Smart Mouth Podcast | Brand Strategy, Marketing & Entrepreneurship

Sasha Fedunchak | Brand Strategist & Business Growth Advisor
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Welcome to Smart Mouth, the podcast for bold thinkers with bite. Hosted by Sasha Fedunchak, brand strategist, creative director, serial founder and unapologetic smartmouth, this show goes deep into the psychology, strategy, and storytelling behind the world’s most irresistible brands. Every week, we break down the moves, mistakes, and mechanics of businesses you know through sharp analysis, real-world case studies, and the kind of honest conversation the internet is usually too scared to have. If you’re obsessed with branding, consumer psychology, influence, marketing, and the art of building a business people can’t stop talking about, you’re in the right place. Big brains. Bigger opinions. Welcome to Smart Mouth.

  1. 06/04/2025

    Beauty Industry Ads with Stephanie Mitchell: From Marketing to Motherhood

    Send us a text In this episode of 'The Beauty of Influence,' Sasha sits down with Stephanie Mitchell, an advertising coach and founder of the Ad Lab program. Stephanie shares her journey from being a marketing director at tech companies to becoming a leading advertising expert for estheticians and hairstylists. She offers invaluable insights into creating effective Instagram and Facebook ad campaigns, the challenges of the beauty industry, and the importance of maintaining integrity in marketing. Stephanie also opens up about her personal experiences with postpartum anxiety and the impact it had on her career. The episode highlights key strategies for boosting posts, running full ad campaigns, and diversifying marketing efforts beyond Instagram. Tune in to learn how Stephanie's innovative approach to ads can help beauty businesses thrive. Connect with Stephanie: @stephaniemitchellmarketing on Instagram Join Stephanie's program, The Ad Lab Get the easy templates to boost your posts with Boosted Bliss Check out the on-demand training, From Overlooked to Overbooked in One Month with Instagram Ads What You'll Hear: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:33 Stephanie Mitchell's Background 02:47 Transition to Beauty Industry 04:00 Creating the Ad Lab Program 06:22 Challenges and Strategies in Beauty Marketing 25:25 Struggling with Mental Health and Business 27:39 Balancing Motherhood and Business 31:30 Boosting Posts vs. Ad Campaigns Free Resources: Is your business BUILT TO OWN? Take the free quiz and find out if you're building an asset, or just operating a 24/7 job. Plus, get actionable insights to start shifting from founder-operator to founder-owner. Market Your Reputation Masterclass: Learn how to leverage what OTHER people are saying about you to book your services and sell out your products. Understand, Control and Grow Cashflow Masterclass: Daring Haus CFO Mike (my hubby!) put together an easy-to-understand masterclass on cash - because really, we all need to know our numbers to grow our businesses. Connect with Sasha: Hang out with Sasha on Instagram and TikTok Follow Daring Haus on Instagram and TikTok Work with Daring Haus: daringhaus.com

    48 min

  2. 06/02/2025

    The 7 Hard Truths We Learned Scaling Our Business as a Couple

    Send us a text In this episode, I'm joined by my Daring Haus co-founder and partner, Mike Farneti, to candidly discuss the recent challenges we've faced while running our business - but trust us, there aren't your typical mistakes. We're revealing the major whoopsies we've made, including poor communication, inconsistent marketing, unclear customer targeting, and neglecting our personal goals and business purpose.  Despite these setbacks, we share valuable lessons on the importance of customer-centric strategies, clear messaging, and aligning personal and business objectives.  Don't miss the upcoming changes to the podcast format, including Mike's addition as a regular co-host, and possibly a new podcast name. Tune in to learn from our journey and improve your own business approach. What You'll Hear: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Update 00:32 Introducing Co-Founder Mike Farneti 01:34 Upcoming Changes to the Podcast 02:24 Seven Business Mistakes and Lessons 03:12 Communication Challenges as Co-Founders 08:09 Inconsistent Marketing and Messaging 15:17 The Importance of Clear Messaging 19:12 Understanding the Customer 22:37 Lessons from Corporate Career 23:33 Understanding Our Customer 24:42 Building a Business Asset 27:00 Finding Ideal Customers 32:09 The 3P Method 35:18 Emotional Positioning 42:02 Evolving with Purpose 43:00 Exciting Future Plans Free Resources: Is your business BUILT TO OWN? Take the free quiz and find out if you're building an asset, or just operating a 24/7 job. Plus, get actionable insights to start shifting from founder-operator to founder-owner. Market Your Reputation Masterclass: Learn how to leverage what OTHER people are saying about you to book your services and sell out your products. Understand, Control and Grow Cashflow Masterclass: Daring Haus CFO Mike (my hubby!) put together an easy-to-understand masterclass on cash - because really, we all need to know our numbers to grow our businesses. Connect with Sasha: Hang out with Sasha on Instagram and TikTok Follow Daring Haus on Instagram and TikTok Work with Daring Haus: daringhaus.com

    47 min

  3. 05/28/2025

    Somatic Healing with The Motherhood Mentor Rebecca Dollard

    Send us a text In this episode of The Beauty of Influence, host Sasha welcomes somatic mind-body life coach and host of the podcast The Motherhood Mentor Rebecca (Becca) Dollard to discuss her unique approach to motherhood, entrepreneurship, and holistic well-being. Becca shares her journey to a mindset set on self-trust and embodiment, revealing the importance of somatic healing in transforming her life. The conversation delves into the challenges of motherhood, overcoming past traumas, and the critical role of somatic practices in reclaiming personal agency. With actionable insights and inspiring anecdotes, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their connection to themselves and improve their life holistically. Listen to Becca’s Podcast, The Motherhood Mentor on all major podcast platforms. Connect/Work with Becca: Instagram: @themotherhoodmentor Website: https://www.the-motherhood-mentor.com What You’ll Hear:  01:09 Becca's Journey into Coaching  03:12 Understanding Somatic Healing  10:49 Breaking Free from Comparison  22:00 The Importance of Slowing Down  30:20 The Value of Somatic Coaching  38:44 Relational Dynamics in Coaching and Therapy  48:56 The Importance of Permission and Self-Discovery  56:03 Concluding Thoughts and Ways to Connect Free Resources: Is your business BUILT TO OWN? Take the free quiz and find out if you're building an asset, or just operating a 24/7 job. Plus, get actionable insights to start shifting from founder-operator to founder-owner. Market Your Reputation Masterclass: Learn how to leverage what OTHER people are saying about you to book your services and sell out your products. Understand, Control and Grow Cashflow Masterclass: Daring Haus CFO Mike (my hubby!) put together an easy-to-understand masterclass on cash - because really, we all need to know our numbers to grow our businesses. Connect with Sasha: Hang out with Sasha on Instagram and TikTok Follow Daring Haus on Instagram and TikTok Work with Daring Haus: daringhaus.com

    1 hr

  4. 05/27/2025

    Feeling Lost in Business? Look at Your Personal Goals

    Send us a text In this very brief episode, I'm sharing a key strategy we use with clients at Daring Haus to help them align their business success to their life - quite simply, it's identifying their personal goals. The truth is, you can do a million different things to "grow your business" - but if you're not growing it in a way that's in line with your personal goals, you're simply creating a job for yourself, not paving the way to time and financial freedom that's possible with entrepreneurship. What You'll Hear Inside: 00:00 Welcome and Quick Introduction 00:15 Reflections on Time and Change 00:55 Navigating Fear in Business 02:00 Importance of Personal Goals 02:40 Balancing Business and Personal Life 05:18 Client Success Story: Not trading time freedom for more revenue 06:41 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Free Resources: Is your business BUILT TO OWN? Take the free quiz and find out if you're building an asset, or just operating a 24/7 job. Plus, get actionable insights to start shifting from founder-operator to founder-owner. Market Your Reputation Masterclass: Learn how to leverage what OTHER people are saying about you to book your services and sell out your products. Understand, Control and Grow Cashflow Masterclass: Daring Haus CFO Mike (my hubby!) put together an easy-to-understand masterclass on cash - because really, we all need to know our numbers to grow our businesses. Connect with Sasha: Hang out with Sasha on Instagram and TikTok Follow Daring Haus on Instagram and TikTok Work with Daring Haus: daringhaus.com

    9 min

  5. 05/21/2025

    Pitching, AI for Media Matchmaking and Personal Branding with PR Expert Nicole Pearl

    Send us a text In this enlightening episode of 'The Beauty of Influence,' host Sasha welcomes Nicole Pearl, a veteran beauty journalist and founder of The Beauty Girl. Nicole shares her extensive journey from being a beauty editor at prestigious magazines to becoming an award-winning PR and media coach. The discussion delves into the intricacies of PR, building a personal brand, the importance of authentic storytelling, and leveraging AI responsibly in media pitches. Nicole also introduces her innovative Media Matchmaker tool designed to help brands identify the best media outlets for their pitches. This episode offers invaluable insights into creating impactful PR strategies and establishing strong media relationships. Connect with Nicole: Instagram: @NicolePearlBeautyGirl Website (with the free tool, Media Matchmaker!): NicolePearl.com What You’ll Hear: 00:00 Introduction 00:18 Meet Nicole Pearl: Beauty Journalist and PR Expert  06:31 Building a Personal Brand  16:44 Innovative PR Approaches and Storytelling  22:18 The Power of Relationships in PR  25:25 Pitching No-Nos and AI in PR  28:10 Tailoring Your PR Strategy for Maximum Impact  31:32 Embracing AI: The Media Matchmaker Tool  36:42 Final Thoughts and Tips for Visibility Free Resources: Is your business BUILT TO OWN? Take the free quiz and find out if you're building an asset, or just operating a 24/7 job. Plus, get actionable insights to start shifting from founder-operator to founder-owner. Market Your Reputation Masterclass: Learn how to leverage what OTHER people are saying about you to book your services and sell out your products. Understand, Control and Grow Cashflow Masterclass: Daring Haus CFO Mike (my hubby!) put together an easy-to-understand masterclass on cash - because really, we all need to know our numbers to grow our businesses. Connect with Sasha: Hang out with Sasha on Instagram and TikTok Follow Daring Haus on Instagram and TikTok Work with Daring Haus: daringhaus.com

    40 min

  6. 05/19/2025

    Relatable, Aspirational, or Underdog: Defining Your Brand's Emotional Positioning

    Send us a text In this episode, Sasha discusses her personal experiences and observations about emotional positioning and brand archetypes. Sasha delves into the concept of emotional positioning, outlining three main archetypes: the underdog, the relatable bestie, and the aspirational icon, and how these impact brand growth and perception. She provides real-life examples of brands and her own business, Daring Haus, to illustrate the importance of aligning emotional positioning with brand strategy. Sasha also talks about the distinctions between branding and marketing and how brands can effectively resonate with their target audience. The episode aims to help you understand and apply these concepts to improve your own brand's influence and success. What You'll Hear: 01:22 Introduction to Today's Topic 02:51 Principles of Influence and Brand Archetypes 04:16 Emotional Positioning and Brand Archetypes 07:20 The Three Brand Archetypes 12:14 Relatable Bestie vs. Aspirational Icon 16:56 Addressing Misalignment in Branding 25:52 Steps to Identify Your Brand's Emotional Positioning Free Resources: Is your business BUILT TO OWN? Take the free quiz and find out if you're building an asset, or just operating a 24/7 job. Plus, get actionable insights to start shifting from founder-operator to founder-owner. Market Your Reputation Masterclass: Learn how to leverage what OTHER people are saying about you to book your services and sell out your products. Understand, Control and Grow Cashflow Masterclass: Daring Haus CFO Mike (my hubby!) put together an easy-to-understand masterclass on cash - because really, we all need to know our numbers to grow our businesses. Connect with Sasha: Hang out with Sasha on Instagram and TikTok Follow Daring Haus on Instagram and TikTok Work with Daring Haus: daringhaus.com

    30 min

  7. 05/12/2025

    How to Transform Your Website into a Sales Powerhouse (My best tips & tricks!)

    Send us a text In this episode, Sasha dives into essential website design tips and strategies for small business owners. Whether you're DIY-ing your website or working with a developer, this episode covers the critical elements that can enhance website performance, from understanding good website practices, SEO, to the buyer's journey. Sasha also shares surprising announcements including new project openings at Daring Haus and a potential sister company focused on website design for the beauty, health, and wellness industry. Detailed examples of client successes and practical DIY tips make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to optimize their website into an evergreen sales machine. What You'll Hear Inside: 03:07 Surprise Announcement 07:52 The Importance of a Well-Designed Website 09:40 Understanding Your Customer and Competitors 12:27 SEO and Copywriting Strategies 16:57 Client Success Stories 22:03 Understanding Website Analytics 22:13 Impressive Click-Through Rates 23:36 Shopify Conversion Rates 24:32 Best Tips for Optimizing Your Website 25:15 SEO Insights and Misconceptions 27:36 Using SEMrush for Keyword Research 32:05 Importance of Navigation and Footer 34:55 Above the Fold Content Strategy 37:35 Effective Website Flow 41:22 Final Thoughts and Offers Free Resources: Is your business BUILT TO OWN? Take the free quiz and find out if you're building an asset, or just operating a 24/7 job. Plus, get actionable insights to start shifting from founder-operator to founder-owner. Market Your Reputation Masterclass: Learn how to leverage what OTHER people are saying about you to book your services and sell out your products. Understand, Control and Grow Cashflow Masterclass: Daring Haus CFO Mike (my hubby!) put together an easy-to-understand masterclass on cash - because really, we all need to know our numbers to grow our businesses. Connect with Sasha: Hang out with Sasha on Instagram and TikTok Follow Daring Haus on Instagram and TikTok Work with Daring Haus: daringhaus.com

    44 min

  8. 05/08/2025

    The Venomous Rise of Intoxicated Cosmetics: Rachel Sommers Ash’s Path to Product Perfection

    Send us a text In this episode of 'The Beauty of Influence,' Sasha interviews Rachel Sommers Ash, CEO and founder of Intoxicated Cosmetics. Rachel shares her unique path from aspiring to work in advertising to creating the first venom-based skincare brand in the beauty industry, driven by a personal journey of loss and self-discovery. The discussion covers the innovative ingredients used in her products, the challenges of launching and growing a business, and the balance between entrepreneurship and motherhood. Listeners are treated to insights into Rachel's fearless approach to branding, her dedication to research, and her relentless drive to succeed. Connect with Rachel: @intoxicatedcosmetics You can shop Intoxicated Cosmetics on their website, intoxicatedcosmetics.com, or online at the following retailers: E Cosmetics, Beauty Bridge, and Nordstrom. Use the code “DARINGHAUS” for 30% off of your next purchase at IntoxicatedCosmetics.com What You’ll Hear: 01:26 Rachel's Background and Journey  03:39 The Birth of Intoxicated Cosmetics  13:22 The Science Behind the Products  24:24 Entrepreneurial Fears and Vulnerability  27:50 Launching the Brand: Early Challenges and Strategies  31:24 Learning from Mistakes: Product Adjustments and Growth  34:11 The Drive to Succeed: Personal Determination and Resilience  39:46 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship  50:46 Final Thoughts and Future Plans Free Resources: Is your business BUILT TO OWN? Take the free quiz and find out if you're building an asset, or just operating a 24/7 job. Plus, get actionable insights to start shifting from founder-operator to founder-owner. Market Your Reputation Masterclass: Learn how to leverage what OTHER people are saying about you to book your services and sell out your products. Understand, Control and Grow Cashflow Masterclass: Daring Haus CFO Mike (my hubby!) put together an easy-to-understand masterclass on cash - because really, we all need to know our numbers to grow our businesses. Connect with Sasha: Hang out with Sasha on Instagram and TikTok Follow Daring Haus on Instagram and TikTok Work with Daring Haus: daringhaus.com

    54 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Welcome to Smart Mouth, the podcast for bold thinkers with bite. Hosted by Sasha Fedunchak, brand strategist, creative director, serial founder and unapologetic smartmouth, this show goes deep into the psychology, strategy, and storytelling behind the world’s most irresistible brands. Every week, we break down the moves, mistakes, and mechanics of businesses you know through sharp analysis, real-world case studies, and the kind of honest conversation the internet is usually too scared to have. If you’re obsessed with branding, consumer psychology, influence, marketing, and the art of building a business people can’t stop talking about, you’re in the right place. Big brains. Bigger opinions. Welcome to Smart Mouth.

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