media Twitter: @RBLMedia_co Instagram: @RBL.Media Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Three Layers of Visibility Every Business Owner Needs to Master

  7. Jun 9

    I Rebranded Myself in a Weekend (and Finally Took My Own Advice)

    In this episode, Pualena takes listeners behind the scenes of a complete business rebrand that happened in less than 48 hours. What began as a creative experiment quickly became a powerful reminder of the importance of alignment. After years of tweaking, redesigning, and chasing inspiration from other brands, she realized that her own brand had become disconnected from the bold, rebellious energy that originally inspired RBL Media. By revisiting her mission, values, ideal client, and positioning, she uncovered a visual identity that finally felt authentic. Pualena shares how discovering the design style known as neo-brutalism unexpectedly validated everything she had been creating intuitively. Characterized by bold colors, thick outlines, hard shadows, expressive typography, and a rejection of polished corporate design trends, the aesthetic perfectly reflected the rebellious spirit at the heart of her brand. She explains why embracing this direction has made content creation easier, strengthened brand consistency, and reignited her excitement about sharing her business with the world. This episode is also a powerful reminder that branding is far more than logos and color palettes. Pualena explores how a cohesive brand experience builds trust, creates predictability, improves user experience, and helps potential clients quickly determine whether they're the right fit. Through her own experience, she reflects on the transformation she sees clients experience when they finally feel proud of their website, brand, and online presence and why that confidence can have a profound impact on business growth. Resources discussed in this episode: Claude AI Contra Canva Google Analytics (GA4) Hotjar FullStory Kajabi  --  Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media:  Website: RBLMedia.co Facebook: RBL-Media Twitter: @RBLMedia_co Instagram: @RBL.Media Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    I Rebranded Myself in a Weekend (and Finally Took My Own Advice)

  8. May 26

    Sustainable Project Management Tools for Success

    In this episode, Pua dives deep into the world of project management systems, client portals, and business organization tools. She shares the real behind-the-scenes evolution of RBL Media’s workflow, from platforms like Trello, Asana, ClickUp, and Kajabi to building a fully customized Notion workspace. Pualena explores the challenges of all-in-one platforms, sustainable systems, KPI tracking, tech stack management, and creating workflows that actually support long-term growth and team collaboration. Pua breaks down why many project management systems fail—not because of the software itself, but because of inconsistent team buy-in and unsustainable processes. She discusses the importance of communication, transparency, and flexibility when building systems that serve both internal teams and clients. From client portals to SOP creation, KPI dashboards, automation, and AI-assisted workflows, this episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs and agency owners looking to streamline operations without overcomplicating their business. Pua also shares why she’s shifting away from relying entirely on all-in-one platforms and instead building a more diversified, adaptable tech stack. She opens up about the lessons learned from years of experimenting with tools, the hidden costs of subscriptions and integrations, and how platforms like Notion and Claude are helping RBL Media create more intentional, sustainable workflows. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, service provider, or growing agency owner, this episode offers a transparent and relatable look into building systems that evolve with your business. Resources discussed in this episode: Kajabi Notion ClickUp  Trello  Asana Claude AI Zapier Calendly Workflow Markup.io Loom Basecamp --  Contact Pua Pakele | RBL Media:  Website: RBLMedia.co Facebook: RBL-Media Twitter: @RBLMedia_co Instagram: @RBL.Media Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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5
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About

The RBL Media Podcast is for the rule-breakers, the misfits, and the ones who refuse to blend in. Entrepreneurship isn’t polished—it’s raw, relentless, and rebellious. Here, we spotlight the founders and creators who go against the grain, disrupt the norm, and build brands that actually matter. If you’re carving your own path and daring to do business differently, this is your space.

Information

  • Creator
    RBL Media
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    127
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 RBL Media
  • Show Website
    The RBL Media Podcast