The Activated Entrepreneur Podcast

Brooke Berndt
  • 4.9 (9)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Your go-to space for real, unfiltered conversations about entrepreneurship, business strategy, and the bold moves that create cash flow and freedom. Hosted by Brooke Berndt, a seasoned entrepreneur, business consultant, and mentor, this podcast is designed for ambitious founders who are ready to scale, automate, and build a brand that thrives. Each episode brings expert insights, success stories, & no-fluff strategies to help you monetize your expertise, grow your business online, and activate your next-level success. Expect deep dives into digital products, automation, social media growth.

  1. Mar 30

    Ep 55: The Power of Real Connection: Jordan Vaz on Building Community, Energy, and Overcoming Brain Surgery

    In this episode, Colorado entrepreneur Jordan Vaz shares the inspiring origin story of the Friendship Mixer, a movement born from a viral TikTok moment that transformed a simple social experiment into a thriving full-time business. Jordan discusses her transition from working in her family’s hair salon to creating curated, intentional spaces for strangers to connect in an increasingly lonely world. She also dives into the logistics of her business model, explaining how she transitioned from donation-based meetups to a successful tiered ticketing system that prioritizes accessibility and community value. The conversation takes a profound turn as Jordan opens up about her recent health journey, documenting the symptoms that led to the discovery of a 7.5mm brain tumor. She recounts the importance of self-advocacy in the healthcare system and the spiritual peace she found while preparing for microscopic brain surgery. Now in recovery, Jordan reflects on the "forced slow down" that has shifted her perspective on life and work, offering powerful advice for anyone waiting for the "right time" to pursue their calling. Connect with Jordan: Website: www.thefriendshipmixer.com  Instagram: @!thefriendshipmixer | @thejordanvaz TikTok: thejordanvaz Connect with Brooke: Website: www.brookeberndt.com  Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach Facebook: Brooke Berndt Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach  Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

    42 min

  2. Mar 20

    Ep 54: From Handmade Gift to 7-Figure Brand: How Karen Bonnici Built Super Blanky

    In this episode of The Activated Entrepreneur, Karen Binnici shares her remarkable journey of transforming a handmade Christmas gift into Super Blanky, a patented, seven-figure brand. Karen discusses how she transitioned from a 28-year career as a children's entertainer to a successful inventor, navigating major life hurdles including a difficult divorce, financial bankruptcy, and a courageous battle with breast cancer. Her "living forward" philosophy serves as a powerful testament to resilience, proving that it is possible to rebuild and thrive even when starting from scratch later in life. The conversation dives into the strategic side of product innovation, covering the importance of utility patents and the benefits of a licensing model that placed her products in Target stores nationwide. Karen offers invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on conducting market research, using provisional patents to test ideas, and leveraging the massive built-in audiences of platforms like Amazon and TikTok Shop. From hand-sewing the first 500 blankets to managing a remote team and scaling to a million-dollar business, Karen provides a masterclass in persistence and business evolution. Connect with Karen: Website: www.superblanky.com  LinkedIn: Karen Bonnici Instagram: @mysuperblanky Connect with Brooke: Website: www.brookeberndt.com  Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach Facebook: Brooke Berndt Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach  Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

    43 min

  3. Mar 16

    Ep 53: Taking Over and Scaling Darren & Phillip | Brian & Cris on Entrepreneurship and Brand Ownership

    In this episode of the Activated Entrepreneur podcast, Brian and Chris share the story behind acquiring and expanding Darren and Phillip, a lifestyle apparel brand designed for dog lovers who want to celebrate the bond they share with their pets. Rather than starting another company from scratch, the entrepreneurial couple chose to take over an existing brand with strong community roots and a growing global audience. They discuss the thoughtful transition process, including honoring the brand’s history, maintaining trust with loyal customers, and gradually introducing their vision to expand the company in the U.S. market with premium products that go beyond matching pajamas. Brian and Chris also dive into the realities of running a business after acquisition, from navigating tariffs and supply chain disruptions to managing product launches and customer expectations. At the core of the brand is a deep commitment to giving back—Darren and Phillip has donated more than $1.2 million to dog rescues worldwide and helped thousands of dogs find loving homes. As they continue to scale the company, their vision includes expanding product categories, strengthening partnerships with rescue organizations, and growing into new retail and hospitality spaces while maintaining the brand’s mission of celebrating life with dogs. Connect with Brian and Chris: Website: www.darrenandphillip.com  LinkedIn: Darren & Phillip Instagram: @darrenandphillip Facebook: Darren & Phillip TikTok: Darren & Phillip Connect with Brooke: Website: www.brookeberndt.com  Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach Facebook: Brooke Berndt Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach  Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

    23 min

  4. Mar 9

    Ep 52: From Cancer Diagnosis to Purpose: Robbin’s Journey Building a Nonprofit & the Mamapreneur Movement

    In this powerful episode of the Activated Entrepreneur Podcast, Robbin Kelton—founder of MamaPrenuer Enterprises and Team Robbin’s Divas Cancer Foundation—shares the deeply personal story of how a routine doctor’s visit led to a life-changing diagnosis of stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She opens up about the emotional shock of the diagnosis, the realities of chemotherapy and radiation, and how the unwavering support of community, faith, and family carried her through one of the most uncertain seasons of her life. Robbin also reflects on the mental, spiritual, and financial challenges that can come with navigating serious illness while continuing to show up for life, business, and motherhood. Robbin also shares how her cancer journey ultimately ignited a new mission: launching Team Robbin’s Divas Cancer Foundation to provide care packages, resources, and support for women currently undergoing cancer treatment. Alongside her nonprofit work, she continues to build her entrepreneurial platform through the MamaPreneur Podcast and Podcasting Academy, spotlighting women-owned businesses and creating spaces for connection and collaboration. This inspiring conversation is a reminder that even in life’s hardest moments, purpose can emerge, community can heal, and our stories can become the very thing that opens doors for others. Connect with Alison: Website: www.mamapreneurpodcast.com  Instagram: @mamapreneurpodcast | @mamapreneurpodcastingacademy YouTube: The Mamapreneur Podcast Connect with Brooke: Website: www.brookeberndt.com  Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach Facebook: Brooke Berndt Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach  Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

    28 min

  5. Mar 4

    Ep 51: From FBI to Founder: Alison Bosworth on Strength, Confidence & Building Strong Is Beautiful

    In this episode of The Activated Entrepreneur Podcast, the conversation explores Alison Bosworth’s powerful journey from the FBI and the cannabis startup world to creating Strong Is Beautiful—a movement redefining what strength looks like for women and girls. The episode unpacks how lived experiences, personal healing, and years of teaching martial arts revealed a gap in how women are taught about safety, leading to the creation of a brand rooted in both physical readiness and inner resilience. Alison shares how listening to intuition, following the inner nudge, and allowing the vision to evolve helped Strong Is Beautiful grow from a simple idea into meaningful, community-based work. The discussion also goes deeper into women’s empowerment through internal safety, boundaries, voice, intuition, and the integration of both masculine action and feminine trust. Alison opens up about how family dynamics, conditioning, and cultural expectations shape how women show up in their bodies, relationships, and work—and how her workshops now help women and young girls build confidence, emotional intelligence, and real-world readiness together. This episode is a reminder that true strength isn’t just about aesthetics or performance—it’s about learning to feel safe within yourself, trust your instincts, and take empowered action in life and business. Connect with Alison: Website: www.strong-is-beautiful.com | stan.store/strongisbeautiful  Instagram: @strongisbeautifulsd Connect with Brooke: Website: www.brookeberndt.com  Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach Facebook: Brooke Berndt Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach  Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

    30 min

  6. Mar 2

    Ep 50: MY GI Bleed Experience: Timeline, What I learned, and What You Should Know

    In Episode, I share a raw, honest, moment-by-moment account of experiencing a lower GI bleed—from the first frightening symptoms at home to navigating the ER, being transferred between hospitals, and finally receiving clarity through a colonoscopy. This episode isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness and empowerment. I walk you through what symptoms to take seriously, what medical numbers actually matter, what questions to ask, and how to recognize when care is falling short. I also break down what a lower GI bleed can mean, why bright red blood is significant, and what I wish I had known going into the hospital. Beyond the medical details, this episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-advocacy inside the healthcare system—especially when you’re scared, exhausted, in pain, or being dismissed. I open up about moments of fear, vulnerability, and emotional overwhelm, and how speaking up ultimately changed the outcome of my care. If you or someone you love has faced sudden health scares, unexplained bleeding, or frustrating hospital experiences, this episode offers both practical insight and emotional reassurance. You’re not alone—and your voice, questions, and boundaries matter more than you’ve been taught to believe. Connect with Brooke: Website: www.brookeberndt.com  Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach Facebook: Brooke Berndt Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach  Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

    36 min

  7. Feb 20

    Ep 49: Micro Influencer Talent Agency: How to Get Paid Brand Deals Without 100K Followers with Brielle Tamez

    In this episode of the Activated Entrepreneur Podcast, Brielle Tamez, founder of Era of Influence, shares how influencer marketing is evolving—and why creators under 100K followers deserve real advocacy and paid partnerships. Brielle opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, from corporate social media and high-ticket coaching to building a boutique-style talent agency for micro-creators. The conversation explores obsession in business, navigating pivots and side hustles, and knowing when to step back so you can scale with intention. The episode also dives into fair compensation for creators, why community beats clout, and what brands are prioritizing in 2026—including CPM pricing models, the rise of live content as protection against AI influencers, and how creators can advocate for higher rates using real metrics instead of vanity numbers. Brielle breaks down how to build brand relationships, delegate as a founder, and lead with kindness while scaling a pod-based agency model. If you’re a creator or small business owner feeling overlooked with under 50K followers, this episode will shift how you view your value—and how you show up online with confidence. Connect with Brielle: Website: www.eraofinfluence.com  LinkedIn: Era of Influence Instagram: @eraofinfluence | @sociallybrielle Facebook: Era of Influence Connect with Brooke: Website: www.brookeberndt.com  Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach Facebook: Brooke Berndt Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach  Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

    34 min

  8. Feb 13

    Ep 48: How to Let God Lead Your Business and Make Bold Faith-Led Pivots | Jessica Wiltshire

    In this inspiring episode of The Activated Entrepreneur Podcast, Brooke sits down with Jessica Wiltshire, a faith-driven entrepreneur and coach who builds her business from obedience, prayer, and alignment with God’s plan. Jessica shares her journey from starting in network marketing while living in Japan to stepping fully into Christian coaching, highlighting how seasons of pivot, refinement, and surrender shaped her evolution. She opens up about the challenges of aligning her business with her faith, navigating resistance, and learning to let God lead her decisions—even when it meant leaving behind financial security and familiar systems. Listeners will hear how her social media presence became a platform for ministry, testimony, and coaching, demonstrating the powerful intersection of faith and entrepreneurship. Jessica also vulnerably shares her personal journey of restoration, including overcoming shame, navigating a difficult marriage, and embracing God’s calling to bring His presence into the marketplace. She emphasizes the importance of identity in Christ, surrendering personal ego, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide every aspect of leadership. From facing pushback to sharing testimony boldly, Jessica encourages women to trust God’s timing, embrace messiness, and step into their kingdom assignments with courage and faith. This episode is a raw, heart-filled guide to building a purpose-driven business while honoring God in every step. Connect with Jessica: Website: https://stan.store/TheJessicaWiltshire  Instagram: @thejessicawiltshire Connect with Brooke: Website: www.brookeberndt.com  Instagram: @brookeberndt.businesscoach Facebook: Brooke Berndt Stand Store: www.stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach  Shop: www.virtuebeautyco.com

    36 min
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4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Your go-to space for real, unfiltered conversations about entrepreneurship, business strategy, and the bold moves that create cash flow and freedom. Hosted by Brooke Berndt, a seasoned entrepreneur, business consultant, and mentor, this podcast is designed for ambitious founders who are ready to scale, automate, and build a brand that thrives. Each episode brings expert insights, success stories, & no-fluff strategies to help you monetize your expertise, grow your business online, and activate your next-level success. Expect deep dives into digital products, automation, social media growth.

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