Joy Makers; Finding Joy in Entrepreneurship

Nichole Howard
  • 4.7 (13)
  • 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. Sep 4

    Ep 48. Stop Overthinking Your Content: Authentic Video, Visibility & Connection with Lindsay Dowrick

    I think a lot of us are waiting to feel confident on camera before we start showing up. But what if confidence actually comes from letting yourself be seen? 👀 In this episode, Lindsay Dowrick and I talk about the fear, judgment, and overthinking that can come with creating video content—and how much easier it becomes when you stop trying to perform. We talk about: • Getting comfortable being yourself on camera • Why you don’t need to chase every social media trend • The difference between “yapping” and actually having a message • How to create videos that feel natural instead of overly scripted • Finding one clear takeaway for every piece of content • Turning real client questions into content ideas • Why repeating your message is completely okay • Protecting your creative energy while staying consistent If you’ve been thinking, “I know I should be doing video, but I just don’t feel comfortable on camera,” this episode might be exactly what you need. ✨ You don’t need to become someone else online. You just need to get a little more comfortable being you. 💛 #CameraConfidence #AuthenticContent #PersonalBrand #VisibilityOnline #VideoMarketingTips #ContentCreation #SocialMediaConfidence #WomenInBusiness #JoyMakersPodcast   00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:13 Rapid Fire Joy Round 03:21 From YouTube to Reels 05:21 Perfect Is a Myth 07:00 Fear of Being Seen 09:38 Creating Safety on Camera 12:15 Psychology Behind Content 17:36 Yapping Videos Explained 21:40 Strategy Without Scripts 24:46 Talking Formats and Takeaways 26:41 Documenting With Purpose 28:41 Client Questions Research 29:23 Two Hats Two Audiences 29:47 Photo Shoot Prep Tips 32:42 Wellness Led Coaching Mindset 34:31 Outside Perspective Matters 35:41 Content Blocks And BTS Ideas 38:12 One Take Authenticity Rule 42:39 Repeat Your Message More 44:53 Creative Energy And Burnout 48:16 Final Takeaway And Where To Find     Meet Lindsay - Lindsay Dowrick has been obsessed with making social media videos since 2008, long before short form video transformed the internet. She then created her content agency, The Video Artists, where they help entrepreneurs stand out and start creating videos that actually sounds like them. Their mix of strategy, psychology, and conversational interviewing has helped Philadelphia area small businesses rack up more than 100 million views without chasing every trend.     Connect with Lindsay here -  Linkedin Instagram   and connect 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

  2. Aug 24

    Ep 47. Culture Is a Revenue Strategy: Leadership, Resilience & Building Better Workplaces with Allison Fumo

    What if the culture you build could directly impact your bottom line? In this episode, I sit down with Allison Fumo, Senior Director of People and Culture at Next League, to talk about why workplace culture is so much more than perks, pizza parties, and employee events. We unpack: • Why employee engagement is a business strategy, not just an HR metric • How strong workplace culture can drive retention, development, and revenue • What Allison learned about leadership through her daughter’s health journey • Why empathy and vulnerability can make you a stronger leader • How to build trust by listening and meeting people where they are • Practical ways companies can support career growth and connection • Why leaders need to ask people what they actually need—not assume If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or someone responsible for building a healthy workplace culture, this conversation is full of practical insights you can take with you. 💛   Meet Allison - Allison Fumo is a People & Culture executive and Senior Director at Next League, a leading sports technology company, where she builds high-performing teams, leadership programs, and cultures that drive business performance. Previously, she helped scale Penn Interactive from 90 to nearly 400 employees in just two years while building its HR, recruiting, and learning functions from the ground up. A strong believer that culture is a business and revenue strategy, Allison brings a unique perspective shaped by both her leadership experience and her journey as a mother advocating for her daughter, who was born with a rare genetic disorder. A Philadelphia native and Wharton graduate, Allison is also a certified DISC professional and community leader passionate about empathy, resilience, and creating workplaces where people can thrive.   00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 46:21 Quick Joy Round 49:17 Kids and Everyday Wonder 52:21 Playlist Picks and Swiftie Talk 53:54 Resilience as a Leader 01:02:57 Sports Roots and Culture 01:05:58 Eagles Fan Confessions 01:06:15 Sports Tech Career Shift 01:08:29 Culture Drives Revenue 01:09:38 Engagement Surveys in Action 01:10:53 Think Like a Coach 01:12:16 Growth Paths and Remote Rituals 01:13:31 Beyond Pizza Parties 01:17:38 Ask and Listen This Week 01:19:13 Books and Purpose Questions 01:21:35 Home Rule and Vulnerability 01:26:11 Connect and Closing Thanks   Connect with Allison here -  LinkedIn Instagram   and connect 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

  3. Aug 6

    Ep 46. Passing the PMP: The Ugly-Cry, Almost-Quit, Actually-Made-It Version

    What if the only thing standing between you and your next chapter is the story you're telling yourself? ✨ In this episode, I sit down with my sister, Kim, to talk about the journey of earning her PMP certification—and how it became so much more than passing an exam. Here's what we unpack: • Why she decided to pursue her PMP certification • The fear of not being "smart enough" • How perfectionism almost held her back • Building a routine that balanced work, studying, and self-care • The study tools and strategies that helped her succeed • What passing the exam taught her about confidence • Why trusting your gut is often the first step toward growth If you've been putting off a goal because self-doubt keeps getting in the way, I hope this conversation reminds you that you're capable of more than you think. 💛   Meet Kimberly — My sister and the mastermind behind the scenes at one of Philadelphia's largest corporations, where she works as a Senior Occupancy Planner, turning logistical chaos into seamless moves for teams of 20 to 200+ people. Think of her as part strategist, part diplomat, part real-life Tetris champion, the person who makes sure hundreds of people (and their desks, chairs, and everything in between) land exactly where they need to be.  She recently leveled up with her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, adding some serious credentials to a career built on organization, adaptability, and getting people through change without losing their minds.  Off the clock, Kimberly trades spreadsheets for sidewalks, walking her dogs, catching up on the latest Bravo drama, and soaking up time with the friends and family who keep her grounded (and probably send her memes mid-workday).  She's joining us on Joy Makers to talk about identity in the "messy middle," reinvention, and what her PMP journey taught her about growth, on paper and in life.   00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:15 Quickfire Sister Banter 02:24 Joy Round Favorites 04:28 Why Pursue the PMP 06:59 Resistance and Fear Gremlins 11:05 Study Grind and Routines 14:38 Support And Pressure 15:55 Finding Motivation 17:44 Fear Of Failure 18:56 Time And Priorities 20:22 Study Strategy And Tools 23:04 Passing And Meaning 24:42 Confidence Toolbox 26:55 Trust Your Gut 28:47 Closing Thanks And Outro   Connect with Kim here - Kim's Linkedin   The study app mentioned: Pocket Prep   and connect 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

  4. Jun 22

    Ep 45. Belonging Over Fitting In: Cassandra Burnett on Grief, Joy & Building Safe Spaces for Women

    Litigation attorney turned entrepreneur Cassandra Burnett joins Joy Makers to talk belonging, grief, people-pleasing, and the joy practices that keep her grounded. On founding Lizzie’s Love Cakes, the Hey Girl Women’s Conference, and The Aunties podcast — plus why pausing is the bravest thing you can do. Episode Summary What happens when you stop trying to fit in and start letting yourself belong? This week on Joy Makers, I sat down with Cassandra Burnett — litigation attorney turned entrepreneur, community builder, and the founder behind Lizzie’s Love Cakes, the Hey Girl Women’s Conference, and the Hey Girl Fund nonprofit. She also hosts The Aunties podcast. Cassandra has spent years being “the one” in professional rooms — and that experience shaped a deep calling to build spaces where women can drop the titles, lower the guard, and quit the comparison game. We get into the hard, beautiful stuff: how losing her mother and then her father set off what she calls a “great untethering” — the unraveling that finally freed her from people-pleasing and reconnected her to who she actually is. She shares how grief deepened her marriage, why she stopped apologizing for being multi-passionate, and how she learned to tell a healthy space from one that’s quietly draining her. We also talk about rest as a calling (not a reward), capacity over hustle, and the daily joy practices — devotional time, movement, community, affirmations — that keep her tethered now. If you’ve been running on empty, performing belonging instead of feeling it, or wondering whether the pause you keep craving is allowed — this one’s for you. What You’ll Take Away Why belonging beats fitting in — and how to tell the difference How to stop apologizing for being multi-passionate The link between people-pleasing and losing yourself What grief can teach you about identity, marriage, and joy Why pausing protects your peace, capacity, purpose, and rest Simple daily joy practices you can actually keep How gratitude rewires your brain (and why Cassandra leans on it) Timestamps 00:00  — Podcast Welcome 00:33  — Meet Cassandra Burnett 02:24  — Why Safe Spaces Matter 06:28  — Belonging Over Fitting In 08:12  — Stop Apologizing for Being Multi-Passionate 09:27  — Losing Yourself to People-Pleasing 12:28  — Grief and the Great Untethering 14:50  — Marriage Through Major Change 21:51  — The Joy of Grief 24:01  — Motherhood Identity Shift 26:14  — Go Find Yourself 28:32  — Choosing to Pause 30:16  — Capacity Over Hustle 32:51  — Rest as a Calling 35:54  — Set-Apart Identity 37:17  — Brave Faith and Joy 39:11  — Feel It and Release 40:50  — Daily Joy Practices 46:18  — How Gratitude Rewires the Brain 48:06  — The Perfect Three Hours 50:47  — Connect and Closing About Cassandra Burnett Cassandra is a litigation attorney turned entrepreneur and community builder. She founded Lizzie’s Love Cakes in honor of her late mother, created the Hey Girl Women’s Conference and the Hey Girl Fund nonprofit, and produces The Aunties podcast. Through monthly baking workshops, she brings women together to bake, connect, and honor their ancestors. Connect with Cassandra: https://heygirlconference.com/ https://lizzieslovecakes.com/ https://cassandraburnett.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cassandraburnett_/   Connect with Nichole: 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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4.7
out of 5
13 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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