Follow Your Joy Podcast by Marla Diann

Marla Diann
  • 5.0 (10)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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I'm your host, Marla Diann! I've been transforming creative entrepreneurs' lives for over 26 years through two businesses. As a success coach and business strategist, I am passionate about helping entrepreneurs collapse the time frame of achieving their desires and goals. It's time to make joy your inner GPS for life and business decisions rather than lean on your logic and reason, first. You'll not only be following what is most authentic to you and for you, but you will live the beautiful life meant just for you. Here at Follow Your Joy Podcast, I aspire for you, the highly talented and passionate creative entrepreneur, to do what brings you joy more often …because you learned to listen to your intuition and take action on that guidance. This is where you'll find inspiring entrepreneurial stories and solocasts that prove listening to your intuition is certainly the doorway to your wisdom, your genius and your joy. Joy is not to be relegated to a good feeling. It's a life & business strategy. When we follow our joy and stay tuned into it, we will live a more authentic life. Not sure how to access, use or trust your intuition living in a logical, intellectual world? Join me in the conversation to find out how!

  1. 2D AGO

    The Season After Hustle: Intuitive Branding & Feminine Leadership in Business with Luna Battalia

    Watch & Subscribe on YouTube (insert link)    Women entrepreneurs, see if this feels familiar.  You've built the business. It runs. It generates revenue. It makes the impact you desire.  And now… you're asking a deeper question. Who am I becoming next? In Episode 99 of Follow Your Joy, I'm joined by Luna Battalia — Leadership Mentor, Founder of Caru Creative, and creator of Animist Branding™ — a psychology-driven approach to branding rooted in intuition, intimacy, and feminine leadership. Luna works with mature women at the intersection of personal evolution and professional legacy. Her clients are no longer chasing growth metrics — they are building bodies of work that matter. Inside this episode, we explore:  • What happens when ambition softens into wonder • Why scaling isn't always the answer • How to relate to your business as a living entity — not just a revenue machine • The psychology behind powerful brand messaging • How to "listen between the lines" to uncover your true voice • Why Luna retired a successful podcast — and what that decision unlocked • The difference between identifying as your brand vs. tending to it Luna shares her Business as Entity™ philosophy — a shift from controlling your business to being in relationship with it. Because when your brand is treated as something living, breathing, evolving… The pressure dissolves. The clarity sharpens. The message deepens. This conversation is aligned beautifully with my La Vita e Bella brand for women entrepreneurs in their 40s, 50s and beyond who have built stability — and are now ready to lead from intuition, essence, and legacy. Luna is offering Follow Your Joy listeners 10% savings on her Messenger | Master the Art of Being Heard program, a six-figure step-by-step messaging system rooted in her Animist Branding™ and buyer psychology to become a better storyteller, and get more sales. Access her program link and savings inside the Portal of Joy www.marladiann.com/podcast/portal If you're in a season of tending rather than chasing — this episode will meet you there. ---------------------------- Resources + Links: https://www.lunaloveleadership.com https://www.facebook.com/lunaloveleadership https://www.instagram.com/lunabattalia https://www.linkedin.com/in/luna-battalia-352404248 Luna's gift: Access inside the Portal of Joy → www.marladiann.com/podcast/portal Messenger | Master the Art of Being Heard  (10% savings for FYJ listeners) a 6-figure step-by-step messaging system peeling back the curtain on the proprietary Animist Branding™ and buyer-psychology approach to confidently share your mission, become a better storyteller, and get more sales.  Inspired by the episode? Don't stop here, unlock the vetted tools, resources, and free downloads from Marla's podcast guests mentioned during episodes. Click here to access the portal of joy. https://marladiann.com/podcast/portal/ On the path of reinvention? New chapter? Done with pushing, hustling, living in overloaded, burnout mode too often as a mature woman entrepreneur? Fill out a form to be on a waiting list for the next 90-day Soul-Led Next Level Portal coming soon. https://tinyurl.com/soul-led-call

    1h 2m

  2. FEB 3

    Planting Seeds of Creativity & Wonder: How One Woman's Vision is Helping Children Dream Bigger

    Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @marladiann Be ready to open your heart and respond in awe at what this one woman has done in the name of transforming children's lives. In this deeply heartening episode of Follow Your Joy, I welcome educator and nonprofit founder Sheila Grantham, Executive Director of Adventures to Dreams Enrichment, a Long Beach-based youth garden and enrichment nonprofit creating a safe, imaginative space where children can thrive—through creativity, nature, and community. Sheila shares how a single startling, yet intuitive moment sparked her mission to help children dream beyond their circumstances. What began as field trips turned into a full-blown movement rooted in gardening, art, and hands-on learning for youth—especially those living in high-risk neighborhoods. She believes children should be able to dream bigger than their circumstances—and that creativity, nature, and love can lead the way. She is joined by Vivi Goh, her visionary support from the beginning. Inside this episode: The moment that moved Sheila to action by creating a garden of hope for children in underserved communities Why "Busy Hands = Busy Minds" is at the heart of her teaching philosophy How she blends creativity, gardening, and social impact in her nonprofit The power of intuition in running a values-driven mission Her beautiful advice to dreamers, givers, and creative entrepreneurs 🌻 Access her Kids Gardening Guide (perfect for parents, teachers & caregivers) inside the Portal of Joy → www.marladiann.com/podcast/portal - Kids Gardening Free Guide inspires young green thumbs with fun, creative, hands-on activities that make growing their first plants easy and playful. Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Amazon & iHeart   Resources + Links: FB - https://www.facebook.com/adventurestodreamsenrichment/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/adventurestodreams/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/adventurestodreamsenrichment TikTok: @adventurestodreams Youtube: @adventurestodreamsenrichme4514   Fill out a form to be on a waiting list for the next 90-day Soul-Led Next Level Portal coming soon. https://tinyurl.com/soul-led-call Loved this episode? Don't stop here, unlock the tools, resources, and free downloads mentioned during the episode. Click here to access the portal of joy. https://marladiann.com/podcast/portal/

    1h 5m

  3. JAN 21

    When the Map Doesn't Exist—You Follow Your Soul: Lisa Schoenthal's Story

    Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @Marladiann What if your next adventure wasn't just a vacation—but a sacred return to yourself? The theme of this episode: "My guest booked a One-Way Ticket to Herself—and Never Looked Back." In this heartfelt and energetic episode of Follow Your Joy, I'm joined by Lisa Schoenthal—storyteller, retreat leader, and soulful founder of Breath of Freedom—a movement for women ready to release the performance, claim their truth, and live in liberated, beautiful alignment. Lisa's journey is anything but ordinary. From high-pressure event sales to flight attendant at 47 to now curating transformational retreats in Mexico and beyond, Lisa shares how following her intuition (and a few unexpected soul nudges) led to the work she was always meant to do. Inside this episode: Lisa's personal story of burnout, travel, and rebirth that led to writing her book The Men We Meet Behind the scenes of what really happens at her retreats—and why women leave forever changed How storytelling, movement, and sisterhood become catalysts for healing and joy The trip that changed her life—and sparked her entire body of work Why intuition—not logic—is her business strategy Her advice to creative, ambitious women who are done with hustle and ready for deeper fulfillment This is a love letter to the woman who's craving connection, freedom, and a community that sees her. Lisa's community, retreats, and podcast can be found below: Resources + Links: www.breathoffreedom.com https://www.facebook.com/LisaSchoenthalTransformationalMentor https://www.instagram.com/lisa_schoenthal_ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-schoenthal-transformationalmentor   Portal of Joy Gifts: https://marladiann.com/podcast/portal/ Lisa's Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery and Transformation-your invitation to slow down, tune in, and rediscover your magic. Her next 90-day Soul-Led Next Level Portal begins on January 28 2026. Curious? Book your Soul-Led-Next-Chapter Call: https://tinyurl.com/soul-led-call Loved this episode? Don't stop here, unlock the tools, resources, and free downloads mentioned during the episode. Click here to access the portal of joy. https://marladiann.com/podcast/portal/

    53 min

  4. JAN 6

    When the Old Blueprint No Longer Fits. The Year That Reshaped Me.

    Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @Marladiann   What a year.  In this New Year solo cast, I reflect on the trials and triumphs of 2025—and the deep inner transformation that inspired my newest chapter. After one of the most intense years for millions of us - personally, professionally, and globally, I'm emerging with a brand-new lifestyle vision: La Vita e Bella—a movement for refined women 45+ who are ready to reinvent with feminine wisdom, elegance, creativity, and joy. In this episode, I share: The 2025 Spotify Wrap-Up of Follow Your Joy and our top 7 episodes My biggest gratitudes (and lessons) of the past year How I'm integrating social selling, affiliate marketing & women's wellness into my next chapter, brand, and impact What inspired the launch of La Vita e Bella, my new lifestyle brand 7 powerful signs that you are ready to start a new chapter in 2026 Why hormonal and brain shifts are changing how women 45+ live, set boundaries, and own their power How I redefined success rooted in feminine wisdom and guiding women to do the same inside the Soul Led Next Level Portal (enrollment closes Jan 19) Allow this episode to be a sign for you - Let it be a turning point—where your next season becomes less about performance, and more about presence, validation, beauty, and embodied leadership while creating results you love. A new season calls for a new rhythm—one where your desires lead, your nervous system is regulated, and your intuition runs the show. Resources + Links: Soul-Led Next Level Portal details: www.marladiann.com/soulled Her next 90-day Soul-Led Next Level Portal begins on January 28, 2026. Book your Curation Call: https://tinyurl.com/soul-led-call Portal of Joy where we house hand selected high value free downloads from my expert guests.  https://marladiann.com/podcast/portal/

    53 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    The Voice Whisperer: Transforming Authors Through the Power of Sound (Audiobooks)

    What if your voice was your greatest creative tool?   In this week's Follow Your Joy podcast episode, meet Vaughn Fahie—a jazz saxophonist, intuitive audio engineer, and creative visionary behind Audio Newborn Productions and The Voice Brander. Vaughn's journey began with a love for music three decades ago, following his intuition to become a full-time artist even before the money caught up. Today, he brings that same artistic soul into the audiobook world—helping first-time authors step into their authentic voice and record their books with confidence and heart. He's like a voice whisperer—intuitively guiding authors to speak from their soul, not their script. His process transforms recording from a "daunting task" into an inspiring experience of self-expression. His greatest joy? Watching his clients go from self-doubt to "When can I record my next book?" It's about overcoming fear, unlocking expression, and honoring the legacy of your voice. In this soulful and enlightening episode, we talk about: How Vaughn integrated his musical career with his creation of Audio Newborn Productions His actor's studio-style process to help authors speak their truth Why every voice has a "voiceprint"—and how to find yours How sound carries our stories, emotions, and energy into the world 🎁 Plus, get Vaughn's free ebook Push Record So the World Can Push Play to discover how your voice can become your legacy → Find it in the Portal of Joy: www.marladiann.com/podcast/portal Streaming on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Amazon, YouTube (@marladiann) Resources + Links: Instagram: @vaughnfahie LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaughnthevoicebrander  FB: Vaughn Fahie https://audionewbornproductions.com   Marla loves helping ambitious women redefine and integrate new success metrics that honor their feminine arts & wisdom blended with masculine strategies creating a new identity, next chapter and new relationship with money. Her next 90-day Soul-Led Next Level Portal begins in late January 2026. Curious? Book your Soul-Led-Next-Chapter curation call: https://tinyurl.com/soul-led-call Loved this episode? Don't stop here, unlock the tools, resources, and free downloads mentioned during the episode. Click here to access the portal of joy. https://marladiann.com/podcast/portal/

    55 min

  6. 11/11/2025

    Messages from Florence: A Love Letter to Italy, Life, Intuition, & Next Chapters

    Buongiorno… or perhaps Buonasera—depending on where you are in the world. Today's episode is a heart-opening love letter to Florence, Italy. And if you've ever stepped foot in a foreign city and felt inexplicably at home—like your soul had been there before—this story will speak to you. I'm joined by the beautiful and wise Melinda Gallo, writer, intuitive expat, website developer, and author of the exquisite new book Messages from Florence—a collection of soulful reflections, photography, and poetic messages received through her 21-year journey of living in Florence. Melinda didn't plan to live in Italy. But after arriving for what was meant to be a three-month break to learn Italian and find inspiration, the city had other plans. Within weeks, she had an apartment, a job, and a whole new life—and she's been guided by Florence ever since. Inside this romantic, soulful episode, we talk about: How Melinda followed her intuition (and left a successful tech career in Paris) to start over in Italy Why Florence became her muse, her teacher, and her greatest guide The story behind her book Messages from Florence and how it was divinely downloaded over years of quiet communion with the city The creative rituals and intuitive practices that shaped her path What it truly means to lead a heart-centered life A beautiful $10-off gift for Messages from Florence—link below! Melinda's story reminds us that reinvention doesn't always begin with a plan. Often it begins with a feeling… and the courage to follow it. 🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Amazon, YouTube or: 👉 www.marladiann.com/ep94 🛍️ Grab Melinda's stunning book with $10 off: Available via the Portal of Joy → www.marladiann.com/podcast/portal Resources + Links: www.melindagallo.com https://www.facebook.com/LivingInFlorence/ https://www.instagram.com/melindagallo   Marla's favorite mentoring - Helping ambitious women redefine and integrate new success metrics that honor their feminine arts & wisdom blended with masculine strategies creating a new identity, next chapter and new relationship with money. Her next 90-day Soul-Led Next Level Portal begins in late January 2026. Curious? Book your Soul-Led-Next-Chapter Call: https://tinyurl.com/soul-led-call Loved this episode? Don't stop here, unlock the tools, resources, and free downloads mentioned during the episode. Click here to access the portal of joy. https://marladiann.com/podcast/portal/

    41 min

  7. 10/29/2025

    Elevating Voices in Wine: A Conversation on Growth, Diversity, Intuition, & Impact

    You are going to love this week's episode of the Follow Your Joy Podcast—it's an inspiring, full-circle moment with someone I've had the honor of walking alongside for over 17 years as a dear friend and client: Brianne Cohen, a Los Angeles based certified sommelier, event producer, writer, and wine industry trailblazer. Brianne and I met in 2007 when we were both navigating reinvention. Since then, she's built a remarkable career that blends creativity, entrepreneurship, strategy—and of course, a deep love of wine. In our conversation, we explore: +How she scaled her online wine education business during the pandemic to serve over 10,000+ people +The exact way she uses her intuition to evaluate opportunities and protect her time +Her international wine writing career with features in Decanter, Edible, and Business Insider + Her commitment to spotlighting diverse-owned wines (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women-owned) And we are celebrating her newest accomplishments as Lead Sommelier at Montauk restaurant in Redondo Beach and her role as President of the LA Chapter of Women for WineSense From galas and capital campaigns to curated wine tastings for corporate teams and ERGs, Brianne has redefined success on her own terms—and she's still evolving. She's also gifting you her fan-favorite guide: "Answers to the 5 Most Commonly Asked Wine Questions" Grab it here: marladiann.com/podcast/portal Resources + Links: Instagram: @Sommspirations FB & LI: Brianne Pergola Cohen www.briannecohen.com   Marla's favorite mentoring - Helping ambitious women redefine and integrate new success metrics that honor their feminine arts & wisdom blended with masculine principles creating a new identity, next chapter and new relationship with money. Her next 90-day Soul-Led Next Level Portal begins in late January 2026. Curious? Book your Soul-Led-Next-Chapter Call: https://tinyurl.com/soul-led-call Loved this episode? Don't stop here, unlock the tools, resources, and free downloads mentioned during the episode. Click here to access the portal of joy. https://marladiann.com/podcast/portal/

    46 min

  8. 10/15/2025

    The Wisdom of the Herd: What Horses Teach Us About Ourselves Through Intuition, Identity & Midlife Reinvention

    If you've been craving a more soulful connection to your body, your intuition, and the way you lead your life—this episode is a breath of fresh air. It's not just about horses. It's about coming home to you. I'm so delighted to bring you today's deeply moving conversation with transformational coach and equine guide, Sue Willoughby, founder of Willoughby Coaching and host of the Midlife Strategies for Badass Women podcast. This episode explores something I've been fascinated by for years: the intuitive, spiritual, and healing power of horses—and how they reflect back to us the truth of who we are. My closest friends are horse women. I love the whole intuitive aspect of horses and how they teach us the importance of being grounded, authentic, and transparent. From my early mentor Kendall Summerhawk's teachings in her book Brilliance Unbridled, to Sue's equine-assisted coaching practice, I've witnessed again and again how horses become sacred mirrors of our inner lives. They teach us about leadership, presence, boundaries, and the wisdom of being in a "herd"—a community where everyone matters and connection is everything. Sue brings her lived wisdom, humor, resilience, and story to this episode in a way that's both grounding and inspiring. She shares candidly about her path: ·      Growing up in hardship and learning to self-soothe through her bond with horses ·      Coming out gay as a young woman and navigating her identity through decades of growth and reinvention ·      Saying yes to risk, creativity, and change—leaving behind a 6-figure job to follow her calling ·      How skydiving became the metaphor (and literal leap!) into her next career And at the heart of her message is this powerful truth: Horses are intuitive, present, and emotionally honest. When we partner with them, they help us become the same. You'll also learn: What equine-assisted coaching actually looks like in practice Why Sue believes working with horses is not just healing—but life-changing for many women in midlife How horses sense and reflect back our incongruence, helping us re-align with our intuition The power of somatic awareness in decision-making Her involvement in the documentary film Rescued Hearts and what it revealed to her about communal healing Sue's work guides women from feeling burned out and boxed in to becoming resilient, radiant, and unshakable. Sue's secondary focus and passion is real estate and podcasting. She teaches real estate investors and realtors how to build a podcast platform for their brand. She's offering you a robust free workbook and download to begin that journey for yourself.  Links below. Tune in now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, YouTube or iHeart Radio. Let this be your invitation to reinvent your success metrics through presence, community, and intuitive trust. Resources + Links: FB: willoughbycoaching Instagram: sue_willoughby LinkedIn: suewilloughby -Sue's newsletter, tips: https://willoughbycoaching.com -Download Sue's free gift in our Portal of Joy: Podcasting for Real Estate Pros" Series + Companion Workbook. Access in the Portal of Joy https://marladiann.com/podcast/portal Exclusive access to all 21 episodes of Podcasting for Real Estate Pros: Attract Clients, Build Trust, and Stand Out in a Crowded Market—along with the official Companion Workbook to guide your journey. The lessons apply to any entrepreneur ready to add podcasting to their marketing arsenal. Loved this episode? Unlock all the tools, downloads, and featured guest resources at the Portal of Joy: https://marladiann.com/podcast/portal Book your Soul-Led Next Chapter call with Marla: https://tinyurl.com/soul-led-call

    52 min
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

I'm your host, Marla Diann! I've been transforming creative entrepreneurs' lives for over 26 years through two businesses. As a success coach and business strategist, I am passionate about helping entrepreneurs collapse the time frame of achieving their desires and goals. It's time to make joy your inner GPS for life and business decisions rather than lean on your logic and reason, first. You'll not only be following what is most authentic to you and for you, but you will live the beautiful life meant just for you. Here at Follow Your Joy Podcast, I aspire for you, the highly talented and passionate creative entrepreneur, to do what brings you joy more often …because you learned to listen to your intuition and take action on that guidance. This is where you'll find inspiring entrepreneurial stories and solocasts that prove listening to your intuition is certainly the doorway to your wisdom, your genius and your joy. Joy is not to be relegated to a good feeling. It's a life & business strategy. When we follow our joy and stay tuned into it, we will live a more authentic life. Not sure how to access, use or trust your intuition living in a logical, intellectual world? Join me in the conversation to find out how!

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