The Dream Biz® Podcast | Anti-Hustle Business Strategies for Creative Entrepreneurs

Christi Johnson, Compassionate Business Coach for Creative Business Owners
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you a creative or neurodivergent entrepreneur ready to ditch hustle culture and grow your business in a way that puts your mental health first? This podcast is for you! Join me weekly for actionable tips to grow your business at your own pace and make marketing feel fun and easy. Whether you’re redesigning your offers, refining your marketing strategies, or finding clarity in your vision, I’m here to guide you every step of the way and help you make your business unique to who you are and grow your biz without the burnout. Let's make your Dream Biz® a reality, shall we?

  1. 2D AGO

    200 | Hustle Culture or Cozy Culture? Which is Best for Business?

    Today's topic is inspired by a threads post where they were wondering where the people were who didn't follow hustle culture, but also didn't fall into the soft/cozy culture of business and how they actually think business should be a mix of both. Let's talk about it! How do you build a sustainable business? For me, it involves: Putting self-care as a foundation Following your natural energy rhythmsSpending time on things you LOVE so that they feel easierStarting with self acceptanceWant to work with me? Visit christijohnsoncreative.com

    26 min

  2. FEB 4

    199 | How to Prevent and Recover from Burnout as a Business Owner

    Today I’m sharing with you some signs of burnout as a business owner, what you can do to prevent burnout, and how to recover from burnout if you’re in it.  *Note* These are my personal opinions and are not to be taken as medical or professional advice. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or burnout, please seek the help of a licensed professional.  Burnout can happen when we experience periods of prolonged stress or when we are not experiencing joy in our daily lives.  Signs of burnout: Anxiety Feelings of restlessness Overwhelm with no end in sight Sickness Dispondance; lack of joy How to prevent/recover from burnout: Remember you are not bad for suffering from burnout; you are human Find a way to release stress physically (exercise, dancing, jumping jacks, singing, etc) Ask for help Remove things from your plate (you may need help doing this because everything probably feels important Take up space; be aimless Care for your physical body (take time to do your hair, put on clothes, eat nourishing meals, get enough sleep) Practice Creativity (go on photo walks, take up old hobbies, start new hobbies. It’s ok if you’re not “good” at it.) Liz Moody Podcast Episode mentioned on Creativity and Burnout Follow me on Instagram @christijohnsoncreative  Work with me christijohnsoncreative.com

    29 min

  3. JAN 28

    198 | Chuck the Suck: A Fun Game to Make Your Daily Operations More Fun

    In this episode, business coach Christi Johnson teaches you a fun game to play to make your daily operations in your business more fun: Chuck the Suck. To play Chuck the Suck, you write down all the things that you absolutely hate doing in your business and don't bring you joy. You then tear them off into little strips and decide what to do with the strips. Do you want to burn them? Rip them up and throw them away? Or make a game out of it like one example Christi gives? Once you've decided what you never want to do again, you then commit to running your business without all the sucky things because the truth is there's nothing that you HAVE to do. You can either not do the thing or delegate it. Let Christi know what you put on your Chuck the Suck list! Message her on Instagram at @christijohnsoncreative or email her christi@christijohnsoncreative.com

    10 min

  4. JAN 21

    197 | Creativity and Making Big Moves Towards Your Dreams with Kevin Chung [Dream Biz Journey 9]

    In this episode, creative business coach Christi Johnson and creative entrepreneur Kevin Chung talk about building a creative life on your own terms. Kevin shares how he’s balancing contract work with his creative business, why he and his wife made a bold move to Costa Rica, and what it really looks like to pursue big dreams one intentional step at a time. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why creative play and curiosity matter (especially when business feels heavy or high-stakes) Kevin’s “creative lore,” from Disney inspiration to building a creative business The mindset shift from chasing formulas to experimenting with what feels inspiring What sparked Kevin and his wife’s decision to move to Costa Rica—and how quickly it came together How vision boards, writing things down, and daily intention created momentum Lessons from an early “failed” course launch and what he learned about audience + messaging How Kevin balances steady income with creative freedom (and why that’s a valid path) His long-term dream of hosting creative retreats/residencies and building community through collaboration Connect with Kevin Chung: Instagram: @standoutcreativebusiness Substack: standoutcreativebusiness.substack.com

    50 min

  5. JAN 14

    196 | The Science of Procrastination & How to Master Your Time with Robin J. Emdon [Dream Biz Journey 8]

    In this episode, Business Coach Christi Johnson chats with Robin J. Emdon (the “Procrastination Slayer”) about why procrastination isn’t laziness—and how to build momentum toward your goals using brain science (not willpower). In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between procrastination vs. laziness (and why it matters) Why “staying busy” can still keep you stuck How to build momentum on what actually moves your dreams forward How stress/“threat mode” shuts down follow-through (especially for ADHD brains) Robin’s simple brain-based framework for productivity (dopamine, focus, and the right amount of pressure) Free gifts from Robin: Get the book as a free PDF at reallyusefultips.com Join the free 5-day Skyrocket Your Productivity Challenge at skyrocketyourproductivitychallenge.com

    47 min

  6. 12/04/2025

    195 | Design Your Dream Days and Do What Works for You with Business Coach Tracy Stanger [Dream Biz Journey 7]

    >Read the Transcript In this episode, I’m joined by anti-hustle business coach and one of my favorite humans on the internet, Tracy Stanger. 🌿 Tracy believes there’s very little in life or business you actually “have” to do—and that when you focus on the result you want (instead of the to-do list you think you should follow), a lot more freedom opens up. We talk about her philosophy of “shit you don’t have to do,” what it means to live like you’re retired now, and how she builds her business to fit inside the life she actually wants… not the other way around. We also dive into: Designing your dream days around your real capacity Questioning the so-called “have-tos” in your business and finding gentler alternatives Selling in a way that feels like you (hello, Café Tracy 🥐) Navigating new seasons, parenting, and business with less stress and more intention Letting yourself want more money without becoming a burnouty business villain Tracy also shares her Future You Dream Day exercise so you can start imagining (and building) your own dream days right now. Hit play to rethink what you actually have to do—and what you’re finally ready to let go of. 🎧💛 Connect with Tracy: Website: tracystanger.comInstagram: @tracy.stangerFreebies [including Coffeehouse Table, Simple Human Selling, & Future You Dream Day Exercise]: tracystanger.com/freebies

    47 min
  7. 194 | Creative Play as a Business Strategy

    11/26/2025

    194 | Creative Play as a Business Strategy

    Today I’m sharing the part of my burnout story I don’t talk about often: the moment I realized strategy wasn’t going to save me, but creativity would. I take you behind the scenes of what it was like navigating panic attacks, fear-driven decision-making, and the pressure to “fix my business fast.” And then I share the surprising shift that changed everything: learning how to play again. We’ll talk about:✨ Why you can’t make aligned decisions from fear✨ How hustle culture disconnects you from your own creativity✨ What happens in your brain when you embrace creative play✨ Why “pointless,” imperfect fun is actually productive✨ How creative practices helped me heal, dream again, and rebuild a business that feels like me If you’ve been stuck in pressure, perfectionism, or overthinking — this episode is your permission slip to color outside the lines, scribble just because, and make things simply for the joy of making them. Join the free community:Creative writing + art practices twice a month inside The Dream Biz Lounge → christijohnsoncreative.com/lounge Make your own Joy Menu:Create simple routines that bring ease, creativity, and nervous system regulation into your day → cjc.myflodesk.com/joy Ask me about The Dream Biz® Playground on Instagram:@christijohnsoncreative

    13 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    193 | The Enough Business Plan: Simplifying Your Tasks When Your Energy is Low

    Feeling low energy lately? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing how I use my Enough Business Plan—the simplest, most sustainable version of my business—to keep things running smoothly even on low-energy days. I’ll walk you through how I identify my “enough” tasks, structure my business around what actually matters, and create space for rest and reflection without guilt. ✨ Tune in to hear: How I plan my year, quarter, month, and week with ease The tasks that truly move the needle in my business Why doing less can actually make your business more successful Because your business should support your energy, not steal it. 💛 Want to learn to create your enough business plan? Join me in The Dream Biz Lab!

    11 min
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Are you a creative or neurodivergent entrepreneur ready to ditch hustle culture and grow your business in a way that puts your mental health first? This podcast is for you! Join me weekly for actionable tips to grow your business at your own pace and make marketing feel fun and easy. Whether you’re redesigning your offers, refining your marketing strategies, or finding clarity in your vision, I’m here to guide you every step of the way and help you make your business unique to who you are and grow your biz without the burnout. Let's make your Dream Biz® a reality, shall we?

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