Joy Makers; Finding Joy in Entrepreneurship

Nichole Howard
  • 4.7 (12)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

”Welcome to the Joy Makers Podcast! I’m your host, Nichole, and I’m a little obsessed with living a meaningful life and leaving a lasting impact. I believe as entrepreneurs, we hold the power to bring immense joy to our clients, communities, and, most importantly, ourselves. But we often need support along the way, which is where this podcast comes in! Join me, biweekly, on this journey as we explore the concepts, ideas, stories, and experiences of those who are on their own entrepreneurial path. I’ll share my insights and learnings as I meet fascinating individuals with inspiring tales, and together, we’ll uncover the keys to a fulfilling, joyful and impactful entrepreneurial journey. This podcast is your go-to source for inspiration, practical wisdom, and the art of blending joy with entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, you’ll find valuable insights and motivation to create a lasting impact while leading a joyful and meaningful life. Tune in and let’s embark on this exciting adventure together!”

  1. May 26

    Ep 44. How Body Image Perfectionism and Comparison Quietly Keep Us Stuck and Impact Our Self Worth with Gabby Morreale

    If you’ve ever felt like you needed to “fix” your body before fully showing up in your life… this episode is for you. 💛 In this conversation, I sit down with therapist and eating disorder specialist Gabby Morreale to talk about body image, perfectionism, healing, and the pressure women carry to constantly change themselves before feeling worthy. Here’s what we unpack: • Why so many women delay visibility until they “look different” • The deeper roots of comparison and perfectionism • How diet culture shapes the way we see ourselves • Why “your body is not your currency” • Gabby’s recovery journey from anorexia and infertility • The importance of community, support, and self-compassion • Small resets for hard days and overwhelming seasons This episode is such an important reminder that your worth was never meant to be measured by your body. ✨   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:31 Why This Topic Matters 02:15 Healing Shapes Leadership 04:17 Building the Practice 06:51 Pandemic Demand and Hiring 08:39 Fertility Journey and Growth 10:28 Support Over Perfection 12:43 Releasing Perfection and Comparison 16:02 Body Is Not Currency 17:09 Delaying Visibility and Root Causes 18:46 Why Body Messages Stick 22:58 Hard Days and Impermanence 24:19 Winter Survival and Reset 27:09 Friendship as Self Care 30:18 Sparkle Round Rapid Fire 32:14 Closing and Where to Find Gabby   About Gabby: Gabby is the Owner and Clinical Director of Recovered & Restored Eating Disorder Therapy Center, based in Ambler and serving clients across PA, NJ, DE, MD, CT, VT, FL, and SC. What began as her personal calling has grown into a thriving group practice of 8 therapists and 3 therapy dogs, all rooted in providing compassionate, trauma-informed care. She is an eating disorder therapist and HAES-aligned provider specializing in the treatment of anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia, binge eating disorder, OCD, and maternal mental health challenges, as well as supporting individuals and families navigating anxiety, trauma, and infertility. Gabby’s work is deeply personal—she is fully recovered from anorexia herself and an IVF warrior, which allows her to bring lived experience, empathy, and understanding into the healing space she creates for others. Outside of her work, Gabby is a mom, wife, and aunt who finds her greatest joy in time with her daughters, niece, and family. She loves the beach, glitter, cooking, fitness, and cozy reality TV nights, and is passionate about living a life rooted in both purpose and joy.   Connect more with Gabby here -  http://facebook.com/RecoveredandRestoredTherapy https://www.instagram.com/gabriellelpc/ https://www.tiktok.com/@Gabriellelpc?lang=en   and with Nichole here -  www.Nicholemchphotography.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/ @IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/   Free Resources - Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator   #BodyImageHealing #EatingDisorderRecovery #SelfWorthJourney #WomenSupportingWomen #HealingJourney #PerfectionismRecovery #MentalHealthPodcast #JoyMakersPodcast

    33 min

  2. Apr 24

    Ep 43. How to Do Disney with Toddlers + Grow Your Platform Authentically with Disney Expert and Content Creator Tighler Thomas

    If you've ever felt overwhelmed planning a Disney trip or thought you had to hit all four parks to make it "worth it," this episode is for you. Nichole sits down with Tighler, Disney travel specialist and content creator, to reimagine what a Disney vacation can look like—especially for families with kids four and under. Tigh shares why focusing on Magic Kingdom (instead of park hopping like crazy) creates more joy and fewer meltdowns, plus practical strategies for making the most of your time without burning out. What You'll Learn: ✨ Disney Planning Strategy: Why slow and intentional beats rushing through all four parks The Magic Kingdom advantage for families with young children What "rope dropping" means and how to do it effectively Transportation trade-offs: free Disney options vs. paid rideshares 💰 Cost-Saving Tips: When annual passes actually save you money (hint: two visits per year) How flexible travel dates can slash your costs The surprising math on driving vs. flying to Disney Budget-friendly planning hacks for families 📸 Content Creation & Instagram Growth: How Tigh turned Disney outfit posts into a massive following Using your marketing background to grow authentically Creating content that's actually fun (not just another job) Networking strategies that accelerate growth Finding your niche with Disney products and Amazon finds Whether you're planning your first Disney trip or your fiftieth, this conversation will shift how you think about Disney vacations—and maybe even inspire you to share your own Disney content.   Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome And Guest Intro 00:24 - Name Story And Background 01:59 - First Disney Trip Memories 05:01 - Slow And Intentional Disney 09:26 - Planning Priorities For Families 12:05 - Rope Dropper Strategy Explained 13:37 - Transportation And Time Hacks 15:47 - Why Become A Disney Specialist 17:24 - How Often She Visits Disney 21:19 - Favorite Character And Classics 24:24 - Disney Princess Strength Ariel 26:50 - Saving on Disney Tickets 27:52 - Annual Pass Perks 29:20 - Flights vs Road Trips 30:27 - Last Minute Planning 32:51 - Disney Outfit Strategy 40:33 - Shopping and Amazon Finds 43:12 - Social Media Growth Secrets 49:11 - Personal Brand and Inspiration 54:45 - Where to Find Tigh   About Tigh Tigh is a Disney Travel Specialist, content creator, and founder known for blending elevated vacation planning with impactful digital storytelling. Through her platform, she partners with leading family and lifestyle brands while creating thoughtfully curated content that inspires modern families to experience Disney in a more seamless, intentional way. As a wife, mother, and business owner, Tigh brings both expertise and authenticity to her work, bridging the gap between aspirational travel and real-life execution.   Connect more with Tigh here -  https://www.instagram.com/travelbytigh/ https://www.tiktok.com/@travelbytigh https://www.facebook.com/people/Travel-By-Tigh/   and with Nichole here -  www.Nicholemchphotography.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/ @IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/   Free Resources - Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator     Keywords: Disney travel planning, Disney with toddlers, Disney kids under 5, Magic Kingdom tips, rope drop Disney, Disney transportation, Disney annual pass, budget Disney vacation, Disney content creator, Instagram growth tips, Disney outfits, Disney Amazon finds, slow travel Disney, intentional Disney trip, Disney travel specialist

    56 min

  3. Apr 6

    Ep 42. It’s Not Just Stress: Why You Don’t Feel Like Yourself Lately

    Andrea Martin, a nurse practitioner and founder of Glow Health, a women’s telemedicine practice focused on sexual health, perimenopause, and menopause, and Nichole discuss how women are often brushed off by the medical system and emphasizes the need for preparation and education about perimenopause, which can affect many body systems and feel isolating. She reviews common symptoms (brain fog, sleep disruption, mood and anxiety changes, pain with sex, vaginal dryness, low libido), explains how cyclic patterns can help identify hormonal shifts, and notes that hormone labs are often unhelpful in perimenopause, though other tests like anemia and vitamin levels may matter. They clarify differences between birth control hormones and menopause hormone therapy, including bioidentical hormones, and explore libido myths, responsive desire, mental load, and tools like clitoral suction devices and magic wands. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:22 Instagram Education and Consistency 02:16 Why Women Feel Brushed Off 03:32 Googling Symptoms and Confusion 04:49 Oil Change Analogy for Perimenopause 07:01 Voice Note on Common Symptoms 08:48 Is It Stress or Hormones 12:08 Hormone Therapy Basics Explained 14:43 Not Feeling Like Myself Signals 17:03 Testing and Lifestyle Foundations 19:57 Libido Myths Midlife 21:05 Spontaneous vs Responsive 22:58 Pleasure Needs First 25:22 Orgasm Reality Check 26:54 Mental Load Kills Mood 29:16 Toys and C**t Anatomy 32:36 Aging Body Identity 33:56 Menopause Mindset Shift 36:13 Where to Find Andrea 37:27 Final Wrap and Review   You can reach Andrea here: https://www.instagram.com/andrea.sexplains.it.all/ Grab her freebie here!: https://glowhealthbyandrea.myflodesk.com/dlx3ti0bt8 You can reach Nichole here: www.Nicholemchphotography.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/ @IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/     Free Resources - Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

    38 min

  4. Mar 12

    [Special Episode] Collaboration with Sarah Abbot of Totline

    In this special collaboration episode with Totline Podcast, Sarah and Nichole talk about entrepreneurship, motherhood, and navigating big life transitions. Nichole shares her whirlwind season of leaving corporate, getting engaged while pregnant, house hunting, and welcoming her baby. Sarah discusses her path from school speech therapist to occupational therapist, launching a private practice, and starting the Totline Podcast. Together they also explore toddler feeding anxiety, the pressures of motherhood and business, and the grounding practices that help them manage stress. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:13 Nichole Life Update 02:07 Sarah Career Pivot 02:58 OT Origin Story 04:41 Gaps in Child Support 07:08 Why Start Podcast 09:05 Entrepreneur Mindset 10:13 Sarah Corporate to Photo 14:14 Building Photography Business 16:03 Niche and Branding 18:03 Toddler Feeding Advice 24:16 Perspective on Parenting Fears 25:51 Mom and Business Owner Balance 26:31 COVID Baby and Early Community 28:38 Burnout Signs and Body Signals 30:04 Societal Pressure and Matrescence 33:02 Grief for the Old Self 39:05 Trust Timing and Stay the Course 39:57 Rituals and Boundaries That Help 45:04 Rebuilding Habits After Baby 49:20 Final Takeaways Self Compassion Listen to Sarah Abbot on The Totline Podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-totline-podcast/id1857630572  You can reach Nichole here: www.Nicholemchphotography.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/ @IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/     Free Resources - Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

    50 min

  5. Mar 6

    Ep 41. Taxes Made Simple: The Truth About Tax Refunds, LLCs, and Write-Offs with CPA Andrew Elkan

    Think getting a big tax refund means you won the year? Think again. In this episode, Nichole sits down with her go-to CPA, Andrew Elkan for a refreshingly honest, jargon-free conversation about the taxes questions every entrepreneur, freelancer, and small business owner is too afraid to ask. Whether you've been running your business for years or just started your LLC last month, this one will change the way you think about your money. Andrew breaks down why the thing most people celebrate at tax time might actually be a red flag and what it really means for your cash flow. He also clears up one of the biggest misconceptions about LLCs (hint: it's probably not what you think it is), and explains the moment it might make sense to flip a switch that completely changes how your business is taxed. They get into write-offs, what actually qualifies, why your coffee run probably counts less than you hoped, and why that "wild" deduction you heard about at a dinner party may not work the way you think. There's a real case that will make your jaw drop a little. Andrew also walks through the tax changes hitting in 2025 that affect tips, overtime pay, and auto loans plus a Philadelphia-specific update that directly impacts local business owners and freelancers. And if you've ever wondered what it's actually like to work with a CPA, Andy shares how he approaches client relationships and why the most important conversations happen before you make a big financial move, not after.   This episode is for you if: You have an LLC and aren't sure what it actually does (or doesn't) protect You've Googled "should I elect S-corp status" and gotten more confused You want to know what's actually deductible before your next business expense You live or work in Philadelphia You want a CPA who explains things like a real person Topics Covered: Tax refunds, LLC basics, S-corp election, reasonable compensation, payroll, write-offs, meal deductions, entertainment deductions, 2025 federal tax law changes, no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, auto loan interest deductions, Philadelphia BIRT exemption, proactive tax planning, working with a CPA   00:00 Meet Andy the CPA 01:56 Are tax refunds REALLY the best case scenario 03:52 LLC Protection Basics 05:40 S Corp Election Explained 09:33 When S Corp Makes Sense 12:43 Write Offs Demystified 14:47 Meals and Deductions Rules 17:01 Creative Write Off Myths 17:51 Wild Write Off Case 18:58 Luxury Purchases Reality Check 19:40 New Federal Tax Breaks 22:25 Philly BIRT Exemption Ends 24:48 Planning Ahead And Organization 28:06 Working With Andy 31:34 Save Money and get an even bigger ROI from your CPA with this Advice 35:36 Reach Out And Wrap Up     About Andy: Andrew Elkan, CPA, is the founder of his own tax preparation and advisory practice, where he helps individuals and small businesses navigate tax strategy with clarity and confidence. After beginning his career in financial planning at Northwestern Mutual, Andy earned his Master of Accounting from Villanova University and went on to pass all four sections of the CPA exam on his first attempt. He then spent five years at Grant Thornton, working with a wide range of clients before launching his own firm to provide more personalized, strategic support to entrepreneurs and families. Andy specializes in helping business owners understand not just what they owe, but why — breaking down complex tax concepts into clear, practical guidance that empowers better financial decisions year-round. Outside of the office, he’s a proud season ticket holder of the Philadelphia Eagles and once crossed “compete in a professional wrestling match” off his bucket list — in a match against his brother, no less.    You can connect more with Andy here:  https://www.andrewelkancpa.com/   And with Nichole here: www.Nicholemchphotography.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/ @IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/   Free Resources - Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

    37 min

  6. Feb 26

    Ep 40. (Expanded ver.) Why Social Media Visibility Feels Hard for Moms Who Own Businesses and What to Do About It

    In this expanded version of the previous episode, Nichole speaks to moms building businesses who feel guilt or emotional exhaustion around being visible online. After experiencing a “wired and tired” vulnerability hangover herself, she explores how modern motherhood, nervous system changes, and cultural pressure make visibility feel heavier than it should. She explains the biology behind mom guilt — from postpartum brain shifts to stress hormones — and why it’s not a mindset problem to push through. Instead, she offers a compassionate approach: regulate first, question the guilt story, prioritize presence over proximity, and redefine courage as vulnerability plus self-trust so showing up can feel safer and more sustainable. 00:00 Why Visibility Feels So Hard for Mom Entrepreneurs (Episode Setup) 01:09 The “Wired & Tired” Vulnerability Hangover: A Personal Story 05:20 From Quiet Work to Personal Brands: How Business Changed 09:19 The First Generation Asked to Do Both: Motherhood + Visibility 12:21 Mom Guilt Explained: The Caregiving Brain & Threat Response 14:33 Hormones, Stress, and the Body Signals Behind Guilt 16:55 Regulate First: Grounding Practices Before Mindset or Strategy 18:50 Reframing the Story: Presence Over Proximity 22:31 Mantras That Your Nervous System Can Believe 25:13 Quiet Courage & Worthiness: Showing Up Without the Armor (Wrap-Up)   www.Nicholemchphotography.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/ @IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/   Free Resources - Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

    30 min

  7. Feb 9

    Ep 39. Why Social Media Visibility Feels Hard for Moms Who Own Businesses and What to Do About It

    Showing up on social media as a mother can feel heavier than anyone prepares you for. In this episode, we explore why personal branding on social media feels so different after motherhood—and why visibility can feel exhausting, vulnerable, and emotionally loaded for moms in business. Through a personal story and an honest conversation about motherhood, biology, and cultural expectations, this episode unpacks the real reasons visibility feels hard—not because of strategy, but because of the internal and societal pressure mothers carry. We talk about the “wired and tired” feeling so many moms experience, how perfectionism shows up online, and why courage—not confidence—has to come first when building a personal brand. Inspired by Brené Brown’s work on wholehearted living, this episode invites you to rethink how you show up on social media, release the pressure to perform, and lead with authenticity instead of exhaustion. You’ll hear about: Why social media visibility feels emotionally different after motherhood The biological, cultural, and internal pressures moms face online Personal branding through the lens of courage, worthiness, and vulnerability How to show up on social media without burning out or abandoning yourself Redefining success and visibility as a mother and entrepreneur If you’re a mom navigating social media, personal branding, and the desire to be seen without losing yourself, this episode is for you.   www.Nicholemchphotography.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/ @IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/   Free Resources - Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

    16 min

  8. Jan 26

    Ep 38. Finding Joy in Change: Staying Present and Grounded During Life and Work Transitions with Tracy Davidson

    In this episode of the Joy Makers Podcast, host Nichole introduces Tracy Davidson, a distinguished Emmy award-winning journalist and professional speaker. Tracy's impressive career spans over 30 years, known for delivering trusted information and inspiring resilience through her stories. Transitioning from her role at NBC 10 to full-time speaking, Tracy provides deep insights on maintaining present and joyful living. Listen as she discusses practical strategies for staying grounded during life's shifts, discovering personal identities amid change, and sharing the profound importance of human connection and self-care. Tracy also shares her 'Reset Protocol,' a method to navigate overwhelming moments, and highlights the power of curiosity and courage in fostering personal growth and joy. 00:00 Welcome to the Joy Makers Podcast 00:14 Introducing Tracy Davidson 00:30 Tracy's Career Journey 01:50 The Importance of Presence and Joy 04:35 Navigating Identity Shifts 06:51 Self-Care and Creativity 08:40 Embracing Transitions with Grace 13:06 Gratitude and Resilience 15:18 The Reset Protocol 16:13 Curiosity and Self-Assessment 16:37 Understanding and Managing Reactions 16:57 Evaluating Options and Taking Action 17:50 Transitioning to New Challenges 19:04 Building Confidence and Embracing Change 20:54 Finding Joy in Learning and Growth 23:55 Overcoming Self-Doubt 26:29 The Power of Connection and Helping Others 27:08 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts   You can connect more with Tracy here - https://www.tracydavidson.com/ https://liftingyourvoice.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracydavidson/ and with Nichole here - www.Nicholemchphotography.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/ @IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/

    30 min
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4.7
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

”Welcome to the Joy Makers Podcast! I’m your host, Nichole, and I’m a little obsessed with living a meaningful life and leaving a lasting impact. I believe as entrepreneurs, we hold the power to bring immense joy to our clients, communities, and, most importantly, ourselves. But we often need support along the way, which is where this podcast comes in! Join me, biweekly, on this journey as we explore the concepts, ideas, stories, and experiences of those who are on their own entrepreneurial path. I’ll share my insights and learnings as I meet fascinating individuals with inspiring tales, and together, we’ll uncover the keys to a fulfilling, joyful and impactful entrepreneurial journey. This podcast is your go-to source for inspiration, practical wisdom, and the art of blending joy with entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, you’ll find valuable insights and motivation to create a lasting impact while leading a joyful and meaningful life. Tune in and let’s embark on this exciting adventure together!”

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